Articles for aerosol supply devices

Abstract

168159 / 0444 Article for Aerosol Supply Device Abstract An article for an aerosol supply device is described. The article includes a body, an aerosol-generating material inside the body, an inner channel located inside the body and configured for the flow of an aerosol, the aerosol-generating material being exposed to the inner channel, the outside of the body, and a channel defined by the outside of the body, defining an outer channel through which air can flow.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article for an aerosol delivery device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol delivery system, an aerosol generator and an aerosol delivery device. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use to generate tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products include so-called "heat-not-burn" products, or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating the material without burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol delivery systems covering the devices or products described above are known. A common system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by a user. In many cases, to deliver different aerosols for inhalation, it is necessary to replace or change the medium used. It is known to use resistive heating systems as heaters for generating aerosols from a suitable medium.

[0004] [[Summary of the Invention]]

[0005] According to one aspect, there is provided an article for an aerosol delivery device, the article comprising a main body, an aerosol-generating material within the main body, an inner flow channel located inside the main body and configured for aerosol to flow through, wherein the aerosol-generating material is exposed to the inner flow channel, an outer surface of the main body, and a channel defined by the outer surface of the main body, the channel defining an outer flow passage through which air can flow.

[0006] In any of the above embodiments, the body may be elongated and have a defined longitudinal axis, and the internal flow path extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0007] In any of the above embodiments, the outer flow path may extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0008] In any of the above embodiments, the inner and outer flow channels may extend parallel to each other.

[0009] In any of the embodiments described above, the body may include a first layer and a second layer, the edge of the first layer being offset from the edge of the second layer to define at least a portion of the channel.

[0010] In any of the embodiments described above, the article may include a resistance heating layer comprising a resistance heating element configured to heat at least a portion of an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol, a first type of electrical contact, and a second type of electrical contact, wherein the resistance heating element is at least a portion of a conductive path between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact.

[0011] In any of the embodiments described above, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact may protrude to define at least a portion of the channel.

[0012] In any of the embodiments described above, the resistance heating layer may be exposed within the channel.

[0013] In any of the embodiments described above, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact may be accessible within the channel.

[0014] In any of the embodiments described above, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact may be exposed within the channel.

[0015] In any of the embodiments described above, each of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact may be exposed within the channel.

[0016] In any of the above embodiments, the channel may be a first channel defining a first outer channel through which air can flow, and may include a second channel defining a second outer channel through which air can flow.

[0017] In any of the embodiments described above, at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact may be accessible within the first channel, and at least another of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact may be accessible within the second channel.

[0018] In any of the above embodiments, the first type of electrical contact may be accessible within the first channel, and the second type of electrical contact may be accessible within the second channel.

[0019] In any of the above embodiments, the article may include a support configured to support the resistance heating layer.

[0020] In any of the above embodiments, the support may include a support layer.

[0021] In any of the embodiments described above, the first layer may include a support layer, the resistance heating layer is located on the support layer, and the support layer defines a projection that defines at least a portion of the channel.

[0022] In any of the embodiments described above, the second layer may include a main body layer.

[0023] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer may be located between the main body layer and the support layer.

[0024] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer may protrude from the main body layer.

[0025] In any of the above embodiments, the support may be electrically insulating.

[0026] In any of the above embodiments, the support may comprise at least one of paper and card.

[0027] In any of the above embodiments, the support layer may comprise a card layer.

[0028] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be on the resistive heating layer.

[0029] In any of the above embodiments, the article may comprise an aerosol-generating layer containing an aerosol-generating material.

[0030] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating layer may be on the resistive heating layer.

[0031] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be in direct contact with the resistive heating layer. In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating layer may be in direct contact with the resistive heating layer.

[0032] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be in indirect contact with the resistive heating layer. In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating layer may be in indirect contact with the resistive heating layer.

[0033] In any of the above embodiments, the article may comprise a distal end, and the distal end of the channel defining the outer flow path is spaced apart from the inner flow path.

[0034] In any of the above embodiments, the article may comprise a mouthpiece end, and the mouthpiece end of the channel defining the outer flow path is spaced apart from the inner flow path.

[0035] In any of the above embodiments, the inner flow path and the outer flow path may not be interconnected within the article.

[0036] In any of the above embodiments, the channel may include notches, lips, channels, grooves, elongated recesses (furrows), and conduits.

[0037] In any of the embodiments described above, the channel may include reducing or removing material from the article.

[0038] In any of the above embodiments, the body may include a laminate comprising multiple layers, and the channel may be defined by an area with a reduced number of layers.

[0039] In any of the embodiments described above, the channel may include areas with a reduced number of layers.

[0040] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer and the support layer may define the substrate.

[0041] In any of the above embodiments, the laminate may include a resistance heating layer and a support layer.

[0042] In any of the above embodiments, the laminate may include an aerosol-generating material. In any of the above embodiments, the laminate may include an aerosol-generating layer.

[0043] In any of the above embodiments, the channel may extend partially through the thickness of the article.

[0044] In any of the embodiments described above, the channel may extend between the proximal and distal ends of the article.

[0045] In any of the above embodiments, the article may include a stepped edge that defines a channel.

[0046] In any of the above embodiments, the article may include an outlet air passage between an article air inlet at the distal end of the article and an article air outlet at the proximal end of the article.

[0047] In any of the embodiments described above, the first type of electrical contact may be configured to be electrically connected to a device electrical connector, and the second type of electrical contact may be configured to be electrically connected to a device electrical connector.

[0048] In any of the embodiments described above, the support may define the exposed contact area of ​​the first type of electrical contact.

[0049] In any of the embodiments described above, the exposed contact area may be a first exposed contact area, and the support may define a second exposed contact area of ​​a second type of electrical contact.

[0050] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating material may be a continuous aerosol generating material. In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating layer may be a continuous aerosol generating layer.

[0051] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating material may be a discontinuous aerosol generating material. In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating layer may be a discontinuous aerosol generating layer.

[0052] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include a plurality of individual aerosol generating portions. In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating layer may include a plurality of individual aerosol generating portions.

[0053] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating element may be one of a plurality of resistance heating elements.

[0054] In any of the embodiments described above, one of the individual aerosol generation processes may be associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of resistance heating elements.

[0055] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating layer may include at least one of dots, strips, and patches.

[0056] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating element may be a first heating element, the resistance heating layer may form a second resistance heating element, and each resistance heating element provides a conductive path for resistance heating of a portion of the aerosol generating material in order to generate an aerosol in each portion of the aerosol generating material.

[0057] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating element may be a first heating element, the resistance heating layer may form a second resistance heating element, and each resistance heating element provides a conductive path for resistance heating a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol in each portion of the aerosol generating layer.

[0058] In any of the embodiments described above, the resistance heating layer may form an array of resistance heating elements, including at least a first resistance heating element and a second resistance heating element.

[0059] In any of the embodiments described above, each of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact may be configured to allow current to be supplied individually to each of the resistance heating elements.

[0060] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating layer may include a film or gel layer containing an aerosol generating material.

[0061] In any of the above embodiments, the article may include a plurality of first-kind electrical contacts, and each of the heating elements includes a separate first-kind electrical contact.

[0062] In any of the above embodiments, the article may include a plurality of second types of electrical contacts, and each of the resistance heating elements includes a separate second type of electrical contact.

[0063] In any of the embodiments described above, the article may include a single second type of electrical contact.

[0064] In any of the embodiments described above, a single second type of electrical contact may be shared among each of the resistance heating elements.

[0065] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating element may be formed by at least one of the following: cutting the resistance heating layer, chemically etching the resistance heating layer, forming or pressing the resistance heating layer within the substrate, and printing the resistance heating layer.

[0066] In any of the above embodiments, the resistance heating layer may be in the form of a foil.

[0067] In any of the embodiments described above, the exterior of the article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and width, where the length is greater than or equal to the width and the width is greater than the depth.

[0068] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generation system is provided, comprising the above-mentioned article, an aerosol supply device having a receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the article, and an inlet air passage between a device air inlet at the proximal end of the device and an article air inlet at the distal end of the device, the inlet air passage being defined by a channel.

[0069] In any of the embodiments described above, the device may be equipped with an electrical connector in the inlet channel.

[0070] In any of the above embodiments, the electrical connector may extend into the channel.

[0071] In any of the above embodiments, the electrical connector may be a plurality of device electrical contacts, at least one of which protrudes into the channel when in use.

[0072] In any of the embodiments described above, the inlet channel may be defined around at least one of the device electrical contacts.

[0073] In any of the embodiments described above, the device may define a flow connection between an outer flow path and an inner flow path defined by an article.

