Aerosol supply system, method for generating an aerosol, aerosol supply means, aerosol supply device

Abstract

To provide an aerosol provision system that regards user safety as important.SOLUTION: An aerosol provision system comprises: an aerosol generating medium 110; a source 120 of energy for heating configured to cause heating of the aerosol generating medium 110 to form an aerosol; and a housing 130 which is configured to house the aerosol generating medium 110 and in which the source 120 of energy for heating is located, the housing 130 further comprising a protected region 132 for protecting the heater 120. The source 120 of energy for heating is configured to move within the device between an aerosol generating position, which is proximate to the aerosol generating medium 110, and a stowed position 145, in which the source 120 of energy for heating is in the protected region 132.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply system, a method for generating an aerosol in an aerosol supply device, a consumable part for an aerosol supply device, and an aerosol supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol supply devices are known. A common device uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, and the aerosol is inhaled by a user. Suitable media often require a significant amount of heating before generating an aerosol for inhalation. Therefore, the heater of such a device reaches a high operating temperature. User safety of such devices is important.

[0003] Various techniques are described herein that are useful for addressing or reducing at least some of the problems described above.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aspects of the present invention are defined in the appended claims.

[0005] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply system is provided that includes an aerosol generating medium, an energy source for heating configured to cause heating of the aerosol generating medium to create an aerosol, and a housing configured to contain the aerosol generating medium and in which the energy source for heating is disposed, the housing further comprising a protection region for protecting the heater, and the energy source for heating is configured to move between an aerosol generating position proximate to the aerosol generating medium and a storage position where the energy source for heating is within the protection region within the device.

[0006] According to some embodiments described herein, a consumable part or consumable component for an aerosol supply device is provided.

[0007] According to some embodiments described herein, a method of generating an aerosol in an aerosol supply device includes preparing an aerosol generating medium, preparing a heating energy source, preparing a housing having a protection area, moving the heating energy source from a storage position where the heating energy source is disposed in the protection area to an aerosol generation position where the heating energy source is disposed close to the aerosol generating medium, and heating the aerosol generating medium to create an aerosol.

[0008] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply means includes an aerosol generating means, a heating means configured to heat the aerosol generating means to create an aerosol, and a housing means configured to house the aerosol generating means and the heating means, the housing means further including a protection means for protecting the heating means, and the heating means is configured to move between an aerosol generation position close to the aerosol generating means and a storage position where the heating means is protected by the protection means within the device.

[0009] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply device configured to receive an aerosol generating medium includes a heating energy source configured to heat the aerosol generating medium to create an aerosol during use, and a housing in which the heating energy source is disposed for housing the aerosol generating medium during use, the housing further including a protection area for protecting the heating energy source, and the heating energy source is configured to move between an aerosol generation position close to the aerosol generating medium and a storage position where the heating energy source is in the protection area within the device during use.

[0010] This teaching will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures. In the figures, like parts are indicated by like reference numerals.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The present invention is capable of various modifications and alternative forms, but specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, the present invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternative forms included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0013] Certain examples and aspects and features of the embodiments will now be considered / described. Some aspects and features of the specific examples and embodiments may be implemented in the conventional manner and, for the sake of brevity, will not be considered / described in detail herein. Accordingly, aspects and features of the apparatus and methods not described in detail herein that are considered in this specification may be implemented according to any conventional technique for implementing such aspects and features.

[0014] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol supply system, such as an e-cigarette, which can also be referred to as an aerosol supply system. Throughout the following description, the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used, but it is understood that this term may be used interchangeably with an aerosol supply system / device and an electronic aerosol supply system / device. Further, as is common in this technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor", and related terms such as "vaporize", "volatilize", and "aerosolize" may be used interchangeably throughout.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol supply system 100 (which may also be referred to herein as an "aerosol supply device" or simply a "device"). The device 100 has a source of an aerosol-forming medium 110 within the device 100. The device 100 has a heating energy source 120 (which may also be referred to herein as a "heater") configured to heat the source of the aerosol-forming medium 110 to create an aerosol. The device 100 has a housing 130 in which the heater 120 is located and which is configured to contain the source of the aerosol-forming medium 110. The housing 130 includes a protection region 132 for protecting the heater 120. The heater 120 is configured to move within the device 100 between an aerosol generation location 140 proximate to the source of the aerosol-forming medium 110 and a storage location 145 where the heater 120 is within the protection region 132.

