Aerosol generating products and aerosol generating systems

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide an aerosol generating product and an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating product comprising a medium segment sequentially arranged along a first direction, a first functional segment, a second functional segment, and a third functional segment, one of the second and third functional segments being a cooling segment, the medium segment having a one-piece structure, having at least one first airway hole inside the medium segment, the first airway hole penetrating at least one end of the medium segment along the first direction, and the suction resistance of the first functional segment being different from the suction resistance of the medium segment. The aerosol generating product according to embodiments of the present application is advantageous in achieving the maintenance of the suction resistance of the aerosol generating product within an appropriate range by providing a first functional segment and making the suction resistance of the first functional segment different from the suction resistance of the medium segment, thereby improving the user experience. Furthermore, the medium segment has a one-piece structure, which increases the uniformity of the density of the medium segment and improves the stability of aerosol release and suction.

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] This application is filed based on a Chinese patent application with an application number of 202310931830.5, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on July 26, 2023, claims the priority of the Chinese patent application, and all the contents of the Chinese patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to the technical field of smoking products, and in particular, to aerosol generating products and aerosol generating systems.

Background Art

[0003] This section intends to provide the background or context of the embodiments of the present application described in the claims. The descriptions herein are not admitted to be prior art merely because they are included in this section.

[0004] Smoking products include smoking products that form aerosols by combustion and smoking products that form aerosols by a heat-not-burn method. Here, a typical heat-not-burn smoking product includes an aerosol generating substrate and a functional segment that can volatilize upon heating to generate an aerosol. The functional segment is combined with the aerosol generating substrate to realize the suction of the aerosol. The aerosol generating substrate is heated using an external heat source and heated to a sufficient extent to just release the fragrance. The aerosol generating substrate does not burn, carries a nebulizer, and releases the nebulizer by high-temperature heating during use to form an aerosol.

[0005] Here, the suction resistance in the suction process of a smoking product is an important indicator of the smoking product. In the prior art, there are problems that the suction resistance of a smoking product is too small or too large, which leads to a situation where the aerosol content sucked is reduced, and the user experience is degraded.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present application aims to provide an aerosol generating product and an aerosol generating system with appropriate suction resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the embodiments of the present application provide an aerosol generating product comprising a medium segment sequentially arranged along a first direction, a first functional segment, a second functional segment, and a third functional segment. One of the second and third functional segments is a cooling segment. The medium segment has a one-piece structure and has at least one first airway hole inside the medium segment, and the first airway hole penetrates at least one end along the first direction of the medium segment. The suction resistance of the first functional segment is different from the suction resistance of the medium segment.

[0008] In one embodiment, the medium segment, the second functional segment, the third functional segment, and the first functional segment are separable, and the first functional segment is an integral structure.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first functional segment has at least one second airway opening inside, the second airway opening passing through at least one end of the first functional segment along a first direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, in a plane perpendicular to the first direction of the aerosol-generating product, the shape of the cross-section of the second airway opening is at least one of circular, elliptical, track-shaped, elongated, polygonal, and sector-shaped.

[0011] In one embodiment, in a plane perpendicular to the first direction of the aerosol-generating product, the cross-sectional shape of the second airway opening is circular. The cross-sectional area of ​​a single second airway opening is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​a single first airway opening, or the hydraulic diameter of a single second airway opening is smaller than the hydraulic diameter of a single first airway opening.

[0012] In one embodiment, in a plane perpendicular to the first direction of the aerosol-generating product, the cross-sectional shape of the second airway opening is elongated. The cross-sectional area of ​​a single second airway opening is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​a single first airway opening.

[0013] In one embodiment, an airway groove is formed on the circumferential outer surface of the first functional segment, and the airway groove penetrates both opposing ends of the first functional segment along a first direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, the components of the first functional segment are the same as the components of the medium segment.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first functional segment has a mesh-like structure.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first functional segment is a foldable or pleated structure having an interlayer airway extending along a first direction inside the foldable or pleated structure.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first functional segment has a toe-shaped structure.

[0018] In one embodiment, at least one cavity is provided inside the aerosol generating product.

[0019] In one embodiment, the medium segment and the first functional segment are spaced apart to define the cavity.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first functional segment and the second functional segment are spaced apart to define the cavity.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second functional segment is a temperature reduction segment, and inside the temperature reduction segment, a first passage is provided that penetrates through both ends along the first direction of the temperature reduction segment. The center line of the first passage overlaps with the central axis along the first direction of the temperature reduction segment. Inside the first functional segment, a second passage is provided that penetrates through both ends along the first direction of the first functional segment. The center line of the second passage overlaps with the central axis along the first direction of the first functional segment, and the cross-sectional area of the second passage is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first passage.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second functional segment is a temperature reduction segment, and the third functional segment is a filter segment, or the second functional segment is a filter segment and the third functional segment is a temperature reduction segment.

[0023] In one embodiment, the medium segment, the second functional segment, the third functional segment, and the first functional segment are cylindrical bodies and are coaxially provided, and the first direction is the axial direction of these four.

[0024] The embodiments of the present application further provide an aerosol generation system, comprising an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation product according to any one of the above. The aerosol generation device includes a heating member, and the heating member is used to heat the medium segment to generate an aerosol.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] Embodiments of the present application provide an aerosol generating product, which includes a medium segment, a first functional segment, a second functional segment, and a third functional segment arranged in sequence along a first direction. The medium segment generates aerosol when heated. One of the second functional segment and the third functional segment is a temperature reduction segment, which reduces the temperature of the aerosol and avoids the problem of "feeling hot in the mouth". The other of the second functional segment and the third functional segment can have functions of support and / or filtration and / or temperature reduction. Embodiments of the present application are advantageous for realizing maintaining the suction resistance of the aerosol generating product within an appropriate range, that is, making the suction resistance of the aerosol generating product appropriate, by providing a first functional segment and making the suction resistance of the first functional segment different from that of the medium segment, thereby improving the user experience. Further, the medium segment has an integral structure, and for example, the medium segment can be formed by an extrusion molding, compression molding, or injection molding process, thereby enhancing the uniformity of the density of the medium segment and improving the stability of the aerosol release and suction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the aerosol generating product according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating product shown in FIG. 1, where the dashed arrow indicates the flow direction of the airflow in the aerosol generating product. [Figure 3] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating product in the second embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating product in the third embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating product in the fourth embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating product in the fifth embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating product in the sixth embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating product in the seventh embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating product in the eighth embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating product in the ninth embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating product in the 10th embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first functional segment. [Figure 13] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first functional segment. [Figure 14] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first functional segment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] In addition, to the extent that they do not contradict each other, the embodiments and technical features described herein can be combined with each other, and the detailed descriptions in specific embodiments should be understood as being for the purpose of explaining the gist of this application and should not be considered an unreasonable limitation to this application.

[0028] In the description of this application, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by "first direction" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in Figures 1 and 2. It should be understood that these orientation terms are merely for the purpose of facilitating and simplifying the explanation of this application, and do not indicate or imply that the indicated device or element has a specific orientation or must be configured and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be interpreted as limitations on this application.

[0029] The embodiments of the present application provide an aerosol generating product, which, referring to Figures 1 to 14, includes a medium segment 10 arranged sequentially along a first direction, a first functional segment 20, a second functional segment 30, and a third functional segment 40.

[0030] One of the second functional segment 30 and the third functional segment 40 is a cooling segment, which is used to lower the temperature of the aerosol.

[0031] The other of the second functional segment 30 and the third functional segment 40 may have support and / or filtration and / or cooling functions. The suction resistance of the first functional segment 20 is different from the suction resistance of the medium segment 10, thereby enabling the suction resistance of the aerosol-generating product 100 to be kept within an appropriate range by controlling the suction resistance of the first functional segment 20 itself.

