Aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge containing aerosol-generating foam material - Patent Application 20070229633

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article (100) including a disposable molded cartridge and a foam aerosol-generating material disposed within the cartridge, the disposable molded cartridge (100) including a base (15), a top (25), an inner wall (20), and an outer wall (10), the base (15) and top (25) of the cartridge being connected to the inner wall (20) and the outer wall (10), the inner wall (20) being configured to form one or more longitudinal channels (50) free of the foam aerosol-generating material and extending through the foam aerosol-generating material.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of tobacco and vaping products, in particular to an aerosol generating system, which comprises an aerosol-generating article in the form of a molded cartridge, which comprises an aerosol-generating material contained in a disposable molded cartridge. The present invention also relates to the use of an aerosol-generating article comprising a disposable molded cartridge in an aerosol generating system, the disposable cartridge containing a foam-like aerosol-generating tobacco-containing material. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating devices are already known in the art in which an aerosol-forming tobacco-containing consumable, which includes a tobacco-containing material and is typically formed by gathering laminated sheets of reconstituted tobacco together and rolling or loosely arranging them into a stick shape, is heated rather than burned. Such aerosol-generating devices are collectively referred to as "heat-not-burn" (HNB) devices, and the corresponding consumable sticks used therewith. They use a heater arrangement to heat the stick-form aerosol-generating material to over 300 degrees Celsius to produce a nicotine-containing aerosol.

[0003] Existing HNB consumables may also include foamed tobacco substrates instead of laminated sheets. The manufacturing process typically involves forming reconstituted tobacco sheets from finely ground tobacco particles together with foam formers and foam stabilizers, followed by shredding the reconstituted sheets and blending with natural tobacco shreds. These foams are intended for use as a combustible replacement for cigarettes using reconstituted tobacco.

[0004] Although existing vaping systems, including non-combustion heated aerosol-generating materials and aerosol-generating articles, are becoming increasingly popular, consumers at the same time perceive them as not providing a taste and sensory experience comparable to that of traditional smoking articles such as cigarettes or cigars, In particular, consumers feel that currently available products do not taste like real tobacco. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It would therefore be advantageous to provide consumers with aerosol-generating articles and materials that are easy to smoke (inhale for inhalation) and that provide a more pleasant taste experience to consumers that is closer to that of real tobacco, while also requiring less effort inhaling to generate and consume the aerosol. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present inventors have discovered a solution to the above-mentioned problems with a new and inventive aerosol-generating article as claimed.

[0007] Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol-generating article in the form of a moulded cartridge containing a foam aerosol-generating material, the moulded cartridge being disposable and comprising a base, a top, an inner wall and an outer wall, the base and top of the cartridge being connected to the inner and outer walls, the inner wall being arranged to form one or more longitudinal channels free of the foam aerosol-generating material and extending through the foam aerosol-generating material.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generating article in the form of a moulded cartridge according to the present invention and an aerosol generating device vaporising device comprising a heat generating element configured to fit inside one or more longitudinal channels within the cartridge of the aerosol generating article.

[0009] A third aspect of the invention relates to the use of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a moulded cartridge according to the invention.

[0010] Thanks to the novel aerosol-generating articles described herein, the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater of the heating device to the foam (mousse) material, i.e., the aerosol-generating substrate (or material), contained in the disposable molded cartridge is improved because the heating of the aerosol-generating substrate is uniform, rather than being limited to a specific location of the cartridge (e.g., the area surrounding the heat-generating element), which in turn results in a denser, more homogenous, and more uniform aerosol from one consumable, thereby maximizing the usefulness of the cartridge / capsule of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0011] To this end, it is emphasized that the term "cartridge" may be used interchangeably with terms such as "capsule" and "container." According to the disclosure herein, in order to maximize the utilization of the foam aerosol-generating material of the capsule, it is essential that a longitudinal channel is provided in the cartridge, preferably extending from the proximal end to the opposite distal end, or the channel is preferably curved or spiral in order to increase the contact surface with the foam aerosol-generating material.