[0016] As used herein, the "protected" region 132 refers to a region within the device 100 that is overall protected in some way, such as being hidden, covered, or difficult to access. When the heater 120 is in the protected region 132, the heater 120 is difficult for the user to contact, and the heater 120 is considered to be in the storage position 145. In the device 100, when the user exchanges the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110, for example, by opening the device 100, there is a risk that the user may contact the components of the device 100, and then this device 100 may be damaged by such contact. Similarly, when the heater 120 is at a high temperature and the user puts a hand inside the device 100, there is a risk that the user may be injured. Therefore, by moving the heater 120 into the protected region 132 when not in use, the possibility of the user being injured is reduced, and similarly, the lifespan of the device 100 is extended. The protected region 132 may be arranged within a range of 0.5 cm to 2.0 cm from the aerosol generation position 140. In one example, the protected region 132 may be arranged at about 1.0 cm from the aerosol generation position 140.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the heater 120 can move between the storage position 145 and the aerosol generation position 140 along the direction indicated by the arrow A. The heater 120 may move in one direction towards the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 and the aerosol generation position 140, or may move in two or more directions. There may be an advantage that it is mechanically very simple to realize that the moving direction of the heater 120 is one. Thereby, the cost of the entire device 100 is reduced. Two or more moving directions may be more complicated to realize mechanically, but thereby, the possibility that the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 or the aerosol or aerosol enters the protected region 132 is reduced. When the heater 120 moves along a tortuous path to reach the aerosol generation position 140, the possibility that the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 may fall into the protected region 132 when, for example, it becomes detached during transportation is low.

[0018] The movement of the heater 120 may be realized by arranging a motor or an elastic member, and this elastic member may operate together with a lever for biasing the heater 120 to the storage position 145 or the aerosol generation position 140. In one example, the elastic member biases the heater 120 into the protection area 132, and when actuated, the lever can operate to push the heater 120 against the biasing force to the aerosol generation position. The heater 120 may be on a shaft, and this shaft projects towards the aerosol generation position 140 during the use of the device 100 and retracts towards the storage position 145 after use under the action of a related motor or the like. The device 100 may include a cam or a Geneva wheel or the like for moving the heater 120.

[0019] The heater 120 may be moved further into the device 100. Here, "further into" is intended to mean further into the device 100 from the outer edge of the housing 130. The movement further into the device 100 prevents the heat generated by the heater 120 from being transmitted to the surface of the device 100 that the user touches or may touch. Thus, this improves the safety of the device 100. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous when the heater has a high heat capacity, and a heater with a high heat capacity continues to generate heat even after the smoking session ends. This arrangement can protect the user from being burned by the heater 120 due to contact with the outer surface of the housing 130.

[0020] During the non-operating period of the device 100, the heater 120 may be maintained at the storage position 145. As shown in FIG. 1, the protection region 132 can be at least one of a recess, an opening, a corridor (passage), a through hole, a groove, or a cavity within the housing 130 of the device 100. The storage position 145, which is the position where the heater 120 is located when it is in the protection region 132, may be disposed between two portions of the housing 130 of the device 100. By being present within the protection region 132, the storage position 145 is a position protected within the device 100, and this position can protect the heater 120 from damage during transportation of the device 100.

[0021] The protection may be realized by an element or a feature of the housing of the device 100, as shown in FIG. 1. The protection may be realized by hiding or covering the heater 120 in some way, for example, by covering most of the heater 120. There may be only one route for entering and exiting the protection region 132 along the movement axis of the heater 120. In another arrangement (not shown), the device 100 may have a closable lid or cover that can entirely cover the heater 120 when the heater 120 is in the protection region 132. When the heater 120 is moved into the storage position 145 through the entrance of the storage position 145, the lid may automatically close to cover the entrance of the protection region 132. The housing 130 of the device 100 may have a protection structure in which the protection region 132 is located. This structure can be, for example, a plate, or a block, or a side wall into which the heater 120 can retract instead of the heater 120 retracting into the housing 130 itself.

[0022] The aerosol generation position 140 indicated at the position marked by the dashed line in FIG. 1 is a position where the heater 120 can heat the supply source of the aerosol generation medium 110. When the heater 120 is at the aerosol generation position 140, the heater 120 and the supply source of the aerosol generation medium 110 may be close to each other, adjacent to each other, or in contact with each other. The supply source of the aerosol generation medium 110 may be disposed downstream of the heater 120 so that the aerosol generated as a result of the heater 120 heating the supply source of the aerosol generation medium 110 flows in a direction away from the heater 120. With this arrangement configuration, the possibility of aerosol condensation on the heater 120 is reduced, and thus the cleanliness of the operation of the device 100 is improved. Consequently, this extends the lifespan of the heater 120 and thus reduces the maintenance cost of the device 100.

[0023] The heater 120 may be moved to the aerosol generation position 140 before or at the start of a smoking session. The movement of the heater 120 may be performed automatically or in response to a user's request. The automation of the movement of the heater 120 may be achieved, for example, using a puff detector. When a puff by the user is detected, the heater 120 may be moved from the storage position 145 to the aerosol generation position 140. The device 100 may have, for example, a detector or sensor located in the mouthpiece of the device 100 such that when the user puts the device 100 in the mouth, the heater 120 is moved from the storage position 145 to the aerosol generation position 140. Alternatively, the mouthpiece may be movable so as to act on the movement of the heater 120. The mouthpiece may have elements such as a biasing member, such as a tension spring, that acts when the user puts the mouthpiece in the mouth, thereby moving the heater 120 directly or indirectly. The mouthpiece and the housing 130 of the device 100 may be slidably movable relative to each other, whereby the movement of the mouthpiece directly moves the heater 120 to the aerosol generation position 140. The device 100 may alternatively or additionally have a button or the like, which the user may press to command the movement of the heater 120 from the storage position 145 to the aerosol generation position 140. The operation of the heater 120 may be performed before the movement of the heater 120, simultaneously with the movement of the heater 120, or after a delay from the movement of the heater 120.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a part of the aerosol supply device 100. Reference numerals indicating the same features as those shown in Figure 1 are the same as the reference numerals used in Figure 1. These same features will not be discussed in detail here. The protection area 132 shown in Figure 2 may be arranged between two elements 134 of the housing. The element 134 in the example of Figure 2 is a protruding element 134. The protruding element 134 protrudes from both sides of the housing 130 towards the central position. The protruding element 134 is arranged so as to leave a protection area 132 between the ends of the two protruding elements 134, and the heater 120 is shown in this protection area 132. The heater 120 may move from this protection area 132 in the direction indicated by arrow A, or may retract into this protection area 132.