[0032] Specifically, referring to Figures 3 and 4, both ends of the second functional segment 30 along the first direction are in contact with the first functional segment 20 and the third functional segment 40, respectively. In this case, the second functional segment 30 plays a supporting role to the first functional segment 20 and the third functional segment 40, increasing the overall strength of the aerosol-generating product. At the same time, the second functional segment 30 may also be solid acetate fiber or solid PET, and by performing directional filtration on the aerosol, harmful components within it can be removed. Furthermore, by adjusting the suction resistance, it is possible to effectively prevent the aerosol-generating product from causing a feeling of emptiness during suction due to insufficient suction resistance, thereby affecting the suction experience. In addition, the aerosol generated by the medium segment 10 can have its temperature lowered by passing through the second functional segment 30 of a certain length. In other words, in this embodiment, the second functional segment 30 simultaneously has the functions of support, temperature reduction, and adjustment of suction resistance.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2, the second functional segment 30 and the first functional segment 20 are spaced apart, and in this case, the main function of the second functional segment 30 is to regulate temperature reduction and suction resistance. As can be understood, in other embodiments, the second functional segment 30 may be used more primarily for regulating support and suction resistance, or more primarily for regulating filtration and suction resistance, and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0034] Furthermore, if either the second functional segment 30 or the third functional segment 40 is used for aerosol filtration, as can be understood, the aerosol flows through the functional segment, and therefore the functional segment also has the function of further lowering the temperature of the aerosol.

[0035] The aerosol-generating product 100 generates aerosols depending on the medium segment 10, while the first functional segment 20, the second functional segment 30, and the third functional segment 40 are not used for aerosol generation.

[0036] The aerosol generating product 100 of the embodiment of this application may be applied to suction by combustion or to suction by heating and non-combustion. In the embodiment of this application, the case in which the aerosol generating product 100 is applied to suction by heating and non-combustion will be described as an example.

[0037] Aerosol generating product 100 is used in combination with an aerosol generating device.

[0038] The medium segment 10 is used to generate an aerosol when heated and to provide it for the user to inhale.

[0039] In the embodiment of the present application, the medium segment 10 is generally prism-shaped. Here, the prism shape may be cylindrical (i.e., the cross-sectional shape is circular), prismatic (i.e., the cross-sectional shape is polygonal), elliptical prism (i.e., the cross-sectional shape is elliptical), etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0040] Exemplary, the medium segment 10, the first functional segment 20, the second functional segment 30, and the third functional segment 40 are separable structures, and these four are not connected to each other by mechanical, physical, or binder structures, although two of them may be in contact. In other words, the medium segment 10, the first functional segment 20, the second functional segment 30, and the third functional segment 40 are combinatorial structures, thereby enabling the meeting of different customer suction needs by making reasonable combinations of different medium segments 10, different first functional segments 20, different second functional segments 30, and different third functional segments 40.

[0041] Exemplary, the medium segment 10 is a particle binder, also called a powder binder, and is a type of reconstituted tobacco medium, for example, a reconstituted tobacco medium containing components such as a smoke-generating agent and tobacco. The medium segment 10 is a one-piece structure, for example, a one-piece structure formed by an extrusion molding, injection molding, or compression molding process. Here, extrusion molding refers to a processing method in which a raw material mixture is fed into an extruder, and the material is pushed forward by the screw due to the action between the barrel and screw of the extruder, and continuously passes through a mold at the material outlet of the extruder to produce products or semi-products of various cross-sections. The medium structure formed by extrusion molding takes the form of a rod. As a result, the medium segment 10 remains a one-piece medium even after heat absorption or after heat absorption stops, making it less susceptible to disintegration and detachment problems, and solving the problems seen in conventional flake-like, filament-like, or dispersed particle-like medium segments 10, such as flake peeling, detachment of filamentous or particle components, difficulty in cleaning, and non-uniformity of constituent components.

[0042] The medium segment 10 has at least one first airway opening 10a inside, and referring to Figures 2 to 11, the first airway opening 10a penetrates at least one end of the medium segment 10 along a first direction.

[0043] Having at least one first airway hole 10a inside the medium segment 10 may mean having one first airway hole 10a inside the medium segment 10, or it may mean having multiple first airway holes 10a inside the medium segment 10.

[0044] In the embodiments of this application, "multiple" refers to a quantity of two or more.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first airway opening 10a penetrates the same end of the medium segment 10 along the first direction, while the other end is closed.

[0046] In some other embodiments, some of the first airway holes 10a penetrate one end of the medium segment 10 along the first direction, while other some of the first airway holes 10a penetrate the other end of the medium segment 10 along the first direction.

[0047] In several other embodiments, referring to Figures 2 to 11, each first airway hole 10a penetrates both ends of the medium segment 10 along the first direction, that is, the first airway holes 10a extend along the first direction of the medium segment 10, and airflow can flow from one end of the medium segment 10 through the first airway holes 10a to the other end of the medium segment 10. Preferably, the first airway holes 10a are parallel to the central axis of the medium segment 10.

[0048] The wall of the first airway hole 10a constitutes the inner surface of the medium segment 10, and the first airway hole 10a increases the inner surface area of ​​the medium segment 10, facilitating heat transfer and improving heating efficiency. Furthermore, when the medium segment 10 is heated and an aerosol is generated, the aerosol is collected in the first airway hole 10a and transported to the suction end by the action of suction negative pressure. As a result, the first airway hole 10a can reduce the user's suction resistance and improve the user's experience. Note that suction resistance is positively correlated with the flow resistance of the aerosol; the smaller the flow resistance of the aerosol within the medium segment 10, the smaller the suction resistance experienced by the user, and the larger the flow resistance of the aerosol within the medium segment 10, the greater the suction resistance experienced by the user.

[0049] The shape of the first airway opening 10a is not limited; for example, in a plane perpendicular to the first direction of the medium segment 10, the cross-sectional shape of the first airway opening 10a may include, but is not limited to, a circular (see Figures 2 to 11), an elliptical, track-shaped, or polygonal shape, where the polygon includes regular or irregular polygons.

[0050] Here, "track shape" refers to a shape similar to an athletics track, formed by alternating connections of two semicircles and two parallel straight lines.

[0051] Here, the cross-sectional shape of the first airway opening 10a refers to the shape of the cross-section of the first airway opening 10a cut along a plane perpendicular to the first direction of the medium segment 10.

[0052] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shapes of each first airway opening 10a may be completely identical, or the cross-sectional shapes of at least two of the first airway openings 10a may be different. For example, the cross-sectional shape of at least one first airway opening 10a may be circular, and the cross-sectional shape of at least one first airway opening 10a may be polygonal.

[0053] For illustrative purposes, referring to Figures 1 to 11, the aerosol-generating product 100 includes a coating layer 50, which covers the circumferential surfaces of the medium segment 10, the first functional segment 20, the second functional segment 30, and the third functional segment 40.

[0054] The coating layer 50 has a certain hardness and can provide a certain level of protection to the medium segment 10, reducing the surface area of ​​the medium segment 10 that is directly exposed to the outside world. This reduces the probability that the medium segment 10 will come into contact with air and undergo moisture absorption and deterioration, while simultaneously reducing the probability that the medium segment 10 will come into contact with other parts of the aerosol generating device and cause contamination.

[0055] Furthermore, the medium segment 10 and the coating layer 50 may be an integrated structure. In other words, the medium segment 10 and the coating layer 50 are different parts of a single overall structure. This allows, on the one hand, to fix the relative positions of the medium segment 10 and the coating layer 50, reducing the probability of separation due to factors such as temperature changes and vibrations during the use of the aerosol generating product 100, and on the other hand, to manufacture the medium segment 10 and the coating layer 50 synchronously, thereby reducing the number of manufacturing steps and improving production efficiency.

