Plate-shaped consumable article for aerosol generating device, equipped with reinforcing elements.

Abstract

The plate-shaped consumable article comprises a wrapper (40) wrapped around an article axis (X), forming a base portion (46) that houses an aerosol base material (48) containing a vaporizable material for generating an aerosol, and a cooling portion (50), the wrapper forming peripheral walls (52, 54) that separate the cooling portion (50). The cooling portion (50) comprises a reinforcing element (56) having a plurality of longitudinal walls (58) extending along the article axis (X), the longitudinal walls (58) of the reinforcing element (56) forming a lattice structure, and / or at least one longitudinal wall (58) of the reinforcing element forming a tubular structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of aerosol generating devices, and more particularly to a plate-shaped consumable article configured to operate with an aerosol generating device.

[0002] In particular, the plate-shaped consumable article comprises a substrate containing a vaporizable material, for example forming an aerosol when the substrate is heated by an aerosol generating device. Thus, this type of aerosol generating device, also known as a "non-combustion heating device", is adapted to heat rather than burn to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

Background Art

[0003] The popularity and use of risk reduction devices or risk improvement devices (also known as vaporizers) has been rapidly increasing in recent years as an aid to assist habitual smokers who wish to quit smoking conventional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and roll-your-own tobacco. In contrast to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products, various devices and systems for heating or warming a vaporizable material are available.

[0004] A commonly available risk reduction or risk improvement device is a substrate-heated aerosol generator, also known as a "non-combustion heating device." This type of aerosol generator typically generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate contained in a consumable item separated from the aerosol generator. Such an aerosol substrate typically comprises moist tobacco leaves or other suitable vaporizable material that vaporizes at temperatures typically in the range of 150°C to 350°C. By heating the aerosol substrate rather than burning or incinerating it, an aerosol is released that contains the components desired by the user but does not contain by-products from combustion and burning. Furthermore, the aerosol produced by heating the vaporizable material contained in the aerosol substrate does not contain the typical burnt or bitter taste resulting from combustion and incineration, which can be unpleasant to the user, nor does it contain smoke that can be irritating and polluting to the surroundings.

[0005] Consumables usable with such types of aerosol generating devices can take on a variety of shapes. Some may be in the form of elongated sticks, or any other suitable shape, such as a plate. Generally, such consumables are at least partially contained within a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device equipped with one or more heaters for heating the consumables.

[0006] In some cases, users may experience difficulties when inhaling aerosols, for example, having to inhale forcefully to obtain the required amount of aerosol, thus resulting in an unpleasant user experience. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] One of the objectives of the present invention is to propose consumable items that can provide users with a satisfying experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To this end, the present invention proposes a plate-shaped consumable article for an aerosol generating device, the plate-shaped consumable article comprising a wrapper wrapped around an article axis, forming a base portion that houses an aerosol base containing a vaporizable material for generating an aerosol, and a cooling portion, wherein the wrapper forms a peripheral wall separating the cooling portion, the cooling portion comprises a reinforcing element inside the cooling portion, the reinforcing element comprises a plurality of longitudinal walls extending along the article axis, the longitudinal walls of the reinforcing element forming a lattice structure, and / or at least one longitudinal wall of the reinforcing element forming a tubular structure.

[0009] Due to the "plate shape" of the consumable article, it is understood that the consumable article extends between two parallel first planes and two parallel second planes perpendicular to the first planes, where the first and second planes are parallel to the article axis X, and the distance between the second planes is at least 3 times, advantageously 5 times, and preferably 10 times greater than the distance between the first planes.

[0010] This shape is particularly advantageous for ensuring a rapid preheating phase of the consumables. Thus, the consumables may be ready to generate aerosols in just a few seconds (e.g., 5, 15, or 20 seconds) after heating begins.

[0011] The internal reinforcing elements of the cooling section prevent deformation that would reduce the area of ​​the flow channels within the cooling section. Therefore, the reinforcing elements maintain the cross-section of the cooling section and ensure that the area of ​​the flow channels remains unchanged.

[0012] The grid structure and / or at least one tubular structure provides sufficient reinforcement and has little impact on the flow area. The grid structure and at least one tubular structure, formed from longitudinal walls extending along the article axis, i.e., in the direction of the aerosol flow in the cooling section, minimize the overall pressure drop in the cooling section due to the presence of reinforcing elements within the cooling section.

[0013] According to some examples, at least one longitudinal wall of the reinforcing element extends across the cooling section between two parallel opposing surrounding walls of the cooling section, preferably perpendicular to the two parallel opposing surrounding walls.

[0014] Such longitudinal walls provide good reinforcement between two parallel, opposing perimeter walls, in a direction perpendicular to the two opposing perimeter walls.

[0015] According to some examples, at least one longitudinal wall of the reinforcing element extends across the cooling section between two opposing surrounding walls of the cooling section, forming a non-zero angle with each surrounding wall of the cooling section. Each of the longitudinal walls is, for example, oblique to each surrounding wall of the cooling section, i.e., neither perpendicular nor parallel to each surrounding wall of the cooling section.

