Aerosol-generating articles and methods for removing moisture from them

Abstract

The aerosol generating article (1) comprises an aerosol generating substrate (2) extending along its longitudinal direction and a filter portion (3) positioned downstream of the aerosol generating substrate (2) and extending along its longitudinal direction, wherein the aerosol generating substrate (2) has a first end (2a) proximal to the filter portion (3) and a second end (2b) opposite to the first end (2a) in the longitudinal direction, and the aerosol generating article (1) further comprises means (4) for generating an electric field positioned in the aerosol generating substrate (2) to cause electrolysis of water contained in the aerosol generating substrate (2). A method for removing moisture from within the aerosol generating article (1) includes the step of applying an electric field to the aerosol generating substrate (2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article and a method for removing moisture therein.

[0002] For example, the present invention is applicable to heated tobacco sticks (HTS) for use in heat-not-burn (HNB) devices.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Known tobacco sticks for use in heating devices are provided with humectants such as glycerin to maintain an appropriate level of humidity to preserve the properties of tobacco over time.

[0004] Standard humectants are hygroscopic and cause non-negligible accumulation of water inside the stick when the stick is used in tropical regions or stored for a long period of time.

[0005] When the stick is heated in a heat-not-burn device, the user may experience an unpleasant excess of vapor during the first puff due to the energy used for vaporization of the water contained in the stick.

[0006] Thus, the first puff of known tobacco sticks can be unpleasant for many users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol-generating article configured or designed to provide its user with an improved sensory experience, and a method for removing moisture therein.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0008] This is achieved by the article as set forth in claim 1 and by the method according to claim 14.

[0009] According to the present invention, the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate extending along its longitudinal direction and a filter portion located downstream of the aerosol generating substrate and extending along its longitudinal direction, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has a first end located near the filter portion and a second end located longitudinally opposite to the first end. The aerosol generating article further comprises means for generating an electric field located on the aerosol generating substrate to cause electrolysis of water contained in the aerosol generating substrate.

[0010] When an aerosol-generating article is in use, water molecules contained in the aerosol-generating substrate and exposed to the electric field generated by means for generating an electric field dissociate into gaseous oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2) molecules through an electrolytic process.

[0011] In this way, gaseous oxygen and hydrogen are removed from the aerosol-generating article, with the initial puff containing very little vapor.

[0012] During use, the aerosol-generating article is introduced into an aerosol-generating device that heats the article. When the means for generating an electric field is activated during the device's warm-up, the water contained in the aerosol-generating substrate is removed by electrolysis, allowing the user to experience the first puff, which provides a pleasant sensory experience.

[0013] Therefore, the first puff experience is significantly improved for the user.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the means for generating an electric field may include a first electrode and a second electrode. Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate may be positioned at least partially between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0015] This configuration ensures that an electric field is applied to the aerosol-generating substrate, effectively removing water contained within it.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the means for generating an electric field may include a first contact portion and a second contact portion, each connected to a corresponding first electrode and a second electrode. Preferably, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are configured to have a voltage applied to them.

[0017] This configuration allows for proper connection to the power supply of the aerosol generating device in order to apply voltage to the electrodes that generate the electric field.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode may include a conductive plate arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at the first end of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0019] Conductive plates arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction enable the generation of a uniform electric field, thereby ensuring the effective and uniform electrolysis of water contained in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second electrode may comprise at least one conductive rod positioned at the second end of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0021] This configuration allows for the easy and rapid introduction of the second electrode into the aerosol-generating substrate. The manufacturing process for the aerosol-generating article is then simplified.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating article may further comprise a front plug located at a second end of the aerosol generating substrate. Preferably, at least one rod may pass through the front plug.

[0023] The front plug securely positions the rod within the aerosol-generating substrate, thereby enabling the generation of a stable electric field.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode may comprise a conductive plate arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at the first end of the aerosol-generating substrate, the second electrode may comprise a conductive plate arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at the second end of the aerosol-generating substrate, and preferably, the conductive plate of the first electrode and the conductive plate of the second electrode may each comprise a plurality of spikes extending from the respective conductive plate toward the opposite one.

[0025] The spikes connected to the conductive plate make it possible to locally increase the electric field strength by the corona effect. Thereby, a locally increased electrolysis effect of the water contained in the aerosol-generating substrate is identified.

