Consumables requiring preheating of liquid aerosol forming substrates

Abstract

The present invention relates to a consumable for use with an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to a consumable having a heating element for use with a viscous liquid aerosol forming substrate. In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a consumable (100) for use with an aerosol generating device (200), the consumable comprising an aerosol outlet path (120), a reservoir (110) containing a liquid aerosol forming substrate, and a heating element (130). The reservoir has an upper domain (110a) and a lower domain (110b), the upper and lower domains being fluidly connected to each other, and the lower domain defining an opening to the outlet path. The heating element comprises a lower portion (130b) positioned at the opening of the lower domain and an upper portion extending into the upper domain (130a). The heating element further extends along the aerosol outlet path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a consumable for use with an aerosol generating device, particularly a consumable having a heating element for use with a viscous liquid aerosol forming substrate.

Background Art

[0002] Currently commercially available aerosol generating devices can generate aerosols from liquid aerosol forming substrates. These liquid substrates typically include a mixture of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and nicotine.

[0003] Alternatively, such a liquid substrate containing nicotine can be provided as a tobacco liquid (T-liquid) containing PG, VG, and ground tobacco suspended in the liquid. Thus, the nicotine present in the liquid is essentially derived from natural tobacco materials.

[0004] However, suspended ground tobacco poses a problem when used with aerosol generating devices using common wick and coil heating elements. The suspended ground tobacco makes the liquid substrate more viscous and there is a possibility that the wick will quickly become clogged with the suspended ground tobacco. Due to both factors, the sucking performance of the wick is reduced, and thus the overall performance of the aerosol generating device is reduced.

[0005] Therefore, in order to improve the performance of aerosol generating devices, there is a need for a consumable that prevents the adverse effects of such viscous aerosol forming substrates.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Some or all of the above objects are achieved by the present invention defined by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a consumable for use with an aerosol generating device, the consumable comprising an aerosol outlet path, a reservoir containing a liquid aerosol forming substrate, and a heating element. The reservoir has an upper domain and a lower domain, the upper and lower domains being fluidly connected to each other, and the lower domain defining an opening to the outlet path. The heating element comprises a lower portion positioned at the opening of the lower domain and an upper portion extending into the upper domain. The heating element further extends along the aerosol outlet path.

[0008] In the arrangement of the first embodiment, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the upper domain of the reservoir can be preheated, and at the same time, the same heating element can be used to generate an aerosol in the outlet path near the lower domain of the reservoir. This is particularly advantageous when the aerosol-forming substrate is viscous, because preheating reduces viscosity and promotes the flow of the substrate. The heating element extending along the aerosol outlet path increases the surface area of ​​the heating element for aerosol generation. This means that the longitudinal direction of the upper portion of the heating element is substantially parallel to the flow direction of the outlet path. The arrangement of the present invention improves the aerosol generation performance of the consumable.

[0009] According to a second embodiment, in the above embodiment, the upper and lower portions of the heating element are formed integrally.

[0010] The integrally formed heating element eliminates the need to join the upper and lower parts of the heating element. This reduces manufacturing costs and complexity, allows for further miniaturization of the heating element, and enables better utilization of typically constrained space within the consumable.

[0011] According to a third embodiment, in the embodiment described above, the upper portion of the heating element is positioned within the volume of an upper domain surrounded by a reservoir wall, such that it is surrounded by a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0012] A third embodiment leads to more uniform, and therefore improved, heating of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate that can be contained in the upper portion of the reservoir.

[0013] According to the fourth embodiment, in any one of the above embodiments, the lower portion of the heating element is configured to draw up the liquid aerosol forming substrate.

[0014] The fourth aspect eliminates the need for a separate, dedicated wicking element. This reduces manufacturing complexity and spatial requirements within the consumables.

[0015] According to the fifth embodiment, in any one of the embodiments described above, the lower portion of the heating element is configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to a first temperature suitable for generating an aerosol.