[0016] Such diagonal longitudinal walls allow for adjustment of the reinforcement provided between the two opposing perimeter walls.

[0017] According to some examples, at least one longitudinal wall of the reinforcing element is parallel to two parallel opposing surrounding walls of the cooling section, one of each of the two parallel opposing surrounding walls, and at a distance from them. Each of the longitudinal walls extends across the cooling section, for example, between two other opposing surrounding walls different from the two parallel opposing surrounding walls.

[0018] Such longitudinal walls may form intermediate supports between two parallel, opposing perimeter walls.

[0019] According to some examples, the reinforcing element comprises at least two intersecting longitudinal walls. Advantageously, the two intersecting longitudinal walls are perpendicular to each other.

[0020] Intersecting longitudinal walls can provide a lattice structure with appropriate rigidity, especially when the intersecting longitudinal walls intersect perpendicularly.

[0021] According to some examples, the reinforcing element comprises at least four longitudinal walls, and each of the at least four longitudinal walls preferably extends parallel to one of the peripheral walls of the cooling section.

[0022] By providing at least four longitudinal walls, particularly when including at least two longitudinal walls intersecting each other, it is possible to provide good reinforcement with a limited pressure drop. In particular, one longitudinal wall extending between two opposing peripheral walls intersects at least three longitudinal walls extending between two other opposing peripheral walls.

[0023] The cooling section is advantageously delimited by a pair of wide peripheral walls and a pair of narrow peripheral walls. The wide peripheral walls are preferably parallel, and the narrow peripheral walls are preferably parallel. The cooling section preferably exhibits a rectangular cross-section.

[0024] According to some examples, at least one longitudinal wall of the reinforcing element extends parallel to each wide peripheral wall and / or at least one longitudinal wall of the reinforcing element extends parallel to each narrow peripheral wall.

[0025] Each longitudinal wall extending parallel to the wide peripheral wall and / or parallel to the narrow peripheral wall can extend across the cooling section between the opposing walls and is well reinforced.

[0026] According to some examples, the reinforcing element comprises at least four longitudinal walls, and each longitudinal wall extends along the wide peripheral wall or the narrow peripheral wall of the cooling section.

[0027] According to some examples, one or several longitudinal walls extend between the wide peripheral walls without contacting the narrow peripheral walls. Advantageously, each said longitudinal wall extends parallel to each narrow peripheral wall.

[0028] According to some examples, one or several longitudinal walls extend between the narrow peripheral walls without contacting the wide peripheral walls. Advantageously, each said longitudinal wall extends parallel to each wide peripheral wall.

[0029] According to some examples, the reinforcing element comprises a plate extending along one of the wide peripheral walls.

[0030] Such a reinforcing plate provides an additional layer to the corresponding wide peripheral wall, thus reinforcing the wide peripheral wall and minimizing the impact on the cross-sectional area of the cooling part separated between the peripheral walls.

[0031] According to some examples, the reinforcing element further comprises at least two stacked hollow boxes forming a stack, and the stack is attached to the plate and extends to the opposite wide peripheral wall.

[0032] According to some examples, the reinforcing element further comprises at least one tubular structure attached to the plate.

[0033] The stacked hollow boxes and / or tubular structures placed between the opposing wide peripheral walls provide strong reinforcement and limit the pressure drop. The stacked hollow boxes and / or tubular structures attached to the plate facilitate the manufacture of consumable articles.

[0034] According to some examples, the reinforcing element further comprises another plate extending along the opposing wide peripheral walls.

[0035] The other plate enables the formation of a reinforcing element comprising stacked hollow boxes and / or tubular structures sandwiched between the plates. Such a reinforcing element provides a structure that can be easily manufactured.

[0036] According to some examples, the reinforcing element comprises two plates, each plate extending along its respective wide peripheral wall, and two curved structures, each curved structure extending along the article axis, each curved structure protruding from one of the respective plates, and the curved structures being in contact with each other, preferably in contact at the apex of the curved structures.

[0037] Therefore, the reinforcing element is made from a sandwich-like structure with a curved structure sandwiched between two plates.

[0038] According to some examples, the reinforcing element comprises a pair of longitudinal walls extending over opposing wide perimeter walls, and an intermediate longitudinal wall extending between two of the pair of longitudinal walls, preferably forming a non-zero angle with each perimeter wall of the cooling section.

[0039] The longitudinal walls of such a reinforcing element may be formed by the region of a folded wrapper that forms the reinforcing element, which is then wrapped around the reinforcing element to form a surrounding wall.

[0040] According to some examples, the reinforcing elements form a single integrated structure.

[0041] According to some examples, the reinforcing elements are formed from folded paper, rolled paper, or injection-molded paper.

[0042] Reinforcements formed from injection-molded paper can easily achieve the desired characteristics.