[0025] The shape of the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 is such that the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 does not enter the protection area 132. By preventing the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 from entering the protection area 132, the cleanliness of the device 100 can be improved. If the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 enters the protection area, there is a risk of combustion by remaining near the heater 120 for a long time. This may lead to an undesirable user experience. In another example, the device 100 has a preventive object arranged to prevent the aerosol-generating medium 110 from entering the protection area 132. The preventive object can be a block, a rod, a grill, or a mesh, etc.

[0026] In one example, the protection area 132 has an inlet 136 arranged and configured such that when the heater 120 moves from the aerosol generation position 140 to the storage position 145, the heater 120 passes through it. This inlet 136 is less than 1.5 cm 2 less than 1.2 cm 2 less than, or 1.0 cm 2It may have an area less than. In one example, the inlet 136 has a square opening of 12 mm × 12 mm. Thus, the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 may be sized such that it cannot enter the protection region 132. In another example, the inlet 136 has a minimum dimension of 12 mm or less. In one example, the inlet 136 is π*(6 mm) 2 has an area less than, where the radius of the inlet is 6 mm and the inlet is substantially circular.

[0027] As can be seen from the example shown in FIG. 2, the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 has a width greater than the size of the inlet 136 of the protection region 132. The source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 may have a base sized too large to fit into the protection region 132. In one example, the distance between the protection region 132 and the aerosol generation location 140 may be a length substantially equal to half of the maximum linear distance from end to end of the area of the inlet 136.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol supply device 100 according to one example. Reference numerals indicating the same features as those shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 are the same as the reference numerals used in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. These same features are not examined in detail here. The device 100 shown in FIG. 3 has a further element 150 that can prevent the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 from entering the protection region 132. Further, this element 150 is disposed between the aerosol generation location 140 and the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110, whereby the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 is substantially prevented from moving close to the heater 120. Only when the heater 120 moves from the storage position 145 to the aerosol generation position 140 do the heater 120 and the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 approach each other. Thus, the heating of the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 can be easily controlled, and the risk that the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 will be heated before a specified heating session is significantly reduced.

[0029] Furthermore, element 150 can further protect the heater 120 so that when the user reaches into the device 100 to remove and / or replace the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110, they do not come into contact with it. Element 150 can be a mesh made of a thermally conductive material or a fence-like structure. In this example, the thermally conductive mesh 150 allows the passage of thermal energy from the heater 120 to the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 while preventing the movement of the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110. The mesh 150 may be made from a wire mesh or a metal joint, etc. Functionally, element 150 allows the passage of thermal energy while preventing the passage of large structural elements.

[0030] Figure 4 shows three schematic views of the aerosol supply device 100 at various stages of use according to an example. Reference numerals indicating the same features as those shown in Figure 1, Figure 2, or Figure 3 are the same as the reference numerals used in Figure 1, Figure 2, or Figure 3. Figure 4(i) shows the device 100 in a resting state when not in use for aerosol generation. The heater 120 is located in the protection area 132. The protection area 132 can be a groove or the like as described above, but this is not explicitly shown in Figure 4. The source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 is located at a distance from the heater 120. The heater 120 is movable along the direction indicated by arrow A to and from the aerosol generation position 140. The device 100 has a cover 160 for covering the cover opening 170 of the device 100 (see Figure 4(iii)). The cover 160 is configured to move between a closed position for covering the opening (see Figure 4(i)) and an open position for providing user access to the device 100 through the cover opening 170 (see Figure 4(iii)). The device 100 is configured such that the heater 120 is in the storage position 145 when the cover 160 moves towards the open position.

[0031] When the heating session is started, as shown in (ii) of FIG. 4, the cover 160 is already closed and the heater 120 is moving to the aerosol generation position 140. After the completion of the heating session, the heater 120 moves to the storage position 145, and the cover 160 may be moved to the open position by moving in the direction indicated by one end of arrow B. By moving the cover 160 from the state covering the cover opening 170, the user can put their hand inside the device 100. The cover 160 can be closed by moving it along the other direction indicated by the other end of arrow B. The movement of the cover 160 is shown as a rotational movement in FIG. 4.

