thing

Abstract

An article (300) for an aerosol supply device is provided. The article comprises an aerosol generating layer (330) containing an aerosol generating material; a resistance heating layer (340) comprising a resistance heating element (342) configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; an aerosol generating layer on the resistance heating layer; a first type of electrical contact; and a second type of electrical contact. 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 article comprises an internal space defining a path configured for the flow of an aerosol generated from the aerosol generating layer during use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article for an aerosol supply device. This application also relates to a blank and a method of manufacturing the article.

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 type" 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, and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the above-described devices or products are known. A typical system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, and then the aerosol is inhaled by the user. In many cases, in order to supply different aerosols for inhalation, it is necessary to exchange or change the medium used. 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] In one aspect, an article for an aerosol supply device is provided. The article includes an aerosol generating layer containing an aerosol generating material, a resistive heating layer including a resistive heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, the aerosol generating layer being on the resistive heating layer, a first type of electrical contact, and a second type of electrical contact. The resistive 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 article includes an internal space defining a path configured such that an aerosol generated from the aerosol generating layer during use flows therethrough.

[0005] The article may further comprise a body that defines an internal space. The body may be hollow. The body may include a support. The resistance heating layer may be on the support. At least a portion of the aerosol-generating material may be exposed to the internal space. The body may be tubular.

[0006] The aerosol generating layer may be a first aerosol generating layer. The resistance heating layer may be a first resistance heating layer. The article may further comprise a second aerosol generating layer comprising a second aerosol generating material, and a second resistance heating layer comprising a second resistance heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the second aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. The second aerosol generating layer may be on the second resistance heating layer. The second resistance heating element may be at least a portion of a conductive path between a first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact. An internal space may be defined between the first and second resistance heating layers. The first type of electrical contact may comprise a common electrical contact on which both the first and second resistance heating elements extend. The second type of electrical contact may comprise two electrical contacts that are electrically isolated from each other. The first resistance heating element may extend from one of the electrical contacts, and the second resistance heating element may extend from the other of the electrical contacts. The first resistance heating layer may comprise a plurality of first resistance heating elements, each of which is a portion of the conductive path between its respective first type of electrical contact and one of the electrical contacts in the second type of electrical contact. The second resistance heating layer may comprise a plurality of second resistance heating elements, each of which is a portion of the conductive path between its respective first type of electrical contact and another electrical contact in the second type of electrical contact. The main body may be disposed between the first and second resistance heating layers.

[0007] The article may further include a connecting portion which is bonded to a first resistance heating layer at one end by a first bend and to a second resistance heating layer at the other end by a second bend. The connecting portion and each of the first and second resistance heating layers may be formed from a single sheet of material.

[0008] The first and second resistance heating layers may face each other.

[0009] The article may further include an aerosol generator positioned in the internal space between the first and second resistance heating layers. The aerosol generator may include a third aerosol generating layer containing an aerosol generating material, a third resistance heating layer comprising a third resistance heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating material of the third aerosol generating layer to generate an aerosol, a third aerosol generating layer on the third resistance heating layer, a fourth aerosol generating layer containing an aerosol generating material, a fourth resistance heating layer comprising a fourth resistance heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating material of at least the fourth aerosol generating layer to generate an aerosol, and a fourth aerosol generating layer on the fourth resistance heating layer. Each resistance heating element may be at least part of a conductive path between a first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact.

[0010] The third aerosol generating layer may be positioned at a distance from the first aerosol generating layer, defining a first airflow path between them. The fourth aerosol generating layer may be positioned at a distance from the second aerosol generating layer, defining a second airflow path between them.

[0011] The first and second types of electrical contacts in the third and / or fourth resistance heating layer may be displaced longitudinally from the first and second types of electrical contacts in the first and / or second resistance heating layer.

[0012] The second type of electrical contact in the third and / or fourth resistance heating layer may comprise two electrical contacts that are electrically isolated from each other. The third resistance heating element may extend from one of the electrical contacts, and the fourth resistance heating element may extend from the other of the electrical contacts.

[0013] The third resistance heating layer may comprise a plurality of third resistance heating elements, each of which is a portion of the conductive path between each of the first type of electrical contacts and one of the second type of electrical contacts. The fourth resistance heating layer may comprise a plurality of fourth resistance heating elements, each of which is a portion of the conductive path between each of the third type of electrical contacts and another of the second type of electrical contacts.

[0014] The first type of electrical contact may have multiple electrical contacts. Each third resistance heating element and each fourth resistance heating element may share one of the multiple electrical contacts in the first type of electrical contact.

[0015] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a solid material. The aerosol-generating material may also contain reconstituted tobacco.

[0016] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include a semi-solid material. The aerosol generating material may be a gel. The aerosol generating material may be a thin film.

[0017] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a non-liquid material.

[0018] In one embodiment, 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, the aerosol generating material on the resistance heating layer, 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.

[0019] The article may have an internal space that defines a path through which aerosols generated from an aerosol-generating layer flow during use.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system comprises the aforementioned article and an aerosol supply device configured to receive the article.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, a blank for forming an aerosol-generating material is provided. The blank comprises one or more resistive heating elements, each configured to generate heat, a first type of electrical contact, and a second type of electrical contact. Each of the resistive heating elements is at least a portion of a conductive path between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact. The blank is configured to form an internal space that defines a path through which air can flow. The path is adjacent to the resistive heating elements.

[0022] The blank may include a first region having a first resistive heating element configured to generate heat, a second region having a second resistive heating element configured to generate heat, a first fold line positioned between the first and second regions, and a second fold line positioned between the first and second regions spaced from the first fold line. Each of the first and second resistive heating elements may be at least a portion of a respective conductive path between a respective first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact. When the blank is folded along the first and second fold lines, the first and second portions may each form a layer such that the first and second resistive heating elements face each other.

[0023] The first type of electrical contact may be common to both the first and second regions. The first type of electrical contact may be positioned between the first and second regions. Each of the first and second fold lines may be positioned on the first type of electrical contact.

[0024] In yet another aspect, a method of manufacturing an article is provided. The method includes providing a blank as described above, depositing an aerosol-forming layer including an aerosol-forming material on the first and / or second portions such that the first and / or second resistive heating elements can heat the aerosol-forming material to generate an aerosol, folding the sheet along the first fold line, and folding the blank along the second fold line.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Here, referring to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments will be described by way of example only. [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol supply system. [Figure 2] It is a schematic perspective view of an article including an aerosol-forming material of the aerosol supply system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a schematic perspective view of a first side of an aerosol generator of the article of FIG. 2. [Figure 4]It is a schematic perspective view of a part of the second side of the aerosol generator in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol supply system such as the system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of the article in FIG. 2, where the aerosol generator is shown in a relationship of being inverted from the assembled orientation and spaced apart from other components. [Figure 7] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of another aerosol generator such as the aerosol generator shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] It is a schematic plan view of the heating element of the aerosol generator in FIG. 3. [Figure 9] It is a schematic plan view of the resistive heating layer of the aerosol generator in FIG. 3 having a plurality of heating elements. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator such as the aerosol generator in FIG. 3. [Figure 11] It is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generator being formed. [Figure 12] It is a schematic perspective view of the resistive heating layer of the aerosol generator being formed. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator such as the aerosol generator in FIG. 3. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator such as the aerosol generator in FIG. 3. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator such as the aerosol generator in FIG. 3. [Figure 16] It is a schematic perspective view of the resistive heating layer of the aerosol generator being formed. [Figure 17] It is a schematic perspective view of the back-to-back aerosol generator. [Figure 18] It is a schematic perspective view of an article having a back-to-back aerosol generator. [Figure 19A] It is a schematic perspective view of a blank for forming a back-to-back aerosol generator. [Figure 19B]Figure 19A is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged portion of the blank. [Figure 20] This is a schematic perspective view of a hollow aerosol generator. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view of another hollow aerosol generator. [Figure 22A] This is a schematic perspective view of a blank for forming a hollow aerosol generator. [Figure 22B] This is a schematic perspective view of another blank for forming a hollow aerosol generator. [Figure 22C] This is a schematic perspective view of another blank for forming a hollow aerosol generator. [Figure 23A] This is a schematic perspective view of various components of an article having a hollow aerosol generator. [Figure 23B] This is a schematic perspective view of an article having a hollow aerosol generator, cut out to show the interior. [Figure 24] This is a schematic perspective view of various components of an article having a layered structure. [Figure 25A] This is a schematic perspective view of an article with a laminated structure, cut out to show its interior. [Figure 25B] This is a schematic perspective view of an article having a laminated structure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] As used herein, the term “delivery mechanism” is intended to encompass a system for delivering a substance to a user, and includes a non-combustible aerosol delivery system that releases compounds from an aerosolizable material without burning the aerosolizable material, such as a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of an electronic cigarette, a tobacco heating product, and an aerosolizable material; and an article comprising an aerosolizable material and configured for use in one of these non-combustible aerosol delivery systems.