[0016] Therefore, a heating element may be used to generate an aerosol at the reservoir opening to the outlet path.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect, in the above-described aspect, the first temperature is at least 190°C, preferably at least 200°C, more preferably at least 210°C, most preferably at least 220°C, and / or the first temperature is at most 340°C, preferably at most 330°C, more preferably at most 320°C, most preferably at most 310°C.

[0018] The specified temperature range allows typical liquid aerosol-forming substrates to be transformed into aerosols without burning the substrate.

[0019] According to the seventh embodiment, in any one of the above embodiments, the upper portion of the heating element is configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate contained in the upper domain of the reservoir to a second temperature that is not suitable for generating aerosols.

[0020] Therefore, without generating aerosols, it is possible to heat part or all of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the upper domain of the reservoir, thereby reducing the viscosity of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. This facilitates the suction of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and, consequently, improves the heating performance of the consumables.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect, in the above-described aspect, the second temperature is at least 15°C, preferably at least 20°C, more preferably at least 25°C, most preferably at least 30°C, and / or the second temperature is at most 60°C, preferably at most 55°C, more preferably at most 50°C, most preferably at most 45°C.

[0022] The specified temperature range allows for heating typical liquid aerosol-forming substrates to reduce their viscosity without generating aerosols within the reservoir.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect, in any one of the above-described aspects, the surface area of ​​the upper portion of the heating element constitutes at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, more preferably at least 20%, and most preferably at least 25% of the surface area of ​​the heating element, and / or the surface area of ​​the lower portion constitutes less than 50%, preferably less than 45%, more preferably less than 40%, and most preferably less than 35% of the surface area of ​​the heating element.

[0024] According to the tenth embodiment, in any one of the embodiments described above, the upper portion of the heating element extends at least 0.5 cm, preferably at least 0.75 cm, more preferably at least 1.0 cm, and most preferably at least 1.25 cm within the upper domain of the reservoir.

[0025] The ninth and tenth embodiments provide an optimized contact area between the upper portion of the heating element and the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the reservoir in order to optimize the heating of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate while preventing overheating of the aerosol-forming substrate by the lower portion of the heating element.

[0026] According to the 11th aspect, in any one of the foregoing aspects, the lower part of the heating element is permeable to the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0027] This enables the aerosol-forming substrate to permeate through the lower part of the heating element from the opening of the lower domain to the outlet path, thereby improving the aerosol generation performance of the heating element.

[0028] According to the 12th aspect, in any one of the foregoing aspects, at least a part of the lower part of the heating element is perforated.

[0029] The perforations reduce the impact of clogging caused by larger particles and fine particles suspended in the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0030] According to the 13th aspect, in any one of the foregoing aspects, at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, and most preferably at least 80% of the volume of the reservoir is arranged in the upper domain of the reservoir.

[0031] This makes it possible to limit the volume of the substrate heated to a higher temperature within the lower domain, thereby saving energy.

[0032] According to the 14th aspect, in any one of the foregoing aspects, the lower part of the heating element is an active heater configured to be heated by direct or indirect interaction with an electric current, and the upper part of the heating element is a passive heater configured to be heated by the heat transferred from the lower part of the heating element.

[0033] This provides a configuration that enables the lower part of the heating element to heat the aerosol-generating substrate to a temperature higher than the temperature at which the aerosol-generating substrate is heated by the upper part of the heating element.

[0034] According to the 15th embodiment, in any one of the embodiments described above, the heating element is a susceptor element.

[0035] The susceptor element does not require physical contact with the power supply for heating. This increases structural flexibility and reduces wear and abrasion due to the absence of physical contact with the power supply.

[0036] According to the 16th embodiment, in any of the embodiments described above, the consumable further includes a wicking element that is in contact with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and is arranged to draw the liquid aerosol-forming substrate directly from the lower domain of the reservoir to the heating element.

[0037] The dedicated wicking element can provide optimized wicking performance for a wide range of liquid aerosol-forming substrates.

[0038] According to the seventeenth aspect, in the aforementioned aspect, the wicking element surrounds at least the outer surface of the heating element substantially parallel to the flow direction of the outlet path.

