aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generator (304) for an article (300) for an aerosol supply device (200) is provided, comprising: a cylindrical body; a resistance heating layer (340) having an aerosol generating material located inside the cylindrical body and a resistance heating element (342) configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; and a first type of electrical contact (360) and a second type of electrical contact (365) configured to connect to an electrical connector of the aerosol supply device (200) to receive power from the power supply of the aerosol supply device (200) and supply power to the heating element (342).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generator for an article for an aerosol supply device. The present invention also relates to an article for an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply system, a method of forming an aerosol generator for an article for an aerosol supply device, and a blank for forming an aerosol generator for an article for an aerosol supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use to generate tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products include so-called "non-combustion heating" products that release compounds by heating a material without burning it, or tobacco heating devices or products. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the above devices or products are known. A common system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, and then the aerosol is inhaled by the user. Often, the medium used needs to be replaced or changed to provide different aerosols for inhalation. It is known to use a resistive heating system as a heater for generating an aerosol from a suitable medium.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generator for an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising: a cylindrical body; an aerosol generating material located inside the cylindrical body; a resistance heating layer comprising a resistance heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; and a first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact configured to connect to an electrical connector of the aerosol supply device to receive power from the power supply of the aerosol supply device and supply power to the heating element.

[0005] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator comprises an aerosol generating layer containing an aerosol generating material.

[0006] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator comprises an aerosol generating segment containing an aerosol generating material.

[0007] In any of the embodiments described above, the inside is radially inward.

[0008] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material is located on the inner surface of the cylindrical body. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating layer is located on the inner surface of the cylindrical body.

[0009] In any of the above embodiments, the heating element is at least a portion of the conductive path between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact.

[0010] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator includes an outer and an inner part.

[0011] In any of the embodiments described above, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is accessible from the outside of the cylindrical body.

[0012] In any of the above embodiments, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact faces outward from the cylindrical body.

[0013] In any of the embodiments described above, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is exposed to the outside of the cylindrical body.

[0014] In any of the embodiments described above, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is exposed to the outside on the cylindrical body.

[0015] In any of the embodiments described above, the aerosol generator includes an outer surface, and at least one of a first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact is located on the outer surface.

[0016] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating element is located inside the cylindrical body.

[0017] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating element is located inside the cylindrical body.

[0018] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating element faces inward towards the cylindrical body.

[0019] In any of the embodiments described above, the first type of electrical contact is located on the outside of the cylindrical body, and the second type of electrical contact is located on the inside of the cylindrical body.

[0020] In any of the above embodiments, the first type of electrical contact faces outward towards the cylindrical body, and the second type of electrical contact faces inward towards the cylindrical body.

[0021] In any of the above embodiments, the cylindrical body defines a flow path configured such that the aerosol flows along it within the cylindrical body.

[0022] In any of the embodiments described above, the aerosol-generating material is exposed to the flow path.

[0023] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is located on a resistance heating element.

[0024] In any of the above embodiments, the resistive heating element is outside the aerosol-forming material.

[0025] In any of the above embodiments, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is outside the resistive heating element.

[0026] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator comprises a cylindrical passage defining a flow path.

[0027] In any of the above embodiments, the resistive heating layer includes a fold for realizing a resistive heating element facing in an inward direction, and at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact faces in an outward direction.

[0028] In any of the above embodiments, the resistive heating layer includes a fold for realizing a resistive heating element inside, and at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is outside.

[0029] In any of the above embodiments, the cylindrical body defines a longitudinal axis, and the fold extends longitudinally.

[0030] In any of the above embodiments, the fold defines a flap of the resistive heating layer.

[0031] In any of the above embodiments, the support layer is between the flap of the resistive heating layer and another part of the resistive heating layer.

[0032] In any of the above embodiments, the flap defines at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact on the outside.

[0033] In any of the above embodiments, the flap defines at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact in an outward direction.

[0034] In any of the above embodiments, the cylindrical body includes a seam. In any of the above embodiments, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is provided along the seam.

[0035] In any of the embodiments described above, the seam is a longitudinal seam.

[0036] In any of the embodiments described above, the seam includes a fold.

[0037] In any of the embodiments described above, the seam includes a flap.

[0038] In any of the embodiments described above, the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact are provided along the joint.

[0039] In any of the embodiments described above, all of the first type of electrical contacts and all of the second type of electrical contacts are provided along the joint.

[0040] In any of the embodiments described above, the first type of electrical contact is located at the joint, and the second type of electrical contact is spaced apart from the joint.

[0041] In any of the above embodiments, the cylindrical body includes a keyway.

[0042] In any of the embodiments described above, the joint defines a keyway.

[0043] In any of the above embodiments, the keyway extends along the joint of the cylindrical body.

[0044] In any of the above embodiments, the cylindrical body includes a support layer configured to support the resistance heating layer.

[0045] In any of the above embodiments, the support layer includes at least one of paper and card.

[0046] In any of the above embodiments, the support includes a support layer.

[0047] In any of the above embodiments, the support is electrically insulating.

[0048] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating material is in direct contact with the resistance heating layer.

[0049] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generation layer is in direct contact with the resistance heating layer.

[0050] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is indirectly in contact with the resistance heating layer.

[0051] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generation layer is indirectly in contact with the resistance heating layer.

[0052] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer and the support layer define the substrate.

[0053] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator comprises a laminate including a resistance heating layer and a support layer.

[0054] In any of the above embodiments, the laminate includes an aerosol-generating layer.

[0055] In any of the above embodiments, the support layer includes a card layer.

[0056] In any of the above embodiments, the cylindrical body is formed from a sheet.

[0057] In any of the above embodiments, the formed sheet is a roll-shaped sheet.

[0058] In any of the above embodiments, the opposing edges of the formed sheets overlap to form a seam.

[0059] In any of the above embodiments, the formed sheet includes a support layer.

[0060] In any of the above embodiments, the formed sheet includes a substrate.

[0061] In any of the above embodiments, the outer and inner portions of the formed sheet overlap to form a seam.

[0062] In any of the embodiments described above, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is located on the outer portion of the formed sheet.

[0063] In any of the embodiments described above, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is located in the inner portion of the formed sheet, and the outer portion includes an opening such that at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is accessible from the outside of the cylindrical body.

[0064] In any of the above embodiments, the opening includes an aperture in its outer portion.

[0065] In any of the embodiments described above, the opening is a notch in the outer portion.

[0066] In any of the above embodiments, the opening extends from the edge of the outer portion.

[0067] In any of the above embodiments, the outer portion includes a support layer.

[0068] In any of the above embodiments, the opening is configured to receive at least a portion of the device electrical connector of the aerosol supply device.

[0069] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a wrap. In any of the above embodiments, the wrap surrounds at least a portion of the cylindrical body.

[0070] In any of the embodiments described above, the wrap includes one or more openings through which at least one electrical contact is exposed.

[0071] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator comprises a plurality of first-type electrical contacts, and each of the heating elements comprises a separate first-type electrical contact.

[0072] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator may be provided with a plurality of second types of electrical contacts, and each of the resistance heating elements is provided with a separate second type of electrical contact.

[0073] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator may be equipped with a single second type of electrical contact.

[0074] In any of the embodiments described above, a single second type of electrical contact is shared among each of the resistive heating elements.

[0075] In any of the embodiments described above, each of the first type of electrical contacts is longitudinally adjacent to one of the second type of electrical contacts or the second type of electrical contacts.

[0076] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating element is a first resistance heating element, and the resistance heating layer comprises a second resistance heating element, each resistance heating element providing a conductive path for resistance heating of a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol in each portion of the aerosol generating layer.

[0077] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating element is a first resistance heating element, and the resistance heating layer comprises a second resistance heating element, each resistance heating element providing a conductive path for resistance heating of a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol in each portion of the aerosol generating material.

[0078] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer forms an array of resistance heating elements, which includes at least a first resistance heating element and a second resistance heating element.

[0079] In any of the embodiments described above, each of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is configured to allow current to be supplied individually to each of the resistance heating elements.

[0080] In any of the embodiments described above, the array of resistance heating elements is arranged in a single column.

[0081] In any of the embodiments described above, the array of resistance heating elements is arranged in a single line along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator.

[0082] In any of the embodiments described above, the array of heating elements is arranged in a single row transversely to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator.

[0083] In any of the above embodiments, the inside of the cylindrical body is substantially empty so as to define a free space through which an aerosol can flow during use.

[0084] In any of the embodiments described above, the first type of electrical contact is configured to be electrically connected to the device electrical connector, and the second type of electrical contact is configured to be electrically connected to the device electrical connector.

[0085] In any of the embodiments described above, the support defines the exposed contact area of ​​the first type of electrical contact.

[0086] In any of the embodiments described above, the exposed contact area is a first exposed contact area, and the support defines a second exposed contact area of ​​a second type of electrical contact.

[0087] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generation layer is a continuous aerosol generation layer.

[0088] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generation layer is a discontinuous aerosol generation layer.

[0089] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generation layer comprises a plurality of individual aerosol generation portions.

[0090] In any of the embodiments described above, the resistance heating element is one of a plurality of resistance heating elements.

[0091] In any of the embodiments described above, one of the individual aerosol generating sections is associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of resistance heating elements.

[0092] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating layer comprises at least one of dots, strips, and patches.

[0093] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating layer includes a film or gel layer containing an aerosol generating material.

[0094] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating element is formed by at least one of the following steps: cutting the resistance heating layer, chemically etching the resistance heating layer, forming or pressing the resistance heating layer into the substrate, printing the resistance heating layer, and die-cutting the resistance heating layer into the substrate.

[0095] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer is in the form of a foil.

[0096] In any of the embodiments described above, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact extends around a portion of the circumference of the cylindrical body.

[0097] In any of the embodiments described above, each of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact extends around a portion of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical body.

[0098] In any of the embodiments described above, the cross-sectional profile of the cylindrical body is one of a circle, a hexagon, a rectangle, and a trapezoid.

[0099] In any of the embodiments described above, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is ring-shaped.

[0100] In any of the embodiments described above, the first type of electrical contact is always adjacent to the second type of electrical contact.

[0101] In any of the embodiments described above, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is arranged longitudinally along the cylindrical body.

[0102] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator comprises an outer layer that surrounds at least a portion of the cylindrical body.

[0103] In any of the embodiments described above, the outer layer is a wrap.

[0104] In any of the embodiments described above, the outer layer provides structural rigidity to the aerosol generator.

[0105] In any of the above embodiments, the cylindrical body defines a longitudinal axis, and the outer layer extends along the entire longitudinal range of the cylindrical body.

[0106] In any of the above embodiments, the outer layer extends partially along the longitudinal range of the cylindrical body.

[0107] In any of the embodiments described above, the outer layer comprises a plurality of openings through which at least one of the first type of electrical contacts and the second type of electrical contacts is at least partially exposed.

[0108] In any of the embodiments described above, the multiple outer openings are slots.

[0109] In any of the embodiments described above, one of the multiple openings is associated with one of the multiple electrical contacts.

[0110] In any of the embodiments described above, one of the multiple openings is associated with one or more of the multiple electrical contacts.

[0111] In any of the embodiments described above, the multiple openings are arranged such that at least a portion of at least one of the first type of electrical contacts and the second type of electrical contacts is exposed at least 180 degrees around the outer circumference of the cylindrical body.

[0112] In any of the above embodiments, the cylindrical body is asymmetrical.

[0113] According to one embodiment, an article is provided that includes an aerosol generator having any of the above features.

[0114] In any of the above embodiments, the article is a consumable for the aerosol supply system.