[0027] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating materials (or components of the materials) that make up the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0028] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0029] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaporization 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates aerosols using a combination of one or more aerosol-generating materials that can 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 includes 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply device for a non-combustible aerosol supply system, may include a power source and a control device. The power source may be, for example, an electric power source.

[0035] 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 mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0036] 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, a wrapping material, a filter, a suction nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0037] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” (which may also be referred to herein as “aerosolizable material”) refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or electrically energized by any other means. 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 fragrances.

[0038] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes an active substance (sometimes referred to herein as an active compound).

[0039] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may include continuous material sheets, or it may be a continuous material sheet.

[0044] The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may include one or more individual parts or regions of 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.

[0045] The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder such as a gelling agent with a solvent such as water, an aerosol-forming agent, and one or more other components such as 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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, inside. 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.

[0048] 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, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0049] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of the following: pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0050] The material may be present on or within a support in order 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 contain these materials.

[0051] An aerosol supply device can receive an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, “article” means a component that contains or is contained with an 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, and then the user inhales the aerosol.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Consumables are articles containing aerosol-generating material or articles consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may also include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapping material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include 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 include, for example, a material that can be heated by electrical conductivity.

[0054] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and interchangeable aerosol products. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may comprise a power source and a control device (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.

[0055] 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). Figure 2 shows the article 300 removed from the aerosol supply device 200. Figure 3 shows the aerosol generator 304 of the article 300, along with a perspective view of a first side view 306, and a portion of the second side view 307 is shown in a perspective view in Figure 4.

[0056] Article 300 comprises 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.

[0057] The aerosol supply system 100 may be elongated and extend along its longitudinal axis. The aerosol supply system 100 has a proximal end 102 that is closest to the user (e.g., the user's mouth) when the aerosol generated by the aerosol supply system 100 is used by the user for inhalation, and a distal end 104 that is furthest from the user during use.

[0058] The proximal end may also be called the “oral end.” Thus, the aerosol delivery system 100 defines a proximal direction that is directed toward the user during use. Furthermore, the aerosol delivery system 100 similarly defines a distal direction that is directed toward 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 toward each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0059] 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 comprises 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 into the device chamber 206. A receptacle 208 defines the chamber 206. The receptacle 208 comprises a receptacle base 210 and a receptacle periphery wall 212. The configuration of the receptacle 208 may vary depending on the configuration of article 300.

[0060] The aerosol supply device 200 may be provided with one or more user-operable control elements 224, such as buttons or switches, which can be used to operate the aerosol supply system 100. For example, a user may start the system 100 by pressing a control element 224.

[0061] The aerosol supply device 200 has an opening 214 at its proximal end that leads into the device chamber 206. The opening 214 is provided at one end and into which an article 300 can be inserted. In embodiments, the article 300 may 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 during use by another feature of the device 200. In this configuration, the article 300 defines a mouthpiece 310 at its proximal end 308. In other embodiments, the device 200 defines a mouthpiece. During use, the user places their mouth over the mouthpiece.

[0062] Device 200 defines a longitudinal axis that may extend when article 300 is inserted into device 200. The opening 214 is aligned on the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may also be the axis through which article 300 is inserted into device 200. The longitudinal axis may be considered the receiving axis of device 200. Article 300 may similarly have a longitudinal axis through which it is inserted into the device, and this axis may be considered the insertion axis.

[0063] 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 control unit and includes a processor and memory.

[0064] As will be described 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 replaceable with other articles 300. The heating system 110 comprises an aerosol generator 304. The heating system 110 comprises 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.

[0065] The aerosol generator 304 forms part of article 300. The aerosol generator 304 includes a heating array 312 configured to heat an aerosol-generating material 302, such as at least one of a film and a gel, to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating material may also be called an aerosolizable material.

[0066] The heating array 312 is a resistive heating array. In the embodiment, the heating element or each heating element is a resistive heating element, as will be described in detail below. In such an array, the heating system 110 includes a resistive heating generator that includes a component for heating the heating array 312 via a resistive heating process. In this case, current is applied directly to the resistive heating element, and the resulting current flow within the heating element acts as a heating component, heating the heating element by Joule heating. The resistive heating element includes a resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through the resistive heating element, and the heating array 312 includes electrical contacts for supplying current to the resistive material. The presence of the resistive heating array 312 enables a compact array. Resistive heating provides an efficient configuration.

[0067] When the aerosol supply system 100 is in use, 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 a different configuration, 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 through 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 in the device 10.

[0068] In some exemplary embodiments, the aerosol supply system comprises two main components: a control section that forms a reusable component, and a consumable section that forms a replaceable or disposable component, which may be called a replaceable or disposable article or cartridge. As described herein, the aerosol supply device 200 forms the control section, and the article 300 forms the consumable section. In the use of the aerosol generation system, the control section and the consumable component may be detachably connected at an interface. The consumable component is detachable and replaceable, for example, when the consumable component is used, and the control section may be reused with a different consumable component.

[0069] 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 into an air inlet of a control section, passes through an interface, and exits a consumable part.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The configuration of article 300 may vary. Article 300 comprises a body 324. The body 324 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 304 or each aerosol generator 304 partitions the flow path 326. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to the flow path 326. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to the internal space. In the embodiment, the internal space comprises two or more chambers.

[0072] The air inlet 314 includes an opening 315. The opening 315 is formed in the main 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 main 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.

[0073] As shown in Figure 6, article 300 comprises two aerosol generators 304 that form an aerosol generator array. 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 comprises a single aerosol generator 304. One of the aerosol generators 304 is described in detail, and such details are applicable in embodiments to one or more further aerosol generators 304.

[0074] The aerosol generator 304, 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 the tubular arrangement. The tubular shape may include a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, and other polygonal shapes.

[0075] In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, article 300 has a flat configuration. That is, the exterior of the article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to both the length and the 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.

[0076] Figure 6 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of article 300 of Figure 2, in which the aerosol generator 304 is shown inverted from its assembled orientation and spaced apart from other components. Article 300 comprises a first aerosol generator, a body 324, and a second aerosol generator. The body 324 spacees the first and second aerosol generators 304 apart. 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 face each other and are exposed to the internal space. When assembled, the first and second aerosol generators 304 sandwich the body 324. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, at least the first and second aerosol generators 304 and the main body have equal planar areas. In the embodiment, one or more of the first and second aerosol generators 304 and the main body 324 have a greater length and / or width. In the embodiment, one of the first and second aerosol generators 304 is replaced with a blank panel. The main body 324 comprises a main body layer. The main body may comprise multiple main body layers. The main body layers may be formed in a layered manner and arranged to define features of the article 300, such as an air inlet 314 and an aerosol outlet 318.

[0077] The wrap surrounds the article 300 and forms part of the article 300. The wrap may comprise a sheet. The wrap functions as a fixing sleeve. The aerosol generator 304 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 its distal end. Other configurations are conceivable, for example, at least one exposed electrical contact area 323 may be additionally or alternatively defined along the secondary longitudinal surface or edge of the article 300 on the principal surface of the article defined by the aerosol generator 304.