[0056] For example, the integrated structure of the medium segment and the coating layer 50 is formed by a co-extrusion process.

[0057] Of course, the medium segment 10 and the coating layer 50 may be separate components.

[0058] The embodiments of the present invention further provide an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol-generated product according to the above embodiments, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a heating element (not shown), and the heating element is used to heat the medium segment 10 to generate an aerosol.

[0059] Specifically, the aerosol generating apparatus includes a housing and a power supply component located within the housing, the housing having a containment chamber, and the power output section of the power supply component being located within or around the side wall of the containment chamber. When a portion of the aerosol generating product 100 corresponding to the medium segment 10 in a first direction is inserted into the containment chamber, the power output section transmits power to a heating assembly in a contact or non-contact manner. The heating assembly receives energy from the outside, generates heat, and further heats the medium segment 10 to generate an aerosol.

[0060] In the embodiments of the present invention, the first direction does not specifically refer to the direction of the longest external contour of the medium segment 10. Specifically, the direction in which the aerosol generating product 100 is inserted into the containment chamber and the direction in which the aerosol generating product 100 is removed from the containment chamber are both parallel to the first direction. The length of the medium segment 10 along the first direction may be longer, shorter, or the same as the length in other directions.

[0061] For example, if the external contour of the medium segment 10 is cylindrical, the first direction is the axial direction of the medium segment 10, and even if the axial length of the medium segment 10 is smaller than its diameter, the first direction of the medium segment 10 is still the axial direction. As another example, if the external contour of the medium segment 10 is rectangular, the first direction is still the direction defined above, i.e., the direction in which the aerosol-generating product 100 is moved in and out of the containment chamber, and the first direction of the medium segment 10 may be the direction of the length, width, or height of the rectangular parallelepiped.

[0062] Embodiments of the present application provide an aerosol generating product 100 comprising a medium segment 10 arranged sequentially along a first direction, a first functional segment 20, a second functional segment 30, and a third functional segment 40, wherein the medium segment 10 generates an aerosol upon heat absorption, one of the second functional segment 30 and the third functional segment 40 is a cooling segment that reduces the temperature of the aerosol and avoids the "burning mouth" problem, and the other of the second functional segment 30 and the third functional segment 40 may have a support and / or filtration and / or cooling function, and embodiments of the present application are advantageous in providing the first functional segment 20 and making the suction resistance of the first functional segment 20 different from the suction resistance of the medium segment 10, thereby maintaining the suction resistance of the aerosol generating product 100 within an appropriate range, i.e., making the suction resistance of the aerosol generating product 100 appropriate, and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the medium segment 10 has a one-piece structure and can be molded by processes such as extrusion molding, compression molding, or injection molding, thereby increasing the uniformity of the density of the medium segment 10 and improving the stability of aerosol release and suction.

[0063] Exemplary, the medium segment 10, the first functional segment 20, the second functional segment 30, and the third functional segment 40 are separable structures. This allows for reasonable combinations of different medium segments 10, different first functional segments 20, different second functional segments 30, and different third functional segments 40, thereby meeting the customer's needs for different suction resistances and temperatures, and further improving the user experience.

[0064] The specific components of the medium segment 10 are not limited herein, and in one example, the medium segment 10 may include plant components, auxiliary components, smoke-generating components, binder components, and fragrance components.

[0065] Plant components are used to generate aerosols when heated. Auxiliary components are used to provide skeletal support to the plant components. Smoke-generating components are used to generate smoke when heated. Binder components are used to adhere each raw material component. Fragrance components are used to provide a characteristic scent. In this way, plant components and smoke-generating components can guarantee the amount of aerosol generated, while fragrance components can improve the release of scent during the inhalation process and enhance the user experience. Auxiliary components not only improve the fluidity of the mixed material but also make the medium segment 10 porous, facilitating aerosol extraction and flow. Binder components ensure that the plant components, auxiliary components, etc., constitute a stable mixture and prevent structural loosening.

[0066] Exemplary examples include plant components, which are one or more combinations of powders formed after grinding tobacco leaf raw materials, tobacco leaf flakes, tobacco stems, tobacco powder, flavoring plants, etc. Plant components are the core source of flavor, and endogenous substances within plant components can provide users with physiological satisfaction. For example, endogenous substances such as alkaloids enter the bloodstream and promote dopamine production in the pituitary gland, thereby resulting in physiological satisfaction.

[0067] Exemplary, the auxiliary components may be one or more combinations of inorganic fillers, lubricants, and emulsifiers. Here, the inorganic filler may be one or more combinations of heavy calcium carbonate, light calcium carbonate, zeolite, attapulgite, talc, and diatomaceous earth. The inorganic filler can provide skeletal support to the plant components, and at the same time, the inorganic filler has finer pores, which can improve the porosity of the medium segment 10, thereby improving the aerosol release rate. The lubricant may include one or more of candelilla wax, carnauba wax, shellac, sunflower wax, rice bran, beeswax, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. The lubricant may increase the fluidity of the plant component powder, reduce the frictional force between the plant component powders, make the density of the overall plant component powder distribution more uniform, reduce the pressure required in the extrusion process, and reduce die wear. The emulsifier may include one or more combinations of polyglycerin fatty acid esters, Tween-80, and polyvinyl alcohol. Emulsifiers can, to some extent, mitigate the loss of flavor substances during storage, increase the stability of flavor substances, and improve the sensory quality of the product.

[0068] Exemplary examples of fumigant components include monohydric alcohols (e.g., menthol), polyhydric alcohols (e.g., propylene glycol, glycerin, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and tetraethylene glycol), esters of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., triacetin, triethyl citrate, diacetin mixture, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, glyceryl butyrate), monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids (e.g., lauric acid, myristic acid), or aliphatic esters of polycarboxylic acids. This may include one or more combinations of ethyls (e.g., dimethyl dodecanediate, dimethyl tetradecanediate, erythritol, 1,3-butanediol, tetraethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, propylene carbonate, ethyl laurate, triacetin, mesoerythritol, diacetin mixture, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, ethyl vanillate, glyceryl butyrate, lauryl acetate).

[0069] For example, the binder component plays a role in adhering the raw materials, such as powders and liquids, by wetting the interface of the raw materials and generating intermolecular attractive forces. The binder component is a natural plant extract or a nonionic modified viscous polysaccharide, and includes one or more of tamarind polysaccharide, guar gum, and modified cellulose (e.g., carboxymethylcellulose). The binder is used to make the particles adhere to each other and less likely to disperse, and further improves the water resistance of the medium segment 10, and is harmless to the human body.

[0070] For example, fragrance components are used to provide characteristic aromas such as hay, roasted sweet, or solid or liquid nicotine. Fragrance components may include one or more combinations of tobacco or other plants, extracts, extracts, essential oils, or absolutes of aromatic plants, and may include one or more combinations of single aromatic substances such as megastigmatrienone, neophytadiene, geraniol, and nerol.

[0071] Furthermore, micropores are formed in the medium segment 10, and these micropores communicate with each other, forming microairways that communicate with the first airway opening 10a. In other words, the microairways communicate with the first airway opening 10a, and since the microairways are formed by the communication of micropores, the micropores communicate with the passage 10a. Moreover, as can be understood, the communication of micropores may be such that some micropores communicate and some do not, or all micropores communicate with each other. For example, in an embodiment in which the medium segment 10 is a particle aggregate, the gaps between particles constitute the micropores. The size of the micropores is determined by the gaps between particles.

[0072] The first airway holes 10a and microairways increase the surface area of ​​the medium segment 10, facilitating heat transfer and improving heating efficiency. The medium in the medium segment 10 receives heat and releases aerosols, which collect at the first airway holes 10a through the gaps between the wall materials or the microairways. Aerosols released from the atomizing medium exposed to the first airway holes 10a (i.e., the atomizing medium located on the inner wall surface of the first airway holes 10a) can be released directly into the first airway holes 10a, and aerosols between adjacent first airway holes 10a can also circulate with each other through the microairways and be transported to the suction end by the action of suction negative pressure.

