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 outer wrapper, and within the outer wrapper there are axially arranged: an aerosol-generating substrate; a plug disposed upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate; the plug comprises a basic tubular base body and a porous body located in the tubular base body. The porous body is combined with the inner surface of the base body and is bonded with the base body into a whole; in use, air flows through the plug and then enters the aerosol-generating substrate downstream. According to the aerosol generating product, the porous body of the plug is formed in the tubular base body and is combined with the base body, so that the aerosol generating product is more convenient to prepare.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of heat-not-burn aerosol generating technology, 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 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 have a plug arranged at an upstream end to prevent tobacco or non-tobacco material from falling out or dropping off the upstream end; the plug is usually made of a porous polymer such as cellulose acetate or polyethylene so that a heater can be inserted through the plug to heat the tobacco or non-tobacco material. The plug of synthetic polymer material such as cellulose acetate or polyethylene in known tobacco or other non-tobacco products is inconvenient to prepare because the synthetic polymer material is foamed or made into a filament during preparation and is wrapped together with the tobacco in a cigarette paper to form a cigarette. SUMMARY

[0004] One embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol generating article comprising an outer wrapper having axially arranged therein:

[0005] an aerosol generating substrate configured to generate an aerosol when heated;

[0006] a plug arranged upstream of the aerosol generating substrate; the plug comprising:

[0007] a substantially tubular base and a porous body within the tubular base; the porous body being formed from a slurry precursor cured within the base and bonded to an inner surface of the base; in use, air flows through the porous body downstream into the aerosol generating substrate.

[0008] One embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol generating article comprising an outer wrapper having axially arranged therein:

[0009] an aerosol generating substrate configured to generate an aerosol when heated;

[0010] a plug arranged upstream of the aerosol generating substrate; the plug comprising:

[0011] A substantially tubular base body, and a porous body within the tubular base body; the porous body is bonded to the inner surface of the base body and is integrally bonded therewith, downstream of the porous body into which air flows after passing through the porous body in use enters the aerosol generating substrate.

[0012] In some embodiments, the slurry precursor comprises a skeleton raw material, an organic liquid additive, and water.

[0013] In some embodiments, the slurry precursor comprises: 40-80 wt% of a skeleton raw material, 30-60 wt% of an organic liquid additive, and the balance being water.

[0014] In some embodiments, the skeleton raw material and / or the porous body comprises or is plant tissue.

[0015] In some embodiments, the porosity of the porous body is between 40-75%.

[0016] In some embodiments, the porous body can be heated to generate volatile components and, when a user inhales, is intermingled in the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substrate to enhance or change part of the properties of the aerosol.

[0017] In some embodiments, the water content of the porous body is between 5-10 wt%.

[0018] In some embodiments, the porous body is integrally bonded with the base body; or the porous body and the base body are not separable or peelable.

[0019] In some embodiments, the thickness and / or hardness and / or density and / or tensile strength of the base body is greater than that of the outer wrapper.

[0020] In some embodiments, the porous body does not contain artificial synthetic polymers.

[0021] In some embodiments, the slurry precursor is dried and solidified in the base body by means of microwave heating and / or ultrasonic heating.

[0022] In some embodiments, the mass percentage of water in the slurry precursor is between 30 wt% and 60 wt%.

[0023] In some embodiments, the base body has a protrusion extending at least partially radially into the porous body.

[0024] In some embodiments, the porous body at least partially defines a plurality of air passages extending axially through the plug.

[0025] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the base body has protrusions or burrs.

[0026] In some embodiments, the substrate is formed from a plurality of paper layers stacked together;

[0027] Alternatively, the substrate is formed from a tubular structure formed by winding a paper strip, the paper strip forming a helical stepped structure inside the tubular structure when wound.

[0028] In some embodiments, the substrate is formed from an organic polymeric plastic and is capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 150 degrees Celsius.

[0029] Yet another embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol-generating article comprising an outer wrapper; the outer wrapper having axially arranged within it:

[0030] an aerosol-generating substrate configured to generate an aerosol when heated;

[0031] a plug arranged upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate; the plug comprising:

[0032] a substantially tubular substrate, and a porous body located within the tubular substrate; the porous body having a porous framework comprising plant material and a porosity of between 40 and 75%; in use, air flows through the porous body downstream into the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0033] Yet another embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol-generating article comprising an outer wrapper; the outer wrapper having axially arranged within it:

[0034] an aerosol-generating substrate configured to generate an aerosol when heated;

[0035] a plug arranged upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate; the plug comprising:

[0036] a substantially tubular substrate, and a porous body located within the tubular substrate; the porous body being formed from a slurry precursor solidified within the substrate and bonded to an inner surface of the substrate, in use, air flows through the porous body downstream into the aerosol-generating substrate; the porous body is capable of being heated to release volatile components; the volatile components being entrained in the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating substrate to enhance or modify part of the properties of the aerosol when a user draws on the article.