[0078] The aerosol generator 304 is schematically shown in a cross-sectional view in Figure 7. The aerosol generator 304 is an implementation of the aerosol generator 304 of the aerosol supply system 100 described above.

[0079] The aerosol generator 304 comprises an aerosol generating layer 330, also known as an aerosolizable layer. The aerosol generating layer 330 contains an aerosol generating material 302. The aerosol generator 304 comprises a resistance heating layer 340, which in embodiments 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. The resistance heating layer 340 may in embodiments include a coating. As will be described in detail below, the resistance heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of resistance heating elements 342, for example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The resistance heating elements 342 or each resistance heating element 342 forms at least a portion of the conductive path between a pair of electrical contacts 322. The resistance heating element 342, or each resistance heating element 342, provides a conductive path for resistively 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 may be 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.

[0082] 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 generation layer 330.

[0083] Article 300 may comprise a laminate 354 having a resistance heating layer 340 and a support layer 350. In embodiments, the laminate 354 comprises an aerosol generating layer 330. The aerosol generating layer 330 may be formed as a continuous structure or from separate parts. The discontinuous parts may include one or more of dots, strips, helices, or other shapes.

[0084] One or more of the aerosol generation layer 330, the resistance heating layer 340, and the support layer 350 may comprise further layers. For example, the support layer 350 may comprise a backing layer or an intermediate layer. In this embodiment, the support layer 350 is omitted.

[0085] Figure 8 shows one of the resistance heating elements 342. The resistance heating layer 340 comprises multiple resistance heating elements 342. In this embodiment, the resistance heating layer 340 comprises a single resistance heating element 342.

[0086] The multiple heating elements 342 may be formed as an array 344, as shown in Figure 9. Other configurations are also possible.

[0087] The resistive heating element 342 includes a resistive heating path. The resistive heating path is formed by a conductive path. The resistive heating path is nonlinear. The resistive heating path is intricate. 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 in the conductive layer, such as the length, width, thickness, and arrangement of the path.

[0088] 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 and second types of electrical contacts 360, 365 constitute the heater electrical contact 322. The first and second types of electrical contacts 360, 365 form at least a portion of the article electrical contact configuration 320.

[0089] The winding or meandering nature of the resistive heating element 342 is such that the electrical resistance of the path increases compared to a straight path between the first and second types of electrical contacts.

[0090] The resistance heating layer 340 may include a first type of electrical track 361 extending from the resistance heating element 342. The first type of electrical track 361 includes a first type of electrical contact 360. The first type of electrical contact 360 is configured to electrically connect 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] As described in detail below, the conduction path of the resistive heating element 342 in the embodiment is formed 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, in a sheet formed of the conductive material to form the resistive heating layer 340. In the embodiment, the conductive element 342 is pre-formed to define the resistive heating element 342 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 342 or each resistive heating element 342 is defined within the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating element 342 or each resistive heating element 342 defining the resistive heating layer 340 may be a printed heater.

[0093] At least one electrical insulating barrier 346 defines first and second types of electrical tracks 361, 366.

[0094] In some embodiments, the track width of the resistive heating element 342 or each resistive heating element 342 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm (in two exemplary prototypes, the widths are 0.93 mm and 0.72 mm, respectively), and the gap between tracks is less than approximately 0.25 mm (in the same two exemplary prototypes, the gaps are 0.2 mm and 0.05 mm, respectively). The resistive heating element 342 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 the resistive heating element 342 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 μohms cm, the resistance of the path was calculated to be approximately 1 ohm. In one exemplary embodiment, the resistance was measured between 0.83 and 1.31 ohms.

[0095] As shown in Figure 9, the resistive heating layer 340 may be formed on multiple resistive heating elements generally indicated by reference numbers 342a, 342b, 242c, 342d, and 342e. Each of the resistive heating elements 342a to 342e extends from one of the respective 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, the resistive heating elements 342a to 342e extend between individual first type electrical contacts and a common second type of electrical contact.

[0096] Each of the resistance heating elements 342a to 342e provides a conductive path for resistively heating a portion of the aerosol generating material 302 to generate an aerosol in the respective part of the aerosol generator 304.

[0097] The first type of separate electrical contacts 360a to 360e allows for the individual supply of current to each of the multiple resistive heating elements 342a to 342e. This allows for the control of heating different regions of the aerosol generation layer 330. For example, the aerosol generator may have five aerosol generation zones. The resistive heating layer 340 allows each of these zones to be activated separately. Thus, for example, five aerosol sprays can be produced from a single consumable incorporating a single aerosol generator 304, and ten aerosol sprays can be produced from a single consumable incorporating two aerosol generators 304.

[0098] In an exemplary resistance heating layer 340, a plurality of first type electrical contacts 360a to 360e, for example, positive electrode electrical connections, and a single second type electrical contact 365, for example, negative electrode electrical connection, are provided. This is not essential for all implementation configurations. For example, it is also possible to provide a plurality of second type contacts. In the embodiment, each resistance heating element 342a to 342e comprises a corresponding first type electrical contact 360 and a corresponding second type electrical contact 365.

[0099] In the embodiment of the resistance 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 resistance heating layer 340, and the second type of electrical contacts 365 are located on the second edge 368 of the resistance heating layer 340. This may facilitate power connection, but of course many other configurations are possible, some of which will be described further below.

[0100] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing part of a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304 according to an exemplary embodiment, generally referred to as reference number 400.

[0101] 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. The heating elements or each heating element may be used to provide a conductive path for resistively heating a portion of an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The formation of the resistive heating elements or each resistive heating element may occur before or after coating the resistive heating layer on a support, where the support is present. The resistive heating layer may be bonded to the support or mounted or formed on the support in different configurations.

[0102] In operation 404, the formed resistance heating layer is placed in contact with the aerosol generating layer, and the aerosol generating layer incorporates the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generator 304 described above may be generated using algorithm 400.

[0103] 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 by depositing the aerosol generating material, for example, by spraying, painting, dispensing, or some other method. In an exemplary implementation of operation 64, the aerosol generating layer 330 is positioned on the resistance heating layer 340 as indicated by arrow 406.

[0104] 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 path of the heating element 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.

[0105] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing part of a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304, generally referred to as reference no. 410. 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. Next, an aerosol generating material is placed on the resistance heating layer, thereby performing operation 404 described above.

[0106] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing part of a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304, which is shown as a whole by reference no. 418. The method or algorithm 418 begins with operation 420, in which one or more heating elements are formed by printing a resistive heating layer at least partially. Thus, operation 420 is an exemplary implementation of operation 62 of algorithm 402 described above. Next, the aerosol generating material is placed on the resistive heating layer, thereby performing operation 404 described above.

[0107] 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” approach can be used, in which the heating element is fabricated from a resistive 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 imparted to the connection traces by adding conductive materials such as additional foil or printed material). Those skilled in the art will recognize many further techniques or combinations of techniques that can be used in implementations of the principles described herein.

[0108] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method or algorithm of operation according to an exemplary embodiment, generally referred to as reference numeral 424. The method or algorithm 424 may be carried out, for example, using one of the aerosol generators described herein. The method or algorithm 424 is initiated when a command to initiate heating is received in an instance of operation 426. In response to the command to initiate heating, a determination is made as to whether a heating element is available (operation 428). As described above, multiple heating elements may be provided. Operation 428 may also involve a determination of which heating element was used and / or which corresponding available aerosol generating material was consumed.

[0109] If a heating element is available, the algorithm proceeds to operation 430, where the available heating element is used. As described above, the heating elements may be individually controllable, for example, by supplying power to each individual heating element. Once operation 430 is complete, the algorithm terminates with operation 432. If, in operation 428, it is determined that there are no available heating elements, for example, because all heating elements have been used, the algorithm terminates with operation 432. This may mean that the consumable parts used to perform algorithm 424 need to be replaced.

[0110] Figure 16 shows a resistance heating layer 340 formed according to an embodiment. The resistance heating layer 340 is cut using a laser cutter 408, but other methods such as chemical etching or printing can also be used as described above. Cutting the conductive layer 340 forms the heating element described herein.

[0111] In the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the path to be cut is a straight path that extends along the length of the conductive layer 120.

