Aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems

Abstract

The aerosol-generating article (1) is described below. Article (1) includes an aerosolizable humectant and a visual indicator (60) adapted to visually indicate to the user the amount of humectant. The aerosol-generating system is also described below. The system includes the aerosol-generating article (1) and an aerosol-generating device adapted to receive article (1) when in use. Article (1) may include a capacitor containing an electrolyte that, when heated, generates an aerosol for the user to inhale.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to aerosol generating articles, particularly aerosol generating systems including aerosol generating articles adapted to be received by an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol for a user to inhale.

[0002] The present disclosure is particularly applicable to portable (handheld) aerosol generating devices.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, devices that heat rather than burn aerosol generating materials to generate an aerosol for inhalation have become popular among consumers. Commonly available risk reduction or risk modification devices are material heating type aerosol generating devices, or so-called heat-not-burn devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol generating material typically to a temperature in the range of 150°C to 300°C. This temperature range is typically extremely low compared to conventional cigarettes. By heating the aerosol generating material to a temperature within this range without burning or combusting the aerosol generating material, a vapor is generated, and this vapor typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for the user of the device to inhale.

[0004] Such devices may provide heat to an aerosol-generating material using one of several different methods. All methods for heating an aerosol-generating material require some kind of power source, such as a battery, which increases the size and weight of the device. Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to provide a power source within the aerosol-generating article that can be used to complement or partially replace the power source within the device. This could result in a smaller, lighter device that is beneficial to the user, while maintaining precise control over the heating of the aerosol-generating material and optimizing the properties of the generated aerosol. The power source is a capacitor containing an electrolyte that, when heated, generates an aerosol for the user to inhale. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide the user with a visual indication of the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating article (or consumable) is provided, which includes a capacitor, the capacitor having an electrolyte that, when heated, generates an aerosol for a user to inhale, and the aerosol generating article further includes a visual indicator adapted to visually indicate to the user the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor.

[0006] The electrolyte is aerosolizable, meaning it can be converted into an aerosol by heating, which is then inhaled by the user. Therefore, by heating the capacitor, the electrolyte contained within the capacitor is converted into an aerosol, and this aerosolized electrolyte is then inhaled by the user. As the aerosolized electrolyte is inhaled by the user, the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor decreases during the vaping session.

[0007] The capacitor may have any suitable structure, but in a preferred embodiment, it is a supercapacitor such as an electric double-layer supercapacitor. The capacitor may further include a pair of electrodes and a porous separator between the electrodes. The first electrode may be the positive electrode, the second electrode may be the negative electrode, or vice versa. The electrodes and separator are immersed in an electrolyte.

[0008] Similar to conventional capacitors, in electric double-layer supercapacitors, charge is stored in the electric field between the electrodes, and capacitance is a function of the surface area of ​​the electrodes, the distance between the electrodes, and the dielectric constant of the separator material. Capacitors have a higher power density than conventional power sources such as batteries. When a capacitor is charged by an external circuit connected to the pair of electrodes, cations in the electrolyte move toward the negative electrode, anions move toward the positive electrode, while electrons move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode through the external circuit. Thus, two charge layers with opposite polarities (electric double layers) are formed at the interface with the electrodes. When charging is complete, the positive charge on the positive electrode and the anions in the electrolyte attract each other, while the negative charge on the negative electrode and the cations in the electrolyte attract each other, stabilizing the double layers on the electrodes. A stable voltage is generated. When the capacitor discharges, the reverse process occurs.

[0009] Each electrode may include at least one carbon-based electrode layer, for example, a layer of porous carbon material or activated carbon having a high specific surface area per unit volume and compatibility with the proposed electrolyte.

[0010] Each electrode may further include a current collector, which may include a metal foil layer, such as an aluminum foil layer. The carbon-based electrode layer may be positioned adjacent to one or both sides of the current collector. Each carbon-based electrode layer may be formed as a coating. Such electrodes can be manufactured relatively easily and inexpensively using materials already known to be used in aerosol-generating articles.

[0011] As those skilled in the art will understand, electrolytes perform two functions. Firstly, electrolytes enable the movement of cations and anions that occurs when a capacitor is charged or discharged, and secondly, when heated, electrolytes form an aerosol that is safe for the user to inhale and has good properties. Therefore, the electrolyte should be selected accordingly. Preferably, the electrolyte is a food-grade electrolyte and may include, for example, one or more of sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, calcium lactate, calcium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, magnesium citrate, magnesium carbonate, citric acid, tartaric acid, benzoic acid, glycerol, and any suitable equivalents. Optionally, the electrolyte may include a gelling agent such as polyvinyl alcohol, gellan gum, or xanthan gum. In one example, the electrolyte may include sodium chloride and glycerol, and optionally, polyvinyl alcohol as a gelling agent. Such electrolytes have been found to enable the movement of cations and anions and are also safe for the user to inhale.

[0012] Once all the electrolyte has vaporized, the capacitor may no longer discharge or charge, and the aerosol-generating material may need to be properly disposed of or refilled with electrolyte.

[0013] The separator must provide dielectric separation between pairs of oppositely charged electrodes. The separator also stores the electrolyte within its pores, allowing cations and anions to pass through during the charging and discharging processes. The separator may comprise any suitable material. The separator may comprise plant-derived materials, particularly tobacco materials, such as porous tobacco sheets, or any suitable cellulose or polypropylene-based material. When heated, the separator material may release one or more volatile compounds. The volatile compounds may comprise nicotine, or flavor compounds such as tobacco or other fragrances.

[0014] The aerosol generating article may further include any type of solid or semi-solid material downstream of the condenser in the aerosol flow path. Exemplary types of solid or semi-solid materials include crumbs, powders, granules, pellets, flakes, strands, particles, gels, strips, loose leaves, cut fillers, porous materials, foamed materials, or sheets. The material may include plant-derived materials, and in particular, tobacco materials. The aerosol generated by heating the electrolyte of the condenser flows through the solid or semi-solid material, which may be located between the condenser and, for example, the filter segment or mouthpiece from which the user inhales the aerosol. The solid or semi-solid material may release one or more volatile compounds, for example, which can add flavor and nicotine to the aerosol. Any heating provided by the condenser may also heat or warm the solid or semi-solid material, thereby facilitating the release of volatile compounds.

[0015] The aerosol inhaled by the user essentially consists of a vaporized or aerosolized electrolyte and one or more volatile compounds that may optionally be released by the separator material and / or downstream solid or semi-solid material.

[0016] The capacitor may have any suitable structure, such as a spiral winding (or "jelly roll") structure, a prism structure, a folded or zigzag structure, or a laminated structure, which can be flattened to have a more rectangular shape that may be more suitable for articles of a substantially cylindrical or flat form.

[0017] In one embodiment, a layered capacitor substrate may include a first electrode, a separator adjacent to the first electrode, and a second electrode adjacent to the separator, i.e., the separator is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode, more specifically between a pair of carbon-based electrode layers. The first electrode may be a positive electrode, the second electrode may be a negative electrode, or vice versa. Such a substrate may be wound or folded into a suitable shape while maintaining a gap or other dielectric isolation between opposing electrodes or different parts of the same electrode. Dielectric isolation may be provided by one or more layers of dielectric material, in addition to that provided by the separator. The dielectric material may include any suitable material. The dielectric material may include plant-derived materials, in particular tobacco materials, e.g., porous tobacco sheets, or any suitable cellulose or polypropylene-based material. When heated, the dielectric material may release one or more volatile compounds. The volatile compounds may include nicotine, or flavor compounds such as tobacco or other fragrances. The dielectric material and the separator material may be the same or different.