[0073] Furthermore, the first airway opening 10a described above is a pore in a macroscopic sense, while a micropore is a pore in a microscopic sense, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first airway opening 10a is much larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​a micropore.

[0074] For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first airway hole 10a is at least 20 times the cross-sectional area of ​​the micropores. If the size of the micropores is approximately constant, and the cross-sectional area is less than 20 times, the size of the first airway hole 10a is too small, making it difficult for aerosols to be released from the inner wall of the first airway hole 10a into the first airway hole 10a, and increasing the user's inhalation resistance, thus reducing the user's enjoyment of inhaling. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the cross-sectional area of ​​the airway hole 10a is 20 times or more the cross-sectional area of ​​the micropores, it is possible to ensure the rate at which aerosols are released from the inner wall of the airway hole 10a, reduce inhalation resistance, and improve the user's inhalation experience.

[0075] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first airway pore 10a is 20 to 60,000 times the cross-sectional area of ​​the micropores. When the cross-sectional area of ​​the first airway pore 10a exceeds 60,000 times the cross-sectional area of ​​the micropores, the area of ​​the first airway pore 10a becomes too large, the overall quality of the generated aerosol deteriorates, the utilization rate of the aerosol-generating substrate decreases, the heating rate increases, and the aerosol is more easily released into the environment from the micropores.

[0076] For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first airway opening 10a is 100 to 40,000 times larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the micropores.

[0077] In some embodiments, the diameter of the first airway hole 10a ranges from 0.05 millimeters (mm) to 6 mm. When the diameter of the first airway hole 10a is less than 0.05 mm, problems tend to arise such as high processing costs for the medium segment 10, high suction resistance, and low medium utilization. When the diameter of the first airway hole 10a exceeds 6 mm, the cross-sectional area is large, the airflow velocity in the suction state becomes lower for the same volume, aerosols tend to accumulate, and the aerosol utilization is low.

[0078] The specific numerical value of the diameter of the first airway opening 10a is not limited and may be, for example, 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, etc.

[0079] Note that the diameter of the first airway opening 10a refers to its equivalent diameter.

[0080] Equivalent diameter refers to the diameter of a circle with the same cross-sectional area as the object being measured.

[0081] The first airway holes 10a and microairways increase the surface area of ​​the medium segment 10, facilitating heat transfer and improving heating efficiency. The medium in the medium segment 10 receives heat and releases aerosols, which collect at the first airway holes 10a through the gaps between the wall materials or the microairways. Aerosols released from the atomizing medium exposed to the first airway holes 10a (i.e., the atomizing medium located on the inner wall surface of the first airway holes 10a) can be released directly into the first airway holes 10a, and aerosols between adjacent first airway holes 10a can also circulate with each other through the microairways and be transported to the suction end by the action of suction negative pressure.

[0082] Furthermore, one of the second functional segment 30 and the third functional segment 40 is a cooling segment, and the other of the second functional segment 30 and the third functional segment 40 may be a cooling segment, a support segment, or a filter segment. The cooling segment has a temperature reduction function, the support segment has a support function, and the filter segment has a filtration function.

[0083] Exemplaryly, in some embodiments, the second functional segment 30 is a filter segment, and the third functional segment 40 is a cooling segment.

[0084] As can be understood, since the aerosol flows through the first functional segment 20 and the filter segment, the first functional segment 20 and the filter segment can perform a preliminary cooling function for the aerosol.

[0085] In some other embodiments, referring to Figures 2 to 11, the second functional segment 30 is a cooling segment and the third functional segment 40 is a filter segment. In the embodiments of the present application, the case in which the second functional segment 30 is a cooling segment and the third functional segment 40 is a filter segment will be described as an example.

[0086] In other words, the aerosol generated by heating the medium segment 10 first passes through the first functional segment 20, then through the cooling segment to be cooled, and the cooled aerosol then passes through the filter segment, which can filter out large particulate matter and undesirable impurities from the aerosol. That is, the aerosol generated by heating the medium segment 10 passes sequentially through the first functional segment 20, the cooling segment, and the filter segment to adjust the suction resistance, cool down, and filter before being aspirated by the user.

[0087] Exemplaryly, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 to 6, the first functional segment 20 may be a single-piece structure. In one embodiment, the single-piece first functional segment 20 manufactured by an extrusion process has the function of adjusting suction resistance, as well as providing temperature resistance and preventing thermal collapse. Furthermore, depending on the style characteristics of the product, it can also be filled with fragrance and increase aerosol richness. Here, extrusion refers to a processing method in which a raw material mixture constituting the first functional segment 20 is fed into an extruder, and the material mixture is pushed forward by the screw through the action between the barrel and screw of the extruder, continuously passing through a mold at the material outlet of the extruder to produce products or semi-finished products of various cross-sections.

[0088] In other embodiments, the first functional segment 20 may be a single integrated structure formed by processes such as injection molding and compression molding.

[0089] Exemplary, in some embodiments, the components of the first functional segment 20 are identical to those of the medium segment 10. In this way, during use, the first functional segment 20 does not produce an unpleasant odor, and its impact on the mouthfeel of the aerosol is avoided. Furthermore, having the components of the first functional segment 20 identical to those of the medium segment 10 is advantageous for manufacturing both the first functional segment 20 and the medium segment 10 using the same manufacturing process and raw materials, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0090] Of course, in some other embodiments, the components of the first functional segment 20 differ from those of the medium segment 10. The first functional segment 20 can be manufactured using different materials, such as plant materials, polysaccharides, silicones, and resins.

[0091] The first functional segment 20 has at least one second airway opening 20a inside, and referring to Figures 2, 3, 5, and 6, the second airway opening 20a penetrates at least one end of the first functional segment 20 along a first direction.

[0092] Here, having at least one second airway opening 20a inside the first functional segment 20 may mean having one second airway opening 20a inside the first functional segment 20, or it may mean having multiple second airway openings 20a inside the first functional segment 20.

[0093] In some embodiments, the second airway opening 20a penetrates the same end of the first functional segment 20 along the first direction, with the other end closed.

[0094] In some other embodiments, some second airway openings 20a penetrate one end of the first functional segment 20 along the first direction, while other some second airway openings 20a penetrate the other end of the first functional segment 20 along the first direction.

[0095] In several other embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 3, 5, and 6, each second airway opening 20a penetrates both ends of the first functional segment 20 along the first direction, that is, the second airway opening 20a extends along the first direction of the first functional segment 20, and airflow can flow from one end of the first functional segment 20 through the second airway opening 20a to the other end of the first functional segment 20. Preferably, the second airway opening 20a is parallel to the central axis of the first functional segment 20.

[0096] Furthermore, suction resistance is positively correlated with the flow resistance of the aerosol. The smaller the flow resistance within the first functional segment 20 of the aerosol, the smaller the suction resistance experienced by the user. Conversely, the larger the flow resistance within the first functional segment 20 of the aerosol, the greater the suction resistance experienced by the user.

[0097] The first functional segment 20 is provided with second airway holes 20a, and the magnitude of suction resistance is adjusted by controlling the design parameters of the second airway holes 20a, such as the number of second airway holes 20a in the first functional segment 20, the cross-sectional area (hydraulic diameter) of the second airway holes 20a, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first functional segment 20.

[0098] When the first functional segment 20 is provided with multiple second airway holes 20a, the aerosol can exchange heat with the walls of the second airway holes 20a as it flows through them, and the temperature of the aerosol can be effectively reduced through heat exchange with multiple airways.