[0012] It also allows the heated air to penetrate deeper into the cartridge, thereby producing a denser and more uniform aerosol for a more pleasant experience.

[0013] In one embodiment, one or more longitudinal channels extend from the base of the cartridge to the top and / or outer wall of the cartridge. It has been found that if the longitudinal channels extend from the base to the top of the cartridge, heat from the heat-generating element can be transferred to reach the entire height of the cartridge, thereby allowing the entire volume of material in the cartridge to be heated uniformly. If the longitudinal channels extend from the base to the outer wall of the cartridge, heat from the heat-generating element can be transferred to the side of the cartridge, thereby increasing the efficiency of air circulation.

[0014] To this end, it may be expected that one or more longitudinal channels may be provided in the molded cartridge, and that the longitudinal channels may branch out to increase the efficiency of heating of the cartridge contents (e.g., aerosol-generating material, tobacco-containing material) and to increase airflow circulation.

[0015] In another embodiment, one or more longitudinal channels extend mostly parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. This embodiment is the most efficient because it allows the aerosol-generating substrate, e.g., foam or mousse material, contained within the cartridge to be heated uniformly from the region close to the heat-generating element to the far side of the cartridge, with an air channel formed in the center. In other words, the disposable molded cartridge may resemble a toroidal cartridge with air flowing through the center.

[0016] According to one embodiment, one or more longitudinal channels are configured to receive a heat generating element of a heating device. The molded cartridge is designed to have a shape complementary to the heat generating element to increase the contact points. An advantage of this embodiment is that it provides uniform heating of the cartridge contents, which helps generate a denser and more uniform aerosol.

[0017] According to yet another embodiment, the one or more longitudinal channels are straight or helical, with straight channels allowing for the production of a simple disposable molded cartridge and helical channels allowing for an increased volume of the cartridge contents to be heated (e.g., by a heat generating element or heated air).

[0018] According to another embodiment, the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of one or more longitudinal channels is circular, edged, elliptical or irregular, which is particularly suitable for being provided in the area where the molded cartridge contacts the heat-generating element (e.g., the bottom or side of the cartridge) and which is complementary to the surface shape of the heat-generating element to increase the contact points for efficient heat transfer.

[0019] In another embodiment, the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the outer wall of the cartridge is circular, square, rectangular, triangular, ridges or spokes, polygonal, or irregular, which are particularly suited to being customized according to the shape of the aerosol generating device.

[0020] In a particular preferred embodiment, the base of the cartridge is generally flat and / or edged to increase the contact points with the heat generating element of the heating device. If the base of the cartridge is flat and / or has edged corners (rather than circular or oval edges), this increases the contact points between the cartridge and the heat generating element.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the base of the cartridge has a surface that is complementary to the shape of the heat-generating element of the heating device to increase the number of contact points between the base and the heat-generating element for transferring heat to the cartridge. More surface contact points allow more of the cartridge contents to be heated, thereby allowing a more dense and uniform flavor to be produced.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the base has one or more of the following shapes when viewed in a longitudinal cross section of the cartridge perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the cartridge: V-shaped, N-shaped, U-shaped, n-shaped, Λ-shaped, and ω-shaped, which increase the contact surface area and thus improve the efficiency of heat transfer from the heat-generating element to the contents of the cartridge.

[0023] According to one preferred embodiment, the cartridge is made of a heat resistant polymer foam material. The cartridge may be made of a resilient and deformable material.

[0024] In another embodiment, the cartridge is provided with one or more openings for filling with material such as an aerosol-generating tobacco-containing substrate and / or carrier matrix. The openings may be located in the top and / or sides of the cartridge (when in use). Of course, the openings may be located anywhere else.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the molded cartridge is air permeable and / or has a mesh structure.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is provided with one or more separate compartments, which are filled with the same or different materials, including an aerosol-generating tobacco-containing substrate and / or a rigid carrier matrix.