[0026] The conductive plate can mechanically support the spikes and uniformly apply an electric potential to each spike.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode may each comprise a respective conductive sheet disposed on the side surface of the aerosol-generating substrate along the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the conductive sheet may have a cross-section with reference to the longitudinal direction, which is formed as an arc so as to cover the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0028] This configuration enables the electrodes to enclose the aerosol-generating substrate in an easier and more efficient manner, such that an effective electric field is generated on the substrate.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conductive sheet may comprise a plurality of spikes extending into the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0030] The presence of the spikes connected to the conductive sheet makes it possible to locally increase the electric field strength by the corona effect. Thereby, a locally increased electrolysis effect of the water contained in the aerosol-generating substrate is identified.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode may comprise a first cylindrical sheet arranged on the side of the aerosol generating substrate along the longitudinal direction, and the second electrode may comprise a second cylindrical sheet having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the first cylindrical sheet and arranged coaxially with the first cylindrical sheet along the longitudinal direction.

[0032] This configuration makes it possible to generate a strong, uniform electric field that can promote the effective electrolysis of water contained between the sheets.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first cylindrical sheet and / or the second cylindrical sheet may be provided with a plurality of spikes extending into the aerosol generating substrate.

[0034] The spikes connected to the first and / or second cylindrical sheets allow for a localized increase in electric field strength due to the corona effect. This identifies a locally increased electrolytic effect on water contained in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating article may further include a front plug located at the second end of the aerosol generating substrate, and the second cylindrical sheet may penetrate the front plug.

[0036] The front plug securely positions the second cylindrical sheet within the aerosol-generating substrate, thereby enabling the generation of a stable electric field.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating article may further comprise cigarette paper that at least encloses the aerosol generating substrate, and the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion may comprise a conductive portion of cigarette paper impregnated with conductive ink.

[0038] This makes it possible to create contact points easily and quickly. Therefore, the manufacturing process for aerosol-generating articles can be simplified.

[0039] According to the present invention, a method for removing moisture from an aerosol-generating article includes the step of applying an electric field to an aerosol-generating substrate through means for generating an electric field to cause electrolysis of water contained in the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the step of applying an electric field to the aerosol-generating substrate includes the step of applying a voltage between a first electrode and a second electrode.

[0040] The method of the present invention makes it possible to significantly improve the user's first puffing experience.

[0041] In practice, the generation of an electric field during use is determined by the removal of water contained in the aerosol-generating substrate through electrolysis, which separates water into gaseous oxygen and hydrogen.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the step of determining the completion of preheating and / or moisture removal when the current value flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0043] This makes it possible to efficiently manage the power supply. In fact, by correctly evaluating the completion of preheating and / or moisture removal, it becomes possible to stop the power supply to the means for generating the electric field when it is no longer necessary to remove water from the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0044] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of an aerosol generating article according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of an aerosol generating article according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of an aerosol-generating article according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of an aerosol generating article according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of an aerosol generating article according to the first or second embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the aerosol generating article 1 according to the present invention comprises an aerosol generating substrate 2 extending along the longitudinal direction and a filter portion 3 positioned downstream of the aerosol generating substrate 2 and extending along the longitudinal direction.

[0047] The term "downstream" refers to the airflow passing through the aerosol-generating item 1 during use, particularly during the user's puff.

[0048] The aerosol generating substrate 2 has a first end 2a located proximal to the filter portion 3 and a second end 2b located longitudinally opposite to the first end 2a.

[0049] In other words, the filter portion 3 is connected to the aerosol generating substrate 2 at the first end 2a of the aerosol generating substrate 2 by a hollow space that allows for arbitrary condensation of aerosols. In other words, the filter portion 3 is adjacent to the first end 2a of the aerosol generating substrate 2.

[0050] The aerosol generating substrate 2 may comprise a plant-based filler material comprising tobacco material, a plant-based agent, or a combination thereof. If the plant-based filler material comprises tobacco material, it may also comprise laminas and / or stems. It may also comprise, as an alternative or in combination, a reconstituted tobacco sheet material, which is formed from dried tobacco leaves in particulate form with an average particle size of 20 μm or more and 200 μm or less, homogenized, and made into a sheet material. The content of the aerosol generating substrate 2 is typically between about 200 mg and 800 mg, preferably between 250 mg and 350 mg, for a length of 20 mm and a circumference of 22 mm.