[0099] The shape of the second airway opening 20a is not limited herein. For example, in a plane perpendicular to the first direction of the first functional segment 20, the cross-sectional shape of the second airway opening 20a includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: circular (see Figures 2, 5, and 6), elliptical, track-shaped, elongated (see Figure 3), polygonal, and sectoral, where the polygon includes regular or irregular polygons.

[0100] Here, the cross-sectional shape of the second airway opening 20a refers to the shape of the cross-section of the second airway opening 20a cut along a plane perpendicular to the first direction of the first functional segment 20.

[0101] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shapes of each second airway opening 20a may be completely identical, or the cross-sectional shapes of at least two of the second airway openings 20a may be different. For example, the cross-sectional shape of at least one second airway opening 20a may be circular, and the cross-sectional shape of at least one second airway opening 20a may be polygonal.

[0102] For example, in a plane perpendicular to the first direction of the aerosol-generating product 100, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all the second airway holes 20a is smaller than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all the first airway holes 10a. That is, the porosity of the first functional segment 20 is smaller than the porosity of the medium segment 10, thereby ensuring that the suction resistance of the first functional segment 20 is greater than that of the medium segment 10. In other words, the suction resistance of the aerosol-generating product 100 can be increased by the first functional segment 20, and the suction resistance of the aerosol-generating product 100 can be maintained within an appropriate range.

[0103] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 2, the cross-sectional shape of the second airway opening 20a is circular, and when the number of second airway openings 20a is greater than the number of first airway openings 10a, the cross-sectional area of ​​a single second airway opening 20a is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​a single first airway opening 10a, and having a large number of second airway openings 20a with small cross-sectional areas is advantageous for adjusting the suction resistance of the aerosol-generating product 100.

[0104] If the cross-sectional shape of the second airway opening 20a is circular, the cross-sectional area of ​​a single second airway opening 20a is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​a single first airway opening 10a, that is, the hydraulic diameter of a single second airway opening 20a is smaller than the hydraulic diameter of a single first airway opening 10a.

[0105] In the embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulic diameter is the ratio of four times the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path to its circumference.

[0106] In some other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the second airway opening 20a may be elliptical or polygonal, and if the number of second airway openings 20a is greater than or equal to the number of first airway openings 10a, the cross-sectional area of ​​a single second airway opening 20a is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​a single first airway opening 10a.

[0107] In several other embodiments, referring to Figures 3 and 12, in a plane perpendicular to the first direction of the aerosol-generating product 100, the cross-sectional shape of the second airway hole 20a is elongated, and the cross-sectional area of ​​a single second airway hole 20a is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​a single first airway hole 10a. This is advantageous for aerosol flow and improves situations where aerosol flow is hindered by misalignment between the second airway hole 20a and the first airway hole 10a. At the same time, it is advantageous for adjusting the suction resistance; for example, the suction resistance can be increased by reducing the length of the short side of the elongated second airway hole 20a, and decreased by increasing the length of the short side of the elongated second airway hole 20a. Of course, the suction resistance can also be increased by reducing the length of the long side of the elongated second airway hole 20a, and decreased by increasing the length of the long side of the elongated second airway hole 20a.

[0108] Of course, the cross-sectional shape of the second airway opening 20a may be track-shaped, and the cross-sectional area of ​​a single second airway opening 20a is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​a single first airway opening 10a.

[0109] Illustratively, referring to Figures 4 and 13, airway grooves 20c are formed on the circumferential outer surface of the first functional segment 20, and the airway grooves 20c penetrate both opposing ends of the first functional segment 20 along its first direction. By providing the airway grooves 20c, the contact area between the aerosol and the first functional segment 20 can be increased, which is advantageous in reducing the aerosol flow velocity and lowering the aerosol temperature.

[0110] The number of airway grooves 20c is not limited; that is, one airway groove 20c may be provided, or multiple airway grooves 20c may be provided. When multiple airway grooves 20c are provided in the first functional segment 20, each airway groove 20c is provided at intervals on the circumferential outer surface of the first functional segment 20.

[0111] Exemplary, in some other embodiments, referring to Figures 7 and 8, the first functional segment 20 is mesh-like. The mesh-like first functional segment 20 has a relatively small dimension along the first direction, and has a plurality of second airway holes 20a formed thereon that penetrate along the first direction. In this way, the dimension of the first functional segment 20 along the first direction can be effectively reduced while achieving adjustment of the suction resistance of the aerosol generating product 100, which is advantageous in reducing the overall dimensions of the aerosol generating product 100 and making the structure more compact.

[0112] The specific method of forming the mesh-like first functional segment 20 is not limited; for example, it may be formed by braiding together several intersecting thread-like structures, with the second airway opening 20a surrounding the intersecting thread-like structures.

[0113] In another example, referring to Figure 8, the mesh-like first functional segment 20 is plate-like, and the second airway opening 20a penetrates the first functional segment 20 along the thickness direction of the first functional segment 20.

[0114] In some other embodiments, referring to Figure 9, when the mesh-like first functional segment 20 is in the form of a thin plate, a convex edge may be formed on the edge of the first functional segment 20, and the first functional segment 20 abuts against the medium segment 10 or against the second functional segment 30 via the convex edge.

[0115] The specific material of the mesh-like first functional segment 20 is not limited; for example, a metal mesh, a paper tube coated with highly permeable paper / membrane, etc., can be selected and used as the material, and the first functional segment 20 can be given a certain degree of heat resistance, and a plurality of second airway holes 20a are provided inside the first functional segment 20, the diameter of the second airway holes 20a is smaller than the diameter of the first airway holes 10a, thereby giving the first functional segment 20 the effect of adjusting the suction resistance of the aerosol generating product 100, and at the same time, the aerosol can collide with the first functional segment 20 and perform heat exchange, thereby having a cooling and / or filtering effect on the aerosol.

[0116] Illustratively, referring to Figures 9 and 14, the first functional segment 20 is a foldable or pleated structure and has an interlayer airway 20d extending along a first direction inside the foldable or pleated structure. In this way, it is possible to adjust the suction resistance of the aerosol generating product 100, lengthen the aerosol flow path, and increase the contact area with the first functional segment 20, thereby providing a preliminary cooling effect on the aerosol. Furthermore, the first functional segment 20 with a foldable or pleated structure also has a support and filtering function.

[0117] Furthermore, the specific material of the first functional segment 20, which has a foldable or pleated structure, is not limited. For example, polylactic acid (PLA), paper, etc., can be selected, bundled, and molded, and by controlling the porosity, it may have the effect of adjusting the suction resistance of the aerosol-generating product 100.

[0118] Furthermore, the first functional segment 20 can be supported by a phase change material, which utilizes the endothermic effect of the phase change to enhance the temperature reduction of the aerosol. The phase change material is, for example, polylactic acid (PLA), which undergoes a phase change and melts when a vapor stream at 120°C passes through it, thereby absorbing heat.

[0119] Illustratively, referring to Figures 10 and 11, the first functional segment 20 is a tow-type structure. In some embodiments, referring to Figure 10, the tow-type structure is, for example, a solid acetate tow structure, where a ventilation gap is formed by the gap between the tows of the solid acetate tow structure, and the aerosol generated by the medium segment 10 can flow through the ventilation gap to the second functional segment 30, the dimensions of which are smaller than the dimensions of the first airway opening 10a, and which have the function of adjusting the suction resistance.

[0120] Furthermore, as the aerosol passes through the ventilation gap, the large surface area of ​​the tow-type structure allows it to perform a filtering action on the aerosol, thereby filtering out impurities entrained in the aerosol and improving the user experience. At the same time, the tow-type structure can adjust the resistance of airflow suction, and it can also prevent the condensate formed after the aerosol condenses from leaking out of the aerosol generating product 100 and adversely affecting other devices in the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0121] Furthermore, the ventilation voids formed within the tow-type structure may be pores in a macroscopic sense, or they may be pores in a microscopic sense, that is, pores that cannot be directly identified with the naked eye.