[0018] In another embodiment, the layered capacitor substrate may include a first electrode, a first separator adjacent to the first electrode, and a second electrode adjacent to the first separator, i.e., the first separator is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode, more specifically between a pair of carbon-based electrode layers, and the second separator is adjacent to the second electrode. The second electrode is sandwiched between the first separator and the second separator. The first electrode may be a positive electrode, and the second electrode may be a negative electrode, or vice versa. Such substrates are particularly suitable for helical winding (or "jelly roll") structures, which may be substantially cylindrical or can be flattened to have a more rectangular parallelepiped shape. Dielectric isolation between windings in a helical winding capacitor is provided by a second separator that may be sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode, more specifically between a pair of carbon-based electrode layers, in the wound substrate.

[0019] In yet another configuration, the layered capacitor substrate may include a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, and a plurality of separators. The first electrodes may be positive electrodes and the second electrodes may be negative electrodes, or vice versa. The first and second electrodes are alternately stacked such that the substrate includes the first electrode, the second electrode, the first electrode, the second electrode, and so on in the stacking direction. Separators are sandwiched between each pair of electrodes, more specifically between a pair of carbon-based electrode layers, to provide dielectric isolation. Such substrates may be useful for articles of a flat form. The first electrodes may be electrically connected together, and the second electrodes may be electrically connected together. The first electrodes may be electrically connected to a first capacitor terminal, and the second electrodes may be electrically connected to a second capacitor terminal.

[0020] A capacitor may be housed in a casing. More specifically, the casing may house a capacitor substrate including electrodes, separators, etc., and an electrolyte. The electrolyte may be injected into the casing during manufacturing or when the capacitor needs to be refilled. The casing may electrically insulate the capacitor and may be formed from any suitable one or more materials.

[0021] The casing may include, for example, a paper wrapper having a metal or polymer coating. The casing may include a pair of end caps of any suitable material. The casing may include suitable perforations or openings, or may incorporate a suitable aerosol-permeable membrane material, thereby preventing leakage when the electrolyte is in a liquid or gel state, while allowing the user to freely inhale the aerosol generated when the electrolyte is heated. The aerosol generating article may include a filter segment at its proximal end, for example, containing cellulose acetate fibers. The filter segment may constitute a mouthpiece filter. Some designs may also include one or more vapor collection areas, cooling areas, and other structures. The vapor cooling area may, advantageously, cool and condense the vapor to form an aerosol with suitable properties for the user to inhale, for example, through the filter segment. Generally speaking, vapor is a substance in the gaseous phase at temperatures below its critical temperature, meaning that vapor can be condensed into a liquid by increasing the pressure without lowering the temperature, while an aerosol is a dispersion of fine solid particles or droplets in air or other gases. However, please note that in this specification, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" may be used interchangeably.

[0022] The capacitor is preferably pre-charged within the packaged article, i.e., already charged at the time of purchase by the user and before being detachably inserted into the aerosol generating device. Pre-charging the capacitor reduces the amount of energy required from the device's power supply for heating. This can lead to a reduction in the size and weight of the device.

[0023] As described above, an aerosol generating device may be adapted to receive an aerosol generating article when in use. The aerosol generating device may include an external circuit (e.g., a switching circuit) that is electrically connected between pairs of electrodes or capacitor terminals when an article is received into the device. The switching circuit may be configured to control the discharge of the capacitor. The switching circuit may also be optionally configured to control the charging of the capacitor from a power source for the aerosol generating device, such as a battery. The switching circuit may include a switching device, which may be controlled by a controller to selectively provide a continuous or switching (i.e., discontinuous or intermittent) short-circuit path between pairs of electrodes or capacitor terminals, allowing the charge stored in the capacitor to be discharged through the switching circuit. The switching device may include one or more switches. One or more switches may be semiconductor switching devices that can be connected, for example, as a bridge circuit or a converter circuit. One or more switches may be opened and closed or switched on and off by a controller to provide a short-circuit path.

[0024] The switching circuit may include a first terminal electrically connected to a first electrode or terminal of a capacitor when an aerosol-generating article is received into the aerosol-generating device, and a second terminal electrically connected to a second electrode or terminal of the capacitor. It is preferable that the user cannot access at least one of the capacitor's electrodes or terminals to prevent accidental or intentional discharge of a pre-charged capacitor before the article is inserted into the device. For example, one or both of the capacitor's electrodes or terminals may be concealed within the article's casing and only accessible for electrical connection to the switching circuit's terminals after the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the device or is in the process of being inserted. Electrical connection may require breaking the casing at one or more locations, and the aerosol-generating device may include appropriate means for breaking, perforating, or rupturing the casing. The first terminal of the switching circuit may be directly electrically connected to the first electrode at one or more locations, or electrically connected to first capacitor terminals sequentially electrically connected to the first electrode. Similarly, the second terminals of the switching circuit may be electrically connected directly to the second electrode at one or more locations, or to second capacitor terminals which are sequentially electrically connected to the second electrode. The capacitor terminals may be located at any location on the article, for example, near the end cap or side of the article. The orientation of the aerosol-generating article into the device may be restricted to ensure accurate alignment between the corresponding terminals in order to provide a reliable electrical connection between the capacitor and the external switching circuit.

[0025] The terminals of the switching circuit may be formed as a destruction device designed to break, perforate, or rupture the casing and provide an electrical connection to the electrodes or terminals of the capacitor. The destruction device may be fixed or stationary to the aerosol generating device and may be designed to break, perforate, or rupture the casing when an article is inserted into the aerosol generating article, for example, into the aerosol generating space or heating chamber. The destruction device may also be movable. For example, in one configuration, the destruction device may be attached to a panel or door of the aerosol generating device, which can be opened or removed to allow an article to be inserted, and the destruction device is designed to break, perforate, or rupture the casing when the user closes the panel or door. The panel or door may be hinged, for example. In another configuration, the destruction device may be moved by a suitable actuator, such as an electric motor or piston, which can force the destruction device to move within the casing and provide an electrical connection. The destruction device may be moved through an opening or slot in a part of the aerosol generating device that defines the aerosol generating space or heating chamber. The destructive device may have any suitable shape, for example, it may be formed as a needle or crown shape with one or more pointed ends, a blade shape with a rim, or a punch shape with no pointed ends. The destructive device may be designed to work with any of the capacitor structures described above. If either the electrodes or terminals of the capacitor are accessible, only one destructive device may be required.

[0026] By discharging a pre-charged capacitor through an external circuit such as a switching circuit of an aerosol generating device, heat is generated at the electrodes, thereby heating the electrolyte in which the electrodes are immersed. By heating the electrolyte sufficiently, an aerosol inhaled by the user during a vaping session is generated. To improve heating, the internal resistance of the capacitor may be increased by increasing the thickness of the separator between the oppositely charged electrodes. This can result in a capacitor with fewer windings or folds while maintaining the same overall dimensions. Heat is also generated at the electrodes by using an external circuit to charge the capacitor, which in turn heats the electrolyte and generates the inhaled aerosol.

