Aerosol generating system having a humidity indicator

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system comprising at least two aerosol generating articles, a pack for the aerosol generating articles, and an aerosol generating device. The pack may comprise an inner liner. The inner liner may be arranged to seal the aerosol generating articles prior to use. The pack may further comprise a humidity indicator. The humidity indicator may be arranged inside the inner liner. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating article. The present invention further relates to a pack. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating device. The present invention further relates to a kit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system comprising at least two aerosol generating articles, a pack for the aerosol generating articles, and an aerosol generating device. The present invention further relates to the aerosol generating articles. The present invention further relates to the pack. The present invention further relates to the aerosol generating device. The present invention further relates to a kit. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for producing an inhalable vapor. Such a device may heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. A plurality of aerosol-generating articles are stored in a pack prior to use. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element may be disposed in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The consistency of the generated aerosol depends on the humidity of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0003] It would be desirable to have one or more of a pack for an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating system that improves the consistency of the generated aerosol.It would be desirable to have one or more of a pack for an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating system that improves the consistency of the generated aerosol under different humidity conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising at least two aerosol-generating articles, a pack for the aerosol-generating articles, and an aerosol generating device. The pack may be configured for storing at least two aerosol-generating articles. The pack may comprise an inner liner. The inner liner may be a separate, separate element from the blank forming the outer housing of the pack. The inner liner may be arranged to seal the aerosol-generating articles prior to use. The inner liner may seal the aerosol-generating articles even after initial opening of the pack. The inner liner may seal the aerosol-generating articles when the outer pack wrapper is removed. The internal bundle formed by the liner may create a sealed protective environment for keeping the aerosol-generating articles protected from the ambient environment even after removal of the outer pack wrapper and even after opening of the outer housing. The pack may further comprise a humidity indicator. The humidity indicator may be arranged inside the inner liner.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising at least two aerosol-generating articles, a pack for the aerosol-generating articles, and an aerosol generating device. The pack comprises an inner liner. The inner liner is arranged to seal the aerosol-generating articles prior to use. The pack further comprises a humidity indicator. The humidity indicator is arranged inside the inner liner.

[0006] The humidity indicator may allow humidity information of the aerosol-generating article to be collected, which may be used to optimise heating of the aerosol-generating article by the aerosol-generating device.

[0007] Based on the relative humidity level of the aerosol-generating article, the operational heating profile from the heating element of the aerosol-generating device may be adapted accordingly to optimize the conditions of use.

[0008] The pack may comprise a rigid hinge-lid container having a box and a lid connected to the box about a hinge line extending across a rear wall of the container. The rigid hinge-lid container may be an outer housing. The hinge-lid container may typically be constructed from a one-piece layered cardboard blank. In use, the lid may be pivoted about the hinge line to open the container and thus gain access to the aerosol-generating articles contained within the box.

[0009] The aerosol-generating articles contained within the box may be wrapped within an inner liner, which may be made of metallized paper, metal foil, or other flexible sheet material with moisture barrier properties.

[0010] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be inhaled directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0011] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a perimeter substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially rod-shaped. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-forming substrate may also have a length and a perimeter substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially rod-shaped.

[0012] The aerosol-generating substrate may include an aerosol former. The aerosol-generating substrate preferably includes a homogenized tobacco material, an aerosol former, and water. Providing a homogenized tobacco material may improve aerosol generation and the nicotine content and flavor profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the process of making homogenized tobacco involves a process of grinding tobacco leaves, which allows for more efficient release of nicotine and flavor upon heating.

[0013] The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises from about 55 percent to about 75 percent by weight homogenized tobacco material, from about 15 percent to about 25 percent by weight aerosol former, and from about 10 percent to about 20 percent by weight water.

[0014] As used herein, "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, e.g. part of a smoking article. The aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, an electrical circuit, a power source, a heating chamber, and a heating element.

[0015] The aerosol generating device may comprise an electric circuit. The electric circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the controller. The electric circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol generating device, or may be supplied intermittently, such as after every puff. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electric circuit may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, and to control the supply of power to the heating element, preferably depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0016] The electrical circuitry may be configured to adjust the supply of power to the heating element based on the humidity information of the humidity indicator. The electrical circuitry may be configured to control the supply of different levels of power to the hearing element according to the humidity information of the humidity indicator, which correspond to different humidity levels of the aerosol-generating article. The electrical circuitry may be configured to control the supply of different levels of power to the hearing element according to different hearing regimes, the different hearing regimes corresponding to different humidity levels of the aerosol-generating article according to the humidity information of the humidity indicator.