[0027] Further, according to some variations, 10-33% of the total volume of the cartridge consists of longitudinal channels that are free of foam aerosol-generating material. These values ​​ensure that a sufficient volume of channels is placed in the cartridge to have an optimal contact surface with the foam aerosol-generating material so that the foam aerosol-generating material can be used up to a substantial extent to release the aerosol. Preferably, at least 5.

[0028] "About" or "approximately" with respect to a given numerical value is meant to include the numerical value within 10% of the specified value. All values ​​given in this disclosure should be understood to be supplemented by the term "about" unless otherwise clear from the context.

[0029] The indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality and should therefore be treated in a broad sense.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0031] As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction corresponding to the major longitudinal axis of the cartridge extending between the top and bottom of the cartridge, i.e., the sagittal plane. During use, air is pulled longitudinally (i.e., from the base to the top or side of the cartridge) through the disposable molded cartridge in a linear or helical manner up a channel or chimney. The term "lateral" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0032] All references to a "cross section" of a disposable molded cartridge are to a sagittal cross section unless otherwise specified.

[0033] A tobacco-containing material may be any compound, mixture, particulate matter, and / or solution that contains and / or retains tobacco constituents, such as tobacco, tobacco particles, tobacco flavors, and / or nicotine, either artificially included or naturally contained in tobacco. In contrast, an example of an artificially added non-tobacco characteristic flavor would be menthol.

[0034] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an aerosol-generating article for producing an aerosol that includes an aerosol-generating material that is intended to be heated, rather than combusted, to release a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is provided in the form of a cartridge to accommodate a foam-like aerosol-generating material therein. The aerosol-generating article may include other components (e.g., a mouthpiece, a filter, etc.) that are connected to the cartridge.

[0035] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" refers to a material capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol upon heating. The aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol-generating articles described herein may be visible or invisible and may include vapor (e.g., fine particles of a substance in a gaseous state that is normally liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as droplets of gas and condensed vapor. The material may or may not include a tobacco-containing material or substrate.

[0036] The aerosol forming agent may be, for example, any compound, mixture, and / or solution capable of forming an aerosol when heated and / or in admixture with tobacco component-containing agents. Well-known examples include humectants such as glycerin and propylene glycol, other alcohols such as ethanol, etc.

[0037] The term "foam" is equated herein with "mousse," which refers to a substantially solid, open-pored, non-fluid material that can maintain its shape and integrity in the absence of external forces other than its own weight. A "foam" is considered to be formed of a plurality of interconnected pores (formed from structural materials derived from foam-forming agents in conjunction with interacting components such as foam stabilizers, solid components such as tobacco particles, and some solvents, etc.) that can contain a mixture of fluids, particularly humectants / liquid aerosol-forming substrates, and air.

[0038] As referred to in the present invention, an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or similar device such as an e-pipe or non-combustion heating device may be used to provide a user with an aerosol for inhalation, without being limited thereto, which may include, according to certain embodiments, a mouthpiece, a heater, a receiving portion, such as a pod, a stick, a capsule, and a casing.

[0039] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, volume percent should be understood as volume percent based on the total volume of the foam. In this disclosure, all amounts given in volume percent for a particular foam add up to 100 volume percent. Volume percent is therefore calculated by dividing the volume of each component by the total volume of the foam, unless otherwise indicated or clear from the context.

[0040] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, weight percent should be understood as weight percent based on the total weight of the material. In this disclosure, all amounts are given in weight percent unless otherwise expressly stated or clear from the context. In this disclosure, furthermore, all amounts given in weight percent total 100 weight percent. Weight percent is therefore calculated by dividing the mass of each component by the total mass of, for example, foam, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context.

[0041] The term "disposable" refers to a product designed to be discarded after use, whether after a single use or after multiple uses. A disposable cartridge in this context is a cartridge that is intended to be discarded after use.