[0043] The present invention and its advantages are given as non-limiting examples and will be better understood by reading the following description, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating assembly comprising an aerosol generating device and consumables. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the consumables. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the consumables. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a consumable item during manufacturing, showing a reinforcing element inserted into the cooling section of the consumable item as an example. [Figure 5]This is a perspective view of the reinforcing elements using another example. [Figure 6-12] This is a cross-sectional view of the cooling section of a consumable item showing a reinforcing element in another example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] Before describing the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the structural details described below. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure that other embodiments are possible and that the invention can be implemented or carried out in various ways.

[0046] As used herein, the terms “aerosol generating device” or “device” may include a vaping device that delivers an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for vaping, using a heater element as described in more detail below. The device may be portable. “Portable” may mean a device used when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol over a variable amount of time (as opposed to a fixed amount of aerosol), for example by activating a heater element, and the variable amount of aerosol may be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user-activated, such as a vaping button and / or inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be highly sensitive to inhalation intensity and duration, and may enable the delivery of a variable amount of vapor (to mimic the smoking effect of conventional combustion-type smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes). The device may include a temperature control unit to drive the temperature of the heater and / or heated aerosol generating material (aerosol precursor) to a specific target temperature, and then maintain that temperature at the target temperature to enable efficient aerosol generation.

[0047] As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include suspended matter of a vaporizable material as one or more solid particles, droplets, and gases. Such suspended matter may be present in a gas, including air. In general, an aerosol may refer to / include vapor. An aerosol may contain one or more components of a vaporizable material.

[0048] As used herein, the terms “vaporizable material” or “precursor” may refer to a smokeable material and an aerosol-forming agent, which may, for example, comprise nicotine or tobacco. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granular tobacco, tobacco leaves, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include polyols (e.g., sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol), non-polyols (e.g., monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin, or vegetable glycerin). In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The substrate may also contain at least one of a gelling agent, a binder, a stabilizer, and a humectant.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generation assembly 10 comprises an aerosol generation device 12 and a consumables set 14. The consumables set 14 comprises a consumable article 16 and a mouthpiece 18. The mouthpiece 18 may be replaceable or may be a reusable part that is detachably attached to the device. The consumable article 16 is configured to operate with the aerosol generation device 12.

[0050] The aerosol generating device 12 comprises a device body 20 extending along the device axis Y between a first end 22, i.e., the mouth end, and a second end 24, i.e., the bottom end. The device body 20 is configured to receive consumables 16 in a removable manner, for example, to operate the aerosol generating device 12 together with the consumables 16 to generate an aerosol. The device body 20 partitions the internal space of the aerosol generating device 12, which receives various elements designed to perform different functions of the aerosol generating device 12. The device body 20 houses, for example, a battery 26 for supplying power to the device aerosol generator 12, an electronic control module 28 for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device 11, and a heating chamber 30 for receiving and heating the consumables 16.

[0051] The heating chamber 30 is designed to receive consumables 16 at least partially. As shown in Figure 1, the heating chamber 30 is open, for example, at the first end 22 of the device body 20, for the insertion of consumables 16 into the heating chamber 30, through an insertion opening 32 along the device axis Y. The mouthpiece 18 may be slidably connected to or pivotably mounted to the device body 20, for example, to allow the heating chamber 30 to be opened for the insertion of consumables. The heating chamber 30 extends, for example, along the device axis Y and has a cup shape.

[0052] For example, the aerosol generating device 16 includes a heating device 34 configured to heat at least a portion of the consumable article 16 inserted into the heating chamber 30. The heating device 34 includes, for example, a pair of heating plates 36 positioned facing each other within the heating chamber 30 and designed to heat opposing surfaces of the consumable article 16, as will be described in more detail below.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the heating device 34 may include any other means suitable for heating the consumable article 16, such as an electrically resistive heating blade, configured to penetrate the consumable article 16 when the consumable article 16 is inserted into the heating chamber 30, and / or a magnetic induction unit, such as a magnetic coil, configured to heat a magnetic heating insert (e.g., a magnetic heating blade) configured to penetrate the consumable article 16 when the consumable article 16 is inserted into the heating chamber 30 by inducing an electric current into the magnetic heating insert.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the consumable article 16 includes a tubular wrapper 40 that extends along the article axis X and between the inlet end 42 and outlet end 44 of the consumable article 16, forming a base portion 46 for receiving the aerosol base material 48 and a cooling portion 50. Figure 4 shows the consumable article 16 before the wrapper 40 is wrapped around it.

[0055] The wrapper 40 defines the outer envelope of the consumable item 16.

[0056] The wrapper 40 extends around the article axis X and defines a tube or sleeve with open ends at an inlet end 42 and an outlet end 44, allowing air to flow axially through the consumable article 16, and more specifically through the wrapper 40, continuously passing through the base material portion 46 and the cooling portion 50.