[0037] Yet another embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol-generating system comprising:

[0038] an aerosol-generating article; and,

[0039] a heating device comprising:

[0040] a chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article;

[0041] a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0042] Yet another embodiment of the present application also provides a plug for an aerosol-generating article, the plug comprising a substantially tubular base and a porous body within the tubular base; the porous body being formed by curing a slurry precursor within the base and bonded to an inner surface of the base.

[0043] The above aerosol-generating article, the plug being formed by curing a slurry within a tubular base, is more convenient to manufacture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the figures that form a part of this disclosure and which are shown by way of example, not limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment;

[0046] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a schematic view of a plug according to another embodiment;

[0047] Figure 3 is Figure 1 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating article according to

[0048] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a plug being formed by injecting a slurry precursor into a tubular base using an injection device according to an embodiment;

[0049] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a plug according to an embodiment being perforated on the base of the plug using a needling device;

[0050] Figure 6 is Figure 5 is a schematic view of a plug according to another embodiment after perforation of the base of the plug;

[0051] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a plug being formed by wrapping a sheet of base material around a slurry precursor according to another embodiment;

[0052] Figure 8 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment;

[0053] Figure 9 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment;

[0054] Figure 10The heater of the heating device is inserted into Figure 9 A schematic diagram of heating aerosol-generated products;

[0055] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a plug in yet another embodiment;

[0056] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a plug in yet another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0057] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description of this application will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0058] One embodiment of this application proposes a heated aerosol generating article comprising multiple elements assembled in the form of strips, capable of generating aerosols when heated.

[0059] For example Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol-generating article 1000 according to one embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol generating article 1000 includes an upstream end 1100 and a downstream end 1200 facing away from each other; as used herein, the terms 'upstream' and 'downstream' are used to describe the relative positions of elements or portions of elements of the aerosol generating article 1000 with respect to the direction in which a user draws air from the aerosol generating article 1000 during its use. Downstream can be a direction closer to the user's drawing direction, while upstream is correspondingly a 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 airflow containing aerosol exits from the aerosol generating article 1000, for example... Figure 1 The direction is indicated by the middle arrow R12. During use, the aerosol generated by heating within the aerosol generating article 1000 passes through the downstream end 1200 and exits from the downstream end 1200 before being delivered to the user. During use, the user can suction from the downstream end 1200 to inhale the aerosol.

[0060] Among them Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, for ease of use by typical users, the aerosol generating article 1000 has an overall elongated cylindrical structure. Alternatively, in some other variations, the aerosol generating article 1000 may be an elongated elliptical cylinder, a square prism, a polygonal prism, etc.

[0061] The aerosol-generating article 1000 can have an outer diameter of between approximately 5 millimetres and 12 millimetres, for example between approximately 5 millimetres and 10 millimetres. The aerosol-generating article 1000 has a total length of between approximately 40 and 100 millimetres, in alternative embodiments the aerosol-generating article 1000 has a total length of approximately 45 to 55 millimetres.

[0062] According to Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol-generating article 1000 comprises a plurality of elements arranged coaxially in a direction from an upstream end 1100 to a downstream end 1200:

[0063] The plug 1140, the aerosol-generating substrate 1130, the cooling element 1120 and the filter element 1110. These elements are arranged sequentially and circumscribed by the outer wrapper 1160 to form the aerosol-generating article 1000. In which:

[0064] The plug 1140, the aerosol-generating substrate 1130, the cooling element 1120 and the filter element 1110. These elements are arranged sequentially and circumscribed by the outer wrapper 1160 to form the aerosol-generating article 1000.

[0065] In embodiments, the plug 1140 is located upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 1130. In embodiments, the plug 1140 is proximate to and defines the upstream end 1100, the plug 1140 is for plugging or closing the upstream end 1100 of the aerosol-generating article 1000, thereby preventing material of the aerosol-generating substrate 1130 or generated aerosol / aerosol condensate from escaping from the upstream end 1100. In some examples, the plug 1140 is immediately upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 1130. In embodiments, the plug 1140 is air permeable, such that during a draw air can enter from the upstream end 1100 and pass through the plug 1140 to the downstream aerosol-generating substrate 1130.