[0032] The cover 160 may be a lid or a hatch, etc., and these may rotate to the open position or slide to the open position, etc. The cover 160 may be completely removable from the device 100. The source of the aerosol generating medium 110 is shown in FIG. 4 as being located near the cover 160. This makes it easier for the user to remove the source of the aerosol generating medium 110 from the device 100. When the heater 120 is at the aerosol generation position 140, the cover 160 may have a lock to prevent access to the inside of the device 100. The lock may be automatically activated when the heater 120 moves to the aerosol generation position 140. There may be a feedback system in the device 100 so that the device 100 cannot be activated when the cover 160 is in the open position. These safety measures reduce the risk of the user coming into contact with the hot heater 120 when putting their hand inside the device 100.

[0033] In some cases, such as maintenance or troubleshooting of the device 100, it may be necessary for the cover 160 to be in the open position when the heater 120 is at the aerosol generation position 140. The device 100 may be provided with an override system to enable simultaneously opening the cover 160 and positioning the heater 120 at the aerosol generation position 140. The override system can be made operable by a designated operator. The override system may be actuated by a code or key known only to the designated operator. This enables, for example, maintenance of the heater 120 by a professional. The heater 120 can be sized to pass through the cover opening 170 to enable removal and / or replacement of, or maintenance on, the heater 120.

[0034] In one example, the device 100 may be configured such that the protection region 132 is disposed substantially more centrally within the housing 130 than the aerosol generation position 140. The reason is that the aerosol generation position 140 is located near the mouthpiece of the device 100 so that when the aerosol is generated, the distance the aerosol flows within the device 100 before exiting the device 100 through, for example, the mouthpiece or an outlet is shortened. This reduces the area within the device 100 where the aerosol may condense. Shortening the flow path of the generated aerosol reduces the number of components within the device 100 where condensation of the generated aerosol can occur. The aerosol that condenses within the device 100 may damage these components. Therefore, an arrangement where the protection region 132 is disposed substantially more centrally within the housing 130 than the aerosol generation position 140 may lead to an extended lifespan of the device 100 and an improved cleanliness of the device 100.

[0035] Such an arrangement also reduces the amount of thermal energy generated by the device 100 near the outer surface of the device 100 that the user may grasp. Thus, this reduces the risk of injury to the user by holding the high-temperature housing 130 of the device 100. The heater 120 may be stopped before moving to the storage position 145, but in this configuration, the potential heat of the heater 120 is prevented from easily heating the surface of the device 100 by heating the housing 130.

[0036] In one example, the heater 120 may operate prior to movement along the axis indicated by arrow A in FIG. 4(i). This operation may be performed in response to the puff sensor detecting the start of a smoking session or the user-activatable button being actuated, as described above. In order to minimize the time the user waits before the aerosol is generated, the heater 120 should be in a state close to the operating temperature when the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 and the heater 120 approach each other. Thus, the heater 120 may be heated during or before the movement of the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 or the heater 120. The device 100 may have a controller for controlling the movement stage and the heating stage to maximize the user experience.

[0037] The device 100 may have a movement mechanism for moving the heater 120. The movement mechanism for the heater 120 may be located in a position close to both the storage position 145 and the aerosol generation position 140. In one example, the movement mechanism may be disposed within the protection area 132. In another example, the movement mechanism may be disposed near the aerosol generation position 140. The movement mechanism may be disposed on the axis indicated by arrow A in FIG. 4. For example, the movement mechanism may be disposed on the opposite side of the heater 120 with respect to the aerosol generation position 140 along the axis indicated by arrow A.

[0038] The source of the aerosol - generating medium 110 may include a single dose of the aerosol - generating material or multiple separate doses of the aerosol - generating material. In a multiple - dose implementation, each dose may be separately heatable to generate a predetermined amount of aerosol each time it is used. The doses may be arranged separately one by one on the base or substrate of the source of the aerosol - generating medium 110, either within the source of the aerosol - generating medium 110 or on the source of the aerosol - generating medium 110, or they may overlap or be adjacent to each other (i.e., different doses may include different areas of a single region of the aerosol - generating material).

[0039] The source of the aerosol - generating medium 110 may take any suitable form or structure. In one embodiment, the source of the aerosol - generating medium may include a substrate (e.g., paper, card, foil) having first and second sides, and the aerosol - generating medium is deposited on the first side of this substrate. The substrate in this example may act as a carrier for the aerosol - generating medium. In some implementations, the substrate may be a metal element arranged to be heated by a varying magnetic field or may include such a metal element. In such an implementation, the energy source 120 for heating may include an induction coil, which, when energized, causes heating within the metal element of the source 110. The degree of heating may be affected by the distance between the metal element and the induction coil. Further alternative implementations, the source of the aerosol - generating medium 110 may be entirely (or substantially entirely) composed of the aerosol - generating medium (i.e., without a carrier). For the purpose of illustration of a specific example, the source 110 described herein includes a substrate, the aerosol - generating medium is deposited on the first side of this substrate, and the energy source 120 for heating is a resistive heater herein.

[0040] The substrate may be aerosol-impermeable or porous, such that the aerosol-forming medium may be disposed in the pores of the substrate. In one example, the substrate may have a permeable portion and an impermeable portion. The permeable portion may be disposed in a portion where it is desirable for the aerosol to pass through the substrate, such as to allow flow through the substrate towards the outlet of the device 100. The impermeable portion may be disposed in a portion where it is desirable to prevent the aerosol from flowing towards the energy source 120 for heating.