[0057] The base material section 46 and the cooling section 50 are axial sections or axially-length portions of the wrapper 40, respectively. The base material section 46 extends from the inlet end 42 to the cooling section 50, and the cooling section 50 extends from the base material section 46 to the outlet end 44 of the consumable article 16.

[0058] The aerosol substrate 48 contains a vaporizable material. The vaporizable material is configured to vaporize when the substrate portion 46 is heated, for example, by the heating device 30 of the aerosol generating device 12 into which the consumable article 16 is received. The aerosol substrate 48 is configured to allow air to flow through the aerosol substrate 48.

[0059] The cooling unit 50 is configured to circulate the aerosol from the base material 46 to the outlet end 44 while cooling the aerosol. Cooling the aerosol in the cooling unit 50 prevents the user from experiencing an unpleasant sensation of heat in their mouth or throat.

[0060] The consumable item 16 has a plate shape. The consumable item 16 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped, and more particularly, a rectangular rectangular parallelepiped.

[0061] The wrapper 40 has a cross-section taken perpendicular to the article axis X, that is, in a plane perpendicular to the article axis X. Preferably, the cross-section of the wrapper 40 is constant along the article axis X, so that the base material portion 46 and the cooling portion 50 have the same cross-section.

[0062] The cooling section 50 may, for example, have a rectangular cross-section, i.e., a cross-section having four sides. The cooling section 50 may, for example, have a trapezoidal cross-section, or preferably a rectangular cross-section. A trapezoidal cross-section has two parallel opposing sides and two non-parallel opposing sides. A rectangular cross-section has two pairs of parallel opposing sides.

[0063] The wrapper 40 forms the surrounding wall of the cooling section 50. Each surrounding wall defines the boundary of each side of the cross-section of the cooling section 50.

[0064] The cooling section 50 includes, for example, two wide peripheral walls 52 that are parallel to each other and facing each other, and two opposing narrow peripheral walls 54. This makes it possible to give the consumable item 16 a plate shape.

[0065] The width of each surrounding wall (wide surrounding wall 52 or narrow surrounding wall 54) is the distance between two edges of the surrounding wall that are parallel to the article axis X. The width of each wide surrounding wall 52 is strictly greater than the width of each narrow surrounding wall 54.

[0066] The two wide perimeter walls 52 are spaced apart along a first short direction T1 perpendicular to the article axis X. The two narrow perimeter walls 54 are spaced apart along a second short direction T2 perpendicular to the article axis X and the first short direction T1.

[0067] The two wide perimeter walls 52 are preferably flat. The two narrow perimeter walls 54 are, for example, flat. Preferably, the two narrow perimeter walls 54 are parallel to each other, as shown in Figure 2. This results in a rectangular cross-section in the cooling section 50. This makes it possible to give the consumables 16 a rectangular cuboid shape. In a modified form, the two narrow perimeter walls 54 are, for example, inclined one at a non-zero angle to the other. This results in a trapezoidal cross-section in the cooling section 50.

[0068] The consumable article 16 has external dimensions including a length L along the article axis X between the inlet end 42 and the outlet end 44, a width W perpendicular to the article axis X between the narrow surrounding walls 54, and a depth D perpendicular to the article axis X between the wide surrounding walls 52. The width W of the consumable article 16 is along the second short direction T2, and the depth D of the consumable article 16 is along the first short direction T1.

[0069] In one example, the length L of the consumable item 16 is 20 mm to 45 mm, the width W of the consumable item 16 is 7 mm to 17 mm, and / or the depth D of the consumable item 16 is 0.7 mm to 1.7 mm. In a specific example, the length L of the consumable item 16 is approximately equal to 33 mm, the width W is approximately equal to 12 mm, and / or the depth D of the consumable item 16 is approximately equal to 1.2 mm.

[0070] The width W of the consumable article 16 is, for example, at least 3 times the depth D of the consumable article 16, preferably at least 5 times the depth D of the consumable article 16, and more preferably at least 10 times the depth D of the consumable article 16. The ratio of the width to the depth (W / D) of the consumable article 16 is, for example, 3 or more, particularly 5 or more, and even more particularly 10 or more.

[0071] The cooling unit 50 includes reinforcing elements 56 arranged to reinforce the cooling unit 50.

[0072] The reinforcing element 56 comprises longitudinal walls 58 that form a lattice structure, and / or at least one longitudinal wall that forms a tubular structure. Each longitudinal wall 58 extends parallel to the article axis X. Each longitudinal wall 58 is flat, or curved, or partially flat and partially curved, or shaped like a tube.

[0073] A "lattice structure" is a structure having a repeating pattern. A "tubular structure" is a structure that defines the boundary of at least one tube inside the cooling section 50.

[0074] The reinforcing element 56 is preferably contoured along the article axis X. The cross-section of the reinforcing element 56 is constant along the cooling section 50. The reinforcing element 56 consists, for example, of a longitudinal wall 58 extending parallel to the article axis X. This hollow structure minimizes the pressure drop that occurs within the cooling section 50.