[0039] Therefore, any liquid that comes into contact with the heating element passes through the wicking element. Compared to known wick and coil heating arrangements, the 16th embodiment increases the surface area of ​​the wicking element and thus reduces the adverse effects of clogging caused by suspended particles and fine particles in the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0040] According to the 18th embodiment, in any one of the above embodiments, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate includes a tobacco suspension.

[0041] According to the 19th embodiment, in any of the embodiments described above, the upper domain of the reservoir is divided into a first part and a second part located on two opposing sides of the aerosol outlet path, the two parts not directly fluid-connected within the upper domain.

[0042] By separating it into two parts, the formation of a narrow passage in the upper domain of the reservoir is avoided. A narrow passage in the upper domain negatively affects the flow of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the upper domain to the lower domain of the reservoir, and therefore reduces the supply of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heating element.

[0043] A 20th aspect of the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device for use with a consumable described in any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the aerosol generating device includes means for receiving the consumable and means for supplying energy to a heating element.

[0044] The 20th aspect is an aerosol generating device that utilizes the advantages of the consumables described in any one of the 1st to 19th aspects of the present invention.

[0045] According to the 21st aspect, in the aforementioned aspect, the means for receiving consumables is a cavity or a storage compartment.

[0046] A 21st aspect enables consumables to be reliably received by the aerosol generating device.

[0047] According to the 22nd aspect, in any one of the 20th to 21st aspects, the receiving means of the aerosol generating device is configured to receive at least a portion of a consumable, including the lower part of the heating element.

[0048] In the 22nd embodiment, the lower portion of the heating element to be heated is brought close to the aerosol generating device. This simplifies the provision of means for controlling the heating of the heating element.

[0049] According to the 23rd aspect, in any one of the 20th to 22nd aspects, the means for supplying energy is an inductor configured to apply a changing electromagnetic field to the lower part of the heating element of the consumable when the consumable is being received by the aerosol generating device.

[0050] The 23rd embodiment provides a reliable non-contact means in which the lower portion of the heating element is actively heated, but preferably the upper portion of the heating element is not actively heated.

[0051] According to the 24th aspect, in the aforementioned aspect, the inductor is configured to surround at least a portion or all of the lower part of the heating element when the consumable is received by the aerosol generating device.

[0052] The 24th aspect ensures improved heating of the heating element via an inductor.

[0053] A 25th aspect of the present invention is an aerosol generating system comprising a consumable product described in any one of the 1st to 19th aspects and an aerosol generating device described in any one of the 20th to 24th aspects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0054] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a side cross-sectional view of a consumable according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] Figures 2A and 2B show schematic cross-sectional top views of a consumable passing through layer A, as shown in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a consumable used with an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0055] Here, a preferred embodiment will be described as an example, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0056] In the description of this invention, terms such as “one end,” “the other end,” “outside,” “top,” “upwards,” “inside,” “bottom,” “downwards,” “horizontal,” “coaxial,” “center,” “end,” and “outer end,” which indicate orientation or positional relationships, should be understood to be based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings. Terms such as “top,” “upwards,” “downwards,” and “down,” used in this invention to indicate relative positions in space, are used for the purpose of facilitating explanation in order to describe the units or features shown in the drawings in comparison to the relationships of other units or features. Terms of relative positions in space may be intended to include various orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawing is turned over, a unit described as being “below” or “below” another unit or feature will be “above” the other unit or feature. Thus, the exemplary term “downwards” can include both upward and downward orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the space-related descriptive terms used herein will be explained accordingly. More specifically, the term "upper" means that one unit, layer, or element is positioned or configured relative to another unit, layer, or element in the outward direction of the device, while the term "lower" means that one unit, layer, or element is positioned or configured relative to another unit, layer, or element in the inward direction of the device.