[0115] In any of the above embodiments, there are no electrical contacts or individual electrical contacts in the exposed area of ​​the outer surface of the aerosol generator.

[0116] In any of the embodiments described above, the exposed areas of the outer surface of the aerosol generator where there are no electrical contacts or electrical contacts extend to the ends of the aerosol generator.

[0117] In any of the embodiments described above, the exposed area extends substantially along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body from the end of the cylindrical body to a length of <1 mm, 1 mm to 2 mm, 2 mm to 3 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or >5 mm.

[0118] In any of the embodiments described above, the wrap extends over exposed areas of the outer surface of the aerosol generator where there are no electrical contacts or electrical contacts.

[0119] In any of the above embodiments, a bonding layer is provided over the exposed regions of the outer surface of the aerosol generator where there are no electrical contacts or electrical contacts.

[0120] In any of the embodiments described above, at least one of the wrap and the bonding layer is substantially arranged around an electrical contact or an exposed area where no electrical contacts are present.

[0121] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided that is configured to receive any of the above-mentioned aerosol generators. According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided that is configured to receive any of the above-mentioned articles.

[0122] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device configured to receive an aerosol generator is provided, the aerosol device comprising a cylindrical connector for achieving electrical connection with the aerosol generator.

[0123] In any of the embodiments described above, the device is configured to receive a cylindrical aerosol generator.

[0124] In any of the above embodiments, the cylindrical connector is sized to fit inside the aerosol generator.

[0125] In any of the embodiments described above, the cylindrical connector is positioned to connect to the inner surface of the aerosol generator when the aerosol generator is inserted into the device.

[0126] In any of the above embodiments, the cylindrical connector includes an electrical connector having electrical contacts electrically connected to a power supply.

[0127] In any of the embodiments described above, the electrical contacts of the cylindrical connector are arranged to form an electrical connection with at least one of the first type of electrical contacts and the second type of electrical contacts of the aerosol generator.

[0128] In any of the embodiments described above, the electrical contacts of the cylindrical connector are configured to form an electrical connection with a second type of electrical contact of the aerosol generator.

[0129] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising a receptacle configured to receive an article, and a plurality of device contacts for making electrical connections to each of a plurality of electrical contacts of an article when the article is received into the receptacle.

[0130] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol supply device includes a power supply for supplying power to the device contacts.

[0131] In any of the embodiments described above, each of the plurality of device contacts is configured to make an electrical connection to the first type of electrical contacts and the second type of electrical contacts of the article, respectively, regardless of the orientation in which the article is received within the receiving portion, wherein the orientation refers to the angle of rotation around the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical article.

[0132] In any of the above embodiments, the plurality of contacts include a plurality of diametrically opposed contacts.

[0133] In any of the embodiments described above, the multiple diametrically opposed contacts are arranged in a line along the longitudinal axis of the receptacle.

[0134] In any of the embodiments described above, the multiple diametrically opposed contacts are arranged in a line transversely along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator.

[0135] In any of the embodiments described above, the plurality of diametrically opposed contacts include a plurality of diametrically opposed contact pairs.

[0136] In any of the above embodiments, the multiple diametrically opposed contacts include a triplet of multiple diametrically opposed contacts.

[0137] In any of the embodiments described above, two or more device contacts are available to provide electrical connections to each of the multiple electrical contacts of the consumable.

[0138] In any of the embodiments described above, each of the two or more device contacts is located on substantially the same circumferential plane with respect to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle.

[0139] In any of the embodiments described above, the plurality of device contacts includes one or more device contacts of a first type and one or more device contacts of a second type.

[0140] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising an aerosol supply device having any of the above-described features and an aerosol generator having any of the above-described features. According to another embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising an aerosol supply device having any of the above-described features and an article having any of the above-described features.

[0141] According to one embodiment, a blank for forming an aerosol generator is provided, comprising: a resistance heating layer having a resistance heating element configured to heat at least a portion of an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; and a plurality of electrical contacts configured to be connected to an electrical connector to receive power from a power source and to supply power to the heating element.

[0142] In any of the embodiments described above, the plurality of electrical contacts include a first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact, which are configured to connect to an electrical connector of the aerosol supply device to receive power from the power supply of the aerosol supply device and to supply power to the heating element.

[0143] In any of the above embodiments, the blank is configured to be formed in the shape of a cylindrical body.

[0144] In any of the embodiments described above, the blank includes a fold line and is configured such that the fold is formed along the fold to create an aerosol generator.

[0145] In any of the embodiments described above, the blank defines a longitudinal axis, and the fold line extends in the longitudinal direction parallel to the axis.

[0146] In any of the embodiments described above, the fold line defines two panels of the blank, with each panel on either side of the fold line.

[0147] In any of the above embodiments, the first panel comprises a resistance heating layer, and the second panel comprises a plurality of electrical contacts.

[0148] In any of the embodiments described above, the fold line is a first fold line, and the blank includes a second fold line.

[0149] In any of the embodiments described above, the second fold line extends longitudinally, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blank.

[0150] In any of the embodiments described above, the second fold line is parallel to the first fold line.

[0151] In any of the embodiments described above, the second fold line is offset from the first predetermined fold line.

[0152] In any of the embodiments described above, the second fold line extends across the second panel.

[0153] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generator for an article for an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising: an aerosol generating material; a resistance heating layer having a resistance heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; a first type of electrical contact; and a second type of electrical contact, wherein the resistance heating element is at least a portion of a conductive path between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact.

[0154] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator comprises an aerosol generating layer containing an aerosol generating material.

[0155] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generator comprises an aerosol generating segment containing an aerosol generating material.

[0156] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided that is configured to receive an aerosol generator or article for any of the above-described aerosol supply devices.

[0157] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided comprising an aerosol generator or article for any of the above-mentioned aerosol supply devices and any of the above-mentioned aerosol supply devices.

[0158] According to one embodiment, an article for an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising a cylindrical housing, an aerosol generating material, a resistance heating layer having a resistance heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, a support layer configured to support the resistance heating layer and on which the aerosol generating material rests, a first type of electrical contact, and a second type of electrical contact, wherein the resistance heating element is at least a portion of a conductive path between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact, the support layer is configured to support the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact, the support layer and the resistance heating layer extend within the cylindrical housing, and the support layer and the resistance heating layer have a different shape configuration from the cylindrical housing.

[0159] In any of the above embodiments, the article comprises an aerosol-generating layer containing an aerosol-generating material.

[0160] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generation layer is located on the resistance heating layer.

[0161] In any of the above embodiments, the cylindrical housing has a cylindrical shape, and the support layer and resistance heating layer have a planar shape.

[0162] In any of the above embodiments, the shape of the cylindrical housing is one of a circle, a hexagon, a rectangle, and a trapezoid.

[0163] In any of the above embodiments, an aerosol-generating segment containing an aerosol-generating material is provided.

[0164] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generation segment is located on the resistance heating layer.

[0165] In any of the embodiments described above, the aerosol-generating material is located between the support layer and the cylindrical housing.

[0166] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer is embedded in the aerosol generating material.

[0167] In any of the above embodiments, a flow path is provided through a cylindrical housing.

[0168] In any of the embodiments described above, a portion of the flow path is at least partially defined by a cylindrical housing.

[0169] In any of the above embodiments, a portion of the flow path is defined between the aerosol generation layer and the cylindrical housing.

[0170] In any of the above embodiments, a portion of the flow path is defined by passing through an aerosol-generating material.

[0171] In any of the above embodiments, a portion of the flow path is defined through an aerosol generation segment.

[0172] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer and the support layer are arranged in a laminated configuration within the cylindrical housing.

[0173] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generation layer is arranged in a laminated configuration within a cylindrical housing.

[0174] In any of the above embodiments, the cylindrical housing is formed from a formed sheet. In any of the above embodiments, the cylindrical housing is asymmetrical.

[0175] In any of the above embodiments, the laminated structure is held inside the cylindrical housing by an interference fit. In any of the above embodiments, the laminated structure is held inside the cylindrical housing by one or more retaining features.

[0176] In any of the embodiments described above, one or more retaining features may include tongue and groove components, i.e., the cylindrical housing may have at least one groove, and the peripheral edge of the laminated component may function as one or more tongues that can slide detachably within at least one groove.

[0177] In any of the above embodiments, one or more retaining features include one or more magnets of a first polarity arranged in a stacked configuration and one or more magnets of the opposite polarity to the first polarity arranged on the inner surface of a cylindrical housing.

[0178] In any of the embodiments described above, one or more retaining features may include one or more stoppers or projections disposed inside the cylindrical housing. The one or more stoppers or projections may be arranged longitudinally within the cylindrical housing to provide a guide path for a stacked structure to be inserted into the cylindrical housing.

[0179] In any of the above embodiments, the lamination configuration of the support layer and the resistance heating layer is substantially planar.

[0180] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating layer includes a film or gel layer containing an aerosol generating material.

[0181] In any of the above embodiments, the support layer is electrically insulating. In any of the above embodiments, the support layer includes at least one of paper and card.

[0182] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is in direct contact with the resistance heating layer. In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is in indirect contact with the resistance heating layer.

[0183] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer and the support layer define the substrate.

[0184] In any of the above embodiments, the article comprises a laminate including a resistance heating layer and a support layer. In any of the above embodiments, the laminate includes an aerosol generating layer.

[0185] In any of the above embodiments, the area of ​​the support layer corresponds to the area of ​​the resistance heating layer.

[0186] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating element is formed by at least one of the following steps: cutting a resistance heating layer, chemically etching a resistance heating layer, forming or pressing a resistance heating layer into a substrate, and printing a resistance heating layer.

[0187] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer includes a gap that defines at least a portion of the resistance heating element, while the support layer does not have a gap.

[0188] In any of the embodiments described above, the gap defines an electrical insulating barrier.

[0189] In any of the above embodiments, the gap defines an insulating barrier. In any of the above embodiments, there is no gap in the support layer.

[0190] In any of the embodiments described above, the gap extends through both the support layer and the resistance heating layer. In the embodiment, the gap is filled with, for example, an insulating material.

[0191] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer comprising the resistance heating element is pre-formed and applied to the support layer.

[0192] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer comprising the resistance heating element is formed on the support layer.

[0193] In any of the embodiments described above, the resistance heating layer has a first side defining a first resistance heating layer panel and a second side defining a second resistance heating layer panel.

[0194] In any of the embodiments described above, the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact are arranged on the first resistance heating layer panel.

[0195] In any of the embodiments described above, the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact are arranged on the second resistance heating layer panel.

[0196] In any of the embodiments described above, the first type is disposed on a first resistance heating layer panel, the second type is disposed on a second resistance heating layer panel, or vice versa.

[0197] In any of the embodiments described above, the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact extend from the ends of the cylindrical housing when the laminated configuration is inserted into the cylindrical housing.

[0198] In any of the embodiments described above, the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact are located in recessed areas within the cylindrical housing when the laminated structure is inserted into the cylindrical housing.

[0199] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided comprising an aerosol generator according to any of the above embodiments and an aerosol supply device configured to receive the aerosol generator. According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided comprising an article according to any of the above embodiments and an aerosol supply device configured to receive the article.

[0200] According to one embodiment, a method is provided for forming an aerosol generator of an article for an aerosol supply device, comprising the steps of: preparing a support layer; forming a resistance heating layer comprising a resistance heating element, wherein the resistance heating layer is provided on the support layer; preparing an aerosol generating material, wherein the resistance heating element is configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; forming a first type of electrical contact, wherein the first type of electrical contact is provided on the support layer; forming a second type of electrical contact, wherein the second type of electrical contact is provided on the support layer; and providing a cylindrical housing around the support layer, the aerosol generating material and at least a portion of the aerosol generating material, wherein the support layer and the resistance heating element have a different shape configuration from the cylindrical housing.