[0074] In any of the embodiments described above, the device may include a channel configured to define an outlet from the outer channel and an inlet to the inner channel.

[0075] In any of the above embodiments, the flow path may include a chamber different from the article receiving space defined by the receptacle.

[0076] In any of the above embodiments, the device may include a pressure sensor.

[0077] In any of the above embodiments, the pressure sensor may be located inside the chamber.

[0078] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising: an article comprising an aerosol generating material, a resistance heating layer including a resistance heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, a first type of electrical contact, and a second type of electrical contact, wherein the resistance heating element is at least a portion of a conductive path between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact; an aerosol supply device comprising a device connector comprising a plurality of device electrical contacts protruding into the receptacle and configured to contact the resistance heating layer; and an inlet air passage between a device air inlet toward the proximal end of the device and an article air inlet toward the distal end of the device, the inlet air passage defined between the article and the receptacle across the electrical contact.

[0079] In any of the above embodiments, the article includes an aerosol-generating layer containing an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating layer may be located on a resistance heating layer.

[0080] In any of the above embodiments, the device electrical contacts may be in electrical communication with the resistance heating layer during use.

[0081] In any of the above embodiments, the device electrical contacts may be in electrical communication with the resistance heating layer during use.

[0082] In any of the embodiments described above, the device electrical contacts may be arranged to provide a linear inlet air passage.

[0083] In any of the embodiments described above, the device electrical contacts may be arranged to provide a non-linear inlet air passage.

[0084] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided that is configured to receive an article for any of the above-described aerosol supply devices.

[0085] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided comprising an article for any of the above-described aerosol supply devices and any of the above-described aerosol supply devices.

[0086] According to one embodiment, an article for an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising a body, an aerosol generating material within the body, an inner channel located inside the body and configured for the flow of an aerosol, wherein the aerosol generating material is exposed to the inner channel, and the outside of the body.

[0087] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generator for an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising an aerosol generating material, a resistance heating layer including a plurality of resistance heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, a first type of electrical contact, and a second type of electrical contact, wherein the resistance heating elements are at least a portion of a conductive path between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact, and the plurality of resistance heating elements include a first row of the plurality of resistance heating elements and a second row of resistance heating elements.

[0088] In any of the above embodiments, the article includes an aerosol-generating layer containing an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating layer may be located on a resistance heating layer.

[0089] In any of the embodiments described above, the first row and the second row may extend parallel to each other.

[0090] In any of the embodiments described above, the first and second rows may extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0091] In any of the embodiments described above, the aerosol generator includes three or more rows of multiple resistance heating elements.

[0092] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided that is configured to receive an article for any of the above-described aerosol supply devices.

[0093] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply article is provided that includes any of the above-described aerosol generators.

[0094] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided comprising an article for any of the above-mentioned aerosol generators or aerosol supply devices, and an aerosol supply device configured to at least partially receive any of the above-mentioned aerosol generators or the above-mentioned article.

[0095] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided that includes any of the above-mentioned articles or an aerosol generator.

[0096] Next, various embodiments will be described as mere examples, with reference to the attached schematic diagram. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0097] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol supply system. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an article containing aerosol-generating material for the aerosol supply system. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the first side of the aerosol generator of the article. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the second side of the aerosol generator. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol supply system, such as the one shown. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is a schematic partially exploded perspective view of the article, showing the aerosol generator reversed from its assembled orientation and separated from the other components. [Figure 7] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator shown. [Figure 8] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the heating element of the aerosol generator. [Figure 9] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the resistance heating layer of an aerosol generator having multiple heating elements. [Figure 10] According to the method for forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 3. [Figure 11] This is a disassembled perspective view of the formed aerosol generator. [Figure 12] This is a schematic perspective view of the resistance heating layer of the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 13] According to the method for forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 3. [Figure 14] According to the method for forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 3. [Figure 15] According to the method for forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 3. [Figure 16] This is a schematic perspective view of the resistance heating layer of the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 17] This is a schematic plan view of the heating element of the aerosol generator. [Figure 18] This is a schematic plan view of the heating element of the aerosol generator. [Figure 19] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the aerosol generator of the item shown. [Figure 20] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the device connector of the aerosol supply device in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 21] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the aerosol generation system. [Figure 22] According to the method for forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 3. [Figure 23] This shows the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 24] This shows the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 25] This shows the aerosol generator that has been formed. [Figure 26] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an article containing aerosol-generating material for the aerosol supply system. [Figure 27] Figure 26 is a schematic perspective cross-section of the item. [Figure 28] Figure 26 is a schematic perspective cross-section of the aerosol supply system of Figure 1, which has the articles shown in Figure 26. [Figure 29] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective cross-section of an aerosol supply system having an article containing an aerosol generating material. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0098] As used herein, the term “delivery mechanism” is intended to encompass systems for delivering substances to a user, including non-combustible aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from aerosolizable materials without burning the materials, such as hybrid systems that generate aerosols using a combination of electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and aerosolizable materials, and articles comprising aerosolizable materials and configured for use in one of these non-combustible aerosol delivery systems.

[0099] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating constituent materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0100] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0101] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0102] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0103] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0104] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0105] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0106] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power supply.

[0107] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0108] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, packaging material, a filter, a suction nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0109] As used herein, “aerosol-generating material” (sometimes referred to herein as “aerosolizable material”) is a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or electrically charged in any other manner. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0110] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes an active substance (sometimes referred to herein as an active compound).

[0111] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0112] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder such as a gelling agent and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a delivered substance and / or fillers may be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant-based materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0113] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film, or may be in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include a binder such as a gelling agent and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a delivered substance and / or fillers may be present. The aerosol-generating film may not contain substantially any plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco-free.

[0114] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of approximately 0.015 mm to approximately 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of approximately 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to approximately 0.5 mm, or 0.3 mm.

[0115] The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may consist of a continuous sheet of material, or a continuous sheet of material.

[0116] The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may include one or more individual parts or regions of aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes, or lines, which can be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

[0117] In the embodiment, the aerosol-generating material comprises a plurality of aerosol-generating films. In the embodiment, the aerosol-generating film comprises a plurality of aerosol-generating film regions. Such plurality of aerosol-generating films and / or plurality of aerosol-generating film regions may have different properties, such as different compositions, thicknesses, densities, active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0118] The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder such as a gelling agent with a solvent such as water, an aerosol-forming agent, and one or more other components such as one or more substances to be delivered to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film.

[0119] The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, or 90 wt% of the solvent.

[0120] The aerosol-generating material may be an amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a monolithic solid. The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dry gel. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, inside. In some embodiments, the held fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the surroundings of the aerosol-generating material), or the held fluid may be a solvent (such as when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water.

[0121] The aerosol-forming agent material may contain one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent material may contain one or more of the following: glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetin, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0122] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of the following: pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0123] The material may be present on or within a support to form a substrate. The support may be, for example, paper, cardboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy, or may contain these materials.

[0124] An aerosol supply device can receive an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, “article” means a component that contains or is contained with the aerosol-generating material at the time of use and is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally, other components at the time of use. The user may insert the article into or onto the aerosol supply device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, after which the user inhales the aerosol.

[0125] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material in order to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.

[0126] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed by the user during use. Consumables may also include one or more other components such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol. The heater may include a conductor that can be heated by an electric current passing through it.

[0127] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and replaceable aerosol products. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may include a power source and a controller (or control circuit). The power source may include, for example, a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also include an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product may include the aerosol generating component partially or entirely.

[0128] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol supply system 100. The aerosol supply system 100 comprises an aerosol supply device 200 and an article 300 containing an aerosol generating material 302 (see Figure 3). In Figure 2, the article 300 is shown detached from the aerosol supply device 200. The aerosol generator 304 of the article 300 is shown in Figure 3 by a perspective view of the first side 306, and a perspective view of a portion of the second side 307 is shown in Figure 4.

[0129] Article 300 includes an aerosol generator 304. The aerosol generator 304 is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material 302 when the aerosol supply system 100 is in operation, as will be described in detail below.

[0130] The aerosol supply system 100 may be elongated and extend along its longitudinal axis. The aerosol supply system 100 has a proximal end 102 closest to the user (e.g., the user's mouth) when used by the user for inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol supply system 100, and a distal end 104 furthest from the user when used.