[0066] The aerosol-generating substrate 1130 serves to describe a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating, which volatile compounds can form an aerosol. The aerosol described herein can be visible or non-visible, and can include vapour (e.g. fine particles of a substance which are in a gaseous state, which particles are normally liquid or solid at room temperature), as well as gas and droplets of condensed vapour. The aerosol-generating substrate 1130 can comprise one or more of, for example, a powder, granules, pellets, shreds, strands, strips or sheets comprising one or more of: dried flowers or leaves, grass leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco ribbons, expanded tobacco and homogenised tobacco. In alternative embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate 1130 comprises a gathered sheet of crimped homogenised tobacco material, the gathered sheet of crimped homogenised tobacco material being circumscribed by the outer wrapper 1160; the gathered sheet of crimped homogenised tobacco material comprising glycerol as an aerosol-former.

[0067] The cooling element 1120 can be arranged at a position immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 1130, and contiguous with the aerosol-generating substrate 1130. The cooling element 1120 serves, on the one hand, to provide support downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 1130; and, on the other hand, in use, to provide a path for the volatile substances released by the aerosol-generating substrate 1130 after heating to pass along the cooling element 1120 towards the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1000, and the volatile substances can cool within the cooling element 1120 to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 In the alternative embodiment shown in

[0068] The filter element 1110 is arranged immediately downstream of the cooling element 1120 and circumscribes the downstream end 1200, and is contiguous with the cooling element 1120, for filtering the aerosol before delivery to a user. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in

[0069] Or in yet other embodiments, the aerosol generating article 1000 can not include the cooling element 1120, and provide a cooling effect by heat exchange of the aerosol during the delivery downstream by having a longer length of the filter element 1110.

[0070] To assemble the aerosol generating article 1000, the above-described elements are aligned and tightly wrapped within the outer wrapper 1160. In Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wrapper 1160 can be conventional cigarette paper, fibrous material, organic polymer, etc.

[0071] In some embodiments, the outer wrapper 1160 has a thickness of 0.2 to 0.5 mm; more preferably, the outer wrapper 1160 has a thickness of 0.35 to 0.45 mm.

[0072] In some embodiments, the plug 1140 is permeable to airflow, such that air can be drawn through the plug 1140 and delivered to the aerosol generating substrate 1130 downstream during a draw. In some embodiments, the plug 1140 can include a porous body; the term "porous" is intended to encompass materials that are porous in nature as well as substantially non-porous materials that become porous or permeable by the provision of a plurality of pores. The porous material has pores of a size sufficient to allow air to be drawn through the porous body. Because the porous body has a relatively high surface area to volume ratio, the plug 1140 can allow for rapid and efficient heating of air drawn through the porous body. This can allow for uniform heating of air drawn through the porous body, and thus more uniform heating of the aerosol generating substrate 1130 downstream of the plug 1140.

[0073] According to Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the plug 1140 includes:

[0074] a tubular base 1141, and a porous body 1142 formed within the base 1141.

[0075] In some embodiments, the plug 1140 can have a length of approximately 4 mm to 8 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the plug 1140 is less than the length of the aerosol generating substrate 1130. In some embodiments, the ratio of the length of the aerosol generating substrate 1130 to the length of the plug 1140 is between 1 to 3: 1.

[0076] In some embodiments, the base 1141 is a hard paper tube, a metal tube such as an aluminum foil tube or a tin foil tube, etc., or a ceramic tube, an organic polymer plastic tube that can withstand a temperature of at least 150°C, etc.

[0077] In some embodiments, the tube wall thickness of the base 1141 is greater than the thickness of the outer wrapper 1160; for example, in some embodiments, the tube wall thickness of the base 1141 is between 0.5 and 1.5 mm.

[0078] In some embodiments, the hardness or mechanical strength of the base 1141 is greater than the hardness, density or mechanical strength, such as tensile strength, of the outer wrapper 1160.

[0079] In some embodiments, the density of the hard base 1141 is between 80 and 250 g / m 2 ; the density of the outer wrapper 1160 of ordinary cigarette paper is between 25 and 40 g / m 2 .

[0080] In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the base 1141 can be greater than 4 kN / m; more preferably, the tensile strength of the base 1141 is between 6.3 and 6.93 kN / m. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the outer wrapper 1160 of ordinary cigarette paper is less than 1 kN / m; more preferably, the tensile strength of the outer wrapper 1160 is between 0.17 and 0.2 kN / m.