[0201] In any of the above embodiments, the method includes inserting a laminated configuration of a support layer, a resistance heating layer, and an aerosol generation layer into a cylindrical housing.

[0202] Next, various embodiments will be described as mere examples, with reference to the attached schematic diagram. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0203] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol supply system. [Figure 2]Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an article containing aerosol-generating material for the aerosol supply system. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the first side of the aerosol generator of the article. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the second side of the aerosol generator. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol supply system, such as the one shown. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is a schematic partially exploded perspective view of the article, showing the aerosol generator reversed from its assembled orientation and separated from the other components. [Figure 7] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator shown. [Figure 8] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the heating element of the aerosol generator. [Figure 9] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the resistance heating layer of an aerosol generator having multiple heating elements. [Figure 10] According to the method for forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 3. [Figure 11] This is a disassembled perspective view of the formed aerosol generator. [Figure 12] This is a schematic perspective view of the resistance heating layer of the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 13] According to the method for forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 3. [Figure 14] According to the method for forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 3. [Figure 15] According to the method for forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 3. [Figure 16] This is a schematic perspective view of the resistance heating layer of the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 17] This is a schematic plan view of the heating element of the aerosol generator. [Figure 18]This is a schematic plan view of the heating element of the aerosol generator. [Figure 19] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the aerosol generator of the item shown. [Figure 20] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the device connector of the aerosol supply device in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 21] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the aerosol generation system. [Figure 22] According to the method for forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 3. [Figure 23] This shows the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 24] This shows the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 25] This shows the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 26] This shows the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 27] This shows the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 28] Schematic diagrams of the aerosol generator are shown in Figures 26 and 27. [Figure 29] Schematic diagrams of the aerosol generator are shown in Figures 26 and 27. [Figure 30] This shows the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 31] This shows the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 32] This shows the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 33] Figures 30 to 32 show a portion of the cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator. [Figure 34] Figures 30 to 32 show schematic cross-sectional views of the aerosol generator. [Figure 35] Further embodiments of the aerosol generators formed in Figures 30 to 34 are shown. [Figure 36] A schematic diagram of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 35 after its formation is displayed. [Figure 37]This is a schematic internal diagram of an aerosol generation device equipped with 36 aerosol generators. [Figure 38] Figure 37 is a schematic cross-sectional view. [Figure 39] A schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator is shown. [Figure 40] Figure 39 shows a schematic front view of the aerosol generator. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0204] As used herein, the term “delivery mechanism” is intended to encompass a system for delivering a substance to a user, and includes non-combustible aerosol supply systems that release compounds from aerosolizable materials without burning the aerosolizable materials, such as a hybrid system for generating aerosols using a combination of electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and aerosolizable materials, and articles comprising aerosolizable materials and configured for use in one of these non-combustible aerosol supply systems.

[0205] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components of those materials) of the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0206] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0207] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0208] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0209] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0210] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0211] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0212] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power supply.

[0213] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a suction port, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0214] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, packaging material, a filter, a suction nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0215] As used herein, “aerosol-generating material” (sometimes referred to herein as “aerosolizable material”) is a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or electrically charged in any other manner. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0216] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes an active substance (sometimes referred to herein as an active compound).

[0217] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0218] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder such as a gelling agent and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a delivered substance and / or fillers may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant-based materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0219] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film, or may be in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include a binder such as a gelling agent and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a delivered substance and / or fillers may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may not contain substantially any plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco-free.

[0220] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of approximately 0.015 mm to approximately 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of approximately 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to approximately 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

[0221] The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may consist of a continuous sheet of material, or it may be a continuous sheet of material.

[0222] The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may include one or more individual parts or regions of an aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes, or lines, which can be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

[0223] In the embodiment, the aerosol-generating material comprises a plurality of aerosol-generating films. In the embodiment, the aerosol-generating film comprises a plurality of aerosol-generating film regions. Such plurality of aerosol-generating films and / or plurality of aerosol-generating film regions may have different properties, such as different compositions, thicknesses, densities, active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0224] The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder such as a gelling agent with one or more other components such as a solvent such as water, an aerosol-forming agent, and one or more substances to be delivered to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film.

[0225] The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60% by weight, 70% by weight, 80% by weight, 85% by weight, or 90% by weight of the solvent.

[0226] The aerosol-generating material may be an amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a monolithic solid. The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dry gel. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the held fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the surroundings of the aerosol-generating material), or the held fluid may be a solvent (such as when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water.

[0227] The aerosol-forming agent material may contain one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent material may contain one or more of the following: glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetins, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0228] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of the following: pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0229] The material may be present on or within a support to form a substrate. The support may be, for example, paper, cardboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy, or may comprise these materials.

[0230] An aerosol supply device can receive an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, "article" refers to a component that contains or is contained with the aerosol-generating material at the time of use, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally, other components at the time of use. The user may insert the article into or onto the aerosol supply device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, after which the user inhales the aerosol.

[0231] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material in order to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.

[0232] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol. The heater may comprise a conductor that can be heated by an electric current passing through it.

[0233] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and replaceable aerosol products. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuit). The power source may comprise a power source such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product may comprise the aerosol generating component partially or entirely.

[0234] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol supply system 100. The aerosol supply system 100 comprises an aerosol supply device 200 and an article 300 containing an aerosol generating material 302 (see Figure 3). In Figure 2, the article 300 is shown detached from the aerosol supply device 200. The aerosol generator 304 of the article 300 is shown in Figure 3 by a perspective view of the first side 306, and a perspective view of a portion of the second side 307 is shown in Figure 4.

[0235] As shown in Figures 1 to 25, the article 300 and the aerosol generator 304 are shown in a planar configuration. For example, such configurations of the article 300, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 6, 19, and 21, may be known as flat consumables. In such configurations, the exterior of the article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and width, where the length is greater than or equal to the width and the width is greater than the depth. In embodiments, the aerosol generating device 200 has a tubular configuration. Such configurations of the article are described below with respect to Figures 26 to 38, for example. For example, such configurations of the article 300, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 6, 19, and 21, may be known as tubular consumables. In embodiments, it will be understood that the following description is applicable to different types of article configurations, regardless of the specific type illustrated. For example, the aerosol generators 3-4 shown in plan view in Figures 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 16-19, 21, and 23-25 ​​are formed in a cylindrical configuration, for example, in certain embodiments. Therefore, the features of the embodiments and related embodiments described and provided below with respect to Figures 1-26 are applicable to the features of cylindrical consumables, such as those described below with respect to Figures 27-38 and related embodiments, and vice versa. The cylindrical shape is not limited to a circular cross-section and may include cylindrical articles of other shapes. The formation of the aerosol generator 304 may include changing the plan view configuration to a cylindrical configuration.

[0236] Article 300 includes an aerosol generator 304. The aerosol generator 304 is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material 302 when the aerosol supply system 100 is in operation, as will be described in detail below.

[0237] The aerosol supply system 100 may be elongated and extend along its longitudinal axis. The aerosol supply system 100 has a proximal end 102 closest to the user (e.g., the user's mouth) when used by the user for inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol supply system 100, and a distal end 104 furthest from the user when used.

[0238] The proximal end may also be called the “mouthpiece end.” Thus, the aerosol supply system 100 defines a proximal direction that is directed toward the user during use. Furthermore, the aerosol supply system 100 similarly defines a distal direction that is directed away from the user during use. The terms “proximal” and “distal” applied to the features of system 100 are explained by referring to the relative positioning of such features relative to each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0239] Article 300 is received by an aerosol supply device 200. The configurations of article 300 and the aerosol supply device 200 may vary. In this embodiment, the aerosol supply device 200 includes a device body 202. The device has a housing 204 that encloses the components of the device 200. As shown in Figure 5, an article receiving portion 206, sometimes called a device chamber, is configured to receive a portion of article 300. The proximal end 308 of the article protrudes from the device 200 when article 300 is received within the device chamber 206. A receptacle 208 defines the chamber 206. The receptacle 208 comprises a receptacle base 210 and a receptacle periphery 212. The configuration of the receptacle 208 may vary depending on the configuration of article 300.

[0240] One or more user-operable control elements 224, such as buttons or switches, may be provided on the aerosol supply device 200 for use in operating the aerosol supply system 100. For example, a user can activate the system 100 by pressing a control element 224. One or more user-operable control elements may be omitted. In embodiments, the aerosol supply system 100 is operated by another user action, such as suction activated by a user drawing air through the system.

[0241] The aerosol supply device 200 includes an opening 214 at its proximal end that leads to a device chamber 206. The opening 214 is located at one end through which an article 300 can be inserted. In embodiments, the article 300 can be fully or partially inserted into the device 200. The configuration of the device 200 may vary; for example, the opening may be located on the longitudinal side wall of the device 200 and / or may be closed by another feature of the device 200 during use. In this configuration, the article 300 defines a mouthpiece 310 at its proximal end 308. In other embodiments, the device 200 defines the mouthpiece. The user places their mouth over the mouthpiece during use.

[0242] Device 200 defines a longitudinal axis along which article 300 may extend when inserted into device 200. The opening 214 is aligned on the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be the axis along which article 300 is inserted into device 200. The longitudinal axis may be considered the receiving axis of device 200. Article 300 may also have a longitudinal axis along which it is inserted into the device, and this axis may be considered the insertion axis.

[0243] The aerosol supply device 200 includes a power source 220. The power source 220 may be a battery, for example, a rechargeable battery. The device 200 also includes a control circuit 222 which functions as a controller, comprising a processor and memory.

[0244] As will be discussed in detail below, the heating system 110 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material 302 of article 300. Article 300 in the embodiment is a consumable and interchangeable with other articles 300. The heating system 110 comprises an aerosol generator 304. The heating system 110 includes article 300 and other components of the aerosol supply system 100, including components of the aerosol supply device 200, such as a power source 220 and a control circuit 222.

[0245] The aerosol generator 304 forms part of article 300. The aerosol generator 304 includes a heating component 312 configured to generate an aerosol by heating at least one of an aerosol-generating material 302, such as a film and a gel. The aerosol-generating material may be called an aerosolizable material.

[0246] The heating element 312 is a resistance heating element. In the embodiment, the heating element or each heating element is a resistance heating element, as will be described in detail below. In such a configuration, the heating system 110 includes a resistance heating generator which includes components for heating the heating element 312 by a resistance heating process. In this case, a current is applied directly to the resistance heating element, and the resulting current flow within the heating element, which functions as a heating component, heats the heating element by Joule heating. The resistance heating element includes a resistance material configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through the resistance heating element, and the heating element 312 includes electrical contacts for supplying current to the resistance material. By providing the resistance heating element 312, a compact configuration is possible. Resistance heating provides an efficient configuration.

[0247] In the use of the aerosol supply system 100, air is drawn into the air inlet 314 of the article 300, as indicated by arrow 316. The air inlet 314 is located at the distal end of the article 300. In embodiments, the air inlet 314 may have different configurations, for example, on the side. The airflow to the air inlet 314 of the article 300 may be defined by at least one of the following: an air path through the device 200, an air path outside the device 200, and an air path between the device 200 and the article 300. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 304 exits the device at the aerosol outlet 318, as indicated by arrow 319. In embodiments, the aerosol outlet 318 is located in the mouthpiece of the article 300 so that the aerosol is drawn directly from the article 300 to the user's mouth of the system 100.