[0112] Figure 17 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the aerosol generator 304. In this embodiment, the aerosol generator 304 comprises a first resistance heating layer 1702 and a second resistance heating layer 1704. The first and / or second resistance heating layers 1702, 1704 may be the same as any of the resistance heating layers 340 described above, or may have one or more of the same features. In this embodiment, the first and second resistance heating layers 1702, 1704 are arranged back-to-back such that the resistance heating elements 342 are exposed to the external surface. In other words, the resistance heating elements 342 face outward from the external surface of the aerosol generator 304. The resistance heating elements 342 can be considered to be facing opposite directions from each other. The aerosol generator 304 further includes a first aerosol generating layer (not shown) disposed on the resistance heating element 342 of the first resistance heating layer 1702 so that the first aerosol generating layer can be heated by the resistance heating element 342 of the first resistance heating layer 1702. Thus, the first aerosol generating layer is also located on the external surface of the aerosol generator 304. The aerosol generator 304 also includes a second aerosol generating layer (not shown) disposed on the resistance heating element 342 of the second resistance heating layer 1704 so that the second aerosol generating layer can be heated by the resistance heating element 342 of the second resistance heating layer 1704. Thus, the second aerosol generating layer is also located on the external surface of the aerosol generator 304.

[0113] In this embodiment, the first resistance heating layer 1702 defines at least partially the first airflow path 1706. The first airflow path 1706 is coupled to an outlet (not shown) from which a user can inhale air in the first airflow path. Aerosols generated from the first aerosol generating layer are readily dispersed within the first airflow path 1706. The airflow within the first airflow path 1706 may carry the dispersed aerosols to the outlet and / or mouth end for inhalation by the user.

[0114] In this embodiment, the second resistance heating layer 1704 defines at least partially the second airflow path 1708. The second airflow path 1708 is coupled to an outlet (not shown) from which a user can inhale air in the second airflow path. Aerosols generated from the second aerosol generating layer are readily dispersed within the second airflow path 1708. The airflow within the second airflow path 1708 may carry the dispersed aerosols to the outlet and / or mouth end for inhalation by the user.

[0115] Preferably, the structure described above makes it possible to increase the amount of aerosol stored by the aerosol generator without significantly increasing the size of the aerosol generator.

[0116] Figure 18 shows a cutaway view of an aerosol-forming article 300 comprising an aerosol generator 304. The article 300 may comprise the aerosol generator 304 and a cover. The cover comprises a first portion 1802 and a second portion 1804. The first portion 1802 is positioned at a distance from the first resistance heating layer of the aerosol generator 304. The first portion 1802, together with the first resistance heating layer 1702, defines a first airflow path between them. The second portion 1804 is positioned at a distance from the second resistance heating layer of the aerosol generator 304. The second portion 1804, together with the second resistance heating layer 1704, defines a second airflow path between them. The second portion 1804 defines a second airflow path between them.

[0117] The electrical contact portion of the aerosol generator 304 extends beyond the cover and / or the first and second portions 1802, 1804. The heater electrical contact 322 is exposed for electrical connection to the power source 220 of the aerosol supply device 200. The power source 220 and / or the aerosol supply device 200 are described above. The heater electrical contact 322 comprises first and second type electrical contacts from a first resistance heating layer on a first side. The heater electrical contact 322 comprises first and second type electrical contacts from a second resistance heating layer on a second side opposite to the first side. In this embodiment, there are multiple first type electrical contacts. In other embodiments, there are no multiple first type electrical contacts, for example, there is only one first type electrical contact. In this embodiment, the first type electrical contact is common to both the first and second resistance heating layers. In other embodiments, the first type of electrical contact is not common to both the first and second resistance heating layers, for example, each of the first and second resistance heating layers is connected to its own first type of electrical contact.

[0118] Article 300 further comprises an opening 1806. The opening 1806 fluidly connects a first airflow path to a second airflow path. The opening 1806 is formed from a cutout of the aerosol generator 304. In some embodiments, the cutout of the aerosol generator 304 and a cover are combined to form the opening 1806. In some embodiments, the cutout of the aerosol generator 304 and a core (which may be one or more cores) are combined to form the air outlet of the article. The core is omitted from Figure 18 but will be described in more detail below, for example, in relation to Figures 23 to 25. In some embodiments, article 300 includes two or more openings. Preferably, the opening can be used for both airflow paths with a single outlet, thus simplifying the manufacture of the article.

[0119] The aerosol generator 304 described above may be formed from a blank 1900 as shown in Figure 19A. The blank 1900 is a single sheet of conductive material. The blank 1900 comprises a first region 1902, a second region 1904, a third region 1906, a fourth region 1908, and a fifth region 1909. All of the above regions are formed on a single sheet of conductive material. In this embodiment, the single sheet of conductive material is an aluminum-backed card, i.e., a sheet of card with a layer of aluminum deposited on it. All of the above regions are formed on the same side of the single sheet of conductive material. In some embodiments, the blank 1900 comprises a support 350 on which the single sheet of conductive material is deposited. The card material described in the embodiment of Figure 19A may be considered to be the support 350. In other embodiments, the sheet of conductive material may comprise the support 350.

[0120] The first region 1902 corresponds to the first resistance heating layer as described above. In other words, the first region 1902 is formed to have the same characteristics as the first resistance heater layer. The first region 1902 may be formed by chemical etching, laser etching, or printing of a conductive material onto the substrate. In some embodiments, the first region 1902 may be formed by cutting, such as die cutting. The substrate may be a sheet of aerosol-generating material or card material.

[0121] The second region 1904 corresponds to the second resistance heating layer as described above. In other words, the second region 1904 is formed to have the same characteristics as the second resistance heater layer. The second region 1904 may be formed by chemical etching, laser etching, or printing of a conductive material onto the substrate. In some embodiments, the second region 1904 may be formed by cutting, such as die cutting. The substrate may be a sheet of aerosol-generating material or card material.

[0122] The third region 1906 corresponds to a plurality of first type electrical contacts. The plurality of first type electrical contacts may be common to both the first and second resistive heating layers. In this embodiment, each resistive heating element in the first resistive heating layer extends from one end of one of the plurality of first type electrical contacts, and each resistive heating element in the second resistive layer extends from the other end of the aforementioned first type electrical contact. In other words, each of the first type electrical contacts has two resistive heating elements extending from it, each corresponding to its respective resistive heating layer. In other embodiments, the first type electrical contacts from the first resistive heating layer are separate from the first type electrical contacts from the second resistive heating layer. The third region 1906 includes a fold line 1907. In this embodiment, the fold line 1907 is located at the center of the third region 1906 between the first region 1902 and the second region 1904. In other embodiments, the fold line is not located at the center of the third region between the first and second regions, but may be located anywhere between the first and second regions, for example.

[0123] Folding the blank 1900 along the fold line 1907 may be part of the manufacturing process for producing the aerosol generator 304 in Figure 17 and / or the article 300 in Figure 18. In these embodiments, the aerosol generator has resistance heating layers arranged back-to-back. In this arrangement, the supports 350 of each resistance heating layer may be in contact with each other. The resistance heating elements of each resistance heating layer may be facing opposite directions. In these embodiments, the supports 150 preferably mitigate or eliminate the fragility that would result from folding. Furthermore, the supports 150 tend to keep the resistance heating elements on opposing sides of the aerosol generator 304 separated / away from each other. In some embodiments, the supports 150 can be omitted entirely.

[0124] Here, we refer to Figure 19B, which shows an enlarged view of the area circled in Figure 19A. The plurality of first type electrical contacts comprises a first electrical contact 1910, a second electrical contact 1912, a third electrical contact 1914, a fourth electrical contact 1916, and a fifth electrical contact 1918. In this embodiment, each of the first type electrical contacts is elongated along its longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, each of the first type electrical contacts is not elongated along its longitudinal direction; for example, each of the first type electrical contacts may have a non-elongated shape. In other embodiments, each of the aforementioned electrical contacts is cut / separated into two parts, each extending to its respective resistance heating layer.