[0122] For illustrative purposes, referring to Figures 2, 5, and 8, at least one cavity 100a is provided inside the aerosol generating product 100. The number of cavities 100a is not limited; that is, there may be one cavity 100a or multiple cavities 100a.

[0123] The specific location and formation method of the cavity 100a are not limited. For example, it may be formed between any two of the medium segment 10, the first functional segment 20, the second functional segment 30, and the third functional segment 40. It may also be formed at one end of the medium segment 10 that is spaced apart from the first functional segment 20, or at one end of the third functional segment 40 that is spaced apart from the second functional segment 30.

[0124] By providing a combination structure with cavities 100a at different locations, the flow paths of aerosols can be increased and the airflow passages can be enlarged. By utilizing technical principles such as heat exchange and combining the cavity 100a structures as needed, beneficial effects can be achieved in terms of aerosol formation, temporary storage, and cooling.

[0125] Exemplary, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 5, 7, and 8, the medium segment 10 and the first functional segment 20 are spaced apart, defining a cavity 100a. That is, the medium segment 10 and the first functional segment 20 are spaced apart, and together with a coating layer 50 covering the periphery of the medium segment 10 and the first functional segment 20, they enclose the cavity 100a. As can be understood, by forming a cavity 100a between the medium segment 10 and the first functional segment 20, the aerosol generated by heating the medium segment 10 can be flowed into the cavity 100a, and the provision of the cavity 100a allows for the temporary storage of the aerosol generated by the medium segment 10, that is, the cavity 100a has the function of buffering and collecting high-temperature aerosols, which is advantageous for aerosol extraction and improves the utilization rate of the medium segment 10. Furthermore, by providing the cavity 100a, the contact area between the airflow flowing out of the medium segment 10 and the aerosol-generating product 100 can be increased, thereby achieving a better cooling effect.

[0126] Exemplary, in some other embodiments, referring to Figure 2, the first functional segment 20 and the second functional segment 30 are spaced apart, defining a cavity 100a. That is, the first functional segment 20 and the second functional segment 30 are spaced apart, and together with a coating layer 50 covering the periphery of the first functional segment 20 and the second functional segment 30, they surround and form a cavity 100a. As can be understood, by forming a cavity 100a between the first functional segment 20 and the second functional segment 30, the aerosol generated by heating the medium segment 10 can flow into the first functional segment 20 and then further flow into the cavity 100a for temporary storage, thereby increasing the aerosol flow path during the aerosol transport process, thereby having a rapid cooling effect, and at the same time, providing the cavity 100a also allows for the temporary storage of the aerosol generated by the medium segment 10.

[0127] Referring to Figures 2 to 9, the second functional segment 30 is a cooling segment, and a first passage 30a is provided inside the cooling segment, passing through both ends along the first direction of the cooling segment, and the center line of the first passage 30a coincides with or approximately coincides with the central axis along the first direction of the cooling segment.

[0128] Specifically, the cooling segment may be, for example, one of a hollow paper tube, an acetate tow tube, or an aluminum foil tube, that is, a first passage 30a with a relatively large pore diameter is provided inside the cooling segment, and the first passage 30a penetrates both ends along the first direction of the cooling segment, and the aerosol generated by the medium segment 10 can flow through the first functional segment 20 and then into the first passage 30a to be cooled, and is also advantageous for the aerosol to aggregate and be drawn toward the center, and the aerosol cohesiveness is relatively good.

[0129] In other words, the first functional segment 20 and the cooling segment are spaced apart, defining a cavity 100a. A high-speed airflow enters the first passage 30a of the cooling segment from the cavity 100a, forming a Venturi effect (the Venturi effect refers to the phenomenon in which the fluid velocity increases when a fluid passes through a narrowed channel cross-section, and this velocity is inversely proportional to the channel cross-sectional area). This allows the aerosol to pass through the first passage 30a relatively quickly, thereby enabling relatively rapid extraction of the aerosol. Furthermore, because the cross-sectional dimensions of the first passage 30a and the cavity 100a are relatively large, the cooling segment has a relatively large specific surface area, enabling rapid cooling of the aerosol.

[0130] In some other embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, cavities 100a are provided between the medium segment 10 and the first functional segment 20, and between the first functional segment 20 and the second functional segment 30. In these embodiments, as the high-temperature aerosol flows through each cavity 100a, it forms buffer diffusion and throttling pressure reduction, which enhances the effect of stepwise throttling and aerosol temperature reduction, and is advantageous for rapid aerosol extraction.

[0131] Illustratively, referring to Figures 4 and 11, a second passage 20b is provided inside the first functional segment 20, passing through both ends of the first functional segment 20 along its first direction, with the centerline of the second passage 20b coinciding with or approximately coinciding with the central axis of the first functional segment 20 along its first direction. Providing the second passage 20b is advantageous for the aerosol to aggregate and be drawn toward the center, resulting in relatively good aerosol cohesion.

[0132] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 4, the first functional segment 20 is a single-piece structure, and the first functional segment 20 may be provided with a second passage 20b, and if a second airway hole 20a is not provided, an airway groove 20c may be provided. Of course, the first functional segment 20 may be provided with both the second passage 20b and a second airway hole 20a, with the second airway hole 20a provided on the circumferential side of the second passage 20b, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second passage 20b being larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second airway hole 20a.

[0133] In some other embodiments, referring to Figure 11, the first functional segment 20 is a tow-type structure, and the tow-type structure is provided with a second passage 20b.

[0134] The cross-sectional area of ​​the second passage 20b is larger than that of the first passage 30a. As a result, high-speed airflow enters the first passage 30a from the second passage 20b, forming a Venturi effect, which is more advantageous for cooling the airflow.

[0135] For example, the components of the filter segment may be acetate fibers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polysaccharides, polypropylene fibers, etc. The filter segment can filter out harmful components (carbon monoxide, tar, etc.) in the aerosol and, in cooperation with the first functional segment 20, adjust the suction resistance of the aerosol generating product 100, bringing the suction resistance to the design requirements.

[0136] For example, the cooling segment may be one of the following: a hollow paper tube, a hollow acetate tow, or a corrugated cardboard tube. The cooling segment is primarily used to lower the temperature of the aerosol.

[0137] For example, the medium segment 10, the first functional segment 20, the second functional segment 30, and the third functional segment 40 are cylindrical and arranged coaxially, with the first direction being these four axial directions. By providing the medium segment 10, the first functional segment 20, the second functional segment 30, and the third functional segment 40 as cylindrical bodies and arranging them sequentially along these four axial directions, the structure of the aerosol generating product 100 can be made more compact, improving the user experience.

[0138] Below, ten specific embodiments will be briefly described with reference to the drawings.

[0139] In the first embodiment Referring to Figure 2, in this embodiment, the aerosol generating product 100 includes a medium segment 10 arranged sequentially along a first direction, a first functional segment 20, a second functional segment 30, and a third functional segment 40, wherein the medium segment 10, the first functional segment 20, the second functional segment 30, and the third functional segment 40 are separable structures. In other words, the aerosol generating product 100 is a four-stage combination structure formed by sequentially combining the medium segment 10, the first functional segment 20, the second functional segment 30, and the third functional segment 40.

[0140] The second functional segment 30 is a cooling segment, and the third functional segment 40 is a filter segment. The cooling segment is a hollow acetate tow and has cooling and filtration functions. The filter segment is a solid acetate tow and mainly has a filtration function.

[0141] Referring to Figure 2, the medium segment 10 is a single-piece structure, for example, a single-piece structure formed by an extrusion molding, injection molding, or compression molding process.

[0142] The first functional segment 20 may be an extruded, one-piece structure. In addition to having the function of adjusting suction resistance, the one-piece first functional segment 20 manufactured by the extrusion process has the function of preventing temperature degradation and thermal collapse, and furthermore, depending on the style characteristics of the product, it can be filled with fragrance and increase the richness of the aerosol.