[0248] In some exemplary embodiments, the aerosol supply system includes two main components: a control section that forms reusable parts and a consumables section that forms replaceable or disposable parts, which may be called replaceable or disposable articles or cartridges. As described herein, the aerosol supply device 200 forms the control section, and the article 300 forms the consumables section. In the use of the aerosol generation system, the control section and the consumables may be releasably connected at an interface. The consumables may be removable and replaceable, for example, when the consumables are used, and the control section is reused with different consumables. The consumables in embodiments are in a cylindrical form.

[0249] The illustrated aerosol supply system 100 is provided merely as an example and is highly schematic. Different aerosol generating devices and other devices may be used in exemplary implementations of the principles described herein. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, air is drawn in through an air inlet in a control section, passes through an interface, and exits through consumable parts.

[0250] As schematically shown in Figure 5 and described in detail below, article 300 has article electrical contact configuration 320. In this embodiment, the electrical contact configuration 320 is formed by an aerosol generator 304. The electrical contact configuration 320 includes a heater electrical contact 322. The heater electrical contact 322 may also be known as a heater or article contact. The aerosol supply device 200 includes an electrical connector 230. The electrical connector 230 includes a connector electrical contact 232. The connector electrical contact 232 may also be known as a connector or device contact. The article electrical contact configuration 320 is configured to communicate electrically with the device electrical connector 230.

[0251] The configuration of article 300 may vary. Article 300 comprises a body 324, which is hollow. The body 324 defines a flow path 326 (see Figure 6) through article 300. The flow path 326 extends between an air inlet 314 and an aerosol outlet 318. The flow path 326 is defined by an internal space within the article through which air and / or aerosols can flow. The flow path 326 is defined within the body 324. An aerosol generator or each aerosol generator 304 borders the flow path 326. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to the flow path 326. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed in the internal space. In the embodiment, the internal space comprises two or more chambers.

[0252] The air inlet 314 includes an opening 315. The opening 315 is formed in the body 324. In embodiments, the opening is formed in another component of the article 300, for example, an aerosol generator 304 or another wall feature. The aerosol outlet 318 includes an outlet opening 317. The outlet opening 317 is formed in the body 324. In embodiments, the outlet opening 317 is formed in another component of the article 300, for example, an aerosol generator 304 or another wall feature.

[0253] Although the aerosol generator 304 shown in Figure 6 is substantially planar, in other exemplary embodiments the aerosol generator 304 may be substantially cylindrical. In such exemplary embodiments the body 324 is also correspondingly cylindrical, and the electrical contact area 322 of the aerosol generator 304 is located on the outside of the body 324.

[0254] As shown in Figure 6, article 300 includes two aerosol generators 304 that form an aerosol generator configuration. The number of aerosol generators 304 may vary. Each aerosol generator 304 contains an aerosol generating material 302. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to a channel 326. In embodiments, article 300 includes a single aerosol generator 304. One of the aerosol generators 304 is described in detail, and such details are applicable to one or more further aerosol generators 304 in embodiments.

[0255] The aerosol generator or each aerosol generator 304 and the main body 324 are formed in a stacked configuration. In embodiments, other arrangements such as a tubular arrangement of articles are envisioned. In such a tubular arrangement, the aerosol generator 304 defines a tubular configuration. The tubular shape may include a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, and other polygonal shapes.

[0256] In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, article 300 has a flat configuration. That is, in this case, the exterior of the article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and width, where the length is greater than or equal to the width and the width is greater than the depth. Other configurations are also conceivable.

[0257] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of article 300, in which the aerosol generator 304 is shown inverted from its assembled orientation and spaced apart from the other components. Article 300 includes a first aerosol generator 302, a body 324, and a second aerosol generator 304. The body 324 separates the first and second aerosol generators 304. The first and second aerosol generators 304 enclose an internal space defined by the body 324 through which air and / or aerosols can flow. The aerosol-generating materials 302 of the first and second aerosol generators 304 are exposed to the internal space facing each other. When assembled, the first and second aerosol generators 304 sandwich the body 324. In the embodiment of Figure 6, at least the first and second aerosol generators 304 and the body have equal planar areas. In the embodiment, one or more of the first and second aerosol generators 304 and the body 324 have a greater length and / or width. In the embodiment, one of the first and second aerosol generators 304 is replaced by a blank panel. The body 324 includes a body layer. The body may include multiple body layers. The body layers are formed within the laminate and may be arranged to define features of the article 300, such as an air inlet 314 and an aerosol outlet 318.

[0258] The wrap surrounds the article 300 and forms part of the article 300. The wrap may include a sheet. The wrap functions as a fixing sleeve. The aerosol generator or each aerosol generator 304 protrudes from the wrap at its distal end. The exposed electrical contact area 323 of the heater contact 322 is exposed at the distal end, as shown in Figure 2, for example. Other configurations are conceivable, for example, at least one exposed electrical contact area 323 may be additionally or alternatively defined on the main surface of the article defined by the aerosol generator 304, along the short longitudinal surface or edge of the article 300.

[0259] The aerosol generator 304 is schematically shown in cross-section in Figure 7. The aerosol generator 304 is an implementation of the aerosol generator 304 of the aerosol supply system 100 described above.

[0260] The aerosol generator 304 comprises an aerosol generating layer 330, also known as an aerosolizable layer. The aerosol generating layer 330 comprises an aerosol generating material 302. The aerosol generator 304 also comprises a resistance heating layer 340. In embodiments, the resistance heating layer 340 is formed as a conductive layer. The aerosol generating layer 330 is located on the resistance heating layer 340. The aerosol generating layer 330 is in direct contact with the resistance heating layer 340. In embodiments, the aerosol generating layer 330 is in indirect contact with the resistance heating layer 340. In embodiments, the resistance heating layer 340 may include a coating. As will be described in detail below, the resistance heating layer 340 includes a plurality of resistance heating elements 342, for example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Each resistance heating element or each resistance heating element 342 forms at least a portion of a conductive path between a pair of electrical contacts 322. Each resistance heating element or each resistance heating element 342 provides a conductive path for resistance heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating material 302 to generate an aerosol. In embodiments, the aerosol generating material 302 is in the form of a film or a gel.

[0261] The resistance heating layer 340 is formed as a conductive layer. In this embodiment, this layer takes the form of at least one of a metal layer such as an aluminum layer or a non-metallic material such as graphene. The resistance heating layer 340 is in the form of a foil, for example, an aluminum foil.

[0262] The aerosol generator 304 comprises a support 350. In this embodiment, the support 350 includes paper or card material. The support 350 provides structural support for the aerosol generator 304. The resistance heating layer 340 is located on the support 350. The support 350 is configured as a support layer. As shown in Figure 7, in the aerosol generator 304, the resistance heating layer 340 is sandwiched between the support 350 and the aerosol generation layer 330.

[0263] The support 350 is electrically insulating. The resistance heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 define the substrate 352. The substrate 352 supports the aerosol generating layer 330.

[0264] Article 300 may comprise a laminate 354 including a resistance heating layer 340 and a support layer 350. In embodiments, the laminate 354 includes an aerosol generating layer 330. The aerosol generating layer 330 may be formed as a continuous structure or from individual parts. The individual parts may include one or more of the following shapes: dots, strips, helices, or other shapes.

[0265] In the embodiment, the aerosol generating layer 330 includes an aerosol generating film. In the embodiment, the aerosol generating layer 330 includes a plurality of aerosol generating films. In the embodiment, the aerosol generating film includes a plurality of aerosol generating film regions. Such plurality of aerosol generating films and / or plurality of aerosol generating film regions may have different properties, such as different compositions, thicknesses, densities, active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0266] One or more of the aerosol generation layer 330, the resistance heating layer 340, and the support layer 350 may include further layers. For example, the support layer 350 may include a backing layer or an intermediate layer. The support layer 350 is omitted in this embodiment.

[0267] Figure 8 shows one of the resistance heating elements 342. The resistance heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of resistance heating elements 342. In this embodiment, the resistance heating layer 340 comprises a single resistance heating element 342.

[0268] Multiple heating elements 342 may be formed in an array 344 as shown in Figure 9. Other configurations are also possible.

[0269] The resistive heating element 342 comprises a resistive heating path. The resistive heating path is formed by a conductive path. The resistive heating path is non-linear. The resistive heating path is spiral. The configuration of the resistive heating path may vary. The electrical resistance of the heating element 342 may depend on the properties of the resistive heating path within the conductive layer, such as the length, width, thickness, and arrangement of the path.

[0270] The resistive heating element 342 extends between a first type of electrical contact 360 and a second type of electrical contact 365. The first type of electrical contact 360 is configured to provide a positive contact, and the second type of electrical contact 365 is configured to provide a negative contact. Current flows through the path between the first type of electrical contact 360 and the second type of electrical contact 365. The contact arrangement may be reversed. The first type of electrical contact 360 and the second type of electrical contact 365 are heater electrical contacts 322. The first type of electrical contact 360 and the second type of electrical contact 365 form at least a part of the article electrical contact configuration 320.

[0271] The meandering or serpentine nature of the path of the resistive heating element 342 is such that the electrical resistance of the path is increased compared to a straight path between the first and second types of electrical contacts.

[0272] The resistive heating layer 340 may comprise a first type of electrical track 361 extending from the resistive heating element 342. The first type of electrical track 361 comprises the first type of electrical contact 360. The first type of electrical contact 360 is configured to be electrically connected to the device electrical connector 230. The first type of electrical contact 360 includes a first type of exposed contact area 362. The first type of exposed contact area 362 is exposed on the article for direct connection to the device electrical connector 230.

[0273] The resistance heating layer 340 may include a second type of electrical track 366 extending from the resistance heating element 342. The second type of electrical track 366 includes a second type of electrical contact 365. The second type of electrical contact 365 is configured to electrically connect to the device electrical connector 230. The second type of electrical contact 365 includes a second type of exposed contact area 367. The second type of exposed contact area 367 is exposed on the article 300 for direct connection to the device electrical connector 230.

[0274] As will be discussed in detail below, the conductive path of the resistive heating element 342 in the embodiment is created by defining at least one electrically insulating barrier 346 within the resistive heating layer 340. In the embodiment, the electrically insulating barrier 346 is formed by cutting an electrically insulating barrier limiting portion (i.e., an electrically insulating portion), such as a gap, channel, or slot, into a sheet formed of a conductive material to form the resistive heating layer 340. In the embodiment, the resistive heating layer 340 is pre-formed to define the resistive heating element or each resistive heating element 342 and then applied to the support 350. In the embodiment, the resistive heating layer 340 is applied to the support 350 and then the resistive heating element or each resistive heating element 342 is defined within the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating element or each resistive heating element 342 defining the resistive heating layer 340 may be a printed heater. The insulating barrier may be a void. In the embodiment, the insulating barrier is, for example, a filled void filled with an insulating material. A barrier defines a barrier against electrical conduction across it.

[0275] The resistance heating elements defining the resistance heating layer 340, or each resistance heating element 342, may be formed by a cutting operation. Cutting may include die cutting. The resistance heating elements may be formed by an operation applied only to the resistance heating layer. In embodiments, the resistance heating elements may be formed by an operation applied to both the resistance heating layer and the support layer, for example, by an operation that cuts the resistance heating layer and the support layer.

[0276] At least one electrical insulating barrier 346 defines first and second types of electrical tracks 361,366.

[0277] In some embodiments, the tracks of the resistive heating element or each resistive heating element 342 have a width in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm (two exemplary prototypes have widths of 0.93 mm and 0.72 mm, respectively), and a gap between tracks of less than approximately 0.25 mm (the same two exemplary prototypes have gaps of 0.2 mm and 0.05 mm, respectively). The resistive heating element or each resistive heating element 342 may have overall dimensions of approximately 10 mm × 10 mm. Other dimensions are possible in other exemplary embodiments. By forming resistive heating elements or each resistive heating element 342 of these dimensions from aluminum foil with a thickness of 0.006 mm and an electrical resistivity of 2 to 6 μOhm cm, the resistance of the path has been calculated to be approximately 1 Ohm. In one exemplary embodiment, the resistance was measured at 0.83 to 1.31 Ohm.