[0057] Figure 1 shows a consumable 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the consumable includes a liquid reservoir 110 for containing an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a T-liquid containing tobacco material, such as ground tobacco, suspended in a liquid. Depending on the shape of the consumable, the reservoir 110 may have a corresponding shape. For example, if the consumable has a circular cross-section in the top view, the reservoir may have a cylindrical or tubular shape, as will be described below in relation to Figures 2A and 2B. The consumable further comprises an aerosol outlet path 120. According to other embodiments, the consumable and consequently the reservoir 110 may also have an elliptical cross-section. The outlet path 120 may be located in the center of the consumable 100 in the top view and extend in the vertical z direction in Figure 1. The aerosol outlet path 120 forms a path from a region that can generate an aerosol for consumption by the user to an outlet opening 120a. In the downstream direction, the outlet opening 120a may lead to a mouthpiece, or may be a mouthpiece itself, through which the user can consume the generated aerosol. In the upstream direction, one or more inlet openings (not shown) may be provided to allow air to enter the outlet path 120.

[0058] To efficiently utilize the space within the consumable 100, the reservoir 110 may extend in the z-direction, preferably as shown in Figure 1, along the extending direction of the outlet path, and may also extend along all or most of the extending direction of the outlet path 120, taking into account the wall thickness required to accommodate the reservoir 110. The reservoir 110 includes or consists of an upper domain 110a located in the z-direction near the upper end of the consumable 100, where the outlet opening 120a is provided, and a lower domain 110b located in the z-direction near the lower end of the consumable 100. The upper domain 110a preferably includes the largest portion of the reservoir 110's volume, and the lower domain 110b serves to provide liquid communication from the upper domain 110a to a heating element 130 located at the opening of the lower domain 110b leading to the outlet path 120. For this purpose, the volume of the upper domain 110a may constitute more than 50%, preferably more than 60%, more preferably 70%, and most preferably 80% of the total volume of the reservoir 110. As a result, the remaining proportion of the volume of the reservoir 110 is substantially allocated to the lower domain 110b.

[0059] A heating element 130 is provided at the opening of the lower domain 110b leading to the outlet path 120, so that the liquid leaving the reservoir 110 through the opening of the lower domain 110b can be heated by the heating element 130 to generate an aerosol that can later be discharged through the outlet opening 120a for consumption by the user. The heating element 130 includes a lower portion 130b and an upper portion 130a. The lower portion 130b is positioned at the opening of the lower domain 110b of the reservoir so that the liquid leaving the reservoir 110 through its opening can be heated by the lower portion 130b to generate an aerosol. The lower portion 130b positioned at the opening preferably means that any liquid leaving the lower domain 110b of the reservoir must pass through the lower portion 130b of the heating element. This prevents unintended leakage of liquid from the reservoir. The heating element 130a further includes an upper portion 130a positioned within the upper domain 110a of the liquid reservoir 110 so that the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the reservoir 110 can be heated by the upper portion 130a. In contrast to commonly used wick and coil heaters, where the wick typically extends in the left-right y-direction and the heating coil is wound around or around the wick, the heating element 130 of the present invention extends in the up-down z-direction. Thus, unlike commonly used wick and coil configurations, the surface area of ​​the heating element 130 that can be heated to generate aerosols is increased. As an additional advantage, the distance between the opening of the lower domain 110b and the heating element 130 is reduced because the liquid aerosol-forming substrate does not need to move across the longitudinal extension of the wick in the y-direction of a common wick and coil configuration. As a result, the problem of clogging by particles or fine particles, such as tobacco, suspended in the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be reduced. Combined with the increased surface area for aerosol generation, the heating performance of the heating element 130 can be improved.

[0060] In one embodiment, a dedicated wicking element 140 is provided to draw liquid from the opening of the lower domain 110b of the reservoir 110. The wicking element 140 is preferably positioned outside the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130 in the top view, and preferably surrounds the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130 with its outer side surface. In this way, any liquid heated by the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130 is first drawn into the wicking element 140. This ensures a stable supply of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the lower domain 110b of the reservoir 110 to the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130, and further prevents uncontrolled leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir. The wicking element 140 preferably includes or consists of a fibrous material such as cotton or a porous ceramic material. The wicking element 140 may be formed using several layers of such material.

