Aerosol generating article having a converging section

Abstract

An aerosol generating article (10) for use with an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, wherein the aerosol generating article (10) has a length extending in the x direction, a width extending in the y direction, and a thickness extending in the z direction, and the aerosol generating article (10) comprises: a first planar outer surface (21); a second planar outer surface (22); and one or more aerosol generating substrates; The cavity (30) extends in the x-direction between the first end of the cavity and the second end of the cavity, and the cavity includes a convergence section (32) extending in the x-direction between the first end of the convergence section (32) and the second end of the convergence section (32), wherein the width of the convergence section (32) decreases along the length of the convergence section (32) from the first end of the convergence section (32) to the second end of the convergence section (32), and the length of the convergence section (32) is greater than the width of the convergence section (32) at the first end of the convergence section (32).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating article. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating device for use with an aerosol generating article. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. Background Technology

[0002] A conventional aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate. In use, the aerosol generating device is arranged to heat a heating element located near or in contact with the aerosol generating substrate, causing the aerosol generating substrate to be heated to release volatile compounds. These volatile compounds are then entrained into air drawn through the aerosol generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by a consumer.

[0003] Conventional aerosol generating articles may look similar to conventional cigarettes and may have similar dimensions. For example, such aerosol generating articles may be substantially cylindrical and may include an aerosol generating material in addition to other components such as a mouthpiece filter element and a cooling element arranged in the form of rods and wrapped in cigarette paper.

[0004] However, a significant portion of the aerosol generating material within these cylindrical aerosol generating articles may not be heated sufficiently to form an aerosol during use. This is undesirable because the insufficiently heated portion of the aerosol generating material contributes to the manufacturing and transportation costs of the aerosol generating article but does not contribute to the aerosol delivered to the consumer. Additionally, the components of these cylindrical aerosol generating articles generally need to have the same or very similar outer diameters so that they can be joined, positioned precisely in axial alignment, and wrapped in cigarette paper. This can increase manufacturing costs and complexity.

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating article in which a larger portion of the aerosol generating material is heated sufficiently to form an aerosol during use. The object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating article in which the quality and quantity of the aerosol delivered to the user are optimized. The object of the present disclosure is to provide improved mechanical strength to the aerosol generating article. The object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating article that can be manufactured relatively efficiently and at a low cost.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating article is provided for use with an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating article has a length extending in the x direction, a width extending in the y direction, and a thickness extending in the z direction. The aerosol generating article may include a first planar outer surface. The first planar outer surface may extend in the x / y plane. The aerosol generating article may include a second planar outer surface. The second planar outer surface may extend in the x / y plane. The aerosol generating article may include one or more aerosol generating substrates. The aerosol generating article may include a cavity extending in the x direction between a first end of the cavity and a second end of the cavity. The cavity may include a converging section. The converging section may extend in the x direction between a first end of the converging section and a second end of the converging section. The width of the converging section may decrease along the length of the converging section. The width of the convergence section may decrease along the length of the convergence section from the first end of the convergence section to the second end. The length of the convergence section may be greater than the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating article is provided for use with an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, wherein the aerosol generating article has a length extending in the x direction, a width extending in the y direction, and a thickness extending in the z direction, and the aerosol generating article comprises: one or more aerosol generating substrates; and a cavity extending in the x direction between a first end of a cavity and a second end of a cavity, wherein the cavity comprises a convergent section extending in the x direction between a first end of a convergent section and a second end of a convergent section, wherein the width of the convergent section decreases along the length of the convergent section from the first end of the convergent section to the second end of the convergent section, and the length of the convergent section is greater than the width of the convergent section at the first end of the convergent section.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating article is provided for use with an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, wherein the aerosol generating article has a length extending in the x direction, a width extending in the y direction, and a thickness extending in the z direction, and the aerosol generating article comprises: a first planar outer surface; a second planar outer surface; one or more aerosol generating substrates; and a cavity extending in the x direction between a first end of a cavity and a second end of a cavity, wherein the cavity comprises a convergent section extending in the x direction between a first end of a convergent section and a second end of a convergent section, the width of the convergent section decreases along the length of the convergent section from the first end of the convergent section to the second end, and the length of the convergent section is greater than the width of the convergent section at the first end of the convergent section.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating article is provided for use with an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, wherein the aerosol generating article has a length extending in the x direction, a width extending in the y direction, and a thickness extending in the z direction, and the aerosol generating article comprises: a first planar outer surface extending in the x / y plane; a second planar outer surface extending in the x / y plane; one or more aerosol generating substrates; and a cavity extending in the x direction between a first end of a cavity and a second end of a cavity, wherein the cavity comprises a convergent section extending in the x direction between a first end of a convergent section and a second end of a convergent section, and the width of the convergent section decreases along the length of the convergent section from the first end of the convergent section to the second end of the convergent section, and the length of the convergent section is greater than the width of the convergent section at the first end of the convergent section.