[0041] Each of the plurality of doses may be separately heatable by relative movement between the heater 120 and the dose of aerosol-forming material to align different doses with the heater 120 at different times. Thus, the source of the aerosol-forming medium 110 can move independently of the heater 120. The source of the aerosol-forming medium 110 may rotate about a central axis to present different portions of the source of the aerosol-forming medium 110 to the heater 120. This may correspond to different doses of the source of the aerosol-forming medium 110 being heated, and the different doses of the source of the aerosol-forming medium 110 may correspond to different aerosol-forming media, such as tobacco or menthol. Thereby, the device 100 can be adapted to provide a plurality of different user experiences. The source of the aerosol-forming medium 110 may be moved by any of the methods or components described herein with respect to movement relative to the heater 120.

[0042] The source of the aerosol-forming medium 110, or the dose contained in the source of the aerosol-forming medium 110, may contain at least one of tobacco and glycol, and may contain extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, phoebe leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, damson, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, Dutch mint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, frankincense, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, perilla, pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or alternative sugars (e.g., sucrose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant substances, or breath fresheners. These may be imitation components, synthetic components, or natural components, or mixtures thereof. These may be in any suitable form, such as oily, liquid, or powder form. The doses may be separate, adjacent, or overlapping.

[0043] The aerosol-forming layer described herein contains an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous) or a "dry gel". An amorphous solid is a solid material that may hold some fluid, such as a liquid, therein. In some cases, the aerosol-forming layer contains from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid. In some cases, the aerosol-forming layer consists of an amorphous solid.

[0044] In some cases, the amorphous solid may contain 1 to 50% by weight of a gelling agent, where these weights are calculated based on the dry weight.

[0045] It is appropriate for the amorphous solid to contain from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% by weight of the gelling agent to about 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, or 27% by weight (all calculated based on the dry weight). For example, the amorphous solid may contain 5 to 40% by weight, 10 to 30% by weight, or 15 to 27% by weight of the gelling agent.

[0046] In some embodiments, the gelling agent includes a hydrocolloid. In some embodiments, the gelling agent includes one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of alginic acid, pectin, starch (and derivatives), cellulose (and derivatives), gums, silica or silicone compounds, clays, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the gelling agent includes one or more of alginic acid, pectin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, acacia gum, fumed silica, PDMS, sodium silicate, kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol. In some cases, the gelling agent includes alginic acid and / or pectin and may be crosslinked with a hardening agent (such as a calcium source) during the formation of the amorphous solid. In some cases, the amorphous solid may include calcium-crosslinked alginic acid and / or calcium-crosslinked pectin.

[0047] The amorphous solid suitably contains from about 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, or 20 wt% to about 80 wt%, 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 55 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, or 35 wt% of the aerosol-forming agent (all calculated based on dry weight). The aerosol-forming agent may act as a plasticizer. For example, the amorphous solid may contain from 10 to 60 wt%, 15 to 50 wt%, or 20 to 40 wt% of the aerosol-forming agent. In some cases, the aerosol-forming agent comprises one or more compounds selected from erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, triacetin, sorbitol, and xylitol. In some cases, the aerosol-forming agent contains glycerol, consists essentially of glycerol, or consists of glycerol. The inventors have demonstrated that if the content of the plasticizer is too high, the amorphous solid may absorb moisture, resulting in a material that does not create an appropriate consumption experience during use. The inventors have demonstrated that if the content of the plasticizer is too low, the amorphous solid may become brittle and easily damaged. The content of the plasticizer specified herein imparts flexibility to the amorphous solid, which enables the amorphous solid sheet to be wound around a bobbin, which is useful for the manufacture of aerosol-forming articles.

[0048] In some cases, the amorphous solid may contain a flavor. The amorphous solid suitably contains up to about 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 40 wt%, 30 wt%, 20 wt%, 10 wt%, or 5 wt% of the flavor. In some cases, the amorphous solid may contain at least about 0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, or 30 wt% of the flavor (all calculated based on dry weight). For example, the amorphous solid may contain from 10 to 60 wt%, 20 to 50 wt%, or 30 to 40 wt% of the flavor. In some cases, the flavor (when present) contains menthol, consists essentially of menthol, or consists of menthol. In some cases, the amorphous solid does not contain a flavor.

[0049] In some cases, the amorphous solid further comprises tobacco material and / or nicotine. For example, the amorphous solid may further comprise powdered tobacco and / or nicotine and / or tobacco extract. In some cases, the amorphous solid may comprise from about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, or 40 wt% of tobacco material and / or nicotine (calculated based on dry weight).

[0050] In some cases, the amorphous solid comprises a tobacco extract. In some cases, the amorphous solid may comprise from 5 to 60 wt% of the tobacco extract (calculated based on dry weight). In some cases, the amorphous solid may comprise from about 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 55 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, or 40 wt% of the tobacco extract (calculated based on dry weight). For example, the amorphous solid may comprise from 5 to 60 wt%, from 10 to 55 wt%, or from 25 to 55 wt% of the tobacco extract. The tobacco extract may comprise nicotine at a concentration such that the amorphous solid comprises from 1 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2 wt%, or 2.5 wt% to about 6 wt%, 5 wt%, 4.5 wt%, or 4 wt% of nicotine (calculated based on dry weight). In some cases, nicotine other than that obtained from the tobacco extract may not be present in the amorphous solid.