[0061] The lower portion 130b of the heating element 130 may be permeable to the aerosol-forming substrate. This helps to transport the aerosol-forming substrate from the wicking element 140 through the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130 to the outlet path 120 in order to generate an aerosol for consumption by the user. For this purpose, the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130 may be porous and / or perforated. To suppress or reduce the adverse effects of clogging that may occur when used with T-liquid, the average perforation size is preferably 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm, more preferably 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm, and most preferably 0.5 mm. The density and / or size of the perforations can further be appropriately selected based on the desired overall permeability of the heating element 130.

[0062] In addition to, or instead of, the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130 may be configured to draw up the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the lower domain 110b of the reservoir 110. This can be achieved by the appropriate porosity and / or perforation of the lower portion of the heating element. By providing the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130 that can draw up the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the dedicated wicking element 140 can be omitted. This reduces the material and space requirements of the consumable 100 and reduces the complexity of manufacturing.

[0063] The lower portion 130b of the heating element is preferably configured to heat a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, either drawn into the wicking element 140 or drawn in by the lower portion 130b itself, to a first temperature sufficiently high to generate an aerosol from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Depending on the aerosol-forming substrate, the first temperature may be at least 190°C, preferably at least 200°C, more preferably at least 210°C, and most preferably at least 220°C. Furthermore, or to prevent combustion and the release of unwanted substances, the first temperature may be up to 340°C, preferably up to 330°C, more preferably up to 320°C, and most preferably up to 310°C.

[0064] The upper portion 130a of the heating element 130 is preferably located within the upper domain 110a of the reservoir 110, which provides the majority of the reservoir's volume. Similar to the lower portion 130b, the upper portion 130a of the heating element extends in the vertical z-direction in the direction of extension (flow direction) of the outlet path 120, as shown in Figure 1. This means that the longitudinal direction of the upper portion 130a of the heating element is substantially parallel to the flow direction of the outlet path. The upper portion 130a is preferably located within the sealed volume of the reservoir 110 and spaced apart from any housing walls of the reservoir 110, so that it is surrounded by liquid at least on its sides, and preferably on its top, when the reservoir is filled. This results in more uniform and improved heating of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate contained within the upper domain 110a. The upper portion 130a of the heating element 130 preferably does not have any perforations through which the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can pass. Furthermore, the upper portion 130a of the heating element 130 is preferably configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate contained in the upper domain 110a of the reservoir to a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature but not high enough to generate an aerosol. The second temperature may be at least 15°C, preferably at least 20°C, more preferably at least 25°C, and most preferably at least 30°C. Alternatively, the second temperature may be up to 60°C, preferably up to 55°C, more preferably up to 50°C, and most preferably up to 45°C.

[0065] Although the upper portion 130a of the heating element 130 does not generate aerosols, the heating performed by the upper portion 130a raises the temperature of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate contained in the upper domain 110a so that the viscosity of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate decreases without vaporizing it. This is advantageous because the viscosity of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate at room temperature can increase, especially due to particles and fine particles such as tobacco suspended in the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. As discussed, a higher viscosity of the aerosol-forming substrate negatively affects the aerosol generation performance of the consumable 100. Therefore, by reducing the viscosity, the flow of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the upper domain 110a through the lower domain 110b and through the opening to the heating element 130 for aerosol generation is improved, and thus the aerosol generation performance is improved.

[0066] Therefore, it is preferable that the upper portion 130a of the heating element is configured to simply heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to a second temperature that reduces its viscosity without generating an aerosol, and the lower portion 130b of the heating element is configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate drawn from the reservoir 110 to a first temperature above the second temperature in order to generate an aerosol. Differences in heating performance can be achieved by various methods. If the heating element is of the resistance heater type, electrical contacts may be provided so that current is applied only through the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130, and only the lower portion 130a is actively heated. Therefore, the upper portion 130a is not actively heated. However, the heat generated in the lower portion 130b is transferred to the upper portion 130a via the heating element 130. Naturally, this results in the upper portion 130a being heated to a lower temperature than the lower portion 130b. In a preferred embodiment, the heating element 130 is a susceptor element that generates heat when exposed to a magnetic field. Such susceptor elements are preferably made from a metallic material that may include, or may substantially consist of, stainless steel 430 or carbon steel grade 1006. A magnetic coil may be provided so that the magnetic field is applied substantially only to the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130, but not to the upper portion, in order to heat the lower portion 130b to a higher temperature than the upper portion 130a. This will be further explained below in the context of the embodiment shown in Figure 3.