[0125] The first resistance heating layer and / or the first portion comprises a first resistance heating element 1920, a second resistance heating element 1922, a third resistance heating element 1924, a fourth resistance heating element 1926, and a fifth resistance heating element 1928.

[0126] The second resistance heating layer and / or second portion comprises a sixth resistance heating element 1930, a seventh resistance heating element 1932, an eighth resistance heating element 1934, a ninth resistance heating element 1936, and a tenth resistance heating element 1938.

[0127] The first resistive heating element 1920 extends from one end of the first electrical contact 1910 in the longitudinal direction. The sixth resistive heating element 1930 extends from the other end of the first electrical contact 1910 in the longitudinal direction.

[0128] The second resistive heating element 1922 extends from one longitudinal end of the second electrical contact 1912. The seventh resistive heating element 1932 extends from the other longitudinal end of the second electrical contact 1912.

[0129] The third resistive heating element 1924 extends from one longitudinal end of the third electrical contact 1914. The eighth resistive heating element 1934 extends from the other longitudinal end of the third electrical contact 1914.

[0130] The fourth resistive heating element 1926 extends from one longitudinal end of the fourth electrical contact 1916. The ninth resistive heating element 1936 extends from the other longitudinal end of the fourth electrical contact 1916.

[0131] The fifth resistive heating element 1928 extends from one longitudinal end of the fifth electrical contact 1918. The tenth resistive heating element 1938 extends from the other longitudinal end of the fifth electrical contact 1928.

[0132] Referring now to Figure 19A, the fourth region 1908 corresponds to a second type of electrical contact in the first resistive heating layer. This second type of electrical contact is common to each of the resistive heating elements in the first resistive heating layer. In other words, each of the resistive heating elements in the first resistive heating layer extends to the second type of electrical contact corresponding to the fourth region 1908.

[0133] The fifth region 1909 corresponds to a second type of electrical contact in the second resistive heating layer. This second type of electrical contact is common to each of the resistive heating elements in the second resistive heating layer. In other words, each of the resistive heating elements in the second resistive heating layer extends to the second type of electrical contact corresponding to the fifth region 1909. The fourth region 1908 is electrically isolated from the fifth region 1909.

[0134] Preferably, the above arrangement allows for an increase in the number of heating zones (corresponding to resistive heating elements) while reducing and / or minimizing the number of electrical contacts. For example, this may be due to first and second resistive heating layers sharing a first type of electrical contact. Similarly, the resistive heating elements in each resistive heating layer also share a second type of electrical contact. Furthermore, individual starting capabilities are not sacrificed to achieve this advantage. Specifically, power can be selectively supplied to specific first type of electrical contacts and specific second type of electrical contacts. This ensures that power can flow through only one of the resistive heating elements.

[0135] Furthermore, such an arrangement allows for rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis of the article, thereby reducing complexity.

[0136] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the aerosol generator 304. In this embodiment, the aerosol generator 304 comprises a first resistance heating layer 2002 and a second resistance heating layer 2004. The first and / or second resistance heating layers 2002, 2004 may be the same as any of the resistance heating layers 340 described above, or may have one or more of the same features. In this embodiment, the first and second resistance heating layers 2002, 2004 are spaced apart from each other. The first and second resistance heating layers 2002, 2004 are positioned facing each other. In other words, the resistance heating elements 342 face inward (i.e., toward the central region of the article 300). The aerosol generator 304 further includes a first aerosol generating layer (not shown) disposed on the resistance heating element 342 of the first resistance heating layer 2002 so that the first aerosol generating layer can be heated by the resistance heating element 342 of the first resistance heating layer 2002. Thus, the first aerosol generating layer is also located on the internal surface of the aerosol generator 304. The aerosol generator 304 also includes a second aerosol generating layer (not shown) disposed on the resistance heating element 342 of the second resistance heating layer 2004 so that the second aerosol generating layer can be heated by the resistance heating element 342 of the second resistance heating layer 2004. Thus, the second aerosol generating layer is also located on the internal surface of the aerosol generator 304.

[0137] In this embodiment, the first resistance heating layer 2002, together with the second resistance heating layer 2004, at least partially defines an airflow path 2006 between them. One or both of the first and second aerosol generating layers may release / disperse an aerosol into the airflow path 2006. The airflow in the airflow path 2006 may carry the dispersed aerosol to the outlet and / or mouth end so that the user can inhale it.

[0138] Preferably, the structure described above makes it possible to increase the amount of aerosol stored by the aerosol generator without significantly increasing the size of the aerosol generator.

[0139] Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the aerosol generator 304. The aerosol generator 304 has all the features of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 20. In addition to the first and second resistance heating layers 2102, 2104 and the airflow path 2106, the aerosol generator 304 includes a first bend 2108, a second bend 2110, and a connecting portion 2112. In this embodiment, the first and second resistance heating layers 2102, 2104 and the connecting portion 2112 are formed from a single material sheet. The single material sheet may be an aluminum-backed card, i.e., a sheet of aluminum-laden card. The single material sheet is bent at the first bend 2108 and the second bend 2110 to form the connecting portion 2112. The first bend 2108 extends along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The second bent portion 2110 also extends along the lateral direction. The size of the connecting portion 2112 defines the size of the gap between the first resistance heating layer 2102 and the second resistance heating layer 2104. Therefore, the size of the connecting portion 2112 also defines the size of the airflow path 2106. The connecting portion 2112 includes an inlet (not shown) to the airflow path 2106.

[0140] The aerosol generator 304 further includes a third bent portion 2107 and a fourth bent portion 2109 positioned at the distal end of the aerosol generator 304. The third bent portion 2107 extends along the transverse direction. In this embodiment, the first resistance heating layer 2102 is bent to form the third bent portion 2107, thereby positioning the first resistance heating layer 2102 on the internal surface of the aerosol generator 304. The fourth bent portion 2109 extends along the transverse direction. In this embodiment, the second resistance heating layer 2104 is bent to form the fourth bent portion 2109, thereby positioning the second resistance heating layer 2104 on the internal surface of the aerosol generator 304. The third and fourth bent portions 2107 and 2109 are configured such that the first and second resistance heating layers 2102 and 2104 face each other.

[0141] Similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 20, the first aerosol generation layer 330 is located on the inner surface of the first resistance heating layer 2102. The first aerosol generation layer 330 is adjacent to the airflow path 2106 so that the aerosol generated from the first aerosol generation layer 330 is dispersed within the airflow path 2106. Here again, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 20, the second aerosol generation layer 330 is located on the inner surface of the second resistance heating layer 2104. The second aerosol generation layer 330 is adjacent to the airflow path 2106 so that the aerosol generated from the second aerosol generation layer 330 is dispersed within the airflow path 2106.

[0142] The aerosol generator 304 may be formed using a blank 2200 as shown in Figure 22A. The blank 2200 may have one or more of the same features as the blank 1900 described in relation to Figure 19. For example, the blank 2200 comprises a first region 2202 corresponding to a first resistance heating layer, a second region 2204 corresponding to a second resistance heating layer, a third region corresponding to a plurality of first type electrical contacts, and a fourth region corresponding to second type electrical contacts. Repeated descriptions of the same features are omitted. The blank 2200 further comprises a connection region 2206 corresponding to a connection portion 2112. The connection region 2206 comprises a first fold line 2208 and a second fold line 2209. The first fold line 2208 and the second fold line 2209 are spaced apart from each other and form a connection portion between them. Therefore, the distance between the first and second resistance heating layers is determined by the distance between the first and second fold lines 2208, 2209. In some embodiments, the distance between the first and second resistance heating layers may be additionally determined by the total thickness of the first and second regions 2202, 2204 and the first and second outer regions 2211, 2214. The first portion 2202 is configured to be folded along the first fold line 2208, which extends along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The second portion 2204 is configured to be folded along the second fold line 2209, which extends along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Forming the aerosol generator shown in Figure 21 may involve folding the first portion 2202 along the first fold line 2208 and folding the second portion 2204 along the second fold line 2209.