[0131] The proximal end may also be called the “mouthpiece end.” Thus, the aerosol supply system 100 defines a proximal direction that is directed toward the user during use. Furthermore, the aerosol supply system 100 similarly defines a distal direction that is directed away from the user during use. The terms “proximal” and “distal” applied to the features of system 100 are explained by referring to the relative positioning of such features relative to each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0132] Article 300 is received by an aerosol supply device 200. The configurations of article 300 and the aerosol supply device 200 may vary. In this embodiment, the aerosol supply device 200 comprises a device body 202. The device has a housing 204 that encloses the components of the device 200. As shown in Figure 5, an article receiving portion 206, sometimes called a device chamber, is configured to receive a portion of article 300. The proximal end 308 of the article protrudes from the device 200 when article 300 is received within the device chamber 206. A receptacle 208 defines the chamber 206. The receptacle 208 includes a receptacle base 210 and a receptacle periphery 212. The configuration of the receptacle 208 may vary depending on the configuration of article 300.

[0133] One or more user-operable control elements 224, such as buttons or switches, may be provided on the aerosol supply device 200 for use in operating the aerosol supply system 100. For example, a user may activate the system 100 by pressing a control element 224. One or more user-operable control elements may be omitted. In embodiments, the aerosol supply system 100 is operated by another user action, such as suction activated by a user drawing air through the system.

[0134] The aerosol supply device 200 has an opening 214 at its proximal end that leads into the device chamber 206. The opening 214 is located at one end and through which an article 300 can be inserted. In embodiments, the article 300 may be fully or partially inserted into the device 200. The configuration of the device 200 may vary; for example, the opening may be located on the longitudinal side wall of the device 200 and / or may be closed by another feature of the device 200 during use. In this configuration, the article 300 defines a mouthpiece 310 at its proximal end 308. In other embodiments, the device 200 defines the mouthpiece. The user places their mouth over the mouthpiece during use.

[0135] Device 200 defines a longitudinal axis that may extend when article 300 is inserted into device 200. The opening 214 is aligned on the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may also be the axis through which article 300 is inserted into device 200. The longitudinal axis may be considered the receiving axis of device 200. Article 300 may similarly have a longitudinal axis into which it is inserted into the device, and this axis may be considered the insertion axis.

[0136] The aerosol supply device 200 includes a power source 220. The power source 220 may be a battery, for example, a rechargeable battery. The device 200 also includes a control circuit 222 which functions as a controller, comprising a processor and memory.

[0137] As will be discussed in detail below, the heating system 110 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material 302 of article 300. Article 300 in the embodiment is a consumable and interchangeable with other articles 300. The heating system 110 comprises an aerosol generator 304. The heating system 110 comprises article 300 and other components of the aerosol supply system 100, including components of the aerosol supply device 200, such as a power source 220 and a control circuit 222.

[0138] The aerosol generator 304 forms part of article 300. The aerosol generator 304 includes a heating component 312 configured to heat at least one of the aerosol-generating material 302, such as a film and a gel, in order to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating material may be called an aerosolizable material.

[0139] The heating component 312 is a resistance heating component. In the embodiment, the heating element or each heating element is a resistance heating element, as will be described in detail below. In such a configuration, the heating system 110 includes a resistance heating generator which includes components for heating the heating component 312 by a resistance heating process. In this case, a current is applied directly to the resistance heating element, and the resulting current flow within the heating element, which functions as a heating component, heats the heating element by Joule heating. The resistance heating element includes a resistance material configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through it, and the heating component 312 includes electrical contacts for supplying current to the resistance material. The presence of the resistance heating component 312 enables a compact configuration. Resistance heating provides an efficient configuration.

[0140] In the use of the aerosol supply system 100, air is drawn into the air inlet 314 of the article 300, as indicated by arrow 316. The air inlet 314 is located at the distal end of the article 300. In embodiments, the air inlet 314 may have a different configuration, for example, being on the side. The airflow to the air inlet 314 of the article 300 may be defined by, for example, at least one of the air paths passing through the device 200. The air paths of the system 100 are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 26-28. In embodiments, at least a portion of the air path is defined between the device 200 and the article 300. At least a portion of the air path is defined within the device chamber 206, as shown in Figure 5.

[0141] The aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 304 exits the device at the aerosol outlet 318, as indicated by arrow 319. In some embodiments, the aerosol outlet 318 is located within the mouthpiece of the article 300 so that the aerosol is drawn directly from the article 300 into the mouth of the user of the system 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the aerosol supply system includes two main components: a control section that forms a reusable component and a consumables section that forms a replaceable or disposable component, which may be called a replaceable or disposable article or cartridge. As described herein, the aerosol supply device 200 forms the control section, and the article 300 forms the consumables section. In the use of the aerosol generation system, the control section and the consumables may be releasably connected at an interface. The consumables may be removable and replaceable, for example, when the consumables are used up, and the control section may be reused with different consumables.

[0142] The illustrated aerosol supply system 100 is provided merely as an example and is highly schematic. Different aerosol generating devices and other devices may be used in exemplary implementations of the principles described herein. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, air is drawn in through an air inlet in a control section, passes through an interface, and exits through consumable parts.

[0143] As schematically shown in Figure 5 and described in detail below, article 300 has article electrical contact configuration 320. In this embodiment, the electrical contact configuration 320 is formed by an aerosol generator 304. The electrical contact configuration 320 includes a heater electrical contact 322. The heater electrical contact 322 may also be known as a heater or article contact. The aerosol supply device 200 includes an electrical connector 230. The electrical connector 230 includes a connector electrical contact 232. The connector electrical contact 232 may also be known as a connector or device contact. The article electrical contact configuration 320 is configured to communicate electrically with the device electrical connector 230.

[0144] The configuration of article 300 may vary. As described herein, the article is a flat article or consumable. The exterior of article 300 has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and width, where the length is greater than or equal to the width and the width is greater than the depth. In some embodiments, the article is tubular; that is, article 300 has a tubular configuration. In such an arrangement, the aerosol generator may have a tubular arrangement.

[0145] Article 300 includes a body 324. The body 324 is hollow. The body 324 defines an internal flow path 326 (see Figure 6) through Article 300. The internal flow path 326 extends between an air inlet 314 and an aerosol outlet 318. The internal flow path 326 is defined by an internal space within the article through which air and / or aerosols can flow. The internal flow path 326 is defined within the body 324. The aerosol generator or each aerosol generator 304 borders the internal flow path 326. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to the internal flow path 326. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed in the internal space. In the embodiment, the internal space includes two or more chambers.

[0146] The air inlet 314 includes an opening 315. The opening 315 is formed in the body 324. In embodiments, the opening is formed in another component of the article 300, for example, an aerosol generator 304 or another wall feature. The aerosol outlet 318 includes an outlet opening 317. The outlet opening 317 is formed in the body 324. In embodiments, the outlet opening 317 is formed in another component of the article 300, for example, an aerosol generator 304 or another wall feature.

[0147] As shown in Figure 6, article 300 includes two aerosol generators 304 that form an aerosol generator configuration. The number of aerosol generators 304 may vary. Each aerosol generator 304 contains an aerosol generating material 302. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to a channel 326. In embodiments, article 300 includes a single aerosol generator 304. One of the aerosol generators 304 is described in detail, and such details are applicable to one or more further aerosol generators 304 in embodiments.

[0148] The aerosol generator or each aerosol generator 304 and the main body 324 are formed in a stacked configuration. In embodiments, other arrangements such as a tubular arrangement of articles are envisioned. In such a tubular arrangement, the aerosol generator 304 defines a tubular configuration. The tubular shape may include a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, and other polygonal shapes.

[0149] In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, article 300 has a flat configuration. That is, in this case, the exterior of the article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and width, where the length is greater than or equal to the width and the width is greater than the depth. Other configurations are also conceivable.

[0150] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of article 300, in which the aerosol generator 304 is shown inverted from its assembled orientation and spaced apart from the other components. Article 300 includes a first aerosol generator 302, a body 324, and a second aerosol generator 304. The body 324 separates the first and second aerosol generators 304. The first and second aerosol generators 304 enclose an internal space defined by the body 324, allowing air and / or aerosols to flow along the internal space. The aerosol-generating materials 302 of the first and second aerosol generators 304 are exposed to the internal space facing each other. When assembled, the first and second aerosol generators 304 sandwich the body 324. In the embodiment of Figure 6, at least the first and second aerosol generators 304 and the body have equal planar areas. In the embodiment, one or more of the first and second aerosol generators 304 and the body 324 have a greater length and / or width. In the embodiment, one of the first and second aerosol generators 304 is replaced by a blank panel. The body 324 includes a body layer. The body may include multiple body layers. The body layers may be formed by stacking and arranged to define features of the article 300, such as an air inlet 314 and an aerosol outlet 318.