[0067] Since the upper portion 130a of the heating element 130 is preferably not actively heated, sufficient heat transfer should occur from the actively heated lower portion 130b to the upper portion 130a to adequately heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the upper domain 110a and reduce its viscosity. To achieve this, at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, more preferably at least 20%, and most preferably at least 25% of the total surface area of ​​the heating element may be provided by the upper portion 130a of the heating element. At the same time, it is preferable to avoid overheating of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate heated by the upper portion 130a of the heating element. To achieve this, less than 50%, preferably less than 45%, more preferably less than 40%, and most preferably less than 35% of the total surface area of ​​the heating element 130 is provided by the lower portion 130b of the heating element. Furthermore, the lower portion 130a and the upper portion 130b may be connected using a suitable technique that is generally known. Alternatively, the lower portion 130a and the upper portion 130b may be integrally formed as a single part. This reduces manufacturing complexity and allows for more optimized use of space within the limited spatial constraints of consumables. This is because using a connecting element to connect the separate lower portion 130b and the separate upper portion 130a of the heating element requires a certain amount of space and material. Furthermore, the lower portion 130b and the upper portion 130a may be of the same and uniform shape, for example, a single thin, curved plate shape or a tubular shape.

[0068] Figures 2A and 2B show schematic cross-sectional top views of layer A, indicated by the dashed line labeled "A" in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The schematic diagram shows a cross-sectional top view of the lower domain 110b of a reservoir 110 having a wicking element 140 and a lower portion 130b of a heating element 130, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The consumable 100 is shown to have a circular base shape, and therefore generally a cylindrical or tubular shape, but any suitable base shape can be selected for the consumable 100. Therefore, in order to efficiently use space, both the upper domain 110a and the lower domain 110b of the liquid reservoir 110 may also have corresponding circular or other suitable base shapes. Also, as shown in Figure 1, the upper domain 110a may have a larger radius or other suitable size measurement than the lower domain 110b. The wicking element 140 and the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130 are positioned at the opening of the lower domain 110b which leads to the outlet passage 120.

[0069] Due to the typically circular or elliptical base shape of the consumables, the outlet path 120 may also have a circular or elliptical base shape, although any suitable shape may be used. In the case of a circular or elliptical base shape, it is advantageous that the wicking element 140 and the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130 have a corresponding curved or partially circular shape. In this way, any liquid aerosol-forming substrate leaving the lower domain 110b enters the wicking element 140, or, if the wicking element 140 is not provided, the lower portion 130b of the heating element. This ensures optimal suction of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to optimize aerosol generation and prevents uncontrolled leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir 110. Furthermore, as can be seen, in contrast to commonly used wick and coil heater configurations where the wick is positioned in the left-right y-direction across the outlet path, the distance the liquid aerosol-forming substrate must travel through the wicking element 140 and the lower portion 130b of the heating element is significantly reduced. This is particularly advantageous because it reduces the adverse effects of clogging of the wicking element 140 and / or the lower portion 130b of the heating element due to the presence of particles or fine particles such as tobacco suspended in the liquid aerosol forming substrate.