[0143] In some embodiments, the connection region 2206 may include one or more alignment features for aligning the aerosol generator to the core during manufacturing. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 22B, the alignment feature comprises two alignment holes 2216, which are formed by bending a blank having four alignment holes 2216. In the embodiment shown in Figure 22C, the alignment feature comprises two alignment holes 2216 formed from two holes 2216 in the blank.

[0144] The blank 2200 further includes a third fold line 2210 and a fourth fold line 2212. The third fold line 2210 is positioned between the first region 2202 and the connection region 2206. By folding along the third fold line 2210, the resistance heating element 342 (in the first region) can be positioned on the surface opposite to the connection region (in the third region) and the first and second types of electrical contacts located thereon. This makes it possible to position the electrical contacts on the external surface of the aerosol generator 304, away from the resistance heating element 342 on the internal surface.

[0145] Furthermore, the blank 2200 comprises a first external region 2211 and a second external region 2214. The first external region 2211 is positioned between a first fold line 2208 and a third fold line 2210. The first external region 2211 defines the external surface of the aerosol generator 304. When the blank 2200 is folded along the third fold line 2210, the first external region 2211 forms one of the external surfaces of the aerosol generator 304. In some embodiments, each of the first and second types of electrical contacts extends from the first region 2202 across the first external region 2211 to the connection region 2206, thereby providing a conduction path from the connection region 2206 to the resistance heating element in the first region 2202. In other words, the first external region 2211 comprises a plurality of first conduction tracks. Each of the first conduction tracks is part of a conduction path comprising a resistive heating element, a first type of electrical contact, and a second type of electrical contact. Each of the first conduction tracks may also be considered part of a first type of electrical contact.

[0146] The fourth fold line 2212 is positioned between the second region 2204 and the connection region 2206. By folding along the fourth fold line 2212, the resistance heating element 342 (in the second region) can be positioned on the surface opposite to the connection region (in the third region) and the first and second types of electrical contacts located above it. This makes it possible to position the electrical contacts on the external surface of the aerosol generator 304, away from the resistance heating element 342 on the internal surface.

[0147] The second external region 2214 is positioned between the second fold line 2209 and the fourth fold line 2212. The second external region 2214 defines another external surface of the aerosol generator 304. When the blank 2200 is folded along the fourth fold line 2212, the second external region 2214 forms one of the external surfaces of the aerosol generator 304. In some embodiments, each of the first and second types of electrical contacts extends from the second region 2204 across the first external region 2212 to the connection region 2206, thereby providing a conduction path from the connection region 2206 to the resistive heating element in the second region 2204. In other words, the second external region 2214 comprises a plurality of second conduction tracks. Each of the second conduction tracks is part of a conduction path comprising its respective resistive heating element, its respective first type of electrical contact, and its respective second type of electrical contact. Each of the second conduction tracks may also be considered part of the respective first type of electrical contact. Thus, the first and second external regions 2211, 2214 may enable the positioning of the connector electrical contacts 232 at the connection portion of the aerosol generator 304.

[0148] In this embodiment, the first external region 2211 is positioned longitudinally adjacent to the first region 2202. In other embodiments, the first external region 2211 is not positioned longitudinally adjacent to the first region 2202; for example, the first external region 2211 is positioned laterally adjacent to the first region 2202. In this embodiment, the second external region 2214 is positioned longitudinally adjacent to the second region 2204. In other embodiments, the second external region 2214 is not positioned longitudinally adjacent to the second region 2204; for example, the second external region 2214 is positioned laterally adjacent to the second region 2204.

[0149] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 22B, both the first and second external regions 2211 and 2214 are positioned on the same lateral side to each other. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 22C, the first external region 2211 is positioned on the lateral side opposite to the side on which the second external region 2214 is positioned. Note that the components shown in Figures 22B and 22C are the same as those described above in relation to Figure 22A. Therefore, repeated descriptions of these features are omitted. However, the embodiments shown in Figures 22B and 22C differ from the embodiment in Figure 22A in that the first and second resistance heating layers do not share a first type of electrical contact. In each of the embodiments shown in Figures 22B and 22C, each resistance heating element extends between its respective first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact common to a particular resistance heating layer. In other embodiments, the first type of electrical contact can be shared between different resistance heating layers as described above. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 22B, the third and fourth fold lines 2210, 2212 may be at least part of a single fold line.

[0150] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 22C, the connection region 2206 is positioned between the first and second external regions 2211, 2214. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 22B, the connection region 2206 is positioned between the first and second external regions 2211, 2214 and between the first and second regions 2202, 2204.

[0151] Preferably, the arrangement described above helps reduce damage to the resistive heating element 342 during use because the contact points with the power source 220, which are most likely to cause sparks and short circuits, are located distal to and / or spaced apart from the resistive heating element. In addition, these arrangements also provide an additional layer of material between the heating element and the rest of the device, thereby protecting other components from the relatively high temperatures of the resistive heating layer. Furthermore, because the aerosol generating layer 330 is deposited on the resistive heating element, these arrangements allow for the placement of electrical contacts away from the airflow path that carries the aerosols generated from the aerosol generating layer. This helps improve the quality of the aerosols delivered to the user because obstructions to the airflow path are minimized. Furthermore, the arrangement described above also increases flexibility in the location of the device contacts, thus tending to reduce or avoid contamination by the generated aerosols.

[0152] Folding the blank 2200 to form the aerosol generator 304 involves folding along a first fold line 2208 in a first direction, for example clockwise or counterclockwise, and folding along a second fold line 2209 in a second direction, for example counterclockwise or clockwise. In other words, the folding may be considered as bringing the "rear" portions of the blank 2200 (those not containing the aerosol-generating material) toward each other. In some embodiments, the first direction may be opposite to the second direction. This folding may be continued until the first region 2202 and / or the first outer region 2211 are perpendicular to the third region 2206. Similarly, the folding may be continued until the second region 2204 and / or the second outer region 2214 are perpendicular to the third region 2206. Folding the blank 2200 to form the aerosol generator 304 may also involve folding at the third fold line 2210 in the same direction as the folding at the first fold line, i.e., in the first direction. Folding the blank 2200 to form the aerosol generator 304 may also involve folding at the fourth fold line 2212 in the same direction as the folding at the second fold line 2209, i.e., in the second direction.

[0153] The connecting region 2206 has all the same characteristics as the connecting region 1906 described in Figures 19A and 19B, except that the connecting region 2206 has additional fold lines. Therefore, repeated descriptions of these same characteristics are omitted.

[0154] Preferably, the above arrangement allows for an increase in the number of heating zones (corresponding to resistive heating elements) while reducing and / or minimizing the number of electrical contacts. For example, this may be due to first and second resistive heating layers sharing a first type of electrical contact. Similarly, the resistive heating elements in each resistive heating layer also share a second type of electrical contact. Furthermore, individual starting capabilities are not sacrificed to achieve this advantage.

[0155] Figure 23A shows the aerosol product assembly 300. The aerosol product assembly 300 includes an aerosol generator 304, a core 2304, and a cover 2306. The aerosol generator 304 may be considered to be the blank 2200 as shown in Figure 22 or the aerosol generator 304 shown in Figure 21. Again, repeated descriptions of the same features are omitted. The aerosol product assembly 300 also includes an inlet (not shown) into which air can enter the airflow path. The aerosol product assembly 300 also includes an outlet (not shown) into which a user can inhale air from the airflow path (which may contain the generated aerosol).

[0156] The core 2304 is positioned between the first and second resistance heating layers of the aerosol generator 304. The core 2304 may be considered a spacer. This may be done by folding the aerosol generator 304 around the core 2304 so that the core 2304 separates the first and second resistance heating layers and any aerosol generating layers above the first and second resistance heating layers. Alternatively, the aerosol generator 304 may be folded first, and then the core may be moved between the first and second resistance heating layers. In this embodiment, the core has the same thickness as the distance between the first and second resistance heating layers. In other embodiments, the core does not have the same thickness as the distance between the first and second resistance heating layers; for example, the core has a thickness greater than or less than the distance between the first and second resistance heating layers.