[0042] The term "cartridge" refers to a hollow object (such as a box) that can be used to hold something, especially for transport or storage. It may also refer to a cartridge or container that is not necessarily made of separate elements that house a material therein, such as an aerosol-generating material. A cartridge according to the invention may be composed of an aerosol-generating tobacco-containing substrate, such as a tobacco mousse, i.e. the cartridge is composed of a mousse material. The mousse may have different kinds of structures and textures, for example it may be cork-like (relatively firm) or it may have a lighter, fluffier consistency (relatively spongy).

[0043] The term "longitudinal channel" refers to the path along which mainstream smoke flows from one end of the longitudinal channel of a molded cartridge to the other (e.g., from the base to the top of the cartridge and from the top to the base). The channel serves as a passageway for the movement of heated air as well as for receiving the heat-generating elements of a heating device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective transparent view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3a] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective transparent view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3b] FIG. 11 is a schematic sagittal cross-sectional perspective view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3c] 3 is a schematic sagittal cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4a] FIG. 11 is a sagittal cross-sectional perspective view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4b] 1 is a schematic sagittal cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5a] FIG. 11 is a sagittal cross-sectional perspective view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5b] 11 is a schematic top view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6a]FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6b] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective transparent view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6c] 11 is a schematic sagittal cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7a] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7b] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8a] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8b] 13 is a schematic front view of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol-generating article 100 in the form of a disposable molded cartridge according to the present invention. The disposable molded cartridge is generally cylindrical. For the sake of simplicity and clarity of illustration, the top layer 25 of the cartridge in all figures shown herein (see FIGS. 3c, 4b, and 8b) has been omitted to allow the longitudinal channel 50 of the disposable molded cartridge to be seen.

[0046] 1, the inner wall 20 is configured to define one longitudinal channel 50. The longitudinal channel 50 is parallel to the vertical axis of the cartridge (longitudinal axis Y). The longitudinal channel 50 extends from the base 15 of the cartridge to the top 25 of the aerosol-generating article 100 in the form of a cartridge.

[0047] The ratio of the diameter of the longitudinal channel to the diameter of the cylindrical cartridge in all embodiments may be 1:30 to 1:2, preferably 1:20 to 1:3 or 1:10 to 1:4, most preferably 1:5. The height of the cartridge may be 10 to 100 mm, preferably 15 to 50 mm, most preferably around 25 mm.

[0048] The disposable molded cartridge according to the invention may be made of heat-resistant polymeric materials, such as polyimides and their copolymers, polyamides and related copolymers, polyesters, aromatic polyesters and their derivatives, benzimidazoles, and ladder polymers. It should be noted that there are many other synthetically developed or commercially successful (less important) heat-resistant polymers that are not mentioned here, but are all fully described in books and reviews published in the art, and that may also be used as materials for the disposable cartridge.

[0049] According to the disclosure herein, in some embodiments, the sides of the mousse may be covered (partially or entirely) with a (thin) coating to prevent fingers from sticking to the cartridge during handling. This coating may be heat resistant, but may also be volatile and disappear when heated. The coating (layer of plastic or the like) may only be on the periphery. Alternatively, instead of a coating material, there may be a thin layer that may be removed before use. For example, such a material may be a non-heat resistant paper, which may be removed before heating.

[0050] Additionally, the same material may be used in different densities - for example, a mousse may be relatively dense on the outside while being lighter in the center, providing stiffness where the hand is touching, while allowing good airflow through the rest of the material.

[0051] Besides the heat-resistant polymeric material, porous ceramics, for example, with a pore size (d) of more than 10 μm, may be used as the material of the disposable cartridge. In general, porous ceramics have good properties such as mechanical strength, wear resistance, chemical stability, and thermal stability. Such porous reticulated ceramic structures also have relatively low density, low mass, and low thermal conductivity. According to the disclosure herein, the ceramics may be cup-shaped (with a hole at the bottom) to hold, for example, mousse. Alternatively, the ceramics may also be very open-pore to hold the aerosol and tobacco trapped inside the holes.