[0070] In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2A, the wicking element 140 and the lower portion 130b of the heating element, or both the lower portion 130b and the upper portion 130a, are formed to have a tubular, more preferably cylindrical shape and to have a circular, elliptical, or similar cross-section. Thus, in the top view, the wicking element 140 substantially surrounds the lower portion 130b of the heating element. Furthermore, or as shown in Figure 2B, the wicking element 140 and the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130b may include or substantially consist of two distinct portions for the two openings of the lower domain 110b of the reservoir 110, but any suitable number of openings, and therefore portions, of the wicking element 140 and the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130 may be provided. Each distinct portion of the wicking element 140 or the wicking element 140 may include or substantially consist of one or more layers of cotton. In the case of multiple layers of cotton, the layers may be laminated such that the lamination direction is from the lower domain toward the lower portion 130b of the heating element. In a preferred embodiment, the density of the multiple cotton layers increases in the lamination direction. Particles and fine particles such as tobacco material can be trapped in the lower-density initial layers, while still allowing the supply of liquid to the layers that become denser toward the heating element. In this way, the adverse effects of suspended particles and clogging by particles can be reduced or suppressed.

[0071] Figure 3 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the consumable 100 and aerosol generating device 200 in use according to an embodiment of the present invention. The consumable 100 may be the consumable 100 described in particular in the context of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2. The aerosol generating device 200 and the consumable are typically connected or joined to each other when in use. Known connecting means can be used for this purpose. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 includes a housing means 210, such as a housing, capable of receiving at least a portion of the consumable 100. Preferably, in a top view, the housing means 210 surrounds or encloses at least the portion of the consumable 100 in which the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130 is provided.

[0072] If the lower portion 130b of the heating element is of the resistance heater type, this makes it easier to provide electrical contacts for heating the lower portion 130b. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, if the heating element 130 or at least the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130 is a susceptor element, an inductor such as one more induction coil 220 may be placed in or adjacent to the housing means 210 to apply an electromagnetic field substantially only to the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130, and actively heat only the lower portion 130b of the heating element, for example, via eddy currents flowing through the lower portion 130b. Magnetic hysteresis can also be used to heat the lower portion 130b. For this purpose, as just one example, one or more preferably helical induction coils 220 may be provided in the top view so as to surround the lower portion 130b of the heating element or on the opposite side of the lower portion 130b of the heating element 130. At the same time, one or more induction coils 220 are not positioned to surround the upper portion 130a of the heating element 130 or to be on the opposite side of the upper portion 130a of the heating element 130. This prevents the upper portion 130a of the heating element 130 from being actively heated, and therefore prevents the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the upper domain 110a of the reservoir from being heated to a degree that would generate aerosols.

[0073] In general, the consumable 100 may have any suitable shape necessary for use with a suitable aerosol generating device 200. As a non-limiting example, if the aerosol generating device 200 has an elongated, optionally cylindrical shape to mimic the look and feel of a conventional cigarette, the corresponding consumable 100 may also have a cylindrical shape to provide a uniform appearance and smooth physical transition from the aerosol generating device 200 to the consumable 100 when connected or joined to each other. This not only improves the handling characteristics of the aerosol generating device 200 with the consumable 100, but also reduces the possibility of the consumable 100 unintentionally separating from the aerosol generating device 200. It should be understood that the above applies to many different corresponding shapes of the aerosol generating device 200 and the consumable 100.

[0074] In another preferred embodiment, the upper domain 110a is divided into a first and a second portion located on two opposing sides of the outlet passage 120, the two portions not directly fluid-connected within the upper domain 110a. Such a configuration of the upper domain 110a is particularly advantageous when the consumable does not have a circular base shape in the top view, but has an elongated or elliptical base shape that better conforms to the shape of the user's mouth. In the case of an elliptical base shape, if the upper domain 110a is provided to surround the outlet passage 120 in the top view, the distance between the inner and outer walls of the upper domain 110a in the top view is small in the portion of the upper domain 110a located near or along the minor axis, and conversely, the distance between the inner and outer walls of the upper domain 110a in the top view is large in the portion of the upper domain 110a located near or along the major axis, resulting in a narrow passage. The decreasing wall distance near or along the short axis, and the increased viscosity of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate containing suspended tobacco, reduce the flow of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the narrow passage portion near or along the short axis of the upper domain 110a, thus adversely affecting the aerosol generation performance of the consumable 100. By dividing the upper domain 110a into two portions that do not have direct fluid communication, and arranging these portions on the opposite side of the outlet passage 120, preferably along the long axis rather than the short axis, it is possible to prevent the portion of the upper domain 110a from having reduced flow of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate due to the narrow passage with the decreasing wall distance described above. As a result, the flow of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate within the upper domain 110a and to the lower domain 110b can be increased, improving the overall aerosol generation performance of the consumable 100.