[0157] The cover 2306 is configured to enclose the outer surface of the aerosol generator 304. In this embodiment, the length of the cover 2306 is the same as the length of the aerosol generator 304 along its longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, the length of the cover is not the same as the length of the aerosol generator along its longitudinal direction; for example, the length of the cover may be longer or shorter than the length of the aerosol generator. In this embodiment, the width of the cover 2306 is equal to the combined width of the first resistance heating layer and the second resistance heating layer, plus twice the width of the lateral connection portion. In other embodiments, the width of the cover may be greater or smaller.

[0158] Preferably, the cover tends to protect the electrical contacts on the external surface from damage during handling.

[0159] In the embodiments described above, none of the fold lines are pre-formed in the blank. In other embodiments, one or more fold lines, such as creases, indentations, notches, or electrical contacts and / or other weakened areas of the support layer thereon, are pre-formed in the blank.

[0160] Figure 23B shows a cutaway view of the assembled article 300. Article 300 has an aerosol generator 304 positioned to surround a core 2304. As described above, this may be done by folding the aerosol generator 304 around the core 2304. A cover 2306 wraps around the outer surface of the aerosol generator 304. The cover 2306 defines the outer surface of article 300. Note that Figure 23B shows a cutaway view of a side portion of the core 2304 to show the internal structure. In this embodiment, the core 2304 completely seals off the airflow path to the external environment, except for the inlet and outlet. In other embodiments, the core 2304 does not completely seal off the airflow path to the external environment; for example, the cover may only partially seal off the airflow path, or the core may not seal off the airflow path at all. In this embodiment, the airflow path is completely isolated from the external environment, except for the inlet and outlet. In some embodiments, one or more of the aerosol generator, aerosol product, and aerosol supply device may, in combination, have a structure that provides at least partial isolation and / or control of the airflow path from the external environment. In other embodiments, the airflow path is partially exposed to the external environment.

[0161] Figure 24 shows perspective views of various components of an alternative aerosol product 300. The aerosol product 300 comprises a first resistance heating layer 2402, a second resistance heating layer 2404, a third resistance heating layer 2405, a fourth resistance heating layer 2406, a first spacer 2408, a second spacer 2410, and a cover 2412. Each of the spacers 2408, 2410 and the cover 2412 are optional and may be omitted. One or more of the spacers 2408, 2410 may be considered a core. One of the second and third resistance heating layers 2404, 2405 is also optional and may be omitted. The resistance heating layers in this embodiment are the same as those described above. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the resistance heating layers are omitted.

[0162] The first and second resistance heating layers 2402, 2404 are positioned to be spaced apart from each other. The first and second resistance heating layers 2402, 2404 are also positioned so that the resistance heating elements of each layer face each other. Thus, the aerosol generating layers of the first and second resistance heating layers 2402, 2404 also face each other. In this way, the first and second resistance heating layers 2402, 2404 define a first airflow path between them. In this embodiment, the first and second heating layers 2402, 2404 are spaced apart from each other by a first spacer 2408. In other embodiments, the first and second heating layers are not spaced apart from each other by a first spacer, but rather, for example, the first and second heating layers are spaced apart from each other by means other than a spacer.

[0163] The second and third resistance heating layers 2404, 2405 are positioned back-to-back. The second and third resistance heating layers 2404, 2405 are positioned adjacent to each other. The second and third resistance heating layers 2404, 2405 are arranged such that their resistance heating elements face opposite directions. For example, these resistance heating elements face opposite directions. In this embodiment, the second and third resistance heating layers 2404, 2405 are in contact with each other. In other embodiments, the second and third resistance heating layers 2404, 2405 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0164] The third and fourth resistance heating layers 2405, 2406 are positioned to be spaced apart from each other. The third and fourth resistance heating layers 2405, 2406 are also positioned so that the resistance heating elements of each layer face each other. Thus, the aerosol generating layers of the third and fourth resistance heating layers 2405, 2406 also face each other. In this way, the third and fourth resistance heating layers 2405, 2406 define a second airflow path between them. In this embodiment, the third and fourth resistance heating layers 2405, 2406 are spaced apart from each other by a second spacer 2410. In other embodiments, the third and fourth resistance heating layers are not spaced apart from each other by a second spacer, but rather, for example, the third and fourth resistance heating layers are spaced apart from each other by means other than a spacer.

[0165] The first and fourth resistance heating layers 2402 and 2406 are positioned so that the resistance heating elements of the first and fourth resistance heating layers 2402 and 2406, as well as the aerosol generating layers deposited on the first and fourth resistance heating layers 2402 and 2406, face inward. The second and third resistance heating layers 2404 and 2405 are positioned so that the resistance heating elements of the second and third resistance heating layers 2404 and 2405, as well as the aerosol generating layers deposited on the second and third resistance heating layers 2404 and 2405, face outward.

[0166] The cover 2412 encloses all of the above-mentioned components and defines the external surface of the aerosol product 300.

[0167] Figure 25A shows a cutaway perspective view of an alternative aerosol product 300 having multiple airflow paths. The aerosol product 300 may be the same as the aerosol product 300 described in relation to Figure 24. The aerosol product 300 includes a first aerosol generator 304, a second aerosol generator 304, and a cover 2506. The cover 2506 is entirely optional and can be omitted. It should be noted that the components described in relation to the aerosol product 300 in Figure 24 may also be considered as the aforementioned features of the aerosol product 300. For example, the first and fourth resistance heating layers 2402, 2406 may be considered as the second aerosol generator 304. Similarly, the second and third resistance heating layers 2404, 2405 may be considered as the first aerosol generator 304.

[0168] The first aerosol generator 304 is the aerosol generator 304 described in relation to Figures 17 to 19. In other words, the first aerosol generator 304 may be considered a double-sided external opposing aerosol generator. The second aerosol generator 304 is the aerosol generator 304 described in relation to Figures 20 to 22. In other words, the second aerosol generator 304 may be considered a double-layer internal opposing aerosol generator. The first aerosol generator 304 is positioned between the resistance heating layers of the second aerosol generator 304. Each of the resistance heating layers of the first aerosol generator 304 is spaced apart from and facing each resistance heating layer of the second aerosol generator 304. The first aerosol generator 304 and the second aerosol generator 304 together define the first airflow path 2508 and the second airflow path 2510. The first airflow path 2508 is defined by the respective resistance heating layers of the first aerosol generator 304 and the opposing resistance heating layers of the second aerosol generator 304. Similarly, the second airflow path 2510 is also defined by the respective resistance heating layers of the first aerosol generator 304 and the opposing resistance heating layers of the second aerosol generator 304. All first and second types of electrical contacts of the first and second aerosol generators 304 are located on the longitudinal edge of the article 300.

[0169] Similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 18, the article 300 further includes an opening 2516. The opening 2516 has the same characteristics and functions as the opening described above in relation to Figure 18. Therefore, a repeated description of the opening 2516 is omitted.

[0170] Preferably, each of the arrangements described above allows for an increase in the amount of aerosol that can be stored within the article without significantly increasing the size of the article. For example, this makes it possible to store different fragrances within the same article (e.g., in each resistance heating layer). Furthermore, multiple airflow paths allow for a wider range of operating modes for the article. For example, by switching the airflow paths alternately for each user activation, the time it takes for each airflow path to return to the ambient / neutral state can be increased. Continuous use by the user may cause the temperature of the airflow paths to rise (due to continuous heating) and / or residual particulate matter to be generated. By switching the airflow paths alternately after each use, the temperature can be returned to ambient level and / or residual particulate matter can be dispersed. Thus, this arrangement allows for improved performance.

[0171] The first and second types of electrical contacts 2512 of the first aerosol generator 304 are longitudinally offset from the first and second types of electrical contacts 2514 of the second aerosol generator 304. In this embodiment, the first and second types of electrical contacts of the first aerosol generator 304 extend longitudinally beyond the first and second types of electrical contacts of the second aerosol generator 304. Preferably, this allows for individual activation of each resistance heating element in both the first and second aerosol generators without significantly complicating the connection to the power source.