[0151] The wrap surrounds the article 300 and forms part of the article 300. The wrap may include a sheet. The wrap functions as a fixing sleeve. The aerosol generator or each aerosol generator 304 protrudes from the wrap at its distal end. The exposed electrical contact area 323 of the heater contact 322 is exposed at its distal end, as shown in Figure 2, for example. Other configurations are conceivable, for example, at least one exposed electrical contact area 323 may be additionally or alternatively defined on the main surface of the article defined by the aerosol generator 304, along the short longitudinal surface or edge of the article 300.

[0152] The aerosol generator 304 is schematically shown in cross-section in Figure 7. The aerosol generator 304 is an implementation of the aerosol generator 304 of the aerosol supply system 100 described above.

[0153] The aerosol generator 304 includes an aerosol generating layer 330, also known as an aerosolizable layer. The aerosol generating layer 330 includes an aerosol generating material 302. The aerosol generator 304 includes a resistance heating layer 340. In embodiments, the resistance heating layer 340 is formed as a conductive layer. The aerosol generating layer 330 is located on the resistance heating layer 340. The aerosol generating layer 330 is in direct contact with the resistance heating layer 340. In embodiments, the aerosol generating layer 330 is in indirect contact with the resistance heating layer 340. In embodiments, the resistance heating layer 340 may include a coating. As will be described in detail below, the resistance heating layer 340 includes a plurality of resistance heating elements 342, for example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Each resistance heating element or each resistance heating element 342 forms at least a portion of a conductive path between a pair of electrical contacts 322. Each resistance heating element or each resistance heating element 342 provides a conductive path for resistance heating of at least a portion of the aerosol generating material 302 to generate an aerosol. In embodiments, the aerosol generating material 302 is in the form of a film or a gel.

[0154] The resistance heating layer 340 is formed as a conductive layer. In this embodiment, this layer takes the form of at least one of a metal layer such as an aluminum layer or a non-metallic material such as graphene. The resistance heating layer 340 is in the form of a foil, for example, an aluminum foil.

[0155] The aerosol generator 304 includes a support 350. In this embodiment, the support 350 includes paper or card material. The support 350 provides structural support for the aerosol generator 304. The resistance heating layer 340 is located on the support 350. The support 350 is configured as a support layer. As shown in Figure 7, in the aerosol generator 304, the resistance heating layer 340 is sandwiched between the support 350 and the aerosol generation layer 330.

[0156] The support 350 is electrically insulating. The resistance heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 define the substrate 352. The substrate 352 supports the aerosol generating layer 330.

[0157] Article 300 may include a laminate 354 comprising a resistance heating layer 340 and a support layer 350. In embodiments, the laminate 354 includes an aerosol generating layer 330. The aerosol generating layer 330 may be formed as a continuous structure or from individual parts. The individual parts may include one or more of the following shapes: dots, strips, helices, or other shapes.

[0158] In the embodiment, the aerosol generating layer 330 includes an aerosol generating film. In the embodiment, the aerosol generating layer 330 includes a plurality of aerosol generating films. In the embodiment, the aerosol generating film includes a plurality of aerosol generating film regions. Such plurality of aerosol generating films and / or plurality of aerosol generating film regions may have different properties, such as different compositions, thicknesses, densities, active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0159] One or more of the aerosol generation layer 330, the resistance heating layer 340, and the support layer 350 may include further layers. For example, the support layer 350 may include a backing layer or an intermediate layer. The support layer 350 is omitted in this embodiment.

[0160] Figure 8 shows one of the resistance heating elements 342. The resistance heating layer 340 includes multiple resistance heating elements 342. In this embodiment, the resistance heating layer 340 includes a single resistance heating element 342.

[0161] Multiple heating elements 342 may be formed in an array 344 as shown in Figure 9. The multiple heating elements 342 in Figure 9 are arranged in an array defining a single row. Other configurations are also conceivable. For example, as will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 27 to 29, the multiple heating elements 342 in the embodiment include an array containing multiple rows of multiple heating elements 342. In Figure 27, multiple resistance heating elements are shown arranged in an array of two rows of multiple resistance heating elements. Such rows are aligned in columns along the flow path of article 300. For example, it will be understood that the configurations described with reference to Figures 1 to 25 may be used in combination with the configurations shown in Figures 27 to 29.

[0162] The resistive heating element 342 includes a resistive heating path. The resistive heating path is formed by a conductive path. The resistive heating path is nonlinear. The resistive heating path is spiral. The configuration of the resistive heating path may vary. The electrical resistance of the heating element 342 may depend on the properties of the resistive heating path in the conductive layer, such as the length, width, thickness, and arrangement of the path.

[0163] The resistive heating element 342 extends between a first type of electrical contact 360 and a second type of electrical contact 365. The first type of electrical contact 360 is configured to provide a positive contact, and the second type of electrical contact 365 is configured to provide a negative contact. Current flows through the path between the first type of electrical contact 360 and the second type of electrical contact 365. The contact arrangement may be reversed. The first and second types of electrical contacts 360, 365 constitute the heater electrical contact 322. The first and second types of electrical contacts 360, 365 form at least a portion of the article electrical contact configuration 320.

[0164] The meandering or winding nature of the path of the resistive heating element 342 is such that the electrical resistance of the path increases compared to a straight path between the first and second types of electrical contacts.

[0165] The resistance heating layer 340 may include a first type of electrical track 361 extending from the resistance heating element 342. The first type of electrical track 361 includes a first type of electrical contact 360. The first type of electrical contact 360 is configured to electrically connect to the device electrical connector 230. The first type of electrical contact 360 includes a first type of exposed contact area 362. The first type of exposed contact area 362 is exposed on the article for direct connection to the device electrical connector 230.

[0166] The resistance heating layer 340 may include a second type of electrical track 366 extending from the resistance heating element 342. The second type of electrical track 366 includes a second type of electrical contact 365. The second type of electrical contact 365 is configured to electrically connect to the device electrical connector 230. The second type of electrical contact 365 includes a second type of exposed contact area 367. The second type of exposed contact area 367 is exposed on the article 300 for direct connection to the device electrical connector 230.

[0167] As will be discussed in detail below, the conductive path of the resistive heating element 342 in the embodiment is created by defining at least one electrically insulating barrier 346 within the resistive heating layer 340. In the embodiment, the electrically insulating barrier 346 is formed by cutting an electrically insulating barrier limiting portion (i.e., an electrically insulating portion), such as a gap, channel, or slot, into a sheet formed of a conductive material to form the resistive heating layer 340. In the embodiment, the resistive heating layer 340 is pre-formed to define the resistive heating element or each resistive heating element 342 and then applied to the support 350. In the embodiment, the resistive heating layer 340 is applied to the support 350 and then the resistive heating element or each resistive heating element 342 is defined within the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating element or each resistive heating element 342 defining the resistive heating layer 340 may be a printed heater. The insulating barrier may be a void. In the embodiment, the insulating barrier is, for example, a filled void filled with an insulating material. A barrier defines a barrier against electrical conduction across it.

[0168] The resistance heating elements defining the resistance heating layer 340, or each resistance heating element 342, may be formed by a cutting operation. The cutting operation may include die cutting. The resistance heating elements may be formed by an operation applied only to the resistance heating layer. In the embodiment, the resistance heating elements may be formed by an operation applied to both the resistance heating layer and the support layer, for example, by an operation that cuts the resistance heating layer and the support layer.

[0169] At least one electrical insulating barrier 346 defines first and second types of electrical tracks 361, 366.

[0170] In some embodiments, the tracks of the resistive heating element or each resistive heating element 342 have a width of 0.5 mm to 1 mm (two exemplary prototypes have widths of 0.93 mm and 0.72 mm, respectively), and a gap between tracks of less than approximately 0.25 mm (the same two exemplary prototypes have gaps of 0.2 mm and 0.05 mm, respectively). The resistive heating element or each resistive heating element 342 may have overall dimensions of approximately 10 mm × 10 mm. Other dimensions are possible in other exemplary embodiments. By forming resistive heating elements or each resistive heating element 342 of these dimensions from aluminum foil with a thickness of 0.006 mm and an electrical resistivity of 2 to 6 μOhm cm, the resistance of the path is calculated to be approximately 1 Ohm. In one exemplary embodiment, the resistance was measured at 0.83 to 1.31 Ohm.

[0171] As shown in Figure 9, the resistance heating layer 340 may be formed on a plurality of resistance heating elements generally indicated by reference numbers 342a, 342b, 242c, 342d, and 342e. Each of the resistance heating elements 342a to 342e extends from each of the first type of electrical contacts generally indicated by reference numbers 360a, 360b, 360c, 360d, and 360e to a single second type of electrical contact 365. The number of electrical contacts may vary. Thus, each resistance heating element 342a to 342e extends between individual first type electrical contacts and a common second type of electrical contact.