[0052] Another alternative material for the disposable cartridge may be loose non-directional fibres, which may not only be used to form the cartridge but also as a structure to support the contents of the cartridge (e.g. foam or mousse). Examples of non-directional fibres suitable for use in the present invention are those described in, for example, EP 3039060 A1. For example, these fibres are capable of forming a very open matrix that will be filled with mousse.

[0053] Figures 2a and 2b show a second embodiment of the invention, in which an aerosol-generating article 100 in the form of a cartridge is in the form of a triangle having an outer wall 10 and an inner wall 20. As can be seen in Figure 2b, a longitudinal channel 50 formed from the inner wall 20 parallel to the vertical axis Y of the cartridge is provided in the central region of the cartridge, extending from the base 15 to the top 25 (not shown).

[0054] 3a, 3b, and 3c show another variation of the aerosol-generating article 100 in the form of another disposable molded cartridge, where the longitudinal channel 50 has a funnel shape 15b in the bottom region 15 of the cartridge. The advantage of this embodiment is that more heated air can flow against the walls of the cartridge.

[0055] Another variation to the example shown in Figures 3a-3c is shown in Figures 4a and 4b, in which the base 15 of the cartridge is provided with a ridge 15c which surrounds the rim of a funnel shape 15b provided at the bottom 15 of the longitudinal channel 50.

[0056] Other than the advantages mentioned above, these variations of disposable molded cartridges are particularly suitable for use to be complementary to the surface area of ​​the heat generating element where a bulge is present on the heat generating element, in other words, these cartridges may be selected or designed to be complementary to the contour of the heat generating element of the heating device, so that optimal surface contact therebetween may be achieved.

[0057] Furthermore, as disclosed herein, by providing funnel shape 15b and ridges 15c, the temperature of the heated air can be reduced, thereby achieving a low temperature (e.g., 250°C) that is optimal for tobacco foam or mousse, thereby optimally heating the aerosol-generating substrate contained within the cartridge.

[0058] 5a shows that the disposable molded cartridge may be provided with a plurality of longitudinal channels 50. In other words, the cartridge may be provided with a plurality of interior walls 20, each of which defines a longitudinal channel 50. The plurality of longitudinal channels serve to draw vapor away from the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating device. This also allows for a more controlled vapor flow through the cartridge. The channel openings are preferably from the base 15 to the top 25, but may be provided in the wall 10.

[0059] Furthermore, the cartridge may have an outer wall 10 of the cartridge in a mosaic shape like a flower or an irregular shape other than a cylindrical, square, triangular or polygonal shape (see FIG. 5b). The longitudinal channels 50 may be straight, spiral or intertwined, as shown in FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c. In this embodiment, the spiral shape of the longitudinal channels 50 allows the heated air to reach a larger area of ​​the cartridge, thereby generating a more homogenous and uniform aerosol, since the material in the cartridge can be heated more uniformly.

[0060] It is noted again herein that the base 15 of the cartridge as well as the other sides may be other shapes than flat, for example, shaped to closely match the surface shape of the heat generating element 140 when adjacent to each other. For example, the base may have one or more of the following shapes: V-shaped, N-shaped, U-shaped, n-shaped, Λ-shaped, and ω-shaped, as viewed from a vertical cross section of the cartridge perpendicular to the horizontal axis of the cartridge. Figures 7a and 7b, for example, show that the base of the cartridge may have a number of "V"s and inverted "V"s, which closely match the surface shape of the heat generating element 140, as shown in Figure 7b. Similarly, the cartridge may be provided in a number of "U"s and inverted "U"s, which closely match the surface shape of the heat generating element 140 of the heating device, as shown in Figures 8a and 8b. By providing a surface shape complementary to the surface shape of the heat generating element 140 on the disposable molded cartridge, more contact surface is created, allowing for a denser and more uniform aerosol emission.