[0278] As shown in Figure 9, the resistance heating layer 340 may be formed on multiple resistance heating elements generally indicated by reference numbers 342a, 342b, 242c, 342d, and 342e. Each of the resistance heating elements 342a to 342e extends from each of the first type of electrical contacts generally indicated by reference numbers 360a, 360b, 360c, 360d, and 360e to a single second type of electrical contact 365. The number of electrical contacts may vary. Thus, each resistance heating element 342a to 342e extends between individual first type electrical contacts and a common second type electrical contact.

[0279] In the embodiment, the resistance heating layer 340 is operated into a cylindrical shape to form a cylindrical body such that the resistance heating elements are arranged on the inner surface of the cylindrical body. The resistance heating layer 340 may also be operated by being rolled or folded.

[0280] Each of the resistance heating elements 342a to 342e provides a conductive path for resistance heating a portion of the aerosol generating material 302 in order to generate an aerosol in each part of the aerosol generator 304.

[0281] The distinct first types of electrical contacts 360a to 360e allow current to be supplied individually to each of the multiple resistive heating elements 342a to 342e. This allows for control of heating in different zones of the aerosol generation layer 330. For example, an aerosol generator may have five aerosol generation zones. The resistive heating layer 340 allows each of these zones to be operated separately. Thus, for example, five aerosol aspirates may be produced from a single consumable incorporating a single aerosol generator 304, or ten aerosol aspirates may be produced from a single consumable incorporating two aerosol generators 304.

[0282] In an exemplary resistance heating layer 340, a plurality of first-type electrical contacts 360a to 360e, e.g., positive electrical connections, and a single second-type electrical contact 365, e.g., a negative electrical connection, are provided. This is not essential for all implementations. For example, a plurality of second-type contacts may be provided. In the embodiment, each resistance heating element 342a to 342e includes a corresponding first-type electrical contact 360 and a corresponding second-type electrical contact 365.

[0283] In the embodiment of the resistive heating layer 340 shown in Figure 9, the first type of electrical contacts 360a to 360e are located on the first edge 363 of the resistive heating layer 340, and the second type of electrical contacts 365 are located on the second edge 368 of the resistive heating layer 340. This allows for convenient power connection, but of course, many other configurations are possible, some of which will be discussed further below.

[0284] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing part of a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304, generally referred to as reference number 400, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0285] The method or algorithm 400 begins with an operation 402 in which a resistive heating layer is formed on one or more heating elements (e.g., multiple heating elements), each resistive heating element extending from a first type of electrical contact to a second type of electrical contact. During use, the heating elements or each heating element may be used to realize a conductive path for resistive heating of a portion of an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The formation of the resistive heating elements or each resistive heating element may be performed before or after applying the resistive heating layer on a support, if a support is present. The resistive heating layer may be bonded to the support, or mounted or formed on the support in a different configuration.

[0286] In operation 404, the formed resistance heating layer is positioned in contact with the aerosol generating layer, which incorporates an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generator 304 described above can be generated using algorithm 400.

[0287] Figure 11 shows an aerosol generator 304 formed according to one embodiment. The aerosol generating material 302 is formed on the resistance heating layer 340, for example by spraying, painting, dispensing, or by depositing the aerosol generating material in some other way. In an exemplary implementation of operation 404, the aerosol generating layer 330 is disposed on the resistance heating layer 340 as indicated by arrow 406.

[0288] Figure 12 shows a resistance heating layer 340 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. The resistance heating layer 340 is in the process of being cut using a laser cutter 408. Cutting the resistance heating layer 340 can be used to form the paths for the heating elements described herein. The use of a laser cutter 408 (or any other cutting process) is not the only way in which the resistance heating layer 340 described herein can be produced. Several exemplary methods are described below.

[0289] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing part of a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304, which is generally referred to as reference no. 410. The method or algorithm 410 begins with operation 412, in which a resistance heating layer is provided. In operation 414, one or more resistance heating elements are formed within the resistance heating layer by chemical etching of the resistance heating layer. Operations 412 and 414 are exemplary implementations of operation 402 of method 400 described above. An aerosol generating material is then placed on the resistance heating layer, thereby implementing operation 404 described above.

[0290] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing part of a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304, which is generally referred to as reference no. 418. The method or algorithm 418 begins with operation 420, in which one or more heating elements are formed by printing a resistance heating layer, at least partially. Thus, operation 420 is an exemplary implementation of operation 402 of algorithm 400 described above. The aerosol generating material is then placed on the resistance heating layer, thereby implementing operation 404 described above.

[0291] The cutting, etching, and printing methods described above are provided as examples, and other additional or alternative methods are also possible. For example, a so-called “hot foil” method can be used, in which the heating element is fabricated from a resistance heating layer and then assembled / bonded onto a support. Even further techniques such as die cutting can also be used. Furthermore, two or more techniques can be combined (for example, conductivity can be added to the connection trace by adding more conductive materials such as additional foil, printing material, etc.). Those skilled in the art will recognize many further techniques or combinations of techniques that can be used in the implementation forms of the principles described herein.

[0292] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a method of operation or an algorithm, generally designated by reference numeral 424, according to an exemplary embodiment. The method or algorithm 424 may be implemented, for example, using any of the aerosol generators described herein. The method or algorithm 424 is initiated when an instruction to activate heating is received in an instance of operation 426. In response to the instruction to activate heating, a determination is made as to whether a heating element is available (operation 428). As discussed above, a plurality of heating elements may be provided. Operation 428 may involve determining which heating element was used and / or whether the corresponding available aerosol-generating material has been depleted.

[0293] If a heating element is available, the algorithm proceeds to operation 430 where the available heating element is used. As discussed above, the heating elements may be controllable individually, for example, by supplying power to individual heating elements. When operation 430 is complete, the algorithm ends at operation 432. If in operation 428 it is determined that no heating element is available, for example because all heating elements have been used, the algorithm ends at operation 432. This may mean that the consumable parts used to implement the algorithm 424 need to be replaced.

[0294] FIG. 16 shows a resistive heating layer 340 formed in accordance with an embodiment. The resistive heating layer 340 is cut using a laser cutter 408, although other methods such as chemical etching or printing may also be used as discussed above. The cuts in the conductive layer 340 form heating elements as described herein.

[0295] In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the path to be cut is a straight path extending along the length of the conductive layer 120.

[0296] Figure 17 shows another embodiment of the resistance heating layer 340. The resistance heating layer 340 can be formed using the laser cutter 408 described above, or some similar device or other method. The resistance heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of resistance heating elements 342, each resistance heating element 342 being a linear heating element with a conductive path extending along the length of the resistance heating layer 340. Each resistance heating element 342 extends from one of a first type of electrical contact 360, e.g., a positive electrical connection, to one of a second type of electrical contact 365, e.g., a negative electrical contact. In such embodiments, both types of electrical contacts are located at the same end of the resistance heating layer 340 and are adjacent to each other. In configurations where there is no common second type of electrical contact, as in some other embodiments, each heating element instead has separate first and second types of electrical contacts.

[0297] Figure 18 shows another embodiment of the resistance heating layer 340. The resistance heating layer 340 can be formed using the laser cutter 408 described above, or some similar device or other method. The resistance heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of heating elements 342, each heating element 342 being a linear heating element with a conductive path extending along the length of the resistance heating layer 340. Each resistance heating element 342 extends from one of a first type of electrical contact 360, e.g., a positive electrical connection, to a second type of electrical contact 365, e.g., a negative electrical contact. In such embodiments, different types of electrical connections are provided at both ends of the resistance heating layer 340, and a common second type of electrical contact is provided. Although a linear path is provided, an increase in electrical resistance can be achieved by providing a notched path that functions as a helical path. Note that the paths of any other embodiments described herein can also be notched.

[0298] Figure 19 shows the distal end of article 300. As shown, the body 324 includes a plurality of body layers 325. The body layers 325 are arranged in a laminate of body layers 325. The body layers 325 form a laminate. In this embodiment, the body layers 325 are card layers. Other suitable materials may be used. The body layers 325 are configured to define the features of article 300. In this embodiment, at least one body layer includes a gap that defines an air inlet 315. The gap defines an opening 314.

[0299] The aerosol generator 304 includes a resistance heating layer 340. The resistance heating layer 340 includes resistance heating elements 342, a first type of electrical contact 360 that provides, for example, a positive electrical connection to each of the multiple heating elements 342, and a single second type of electrical contact 365 that provides, for example, a common negative electrical connection to the multiple heating elements 342. The first type of electrical contact 360 and the second type of electrical contact 365, i.e., the heater contact 322, together form at least a portion of the article electrical contact configuration 320 of the aerosol generator 304.

[0300] The resistance heating element 342 faces inward towards the cylindrical body. The heating element 342 is located inside the resistance heating layer 340. The inside defines the first side 306 of the aerosol generator 304, as shown in Figure 3. The heater contact 322 is located on the second side 307 of the resistance heating layer 340. The second side 307 defines the outside of the aerosol generator 304. The heater contact 322 is exposed so as to be able to contact the device electrical connector 230. The heater contact 322 is located on the resistance heating layer 340, opposite to the resistance heating element 342. Other configurations are also possible.

[0301] The support layer 350 is located between the inner portion and the outer portion of the resistance heating layer 340.

[0302] A fold 370 is formed in the resistance heating layer 340. The fold 370 defines the heater contact 322. As shown in Figures 2-4 and Figure 19, the fold 370 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 304. The fold 370 defines the flap 372. The heater contact 322 is located on the flap 372. The flap defines the contact panel. The remaining blank portion defines the main panel.

[0303] In embodiments having a support layer 350, the support layer 350 is folded in the embodiment. The base material 352 is folded at the fold 370. In embodiments, the support layer 350 is terminated at the fold. In embodiments, the fold 370 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 304.

[0304] The folded portion of the resistance heating layer 340 is fixed in the folded position. In this embodiment, this folded portion is bonded, for example, by a joint. Other fastening means are also anticipated.

[0305] The fold 370 defines a first type of exposed contact area 362. The fold 370 defines a second type of exposed contact area 367. Electrical tracks 361 and 366 are electrically connected across the fold 370. The heater contacts 322 of the first type of electric track 361 and the second type of electric track 366 are defined on the second side of the resistance heating layer 340. Parts of the first type of electric track 361 and the second type of electric track 366 extend to the first side of the resistance heating layer 340. In embodiments, the resistance heating element extends from the fold 370. Other configurations are also conceivable.

[0306] Device 200 comprises multiple connector electrical contacts 232 of an electrical connector 230. The configuration of the device connector 230 depends on the configuration of the heater contacts 322 of the aerosol generator 304. In embodiments such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 19, the aerosol generator 300 comprises multiple heater contacts 322, including one of a plurality of first type heater contacts 360 and a plurality of second type heater contacts 365. Article 300 includes another set of heater contacts 322 on the opposite side of article 300 corresponding to the second aerosol generator 304. Figure 20 shows the device connector 230 of an aerosol supply device 200 used in several embodiments. The connector 230 has separate connector electrical contacts 232 for connecting to the heater contacts 322.

[0307] In this embodiment, the article 300 has a cylindrical shape, and the exposed contact area 367 is located on the outer circumference of the cylindrical article. The air inlet 315 may be a corresponding cylindrical, for example, annular. In such an embodiment, the device connector 230 may also be cylindrical and may be configured to receive the cylindrical article 300.