[0027] The discharge and any charging of the capacitor, and therefore the heating of the electrolyte, may be controlled using a switching circuit, which may also be part of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may also include an external heater that heats the capacitor to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale. In other words, the heating of the electrolyte is not limited to the heat generated by the capacitor when it is discharged or charged, and the capacitor may be heated by an external heater in a manner similar to that of conventional aerosol generating materials or substrates. Such heating also heats the electrolyte and generates an aerosol for inhalation. Using an external heater may provide more controllable heating at specific stages of a vaping session, thereby optimizing the user experience. Any suitable heater, such as a low-power thin-film heater or a printed circuit heater, may be used. The heat generated by discharging the capacitor may be used during the initial preheating stage, and the external heater may be used, for example, to heat the electrolyte to generate an aerosol during subsequent heating or vaping stages. Therefore, the power for preheating may be supplied at least partially by the capacitor, rather than by the power supply of the aerosol generating device. This may result in a smaller power supply, and therefore a smaller and lighter device. Alternatively, the electrolyte may be heated by repeated charging and discharging of the capacitor during a subsequent heating or vaping phase. During the heating or vaping phase, there may be times when heating is not required, and therefore the capacitor does not need to be discharged or charged. When heating is required, the capacitor may be continuously discharged or charged, or intermittently discharged or charged, for example, using an appropriate duty cycle. In this alternative embodiment, an external heater may be used to heat the electrolyte during the initial preheating phase. The preheating phase may generally aim to preheat the electrolyte to a target temperature, while the heating or vaping phase may generally aim to heat the electrolyte for a longer period of time while aerosol generation is occurring. If an external heater is not required, heating can be provided entirely by the capacitor, which may reduce the cost of the aerosol generating device and simplify the overall design.

[0028] When heating can potentially be provided entirely by a capacitor, the aerosol-generating article may be formed as a single-use or disposable device that need not be inserted into another device. In other words, the aerosol-generating article may include an external circuit for controlling the discharge of the capacitor, such as a switching circuit, and any other components necessary for a properly functioning single-use or disposable device.

[0029] The amount of electrolyte can be estimated or determined by the controller using any suitable method, such as using one or more electrical parameters of the capacitor. One or more electrical parameters of the capacitor are electrical parameters known to vary depending on the amount of electrolyte, such as internal resistance and capacitance. These parameters are directly proportional to the surface contact area between the electrolyte and the electrodes of the capacitor.

[0030] For example, the internal resistance R of the capacitor DC can be estimated or determined from the following formula.

Number

[0031] The capacitance C of the capacitor can be estimated or determined from the following formula.

Number

[0032] In conventional capacitors, the electrolyte remains constant because it is contained within a sealed casing. However, in the aerosol-generating articles of this disclosure, the electrolyte gradually decreases as the user inhales it as an aerosol throughout the vaping session. Consequently, one or more electrical parameters also change as the amount of electrolyte decreases during the vaping session. Other factors, such as the capacitor's temperature, may also influence how one or more electrical parameters of the capacitor change, and therefore may be considered when one or more electrical parameters are used to estimate or determine the amount of electrolyte. By monitoring and notifying the user of the amount of electrolyte, the user can more accurately understand how much electrolyte remains in the capacitor during the vaping session and, as a result, estimate how much longer a particular aerosol-generating article may be able to continue generating aerosols.

[0033] One or more electrical parameters of a capacitor can be estimated or determined using at least one of voltage and current measurements obtained when the capacitor is discharged or charged via an external circuit, as described above. For example, voltage and current measurements can be obtained from voltage and current sensors when the capacitor is being discharged or charged. The voltage and current sensors may be part of a determination circuit of an aerosol generating device that provides the measurements to a controller. Time measurements, such as the time required to discharge or charge the capacitor while acquiring current and voltage measurements, may also be used to estimate or determine one or more electrical parameters of the capacitor. It is known that the time required to discharge or charge the capacitor between a given upper and lower limit varies depending on the amount of electrolyte, and in particular, the time required to discharge or charge the capacitor typically decreases as the amount of electrolyte decreases during a vaping session.

[0034] The amount of electrolyte can be estimated or determined by performing one or more quantity determination steps. In each determination step, one or more voltage, current, and time measurements may be obtained during the discharge or charge of the capacitor. More specifically, in the initial determination step, the initial amount of electrolyte in the capacitor is estimated or determined by the controller, for example, at the start of a vaping session. In one or more subsequent steps during the vaping session, the controller estimates or determines the amount of electrolyte remaining in the capacitor. The amount of electrolyte remaining in the capacitor is communicated to the user by controlling a visual indicator. Subsequent steps may be performed at regular or irregular intervals, or in response to aspiration detection, i.e., after the user inhales the generated aerosol. This may help the user understand how much electrolyte remains in the capacitor after aspiration has occurred.

[0035] A visual indicator may include an electrical conductor (e.g., a thin wire) attached to a substate, adapted to visually change the color of a substrate to indicate the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor. The substrate may be, for example, a paper wrapper, which may also include a metal or polymer coating. The substrate may surround the capacitor. The substrate is color-changeable, meaning that the color of at least the portion of the substrate to which the electrical conductor is attached changes when the substrate is heated by the electrical conductor. Heat is generated when current flows through the electrical conductor during a vaping session. The color change of the substrate indicates the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor, and may be, for example, no color change when the capacitor is full, light color change when the capacitor is relatively full, and dark color change when the capacitor is empty or nearly empty. When an aerosol generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating device, the electrical conductor must be attached so that the color change of the substrate is visible to the user. The electrical conductor may extend around a portion of the outer surface of the substrate so that a band or patch of color change is formed on the substrate. The discoloration of the substrate is preferably permanent and visible to the user after the vaping session has ended. Therefore, the user obtains a visual indication of the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor without the need to use an aerosol generating device. For example, the user can see how much electrolyte remains in the capacitor before the vaping session begins, or even if the aerosol generating article has been removed from the aerosol generating device. The discoloration can be perceived as a change in color if at least the portion of the substrate to which the electrical conductor is attached is thermochromic, i.e., if the color changes in response to the amount of heat generated by the electrical conductor.

[0036] The aerosol generating article may include a first conductor terminal and a second conductor terminal. An electrical conductor may be electrically connected between the first conductor terminal and the second conductor terminal. Each of the first and second conductor terminals may extend around a corresponding portion of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article, and they are electrically insulated from each other. The first and second conductor terminals may be designed to provide a reliable electrical connection to the corresponding first and second device terminals (see below) regardless of the angular position of the aerosol generating article when it is received by the aerosol generating device. The first conductor terminal may be a positive terminal, the second conductor terminal may be a negative terminal, or vice versa.

[0037] A second aspect of this disclosure provides an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating article described above and an aerosol generating device adapted to receive the aerosol generating article when in use. The aerosol generating device is First and second device terminals that are electrically connected to the first and second conductor terminals of the electrical conductor when in use, It is a controller, To estimate or determine the amount of electrolyte in a capacitor, The voltage applied across the electrical conductors of the aerosol generating article is controlled to change the color of the substrate based on the amount of electrolyte. A controller adapted to this, Includes.