[0017] The aerosol generating device may include a power source, typically a battery, within the main body of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences, for example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0018] The heating chamber of the aerosol generating device may be configured as a cavity. The cavity may be configured to receive an aerosol generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity of the aerosol generating device may have an open end into which the aerosol generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be a base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for the provision of an air opening disposed within the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be disposed upstream of the cavity. The open end may be disposed downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongated extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal axis may be in a direction extending between the open end and the closed end along the longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0019] The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received within the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0020] An airflow channel may extend through the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn through the airflow channel into the aerosol-generating device, into the cavity and towards the user. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be disposed or the user may inhale the aerosol-generating article directly. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

[0021] In any aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element may include an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (such as molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composites may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, gold-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel-, iron-, cobalt-, and stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with the insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the required energy transfer kinetics and external physicochemical properties.

[0022] As described, in any of the aspects of the present disclosure, the heating element may be part of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise an internal heating element, or an external heating element, or both an internal heating element and an external heating element, where "internal" and "external" are with respect to the aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different conductive portions or an electrically resistive metal tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods that pass through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include heating wires or filaments, such as Ni-Cr (nickel chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wires or heating plates. Optionally, the internal heating element may be disposed in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal that has a well-defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as a ceramic material, and then sandwiched in another insulating material, such as glass. The heater thus formed may be used to both heat the heating element and monitor its temperature during operation.

[0023] The external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils may be shaped to fit the periphery of the substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, the external heating element may take the form of a metal grid, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded integrated circuit device (MID), a ceramic heater, a flexible carbon fiber heater, or may be formed using a coating technique such as plasma deposition on a substrate of suitable shape. The external heating element may also be formed using a metal that has a well-defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating material. The external heating element thus formed may be used both to heat the external heating element and to monitor the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

[0024] The pack may further comprise an outer housing. The outer housing may be a container as described herein. An inner liner may be disposed within the outer housing.

[0025] The outer housing may include or be made of a cardboard material.

[0026] The pack may consist of an outer housing, an inner liner, and a humidity indicator.

[0027] The inner liner may be made of metalized paper, metal foil, or other flexible sheet material with moisture barrier properties. The inner liner may be fluid impermeable. The inner liner may hermetically seal the aerosol-generating article prior to use, even after initial opening of the pack, particularly after opening of the outer container of the pack.

[0028] The inner liner may be configured to be opened prior to the first user experience.

[0029] The humidity indicator may be attached to the inner liner. The humidity indicator may be attached to an interior surface of the inner liner. In other words, the humidity indicator may be located on the inside of the inner liner.

[0030] The humidity indicator may be disposed inside the inner liner. The humidity indicator may be disposed adjacent to an interior surface of the inner liner. The humidity indicator may be disposed in contact with the inner liner.

[0031] The humidity indicator may be disposed on the top wall of the inner liner.The humidity indicator may be disposed on an interior surface of the top wall of the inner liner.

[0032] The inner liner may include a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and two opposing side walls. The top wall may be disposed at a proximal end of the inner liner. The proximal end of the inner liner may face the top of the pack.

[0033] The humidity indicator may be disposed such that when the inner liner is opened, the humidity indicator becomes visible to a user.

[0034] The humidity indicator may be configured as a color humidity indicator. The humidity indicator may be configured to change color when the humidity indicator is subjected to a change. The humidity indicator may be configured to indicate via the color of the humidity indicator the humidity to which it is subjected.

[0035] The pack may further comprise a humidity comparison chart.The pack may further comprise a humidity colour comparison chart.The humidity colour comparison chart may comprise at least two QR codes associated with at least two colours indicating at least two different humidity levels.

[0036] The humidity comparison table may indicate different humidity levels. If the humidity comparison table is configured as a humidity color comparison table, the humidity color comparison table may include different colors. Different colors of the humidity color comparison table may indicate different humidity levels.