[0308] Figure 21 schematically shows the aerosol supply system 100. The system 100 includes article 300 and aerosol supply device 200, both of which are shown in the block diagram. The device 200 comprises a first connector 230a and a second connector 230b.

[0309] Connectors 230a and 230b allow the aerosol supply device 200 to supply a regulated or controlled voltage and / or current to various first-type heater contacts 360 and second-type heater contacts 365 of the aerosol generator 304 when the article 300 is inserted into the aerosol supply device 200. The aerosol supply device 200 may include connector components configured to supply power to connectors 230a and 230b. The aerosol supply device 200 may operate, for example, in the manner described above.

[0310] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304, generally referred to as reference number 440, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0311] The method or algorithm 440 begins with operation 442 in which a resistive heating layer is formed on at least one resistive heating element, and the heating element or each heating element provides a conductive path for resistive heating at least a portion of the aerosolizable material to generate an aerosol. Exemplary heating elements that may be formed in operation 442 are described elsewhere herein.

[0312] In operation 442, the aerosol-generating material is applied and / or formed on the resistance heating layer.

[0313] Operations 442 and 444 of method or algorithm 440 are similar to (and may be identical to) operations 402 and 404 of method or algorithm 400 described above.

[0314] In operation 446, at least one first type of electrical contact is provided on the resistance heating layer. The method of formation may be any of the methods described above. In operation 448, at least one second type of electrical contact is provided on the resistance heating layer. The method of formation may be any of the methods described above.

[0315] In the embodiment, the first and second types of electrical contacts are formed along or near a single edge of the resistance heating layer. In the embodiment, the first and second types of electrical contacts are formed along or near different edges of the resistance heating layer.

[0316] In the embodiment, a first type of electrical contact (e.g., positive connection(s)) is provided along a first edge of the resistance heating layer. In the embodiment, a second type of electrical contact (e.g., negative connection(s)) is provided along a second edge of the resistance heating layer. Operations 446 and 448 can be performed in different orders or simultaneously. Furthermore, operations 446 and 448 can be performed together with operation 442.

[0317] In operation 450, the resistance heating layer is folded. In an embodiment, the support layer is folded together with the resistance heating layer. In an embodiment, the resistance heating layer is folded such that first and second types of electrical contacts are adjacent to each other, as will be discussed in detail below. In an embodiment, the resistance heating layer is operated into a cylindrical shape to form a cylindrical body, as will be discussed in detail below.

[0318] Figures 23 to 25 show embodiments of the aerosol generator 304 formed according to algorithm 440.

[0319] Figure 23 shows another embodiment of the formed aerosol generator 304. The resistance heating layer 340 is cut using a laser cutter 408. The pre-folded configuration defines a blank for forming the aerosol generator 304. The blank in the embodiment defines fold lines along which folds are made during the formation of the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator 304 blank includes a resistance heating layer 340 and a support layer 350. The resistance heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 define a panel defined by the fold lines.

[0320] As shown in Figure 23, the resistance heating layer 340 is formed on multiple heating elements 192, but the number may vary, or there may be only one. Multiple first type electrical contacts 360 (e.g., positive electrical contacts) are provided along the first edge of the conductive layer (one contact is shown for each heating element). A single second type electrical contact 365 is provided along the second edge of the resistance heating layer 340. In this embodiment, the contacts are spaced apart from the edge. As discussed above, each of the multiple heating elements extends from the first type electrical contact to the second type electrical contact.

[0321] The cuts made by the laser cutter 408 in the resistance heating layer 340 form heating elements or paths for each heating element 342. As discussed above, laser forming or any other cutting process is not the only way to produce the resistance heating layer 340 described above. Some exemplary alternative methods include chemical etching and printing.

[0322] As shown in Figure 24, the aerosol generating layer 200 is provided on the resistance heating layer 340. Next, the blank is folded as indicated by the arrows in Figure 24. In this embodiment, the folds are formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 304. Two folds are formed. A first panel 375 with heating elements 342 is defined. A second panel 376 with a plurality of first type electrical contacts 360 is formed. A third panel 377 with second type electrical contacts 365 is formed. The aerosol generating layer 330 is on the first panel 375. Figure 25 shows the folded aerosol generator 304.

[0323] Figures 26 to 38 show embodiments of an aerosol generator 304 formed according to algorithm 440. In such embodiments, the aerosol generator 304 has a cylindrical shape. The features of the embodiments described above are also applicable to the embodiments described below. Detailed descriptions of the features discussed in detail above are omitted for similar features described below.

[0324] The cylindrical bodies described herein relate to substantially hollow three-dimensional shapes. Figures 26 to 38 show a cylindrical aerosol generator 304 having a substantially circular cross-section, but in other embodiments, the aerosol generator 304 may have a triangular, rectangular, square-hexagonal, elliptical, pentagonal, oblong, or trapezoidal cross-section. In embodiments, the aerosol generator 304 defines a longitudinal axis, and the aerosol generator 304 is asymmetrical along the longitudinal axis.

[0325] Figure 26 shows an embodiment of the formed cylindrical aerosol generator 304. The resistance heating layer 340 is cut using a laser cutter 408. The aerosol generator 304 comprises the resistance heating layer 340 and a support layer 350, which is omitted in Figure 26 for clarity.

[0326] As shown in Figure 26, the resistance heating layer 340 is formed on multiple heating elements 342, the number of which may vary, or there may be only one. Multiple first type electrical contacts 360 (e.g., positive electrical contacts) are provided along the longitudinal edge of the conductive layer (one contact is shown for each heating element). Multiple second type electrical contacts 365 (e.g., negative electrical contacts) are provided along the same edge of the resistance heating layer 340. In embodiments, the contacts are spaced apart from the edge. As discussed above, each of the multiple heating elements extends from the first type electrical contact to the second type electrical contact. In embodiments, only a single second type electrical contact 365 is provided, which may be located on the same edge or spaced apart from the edge.

[0327] The cuts in the resistance heating layer 340 by the laser cutter 408 form heating elements or paths for each heating element 342. As discussed above, laser forming or any other cutting process is not the only way to produce the resistance heating layer 340 described above. Some exemplary alternative methods include chemical etching, die cutting, and printing.

[0328] As shown in Figure 27, the aerosol generating layer 330 is provided on the resistance heating layer 340. The aerosol generator 304 has a fold 380 formed on it. The fold 380 forms a fold in the resistance heating layer 340. The fold 380 is formed in the support layer 350 (not shown in Figure 27). In this embodiment, the support layer is omitted from the aerosol generator 304. In this embodiment, the support layer corresponds to a portion of the aerosol generating layer 330 and is omitted from a portion of the folded aerosol generator 304. The blank of the aerosol generator 304 is folded along the fold line 381 as indicated by the arrow in Figure 27. In this embodiment, the fold 380 is formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 304. In this embodiment, two folds are formed, and a further portion of the folded portion is folded over them and folded under the folded portion. This prevents the cut edges from being exposed. A first panel 375 is defined, which includes heating elements 342. A second panel 376 is formed, which includes a plurality of first type electrical contacts 360 and a plurality of second type electrical contacts 365. The plurality of electrical contacts can be electrically connected to the plurality of heating elements 342 through folds.

[0329] Figures 28 and 29 show embodiments of the folded aerosol generator 304.

[0330] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, the second panel 376 is folded 180° over it along the fold line 381. The second panel 376 is fixed to the first panel 375. Multiple electrical contacts defined by the second panel 376 are located on the outside of the aerosol generator 304. Multiple electrical contacts of the first type 360 ​​and multiple electrical contacts of the second type 365 are provided at the longitudinal seam 384 of the aerosol generator 304 and face outward from the aerosol generator 304. The blank of the aerosol generator 304 is assembled into a cylindrical shape. The first panel 375 is transformed into the shape of a cylindrical body, with a resistance heating layer provided facing inward from the cylindrical body. The seam 384 defines the region where the thickness of the substrate of the aerosol generator 304 is increased.

[0331] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, during cylindrical formation, opposing longitudinal edges 386 of the resistance heating layer 340 are positioned adjacent to the seam 384. Thus, the seam is formed as a double ply of the base material, and the rest of the cylinder is formed as a single ply of the base material. In this embodiment, the opposing longitudinal edges 386 overlap the seam 384. The edges of the resistance heating layer 340 coincide with the fold line 380.

[0332] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, multiple electrical contacts are provided along the longitudinal seam of the aerosol generator 304. The multiple electrical contacts alternate between a first type of electrical contact 360 and a second type of electrical contact 365. In other embodiments, only the first type of electrical contact 360 is provided along the longitudinal seam of the aerosol generator 304, and the second type of electrical contact 365 is provided facing inward on the cylindrical body. In embodiments, there is a single second type of electrical contact 365 provided facing inward on the cylindrical body, which is electrically connected to each of the resistance heating elements 342.

[0333] In any of the embodiments described above, an aerosol generating device, such as device 200, may have a corresponding cylindrical connector (not shown) for making an electrical connection to an aerosol generator 304. The cylindrical connector is sized to fit inside the aerosol generator 304 and connect to an internal surface of the aerosol generator 304 having electrical contacts. The cylindrical connector includes an electrical connector having electrical contacts electrically connected to a power source. The electrical contacts of the cylindrical connector are arranged to form an electrical connection with at least one of the first type of electrical contacts 360 and / or at least one of the second type of electrical contacts 365 of the aerosol generator 304. In such an arrangement, the aerosol generator 304 may not have any folds. In such an arrangement, all contacts are exposed in the outward direction of the aerosol generator 304.

[0334] In the embodiment shown in Figure 28, the aerosol generator 304 also includes a spacer layer 390. The spacer layer 350 is annular. The spacer layer 390 can function as a support layer. In embodiments having the arrangement of the resistance heating layer 340 and the support layer 350, the support layer 350 is sandwiched between the spacer layer 390 and the resistance heating layer 340. The spacer layer 390 does not overlap with any electrical contacts so as to allow the formation of electrical connections during use. The spacer layer 390 is arranged to have a corresponding thickness to the substrate 352 having the arrangement of the resistance heating layer 340 and the support layer 350. The spacer layer 390 provides a consistent thickness to the cylindrical body corresponding to the longitudinal seam. In other embodiments, such as those shown in Figure 29, the support layer 350 is omitted.

[0335] The wrap 382 surrounds the cylindrical body of the aerosol generator 304 and forms part of the article 300. The wrap 382 is a sheet. The wrap 382 functions as a fixing sleeve. The wrap does not overlap with at least a portion of the multiple electrical contacts provided along the longitudinal seam of the aerosol generator so as to define the exposed contact area for each of the multiple electrical contacts. This allows for the formation of electrical connections when in use. The wrap 382 overlaps the edge of the substrate containing the resistance heating layer so as to overlap so that the edge where the resistance heating layer is formed, for example, a cut edge, is not exposed. The spacer layer 390 functions as a wrap.

[0336] In the embodiment shown in Figure 28, the spacer layer 390 is sandwiched between the resistance heating layer 340 and the wrap 382. Thus, a multiply arrangement is formed that results in improved structural strength and rigidity.

[0337] As shown in Figure 28, a keyway 391 is formed along the longitudinal seam 384 of the aerosol generator 304, where multiple electrical contacts are exposed. The keyway 391 is formed by a gap defined by a lap 382 to expose the multiple electrical contacts. The keyway 391 is defined by a region of reduced thickness. The keyway 391 can function as an alignment means when an article 300 comprising the aerosol generator 304 is inserted into an aerosol generating device such as the device 200 described above.

[0338] In this embodiment, the spacer layer 390 is electrically insulating and includes at least one of paper and card.