[0075] In some examples, at least one longitudinal wall 58 of the reinforcing element 56 extends across the cooling section 50 between two parallel opposing surrounding walls of the cooling section 50, preferably perpendicular to the two parallel opposing surrounding walls, and / or, at least one longitudinal wall 58 of the reinforcing element 56 extends across the cooling section 50 between two opposing surrounding walls of the cooling section, forming a non-zero angle with each surrounding wall of the cooling section 50.

[0076] In some examples, at least one longitudinal wall 58 of the reinforcing element 56 is parallel to two parallel opposing perimeter walls of the cooling section 50, one of each of the two parallel opposing perimeter walls, and at a distance from them. Each of the longitudinal walls 58 extends across the cooling section 50, for example, between two other opposing perimeter walls different from the two parallel opposing perimeter walls.

[0077] If the cooling section 50 comprises a pair of wide peripheral walls 52 and a pair of narrow peripheral walls 54, the reinforcing element 56 comprises, for example, at least one longitudinal wall 58 parallel to the wide peripheral wall 52, and / or at least one longitudinal wall 58 parallel to the narrow peripheral wall 54, and / or at least one longitudinal wall 58 oblique to the wide peripheral wall 52, i.e., neither perpendicular nor parallel to the wide peripheral wall 52 and the narrow peripheral wall 54.

[0078] The reinforcing element 56 comprises, for example, longitudinal walls 58 that intersect each other and define a grid structure 60 inside the cooling section 50. The grid structure 60 extends across the cooling section 50. The two intersecting longitudinal walls 58 are preferably orthogonal to each other.

[0079] The reinforcing element 56 comprises, for example, one or more longitudinal walls 58 extending across the cooling section 50 between two opposing walls, and the cooling section 50.

[0080] As shown in Figures 2-4, if the cooling section 50 comprises a pair of wide perimeter walls 52 and a pair of narrow perimeter walls 54, the reinforcing element 56 may, advantageously, comprise one or more longitudinal walls 58 extending between the wide perimeter walls 52 without contacting the narrow perimeter walls 54, and advantageously, each of the longitudinal walls 58 extending parallel to each narrow perimeter wall 54, and / or, the reinforcing element 56 may, comprise one or more longitudinal walls 58 extending between the narrow perimeter walls 54 without contacting the wide perimeter walls 52, and advantageously, each of the longitudinal walls 58 extending parallel to each wide perimeter wall 52.

[0081] The reinforcing element 56, for example, demarcates one or more tubular channels 62 within the cooling section 50. Each channel 62 extends longitudinally, i.e., along the article axis X. Each channel 62 is open at its axial end. Each channel 62 allows aerosols generated in the base material section 46 to flow unobstructed through the cooling section 50 to the outlet end 44. Thus, the reinforcing element 56 defines a tubular structure.

[0082] The reinforcing element 56 comprises, for example, at least four longitudinal walls 58.

[0083] In a particular example, as shown in Figures 2-4, the reinforcing element 56 comprises one longitudinal wall 58 extending across the cooling section 50 between the narrow surrounding walls 54, parallel to and spaced apart from the wide surrounding wall 52, and three longitudinal walls 58 extending across the cooling section 50 between the wide surrounding walls 52, parallel to and spaced apart from the narrow surrounding wall 54, defining a fine tubular channel 62.

[0084] The reinforcing element 56 comprises longitudinal walls 58 that intersect each other and is manufactured, for example, from injection-molded paper in a single, integrated structure of the material.

[0085] As shown in Figure 5, in some examples the reinforcing element 56 comprises one or more tubular boxes 64. Each box 64 is contoured along the article axis X and, advantageously, exhibits a rectangular cross-section, in particular a square cross-section.

[0086] Each box 64 is formed, for example, from four longitudinal walls 58 joined at the corners of the box 64. Each box 64 defines a single tubular channel 62 that extends longitudinally through the cooling section 50. The reinforcing element 56 comprises, for example, one or more stacks of boxes 64. The longitudinal walls 58 of the reinforcing element 56 define a tubular grid structure.

[0087] If the cooling section 50 comprises a pair of wide surrounding walls 52 and a pair of narrow walls, the reinforcing element 56 comprising one or more boxes 64 preferably extends between the wide surrounding walls 52. The reinforcing element 56 is in contact with the wide surrounding walls 52. The reinforcing element 56 maintains the spacing between the wide surrounding walls 52.

[0088] In particular, the reinforcing element 56 comprises boxes 64 stacked between the wide surrounding walls 52. The stacked boxes 64 are in contact with the wide surrounding walls 52. The stacked boxes 64 maintain the spacing between the wide surrounding walls 52.

[0089] In a particular example, as shown in Figure 5, the reinforcing element 56 comprises two stages of four boxes 64. This defines an excellent channel 62 through which aerosols flow through the cooling section 50.

[0090] The reinforcing element 56 is obtained, for example, by assembling the box 64, for example by gluing the box 64 together and wrapping the wrapper 40 around the assembly of the box 64, thereby obtaining a cooling section 50 with the reinforcing element 56.