[0051] Various types of tobacco leaves may be used to manufacture a tobacco-containing aerosol generating substrate and achieve a desired flavor.

[0052] In addition, the aerosol generating substrate 2 may preferably contain an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and blends thereof, in a weight content of about 5% or more by weight, preferably 10% or more by weight, usually 50% or less by weight, preferably 15% or more by weight, and 25% or less by weight, based on the total amount of the filling material.

[0053] The aerosol generating substrate 2 is wrapped in cigarette paper 18.

[0054] The filter portion 3 may include a filter plug, which may be an acetate or paper filter wrapped in filter paper (not shown).

[0055] The filter portion 3 is connected to the aerosol generating substrate 2 via chip paper (not shown) wrapped around at least a portion of the filter portion 3 and the aerosol generating substrate 2.

[0056] According to the present invention, the aerosol generating article 1 further comprises means 4 for generating an electric field disposed on the aerosol generating substrate 2 to cause electrolysis of water contained in the aerosol generating substrate 2. The means 4 for generating the electric field may be an electric field generating element.

[0057] In detail, the electric field generated by means 4 for generating an electric field strikes the water molecules contained in the aerosol generating substrate, and through an electrolytic process, the water molecules are separated into gaseous oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2) molecules, which are then removed from the aerosol generating article 1 through an airflow.

[0058] Preferably, the means 4 for generating an electric field comprises a first electrode 5 and a second electrode 6, and the aerosol generating substrate 2 is positioned at least partially between the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6.

[0059] As a simple example, the first electrode 5 can be a negative electrode (cathode) where gaseous hydrogen (H2) is generated during electrolysis, and the second electrode 6 can be a positive electrode (anode) where gaseous oxygen (O2) is generated during electrolysis.

[0060] Alternatively, the first electrode 5 may be the positive electrode (anode), and the second electrode 6 may be the negative electrode (cathode).

[0061] In addition, the means 4 for generating an electric field may include a first contact portion 7 and a second contact portion 8.

[0062] The first contact portion 7 is connected to the first electrode 5, and the second contact portion 8 is connected to the second electrode 6.

[0063] The first contact portion 7 and the second contact portion 8 are configured to have a voltage applied to them that is necessary for generating an electric field.

[0064] Preferably, the voltage applied to the first contact portion 7 and the second contact portion 8 may be 46V to 50V.

[0065] As a mere example, the voltage applied to the first contact portion 7 and the second contact portion 8 may be 48V.

[0066] The first contact portion 7 and the second contact portion 8 are similarly configured to be in contact with a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal of an aerosol generating device (not shown) into which the aerosol generating article of the present invention is introduced and heated.

[0067] In this regard, the aerosol generating device may include a power supply (not shown) configured to apply a voltage difference between a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal, thereby applying a voltage difference to the first contact portion 7 and the second contact portion 8.

[0068] The first and second electrical terminals of the aerosol generating device are positioned at locations corresponding to the positions of the first contact portion 7 and the second contact portion 8.

[0069] The first and second electrical terminals of the aerosol generating device allow a voltage to be applied to the first contact portion 7 and the second contact portion 8.

[0070] The aerosol generating article 1 of the present invention further comprises a front plug 11 located at the second end 2b of the aerosol generating substrate 2.

[0071] The front plug 11 may be made of acetate. The front plug 11 is wrapped in cigarette paper 18.

[0072] According to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1, the first electrode 5 comprises a conductive plate 9 arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at the first end 2a of the aerosol generating substrate 2.

[0073] In other words, the conductive plate 9 is placed between the aerosol generating substrate 2 and the filter portion 3.

[0074] The conductive plate 9 is made of a conductive material. Preferably, the conductive plate 9 is made of metal. For example, the conductive plate 9 is made of copper, graphite, or nickel.

[0075] Preferably, the conductive plate 9 is disc-shaped. Preferably, the diameter of the conductive plate 9 is substantially the same as the diameter of the aerosol generating substrate 2 measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0076] Alternatively, the conductive plate 9 may have any other suitable shape and / or dimensions, as long as it does not exceed the transverse dimensions of the aerosol generating substrate 2.