[0051] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may comprise nicotine rather than tobacco material. In such cases, the amorphous solid may comprise from about 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, or 4 wt% to about 20 wt%, 15 wt%, 10 wt%, or 5 wt% of nicotine (calculated based on dry weight). For example, the amorphous solid may comprise from 1 to 20 wt% or from 2 to 5 wt% of nicotine.

[0052] In some cases, the total content of tobacco material, nicotine, and flavor may be at least about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, or 30 wt%. In some cases, the total content of tobacco material, nicotine, and flavor may be less than about 70 wt%, less than 60 wt%, less than 50 wt%, or less than 40 wt% (all calculated based on dry weight).

[0053] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a hydrogel and contains less than about 20 wt% water calculated based on wet weight. In some cases, the hydrogel may contain less than about 15 wt%, less than 12 wt%, or less than 10 wt% water calculated based on wet weight (WWB). In some cases, the hydrogel may contain at least about 2 wt% or at least about 5 wt% water (WWB).

[0054] The amorphous solid may be made from a gel, and this gel may further contain a solvent contained in an amount of 0.1 - 50 wt%. However, the inventors have demonstrated that including a solvent capable of dissolving the flavor reduces the stability of the gel and the flavor may crystallize out of the gel. Thus, in some cases, the gel does not contain a solvent capable of dissolving the flavor.

[0055] The amorphous solid contains less than 20 wt% filler, and it is appropriate to contain less than 10 wt% or less than 5 wt%. The filler may include one or more inorganic filler materials such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, etc., and a suitable inorganic adsorbent such as a molecular sieve. The filler may include one or more organic filler materials such as wood pulp, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives. In some cases, the amorphous solid contains less than 1 wt% filler, and in some cases, it does not contain filler. In particular, in some cases, the amorphous solid does not contain calcium carbonate such as chalk.

[0056] In some cases, the amorphous solid may consist essentially of, or consist of, a gelling agent, an aerosol former, a tobacco material and / or a nicotine source, moisture, and optionally a flavoring, or may be composed of these.

[0057] In the above example, the source of the aerosol-forming medium 110 may have a substantially aerosol-impermeable base or coating, etc. This configuration can promote the aerosol generated by heating the source of the aerosol-forming medium 110 to flow in a direction away from the heater 120 towards the mouthpiece or outlet of the device 100. As described above, this helps to reduce the possibility of aerosol condensation occurring within the device 100 and can thus help to improve both the cleanliness and lifespan of the device 100. The base may be formed from at least one material of paper, cardboard, wood, pulp, plastic, ceramic, tobacco, or a nicotine-containing substance.

[0058] Thus, an aerosol supply device has been described that comprises a source of an aerosol-forming medium and a heater configured to heat the aerosol-forming medium to create an aerosol, and the source is configured to move between a storage position (far away) from the heater and an aerosol generation position where the source of the aerosol-forming medium is in contact with the heater within the device.

[0059] The aerosol supply system may be used in tobacco industry products, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0060] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

[0061] In one embodiment, the aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0062] In one embodiment, the electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power source capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or a gel, a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0063] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is housed within or on a substrate container. In one embodiment, the substrate container is combined with or includes a heater.

[0064] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product that releases one or more compounds by heating a substrate material without combustion. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material that can be, for example, a tobacco product or other non-tobacco product, and this material may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

[0065] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0066] In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power source capable of supplying power to the heater, and an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid material or a gel material.

[0067] In one embodiment, the heating product is a non-electronic article.

[0068] In one embodiment, the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid material or a gel material, and a heat source capable of supplying thermal energy to the aerosolizable substrate without using electronic means, such as by burning a combustion material such as charcoal.

[0069] In one embodiment, the heating product also comprises a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

[0070] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable base material may include an aerosol, or an aerosol forming agent, or a humectant such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0071] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol by heating a combination of base materials without combustion. The base materials may include, for example, solids, liquids, or gels, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel base material and a solid base material. The solid base material may be, for example, a tobacco product or other non-tobacco product, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel base material and tobacco.