[0091] In some examples, as shown in Figure 6, when the cooling section 50 comprises a pair of wide surrounding walls 52 and a pair of narrow walls 54, the reinforcing element 56 comprises a plate 68 extending over one of the wide surrounding walls 52. The plate 68 is in contact with the wide surrounding wall 52 over its entire length.

[0092] Optionally, the reinforcing element 56 comprises at least one stack of boxes 64, each stack of boxes 64 comprising two or more boxes 64 stacked together, each stack of boxes 64 being attached to a plate 68 and extending to the opposite wide perimeter wall 52, i.e., the wide perimeter wall 52 opposite to the wide perimeter wall 52 to which the plate 68 is attached. Each stack of boxes 64 maintains the spacing between the two wide perimeter walls 52.

[0093] The reinforcing element 56 comprises, for example, two separate stacks of boxes 64. The two stacks of boxes 64 are preferably spaced laterally apart above the other. This makes it possible to provide laterally distributed support between the wide perimeter walls 52. Each stack of boxes 64 is advantageously adjacent and, in particular, in contact with one of each of the narrow perimeter walls 54.

[0094] Optionally, the reinforcing element 56 includes another plate 68 extending over the opposite wide perimeter wall 52. The other plate 68 is in contact with the opposite wide perimeter wall 52 over its entire length. Each stack of the box 64 extends between the two plates 68. Each stack of the box 64 is in contact with each plate 68. Each stack of the box 64 maintains the spacing between the two wide perimeter walls 52.

[0095] The longitudinal walls 58 of such reinforcing elements 56 define a tubular structure, particularly due to the presence of the box 64.

[0096] In some examples, if the cooling section 50 comprises a pair of wide surrounding walls 52 and a pair of narrow walls 54, the reinforcing element 56 comprises a plate 68 extending over one of the wide surrounding walls 52 and at least one tube 70 attached to the plate 68. Each tube is, for example, a tube extending along the article axis X, in particular, made from a longitudinal wall 58 bent to form a tube with a circular cross-section.

[0097] Each pipe 70 is in contact with the plate 68 on one side and abuts against the wide surrounding wall 52 on the opposite side of the wide surrounding wall 52 to which the plate 68 extends on the other side. Thus, each pipe 70 provides support between the opposing wide surrounding walls 52. Each pipe 70 maintains the spacing between the opposing wide surrounding walls 52.

[0098] The reinforcing element 56 comprises several pipes 70 distributed over the width of the cooling section 50, for example, between two narrow walls 54. Each pipe 70 is spaced laterally apart from each other pipe 70, or is in contact with at least one other pipe 70.

[0099] In certain examples, each pipe 70 may be spaced laterally apart from each other pipe 70. The reinforcing element 56 comprises, for example, pipes 70 that are uniformly spaced laterally apart. In another embodiment (not shown), the pipes 70 are arranged in contact to form a row of several adjacent pipes.

[0100] The reinforcing element 56 is advantageous in that it comprises one pipe 70 in contact with each of the narrow surrounding walls 54.

[0101] In a particular example, as shown in Figure 7, the reinforcing element 56 comprises three tubes 70, including a first tube 70 and a second tube 70, each in contact with one of each of the narrow surrounding walls 54, and a third tube 70 located between the first tube 70 and the second tube 70, preferably equidistant from the first tube 70 and the second tube 70. The tubes can be obtained, for example, from rolled paper.

[0102] In some examples, the reinforcing element 56 comprises two plates 68, each plate 68 extending over its respective wide surrounding wall 52, with each pipe 70 sandwiched between the two plates 68. The reinforcing element 56 comprises two plates 68 sandwiching the pipe 70.

[0103] In some examples, as shown in Figure 8, when the cooling section 50 comprises one or more pairs of wide surrounding walls 52 and a pair of narrow walls 54, the reinforcing element 56 comprises two curved structures 72, each curved structure 72 protruding from its respective wide surrounding wall 52 and in contact with the other curved structure 72. Each curved structure 72 is curved laterally, i.e., perpendicular to the article axis X. Each curved structure 72 is preferably contoured along the article axis X.

[0104] Each curved structure 72 comprises, for example, a base 74 adjacent to a corresponding wide surrounding wall 52 and several vertices 76 projecting from the corresponding wide surrounding wall 52, with each vertex 76 in contact with a corresponding vertex 76 of another curved structure 72.

[0105] Each curved structure 72 is preferably attached to a plate 68 of a reinforcing element 56, the plate 68 extending over the corresponding wide perimeter wall 52. More precisely, it is attached to the base 74 of each curved structure 72, preferably the plate 68.

[0106] In some examples, as shown in Figure 8, one or each of the curved structures 72 is formed from a single longitudinal wall 58 that undulates laterally, and the longitudinal wall 58 forms a plurality of laterally spaced vertices 76, each vertex 76 in contact with a corresponding vertex 76 of the undulating longitudinal wall 58 of the other curved structure 72.