[0081] In some embodiments, the porous body 1142 is obtained by injecting a injectable slurry precursor 1142a into the base 1141 and then curing by heating. See Figure 4 , Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the injection of the slurry precursor 1142a into the tubular base 1141 by an injection device 200, such as a syringe, is shown. For example, during preparation, the paste-like slurry precursor 1142a is injected into the base 1141 by the injection device 200 in a similar manner to toothpaste. In some embodiments, the porous body 1142 formed by the injection and subsequent curing of the slurry is integrally bonded to the base 1141. Alternatively, the porous body 1142 is not separable or peelable from the base 1141.

[0082] In some embodiments, the injectable slurry precursor 1142a used to form the porous body 1142 comprises a skeleton material, an organic liquid additive and water.

[0083] In some embodiments, the skeleton raw material is used to form the porous skeleton of the porous body 1142 after the slurry precursor 1142a is cured. In some embodiments, the organic liquid aid provides a dispersion medium for the skeleton raw material; and, the organic liquid aid provides the consistency and plasticity of the slurry precursor 1142a. In some embodiments, water is used as a dispersion solvent for the slurry precursor 1142a, and facilitates or assists the formation of internal pores of the slurry precursor 1142a during the curing process, i.e. the formation of the porous body 1142. After the slurry precursor 1142a is cured to form the porous body 1142 within the matrix 1141, the plugs 1140 are cut to the desired length, and a large number of plugs 1140 are obtained at one time.

[0084] In some alternative embodiments, the slurry precursor 1142a for forming the porous body 1142 includes, by mass percentage, 40-80 wt% of the skeleton raw material, 30-60 wt% of the organic liquid aid, and the balance of water. The skeleton raw material defines or forms the porous skeleton of the porous body 1142 after the slurry precursor 1142a is cured.

[0085] In some embodiments, the skeleton raw material includes or is plant tissue. The plant tissue can be natural plant tissue. For example, in some embodiments, the plant tissue can include leaf, bark, fibrous tissue, stem, root, petal, fruit, etc. of a plant. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the plant tissue is leaf, stem, etc. of a tobacco plant. For another example, in some alternative embodiments, the plant tissue can be derived from one or more of common herbal crops, such as tea leaf, lotus leaf, mint, licorice, clove, lemon peel, orange peel, chrysanthemum, star anise, osmanthus, mulberry leaf, perilla, shaddock, baizhi, cardamom, dried tangerine or orange peel, gynostemma pentaphylla, lavender, hawthorn, rose, jasmine, honeysuckle, bitter buckwheat tea, Chinese violet, lily, thyme, mace, costus, sandalwood, agarwood, coffee, blueberry, and strawberry. For another example, in some alternative embodiments, the plant tissue can be derived from one or more of Chinese herbal crops, such as angelica, cassia seed, dandelion, lass, jujube, medlar, Sichuan fritillary, notoginseng, fat sea, borneol, peppermint oil, saffron, ginseng, pueraria, turmeric, star anise, perilla leaf, bupleurum, isatis root, milkvetch root, prunella vulgaris, ginseng, white peony root, gastrodia, schisandra chinensis, and a mixture of two or more thereof.

[0086] In embodiments, the porous body 1142 formed from the plant tissue as the skeleton raw material generates volatile components when the aerosol-generating article 1000 is heated; in some embodiments, these volatile components, when entrained in the aerosol during smoking, can enhance or increase or change some properties of the aerosol delivered to the user.

[0087] In some embodiments, the partial property of the aerosol includes a flavor. For example, in some specific embodiments, the porous body 1142 is prepared with tea leaves as the skeleton material, and after being heated in use, the porous body 1142 can generate volatile components of tea flavor, so that the aerosol delivered downstream to the user has a tea flavor. Or in some other specific embodiments, the porous body 1142 is prepared with petals of a flower having a phase as the skeleton material, and after being heated in use, the porous body 1142 can generate volatile components of flower flavor, so that the aerosol delivered downstream to the user has a flower flavor.

[0088] In some embodiments, the partial property of the aerosol includes a property of the aerosol other than flavor, such as sweetness or acidity. For example, in some embodiments, the porous body 1142 is prepared with plant tissue having sweetness as the skeleton material, and after being heated in use, the porous body 1142 can generate volatile components of sweetness, so that the aerosol delivered downstream to the user has increased sweetness. For another example, in some embodiments, the porous body 1142 is prepared with plant tissue having acidity, such as dried lemon or mint, as the skeleton material, and after being heated, the porous body 1142 can generate volatile components having acidity or alkalinity, so that the aerosol has a property of acidity or alkalinity by reducing or increasing the pH.