[0172] Figure 25B shows a perspective view of the aerosol product 300. The cover 2506 surrounds the first and second external parts. Since the first and second external parts contain electrical contacts, the cover 2506 preferably reduces or mitigates damage to the electrical contacts of the external parts, for example, during handling.

[0173] In the above embodiment, there is only one first aerosol generator and only one second aerosol generator. In other embodiments, there is not only one first aerosol generator and only one second aerosol generator. In some embodiments, there may be multiple first aerosol generators positioned between the resistance heating layers of the second aerosol generator. In such embodiments, there may be at least three airflow paths, each airflow path defined by at least two first aerosol generators, or one of the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator.

[0174] In some embodiments, the blank may have one or more openings, for example at connection points, each opening corresponding to the inlet of a respective airflow path when the blank is formed within the aerosol generator. The arrangement described in relation to Figures 24-25 may be considered as a laminated arrangement in which various layers (such as resistance heating layers or spacers) are stacked on top of each other. The stacking may be oriented perpendicular to the plane of one or more layers.

[0175] As described above, in some embodiments for different arrangements of the articles described above, the aerosol-generating material comprises a solid or semi-solid material. In embodiments, the aerosol-generating layer comprises a solid material, such as reconstituted tobacco. In such embodiments, the aerosol-generating layer is in the form of an aerosol-generating segment. The aerosol-generating segment generally comprises a solid material. Such a solid material may be shredded tobacco. The aerosol-generating material may be arranged, for example, as an aerosol-generating segment and 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 plug of material.

[0176] 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 shredded 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.

[0177] The aerosol-generating material, formed as a solid material, may contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may contain tobacco, consist of tobacco, or consist essentially of tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material does not contain tobacco.

[0178] In any of the embodiments described above, heating of the article causes volatile compounds to be released relatively steadily into an inhalable medium. In one embodiment described above, the aerosol-generating segment is a plug of material. The article may include a mouth-end section. A tubular element may be located between the aerosol-generating material and the mouth-end section. The article may include a ventilation area in the mouth-end section. The mouth-end section may define a mouthpiece configured to be placed between the user's lips.

[0179] In any embodiment of the article described above, the 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 the 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.

[0180] 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 shredded rag tobacco. Shredded 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. The filler component may be present in an amount of 0% to 20% of the weight of the tobacco material, or 1% to 10% of the weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the filler component is absent. In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco material contains an aerosol-forming agent material. In this context, “aerosol-forming agent material” means an agent that promotes aerosol formation. The aerosol-forming agent material may promote aerosol formation by promoting the initial vaporization and / or condensation of gas into inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosols. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent material may improve the delivery of flavor from the aerosol-forming material. Generally, the aerosol-forming material of the present invention may include any suitable aerosol-forming agent material or agent, including those described herein.

[0181] 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 combined with fibrous material from the residue (usually after purification of the fibrous material and optionally with the addition of a portion of non-tobacco fibers) by depositing the extract onto the fibrous material. The recombination process is similar to the process of making paper.

[0182] 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. Articles for aerosol supply devices, an aerosol generating layer containing 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, The aerosol generation layer is located on the 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 article comprises an internal space that defines a path through which aerosols generated from the aerosol generating layer flow during use.

2. The article according to claim 1, further comprising a body that defines the internal space.

3. The article according to claim 2, wherein the main body is tubular.

4. The aerosol generation layer is the first aerosol generation layer, The aforementioned resistance heating layer is a first resistance heating layer, The aforementioned article, A second aerosol generating layer containing a second aerosol generating material, A second resistance heating layer comprising a second resistance heating element configured to generate an aerosol by heating at least a portion of the second aerosol generating material, Equipped with, The second aerosol generation layer is located on the second resistance heating layer, The second resistive 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 internal space is defined between the first and second resistance heating layers. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

5. The article according to claim 4, wherein the first type of electrical contact comprises a common electrical contact on which both the first and second resistance heating elements extend.

6. The second type of electrical contact comprises two electrical contacts that are electrically isolated from each other. The extension of the first resistance heating element extends from one of the electrical contacts, and the second resistance heating element extends from the other of the electrical contacts. The article according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The first resistance heating layer comprises a plurality of first resistance heating elements, each of which is a portion of the conductive path between the respective first type of electrical contact and one of the electrical contacts in the second type of electrical contact. The second resistance heating layer comprises a plurality of second resistance heating elements, each of which is a portion of the conductive path between each first type of electrical contact and other electrical contacts in the second type of electrical contact. The article according to claim 6.

8. The article according to claims 4 to 7, further comprising a connecting portion which is connected to the first resistance heating layer at one end by a first bent portion and to the second resistance heating layer at the other end by a second bent portion.

9. An article for an aerosol supply device according to claim 8, wherein the connecting portion and each of the first and second resistance heating layers are formed from a single material sheet.

10. The article according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the first and second resistance heating layers face each other.

11. The aerosol generator is further positioned within the internal space between the first and second resistance heating layers, and the aerosol generator is A third aerosol-generating layer containing an aerosol-generating material, A third resistance heating layer comprising a third resistance heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating material of the third aerosol generating layer to generate an aerosol, The third aerosol generation layer is located on the third resistance heating layer, A fourth aerosol-generating layer containing an aerosol-generating material, A fourth resistance heating layer comprising at least a fourth resistance heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating material of the fourth aerosol generating layer to generate an aerosol, The fourth aerosol generation layer is located on the fourth resistance heating layer, Equipped with, Each resistive heating element is at least a portion of the conductive path between a first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact. The article according to any one of claims 4 to 10.

12. The third aerosol generating layer is positioned at a distance from the first aerosol generating layer, defining a first airflow path between them. The fourth aerosol generating layer is positioned at a distance from the second aerosol generating layer, defining a second airflow path between them. The article according to claim 11.

13. The article according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first and second types of electrical contacts in the third and / or fourth resistance heating layer are displaced along the longitudinal direction from the first and second types of electrical contacts in the first and / or second resistance heating layer.

14. The second type of electrical contact in the third and / or fourth resistance heating layer comprises two electrical contacts that are electrically isolated from each other. The third resistance heating element extends from one of the electrical contacts, and the fourth resistance heating element extends from the other of the electrical contacts. The article according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. The third resistance heating layer comprises a plurality of third resistance heating elements, each of which is a portion of the conductive path between each of the first type of electrical contacts and one of the second type of electrical contacts. The fourth resistance heating layer comprises a plurality of fourth resistance heating elements, each of which is a portion of the conductive path between each of the third type of electrical contacts and another of the second type of electrical contacts. The article according to claim 14.

16. The first type of electrical contact comprises a plurality of electrical contacts, Each third resistive heating element and each fourth resistive heating element share one of the plurality of electrical contacts in the first type of electrical contact. The article according to claim 15.

17. A blank for forming an aerosol-generating material, One or more resistive heating elements, each configured to generate heat, The first type of electrical contact, The second type of electrical contact, Equipped with, Each of the resistive heating elements is at least a portion of the conductive path between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact. The blank is configured to form an internal space that defines a path through which air can flow. The aforementioned path is a blank adjacent to the resistance heating element.

18. A first region comprising a first resistive heating element configured to generate heat, A second region comprising a second resistive heating element configured to generate heat, A first fold line positioned between the first and second regions, A second fold line is positioned at a distance from the first fold line and located between the first and second regions, Furthermore, Each of the first and second resistive heating elements is at least a portion of the respective conductive path between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact. When the blank is folded along the first and second fold lines, the first and second portions each form layers, and the first and second resistance heating elements face each other. The blank according to claim 17.

19. The first type of electrical contact is common to both the first and second regions, The first type of electrical contact is positioned between the first and second regions, Each of the first and second fold lines is positioned on the first type of electrical contact. The blank according to claim 18.

20. A step of providing the blank according to claim 18 or 19, The steps include depositing an aerosol generating layer containing an aerosol generating material on the first and / or second portion so that the first and / or second resistance heating element can heat the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, The steps include folding the sheet along the first fold line, The steps include folding the blank along the second fold line, A method for manufacturing articles, including the manufacturing of an article.

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