[0037] The humidity comparison chart may include a number of different display elements that indicate a number of different humidity levels. If the humidity comparison chart is configured as a humidity color comparison chart, the different display elements may be configured as different colors that indicate different humidity levels.

[0038] Each different display element may be associated with a readable element, such as a QR code, to enable reading of the particular display element. In use, a user may optically identify which display element of the humidity comparison table is appropriate for the indicated humidity of the humidity indicator. Exemplarily, a user may identify a display element of the humidity comparison table with a color that most closely matches the color of the color humidity indicator. The user may then read the identified display element of the humidity comparison table using the aerosol generating device or an external device, such as a smartphone. If an aerosol generating device is used to read the identified display element, a controller of the aerosol generating device may then select a heating profile for the aerosol-forming article that is optimized for the humidity of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating device may use a humidity detector to read the identified display element, as described in more detail below. If an external device is used to read the identified display element, a heating profile for the aerosol-forming article that is optimized for the humidity of the aerosol-generating article may be selected by the external device or by the user via the external device. The heating profile may then be transferred from the external device to the aerosol generating device, for example via wireless transmission, and thereafter adopted by the aerosol generating device.

[0039] The humidity comparison table may be disposed next to the humidity indicator. This may make it easier to compare information from the humidity indicator to the humidity comparison table. If the humidity indicator is configured as a color humidity indicator and the humidity comparison table is configured as a humidity color comparison table, the color of the color humidity indicator may be compared to the closest color in the humidity color comparison table to estimate the humidity.

[0040] The humidity indicator may be arranged to indicate the humidity of the aerosol-generating article. The arrangement of the humidity indicator within the inner liner means that the aerosol-generating article and the humidity indicator are subjected to the same humidity level and therefore the humidity indicated by the humidity indicator is indicative of the humidity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0041] The humidity indicator may include blotter paper impregnated with one of cobalt chloride, cupric chloride, and copper bromide.

[0042] The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising a humidity indicator. The humidity indicator may be configured as a color humidity indicator. The humidity indicator may be disposed on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article.

[0043] The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising a humidity indicator, the humidity indicator being configured as a color humidity indicator, the humidity indicator being disposed on the periphery of the aerosol-generating article.

[0044] The present invention further relates to a pack for an aerosol-generating article. The pack may comprise an inner liner. The inner liner may be arranged to seal the aerosol-generating article prior to use, even after initial opening of the pack. The pack may further comprise a humidity indicator. The humidity indicator may be arranged inside the inner liner.

[0045] The invention further relates to a pack for aerosol-generating articles. The pack comprises an inner liner. The inner liner is arranged to seal the aerosol-generating articles prior to use, even after initial opening of the pack. The pack further comprises a humidity indicator. The humidity indicator is arranged inside the inner liner.

[0046] The present invention further relates to a kit comprising at least two aerosol-generating articles as described herein and a pack as described herein.

[0047] The invention further relates to an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise a communication element configured to receive humidity information. The aerosol generating device may further comprise a controller. The aerosol generating device may be configured to operate in at least two different operating regimes. The controller may be configured to control operation of the aerosol generating device in the different operating regimes based on the received humidity information.

[0048] The invention further relates to an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising a communication element configured to receive humidity information, the aerosol generating device further comprising a controller, the aerosol generating device configured to operate in at least two different operating regimes, the controller configured to control operation of the aerosol generating device in the different operating regimes based on the received humidity information.

[0049] The communication element may be a user interface. A user may manually input humidity information displayed by the humidity indicator of the puck into the user interface. A controller of the aerosol generating device may use the humidity information to select an optimized operating regime for heating the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0050] The operating regime of the aerosol generating device may correspond to a heating regime of a hearing element of the aerosol generating device.

[0051] The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a heating element disposed within the cavity and / or at least partially surrounding the cavity. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when received within the aerosol-forming substrate cavity. The different operating regimes may be different heating regimes of the heating element.

[0052] The communication elements are: an element for receiving humidity information from an external device; a humidity detector, preferably comprising a camera, more preferably configured to detect humidity information by reading information in a humidity color comparison chart; a communications interface configured to allow a user to manually input the humidity information.