[0089] In some embodiments, the partial property of the aerosol includes the concentration or content of nicotine. For example, in some embodiments, the plant tissue can include leaves of tobacco or the like, and the porous body 1142 is prepared with the plant tissue as the skeleton material, and after being heated in use, the porous body 1142 can generate nicotine, so that the concentration or content of nicotine in the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating substrate 1130 is increased.

[0090] In some embodiments, the skeleton material can further include or be an inorganic oxide, such as clay, diatomite, soft pottery clay, bread soil, or the like. In embodiments, the porous body 1142 formed with the inorganic oxide as the skeleton material does not substantially generate volatile components in heating the aerosol generating article 1000, and does not substantially affect the properties of the generated aerosol.

[0091] In some embodiments, the porous body 1142 prepared by heating and solidifying the slurry precursor 1142a does not contain an artificial synthetic polymer. The porous body 1142 of the plug 1140 does not contain an artificial synthetic polymer such as cellulose acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, or the like.

[0092] In some embodiments, the skeleton material is added in the form of being ground into a powder. The particle size of the powder of the skeleton material is between 40 and 200 mesh.

[0093] In some embodiments, the organic liquid aid includes glycerol and / or propylene glycol, or the like. The organic liquid aid of glycerol and / or propylene glycol is miscible with another dispersion medium, water, and is helpful to mix into a paste-like slurry and has the effect of water locking.

[0094] In some embodiments, the density of the slurry precursor 1142a is 0.5 g / ml to 1.5 g / ml.

[0095] In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity of the slurry precursor 1142a is 150 Pa.s to 500 Pa.s; this is advantageous for injection of the slurry precursor 1142a by an injection process.

[0096] In some embodiments, the mass percentage of water in the slurry precursor 1142a is 30 wt% to 60 wt%; in more preferred embodiments, the mass percentage of water is 30 wt% to 50 wt%. At this water content, the slurry precursor 1142a takes on a paste-like slurry form and the components are integrated like a paste, and after drying, the water is evaporated to form fine pores. Too little water will not easily maintain the flowability of the slurry precursor 1142a, and too much water is not conducive to molding.

[0097] In some embodiments, the slurry precursor 1142a injected into the tubular base 1141 is heated and solidified by microwave heating or ultrasonic heating. By heating with microwaves or ultrasonic waves that have penetrating ability, the slurry precursor 1142a is heated by generating heat from the inside and the outside at the same time, and the skeleton raw material is simultaneously puffed from the inside and the outside, and the water is evaporated and escapes, forming air channels or pores in the slurry precursor 1142a, thereby forming a porous body 1142 that is loose and permeable and has pores in the interior.

[0098] In some embodiments, the heating temperature during the process of heating the slurry precursor 1142a by microwaves or ultrasonic waves is less than 80°C. In general, the heating temperature during the process of heating the slurry precursor 1142a by microwaves or ultrasonic waves is 45°C to 75°C; more specifically, for example, 60°C.

[0099] In some embodiments, the porosity of the porous skeleton of the porous body 1142 formed by plant tissue after the slurry precursor 1142a is solidified is 40% to 75%.

[0100] In some embodiments, after the heating of the slurry precursor 1142a is complete, the porous body 1142 can also be subjected to standing drying or drying treatment, so that the water content in the porous body 1142 formed by the porous skeleton of plant tissue is controlled to 5 wt% to 10 wt%.

[0101] In some embodiments, the resistance to draw of the porous body 1142 formed by plant tissue is 1.0 KPa to 1.5 KPa.

[0102] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article 1000 having the plug 1140 above is advantageous for cleaning when heated by a heating device. For example, in the case ofFigure 3 As shown, the heating device includes:

[0103] The chamber has an opening 40; in use, the aerosol-generating article 1000 can be removably received in the chamber through the opening 40.

[0104] A heater 30, which extends at least partially within the chamber, is inserted into the aerosol generating article 1000 when it is received in the chamber to heat it, thereby causing the aerosol generating article 1000 to release a variety of volatile compounds, which are formed solely by heat treatment.

[0105] Cell 10 is used for power supply;

[0106] Circuit 20 is used to guide current between cell 10 and heater 30.

[0107] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 30 is generally shaped like a pin, needle, rod, column, sheet, or plate. When the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the chamber, the heater 30 extends from the upstream end 1100 of the aerosol generating article 1000 through the plug 1140 into the aerosol generating matrix 1130 to heat and generate aerosol. In some embodiments, the heater 30 may have a length of approximately 10 to 18 mm and an outer diameter of approximately 2 to 4 mm.