[0172] Each of the resistance heating elements 342a to 342e provides a conductive path for resistance heating a portion of the aerosol generating material 302 in order to generate an aerosol in each part of the aerosol generator 304.

[0173] The distinct first types of electrical contacts 360a to 360e allow current to be supplied individually to each of the multiple resistive heating elements 342a to 342e. This allows for control of heating of different zones of the aerosol generation layer 330. For example, the aerosol generator may have five aerosol generation zones. The resistive heating layer 340 allows each of these zones to be operated separately. Thus, for example, five aerosol aspirates may be produced from a single consumable incorporating a single aerosol generator 304, or ten aerosol aspirates may be produced from a single consumable incorporating two aerosol generators 304.

[0174] In an exemplary resistance heating layer 340, a plurality of first-type electrical contacts 360a to 360e, e.g., positive electrical connections, and a single second-type electrical contact 365, e.g., a negative electrical connection, are provided. This is not essential for all implementations. For example, a plurality of second-type contacts may be provided. In the embodiment, each resistance heating element 342a to 342e includes a corresponding first-type electrical contact 360 and a corresponding second-type electrical contact 365.

[0175] In the embodiment of the resistive heating layer 340 shown in Figure 9, the first type of electrical contacts 360a to 360e are located on the first edge 363 of the resistive heating layer 340, and the second type of electrical contacts 365 are located on the second edge 368 of the resistive heating layer 340. This allows for convenient power connection, but of course, many other configurations are possible, some of which will be discussed further below.

[0176] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing part of a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304, generally referred to as reference number 400, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0177] The method or algorithm 400 begins with an operation 402 in which a resistive heating layer is formed on one or more heating elements (e.g., multiple heating elements), each resistive heating element extending from a first type of electrical contact to a second type of electrical contact. When in use, the heating elements or each heating element may be used to provide a conductive path for resistively heating a portion of an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The formation of the resistive heating elements or each resistive heating element may be performed before or after applying the resistive heating layer on a support, if a support is present. The resistive heating layer may be bonded to the support, or mounted or formed on the support in a different configuration.

[0178] In operation 404, the formed resistance heating layer is positioned in contact with the aerosol generating layer, which incorporates an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generator 304 described above may be generated using algorithm 400.

[0179] Figure 11 shows an aerosol generator 304 formed according to an embodiment. The aerosol generating material 302 is formed on the resistance heating layer 340, for example by spraying, painting, dispensing, or by depositing the aerosol generating material in some other way. In an exemplary implementation of operation 404, the aerosol generating layer 330 is disposed on the resistance heating layer 340 as indicated by arrow 406.

[0180] Figure 12 shows a resistance heating layer 340 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. The resistance heating layer 340 is in the process of being cut using a laser cutter 408. Cutting the resistance heating layer 340 can be used to form the paths for the heating elements described herein. The use of a laser cutter 408 (or any other cutting process) is not the only way in which the resistance heating layer 340 described herein can be produced. Several exemplary methods are described below.

[0181] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing part of a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304, which is generally referred to as reference no. 410. The method or algorithm 410 begins with operation 412, in which a resistance heating layer is provided. In operation 414, one or more resistance heating elements are formed within the resistance heating layer by chemical etching of the resistance heating layer. Operations 412 and 414 are exemplary implementations of operation 402 of method 400 described above. An aerosol generating material is then placed on the resistance heating layer, thereby implementing operation 404 described above.

[0182] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing part of a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304, which is generally referred to as reference no. 418. The method or algorithm 418 begins with operation 420, in which one or more heating elements are formed by printing a resistance heating layer, at least partially. Thus, operation 420 is an exemplary implementation of operation 402 of algorithm 400 described above. The aerosol generating material is then placed on the resistance heating layer, thereby implementing operation 404 described above.

[0183] The cutting, etching, and printing methods described above are provided as examples, and other additional or alternative methods are also possible. For example, a so-called “hot foil” method can be used, in which the heating element is fabricated from a resistance heating layer and then assembled / bonded onto a support. Even further techniques such as die cutting can also be used. Furthermore, two or more techniques can be combined (for example, conductivity can be added to the connection trace by adding more conductive materials such as additional foil, printing material, etc.). Those skilled in the art will recognize many further techniques or combinations of techniques that can be used in the implementation forms of the principles described herein.

[0184] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an operating method or algorithm, collectively referred to as reference numeral 424. The method or algorithm 424 may be implemented, for example, using one of the aerosol generators described herein. The method or algorithm 424 is initiated when a command to activate heating is received in an instance of operation 426. In response to the command to activate heating, a determination is made as to whether a heating element is available (operation 428). Multiple heating elements may be provided, as discussed above. Operation 428 may also involve determining which heating element has been used and / or whether the corresponding available aerosol-generating material has been exhausted.

[0185] If heating elements are available, the algorithm proceeds to operation 430, where the available heating elements are used. As discussed above, the heating elements may be individually controllable, for example, by supplying power to each individual heating element. Once operation 430 is complete, the algorithm terminates in operation 432. If, in operation 428, it is determined that there are no available heating elements because, for example, all heating elements have been used, the algorithm terminates in operation 432. This may mean that the consumable parts used to implement algorithm 424 need to be replaced.

[0186] Figure 16 shows a resistance heating layer 340 formed according to an embodiment. The resistance heating layer 340 is cut using a laser cutter 408, but other methods such as chemical etching or printing may also be used, as discussed above. The cuts in the conductive layer 340 form heating elements as described herein.

[0187] In the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the path to be cut is a linear path that extends along the length of the conductive layer 120.

[0188] Figure 17 shows another embodiment of the resistance heating layer 340. The resistance heating layer 340 can be formed using the laser cutter 408 described above, or some similar device or other method. The resistance heating layer 340 includes a plurality of resistance heating elements 342, each resistance heating element 342 being a linear heating element with a conductive path extending along the length of the resistance heating layer 340. Each resistance heating element 342 extends from one of the first type of electrical contacts 360, e.g., a positive electrical connection, to one of the second type of electrical contacts 365, e.g., a negative electrical contact. In such embodiments, both types of electrical contacts are located at the same end of the resistance heating layer 340 and are adjacent to each other. In configurations where there is no common second type of electrical contact, as in some other embodiments, each heating element instead has separate first and second type electrical contacts.

[0189] Figure 18 shows another embodiment of the resistance heating layer 340. The resistance heating layer 340 can be formed using the laser cutter 408 described above, or some similar device or other method. The resistance heating layer 340 includes a plurality of heating elements 342, each heating element 342 being a linear heating element with a conductive path extending along the length of the resistance heating layer 340. Each resistance heating element 342 extends from one of a first type of electrical contact 360, e.g., a positive electrical connection, to a second type of electrical contact 365, e.g., a negative electrical contact. In such embodiments, different types of electrical connections are provided at both ends of the resistance heating layer 340, and a common second type of electrical contact is provided. Although a linear path is provided, an increase in electrical resistance may be provided by providing a notched path that functions as a spiral path. Note that the paths of any other embodiments described herein can also be notched.

[0190] Figure 19 shows the distal end of article 300. As shown, the body 324 includes a plurality of body layers 325. The body layers 325 are arranged in a laminate of body layers 325. The body layers 325 form a laminate. In this embodiment, the body layers 325 are card layers. Other suitable materials may be used. The body layers 325 are configured to define the features of article 300. In this embodiment, at least one body layer includes a gap that defines an air inlet 315. The gap defines an opening 314.

[0191] The aerosol generator 304 includes a resistance heating layer 340. The resistance heating layer 340 includes resistance heating elements 342, a first type of electrical contact 360 providing positive electrical connections to, for example, each of a plurality of heating elements 342, and a single second type of electrical contact 365 providing a common negative electrical connection to, for example, the plurality of heating elements 342. The first type of electrical contact 360 and the second type of electrical contact 365, i.e., the heater contact 322, together form at least a portion of the article electrical contact configuration 320 of the aerosol generator 304.

[0192] The resistive heating element 342 is located inside the resistive heating layer 340. The inside defines the first side 306 of the aerosol generator 304, as shown in Figure 3. The heater contact 322 is located on the second side 307 of the resistive heating layer 340. The second side 307 defines the outside of the aerosol generator 304. The heater contact 322 is exposed so as to be able to contact the device electrical connector 230. The heater contact 322 is on the opposite side of the resistive heating layer 340 from the resistive heating element 342. Other configurations are also possible.

[0193] The support layer 350 is located between the inner portion and the outer portion of the resistance heating layer 340.