[0038] The first device terminal may be a positive device terminal, the second device terminal may be a negative device terminal, or vice versa. When an aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the first device terminal is electrically connected to the first conductor terminal, and the second device terminal is electrically connected to the second conductor terminal. Therefore, the voltage applied across the first and second device terminals is applied across the first and second conductor terminals, causing current to flow through the electrical conductors.

[0039] Increasing the voltage applied across the electrical conductor increases the discoloration of the substrate because the amount of heat generated by the electrical conductor is proportional to the applied voltage. Therefore, the voltage can be increased by the controller according to the amount of electrolyte estimated or determined by the controller. When the capacitor is full, the minimum voltage is applied and there is no discoloration of the substrate. As the amount of electrolyte decreases during the vaping session, the voltage applied across the electrical conductor can be increased to provide an initial light discoloration of the substrate, followed by a gradually darkening of the discoloration, or, if the substrate is thermochromic, a change in the color of the substrate. The first and second device terminals can be electrically connected to a power source (e.g., the battery of the aerosol generating device), and the applied voltage can be varied using any suitable circuit, such as a potentiometer circuit.

[0040] The visual indicator may include a plurality of electrical conductors (e.g., thin wires) attached to substates, adapted to visually discolor a substrate based on the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor. The electrical conductors are preferably attached to different parts of the substrate. The substrate may be, for example, a paper wrapper, which may also include a metal or polymer coating. The substrate may surround the capacitor. The substrate is discolorable, meaning that the color of at least the portion of the substrate to which the electrical conductors are attached changes when the substrate is heated by the electrical conductors. Heat is generated when current flows through each electrical conductor during a vaping session. Each electrical conductor discolors a different portion of the substrate. As the amount of electrolyte decreases, a voltage may be sequentially applied to each electrical conductor, thereby increasing the portion of the substrate that discolors. The electrical conductors may be spaced apart, for example, along the axis of an aerosol-generating article, so that discrete bands or patches of discoloration are formed on the substrate. The number of bands or patches of discoloration indicates the amount of electrolyte remaining in the capacitor. More bands or patches indicate less electrolyte. As the amount of electrolyte decreases during a vaping session, a voltage may be sequentially applied across each electrical conductor. For example, when the estimated or determined amount of electrolyte falls below a series of thresholds, a voltage may be applied across the next electrical conductor. The discoloration of the substrate is preferably permanent and visible to the user after the vaping session has ended. The user obtains a visual indication of the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor without the need to use an aerosol generating device. For example, the user can see how much electrolyte remains in the capacitor before the vaping session begins, or even if the aerosol generating article has been removed from the aerosol generating device. Discoloration may be recognized as a change in color if at least the portion of the substrate to which the electrical conductors are attached is thermochromic, i.e., changes color when heated by the corresponding electrical conductors.

[0041] An aerosol generating article may include a plurality of first conductor terminals and a plurality of second conductor terminals. Each electrical conductor may be electrically connected between the corresponding first and second conductor terminals. Each of the first and second conductor terminals may extend around a corresponding portion of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article and they are electrically insulated from one another. The first and second conductor terminals may be designed to provide reliable electrical connections to the corresponding first and second device terminals (see below) regardless of the angular position of the aerosol generating article when it is received by the aerosol generating device. Each first conductor terminal may be a positive terminal, and each second conductor terminal may be a negative terminal, or vice versa.

[0042] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating system comprising the above-mentioned aerosol generating article having a plurality of electrical conductors and an aerosol generating device adapted to receive the aerosol generating article when in use. The aerosol generating device is Multiple first and second device terminals that are electrically connected to the first and second conductor terminals of each electrical conductor when in use, It is a controller, To estimate or determine the amount of electrolyte in a capacitor, A controller adapted to control each electrical conductor so that the substrate changes color sequentially based on the amount of electrolyte, Includes.

[0043] Each first device terminal may be a positive device terminal, each second device terminal may be a negative device terminal, or vice versa. When an aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, each first device terminal is electrically connected to a first conductor terminal, and each second device terminal is electrically connected to a second conductor terminal. Thus, the voltage applied across each first and second device terminal is applied across the corresponding first and second conductor terminals, causing current to flow through the corresponding electrical conductors.

[0044] The aerosol generating device must have a first device terminal and a second device terminal for each electrical conductor of the aerosol generating article. Although both the device and the article have a more complex physical structure, overall control is simplified because voltage control is not required. The amount of electrolyte is indicated simply visually, for example, by the number of discolored bands or patches on the substrate, and not by the amount or intensity of discoloration of a single band or patch.

[0045] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for visually indicating to a user the amount of electrolyte in a capacitor of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the electrolyte generates an aerosol for the user to inhale when heated. The method includes using one or more electrical conductors (e.g., thin wires) attached to a substrate of the aerosol-generating article to visually change the substrate color based on the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor.

[0046] In the above-described aspects of the Disclosure, the aerosol-generating article (or consumable) functions as a capacitor if the electrolyte is aerosolizable or if the aerosol-generating article has an energy storage function. In alternative aspects of the Disclosure, the aerosol-generating article may include an aerosolizable humectant, i.e., a material that can be converted into an aerosol by heating or electrolysis, which is then inhaled by the user. Such a humectant does not necessarily function as an electrolyte. In other words, the aerosol-generating article does not need to include a capacitor or to function as one. The purpose of the aerosolizable humectant is to provide an inhalable aerosol without necessarily providing an additional energy storage function as an electrolyte. According to a fifth aspect of the Disclosure, an aerosol-generating article is provided, comprising an aerosolizable humectant, further comprising a visual indicator adapted to visually indicate to the user the amount of humectant.

[0047] The visual indicator may generally be as described herein, for example, and may include one or more electrical conductors attached to the substrate, adapted to visually change the substrate's color based on the amount of humectant remaining in the aerosol-generating article.

[0048] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising the aerosol generating article described above and an aerosol generating device adapted to receive the aerosol generating article when in use. The aerosol generating device is First and second device terminals that are electrically connected to the first and second conductor terminals of the electrical conductor when in use, It is a controller, To estimate or determine the amount of humectant in an aerosol-generating article, The voltage applied across the electrical conductors of the aerosol-generating article is controlled to change the color of the substrate based on the amount of humectant. A controller adapted to this, Includes.

[0049] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generating system is provided which includes the aerosol generating article described above, the visual indicator includes a plurality of electrical conductors, and the aerosol generating device is adapted to receive the aerosol generating article when in use. Multiple first and second device terminals that are electrically connected to the first and second conductor terminals of each electrical conductor when in use, It is a controller, To estimate or determine the amount of humectant in an aerosol-generating article, A controller adapted to control each electrical conductor so that the substrate changes color sequentially based on the amount of humectant, Includes.

[0050] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for visually indicating to a user the amount of aerosolizable humectant in an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising using one or more electrical conductors attached to the substrate of the aerosol-generating article to visually change the substrate color based on the amount of humectant in the aerosol-generating article.

[0051] An aerosol generating article may include an aerosol generating material or substrate that is heated without combustion to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol generating material, thereby generating an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating article may also include the body of the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material can be any type of solid or semi-solid material. Exemplary types of solid or semi-solid materials include crumbs, powders, granules, pellets, flakes, strands, particles, gels, strips, loose leaves, cut fillers, porous materials, foamed materials, or sheets. The aerosol generating material may include plant-derived materials, particularly tobacco materials.