[0108] In use, the aerosol generating article 1000 with the above-mentioned plug 1140 is advantageous because the skeleton of the porous body 1142 formed by the curing of the paste precursor 1142a allows the heater 30 to pass through the plug 1140. At the same time, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is removed from the chamber, the porous body 1142 combines with the surface of the heater 30 and forms a scraper, which is advantageous for cleaning the surface of the heater 30 of the aerosol generating matrix 1130 that adheres during heating.

[0109] In some embodiments, the heater 30 can also be configured to be at least partially arranged around or to define the chamber; for example, the heater 30 is configured to be in a tubular shape at least partially around the chamber. When the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the chamber, the heater 30 at least partially surrounds or encloses the aerosol generating article 1000 and heats from the outer circumference of the aerosol generating article 1000. Also, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is at least partially received and held in the heater 30 while being received in the housing 10, the heater 30 surrounds and heats the aerosol generating article 1000 from the outside, thereby causing the aerosol generating article 1000 to release volatile compounds only by the heating process. In some embodiments, the tubular heater 30 can have an inner diameter of about 5.8 mm to 10 mm.

[0110] In some embodiments, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is heated by the heating device, the plug 1140 and the aerosol generating substrate 1130 are simultaneously heated, and it is advantageous for the plug 1140 made of plant tissue to change or increase the properties of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substrate 1130.

[0111] According to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the porous body 1142 further has a plurality of air passages 1143 formed therein by piercing, drilling, or the like. In embodiments, the air passages 1143 are not necessarily required.

[0112] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the plurality of air passages 1143 are arranged in a predetermined direction in order in the porous body 1142 / plug 1140.

[0113] In embodiments, the plurality of air passages 1143 extend straight in the axial direction of the porous body 1142. Also, the plurality of air passages 1143 penetrate the porous body 1142 in the axial direction of the porous body 1142. The plurality of air passages 1143 can be formed in the form of a through hole in the porous body 1142 made of a porous material. In some embodiments, the cross section of the air passage 1143 is circular in shape, or in other embodiments, the air passage 1143 can also have a cross section in the form of a hexagon, a quadrilateral, a triangle, or the like.

[0114] In some embodiments, the plurality of air passages 1143 are arranged in an ordered manner within the porous body 1142. The extension of the air passages 1143 is in a predetermined direction, rather than being disordered. Also in embodiments, the plurality of air passages 1143 are arranged in an array within the porous body 1142. Also in embodiments, air can be output to the aerosol- generating substrate 1130 after passing through the air passages 1143, as shown by arrow R12. Also in embodiments, the arrangement of the plurality of air passages 1143 within the porous body 1142 is such that the porous body 1142 is in the form of a honeycomb structure. Figure 1

[0115] In some embodiments, the plurality of air passages 1143 are arranged in an ordered manner within the porous body 1142. The extension of the air passages 1143 is in a predetermined direction, rather than being disordered. Also in embodiments, the plurality of air passages 1143 are arranged in an array within the porous body 1142. Also in embodiments, air can be output to the aerosol- generating substrate 1130 after passing through the air passages 1143, as shown by arrow R12. Also in embodiments, the arrangement of the plurality of air passages 1143 within the porous body 1142 is such that the porous body 1142 is in the form of a honeycomb structure. Figure 2

[0116] In some embodiments, the air passages 1143 have a relatively large diameter; for example, the diameter of the air passages 1143 is in the range of 0.01 mm to 1.5 mm. In alternative embodiments, the diameter of the air passages 1143 is in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, so that air can flow smoothly through the air passages 1143.

[0117] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area or diameter of the air passages 1143 is substantially constant and uniform along the axial direction; or in further alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional area or diameter of the air passages 1143 varies, for example, the cross-sectional area or diameter of the air passages 1143 gradually decreases at least in part along the direction close to the upper end.

[0118] ​​In yet another embodiment, the air passage 1143 is formed on the outer edge of the porous body 1142. For example, the outer circumferential surface of the porous body 1142 is sawtoothed; a plurality of longitudinally extending protrusions are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the porous body 1142, and a groove is formed between adjacent protrusions, which extends longitudinally through the porous body 1142. After preparation, the groove on the outer circumferential surface of the porous body 1142 defines the air passage 1143 between the substrate 1141 and the porous body 1142.