[0143] The medium segment 10 is provided with at least one first airway hole 10a, the first airway hole 10a passing through at least one end of the medium segment 10 along a first direction. The first functional segment 20 is provided with at least one second airway hole 20a, the second airway hole 20a passing through at least one end of the first functional segment 20 along a first direction.

[0144] In a plane perpendicular to the first direction of the aerosol-generating product 100, the cross-sectional shape of the second airway holes 20a is circular, and if the number of second airway holes 20a is greater than or equal to the number of first airway holes 10a, the cross-sectional area of ​​a single second airway hole 20a is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​a first airway hole 10a. A large number of second airway holes 20a with small cross-sectional areas is advantageous for adjusting the suction resistance of the aerosol-generating product 100.

[0145] Here, the medium segment 10 is a single-piece structure containing a macro and / or microporous structure, manufactured using processes such as extrusion molding, injection molding, or compression molding. The suction resistance of the medium segment 10 is mainly determined by its porosity, i.e., the diameter and number of the first airway holes 10a. The upper end employs a ternary functional segment structure design consisting of a first functional segment 20, a cooling segment, and a filter segment, ensuring effective extraction of cooling and mist volume while also incorporating a suction resistance adjustment function to bring the suction resistance of the aerosol-generating product 100 to the design requirements.

[0146] In this embodiment, the aerosol flow method is described in detail as follows: micropores are provided inside the medium segment 10, and the micropores are at least partially in communication with each other and also in communication with the first airway hole 10a. When the medium segment 10 is heated, an external airflow such as air can enter the inside of the medium segment 10 through the first airway hole 10a and diffuse. Aerosols generated by the medium surrounding the first airway hole 10a of the medium segment 10 (i.e., the part of the medium segment 10 exposed to the first airway hole 10a) enter directly into the first airway hole 10a, while aerosols generated by other parts of the medium segment 10 (i.e., the part of the medium segment not exposed to the first airway hole 10a) can collect inside the first airway hole 10a through the micropores. Thus, during the suction process, the aerosols collected in the first airway opening 10a flow into the second airway opening 20a of the first functional segment 20, the aerosols in the second airway opening 20a flow into the cavity 100a between the first functional segment 20 and the second functional segment 30, and then, due to the Venturi effect, the aerosols can pass through the first passage 30a of the second functional segment 30 relatively rapidly, and finally flow out through the third functional segment 40 and enter the user's oral cavity.

[0147] In the second embodiment Referring to Figures 3 and 12, in this embodiment, the structure of the aerosol generating product 100 is generally the same as in the first embodiment, with the main differences being as follows: In this embodiment, in a plane perpendicular to the first direction of the aerosol generating product 100, the cross-sectional shape of the second airway opening 20a is elongated, and the cross-sectional area of ​​a single second airway opening 20a is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​a single first airway opening 10a.

[0148] Thus, this is advantageous for aerosol flow and improves the situation where aerosol flow is hindered by misalignment between the second airway opening 20a and the first airway opening 10a. At the same time, it is advantageous for adjusting the suction resistance; for example, the suction resistance can be increased by reducing the length of the short side of the elongated second airway opening 20a, and decreased by increasing the length of the short side of the elongated second airway opening 20a. Of course, the suction resistance can also be increased by reducing the length of the long side of the elongated second airway opening 20a, and decreased by increasing the length of the long side of the elongated second airway opening 20a.

[0149] In the third embodiment Referring to Figures 4 and 13, in this embodiment, the structure of the aerosol generating product 100 is substantially the same as in the first embodiment, with the main differences being as follows. In this embodiment, a second passage 20b is provided inside the first functional segment 20, penetrating both ends of the first functional segment 20 along the first direction, and the center line of the second passage 20b coincides with or substantially coincides with the central axis of the first functional segment 20 along the first direction. Providing the second passage 20b is advantageous for the aerosol to aggregate and be drawn toward the center, resulting in relatively good aerosol cohesion.

[0150] A first passage 30a is provided inside the cooling segment, penetrating both ends along the first direction of the cooling segment, and the center line of the first passage 30a coincides with or approximately coincides with the central axis along the first direction of the cooling segment.

[0151] The cross-sectional area of ​​the second passage 20b is larger than that of the first passage 30a. As a result, high-speed airflow enters the first passage 30a from the second passage 20b, forming a Venturi effect, which is more advantageous for cooling the airflow.

[0152] Airway grooves 20c are formed on the circumferential outer surface of the first functional segment 20, and the airway grooves 20c penetrate both opposing ends of the first functional segment 20 along the first direction. By providing airway grooves 20c, the contact area between the aerosol and the first functional segment 20 can be increased, which is advantageous in reducing the aerosol flow velocity and lowering the aerosol temperature.

[0153] In the fourth embodiment Referring to Figure 5, in this embodiment, the structure of the aerosol generating product 100 is generally the same as in the first embodiment, with the main differences being as follows. In this embodiment, the medium segment 10 and the first functional segment 20 are spaced apart to define the cavity 100a. That is, the medium segment 10 and the first functional segment 20 are spaced apart and, together with the coating layer 50 covering the periphery of the medium segment 10 and the first functional segment 20, surround and form the cavity 100a.

[0154] As can be understood, by forming a cavity 100a between the medium segment 10 and the first functional segment 20, the aerosol generated by heating the medium segment 10 can be allowed to flow into the cavity 100a. Providing the cavity 100a allows for the temporary storage of the aerosol generated by the medium segment 10. In other words, the cavity 100a has the function of buffering and collecting high-temperature aerosols, which is advantageous for aerosol extraction and improves the utilization rate of the medium segment 10. Furthermore, by providing the cavity 100a, the contact area between the airflow flowing out of the medium segment 10 and the aerosol-generating product 100 can be increased, thereby achieving a better cooling effect.

[0155] In the fifth embodiment Referring to Figure 2, in this embodiment, the structure of the aerosol generating product 100 is generally the same as in the first embodiment, with the main differences being as follows. In this embodiment, the first functional segment 20 and the cooling segment are spaced apart to define the cavity 100a. That is, the first functional segment 20 and the cooling segment are spaced apart and, together with the coating layer 50 covering the periphery of the first functional segment 20 and the cooling segment, surround the cavity 100a.

[0156] As can be understood, by forming a cavity 100a between the first functional segment 20 and the cooling segment, the aerosol generated by heating the medium segment 10 can be flowed into the first functional segment 20, and then further flowed into the cavity 100a for temporary storage. This increases the aerosol flow path during the aerosol transport process, thereby providing a rapid cooling effect. At the same time, providing the cavity 100a also allows for the temporary storage of the aerosol generated by the medium segment 10.

[0157] A first passage 30a is provided inside the cooling segment, penetrating both ends along the first direction of the cooling segment, and the center line of the first passage 30a coincides with or approximately coincides with the central axis along the first direction of the cooling segment.

[0158] Specifically, the cooling segment may be, for example, one of a hollow paper tube, an acetate tow tube, or an aluminum foil tube, that is, a first passage 30a with a relatively large pore diameter is provided inside the cooling segment, and a high-speed airflow enters the first passage 30a of the cooling segment from the cavity 100a, forming a Venturi effect, which is more advantageous for cooling the airflow.

[0159] In the sixth embodiment Referring to Figure 6, in this embodiment, the structure of the aerosol generating product 100 is generally the same as in the first embodiment, with the main differences being as follows. In this embodiment, cavities 100a are provided both between the medium segment 10 and the first functional segment 20, and between the first functional segment 20 and the second functional segment 30.

[0160] In this embodiment, as the high-temperature aerosol flows through each cavity 100a, it forms buffer diffusion and throttling pressure reduction, which enhances the effect of stepwise throttling and aerosol temperature reduction, and is advantageous for rapid extraction of the aerosol.