[0339] In this embodiment, the aerosol generator 304 is in the form of a laminate comprising a resistance heating layer 340 and a support layer 350, and optionally an aerosol generating layer 330.

[0340] The embodiment in Figure 29 is substantially the same as that in Figure 28, except that the spacer layer 390 is omitted. A keyway 392 is formed along the longitudinal seam 384. The keyway 392 is formed by the longitudinal seam 384 itself forming a ridge. The keyway 391 is defined by a region of increased thickness, i.e., a region with an increased number of ply layers. The keyway can function as an alignment means when an article 300, comprising an aerosol generator 304, is inserted into an aerosol generating device such as the device 200 described above.

[0341] In the embodiment, there may be one or more additional layers and one or more wraps 382.

[0342] During use, the aerosol generating material 330 is heated by the heating element 342 and travels through a channel defined by the cylindrical aerosol generator 304 to the inlet end of the aerosol supply, providing an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

[0343] Figures 30 to 38 show other embodiments of the folded aerosol generator 304 formed, for example, according to algorithm 440. The features of the embodiments described above are also applicable to the embodiments described below, and the features described below are also applicable to the embodiments described above. Detailed descriptions of the features discussed in detail above are omitted for similar features described below.

[0344] Figure 30 shows a similar configuration to that in Figure 27. The resistance heating layer 340 is formed on a plurality of heating elements 342. A plurality of first type electrical contacts 360 (e.g., positive electrical contacts) are provided along the longitudinal edge of the conductive layer (one contact is shown for each heating element). A plurality of second type electrical contacts 365 (e.g., negative electrical contacts) are provided along the same edge of the resistance heating layer 340 (one contact is shown for each heating element). In embodiments, the contacts are spaced apart from the edge. As discussed above, each of the plurality of heating elements extends from the first type electrical contact to the second type electrical contact. In embodiments, only a single second type electrical contact 365 is provided, which may be located on the same edge or spaced apart from the edge.

[0345] The cuts in the resistance heating layer 340 by the laser cutter 408 form heating elements or paths for each heating element 342. As discussed above, laser forming or any other cutting process is not the only way to produce the resistance heating layer 340 described above. Some exemplary alternative methods include chemical etching, die cutting, and printing.

[0346] As shown in Figure 30, the aerosol generating layer 330 is provided on a substrate 352 (as described above with reference to Figures 8 and 9) which includes a resistance heating layer 340. The blank is folded along a fold line 380 as indicated by the directional arrow in Figure 30 to form a fold 385. In this embodiment, the fold is formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 304. Two forming operations are performed. In this embodiment, the first panel 375 is folded 180° relative to the second panel 376 in the direction indicated by the directional arrow positioned adjacent to the first panel 375 in Figure 30. The result of the fold 385 provides a side having the resistance heating element 342 and the aerosol generating layer 200 on the opposite side from the plurality of first type electrical contacts 360 and second type electrical contacts 365. Although not visible in Figure 30, a support layer on the rear side of the resistance heating layer 340 functions as an insulating layer. In embodiments, other insulating means are provided. The opposing surfaces can be fixed together, for example, by bonding, to form a substantially flat surface, as shown in Figure 31. In embodiments, the support layer is omitted, and a bonding material, such as an insulating adhesive in the form of a bonding layer, is used. Such a bonding layer may function as an insulating layer between the first panel 375 and the second panel 376. A support layer and a bonding layer may be used in combination. The support layer may include the bonding layer.

[0347] Figure 31 shows the result of the folding as described with reference to Figure 30. The first panel 375 is located beneath and joined to the second panel 376. The resistance heating element 342 and the aerosol generating layer 330 face away from the multiple first type electrical contacts 360 and second type electrical contacts 365. The electrical connections are made across the fold by a continuous resistance heating layer 340. The second panel 376, together with the first panel 375 (due to the folding discussed above), is then formed into a cylindrical shape as indicated by the directional arrows. A roll winding or folding operation is performed to form the cylindrical member.

[0348] Referring to Figure 31, the result of forming the cylindrical member discussed above is schematically shown in Figure 32. In the aerosol generator 304 shown in Figure 32, all of the multiple first type electrical contacts 360 and second type electrical contacts 365 extend around a portion of the periphery of the cylindrical body. The embodiment in Figure 32 shows all of the electrical contacts extending around the aerosol generator 304, but in other embodiments, one or more of the electrical contacts, or each of them, may extend around the periphery. The multiple electrical contacts are substantially ring-shaped. The internal surface of the cylindrical aerosol generator 304 includes a resistance heating layer 340 and an aerosol generating layer 330.

[0349] Figure 33 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generator 304 as described with respect to Figure 32. As shown in Figure 33, the aerosol generator 304 includes a fold 385, and the first panel 375 and the second panel 376 are folded such that one longitudinal edge substantially coincides with the other longitudinal edge of the blank. The second panel 376 forms the outer layer between panel 376 and panel 375. The resistance heating layer 340 and the aerosol generating layer 200 are exposed within the inner surface of the cylindrical aerosol generator 304. In Figures 33 and 34, the fold 385 is shown spaced apart from the free edges 386 of the first panel 375 and the second panel 376. In embodiments, the fold 385 and the free edges 386 of the first panel 375 and the second panel 376 overlap.

[0350] Figure 34 shows a full cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 304 in Figure 32, where panel 376 forms the outer surface and panel 375 forms the inner surface of the aerosol generator 304.

[0351] The above arrangement ensures that the electrical contacts 360, 365 are provided around the entire circumference of the aerosol generator, i.e., on its outer periphery. In such embodiments, contacts with the device's electrical connectors can be made regardless of orientation.

[0352] Figure 34 shows a cylindrical aerosol generator 304 having a substantially circular cross-section, but in other embodiments, the aerosol generator 304 may have a triangular, rectangular, square-hexagonal, elliptical, pentagonal, oblong, or trapezoidal cross-section.

[0353] In other embodiments, the aerosol generator 304 is asymmetrical along its longitudinal axis. Such asymmetry helps to orient the tubular article within the device in order to achieve contact alignment with the electrical connector of the device in which the aerosol generator is received.

[0354] In the embodiment shown in Figure 34, the first type of electrical contact 360 alternates with the second type of electrical contact 365 along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator, that is, the electrical contacts are arranged such that the first type of electrical contact 360 is always adjacent to the second type of electrical contact 365.

[0355] Figure 35 schematically shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator further comprising a wrap 382. The wrap 382 defines an outer layer. The wrap 382 has a plurality of openings 383 in the form of slots. The aerosol generator 304 is positioned on the wrap 382 as indicated by the directional arrows. The wrap 382 is then folded around the outer surface of the aerosol generator 304 as indicated by two other directional arrows. As shown, the slots are open at the ends and form an aperture when wrapped. In this embodiment, the slots in the wrap blank are defined by the aperture.

[0356] Figure 36 shows the result of the process described above in relation to Figure 35. As shown in Figure 36, the wrap 382 substantially encloses the aerosol generator 304. The wrap 382 functions as a fixed sleeve and forms part of the article. The wrap 382 provides structural rigidity. Multiple openings 383 are arranged so that multiple first-type electrical contacts 360 and second-type electrical contacts 365 are exposed for final electrical connection with an aerosol generating device such as device 200. In Figure 36, the multiple openings are arranged so that at least one or more portions of the multiple electrical contacts are exposed at least 180° around the aerosol generator 304.

[0357] Figure 37 shows a schematic internal diagram of an aerosol generating device, such as the device 200 described above, which includes the aerosol generator of Figure 36 received within the receptacle of the aerosol generating device. In this embodiment, device 100 includes an electrical connector 600 for connecting to the aerosol generator 304. The connecting device 600 includes a first support 610 and a second support 620. In other embodiments, only a single support may be present, or the connecting device may be integrated with the receptacle of the aerosol generating device.

[0358] The connecting device 600 includes multiple device contacts 630, 640, respectively, arranged on each of the supports 610, 620, for making electrical connections to each of the multiple electrical contacts 360, 365 of the aerosol generator 304.

[0359] Multiple device contacts are connected to the power supply of the aerosol generating device in order to supply electrical energy to the electrical contacts 360, 365 of the aerosol generator 304, and consequently to the heating element(s) 342 of the aerosol generator 304.

[0360] One or more of the multiple device contacts 630,640 are first type device contacts, and one or more of the multiple device contacts 630,640 are second type device contacts. The first type device contacts are configured to provide the anode of the power supply, and the second type contacts are configured to provide the cathode of the power supply. The contact arrangement may be reversed. During use, the aerosol generator 304 is inserted into the receptacle, and the first type electrical contact 360 contacts the corresponding first type device contact, and the second type electrical contact 365 contacts the corresponding second type device contact. During use, current passes through the first type corresponding electrical contact 360 and the second type corresponding electrical contact 365 of the aerosol generator 304 between the anode(s) and cathode(s) of the connecting device 600 to the corresponding heating element 342, thereby heating a portion of the aerosol generating material disposed on each heating element 342.

[0361] As shown in Figure 37, the multiple device contacts 630, 640 are arranged in two rows on the receptacle supports 610, 620 along the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. The multiple device contacts 630 on the first support 610 are diametrically opposed to the multiple device contacts 640 on the second support 620, i.e., the multiple device contacts include multiple diametrically opposed pairs of device contacts. This means that at least two device contacts are available to make electrical connections to each of the multiple electrical contacts of the aerosol generator 304. In such an arrangement, the electrical contacts on the outside of the article need to be provided along a minimum 180-degree range on the outer circumference of the aerosol generator 304 to make contact with one of the corresponding device contacts, regardless of the angular orientation of the article into the device.

[0362] In other embodiments not shown in Figure 37, the connection device 600 comprises a plurality of three or more circumferentially spaced device contacts, for example, a third row of device contacts provided on, for example, a third support, with the contacts equally spaced around the article receiving chamber. In such an arrangement, the electrical contacts on the outside of the article need to be provided along a range of at least 120 degrees around the outer circumference of the aerosol generator 304 to achieve contact with one of the corresponding device contacts, regardless of the angular orientation of the article into the device. For example, it is also conceivable to have a single row of contacts provided on a single support arranged along the longitudinal axis.

[0363] As shown in Figure 37, the multiple device contacts 630, 640 are arranged longitudinally along the connecting device 600, and are configured to allow electrical connections (multiple) to the multiple electrical contacts of the aerosol generator 304, regardless of the orientation in which the aerosol generator 304 is received into the receptacle of the aerosol generator device. In this context, orientation refers to the angle of rotation around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 304.

[0364] Figure 38 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the arrangement shown in Figure 37. During use, the aerosol generating material 330 is heated by the heating element(s) 342 and travels through the cylindrical interior of the aerosol generator 304 to the inlet end of the aerosol generating device, providing an aerosol to be inhaled by the user. The cylindrical interior defines a cylindrical passage that defines the flow path.

[0365] In the embodiment, there are no electrical contacts or electrical contacts in the exposed area of ​​the outer surface of the aerosol generator. The exposed area may be at the end of the aerosol generator. In the embodiment, the exposed area extends substantially along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body from the end of the cylindrical body for a length of <1 mm, 1 mm to 2 mm, 2 mm to 3 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or > 5 mm. This may enable the use of a wrap, for example, for attaching a wrap. In the embodiment, a bonding layer is provided on the exposed area. In the embodiment, the wrap extends over the exposed area of ​​the outer surface of the aerosol generator where there are no electrical contacts or electrical contacts. The wrap may be arranged substantially around the exposed area where there are no electrical contacts or electrical contacts.