[0052] Aerosol-generating materials may contain an aerosol-forming agent; that is, a humectant may be an aerosol-forming agent. Examples of aerosol-forming agents include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin or propylene glycol and mixtures thereof. In other possible examples, the aerosol-forming agent may contain other alcohols such as ethanol or 1,3-propanediol, or water. The aerosol-forming agent may be selected from polyols such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol, monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, non-polyols such as esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, and triethyl citrate, glycerin, or vegetable glycerin. Typically, aerosol-generating materials may contain an aerosol-forming agent content of about 5% to about 50% on a dry weight basis of the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may contain an aerosol-forming agent content of about 10% to about 20% by dry weight of the aerosol generating material, and optionally about 15% by dry weight of the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may contain an ionic conductivity enhancer such as sodium chloride or an ionic liquid.

[0053] Furthermore, the aerosol generating material may be the aerosol forming agent itself. In this case, the aerosol generating material may be a liquid. Also in this case, the aerosol generating article may contain a liquid-holding substance (e.g., a bundle of fibers, a porous material such as ceramic, etc.), which holds the liquid to be aerosolized, forms an aerosol from the liquid-holding substance, and allows it to be released toward an outlet, for example, for inhalation by the user.

[0054] Therefore, it will be understood that the aerosolizable humectant may be the aerosol-forming agent described above, or, in particular cases, an electrolyte if the aerosol-generating article includes or functions as a capacitor, such as an electric double-layer supercapacitor. Any reference to an electrolyte in this specification may, where appropriate, be considered a reference to any suitable aerosolizable humectant, such as an aerosol-forming agent. If the humectant is an aerosol-forming agent and the aerosol-generating article does not include a capacitor, the amount of humectant may be estimated or determined by a controller using any suitable method, for example, by measuring one or more electrical parameters known to vary with the amount of humectant, such as resistance or capacitance (e.g., by measuring one or more of a resistive load, a capacitive load, or an electrical load). Such electrical parameters may be measured, for example, using a pair of spaced electrodes. At least a portion of the aerosol-generating material or liquid-holding substance may be received between the electrodes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0055] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the first example of an aerosol-generating article. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a first example of a capacitor having a helical winding structure. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation device. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of a switching circuit. [Figure 6] The temperature profiles during the preheating and heating stages are shown. [Figure 7] This shows the discharge and charging of the capacitor during the electrolyte amount determination step. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the first example of a visual indicator as part of an aerosol-generating article. [Figure 9] This is a schematic perspective view of the first visual indicator. [Figure 10A-10C] This is a schematic diagram of the first example of a visual indicator that shows different color changes in a substrate. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of a second example of a visual indicator as part of an aerosol-generating article. [Figure 12] This is a schematic perspective view of the second visual indicator. [Figures 13A-13D] This is a schematic diagram of a second example of a visual indicator that shows different bands of discoloration on a substrate. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] Herein, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described, merely as examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Referring first to Figure 1, an example of an aerosol-generating article 1 is schematically shown. Article 1 has a proximal end 2 and a distal end 4.

[0058] Article 1 includes a capacitor 6 containing an electrolyte. The capacitor 6 is enclosed by a paper wrapper 8 having a metal or polymer coating. End caps 10a and 10b are provided at each end of the capacitor 6. The paper wrapper 8 and end caps 10a and 10b define an outer casing for the capacitor 6, which contains the electrolyte and provides electrical insulation.

[0059] Item 1 is roughly cylindrical in shape.

[0060] Article 1 includes a mouthpiece 12 having an outlet 14 at its proximal end 2, through which the user can inhale an aerosol generated by heating an electrolyte. Although not shown, the proximal end cap 10a may include appropriate perforations or openings, or may incorporate appropriate aerosol-permeable membrane material, so that the generated aerosol can reach the outlet 14 through the end cap.

[0061] Referring to Figure 2, capacitor 6 is an electric double-layer supercapacitor and has a substantially cylindrical helical winding (or "jelly roll") structure. Capacitor 6 includes a positive electrode 16 and a negative electrode 18. The electrodes 16 and 18 are separated by a pair of porous separators 20a and 20b. As clearly shown in Figure 3, the positive electrode 16 includes a positive electrode current collector 22. Each side of the positive electrode current collector 22 is provided with a porous carbon-based electrode layer 24, such as a layer of porous carbon material or activated carbon. The negative electrode 18 includes a negative electrode current collector 26. Each side of the negative electrode current collector 26 is provided with a porous carbon-based electrode layer 28, such as a layer of porous carbon material or activated carbon. The positive electrode current collector 22 and the negative electrode current collector 26 are, for example, layers of aluminum foil.

[0062] Separators 20a and 20b are formed of tobacco material, such as porous tobacco sheets, which release volatile compounds when heated. In alternative configurations not shown, the separators may be formed from suitable cellulosic or polypropylene materials, and the electrolyte may flow through tobacco material, such as crumbed tobacco, downstream of the condenser in the aerosol channel. The tobacco material may be placed between the condenser and the mouthpiece. The tobacco material adds flavor and nicotine to the aerosol. The heating provided by the condenser also heats or warms the tobacco material, thereby promoting the release of volatile compounds. A nicotine-free flavor source may be used instead of the tobacco material.

[0063] Electrodes 16, 18 and separators 20a, 20b are immersed in an electrolyte that allows for the movement of cations and anions when the capacitor 6 is charged or discharged, and generates an aerosol for the user to inhale when heated. The electrolyte may contain sodium chloride and glycerol, and optionally polyvinyl alcohol as a gelling agent. However, other non-toxic or food-grade electrolytes may also be used. The capacitor 6 is pre-charged during the manufacturing process and packaged in a pre-charged state for sale to the user.

[0064] Article 1 includes a capacitor positive terminal 30 electrically connected to a positive electrode 16, i.e., a positive electrode current collector 22, at one or more locations, and a capacitor negative terminal 32 electrically connected to a negative electrode 18, i.e., a negative electrode current collector 26, at one or more locations. The capacitor terminals 30, 32 may be located inside the outer casing of Article 1 so as not to be accessible to the user. This helps prevent accidental or intentional discharge of the capacitor 6 before the article is removably inserted into the aerosol generating device in preparation for the start of a vaping session.

[0065] Figure 4 shows an aerosol generating device 34 adapted to receive an aerosol generating article 1. The device 34 includes a cavity 36 into which the article 1 can be inserted.

[0066] Device 34 includes a pair of destruction devices 38, 40 adapted to destroy the distal end cap 10b of article 1 when article 1 is inserted into the cavity 36. The angular orientation of article 1 relative to device 34 may be restricted when article 1 is inserted into the cavity 36 so that destruction device 38 electrically connects to the positive electrode 30 and destruction device 40 electrically connects to the negative electrode 32. Other techniques may be used to ensure reliable electrical connections. For example, the positive and negative terminals of an article may have an annular structure and be coaxially positioned with respect to each other so that appropriately positioned destruction devices electrically connect to the terminals regardless of the angular orientation of the article relative to the device.