[0077] The conductive plate 9 may contain pores that release gaseous hydrogen (H2) and / or oxygen (O2).

[0078] In the first embodiment, preferably, but not exclusively, the first contact portion 7 may include a conductive portion 19 of a cigarette paper 18 impregnated with conductive ink (see Figure 5).

[0079] For example, conductive ink may contain silver particles and / or carbon particles.

[0080] The conductive ink is impregnated throughout the entire thickness of the cigarette paper 18 in the conductive portion 19 to enable electrical connection between the corresponding electrical terminals of the aerosol generating device and the conductive plate 9.

[0081] According to the first embodiment, the second electrode 6 comprises at least a conductive rod 10 disposed at the second end 2b of the aerosol generating substrate 2.

[0082] Preferably, the second electrode 6 comprises a plurality of conductive rods 10 arranged at the second end 2b of the aerosol generating substrate 2.

[0083] The conductive rod 10 is made of a conductive material. Preferably, the conductive rod 10 is made of metal. For example, the conductive rod 10 is made of copper, graphite, or nickel.

[0084] The conductive rods 10 may be arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction. Such an arrangement contributes to the uniformity of the electric field and can avoid unexpected contact between the rods.

[0085] Alternatively, the conductive rod 10 may be arranged in different orientations with respect to its longitudinal direction.

[0086] The conductive rods 10 may all have the same cross-section. Preferably, the conductive rods 10 may all have a circular cross-section.

[0087] The conductive rods 10 may all have the same length. This configuration may contribute to the alignment of the electric field vectors.

[0088] Alternatively, the conductive rod 10 may have different lengths, as shown in Figure 1. Such a configuration may contribute to various unaligned electric field vectors where electrolysis occurs at many locations within the aerosol-generating substrate 2.

[0089] Preferably, at least some of the conductive rods 10 protrude from the second end 2b of the aerosol generating substrate 2. To facilitate the release of gaseous hydrogen (H2) and / or oxygen (O2) from the aerosol generating substrate 2, the first electrode 5 preferably includes pores or holes, as described above. This may not be necessary for the second electrode 6. Therefore, it may be preferable to mount the conductive rods 10 as the second end 2b of the aerosol generating substrate 2.

[0090] Preferably, at least one of the conductive rods 10 penetrates the front plug 11.

[0091] Preferably, all conductive rods 10 pass through the front plug 11.

[0092] Preferably, the conductive rod 10 extends along the entire length of the front plug 11 in the longitudinal direction. This ensures mechanical support for the conductive rod 10.

[0093] The aerosol generating article 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a conductive element 20 disposed at the tip of the aerosol generating article 1.

[0094] The conductive element 20 defines the second contact portion 8.

[0095] The conductive element 20 is made of a conductive material. Preferably, the conductive element 20 is made of a metal. For example, the conductive element 20 is made of copper, graphite, or nickel.

[0096] Preferably, the conductive element 20 is a disc-shaped element arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the conductive element 20 is positioned in contact with the front plug 11.

[0097] Preferably, the conductive element 20 is positioned in contact with the conductive rod 10, enabling an electrical connection between the corresponding electrical terminal of the aerosol generating device and the conductive rod 10.

[0098] According to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 2, similar to the first embodiment, the first electrode 5 includes a conductive plate 9 arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at the first end 2a of the aerosol generating substrate 2.

[0099] Similar to the first embodiment, the first contact portion 7 of the aerosol generating article 1 in the second embodiment may include a conductive portion 19 of a cigarette paper 18 impregnated with conductive ink.

[0100] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the second electrode 8 comprises a conductive plate 12 substantially similar to the conductive plate 9 of the first electrode 5.

[0101] Specifically, the conductive plate 12 of the second electrode 8 is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at the second end 2b of the aerosol generating substrate 2.

[0102] Preferably, the conductive plate 12 of the second electrode 8 is positioned between the aerosol generating substrate 2 and the front plug 11.

[0103] The conductive plate 12 of the second electrode 6 is made of a conductive material. Preferably, the conductive plate 12 of the second electrode 6 is made of metal. For example, the conductive plate 12 of the second electrode 6 is made of copper, graphite, or nickel.