[0194] A fold 370 is formed in the resistance heating layer 340. The fold 370 defines the heater contact 322. As shown in Figures 2-4 and Figure 19, the fold 370 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 304. The fold 370 defines the flap 372. The heater contact 322 is located on the flap 372. The flap defines the contact panel. The remaining blank portion defines the main panel.

[0195] In embodiments having a support layer 350, the support layer 350 is folded in an embodiment. The base material 352 is folded at a fold 370. In an embodiment, the support layer 350 terminates at the fold. In an embodiment, the fold 370 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 304. The aerosol generator includes the fold. In some embodiments, the fold defines a first support layer panel and a second support layer panel. In such embodiments, the resistance heating layer may be provided on the first support layer panel, and at least one or each of the first type of electrical contacts and the second type of electrical contacts are provided on the second support layer panel.

[0196] When the base material 352 is bent, the first support layer panel and the second support layer panel extend parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the first support layer panel and the second support layer panel are fixed to each other to maintain the bent state.

[0197] The folded portion of the resistance heating layer 340 is fixed in the folded position. In this embodiment, this folded portion is bonded, for example, by a joint. Other fastening means are also anticipated.

[0198] The fold 370 defines a first type of exposed contact area 362. The fold 370 defines a second type of exposed contact area 367. Electrical tracks 361 and 366 are electrically connected across the fold 370. The heater contacts 322 of the first type of electrical track 361 and the second type of electrical track 366 are defined on the second side of the resistance heating layer 340. Parts of the first type of electrical track 361 and the second type of electrical track 366 extend to the first side of the resistance heating layer 340. In embodiments, the resistance heating element extends from the fold 370. Other configurations are also conceivable.

[0199] Device 200 comprises multiple connector electrical contacts 232 of an electrical connector 230. The configuration of the device connector 230 depends on the configuration of the heater contacts 322 of the aerosol generator 304. In embodiments such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 19, the aerosol generator 300 includes multiple heater contacts 322, including one of a plurality of first type heater contacts 360 and a plurality of second type heater contacts 365. Article 300 includes another set of heater contacts 322 on the opposite side of article 300 corresponding to the second aerosol generator 304.

[0200] Figure 20 shows a device connector 230 of an aerosol supply device 200 used in several embodiments. The connector 230 has separate connector electrical contacts 232 for connection to the heater contacts 322.

[0201] Figure 21 schematically shows the aerosol supply system 100. The system 100 comprises article 300 and aerosol supply device 200, both of which are shown in the block diagram. The device 200 comprises a first connector 230a and a second connector 230b.

[0202] Connectors 230a and 230b allow the aerosol supply device 200 to supply a regulated or controlled voltage and / or current to various first-type heater contacts 360 and second-type heater contacts 365 of the aerosol generator 304 when the article 300 is inserted into the aerosol supply device 200. The aerosol supply device 200 may include connector components configured to supply power to connectors 230a and 230b. The aerosol supply device 200 may operate, for example, in the manner described above.

[0203] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing a method or algorithm for forming an aerosol generator 304, generally referred to as reference number 440, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0204] The method or algorithm 440 begins with operation 442 in which a resistive heating layer is formed on at least one resistive heating element, and the heating element or each heating element provides a conductive path for resistive heating at least a portion of the aerosolizable material to generate an aerosol. Exemplary heating elements that may be formed in operation 442 are described elsewhere herein.

[0205] In operation 442, the aerosol-generating material is applied and / or formed on the resistance heating layer.

[0206] Operations 442 and 444 of method or algorithm 440 are the same as (or may be identical to) operations 402 and 404 of method or algorithm 400 described above.

[0207] In operation 446, at least one first type of electrical contact is provided on the resistance heating layer. The method of formation may be any of the methods described above. In operation 448, at least one second type of electrical contact is provided on the resistance heating layer. The method of formation may be any of the methods described above.

[0208] In the embodiment, the first and second types of electrical contacts are formed along or near a single edge of the resistance heating layer. In the embodiment, the first and second types of electrical contacts are formed along or near different edges of the resistance heating layer.

[0209] In the embodiment, a first type of electrical contact (e.g., a positive connection) is provided along a first edge of the resistance heating layer. In the embodiment, a second type of electrical contact (e.g., a negative electrical connection) is provided along a second edge of the resistance heating layer. Operations 446 and 448 can be performed in different orders or simultaneously. Furthermore, operations 446 and 448 can be performed together with operation 442.

[0210] In operation 450, the resistance heating layer is folded. In the embodiment, the support layer is folded together with the resistance heating layer. In the embodiment, the resistance heating layer is folded such that first and second types of electrical contacts are provided adjacent to each other, as will be discussed in detail below.

[0211] Figures 23 to 25 show embodiments of the aerosol generator 304 formed according to algorithm 440.

[0212] Figure 23 shows another embodiment of the formed aerosol generator 304. The resistance heating layer 340 is cut using a laser cutter 408. The pre-folded configuration defines the blank for forming the aerosol generator 304. The blank in the embodiment defines the fold lines that are made during the formation of the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator 304 blank includes the resistance heating layer 340 and the support layer 350. The resistance heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 define the panel defined by the fold lines.

[0213] As shown in Figure 23, the resistance heating layer 340 is formed on multiple heating elements 192, but the number may vary, or there may be only one. Multiple first type electrical contacts 360 (e.g., positive electrical contacts) are provided along the first edge of the conductive layer (one contact is shown for each heating element). A single second type electrical contact 365 is provided along the second edge of the resistance heating layer 340. In this embodiment, the contacts are spaced apart from the edge. As discussed above, each of the multiple heating elements extends from the first type electrical contact to the second type electrical contact.

[0214] The cuts made by the laser cutter 408 in the resistance heating layer 340 form heating elements or paths for each heating element 342. As discussed above, laser forming or any other cutting process is not the only way to produce the resistance heating layer 340 described above. Some exemplary alternative methods include chemical etching and printing.

[0215] As shown in Figure 24, the aerosol generating layer 200 is provided on the resistance heating layer 340. Next, the blank is folded as indicated by the arrows in Figure 24. In this embodiment, the folds are formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 304. Two folds are formed. A first panel 375 containing a heating element 342 is defined. A second panel 376 containing a plurality of first type electrical contacts 360 is formed. A third panel 377 containing second type electrical contacts 365 is formed. The aerosol generating layer 330 is on the first panel 375. Figure 25 shows the folded aerosol generator 304.

[0216] Figures 26 to 29 show embodiments of an aerosol supply system 100 having a flow configuration 311 at least partially defined between an article 300 and a device 200. Figures 26 and 27 show the article 300, Figure 28 shows a system having the device 200 and the article 300 of Figures 26 and 27, and Figure 29 shows a further embodiment of the article 300. The flow configuration 311 defines a flow path within the system, configured so that air flows into the article 300 along the flow path and aerosols flow within the article 300.

[0217] System 100 corresponds to the schematic diagram of System 100 shown in Figure 5. Since the system configuration and the features of System 100 described later are generally the same as those of the system described above, a detailed explanation of the features of System 100 will not be repeated below. The features of the embodiments described above are applicable to the features of the embodiments described below. For example, the features of the outer airflow arrangement described below are not shown in detail in Figures 1 to 25, but such arrangements are applicable to the embodiments described above by referring to these figures.

[0218] Embodiments in Figures 26 to 29 are shown with a plurality of resistance heating elements 342, including a first row of heating elements and a second row of heating elements. The rows of first and second heating elements are arranged as adjacent columns on the resistance heating layer 340. It will be understood that the flow configuration 311 can also be used in the systems of Figures 1 to 25, such as when a single column configuration of resistance heating elements is provided.

[0219] The flow configuration 311 is defined at least partially by the article 300. As shown in Figures 6 and 28, the system includes an internal flow path 326 inside 333 of the article 300. The body 324 defines the internal flow path 326 through the article 300. The internal flow path 326 extends between the air inlet 314 and the aerosol outlet 318. The internal flow path 326 is defined by the internal space within the article through which air and / or aerosols can flow. The internal flow path 326 is defined within the body 324. The aerosol generator or each aerosol generator 304 borders the internal flow path 326. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to the internal flow path 326. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed in the internal space. In the embodiment, the internal space includes two or more chambers.

[0220] The main body 324 defines the outer channel 331. In this embodiment, the outer channel 331 includes a single outer channel portion.

[0221] The outer air passage 331 is defined on the outside 334 of the article 300. The outer air passage 331 forms part of the passage between the outside of the article and the device receptacle 208. The outer air passage 331 is defined between the device air inlet and the article air inlet 314. The article body 324 is elongated and defines a longitudinal axis.