[0010] Therefore, the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section is greater than the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section.

[0011] Advantageously, the first planar outer surface and the second planar outer surface allow good contact with an external heater of the aerosol generating device, in particular a planar external heater, thereby providing efficient heating of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0012] Advantageously, the aerosol generating article of the present disclosure can be heated substantially along its entire length and width, thereby allowing the entire aerosol generating material to be heated sufficiently to generate an aerosol.

[0013] Advantageously, the airflow through the common convergence section of the aerosol generating article may be thin. Thus, there may be minimal mixing between the airflow passing through the convergence section and the airflow adjacent to the wall of the aerosol generating article and away from the center of the convergence section or the center longitudinal axis, with the airflow located toward the center of the convergence section. The airflow adjacent to the wall of the aerosol generating article may be cooled to a greater degree compared to the airflow toward the center of the convergence section due to its proximity to the wall and the surrounding environment. As a laminar airflow, the airflow toward the center of the convergence section may be maintained at a desired temperature for better delivery of volatile substances, such as aerosol forming agents containing nicotine and glycerin.

[0014] Vapor in an airflow at a lower temperature may be more likely to condense and form large droplets of liquid aerosol-forming material compared to vapor in an airflow at a higher temperature. Therefore, a laminar airflow within the convergence section of the cavity can advantageously result in less mixing of colder airflow from the sides and warmer airflow toward the center, thereby reducing the condensation of vapor in the airflow toward the center of the cavity and the undesirable delivery of large droplets of liquid aerosol-forming material to the user.

[0015] Laminar airflow through the cavity can be particularly desirable during the initial puff of the user experience. During the initial puff, the walls of the aerosol generating article may be at ambient temperature. During use of the aerosol generating article, the walls of the aerosol generating article may heat up. Therefore, vapor during the initial puff may be more likely to condense than vapor during subsequent puffs. Thus, laminar airflow can be particularly advantageous in avoiding the undesirable delivery of large droplets of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the user and in improving the delivery of volatile substances.

[0016] The aerosol generating article may include a frame located between a first planar outer surface and a second planar outer surface. Advantageously, the frame can make the aerosol generating article relatively thin while maintaining structural rigidity.

[0017] If an aerosol generating article comprises a frame that at least partially defines a cavity converging section, the part or section of the frame that at least partially defines the cavity converging section may have an increased width and radial thickness compared to other parts of the frame. This can improve the structural rigidity of the frame and the aerosol generating article. In particular, the provision of the cavity converging section can improve the structural rigidity of the aerosol generating article without increasing the overall width of the aerosol generating article.

[0018] Increasing the radial thickness or width of the frame section can advantageously reduce the permeability of the frame. Reducing the permeability of the frame can improve the sealing of one or more aerosol generating materials of the aerosol generating article to improve the shelf life of the aerosol generating article and improve the quality and quantity of aerosol delivered to the user. Reducing the permeability of the frame can ensure the movement of air and aerosol along the desired airflow path through the aerosol generating article. This can improve the quality and quantity of aerosol delivered to the user.

[0019] Advantageously, the aerosol generating article of the present disclosure can be manufactured by laminating sheet materials that can be achieved through a continuous manufacturing process, thereby making the aerosol generating article relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0020] Increasing the radial thickness or width of a section of the frame can provide an increased area for simpler and better adhesion of the frame to other components of the aerosol generating article, such as a first planar outer layer forming a first planar outer surface and a second planar outer layer forming a second planar outer surface, by means of an adhesive. This can help increase the structural rigidity of the aerosol generating article and avoid delamination of the aerosol generating article. If the frame is formed of multiple layers, increasing the width and area of ​​at least one section of the frame may mean that the layers of the frame can be bonded to each other simply and strongly. This can help increase the structural rigidity of the frame and avoid delamination of the frame. Avoiding delamination of the frame and the aerosol generating article can advantageously reduce the air permeability of the frame and reduce unwanted airflow paths formed through the aerosol generating article. This can improve the quality and quantity of aerosol delivered to the user.

[0021] The width of the convergence section can decrease along the entire length of the convergence section. That is, the width of the convergence section can decrease along the length of the convergence section from the first end of the convergence section to the second end of the convergence section.

[0022] The width of the convergence section can be continuously reduced along the entire length of the convergence section.

[0023] The convergence section may not include a portion having a width that increases in the direction from the first end of the convergence section to the second end of the convergence section. The convergence section may not include a portion having a constant width.