[0104] Preferably, the conductive plate 12 of the second electrode 6 is disc-shaped. Preferably, the diameter of the conductive plate 12 of the second electrode 6 is substantially the same as the diameter of the aerosol generating substrate 2 measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0105] Alternatively, the conductive plate 12 of the second electrode 6 can have any other suitable shape and / or dimensions, as long as it does not exceed the transverse dimensions of the aerosol generating substrate 2.

[0106] As can be seen in Figure 2, the conductive plate 9 of the first electrode 5 and the conductive plate 12 of the second electrode 6 are arranged parallel to each other, and the aerosol generating substrate 2 is placed between the conductive plates 9 and 12.

[0107] The second contact portion 8 of the aerosol generating article 1 in the second embodiment may also include a further conductive portion 19 of the cigarette paper 18 impregnated with conductive ink, similar to the conductive portion 19 defining the first contact portion 7.

[0108] According to a modified version of a second embodiment of the present invention, the conductive plate 9 of the first electrode 5 and / or the conductive plate 12 of the second electrode 6 are provided with at least one spike 13 extending from each conductive plate 9, 12 toward the opposite side.

[0109] Preferably, the conductive plate 9 of the first electrode 5 and / or the conductive plate 12 of the second electrode 6 are provided with a plurality of spikes 13 extending from each conductive plate 9, 12 toward the opposite side.

[0110] Preferably, both the conductive plate 9 of the first electrode 5 and the conductive plate 12 of the second electrode 6 are provided with a plurality of spikes 13 extending from their respective conductive plates 9, 12 toward the opposite side.

[0111] The spike 13 is made of a conductive material. For example, the spike 13 is made of copper, graphite, or nickel.

[0112] According to the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 3, the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 each comprise conductive sheets 14 and 15 arranged on the sides of the aerosol generating substrate 2 along the longitudinal direction.

[0113] Each conductive sheet 14, 15 is unfolded along its longitudinal direction and formed into an arc, having a cross-section relative to the longitudinal direction.

[0114] Each conductive sheet 14 and 15 is positioned on opposite sides of the aerosol generating substrate 2 so as to surround the aerosol generating substrate 2.

[0115] The conductive sheets 14 and 15 are arranged so that their straight edges, which are parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction, are adjacent to each other. However, the conductive sheets 14 and 15 are not in contact with each other.

[0116] Preferably, the conductive sheets 14 and 15 each have the same shape and dimensions.

[0117] The conductive sheets 14 and 15 are made of a conductive material. For example, the conductive sheets 14 and 15 are made of copper, graphite, or nickel.

[0118] The conductive sheets 14 and 15 are connected to the first contact portion 7 and the second contact portion 8, respectively.

[0119] For example, the first contact portion 7 and the second contact portion 8 may each comprise a conductive portion 19 of the impregnated conductive ink-filled cigarette paper 18.

[0120] According to a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, the conductive sheet 14 of the first electrode 5 and / or the conductive sheet 15 of the second electrode 6 are provided with at least one spike 13 extending from each conductive sheet 14, 15 toward the opposite side.

[0121] Preferably, the conductive sheet 14 of the first electrode 5 and / or the conductive sheet 15 of the second electrode 6 are provided with a plurality of spikes 13 extending from their respective conductive plates 9, 12 toward the opposite side.

[0122] Preferably, both the conductive sheet 14 of the first electrode 5 and / or the conductive sheet 15 of the second electrode 6 are provided with a plurality of spikes 13 extending from their respective conductive plates 9, 12 toward the opposite side.

[0123] According to another modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, the conductive sheet 14 of the first electrode 5 and / or the conductive sheet 15 of the second electrode 6 are micro-perforated.

[0124] In other words, the conductive sheet 14 of the first electrode 5 and / or the conductive sheet 15 of the second electrode 6 exhibit a plurality of perforations preferably uniformly distributed through them.

[0125] Because less material is used, costs and environmental impact can be reduced.

[0126] According to a further modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, the conductive sheet 14 of the first electrode 5 and / or the conductive sheet 15 of the second electrode 6 are micro-perforated and exhibit a plurality of spikes 13.