[0161] In the seventh embodiment Referring to Figures 7 and 8, in this embodiment, the structure of the aerosol generating product 100 is generally the same as in the first embodiment, with the main differences being as follows. In this embodiment, the first functional segment 20 is mesh-like. The mesh-like first functional segment 20 has a relatively small dimension along the first direction, and multiple second airway holes 20a are formed thereon that penetrate along the first direction. In this way, the suction resistance of the aerosol generating product 100 can be adjusted, and the dimension of the first functional segment 20 along the first direction can be effectively reduced, which is advantageous in reducing the overall dimensions of the aerosol generating product 100 and making the structure more compact.

[0162] The specific material of the mesh-like first functional segment 20 is not limited; for example, a metal mesh, a paper tube coated with highly permeable paper / membrane, etc., can be selected and used as the material, and the first functional segment 20 can be given a certain degree of heat resistance, and a plurality of second airway holes 20a are provided inside the first functional segment 20, the diameter of the second airway holes 20a is smaller than the diameter of the first airway holes 10a, thereby giving the first functional segment 20 the effect of adjusting the suction resistance of the aerosol generating product 100, and at the same time, the aerosol can collide with the first functional segment 20 and perform heat exchange, thereby having a cooling and / or filtering effect on the aerosol.

[0163] In the eighth embodiment Referring to Figures 9 and 14, the structure of the aerosol generating product 100 in this embodiment is generally the same as in the first embodiment, with the main differences being as follows. In this embodiment, the first functional segment 20 has a foldable structure, and an interlayer airway 20d extending along the first direction is provided inside the foldable structure. In this way, it is possible to adjust the suction resistance of the aerosol generating product 100, lengthen the aerosol flow path, and increase the contact area with the first functional segment 20, thereby providing a preliminary cooling effect on the aerosol. Furthermore, the foldable first functional segment 20 also has a support and filtering function.

[0164] Furthermore, the specific material of the first functional segment 20 of the foldable structure is not limited; for example, polylactic acid (PLA), paper material, etc., can be selected, bundled, and molded, and by controlling the porosity, it may have the effect of adjusting the suction resistance of the aerosol-generating product 100.

[0165] Furthermore, the first functional segment 20 can be supported by a phase change material, which utilizes the endothermic effect of the phase change to enhance the temperature reduction of the aerosol. The phase change material is, for example, polylactic acid (PLA), which undergoes a phase change and melts when a vapor stream at 120°C passes through it, thereby absorbing heat.

[0166] In the 9th embodiment Referring to Figure 10, in this embodiment, the structure of the aerosol generating product 100 is generally the same as in the first embodiment, with the main differences being as follows. In this embodiment, the first functional segment 20 is a tow-type structure. In some embodiments, the tow-type structure is, for example, a solid acetate tow structure, and a ventilation gap is formed by the gap between the tows of the solid acetate tow structure, allowing the aerosol generated by the medium segment 10 to flow through the ventilation gap to the cooling segment, and the dimensions of the ventilation gap are smaller than the dimensions of the first airway hole 10a, which has the function of adjusting the suction resistance.

[0167] Furthermore, as the aerosol passes through the ventilation gap, the large surface area of ​​the tow-type structure allows it to perform a filtering action on the aerosol, thereby filtering out impurities entrained in the aerosol and improving the user experience. At the same time, the tow-type structure can adjust the resistance of airflow suction, and it can also prevent the condensate formed after the aerosol condenses from leaking out of the aerosol generating product 100 and adversely affecting other devices in the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0168] Furthermore, the ventilation voids formed within the tow-type structure may be pores in a macroscopic sense, or they may be pores in a microscopic sense, that is, pores that cannot be directly identified with the naked eye.

[0169] In the 10th embodiment Referring to Figure 11, in this embodiment, the structure of the aerosol generating product 100 is generally the same as in the ninth embodiment, with the main differences being as follows. In this embodiment, the tow-type structure is a hollow acetate tow-type structure, that is, the tow-type structure is provided with a second passage 20b.

[0170] In this specification, terms such as “one embodiment,” “several embodiments,” “several other embodiments,” or “exemplary” mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described in relation to that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this application, the exemplary expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, a person skilled in the art may combine different embodiments or examples and features of different embodiments or examples described in this application, as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0171] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the Application and is not intended to limit the Application, and various modifications and changes can be made to the Application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the Application should be included within the scope of protection of the Application.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating product comprising a medium segment sequentially arranged along a first direction, a first functional segment, a second functional segment, and a third functional segment, One of the second functional segment and the third functional segment is a cooling segment. The medium segment has a one-piece structure and has at least one first airway hole inside the medium segment, and the first airway hole penetrates at least one end along the first direction of the medium segment. The aerosol-generating product wherein the suction resistance of the first functional segment is different from that of the medium segment.

2. The medium segment, the first functional segment, the second functional segment, and the third functional segment have separable structures, and the first functional segment has an integrated structure. The aerosol generating product according to claim 1.

3. The first functional segment has at least one second airway opening inside, the second airway opening passing through at least one end of the first functional segment along the first direction, The aerosol generating product according to claim 2.

4. In a plane perpendicular to the first direction of the aerosol generating product, the shape of the cross-section of the second airway opening is at least one of the following: circular, elliptical, track-shaped, elongated, polygonal, and sector-shaped. The aerosol generating product according to claim 3.

5. In a plane perpendicular to the first direction of the aerosol generating product, the cross-sectional shape of the second airway opening is circular. The cross-sectional area of ​​a single second airway opening is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​a single first airway opening, or the hydraulic diameter of a single second airway opening is smaller than the hydraulic diameter of a single first airway opening. The aerosol generating product according to claim 3.

6. In a plane perpendicular to the first direction of the aerosol generating product, the cross-sectional shape of the second airway opening is elongated. The cross-sectional area of ​​a single second airway opening is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​a single first airway opening. The aerosol generating product according to claim 3.

7. Airway grooves are formed on the circumferential outer surface of the first functional segment, and the airway grooves penetrate both opposing ends along the first direction of the first functional segment, and / or the components of the first functional segment are the same as the components of the medium segment. The aerosol generating product according to claim 2.

8. The first functional segment has a mesh-like structure. The aerosol generating product according to claim 1.

9. The first functional segment is a foldable or pleated structure, and has an interlayer airway extending along a first direction inside the foldable or pleated structure. The aerosol generating product according to claim 1.

10. The first functional segment has a toe-type structure. The aerosol generating product according to claim 1.

11. At least one cavity is provided inside the aerosol generating product. The aerosol generating product according to claim 1.

12. The medium segment and the first functional segment are spaced apart to define the cavity, and / or the first functional segment and the second functional segment are spaced apart to define the cavity. The aerosol generating product according to claim 11.

13. The second functional segment is a cooling segment, and a first passage is provided inside the cooling segment, passing through both ends of the cooling segment along a first direction, the center line of the first passage coincides with the central axis of the cooling segment along a first direction, and a second passage is provided inside the first functional segment, passing through both ends of the first functional segment along a first direction, the center line of the second passage coincides with the central axis of the first functional segment along a first direction, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second passage is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first passage. The aerosol generating product according to claim 1.

14. The aforementioned second functional segment is a cooling segment, and the aforementioned third functional segment is a filter segment, or the aforementioned second functional segment is a filter segment, and the aforementioned third functional segment is a cooling segment. The aerosol generating product according to claim 1.

15. The medium segment, the first functional segment, the second functional segment, and the third functional segment are cylindrical bodies and are arranged coaxially, and the first direction is the axial direction of these four. The aerosol generating product according to claim 1.

16. Aerosol generation system, An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a heating member, and the heating member is used to heat the medium segment to generate an aerosol.

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