[0072] To address various problems and advance technology, the present disclosure shows, by way of example, various embodiments that provide an excellent electronic aerosol supply system capable of practicing the claimed invention. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative examples of the embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are provided only to facilitate and teach the understanding of the claimed features. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be considered as limitations to the present disclosure defined by the claims or equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. It is appropriate that various embodiments may comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. Further, the present disclosure includes other inventions that are not explicitly claimed but may be claimed in the future. [Items of the Invention] [Item 1] An aerosol forming medium, and A heating energy source configured to generate heat of the aerosol-generating medium to create an aerosol, A housing configured to accommodate the aerosol-generating medium and in which the heating energy source is disposed, the housing further comprising a protection region for protecting the heater An aerosol supply system comprising: An aerosol supply system, wherein the heating energy source is configured to move between an aerosol generation position close to the aerosol-generating medium and a storage position where the heating energy source is in the protection region within the device. [Item 2] The aerosol supply system according to item 1, wherein the protection region is at least one of a recess, an opening, a passage, a through hole, a groove, or a cavity in the housing. [Item 3] The aerosol supply system according to item 1 or 2, wherein the housing further comprises a protection structure in which the protection region is disposed. [Item 4] The aerosol supply system according to any one of items 1 to 3, comprising a prevention element arranged and configured to prevent the aerosol-generating medium from entering the protection region. [Item 5] When the heating energy source moves from the aerosol generation position to the storage position, the protection region has at least one opening arranged and configured to allow the heating energy source to pass through, The at least one opening has an area of less than 1.5 cm 2 less than 1.2 cm 2 less than, or 1.0 cm 2 less than. The aerosol supply system according to any one of items 1 to 4. [Item 6] The aerosol supply system according to item 5, wherein the at least one opening has a minimum dimension of 12 mm or less. [Item 7] The at least one opening has an area of approximately π*(6 mm)2 The aerosol supply system according to item 6, having the following area. [Item 8] The aerosol supply system according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the protection area is arranged within a range of 0.5 to 2.0 cm from the aerosol generation position. [Item 9] Further comprising a cover for covering the cover opening of the device, The cover is configured to move between a closed position for covering the cover opening and an open position for providing user access to the device through the cover opening, and the cover is arranged and configured such that when the cover moves towards the open position, the energy source for heating is in the storage position. The aerosol supply system according to any one of items 1 to 8. [Item 10] The aerosol supply system according to item 9, further comprising an override system configured to enable simultaneously moving the cover to the open position and moving the energy source for heating to the aerosol generation position. [Item 11] The aerosol supply device according to item 9 or 10, wherein the cover is formed of an aerosol-forming material. [Item 12] The aerosol supply system according to any one of items 9 to 11, wherein the energy source for heating is sized to pass through the cover opening. [Item 13] The aerosol supply system according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the protection area is arranged substantially farther from the outer surface of the housing than the aerosol generation position. [Item 14] The aerosol supply system according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the energy source for heating is configured to transfer heat to the aerosol generation medium by at least one of conduction heating, radiative heating, and convective heating. [Item 15] Consumable part for the aerosol supply device according to item 14. [Item 16] A method of generating an aerosol in an aerosol supply device, The step of preparing an aerosol generating medium, The step of preparing an energy source for heating, The step of preparing a housing having a protection area, The step of moving the energy source for heating from a storage position where the energy source for heating is disposed in the protection area to an aerosol generation position where the energy source for heating is disposed close to the aerosol generation medium, The step of heating the aerosol generation medium to produce an aerosol And including, a method. [Item 17] The method according to item 16, wherein the energy source for heating is moved from the aerosol generation position to the storage position. [Item 18] The method according to item 16 or 17, further including the step of stopping the energy source for heating before moving the energy source for heating to the storage position. [Item 19] An aerosol generation means, A heating means configured to generate heat for the aerosol generation means to produce an aerosol, A housing means configured to house the aerosol generation means and the heating means, and further comprising a protection means for protecting the heating means And provided with, an aerosol supply means, An aerosol supply means, wherein the heating means is configured to move within the device between an aerosol generation position close to the aerosol generation means and a storage position where the heating means is protected by the protection means. [Item 20] An aerosol supply device configured to receive an aerosol generation medium, A heating energy source configured to generate heat of the aerosol generating medium during use to create an aerosol, A housing for accommodating the aerosol generating medium during use, in which the heating energy source is disposed and which further includes a protection region for protecting the heating energy source, Comprising, An aerosol supply device, in which the heating energy source is configured to move between an aerosol generation position close to the aerosol generating medium and a storage position where the heating energy source is in the protection region within the aerosol supply device during use. [Item 21] The aerosol supply device according to item 20, wherein the protection region is at least one of a recess, an opening, a passage, a through hole, a groove, or a cavity in the housing. [Item 22] The aerosol supply device according to item 20 or 21, wherein the housing further includes a protection structure in which the protection region is disposed. [Item 23] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 20 to 22, comprising a prevention element arranged and configured to prevent the aerosol generating medium from entering the protection region during use. [Item 24] The protection region has at least one opening arranged and configured such that when the heating energy source moves from the aerosol generation position to the storage position, the heating energy source passes through the opening, The at least one opening has an area of less than 1.5 cm 2 less than 1.2 cm 2 less than, or 1.0 cm 2 less than. The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 20 to 23. [Item 25] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 20 to 24, wherein the protection region is disposed within a range of 0.5 to 2.0 cm from the aerosol generation position. [Item 26] further comprising a cover for covering the cover opening of the aerosol supply device, wherein the cover is configured to move between a closed position for covering the cover opening and an open position for providing user access to the device through the cover opening, and the cover is arranged such that when the cover moves towards the open position, the energy source for heating is in the storage position, the aerosol supply device according to any one of items 20 to 25. [Item 27] further comprising an override system configured to enable simultaneously moving the cover to the open position and moving the energy source for heating to the aerosol generation position, the aerosol supply device according to item 26. [Item 28] the aerosol supply device according to item 26 or 27, wherein the cover is formed of an aerosol-forming material. [Item 29] the aerosol supply device according to any one of items 26 to 28, wherein the energy source for heating is sized to pass through the cover opening. [Item 30] the aerosol supply device according to any one of items 20 to 29, wherein the protection area is arranged substantially further away from the outer surface of the housing than the aerosol generation position.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation medium, a heating energy source configured to generate heat of the aerosol generation medium to create an aerosol, a housing configured to accommodate the aerosol generation medium, in which the heating energy source is disposed, the housing further comprising a storage area that is difficult for a user to contact the heating energy source An aerosol supply system comprising: In the aerosol supply system, the heating energy source is configured to move between an aerosol generation position close to the aerosol generation medium and the storage area, and the movement of the heating energy source is in at least one direction. An aerosol supply system.

2. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the storage area is at least one of a recess, an opening, a passage, a through hole, a groove, or a cavity in the housing.

3. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing further comprises a protective structure in which the storage area is disposed.

4. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a prevention element arranged and configured to prevent the aerosol generation medium from entering the storage area.

5. When the heating energy source moves from the aerosol generation position to the storage area, the storage area has at least one opening arranged and configured to allow the heating energy source to pass through. The at least one opening is 1.5 cm ２ less than, 1.2 cm ２ less than, or 1.0 cm ２ The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, having an area less than that.

6. The aerosol supply system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one opening has a minimum dimension of 12 mm or less.

7. The at least one opening has an area of approximately π*(6 mm) ２ The aerosol supply system according to claim 6, having the following area.

8. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the storage area is disposed within a range of 0.5 to 2.0 cm from the aerosol generation position.

9. The aerosol supply system further comprises a cover for covering the cover opening of the aerosol supply system, The cover is configured to move between a closed position for covering the cover opening and an open position for providing user access to the aerosol supply system through the cover opening, and the cover is configured such that when the cover moves towards the open position, the heating energy source is in the storage area. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The aerosol supply system according to claim 9, further comprising an override system configured to enable simultaneously moving the cover to the open position and moving the energy source for heating to the aerosol generation position.

11. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the energy source for heating has a size that allows it to pass through the cover opening.

12. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the storage area is arranged further away from the outer surface of the housing than the aerosol generation position.

13. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the energy source for heating is configured to transfer heat to the aerosol generation medium by at least one of conduction heating, radiative heating, and convective heating.

14. A method of generating an aerosol in an aerosol supply device, comprising: providing an aerosol generation medium; providing an energy source for heating; providing a housing having a storage area; moving the energy source for heating from a storage position where the energy source for heating is arranged in the storage area to an aerosol generation position where the energy source for heating is arranged in proximity to the aerosol generation medium, the movement of the energy source for heating being in at least one direction; heating the aerosol generation medium to create an aerosol. The method includes the above steps.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising moving the energy source for heating from the aerosol generation position to the storage position.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising stopping the energy source for heating before moving the energy source for heating to the storage position.

17. An aerosol supply means comprising: an aerosol generation means; a heating means configured to generate heating of the aerosol generation means to create an aerosol; a housing means configured to accommodate the aerosol generation means and the heating means, the housing means further comprising storage means for protecting the heating means. In the aerosol supply means, the heating means is configured to move between an aerosol generation position close to the aerosol generation means and a storage position where the heating means is protected in the storage means, and the movement of the heating means is in at least one direction, the aerosol supply means.

18. An aerosol supply device configured to receive an aerosol generation medium, A heating energy source configured to generate heat for the aerosol generation medium during use to create an aerosol, A housing for accommodating the aerosol generation medium during use, in which the heating energy source is arranged and which further comprises a storage area for protecting the heating energy source, the housing Comprising During use, in the aerosol supply device, the heating energy source is configured to move between an aerosol generation position close to the aerosol generation medium and a storage position where the heating energy source is in the storage area, and the movement of the heating energy source is in at least one direction, the aerosol supply device.

19. The aerosol supply device according to claim 18, wherein the storage area is at least one of a recess, an opening, a passage, a through hole, a groove, or a cavity in the housing.

20. The aerosol supply device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the housing further comprises a protective structure in which the storage area is arranged.

21. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, comprising a prevention element arranged and configured to prevent the aerosol generation medium from entering the storage area during use.

22. When the heating energy source moves from the aerosol generation position to the storage position, the storage area has at least one opening arranged and configured to allow the heating energy source to pass through, The at least one opening is 1.5 cm ２ less than, 1.2 cm ２ less than, or 1.0 cm ２ The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, having an area less than.

23. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the storage area is arranged within a range of 0.5 to 2.0 cm from the aerosol generation position.

24. Further comprising a cover for covering the cover opening of the aerosol supply device, The cover is configured to move between a closed position for covering the cover opening and an open position for providing user access to the aerosol supply device through the cover opening, and the cover is arranged such that when the cover moves towards the open position, the energy source for heating is in the storage position. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 18 to 23.

25. The aerosol supply device according to claim 24, further comprising an override system configured to enable simultaneously moving the cover to the open position and moving the energy source for heating to the aerosol generation position.

26. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 24 to 25, wherein the energy source for heating is sized to pass through the cover opening.

27. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the storage area is arranged further away from the outer surface of the housing than the aerosol generation position.

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