[0119] Figure 5 and Figure 6 In yet another embodiment, the plug 1140 is prepared as shown in FIG. 11B. In this embodiment, the needle 300 or the needle head 300 is inserted radially inward from the outer edge of the substrate 1141, as indicated by the arrow P11 in FIG. 11B, to form at least one or more perforations 1144 in the substrate 1141. During the insertion of the needle 300 or the needle head 300, at least part of the material of the substrate 1141 is bent radially inward to form at least one protrusion 1145 extending into the porous body 1142. When the heater 30 passes through the porous body 1142, the protrusion 1145 provides a longitudinal resistance to prevent the heater 30 from moving the porous body 1142 toward the aerosol-generating substrate 1130. Figure 5

[0120] In yet another embodiment, the inner wall of the substrate 1141 has a protrusion or a burr structure, which is intended to increase the contact area between the slurry precursor 1142a and the substrate 1141 and to increase the adhesion of the slurry.

[0121] In yet another embodiment, at least one protrusion 1145 is arranged on the inner surface of the substrate 1141. During preparation, when the slurry precursor 1142a is injected into the substrate 1141 and solidified, the protrusion 1145 extends into the porous body 1142 formed by the slurry precursor 1142a to provide retention.

[0122] In yet another embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 11C, the preparation of the plug 1140 includes: Figure 7

[0123] S10, pouring or combining the paste-like slurry precursor 1142a on the sheet-like substrate 1141a;

[0124] S20, winding the sheet-like substrate 1141a to form a tubular substrate 1141, as indicated by the arrow P12 in FIG. 11D, and wrapping the slurry precursor 1142a in the tubular substrate 1141 after winding; and heating and solidifying the slurry precursor 1142a to form the porous body 1142 integrated with the inner surface of the tubular substrate 1141, thereby obtaining the plug 1140. Figure 7

[0125] ​​​In this embodiment, the plug 1140 is prepared by casting or bonding the slurry precursor 1142a to the surface of the sheet-like base material 1141a, then winding into a cylindrical shape, and then curing; this is advantageous for maintaining the filling amount and bonding force of the porous body 1142 within the base 1141.

[0126] In some embodiments, the base 1141 is formed by laminating a plurality of paper layers. The base 1141 is formed by helically winding a sheet-like base material 1141a, such as a paper strip, and then forming a helical stepped structure on the inner surface of the base material 1141a from the edges of the paper strip after winding, which supports the slurry precursor 1142a and can increase the adhesion between the slurry precursor 1142a and the base 1141; this is advantageous for reducing the thrust force when the heater 30 penetrates the porous body 1142.

[0127] Alternatively, in yet other embodiments, the inner wall of the base 1141 is rough, for example, the inner wall of the base 1141 has protrusions or burrs, etc., which are configured to increase the contact area between the slurry precursor 1142a and the base 1141 and increase the adhesion of the slurry.

[0128] 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 1000b of yet another embodiment is shown; in this embodiment, the aerosol generating article 1000b includes a plurality of elements wrapped and confined by an outer wrapper 1160b; the plurality of elements includes, arranged coaxially from the upstream end 1100b to the downstream end 1200b:

[0129] the plug 1140b, the aerosol generating substrate 1130b, the support element 1150b, the cooling element 1120b, and the filter element 1110b.

[0130] In this embodiment, the support element 1150b is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol generating substrate 1130b.

[0131] In embodiments, the support element 1150b is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol generating substrate 1130b. In use, the support element 1150b can provide support to the upstream aerosol generating substrate 1130b against forces associated with one or both of the penetration of the heater 30 into the aerosol generating substrate 1130b. In particular, the support element 1150b is configured to resist downstream movement of the aerosol generating substrate 1130b during insertion of the heater 30 into the aerosol generating substrate 1130b of the aerosol generating article 1000b.

[0132] In some embodiments, the support element 1150b is configured to resist a penetration force of at least 2.5 N during insertion of the heater 30 into the aerosol generating substrate 1130b. Preferably, the support element 1150b is configured to resist a penetration force of at least 4 N during insertion of the heater 30 into the aerosol generating substrate 1130b. As used herein, the term “penetration force” is used to describe the maximum insertion force during insertion of the heater 30 into the aerosol generating substrate 1130b and before reaching the maximum insertion position. More preferably, the support element 1150b has a breaking force of at least 40 N, for example at least 45 N or at least 50 N as measured using a standard compression test.

[0133] In some embodiments, the support element 1150b can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the support element 1150b can be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate; cardboard; a crimped paper, such as crimped heat-resistant paper or crimped parchment paper; and a polymeric material, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In one preferred embodiment, the support element 1150b is formed from cellulose acetate.

[0134] In embodiments, the support element 1150b can comprise a hollow tubular element. In one preferred embodiment, the support element 1150b comprises a hollow cellulose acetate tube.

[0135] In embodiments, the support element 1150b can have a length of between about 5 mm and about 15 mm. In one preferred embodiment, the support element 1150b has a length of about 8 mm.