[0075] While this disclosure has described specific embodiments and generally related methods, variations and substitutions of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description of exemplary embodiments does not define or restrict this disclosure. Other modifications, substitutions, and variations are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined by the independent and dependent claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 100 consumables 110 Reservoir 110a Upper domain of the reservoir 110b Lower domain of the reservoir 120 Exit Route 120a outlet opening 130 Heating Element 130a Upper part of the heating element 130b Lower part of the heating element 140 wicking elements 200 Aerosol Generating Devices 210 Storage Unit 220 Induction Coil

Claims

1. A consumable (100) for use with an aerosol generating device (200), Aerosol outlet pathway (120), A reservoir (110) containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, Heating element (130), Includes, The reservoir (110) has an upper domain (110a) and a lower domain (110b), the upper domain (110a) and the lower domain (110b) are fluidly connected to each other, and the lower domain (110b) defines an opening to the outlet path. The heating element (130) includes a lower portion (130b) positioned at the opening of the lower domain and an upper portion (130a) extending into the upper domain (110a). The heating element (130) extends along the aerosol outlet path (120), Consumables (100).

2. The upper portion (130a) and the lower portion (130b) of the heating element (130) are integrally formed, the consumable (100) according to claim 1.

3. The consumable (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper portion (130a) of the heating element (130) is arranged within the volume of the upper domain (110a) surrounded by a reservoir wall, so as to be surrounded by the liquid aerosol forming substrate.

4. The lower portion (130b) of the heating element (130) is configured to draw up the liquid aerosol forming substrate, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, for the consumable (100).

5. The consumable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lower portion (130b) of the heating element (130) is configured to heat the liquid aerosol forming substrate to a first temperature suitable for generating an aerosol.

6. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper portion (130a) of the heating element (130) is configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate contained in the upper domain (110a) of the reservoir (110) to a second temperature unsuitable for generating aerosols.

7. The surface area of ​​the upper portion (130a) of the heating element (130) constitutes at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, more preferably at least 20%, and most preferably at least 25% of the surface area of ​​the heating element (130), and / or The surface area of ​​the lower portion (130b) is less than 50%, preferably less than 45%, more preferably less than 40%, and most preferably less than 35% of the surface area of ​​the heating element (130). A consumable item (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The consumable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lower portion (130b) of the heating element (130) is permeable to the liquid aerosol forming substrate, and / or at least a portion of the lower portion (130b) of the heating element (130) is perforated.

9. The consumable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, and most preferably at least 80% of the volume of the reservoir (110) is located in the upper domain (110a) of the reservoir.

10. The lower portion (130b) of the heating element (130) is an active heater configured to be heated by direct or indirect interaction with electric current. The consumable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the upper portion of the heating element (130) is a passive heater configured to be heated by heat transmitted from the lower portion (130b) of the heating element (130).

11. The consumable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heating element (130) is a susceptor element.

12. The consumable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a wicking element (140) that is in contact with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and is arranged to directly draw the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the opening of the lower domain (110b) of the reservoir to the heating element (130).

13. The consumable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the upper domain (110a) of the reservoir (100) is divided into a first portion and a second portion located on two opposing sides of the aerosol outlet path (120), and the two portions are not directly fluid-connected within the upper domain (110a).

14. An aerosol generating device (200) for use with a consumable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, Means for receiving the aforementioned consumables (100), Means for supplying energy to the heating element (130), Includes, The receiving means of the aerosol generating device (200) is configured to receive at least a portion of the consumable (100), including the lower portion (130b) of the heating element (130). Aerosol generating device (200).

15. A consumable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The aerosol generating device (200) according to claim 14, an aerosol generation system, including...

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