[0053] If the communication element comprises an element for receiving humidity information from an external device, the humidity information may be transmitted via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other known means. The element may be a corresponding receiver. The element may be part of the electrical circuitry of the aerosol generating device. The external device may be a smartphone, a smartwatch, or other known external device. By way of example, a user may use his or her smartphone to read the humidity information from the humidity indicator and transmit this information to the aerosol generating device, such that when an aerosol-generating article from a pack is received within the aerosol generating device, an optimized operating regime is selected by the aerosol generating device for hearing the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0054] In the case where the communication element comprises a humidity detector, the aerosol generating device itself may be used to read the humidity information of the humidity indicator. For example, the humidity detector may comprise a camera as a humidity detector. The user may use the camera of the aerosol generating device so that the camera points towards the humidity indicator of the pack. The camera and controller of the aerosol generating device may then read the humidity information of the humidity indicator and adjust the operating regime of the aerosol generating device accordingly. For example, the humidity detector may be configured to detect the humidity information by reading information of a humidity color comparison chart.

[0055] If the communication element comprises a communication interface, the user may manually input the humidity information into the communication interface of the aerosol generating device.

[0056] The invention further relates to an aerosol generation system comprising a pack as described herein, and an aerosol generation device as described herein.

[0057] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising at least two aerosol generating articles as described herein, and an aerosol generating device as described herein.

[0058] The invention further relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device as described herein and an external device, the communication element of the aerosol generation device being adapted to receive humidity information from the external device.

[0059] The invention further relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device as described herein and an external device, the communication element of the aerosol generation device being configured to receive humidity information from the external device.

[0060] Below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0061] Example 1. An aerosol generating system comprising at least two aerosol generating articles, a pack for the aerosol generating articles, and an aerosol generating device, the pack comprising: an inner liner arranged to seal the aerosol-generating article prior to use, even after initial opening of the pack; a humidity indicator disposed inside the inner liner.

[0062] Example 2. The system according to example 1, wherein the pack further comprises an outer housing, and the inner liner is disposed within the outer housing.

[0063] Example 3. A system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the inner liner is fluid impermeable, and preferably the inner liner hermetically seals the aerosol-generating article prior to use, even after initial opening of the pack.

[0064] Example 4. A system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the humidity indicator is configured as a color humidity indicator.

[0065] Example 5. A system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the pack further comprises a humidity comparison chart, preferably the pack further comprises a humidity colour comparison chart, more preferably the humidity colour comparison chart comprises at least two QR codes (registered trademark) associated with at least two colours indicating at least two different humidity levels.

[0066] Example 6. A system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the humidity indicator is disposed between the aerosol-generating articles.

[0067] Example 7. A system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the humidity indicator is provided on a card, preferably the card is not structurally connected to the pack and the aerosol-generating article.

[0068] Example 8. A system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the humidity indicator comprises a plurality of individual humidity indicators, and each aerosol-generating article is provided with a humidity indicator.

[0069] Example 9. A system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the humidity indicator is a reversible humidity indicator or an irreversible humidity indicator.

[0070] Example 10. A system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the humidity indicator comprises a blotting paper impregnated with one of cobalt chloride, cupric chloride, and copper bromide.

[0071] Example 11. An aerosol-generating article comprising a humidity indicator, the humidity indicator being configured as a color humidity indicator, and the humidity indicator being disposed around the periphery of the aerosol-generating article.

[0072] Example 12. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 11, wherein the humidity indicator is a reversible humidity indicator or a non-reversible humidity indicator.

[0073] Example 13. An aerosol-generating article according to either of Examples 11 or 12, wherein the humidity indicator comprises blotting paper impregnated with one of cobalt chloride, cupric chloride, and copper bromide.

[0074] Example 14. A pack for an aerosol-generating article, comprising: an inner liner arranged to seal the aerosol-generating article prior to use, even after initial opening of the pack; a humidity indicator disposed inside the inner liner.

[0075] Example 15. A kit comprising at least two aerosol-generating articles according to any one of Examples 11-13 and a pack according to Example 14.

[0076] Example 16. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a communication element configured to receive humidity information; A controller, An aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to operate in at least two different operating regimes, and the controller is configured to control operation of the aerosol generating device in the different operating regimes based on the received humidity information.

[0077] Example 17. An aerosol generating device according to Example 16, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device further comprises a heating element disposed within the cavity or at least partially surrounding the cavity, the heating element being configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the cavity, and the different operating regimes being different heating regimes of the heating element.