[0127] Compared to the first and second embodiments, the third embodiment may be advantageous in that it releases gaseous hydrogen (H2) and / or oxygen (O2).

[0128] According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 4, the first electrode 5 comprises a first cylindrical sheet 16 arranged on the side surface of the aerosol generating substrate 2 along the longitudinal direction.

[0129] Furthermore, the second electrode 6 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first cylindrical sheet 16 and includes a second cylindrical sheet 17 that is arranged coaxially with the first cylindrical sheet 16 along its longitudinal direction.

[0130] In other words, the first cylindrical sheet 16 and the second cylindrical sheet 17 are tubular elements arranged coaxially with each other.

[0131] The first cylindrical sheet 16 and the second cylindrical sheet 17 are made of a conductive material. Preferably, the first cylindrical sheet 16 and the second cylindrical sheet 17 are made of metal. For example, the first cylindrical sheet 16 and the second cylindrical sheet 17 are made of copper, graphite, or nickel.

[0132] The first cylindrical sheet 16 and the second cylindrical sheet 17 may have the same length.

[0133] Preferably, the first cylindrical sheet 16 and the second cylindrical sheet 17 have different lengths.

[0134] Specifically, the second cylindrical sheet 17 is longer than the first cylindrical sheet 16.

[0135] In this case, preferably, the second cylindrical sheet 17 protrudes from the aerosol generating substrate 2 and at least partially penetrates the front plug 11.

[0136] Preferably, the second cylindrical sheet 17 penetrates the entire length of the front plug 11 along its longitudinal direction.

[0137] In this case, the aerosol generating article 1 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention may further include a conductive element 20 similar to that of the first embodiment, which is positioned at the tip of the aerosol generating article 1.

[0138] The conductive element 20 defines the second contact portion 8.

[0139] The first contact portion 8 of the aerosol generating article 1 in the fourth embodiment may include a conductive portion 19 of the impregnated conductive ink cigarette paper 18.

[0140] According to a modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the first cylindrical sheet 16 and / or the second cylindrical sheet 17 are provided with at least one spike 13 extending from each cylindrical sheet 16, 17 toward the opposite side.

[0141] Preferably, the first cylindrical sheet 16 and / or the second cylindrical sheet 17 are provided with a plurality of spikes 13 extending from each cylindrical sheet 16, 17 toward the opposite side.

[0142] Preferably, both the first cylindrical sheet 16 and / or the second cylindrical sheet 17 are provided with a plurality of spikes 13 extending from each cylindrical sheet 16, 17 toward the opposite side.

[0143] According to another modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the first cylindrical sheet 16 and / or the second cylindrical sheet 17 are micro-perforated.

[0144] In other words, the first cylindrical sheet 16 and / or the second cylindrical sheet 17 have multiple perforations running through them, which are preferably uniformly distributed.

[0145] Because less material is used, costs and environmental impact can be reduced.

[0146] According to a further modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the first cylindrical sheet 16 and / or the second cylindrical sheet 17 are micro-perforated and exhibit a plurality of spikes 13.

[0147] The fourth embodiment may also be beneficial in considering the release of gaseous hydrogen (H2) and / or oxygen (O2), similar to the third embodiment.

[0148] The present invention also provides a method for removing moisture from the aerosol-generating article 1 described above.

[0149] As already stated, the method includes the step of generating and applying an electric field to the aerosol generating substrate 2 through means 4 for generating an electric field.

[0150] In this way, the electrolysis of water contained in the aerosol generating substrate 2 is identified, the water is separated in gaseous oxygen and hydrogen, and then the gaseous oxygen and hydrogen are removed.

[0151] In particular, the step of generating and applying an electric field includes the step of applying a voltage between the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6. Such applied voltage may be a battery voltage boosted by a converter or the like.

[0152] Preferably, the step of generating and applying an electric field to the aerosol generating substrate 2 is performed during a preheating step in which the aerosol generating article 1 of the present invention is introduced into the aerosol generating device and heated.

[0153] In other words, the step of generating an electric field and applying it to the aerosol generating substrate 2 is performed before the aerosol generating device is ready for use by the user, in particular before the user's first puff is taken.