[0061] To this end, it should be noted that in some cases, the surface of the cartridge in contact with the heat-generating element 140 may deform during heating as a result of the consumption of the mousse (e.g., part of the material being evaporated), and therefore, in order to prevent the cartridge from collapsing, a more rigid carrier matrix may be used as the material of the cartridge mentioned above.

[0062] An object of the present invention is to improve the transfer of heat from the heater of the heating device to the aerosol-generating tobacco-containing substrate (e.g., a tobacco mousse contained in a molded cartridge). This object can be achieved, for example, by increasing the contact surface at the bottom of the molded cartridge or by providing one or more longitudinal channels in the molded cartridge, which are shaped to match the shape of the heating element so that optimal surface contact for efficient heat transfer is achieved. Furthermore, in some cases where the heating element does not reach the longitudinal channel of the molded cartridge, the heated air or aerosol generated from the heating element passing through the longitudinal channel can heat a larger surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating tobacco-containing substrate. These features of the present invention allow for more uniform heating of the aerosol-generating tobacco-containing substrate, resulting in denser and more uniform aerosol generation from a single-use disposable consumable.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article (100) in the form of a molded cartridge containing a foam aerosol-generating material, said molded cartridge being disposable and comprising a base (15), a top (25), an inner wall (20), and an outer wall (10), said base (15) and said top (25) of said cartridge being connected to said inner wall (20) and said outer wall (10), said inner wall (20) defining one or more longitudinal channels (50) which are free of and extend through said foam aerosol-generating material; The aerosol-generating article (100), wherein the base (15) is heated by contact with a heat-generating element (140).

2. An aerosol-generating article (100) as described in claim 1, wherein the one or more longitudinal channels (50) include a first channel extending from the base (15) to the top (25) and a second channel extending from the base (15) to the outer wall (10).

3. The aerosol generating article (100) of claim 2, wherein the first channel has a funnel shape in a bottom region of the molded cartridge.

4. The aerosol-generating article (100) of claim 1 , wherein the one or more longitudinal channels extend from the base of the cartridge to the top and / or the outer wall of the cartridge.

5. 5. The aerosol-generating article (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more longitudinal channels extend substantially parallel to or substantially circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

6. The aerosol-generating article (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more longitudinal channels (50) are configured to mate with the periphery of the heat-generating element (140) of a heating device.

7. The aerosol-generating article (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more longitudinal channels (50) are straight or spiral.

8. 8. The aerosol-generating article (100) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the one or more longitudinal channels (50) is circular, edged, elliptical, or irregular.

9. 9. The aerosol-generating article (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the outer wall (10) of the cartridge is circular, square, rectangular, triangular, ridge or spoke, polygonal, or irregular.

10. An aerosol-generating article (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base (15) of the cartridge is substantially flat and / or edged to increase the contact points with the heat-generating element (140) of a heating device.

11. An aerosol-generating article (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the base of the cartridge has a surface complementary to the shape of the heat-generating element (140) of a heating device so as to increase the number of contact points between the base (15) and the heat-generating element (140) for transferring heat to the cartridge.

12. The aerosol-generating article (100) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cartridge is made of a material comprising a heat-resistant polymer foam, a porous ceramic, or a non-directional fiber.

13. An aerosol-generating article (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cartridge has one or more openings for filling with a material comprising an aerosol-generating tobacco-containing substrate and a carrier matrix.

14. The aerosol-generating article (100) of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the molded cartridge is air permeable and / or has a mesh structure.

15. 15. The aerosol-generating article (100) of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein one or more individual compartments are provided in the cartridge, the compartments being filled with the same or different materials, including an aerosol-generating tobacco-containing substrate and / or a rigid carrier matrix.

16. An aerosol-generating article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein between 10 and 33% of the total volume of the cartridge consists of longitudinal channels free of the foam-like aerosol-generating material.

17. An aerosol-generating article (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, a vaporizing device including a heat generating element (140) configured to mate with an interior of the one or more longitudinal channels (50) within the cartridge; Including a vaping system.

Images