[0067] Device 34 includes a switching circuit 42 and a power supply 44 such as a battery.

[0068] An example of the switching circuit 42 is shown in Figure 5. The switching circuit 42 includes destruction devices 38, 40 that function as positive and negative terminals and are electrically connected to the positive terminal 30 and negative terminal 32 of article 1 when article 1 is properly received in the cavity 36. The switching circuit 42 includes a switching device 46 that can be operated by a controller 48 to control the discharge of capacitor 6 through the switching circuit 42. The controller 48 may include, for example, at least one microcontroller unit (MCU) or microprocessor unit (MPU).

[0069] After article 1 is inserted into device 34, capacitor 6 can be discharged by controlling a switching device 46 to provide a continuous or switchable short-circuit path between the positive terminal 30 and negative terminal 32 of article 1, and therefore between the positive electrode 16 and negative electrode 18 of capacitor 6. The short-circuit path between the positive terminal 30 and negative terminal 32 is formed via the switching device 46. In addition, the switching device 46 may include a resistor to prevent over-discharge current or an electrical load to enable constant current discharge. If the discharge current is maintained at a predetermined value, the current sensor described later may be omitted. By discharging capacitor 6 through the switching circuit 42, heat is dissipated at electrodes 16, 18. This heats the electrolyte, generating an aerosol that the user can inhale through the outlet 14 of the mouthpiece 12. Pre-charging capacitor 6 reduces the amount of energy required from the device's power supply 44 for heating. This may lead to a reduction in the overall size and weight of device 34. In particular, the size and weight of the power supply 44 may be reduced. This is important because the power supply is often the largest and heaviest component of device 34. In some cases, the energy for heating may be entirely provided by the capacitor 6, and the power supply 44 may be eliminated, for example, or reduced to provide power to other components of the device, such as a controller. However, in other cases, the energy provided by the capacitor 6 is used to complement or partially replace the energy provided by the power supply 44.

[0070] Capacitor 6 may also be charged from power supply 44 by controlling a switching device 46 (or a separate switching device in a switching circuit not shown). Charging capacitor 6 also dissipates heat at electrodes 16, 18, thereby heating the electrolyte and generating an aerosol that the user can inhale through the outlet 14 of the mouthpiece 12. Thus, heat can be generated by repeatedly charging capacitor 6 from power supply 44 and then discharging the capacitor through the switching circuit 42.

[0071] The switching device 46 that can be used to enable the discharge and charge of the capacitor 6 as described above may include, for example, one or more switches. A discharge switch for controlling the discharge current of the capacitor 6 may be connected in series between the destructive devices 38 and 40 that define the positive and negative terminals of the switching circuit 42. A charge switch for controlling the charge current of the capacitor 6 may be connected in series between the destructive device 38 that defines the positive terminal of the switching circuit 42 and the positive terminal of the power supply 44, and / or between the destructive device 40 that defines the negative terminal of the switching circuit 42 and the negative terminal of the power supply. The switches may be semiconductor switching devices, such as transistors.

[0072] Although not shown, device 34 may include a current sensor for measuring the discharge or charge current of capacitor 6 and a voltage sensor for measuring the voltage output by the capacitor. The measurements provided by the current sensor and the voltage sensor are used to determine electrical parameters of the capacitor, such as internal resistance or capacitance.

[0073] The device 34 may optionally include one or more heaters 50. The heaters 50 may be used to heat the electrolyte in the condenser 6 to generate an aerosol that the user can inhale through the outlet 14 of the mouthpiece 12. Such heating can be used to effectively control the heating of the electrolyte, for example, during the heating or vaping phase.

[0074] The remaining electrolyte can be estimated or determined by the controller 48 from electrical parameters of the capacitor 6, such as internal resistance or capacitance, which are known to change depending on the amount of electrolyte. The electrical parameters of the capacitor 6 can be estimated or determined using at least one of the voltage, current, and time measurements obtained when the capacitor 6 is discharged or charged via the switching circuit 42, as described above. For example, if the electrical parameter is the internal resistance R of the capacitor 6 DC In certain cases, this means the following:

number

[0075] Figure 6 shows a vaping session that includes a preheating stage PHP and a heating or vaping stage VP.

[0076] The controller 48 performs several electrolyte amount determination steps.

[0077] In an initial step performed at time T0 before the preheating phase begins, the initial value V0 of the electrical parameters of capacitor 6 is estimated or determined. Thus, this initial value V0 represents the initial amount of electrolyte in capacitor 6 before the start of the vaping session. The initial value V0 is assumed to define a “reference value” that can be compared to subsequent values. For the purposes of the following explanation, it is also assumed that the initial amount of electrolyte is the maximum amount, i.e., that capacitor 6 is full at the start of the vaping session.

[0078] In subsequent steps performed at time points T1, T2, and T3, subsequent values ​​V1, V2, and V3 of the electrical parameters of capacitor 6 are estimated or determined. The subsequent steps may be performed during the heating or vaping phase and may be in response to suction detection. The subsequent steps are performed when the temperature of capacitor 6 is maintained substantially constant. In other words, the subsequent steps are not performed when the temperature is controlled to decrease or increase.

[0079] Next, the remaining electrolyte volume is estimated or determined using the initial value V0 and the respective subsequent values ​​V1, V2, and V3. For example, the amount of electrolyte at time T1 is estimated or determined using the initial value V0 and the first subsequent value V1, and the amount of electrolyte at time T2 is estimated or determined using the initial value V0 and the second subsequent value V2, and so on. If the electrical parameters are directly proportional to the amount of electrolyte, that is, if the electrical parameters decrease as the amount of electrolyte in capacitor 6 decreases, then the subsequent time T i The amount of electrolytes in is as follows:

number

[0080] For example, if the subsequent value V1 is three-quarters of the initial value V0, the remaining electrolyte amount may be calculated as 75% of the initial amount at the start of the vaping session, and this may be notified to the user as described below. Similarly, if the subsequent values ​​V2 and V3 are one-half and one-third of the initial value V0, respectively, the remaining electrolyte amounts may be calculated as 50% and 33% of the initial amount at the start of the vaping session, and this may be notified to the user as described below. It will be understood that other methods may be used to calculate the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor 6. For example, the amount of electrolyte may be estimated or determined using a relationship between the electrical parameters of the capacitor 6 (e.g., internal resistance or capacitance) and the amount of electrolyte, or a relationship between one or more measurements of voltage, current, and time and the amount of electrolyte. This relationship may be, for example, linear or polynomial. In one example, estimated or determined values ​​of electrical parameters V0, V1, V2, etc. may correspond to the amounts of electrolyte A0, A1, A2, etc., according to a particular relationship. The amount of electrolyte may be derived, for example, using a lookup table.

[0081] Referring to Figure 7, during the initial step and each subsequent step, the capacitor 6 is discharged and charged three times. Each time the capacitor 6 is discharged, the values ​​of the electrical parameters are estimated or determined from one or more measurements of voltage, current, and time. The three values ​​are then averaged to obtain the values ​​V0, V1, ..., V3 described above. The capacitor 6 is discharged and charged between predetermined upper and lower limits, which are represented as the state of charge (SOC) in Figure 6. In particular, the capacitor 6 is substantially completely discharged and then substantially completely charged, with the upper limit being about 90-100% SOC and the lower limit being about 0-10% SOC.