[0154] Preferably, the method of the present invention further includes the step of determining the completion of preheating and / or moisture removal when the current value flowing between the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0155] This makes it possible to accurately evaluate when the preliminary operation of the aerosol generating device is complete and when the steps of generating and applying the electric field can be stopped.

[0156] Consequently, the descriptions provided herein so far regarding embodiments and examples of applying the principles recognized by the present inventors are provided only as examples of these principles and should not be understood as limiting the scope of the invention as claimed herein. Therefore, although detailed embodiments and examples have been described, they are provided for the purpose of better understanding the invention as defined by the independent claims and should not be interpreted as limiting them.

Claims

1. an aerosol generating substrate (2) extending along the longitudinal direction, A filter portion (3) is positioned downstream of the aerosol generating substrate (2) and extends along the longitudinal direction, Equipped with, The aerosol generating substrate (2) has a first end (2a) located near the filter portion (3) and a second end (2b) located on the opposite side of the longitudinal direction from the first end (2a). An aerosol generating article (1) characterized by means (4) for generating an electric field arranged on the aerosol generating substrate (2) to cause electrolysis of water contained in the aerosol generating substrate (2).

2. The aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 1, wherein the means (4) for generating the electric field comprises a first electrode (5) and a second electrode (6), and the aerosol generating substrate (2) is at least partially disposed between the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6).

3. The means (4) for generating the electric field comprises a first contact portion (7) and a second contact portion (8), each connected to the corresponding first electrode (5) and second electrode (6), and the first contact portion (7) and the second contact portion (8) are configured to have a voltage applied to them, the aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 2.

4. The aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first electrode (5) comprises a conductive plate (9) arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at the first end (2a) of the aerosol generating substrate (2).

5. The aerosol generating article (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second electrode (6) comprises at least one conductive rod (10) disposed at the second end (2b) of the aerosol generating substrate (2).

6. The aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 5, further comprising a front plug (11) disposed at the second end (2b) of the aerosol generating substrate (2), wherein the at least one conductive rod (10) penetrates the front plug (11).

7. The aerosol generating article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first electrode (5) comprises a conductive plate (9) arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at the first end (2a) of the aerosol generating substrate (2), and the second electrode (6) comprises a conductive plate (12) arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at the second end (2b) of the aerosol generating substrate (2), and the conductive plate (9) of the first electrode (5) and / or the conductive plate (12) of the second electrode (6) comprises at least a spike (13) extending from each of the conductive plates (9, 12) toward the opposite side.

8. The first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6) each comprise conductive sheets (14, 15) arranged on the side surface of the aerosol generating substrate (2) along the longitudinal direction. The aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the conductive sheets (14, 15) are formed as arcs so as to cover the aerosol generating substrate (2) and have a cross-section with respect to the longitudinal direction.

9. The aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 8, wherein the conductive sheets (14, 15) are provided with a plurality of spikes extending into the aerosol generating substrate (2).

10. The aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first electrode (5) comprises a first cylindrical sheet (16) disposed on the side surface of the aerosol generating substrate (2) along the longitudinal direction, and the second electrode (6) comprises a second cylindrical sheet (17) having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first cylindrical sheet (16) and disposed coaxially with the first cylindrical sheet (16) along the longitudinal direction.

11. The aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 10, wherein the first cylindrical sheet (16) and / or the second cylindrical sheet (17) are provided with a plurality of spikes extending into the aerosol generating substrate (2).

12. The aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a front plug (11) disposed at the second end (2b) of the aerosol generating substrate (2), wherein the second cylindrical sheet (17) penetrates the front plug (11).

13. The aerosol generating article (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 12, further comprising a cigarette paper (18) that at least encloses the aerosol generating substrate (2), wherein the first contact portion (7) and / or the second contact portion (8) comprises a conductive portion (19) of the cigarette paper (18) impregnated with conductive ink.

14. A method for removing moisture from an aerosol generating article (1), wherein the aerosol generating article (1) is as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, and the method comprises the step of applying an electric field to the aerosol generating substrate (2) through means (4) for generating an electric field to generate electrolysis of water contained in the aerosol generating substrate (2), A method comprising the step of applying an electric field to the aerosol generating substrate (2), the step of applying a voltage between the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6).

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of determining the completion of preheating and / or moisture removal when the current value flowing between the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6) falls below a predetermined threshold.

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