[0222] The article body 324 includes a first layer 325a and a second layer 325b. One or each of the first layer 325a and the second layer 325b may include multiple layers. The article 300 includes a first edge 335 and a second edge 336 on both sides of the article. The first and second edges 335 and 336 extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0223] The first and second layers 325a, 325b are offset from each other at least on one of the first and second edges 335, 336. In this embodiment, the first and second layers 325a, 325b are offset from each other on both the first and second edges 335, 336. The offset first and second layers 325a, 325b provide a stepped region. A portion of the first layer 325a is exposed by the second layer 325b, which is narrower. A portion of the second layer 325b is narrower than the first layer 325a. In this embodiment, a single offset is formed on one side of the article 300.

[0224] Channel 327 is defined by the outside of the body, which defines an outer flow path through which air can flow. Channel 327 is a first channel, and a second channel 328 is defined by the outside of the body, which defines an outer flow path through which air can flow. In this embodiment, a single channel is defined.

[0225] The offset first and second layers 325a, 325b define indentations that partially define channels 327, 328. In this embodiment, the first and second layers 325a, 325b are offset at the first and second 335, 336 edges of article 300. A portion of the first channel 327 is defined on the first edge 335, and a portion of the second channel 328 is defined on the second edge 336. In this embodiment, the offset first and second layers 325a, 325b provide a stepped edge.

[0226] Channels 327 and 328 are elongated. A shoulder portion 329 is formed at the mouthpiece end of the article. The shoulder portion 329 is formed by a second layer 325b. The shoulder portion 329 defines the inlet of the first channel.

[0227] When an article 300 is inserted into the device 200 in Figure 27, the first and second channels 327, 328 are defined on the first and second edges 335, 336 of the article 300. The article 300 is at least partially received by the device 200. The first channel 327 is defined between the offset first and second layers 325a, 325b on the first edge 335 of the article 300 and the receptacle 208. The second channel 328 is defined between the offset first and second layers 325a, 325b on the second edge 336 of the article 300 and the receptacle 208. The first and second channels 327, 328 are partially defined by the edges 335, 336 or areas in the article 300 where the layers are reduced. In the embodiment, channels 327, 328 may include notches, lips, grooves, elongated recesses, or conduits.

[0228] The first type of electrical contacts 360a to 360j are arranged on the exposed portion of the first layer 325a. The first type of electrical contacts 360a to 360j are arranged on the exposed portions of the first and second channels 327 and 328. The second type of electrical contact 365 is arranged inside 333 of article 300. In this embodiment, the second type of electrical contact includes a plurality of electrical contacts. The resistance heating elements 342a to 342j are arranged inside 333 of article 300. The first type of electrical contacts 360a to 360j are connected to the resistance heating elements 342a to 342j which are connected to the second type of electrical contact 365.

[0229] The first layer 325a includes a resistance heating layer 340, a portion of which is exposed by an offset second layer 325b. Electrical contacts of the first type 360a-360j are exposed within the first and second channels 327, 328. The device 200 includes a plurality of electrical connectors, which extend within the first and second channels 327, 328 and connect to the first type electrical contacts 360a-360j. Each of the plurality of electrical connectors is in contact with the corresponding first type electrical contacts 360a-360j. An electrical connector is provided in the inlet channel for connection to a second type electrical contact 365.

[0230] In this embodiment, a first type of electrical contact is disposed in a first channel, and a second type of electrical contact is disposed in a second channel. The first type of electrical contact 360 may protrude from the first layer 325a to define portions of the first and second channels 327, 328. The first type of electrical contact 360 may be arranged in a linear or nonlinear configuration to define linear or nonlinear airflow channels. The electrical contacts may be arranged to affect the outer airflow channels 331 within the first and second channels 327, 328.

[0231] The first layer 325a includes a support on which the resistance heating layer 340 is disposed. The second layer 325b includes a main body layer. The resistance heating layer 340 is disposed between the main body layer and the support. In the embodiment, the support includes a support layer. The support layer may be wider than the resistance heating layer 340 and therefore may define portions of the first and second channels. The support layer may define protrusions that define portions of the first and second channels. The support may be electrically insulating. The support may include at least one of paper and card.

[0232] In this embodiment shown in Figure 28, the outer channel 331 includes a first outer channel portion 332a and a second outer channel portion 332b. The device air inlet includes a first opening 210 and a second opening 211. The device includes a distal chamber 209 at the distal end of the receptacle 208. The distal chamber 209 is fluidly connected to the article air inlet 324. A first channel 327 defines the first outer channel portion 332a. The first outer channel portion 332a is defined between the first opening 210 and the distal chamber 209. The first channel 327 extends partially through the thickness of the article 300. A second channel defines the second outer channel portion 332b. The second outer channel portion 332b is defined between the second opening 211 and the distal chamber 209. The second channel 328 extends partially through the thickness of the article 300. The distal chamber 209 is in fluid communication with the outer channel 331 and the inner channel 326. The first outer channel portion 332a and the second outer channel portion 332b intersect in the distal chamber 209.

[0233] In the embodiment, the outer flow path includes a single flow path between the device air inlet and the article air inlet 314. The single outer flow path may be a single channel. The channel may include a plurality of electrical contacts of a first type, each connected to its respective resistive heating element. In embodiments where a single channel exists, the resistive heating layer may include a single row array of heating elements as shown in Figures 1 to 25. As shown in Figures 26 to 29, a two-row array of heating elements provides a simple connection of the heating elements to the electrical contacts in the channel.

[0234] In the embodiment, the inner flow path 326 and the outer flow path 331 are not interconnected within the article. As shown, the flow path between the inner flow path 326 and the outer flow path 331 is outside the article and is defined by a receptacle. In the embodiment, the inner flow path 326 and the outer flow path 331 intersect at the article air inlet 314. The inner and outer flow paths may be directly fluid-connected by a continuous flow path defined by the article 300. The inner and outer flow paths may be directly fluid-connected by a continuous flow path defined by at least one of a channel, passage, and bore.

[0235] The inner air channel 326 passes through the article 300 and is fluidly connected to the outer air channel 331 via the article air inlet 314. The article air inlet 314 is located in the article 300 and at the distal end 104 of the system 100. The first and second openings 210, 211 are located in the device 200 and at the proximal end 102 of the system 100. The first and second outer air channels 331 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device 200. The inner air channel 326 extends in the longitudinal direction. The outer air channel 331 extends in the longitudinal direction. The inner air channel 326 and the outer air channels 331 are parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis. The outer air channel 331 extends from the proximal end 102 to the distal end 104. The inner air channel 326 extends from the distal end 104 to the proximal end 102.

[0236] The device in Figure 28 includes a distal chamber 209. The distal chamber 209 is defined by a receptacle 208. The base of the receptacle 208 defines the receptacle flow path. The distal chamber 209 forms part of the receptacle flow path. The distal chamber 209 may be omitted. The receptacle flow path may be defined by a stepped feature or other features. The receptacle flow path fluidly connects the outer flow path 331 to the article inlet 314. The distal chamber 209 is fluidly connected to the outer flow path portions 332a, 332b and the inner flow path 326.

[0237] In the embodiment, the device includes a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is located in the distal chamber 209. In the embodiment, the pressure sensor may be located in the receptacle 208. The pressure sensor measures the air pressure in the distal chamber 206. The pressure measurement from the sensor is relayed to the control circuit 222 in the device 200.

[0238] Figure 29 shows a device 200 in which an alternative article 500 is received by a receptacle 208. The device 200 comprises a plurality of electrical contacts 560 of a first type protruding into the receptacle 208. In this embodiment, the electrical contacts 560 of the first type protrude into the receptacle from the receptacle perimeter wall 212 and make contact with the article. Figure 29 does not show the perimeter wall in which the electrical contacts 560 extend. In the embodiment, the electrical contacts 560 of the first type may be disposed on the article and protrude into the receptacle 208 to make contact with the receptacle perimeter wall 212 when in use.

[0239] The first type of electrical contact 560 is in electrical contact with multiple electrical connectors of the device 200. An outer air passage 531 is defined between the outside of the article body and the receptacle 208. The outer passage 530 is influenced by the first type of protruding electrical contact 560 so that the outer passage is defined around and / or between the first type of electrical contact 560. A gap is defined between the outside of the article body and the receptacle that defines the outer passage 531. When the article 500 is inserted, the article 500 is held on one side of the receptacle 208. The first type of protruding electrical contact 560 forms a gap between the article body and the receptacle wall 212 on one side and is held close to the receptacle wall 212 on the other side of the article body. The outer air passage 531 is in fluid communication with the article inlet 314. Article 500 has a constant outer width throughout its entire depth. In this embodiment, the first type of electrical contacts 560 are arranged in rows and distributed linearly along the axis. The outer airflow channels 531 around or between the contacts are non-linear. In this embodiment, the first type of electrical contacts may be arranged to provide a non-linear array of contacts. The first type of electrical contacts may be evenly spaced or unevenly spaced. The electrical contacts may provide a substantially linear outer airflow channel.