[0082] The discharge current of capacitor 6 when it is close to a fully charged state tends to be larger than that of an intermediate state. The same is true for the charge current of capacitor 6 when it is close to a fully discharged state. Such large currents are not suitable for the temperature control described above. Therefore, except when the capacitor is discharged or charged to heat the electrolyte and generate an aerosol for the user to inhale, i.e., when the initial step and each subsequent step are performed for the purpose of estimating or determining the amount of electrolyte, it is preferable that this discharge and / or charge be performed within a narrow range between a fully discharged state and an intermediate state away from a fully charged state. The narrow range in which the capacitor is discharged and / or charged to heat the electrolyte can be defined by predetermined upper and lower limits. For example, when expressed in terms of state of charge (SOC), the upper limit may be about 50-80%, and the lower limit may be about 20-40%.

[0083] Referring to Figure 8, the aerosol generating article 1 may include a first example of a visual indicator 60 for visually indicating to the user the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor 6. The visual indicator 60 includes a thin wire 62 attached to a paper wrapper 8. The paper wrapper 8 is discolorable, i.e., when heated, the color of the portion of the paper wrapper 8 to which the thin wire 62 is attached changes. Heat is generated when current flows through the thin wire 62 during a vaping session. The discoloration of the paper wrapper 8 indicates the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor 6. For example, there may be no discoloration when the capacitor 6 is full, a light discoloration when the capacitor is relatively full, and a dark discoloration when the capacitor is empty. The aerosol generating article 1 also includes a first conductor terminal 64 and a second conductor terminal 66. The thin wire 62 is electrically connected between the first conductor terminal 64 and the second conductor terminal 66 so that current flows substantially throughout the thin wire. As clearly shown in Figure 9, a perspective view of the visual indicator 60, the thin wire 62 extends almost completely around the outer cylindrical surface of the paper wrapper 8. The first conductor terminal 64 and the second conductor terminal 66 also extend around corresponding portions of the outer cylindrical surface of the paper wrapper 8 and are electrically insulated from each other. The first conductor terminal 64 and the second conductor terminal 66 are designed to provide reliable electrical connections with the corresponding first device terminal 68 and second device terminal 70 of the aerosol generating device 34, regardless of the angular position of the article 1 when it is received in the cavity 36 of the device 34. The first conductor terminal 64 is the positive terminal and the second conductor terminal 66 is the negative terminal. The first device terminal 68 is the positive terminal and the second device terminal 70 is the negative terminal. The first device terminal 68 and the second device terminal 70 may be located within the cavity 36 of the aerosol generating device 34, for example, on the opposing cylindrical walls of the aerosol generating space or heating chamber that receives the aerosol generating article 1.

[0084] The controller 48 is adapted to control the voltage applied across the thin wire 62 to discolor the paper wrapper 8 based on the amount of electrolyte which can be estimated or determined as described above. In particular, the voltage applied across the first device terminal 68 and the second device terminal 70 from the power supply 44 of the aerosol generating device 34 is applied across the first conductor terminal 64 and the second conductor terminal 66, causing current to flow through the thin wire 62. Since the amount of heat generated by the thin wire 62 is proportional to the applied voltage, increasing the voltage applied across the thin wire 62 increases the intensity of the discoloration of the paper wrapper 8. Therefore, the voltage can be increased by the controller 48 depending on the amount of electrolyte estimated or determined by the controller. When the capacitor 6 is full, the minimum voltage is applied and there is no discoloration of the paper wrapper 8. As the amount of electrolyte decreases during the vaping session, the voltage applied across the thin wire 62 increases, which can provide an initial light discoloration of the paper wrapper 8, followed by a gradually darker discoloration. Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C show a discolored band (labeled "B") that darkens as the amount of electrolyte decreases and the voltage applied to both ends of the thin wire 62 increases. The discolored band or patch B extends around the perimeter of the paper wrapper 8. The voltage may be varied by the controller 48 using any suitable circuit, such as a potentiometer circuit.

[0085] The discoloration of the paper wrapper 8 is preferably permanent and visible to the user after the vaping session has ended. The user obtains a visual indication of the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor 6 without having to use the aerosol generating device 34. For example, the user can see how much electrolyte remains in the capacitor 6 before the vaping session begins, or even if the aerosol generating item 1 has been removed from the aerosol generating device 34.

[0086] Referring to Figure 11, the aerosol generating article 1 may include a second example of a visual indicator 80 for visually indicating to the user the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor 6. The visual indicator 80 may include a number of thin wires 821, 822, ..., 824 attached to a paper wrapper 8, adapted to visually change the color of the paper wrapper based on the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor 6. The paper wrapper 8 is color-changeable. In this example, four thin wires 821, 822, ..., 824 are shown, but it will be readily apparent that the visual indicator 80 may include any appropriate number of thin wires as needed. Each thin wire 821, 822, ..., 824 changes the color of a different portion of the paper wrapper 8. As the amount of electrolyte decreases, a voltage is sequentially applied to each of the thin wires 821, 822, ..., 824, thereby increasing the portion of the paper wrapper 8 that changes color. Thin wires 821, 822, ..., 824 are spaced apart along the axis of the aerosol generating article 1 so that discrete bands or patches of discoloration are formed on the paper wrapper 8. The number of bands or patches of discoloration indicates the amount of electrolyte remaining in the capacitor 6. The more bands or patches there are, the less electrolyte there is. As the amount of electrolyte decreases during the vaping session, voltages may be sequentially applied to each end of the thin wires 821, 822, ..., 824. When a voltage is applied to the ends of the next thin wire, the voltage application to the ends of the previous thin wire may be stopped, i.e., a voltage is applied to only one of the thin wires 821, 822, ..., 824 at a time.

[0087] The aerosol generating article 1 includes a plurality of first conductor terminals 841, 842, ..., 844 and a plurality of second conductor terminals 861, 862, ..., 864. Each thin wire 821, 822, ..., 824 can be electrically connected between the corresponding first and second conductor terminals, i.e., thin wire 821 is electrically connected to the first conductor terminal 841 and the second conductor terminal 861, and so on. When a voltage is applied, current flows substantially through each thin wire 821, 822, ..., 824. As clearly shown in the perspective view of visual indicator 80 in Figure 12, each thin wire 821, 822, ..., 824 extends substantially completely around the outer cylindrical surface of the paper wrapper 8. Each of the first and second conductor terminals 841, 842, ..., 844 and 861, 862, ..., 864 also extends around the corresponding portion of the outer cylindrical surface of the paper wrapper 8 and is electrically insulated from one another. The first and second conductor terminals 841, 842, ..., 844 and 861, 862, ..., 864 are designed to provide reliable electrical connections with the corresponding first and second device terminals 881, 882, ..., 884 and 901, 902, ..., 904 of the aerosol generating device 34, regardless of the angular position of the aerosol generating article 1 when it is received in the cavity 36 of the aerosol generating device 34. Each of the first conductor terminals 841, 842, ..., 844 is a positive terminal, and each of the second conductor terminals 861, 862, ..., 864 is a negative terminal. Each of the first device terminals 881, 882, ..., 884 is a positive terminal, and each of the second device terminals 901, 902, ..., 904 is a negative terminal. The first device terminals 881, 882, ..., 884 and the second device terminals 901, 902, ..., 904 may be provided within the cavity 36 of the aerosol generating device 34, for example, on the opposing cylindrical walls of the aerosol generating space or heating chamber that receives the aerosol generating article 1, and are spaced apart along the axis of the chamber.