[0107] In some examples, as shown in Figure 9, each curved structure 72 is formed from a plurality of longitudinally curved walls 58, each longitudinal wall 58 forming a single vertex 76. Each longitudinal wall 58 has, for example, a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0108] In some examples, as shown in Figure 10, when the cooling section 50 is separated by at least one pair of wide surrounding walls 52 and one pair of narrow surrounding walls 54, the reinforcing element 56 comprises a pair of longitudinal walls 58 extending along the opposing wide surrounding walls 52 and an intermediate longitudinal wall 58 extending across the cooling section 50 between two of the pair of longitudinal walls 58.

[0109] The intermediate longitudinal wall 58 extending over the cooling section 50 is preferably constructed integrally with the longitudinal wall 58 extending on the wide surrounding wall 52.

[0110] The intermediate longitudinal wall 58, which extends across the cooling section 50, extends between the wide surrounding walls 52 and is laterally spaced apart from each of the narrow surrounding walls 54. Thus, the intermediate longitudinal wall 58 defines the longitudinal internal partition within the cooling section 50 and defines the boundary between the two separate tubular channels 62. Thus, the longitudinal wall 58 of the reinforcing element 56 defines the tubular structure within the cooling section 50.

[0111] The intermediate longitudinal wall 58, which extends over the cooling section 50, is, for example, perpendicular to the wide surrounding wall 52.

[0112] Optionally, the reinforcing element 56 comprises at least one additional longitudinal wall 58 extending over the narrow surrounding wall 54, in particular one additional longitudinal wall 58 extending over each narrow surrounding wall 54.

[0113] As shown in Figure 10, the reinforcing element 56 comprises, for example, a longitudinal wall 58 (optional) that continuously extends over the narrow surrounding wall 54, a longitudinal wall 58 that extends over a portion of the wide surrounding wall 52, a longitudinal wall 58 that extends across the cooling section 50 to the other wide surrounding wall 52, a longitudinal wall 58 that extends over the other wide surrounding wall 52, and a longitudinal wall 58 (optional) that extends over the other narrow surrounding wall 52.

[0114] The reinforcing element 56 is inserted into the cooling section 50, for example, by separating it from the wrapper 40 and wrapping the wrapper 40 around the reinforcing element 56.

[0115] In some examples, the reinforcing element 56 differs from the reinforcing element 56 in Figure 10, as shown in Figure 11, in that the longitudinal wall extending over the cooling section 50 extends diagonally to the wide surrounding wall 52.

[0116] In some examples, as similarly shown in Figure 11, the reinforcing element 56 differs from the reinforcing element 56 in that the longitudinal walls of the reinforcing element 56 are integrally constructed with the wrapper 40. The longitudinal walls 58 of the reinforcing element 56 are formed from flaps of the wrapper 40 separated by a longitudinal fold line 80. The reinforcing element 56 is obtained during the bending of the wrapper 40 by first bending the flaps of the wrapper 40 that form the longitudinal walls 58 of the reinforcing element 56, and then wrapping around the region of the wrapper 40 that forms the surrounding walls 52, 54 around the reinforcing element 56.

[0117] In some examples, as shown in Figure 12, the reinforcing element 56 comprises, for example, two longitudinal walls 58 extending across a cooling section 50 between wide surrounding walls 52, the two longitudinal walls being spaced apart from the narrow surrounding walls 54, and preferably spaced apart from each other. Each of the two longitudinal walls 58 extending across the cooling section 50 is preferably extending between a pair of longitudinal walls 58 extending along the wide surrounding walls 52.

[0118] As shown in Figure 12, the reinforcing element 56 includes, for example, a first longitudinal wall 58A extending on the wide peripheral wall 52 and extending across the entire width of the wide peripheral wall 52, and further includes, on each side of the first longitudinal wall 58A, a second longitudinal wall 58B extending on the corresponding narrow peripheral wall 54, a third longitudinal wall 58C extending on the opposing peripheral wall 52, a fourth longitudinal wall 58D extending at a distance from the narrow peripheral wall 54 across the cooling section 50, and a fifth longitudinal wall 58E extending on the wide peripheral wall 52, or more precisely, on the first longitudinal wall 58A.

[0119] The reinforcing element 56 is made, for example, from injection-molded paper, or from a sheet, particularly a sheet of paper, folded along a longitudinal fold line, for example, in a one-piece structure.

[0120] As an example, the thickness of the reinforcing element may be 75 micrometers to 300 micrometers, more preferably 120 to 250 micrometers.

[0121] The thickness of the surrounding wall of the wrapper (in all embodiments of the present invention) may preferably be 75 to 140 micrometers. In one example, the paper has a thickness of 125 micrometers. The wrapper may be formed from a paper sheet having a basis weight of, for example, at least 70 g / m², more preferably at least 75 g / m², and most preferably at least 78 g / m². In one example, the paper has a basis weight of about 100 g / m². The porosity of the paper may be less than 100 CU, preferably 0 to 80 CU. In one example, the paper has a porosity of 40 CU.