[0240] Providing an external air passage 531 helps cool at least one of the device 200 and the article 500. Such an arrangement helps minimize the external temperature of the device 200 to prevent harm to the user due to overheating.

[0241] In some embodiments of the aerosol generators and different arrangements of articles described above, the aerosol-generating material is formed in a configuration other than as an aerosol-generating layer. In embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is in the form of an aerosol-generating segment. An aerosol-generating segment generally comprises a solid material. Such a solid material may be shredded tobacco. For example, an aerosol-generating material arranged as an aerosol-generating segment may comprise a plurality of individual aerosol-generating material pieces. The aerosol-generating material may also comprise individual tobacco material pieces. In embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises a plurality of strips, beads, or pellets. In embodiments, the aerosol-generating segment is a mass of material.

[0242] In the embodiments, the aerosol-generating segment includes a material body. The aerosol-generating material is non-liquid. In such embodiments, the material body includes a rod of the aerosol-generating material, for example, a tobacco rod. For example, the material body may include shredded tobacco material. The material body may be formed into a rod. In some embodiments, the material body includes cut rag tobacco formed into a rod. The aerosol-generating material may include tobacco material. The aerosol-generating material may include extruded tobacco. The aerosol-generating material may include reconstituted tobacco.

[0243] The aerosol-generating material, formed as a solid material, may contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may contain tobacco, be made from tobacco, or be essentially made from tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material does not contain tobacco.

[0244] In any of the embodiments described above, heating the article provides a relatively constant release of volatile compounds into an inhalable medium. In the embodiments described above, the aerosol-generating segment is a mass of material. The article may include a mouthpiece end section. A tubular element may be located between the aerosol-generating material and the mouthpiece end section. The article may include a ventilation area in the mouthpiece end section. The mouthpiece end section may define a mouthpiece configured to be positioned between the user's lips.

[0245] In any embodiment of the article described above, a resistance heating element or each resistance heating element is configured to heat substantially the entire aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating segment in the embodiment is at least substantially cylindrical. In the embodiment, the aerosol-generating segment is at least partially enclosed by a resistance heating layer. In the embodiment, the resistance heating element extends within the aerosol-generating segment. The resistance heating element may extend around the aerosol-generating segment. In the embodiment, the resistance heating element surrounds the aerosol-generating segment. In some arrangements, at least a portion of the flow path through the article passes through the aerosol-generating segment. The aerosol-generating segment may define a portion of the air path. In the embodiment, a first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact are exposed from the aerosol-generating segment.

[0246] The aerosol-generating material may include tobacco materials such as those described herein, which include tobacco components. In the tobacco materials described herein, the tobacco components may include paper-reconstructed tobacco. The tobacco components may also include loose-leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco, and / or band-cast tobacco. The tobacco material may be provided in the form of shredded rag tobacco. Shredded rag tobacco can be formed from a mixture of forms of tobacco materials, for example, a mixture of one or more of paper-reconstructed tobacco, loose-leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco, and band-cast tobacco. In embodiments, the tobacco material includes paper-reconstructed tobacco, or a mixture of paper-reconstructed tobacco and loose-leaf tobacco. In the tobacco materials described herein, the tobacco material may include filler components. Filler components are generally components that do not contain non-tobacco components, i.e., raw materials derived from tobacco. Filler components may be non-tobacco fibers such as wood fibers or pulp or wheat fibers. Filler components may also be inorganic materials such as chalk, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium carbonate. Filler components may also be non-tobacco cast materials or non-tobacco extruded materials. Filler components may be present in amounts of 0 to 20 wt% of the tobacco material, or in amounts of 1 to 10 wt% of the composition. In some embodiments, filler components are absent. In the tobacco materials described herein, the tobacco material contains an aerosol-forming agent material. In this context, “aerosol-forming agent material” is an agent that promotes aerosol formation. Aerosol-forming agent materials may promote aerosol formation by promoting the initial vaporization and / or condensation of gas into inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosols. In some embodiments, aerosol-forming agent materials may improve the delivery of flavor from the aerosol-forming material. Generally, the aerosol-forming material of the present invention may include any suitable aerosol-forming agent material or agent, including those described herein.

[0247] Paper-reconstructed tobacco refers to tobacco material formed by a process in which tobacco raw materials are extracted with a solvent to obtain an extract of soluble substances and a residue containing fibrous material, and then the extract (usually after concentration and optionally after further processing) is recombined with fibrous material from the residue (usually after purification of the fibrous material and optionally with the addition of a portion of non-tobacco fibers) by depositing the extract onto the fibrous material. The recombination process is similar to the process of making paper.

[0248] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. Articles for aerosol supply devices, The main unit and The aerosol generating material inside the main body, An inner channel located inside the main body, configured for the flow of aerosols, wherein the aerosol-generating material is exposed to the inner channel, The outer surface of the main body, A channel defined by the outer surface of the aforementioned body, which defines an outer flow path through which air can flow, and Articles that include [this item].

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the main body is elongated, defines a longitudinal axis, and the internal flow path extends in the longitudinal direction.

3. The article according to claim 2, wherein the outer channel extends in the longitudinal direction.

4. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body comprises a first layer and a second layer, the edge of the first layer being offset from the edge of the second layer to define at least a portion of the channel.

5. The article according to claim 4, comprising a resistance heating layer including a resistance heating element configured to heat at least a portion of an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, a first type of electrical contact, and a second type of electrical contact, wherein the resistance heating element is at least a portion of a conductive path between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact.

6. The article according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact protrudes to define at least a portion of the channel.

7. The article according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the resistance heating layer is exposed within the channel.

8. The article according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the channel is a first channel defining a first outer channel through which air can flow, and includes a second channel defining a second outer channel through which air can flow.

9. The article according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is accessible within the first channel, and at least another of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact is accessible within the second channel.

10. The article according to claim 9, wherein the first type of electrical contact is accessible within the first channel, and the second type of electrical contact is accessible within the second channel.

11. The article according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the first layer includes a support layer, the resistance heating layer is located on the support layer, and the support layer defines a projection that defines at least a portion of the channel.

12. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising an aerosol generating layer containing the aerosol generating material.

13. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the article includes a distal end, and the distal end of the channel defining the outer flow path is spaced apart from the inner flow path.

14. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the inner channel and the outer channel are not interconnected within the article.

15. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the body comprises a laminate comprising a plurality of layers, and the channel is defined by an area in which the number of layers is reduced.

16. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the channel extends through a portion of the thickness of the article.

17. An article according to any one of claims 1 to 16, an aerosol supply device comprising a receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the aforementioned article, An inlet air passage between a device air inlet at the proximal end of the device and an article air inlet at the distal end of the device, wherein the inlet air passage is defined by the channel and An aerosol generation system equipped with the following features.

18. The aerosol generation system according to claim 17, wherein the aerosol supply device is provided with an electrical connector in the inlet channel.

19. The aerosol generation system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the aerosol supply device defines a flow connection between the outer flow path and the inner flow path defined by the article.

20. Aerosol generating materials, A resistance heating layer comprising a resistance heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material in order to generate an aerosol, A first type of electrical contact, and A second type of electrical contact, wherein the resistive heating element is at least a portion of the conductive path between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact. Articles containing, A receptacle on which at least a portion of the article is received during use, A device connector including a plurality of device electrical contacts configured to protrude into the receptacle and contact the resistance heating layer. an aerosol supply device comprising, An inlet air passage between a device air inlet toward the proximal end of the device and an article air inlet toward the distal end of the device, wherein the inlet air passage is defined between the article and the receptacle, crossing the electrical contacts. An aerosol supply system equipped with the following features.

21. The aerosol supply system according to claim 20, comprising an aerosol generating layer containing the aerosol generating material, wherein the aerosol generating layer is located on the resistance heating layer.

22. Aerosol generator for articles for aerosol supply devices, Aerosol generating materials and A resistance heating layer comprising a plurality of resistance heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material in order to generate an aerosol, The first type of electrical contact, The second type of electrical contact and The resistive heating element is at least a portion of the conductive path between the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact, The plurality of resistance heating elements include a first row of the plurality of resistance heating elements and a second row of the resistance heating elements, Aerosol generator.

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