[0078] Example 18. An aerosol generating device according to example 16 or 17, wherein the cavity is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0079] Example 19. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 16-18, wherein the communication element is configured to receive humidity information of one or both of the aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol-generating article.

[0080] Example 20. A communication element comprising: an element for receiving humidity information from an external device; a humidity detector, preferably comprising a camera, more preferably configured to detect humidity information by reading information in a humidity color comparison chart; and a communication interface configured to allow a user to manually input humidity information.

[0081] Example 21. An aerosol generating system comprising the pack according to Example 14 and the aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 16 to 20.

[0082] Example 22. An aerosol generating system comprising at least two aerosol generating articles according to any one of Examples 11 to 13 and an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 16 to 20.

[0083] Example 23. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 16 to 20 and an external device, wherein a communication element of the aerosol generating device is configured to receive humidity information from the external device.

[0084] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0085] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0086] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a pack for aerosol-generating articles. [Diagram 2] Figure 2 shows the moisture indicators used in the pack and a comparison table. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows an aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0087] 1 shows a pack 10 for an aerosol-generating article 12. The pack 10 comprises an outer housing 14 and an inner liner 16 disposed within the outer housing 14. The aerosol-generating article 12 is enveloped by the inner liner 16.

[0088] Prior to first use, the inner liner 16 seals the aerosol-generating article 12 from the surrounding environment. Prior to first use, a user may open the inner liner 16 to access the aerosol-generating article 12. The quality of the aerosol produced by an aerosol-generating device (not shown) in which the aerosol-generating article 12 is used depends on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article 12. To determine the humidity of the aerosol-generating article and subsequently optimally control the operating regime of the aerosol-generating device, the pack 10 further comprises a humidity indicator 18.

[0089] The humidity indicator 18 is disposed adjacent to and inside the top wall 20 of the inner liner 16. In this manner, the humidity indicator 18 is visible to a user when the lid 22 of the outer housing 14 is opened and the inner liner 16 is likewise opened. The inner liner 16 is preferably opened automatically when the lid 22 of the outer housing 14 is opened. Opening of the lid 22 may automatically open the inner liner 16 and closing of the lid 22 may automatically close the inner liner 16, as described in the pack of WO2008142540A1, see inner package 3 having respective lids 7 and cover flaps 5 connected to the lids 7.

[0090] The humidity indicator 18 is configured as a color humidity indicator 18. The humidity to which the humidity indicator 18 is provided is indicated by the color of the humidity indicator 18. Different humidity levels can be indicated by different colors. Due to the proximity of the humidity indicator 18 to the aerosol-generating article 12 and due to the fact that the humidity indicator 18 as well as the aerosol-generating article 12 are disposed inside the inner liner 16, the humidity indicated by the humidity indicator 18 closely reflects the humidity of the aerosol-generating article 12.

[0091] As an alternative to disposing the humidity indicator 18 inside the top wall 20 of the inner liner 16, the humidity indicator 18 may be disposed between the aerosol-generating articles 12. In this case, the humidity indicator 18 is disposed on a card that can be placed between the aerosol-generating articles 12. When a user wishes to read the humidity information of the humidity indicator 18, the user can remove the card from between the aerosol-generating articles 12 and read the humidity information of the humidity indicator 18.

[0092] The humidity indicator 18 may be accompanied by a comparison table 24, as shown in Figure 2. The humidity indicator 18 shown in Figure 2 shows a color that indicates a particular humidity of the aerosol-generating article 12. The comparison table 24, shown to the right of the humidity indicator 18 in Figure 2, includes a first column in which different colors 26 are illustrated. A user may select a color 26 from the comparison table 24 that most closely resembles the color of the humidity indicator 18.

[0093] A second column of the comparison table 24 may indicate the humidity level associated with each color 26. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, the second column of the comparison table 24 may include QR codes 28. These QR codes 28 convey the humidity level information associated with each color 26 and may be read by a humidity detector in the aerosol generating device or by an external device.

[0094] In other words, a user can manually read the humidity level of the aerosol-generating article 12 by comparing the color of the humidity indicator 18 with the closest color 26 in the comparison table 24. Alternatively, the respective humidity information can be read by the aerosol-generating device or by an external device by scanning the QR code 28 next to the closest color 26 in the comparison table 24 in comparison with the color of the humidity indicator 18.