[0136] For example Figure 9 A schematic view of an aerosol-generating article 1000c is shown illustrating yet another embodiment; 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 comprises, arranged coaxially in the direction from the upstream end 1100c to the downstream end 1200c:

[0137] a plug 1140c, an aerosol generating substrate 1130c, a cooling element 1120c and a filter element 1110c.

[0138] In this embodiment, the end cap 1140c comprises a tubular base 1141c and a porous body 1142c formed within the base 1141c. In this embodiment, a temperature drop cavity 1144c is formed or defined within the porous body 1142c; the temperature drop cavity 1144c can be arranged proximate and adjacent to the aerosol- generating substrate 1130c. In embodiments, the temperature drop cavity 1144c avoids the upstream end 1100c, and / or the temperature drop cavity 1144c does not extend to the upstream end 1100c, and / or the temperature drop cavity 1144c is spaced apart from the upstream end 1100c by more than 1 mm.

[0139] In this embodiment, the temperature drop cavity 1144c is cylindrical in shape proximate a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 1130c and is conical in shape distal from a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 1130c. In embodiments, the cylindrical portion of the temperature drop cavity 1144c proximate the aerosol-generating substrate 1130c has a diameter greater than the diameter or width of the heater 30 of the heating arrangement. According to Figure 10 As shown, in use when the heater 30 passes through the temperature drop cavity 1144c of the end cap 1140c into the aerosol-generating substrate 1130c for heating, at least a portion of the surface of the heater 30 is exposed within the temperature drop cavity 1144c with a gap between the surface of the heater 30 and the inner surface of the temperature drop cavity 1144c. In one aspect, the temperature drop cavity 1144c is configured to reduce the temperature of the heater 30 surrounded thereby, such that the contact temperature of the heater 30 with the end cap 1140c can be reduced to below 200°C, or can be reduced to within the temperature tolerance range of the end cap 1140c. This prevents the end cap 1140c from being burnt by the high temperature of the heater 30; in another aspect, the temperature drop cavity 1144c also provides a pre-heating space for air to pass through the heater 30 in the axial direction into the aerosol-generating substrate 1130c, when cold air enters the temperature drop cavity 1144c upon inhalation, the cold air can absorb some of the heat on the heater 30 in the temperature drop cavity 1144c to form hot air, which then enters the aerosol-generating substrate 1130c, preventing the temperature inside the aerosol-generating substrate 1130c from dropping sharply due to inhalation. At the same time, when cold air enters the temperature drop cavity 1144c, it can accelerate the heat loss on the surface of the heater 30 in the temperature drop cavity 1144c, thereby significantly increasing the temperature gradient on the heater 30.

[0140] In further variant embodiments, the temperature drop cavity 1144c defined by the porous body 1142c within the end cap 1140c can also have further regular or irregular variant shapes. For example Figure 11 Another end cap 1140d is shown schematically having a temperature drop cavity 1144d in the shape of a cone, in which Figure 11In some embodiments, the diameter or cross-sectional area of the temperature drop chamber 1144d decreases in a direction away from the aerosol- generating substrate 1130c. For example, 12 shows a schematic view of a further plug 1140e having a temperature drop chamber 1144e in the shape of a truncated cone.

[0141] It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of the present application are shown in the description 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 changes according to the above description, and all these improvements and changes shall belong to the protection scope of the appended claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article comprising an outer wrapper; characterised in that, The outer wrapper has an axially disposed: aerosol generating substrate configured to generate an aerosol when heated; a plug disposed upstream of the aerosol generating substrate; the plug comprising: a substantially tubular base and a porous body within the tubular base; the porous body is bonded to the inner surface of the base and is integrally bonded therewith, through which air passes downstream into the aerosol generating substrate in use.

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

3. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The porous body is capable of being heated to release volatile components and to entrain in the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate on user inhalation to enhance or modify some properties of the aerosol.

4. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The porous body is not peelable or separable from the base.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The base has a thickness and / or stiffness and / or density and / or tensile strength greater than the outer wrapper.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The base has a protrusion extending at least partially radially into the porous body.

7. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The porous body at least partially defines a plurality of air passages extending axially through the plug.

8. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The inner surface of the base has a protrusion or a burr.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The base is formed from a plurality of paper layers stacked together; Alternatively, the base is a tubular structure formed from a paper strip wound into a tube, the paper strip forming a helical stepped structure inside the tubular structure when wound.

10. An aerosol-generating system comprising, comprising: an aerosol generating article according to any of claims 1 to 9; and, a heating device comprising: a chamber for receiving the aerosol generating article; a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

Images