[0366] Figure 39 shows a further embodiment of the aerosol generator 304. In this embodiment, the support layer 350 and the resistance heating layer 340 extend within the cylindrical body of the aerosol generator 304 and have a different shape configuration from the cylindrical body. In this embodiment, the shape configuration of the cylindrical housing. The shape of the support layer 350 and the resistance layer 340 is planar. The shape of the support layer 350 and the resistance layer 340 may be substantially square or rectangular. The shape configurations of the support layer 350 and the resistance heating layer 340 may be different. The shape configuration may be non-cylindrical. The shape configuration may be substantially planar, i.e., it may have an arcuate profile projecting into the cylindrical body.

[0367] During assembly, the support layer 350 and the resistance layer 340 form a structure that can be directly inserted into the cylindrical housing. More specifically, the support layer 350 and the resistance heating layer 340 form a laminated structure. The support layer 350 and the resistance heating layer 340 are arranged overlapping. In this particular embodiment, the aerosol generating material 330 is deposited on the resistance heating layer 340 to form a three-layer laminated structure including the support layer 350, the resistance heating layer 340, and the aerosol generating material 330.

[0368] As shown in Figure 39, multiple voids may exist around the laminated structure of the support layer 350, the resistance layer 340, and the aerosol-generating material between the cylindrical housings. For example, when the laminated structure is inserted into the cylindrical housing, due to the different shapes of the cylindrical housing and the laminated structure, only a portion of the internal volume of the cylindrical housing is filled by the laminated structure. Therefore, voids are provided in the internal volume of the cylindrical housing that is not filled by the laminated structure.

[0369] Figure 40 schematically shows a front view of the aerosol generator 304 of Figure 39. The resistance heating layer 340 has a first side defining the first resistance heating layer panel and a second opposite side defining the second resistance heating layer panel.

[0370] In the embodiment shown in Figure 40, the first type of electrical contact 360 and the second type of electrical contact 365 are arranged on the first resistance heating layer panel. Other embodiments are possible in which the first type of electrical contact 360 and the second type of electrical contact 365 are arranged on the second resistance heating layer panel. Other embodiments are also possible in which the first type of electrical contact 360 is arranged on the first resistance heating layer panel and the second type of electrical contact 365 is arranged on the second resistance heating layer panel, or vice versa. In the embodiment, the first and second resistance heating layer panels are on either side of the support. Each of the first and second resistance heating layer panels may comprise one or more of a plurality of resistance heating elements. The resistance heating layer or each resistance heating layer panel may comprise a plurality of resistance heating elements. The configuration of the resistance heating elements is provided above with respect to the embodiments described above.

[0371] As shown in Figure 40, the first type of electrical contact 360 and the second type of electrical contact 365 partially extend from the cylindrical body and connect to the corresponding electrical connector of the device 200 when inserted into the device 200. Other configurations are envisioned in which the first type of electrical contact 360 and the second type of electrical contact 365 are retracted into the cylindrical body, and the corresponding electrical connector of the device 200 protrudes and is received within the cylindrical body when inserted into the device 200.

[0372] In these embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 330 is placed on the resistance heating layer 340. Thus, the aerosol-generating layer 330 is formed on the resistance heating layer 340 in a manner similar to that described in any of the above embodiments, such as those described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In this arrangement, an air passage is defined by the cylindrical housing, and air passes over the aerosol-generating layer 330 when the article is used by the user.

[0373] Other embodiments are conceivable in which the aerosol-generating material may be disposed between the support layer 350 and the cylindrical body in a manner such as that described below. In this configuration, airflow is drawn between the inside of the cylindrical body and the laminated structure, such as between the cylindrical body and one or both of the resistance heating layer 340 and the support layer 350. The airflow passes through the aerosol-generating material when the article is used by the user.

[0374] As shown in Figures 39 and 40, the arrangement described above will be seen to offer several advantages. For example, there is no need to make folds in the cylindrical body to provide the electrical contacts 360, 365; instead, the laminated structure with the electrical contacts 360, 365 can simply be inserted directly into the cylindrical body, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process. This also improves the ease of connection to the device and simplifies the arrangement of electrical contacts within the device 200 itself. Furthermore, the planar configuration of the laminated structure that creates the void as described above results in improved airflow through the cylindrical body and over the aerosol-generating material, thereby further enhancing the user experience as a larger amount of aerosol can be mixed with the air when used by the user during use.

[0375] In some embodiments of the aerosol generators and different arrangements of articles described above, the aerosol-generating material is formed in a configuration other than as an aerosol-generating layer. In embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is in the form of an aerosol-generating segment. An aerosol-generating segment generally comprises a solid material. Such a solid material may be shredded tobacco. For example, an aerosol-generating material arranged as an aerosol-generating segment may comprise a plurality of individual aerosol-generating material pieces. The aerosol-generating material may also comprise individual tobacco material pieces. In embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises a plurality of strips, beads, or pellets. In embodiments, the aerosol-generating segment is a mass of material.

[0376] In the embodiments, the aerosol-generating segment includes a material body. The aerosol-generating material is non-liquid. In such embodiments, the material body includes a rod of the aerosol-generating material, for example, a tobacco rod. For example, the material body may include shredded tobacco material. The material body may be formed into a rod. In some embodiments, the material body includes cut rag tobacco formed into a rod. The aerosol-generating material may include tobacco material. The aerosol-generating material may include extruded tobacco. The aerosol-generating material may include reconstituted tobacco.

[0377] The aerosol-generating material, formed as a solid material, may contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may contain tobacco, be made from tobacco, or be essentially made from tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material does not contain tobacco.

[0378] In any of the embodiments described above, heating the article results in a relatively constant release of volatile compounds into an inhalable medium. In one embodiment described above, the aerosol-generating segment is a mass of material. The article may comprise a mouthpiece end section. A tubular element may be positioned between the aerosol-generating material and the mouthpiece end section. The article may comprise a ventilation area in the mouthpiece end section. The mouthpiece end section may define a mouthpiece configured to be positioned between the user's lips.

[0379] In any embodiment of the article described above, a resistance heating element or each resistance heating element is configured to heat substantially the entire aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating segment in the embodiment is at least substantially cylindrical. In the embodiment, the aerosol-generating segment is at least partially enclosed by a resistance heating layer. In the embodiment, the resistance heating element extends within the aerosol-generating segment. The resistance heating element may extend around the aerosol-generating segment. In the embodiment, the resistance heating element surrounds the aerosol-generating segment. In some arrangements, at least a portion of the flow path through the article passes through the aerosol-generating segment. The aerosol-generating segment may define a portion of the air path. In the embodiment, a first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact are exposed from the aerosol-generating segment.

[0380] The aerosol-generating material may include tobacco materials such as those described herein, which include tobacco components. In the tobacco materials described herein, the tobacco components may include paper-reconstructed tobacco. The tobacco components may also include loose-leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco, and / or band-cast tobacco. The tobacco material may be provided in the form of cut rag tobacco. Cut rag tobacco can be formed from a mixture of forms of tobacco materials, for example, a mixture of one or more of paper-reconstructed tobacco, loose-leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco, and band-cast tobacco. In embodiments, the tobacco material includes paper-reconstructed tobacco, or a mixture of paper-reconstructed tobacco and loose-leaf tobacco. In the tobacco materials described herein, the tobacco material may include filler components. Filler components are generally components that do not contain non-tobacco components, i.e., raw materials derived from tobacco. Filler components may be non-tobacco fibers such as wood fibers or pulp or wheat fibers. Filler components may also be inorganic materials such as chalk, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium carbonate. Filler components may also be non-tobacco cast materials or non-tobacco extruded materials. Filler components may be present in an amount of 0% to 20% by weight of the tobacco material, or in an amount of 1% to 10% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, filler components are absent. In the tobacco materials described herein, the tobacco material contains an aerosol-forming agent material. In this context, “aerosol-forming agent material” is an agent that promotes aerosol formation. Aerosol-forming agent materials may promote aerosol formation by promoting the initial vaporization and / or condensation of gas into inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosols. In some embodiments, aerosol-forming agent materials may improve the delivery of flavor from the aerosol-forming material. In general, any suitable aerosol-forming agent material, including those described herein, may be included in the aerosol-forming material of the present invention.

[0381] Paper-reconstructed tobacco refers to tobacco material formed by a process in which tobacco raw materials are extracted with a solvent to obtain an extract of soluble substances and a residue containing fibrous material, and then the extract (usually after concentration and optionally after further processing) is recombined with fibrous material from the residue (usually after purification of the fibrous material and optionally with the addition of some non-tobacco fibers) by depositing the extract onto the fibrous material. The recombination process is similar to the process of making paper.

[0382] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. Aerosol generator for articles for aerosol supply devices, A cylindrical body and Inside the cylindrical body, there is an aerosol generating material, A resistance heating layer comprising a resistance heating element configured to generate an aerosol by heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating material, A first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact are configured to connect to the electrical connector of the aerosol supply device to receive power from the power supply of the aerosol supply device and to supply the power to the heating element, An aerosol generator equipped with the following features.

2. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, comprising an aerosol generating layer containing the aerosol generating material.

3. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, comprising an aerosol generating segment containing the aerosol generating material.

4. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact faces outward in the cylindrical body.

5. The aerosol generator according to claim 4, wherein the resistance heating element faces the outward direction of the cylindrical body.

6. The aerosol generator according to claim 5, wherein the first type of electrical contact faces the outward direction of the cylindrical body, and the second type of electrical contact faces the inward direction of the cylindrical body.

7. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the resistance heating layer includes folds for realizing the resistance heating element facing inward, and at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact faces outward.

8. The aerosol generator according to claim 7, wherein the cylindrical body defines a longitudinal axis and the fold extends in the longitudinal direction.

9. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cylindrical body includes a seam, and at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is provided along the seam.

10. The aerosol generator according to claim 9, wherein the aforementioned joint is a longitudinal joint.

11. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cylindrical body includes a keyway.

12. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact extends around a portion of the circumference of the cylindrical body.

13. The aerosol generator according to claim 12, wherein the aerosol generator comprises an outer layer that surrounds at least a portion of the cylindrical body.

14. The aerosol generator according to claim 13, wherein the outer layer comprises a plurality of openings through which at least one of the first type of electrical contacts and the second type of electrical contacts is at least partially exposed.

15. The aerosol generator according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of openings are arranged such that at least a portion of at least one of the first type of electrical contacts and the second type of electrical contacts is exposed at least 180° around the outer circumference of the cylindrical body.

16. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the cylindrical body is asymmetrical.

17. An article comprising an aerosol generating material and an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. An aerosol supply device configured to receive an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The aerosol supply device according to claim 18, further comprising a cylindrical connector for achieving electrical connection with the aerosol generator.

20. An aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 16, and an aerosol supply device configured to receive the aerosol generator or the article.

21. Articles for aerosol supply devices, A cylindrical housing and Aerosol generating materials and A resistance heating layer comprising a resistance heating element configured to generate an aerosol by heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating material, wherein the aerosol generating material is located on the resistance heating layer, A support layer configured to support the aforementioned resistance heating layer, The first type of electrical contact, The second type of electrical contact, Equipped with, The resistance heating element is at least a portion of the conductive path between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact. The support layer is configured to support the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact, An article wherein the support layer and the resistance heating layer extend within the cylindrical housing and have a different shape configuration from the cylindrical housing.

22. A blank for forming an aerosol generator, A resistance heating layer comprising a resistance heating element configured to generate an aerosol by heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating material, It is configured to receive power from a power source by connecting to an electrical connector, and has multiple electrical contacts that supply the power to the heating element, Equipped with, The plurality of electrical contacts include a first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact, which are configured to connect to an electrical connector of an aerosol supply device to receive power from the power supply of the aerosol supply device and to supply the power to the heating element. A blank in which the blank is formed in a cylindrical body.

Images