[0095] To read the QR codes 28, the aerosol generating device is equipped with a humidity detector. The humidity detector comprises a camera. The aerosol generating device can read the humidity information when a user activates the humidity detector and scans the respective QR code 28 with the camera of the humidity detector. The aerosol generating device further comprises, in this embodiment, a controller configured to control an operating regime of the aerosol generating device depending on the read humidity information of the humidity indicator 18. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device can be optimized by using an optimal operating regime of the aerosol generating device depending on the humidity of the aerosol-generating article 12.

[0096] The same functionality of the aerosol generating device can be facilitated if a user manually reads the humidity information from the humidity indicator 18 by comparing the color of the humidity indicator 18 with the respective closest color 26 in the comparison table 24 and reading the corresponding humidity level. The user can manually input this information into the aerosol generating device. In this case, the aerosol generating device is provided with a user interface for inputting the humidity information. The controller of the aerosol generating device can then select an optimized operating regime for operating the aerosol generating device.

[0097] Similarly, if a user reads the humidity information by scanning the respective QR code 28 with an external device such as a smartphone, this information may be used by the aerosol generating device to select an optimal operating regime for generating the aerosol. Alternatively, the respective QR code may directly convey the optimal operating regime information. For example, the external device may transfer the respective humidity information or optimal operating regime information to the aerosol generating device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0098] FIG. 3 shows an aerosol generating device 30 capable of heating an aerosol-generating article 12 as described herein with an optimized heating profile adapted to the humidity level of the aerosol-generating article 12.

[0099] The aerosol generating device 30 includes a controller 32 for controlling the heating profile of the heating element 34. The controller selects a heating profile optimized for the specific humidity of the aerosol-generating article 12. Alternatively, instead of the controller selecting an optimized heating profile, information of the appropriate heating profile may be transferred to the controller via a user interface 36 or wirelessly via an external device such as a smartphone. The user interface 36 may be, for example, a touch display.

[0100] FIG. 3 further shows a battery 38 for powering not only the heating element 34, but also the controller 32 and, if present, the user interface 36.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system comprising at least two aerosol generating articles, a pack for the aerosol generating articles, and an aerosol generating device, wherein the pack is An inner liner is provided to seal the aerosol-generating article before use, A humidity indicator is provided inside the inner liner, It comprises an outer housing and the inner liner which is disposed within the outer housing. The aerosol generator, Controller and A communication element configured to receive humidity information of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the communication element includes a humidity detector, and the humidity detector includes a camera that points towards the humidity indicator of the pack, An aerosol generating system in which the aerosol generator is configured to operate in at least two different operating regimes, and the controller is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator in the different operating regimes based on the received humidity information.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the inner liner is fluid-impermeable, and preferably the inner liner airtight seals the aerosol-generating article before use.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the humidity indicator is configured as a color humidity indicator.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pack further comprises a humidity comparison table, preferably the pack further comprises a humidity color comparison table, and more preferably the humidity color comparison table comprises at least two QR codes® associated with at least two colors that represent at least two different humidity levels.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the humidity indicator includes blotting paper impregnated with one of cobalt chloride, (secondary) copper chloride, and copper bromide.

6. An aerosol generating article equipped with a humidity indicator, wherein the humidity indicator is configured as a color humidity indicator, and the humidity indicator is disposed around the aerosol generating article.

7. A kit comprising at least two aerosol-generating articles according to claim 6, and a pack, The aforementioned pack, An inner liner is provided to seal the aerosol-generating article before use, A humidity indicator is provided inside the inner liner, A kit comprising an outer housing, wherein the inner liner is disposed within the outer housing.

8. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a cavity for receiving an aerosol forming substrate, and the aerosol generating device further comprises a heating element disposed in the cavity or at least partially surrounding the cavity, wherein the heating element is configured to heat the aerosol forming substrate when the aerosol forming substrate is received in the cavity, and the different operating regimes are different heating regimes of the heating element.

9. The aforementioned communication element, Elements for receiving humidity information from an external device, The humidity detector is configured to detect humidity information by reading the information in the humidity color comparison table, The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, comprising one or more of the following: a communication interface, which is configured to allow a user to manually input the humidity information.

10. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, further comprising an external device, wherein the communication element of the aerosol generating device is configured to receive the humidity information of the aerosol generating article from the external device.

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