[0122] The wrapper 40 comprises, for example, paper and / or nonwoven fabric and / or aluminum foil. The wrapper 40 is preferably non-porous, but in possible embodiments, the wrapper may be locally porous or perforated (for example, by a row of through holes) to allow air to enter the cooling portion.

[0123] The wrapper 40 preferably comprises paper. The paper may be the same as that used as chipping paper for conventional tobacco articles. In a modified form, the paper may be different from that of conventional tobacco articles.

[0124] The wrapper 40 comprises, for example, aluminum. The aluminum extends in the base portion 46 to prevent leakage of condensation and / or vapor. The aluminum extends, for example, only in the base portion 46, or extends in the base portion 46 and the cooling portion 50.

[0125] In one example, the wrapper 40 is a laminate of paper and aluminum that extends along the entire length of the consumable item 16 from the inlet end 42 to the outlet end 44.

[0126] The reinforcing element 56 is made, for example, from injection-molded paper. Therefore, the reinforcing element 56 is made from paper by injection molding.

[0127] To manufacture the consumable article 16, the wrapper 40 is first, for example, laid out in a planar manner, then a reinforcing element 56 and an aerosol substrate 48 are provided on one surface of the wrapper 40 (see, for example, Figure 4), and then the wrapper is wound around the article axis X to form the consumable article 16 by winding the reinforcing element 56 and the aerosol substrate 48.

Claims

1. A plate-shaped consumable article for an aerosol generating device, comprising a wrapper (40) wrapped around an article axis (X), forming a base portion (46) containing an aerosol base material (48) for generating an aerosol, and a cooling portion (50), wherein the wrapper forms peripheral walls (52, 54) separating the cooling portion (50), the cooling portion (50) comprises a reinforcing element (56), the reinforcing element (56) comprises a plurality of longitudinal walls (58) extending along the article axis (X), the longitudinal walls (58) of the reinforcing element (56) form a lattice structure, and / or at least one longitudinal wall (58) of the reinforcing element form a tubular structure.

2. The plate-shaped consumable article according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing element (56) comprises at least two longitudinal walls (58) that intersect each other.

3. The plate-shaped consumable article according to claim 2, wherein the intersecting longitudinal walls (58) are perpendicular to each other.

4. The plate-shaped consumable article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cooling section (50) is separated by at least a pair of wide peripheral walls (52) and a pair of narrow peripheral walls (54).

5. The plate-shaped consumable article according to claim 3, wherein at least one longitudinal wall (58) of the reinforcing element (56) extends along one wide peripheral wall (52), and / or at least one longitudinal wall (58) of the reinforcing element (56) extends along one narrow peripheral wall (54).

6. The plate-shaped consumable article according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the reinforcing element (56) comprises at least four longitudinal walls (58), and each longitudinal member extends along the wide peripheral wall (52) or narrow peripheral wall (54) of the cooling section (50).

7. A plate-shaped consumable article according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein one or more longitudinal walls (58) extend between the wide peripheral walls (52) without contacting the narrow peripheral walls (54), and advantageously, each of the longitudinal walls extends parallel to each of the narrow peripheral walls (54), and / or, one or more longitudinal walls (58) extend between the narrow peripheral walls (54) without contacting the wide peripheral walls (52), and advantageously, each of the longitudinal walls (58) extends parallel to each of the wide peripheral walls (52).

8. The plate-shaped consumable article according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the reinforcing element (56) comprises a plate (68) extending along one of the wide surrounding walls (52).

9. The plate-shaped consumable article according to claim 8, wherein the reinforcing element (56) comprises at least two stacked hollow boxes (64) that form a stack, and the stack is attached to a plate (68) and extends to the opposite wide peripheral wall (52).

10. The plate-shaped consumable article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the reinforcing element (56) further comprises at least one tubular structure attached to the plate (68).

11. The plate-shaped consumable article according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the reinforcing element further comprises another plate (68) extending along the opposing wide surrounding wall (52).

12. The plate-shaped consumable article according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the reinforcing element (56) comprises two plates (68), each plate extending on its respective wide peripheral wall (52); and two curved structures (72), each curved structure (72) extending along the article axis (X), each curved structure (72) protruding from one of the two plates (68), and the curved structures (72) in contact with each other, preferably in contact at their vertices.

13. The plate-shaped consumable article according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein the reinforcing element (56) comprises a pair of longitudinal walls extending on the opposing wide peripheral walls (52) and an intermediate longitudinal wall extending between the pair of longitudinal walls, preferably forming a non-zero angle with each peripheral wall (52, 54) of the cooling section (50).

14. The plate-shaped consumable article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the reinforcing element is formed from folded paper, rolled paper, or injection-molded paper.

15. The plate-shaped consumable article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the reinforcing element forms an integral structure of the material.

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