[0088] The controller 48 is adapted to sequentially apply voltage to both ends of each thin wire 821, 822, ..., 824 so as to change the color of the paper wrapper 8 based on the amount of electrolyte. When the aerosol generating article 1 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 34, each of the first device terminals 881, 882, ..., 884 is electrically connected to the corresponding first conductor terminals 841, 842, ..., 844, and each of the second device terminals 901, 902, ..., 904 is electrically connected to the corresponding second conductor terminals 861, 862, ..., 864. Thus, the voltage applied to both ends of each pair of first and second device terminals is applied to both ends of the corresponding first and second conductor terminals, and current flows through the corresponding thin wires 821, 822, ..., 824. As the amount of electrolyte begins to decrease, a voltage is applied to both ends of the first thin wire 821, then to both ends of the second thin wire 822, then to both ends of the third thin wire 823, and finally to both ends of the fourth thin wire 824. The controller 48 controls when the voltage is sequentially applied to both ends of each pair of the first and second device terminals. This is shown in Figures 13A to 13D. In particular, Figure 13A shows one discoloration band (labeled "B1") that occurs when a voltage is applied to both ends of the first thin wire 821 to heat the paper wrapper 8. Figure 13B shows two discoloration bands (labeled "B1" and "B2") that occur when a voltage is subsequently applied to both ends of the second thin wire 822 to heat the paper wrapper 8. Figure 13C shows three discoloration bands (labeled "B1", "B2", and "B3") that occur when a voltage is subsequently applied to both ends of the third thin wire 823 to heat the paper wrapper 8. Figure 13D shows four discoloration bands (labeled "B1", "B2", "B3", and "B4") that occur when a voltage is subsequently applied to both ends of the fourth thin wire 824 to heat the paper wrapper 8. When the fourth discoloration band B4 appears on the paper wrapper 8, the user recognizes that the electrolyte in the capacitor 6 is nearly empty. The discoloration of the paper wrapper 8 is preferably permanent and visible to the user after the vaping session has ended. The user obtains a visual indication of the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor 6 without the need to use the aerosol generating device 34.For example, the user can see how much electrolyte remains in the capacitor 6 before the vaping session begins, or even if the aerosol generating item 1 has been removed from the aerosol generating device 34.

[0089] While exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it goes without saying that various modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. For example, all exemplary embodiments relate to an aerosol-generating article including a capacitor, and the humectant inhaled by the user also functions as an electrolyte, but it will be readily apparent that the aerosol-generating article may include any suitable aerosolizable humectant. In the exemplary embodiments described above, the capacitor may be replaced with an aerosol-generating material containing a suitable aerosol-forming agent, and a visual indicator may be controlled to inform the user of the amount of aerosol-forming agent remaining in the aerosol-generating article. The amount of humectant may be estimated or determined by a controller of the aerosol-generating device using any suitable method. For example, the amount of humectant remaining in the aerosol-generating article may be estimated or determined by measuring one or more resistive loads, capacitive loads, or electrical loads using a pair of electrodes, based on one or more electrical parameters known to vary with the amount of humectant, such as resistance or capacitance. As is well known to those skilled in the art, other suitable methods can also be used to estimate or determine the amount of wetting agent (e.g., aerosol-forming agent).

[0090] All possible combinations of the features described above in all possible variations are incorporated herein unless otherwise specified herein or are clearly inconsistent with the context.

[0091] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, throughout this specification and the claims, words such as “comprise,” “comprising,” and so on should be interpreted in an inclusive sense, that is, “includes, but is not limited to,” rather than in an exclusive or exhaustive sense.

Claims

1. an aerosol-generating article (1) containing an aerosolizable humectant, Aerosol-generating article (1) further comprising a visual indicator (60; 80) adapted to visually indicate to the user the amount of humectant.

2. The aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a capacitor (6), wherein the capacitor (6) comprises an electrolyte as the aerosolizable humectant.

3. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, further comprising an aerosol generating material.

4. The aerosol generating article according to claim 3, wherein the aerosol generating material includes a plant-derived material, particularly a tobacco material.

5. The aerosol generating article according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the aerosol generating material includes an aerosol-forming agent as the aerosolizable humectant.

6. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the aerosol-generating material is the aerosolizable humectant.

7. The aerosol generating article according to claim 6, wherein the aerosol generating material is a liquid, and the aerosol generating article includes a liquid-holding substance.

8. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and an aerosol generating device (34) adapted to receive the aerosol generating article (1) when in use.

9. The aerosol generating article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the visual indicator (60) includes an electrical conductor (62) attached to the substate (8) and adapted to visually change the color of the substrate (8) based on the amount of the humectant.

10. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 9 and an aerosol generating device (34) adapted to receive the aerosol generating article (1) when in use, wherein the aerosol generating device (34) The first and second device terminals (68, 70) are electrically connected to the first and second conductor terminals (64, 66) of the electrical conductor (62) when in use, Controller (48), The amount of the aforementioned moisturizer is estimated or determined, The voltage applied to both ends of the electrical conductor (62) of the aerosol generating article (1) is controlled to change the color of the substrate (8) based on the amount of the humectant. A controller (48) adapted to this, an aerosol generation system, including...

11. The visual indicator (80) is a plurality of electrical conductors (82) attached to the substate (8) that are adapted to visually change the color of the substrate (8) based on the amount of the humectant. １ , 82 ２ , . . , 84 ４ an aerosol generating article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising ).

12. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 11 and an aerosol generating device (34) adapted to receive the aerosol generating article (1) when in use, wherein the aerosol generating device (34) When in use, each electrical conductor (82 １ , 82 ２ ,..., 82 ４ ) is electrically connected to a plurality of first and second device terminals (88 １ , 88 ２ ,..., 88 ４ and 86 １ , 86 ２ ,..., 86 ４ ) respectively, and １ , 88 ２ ,..., 88 ４ and 90 １ , 90 ２ ,..., 90 ４ ), Controller (48), The amount of the aforementioned moisturizer is estimated or determined, Based on the amount of the humectant, each electrical conductor (82) is sequentially discolored. １ , 82 ２ , . . , 82 ４ ) control A controller (48) adapted to this, an aerosol generation system, including...

13. A method for visually indicating to a user the amount of humectant in an aerosol generating article (1), wherein one or more electrical conductors (62; 82) are attached to the base material (8) of the aerosol generating article (1). １ , 82 ２ , . . , 82 ４ A method comprising using a humectant to visually change the color of the substrate (8) based on the amount of the humectant.

14. The aerosol generating article (1) includes a capacitor (6), the capacitor (6) includes an electrolyte as the aerosolizable humectant, and the method comprises one or more electrical conductors (62; 82 １ , 82 ２ , . . , 82 ４ The method according to claim 13, comprising using a ) to visually change the color of the substrate (8) based on the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor (6).

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the aerosol-generating article further comprises an aerosol-forming agent as the aerosolizable humectant, and the method comprises using one or more electrical conductors to visually change the substrate color based on the amount of the aerosol-forming agent.

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