[0024] The width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section may be at least 30% of the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section, at least 40% of the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section, or at least 50% of the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section.

[0025] A larger width of the convergence section at the second end can avoid sharp and sudden changes in the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity and, therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow passage through the cavity. This can result in more laminar airflow through the convergence section.

[0026] At the second end of the convergence section, the width of the convergence section may be 90% or less of the width of the convergence section, 80% or less of the width of the convergence section, 70% or less of the width of the convergence section, or 60% or less of the width of the convergence section.

[0027] The ratio of the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section to the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section can be selected based on the desired airflow characteristics through the convergence section. The ratio of the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section to the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section can be selected based on the desired shape and size of the cavity and the desired shape and size of the aerosol-generating article.

[0028] The width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section may be 30% to 90% of the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section, 30% to 80% of the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section, 30% to 70% of the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section, or 30% to 60% of the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section.

[0029] The width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section may be 40% to 90% of the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section, 40% to 80% of the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section, 40% to 70% of the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section, or 40% to 60% of the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section.

[0030] The width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section may be 50% to 90% of the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section, 50% to 80% of the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section, 50% to 70% of the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section, or 50% to 60% of the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section.

[0031] The difference in width of the convergence section at the first and second ends of the convergence section may be 6 mm or less, 5 mm or less, or 4 mm or less.

[0032] The difference in width of the convergence section at the first and second ends of the convergence section may be at least 2 mm, or at least 2.5 mm, or at least 3 mm.

[0033] The difference in width of the convergence section at the first and second ends of the convergence section can be selected based on the desired airflow characteristics through the convergence section. The difference in width of the convergence section at the first and second ends of the convergence section can be selected based on the desired shape and size of the cavity and the desired shape and size of the aerosol generating article.

[0034] The difference in width of the convergence section at the first and second ends of the convergence section may be 2 mm to 6 mm, 2 mm to 5 mm, or 2 mm to 4 mm.

[0035] The difference in width of the convergence section at the first and second ends of the convergence section may be 2.5 mm to 6 mm, 2.5 mm to 5 mm, or 2.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0036] The difference in width of the convergence section at the first and second ends of the convergence section may be 3 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, or 3 mm to 4 mm.

[0037] At the first end of the convergence section, the width of the convergence section may be the same as the width of the cavity. That is, the maximum width of the cavity may be at the first end of the convergence section of the cavity.

[0038] The convergent section may extend along at least 30% of the length of the cavity. That is, the convergent section may have a length of 30% or more of the length of the cavity. The convergent section may have a length of 40% or more of the length of the cavity, or 50% or more of the length of the cavity.

[0039] A longer convergence section can provide a gradually converging section and avoid sharp and sudden changes in the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity and, therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow passage through the cavity. Thus, a longer convergence section can result in more laminar airflow through the convergence section.

[0040] The convergent section may have a length of 80% or less of the common length, 70% or less of the common length, or 60% or less of the common length.

[0041] The length of the convergence section can be selected based on the desired balance between the desired airflow characteristics through the convergence section and the desired shape and size of the cavity, as well as the desired shape and size of the aerosol-generating article.

[0042] The convergence section may have a length of 30% to 90% of the joint length, 30% to 80% of the joint length, 30% to 70% of the joint length, or 30% to 60% of the joint length.

[0043] The convergence section may have a length of 40% to 90% of the common length, 40% to 80% of the common length, 40% to 70% of the common length, or 40% to 60% of the common length.

[0044] The convergence section may have a length of 50% to 90% of the joint length, 50% to 80% of the joint length, 50% to 70% of the joint length, or 50% to 60% of the joint length.

[0045] For example, the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section may be 30% to 90% of the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section, and the convergence section may have a length of 30% to 80% of the length of the convergence section.

[0046] The length of the convergence section is greater than the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section. The length of the convergence section may be at least 1.2 times, at least 1.5 times, or at least 2 times the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section. The length of the convergence section may be up to 3 times the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section.

[0047] The value obtained by dividing the difference between the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section and the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section by the length of the convergence section may be 1 mm or less, 0.8 mm or less, 0.6 mm or less, or 0.4 mm or less. For example, if the convergence section has a width of 6 mm at the first end of the convergence section, a width of 3 mm at the second end of the convergence section, and a length of 10 mm, the value obtained by dividing the difference between the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section and the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section by the length of the convergence section is 0.3 mm / mm.

[0048] The difference between the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section and the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section, divided by the length of the convergence section, may be 0.1 mm / mm or more.

[0049] The value obtained by dividing the difference between the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section and the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section by the length of the convergence section may be 0.1 mm / mm to 1 mm / mm, 0.1 mm / mm to 0.8 mm / mm, 0.1 mm / mm to 0.6 mm / mm, or 0.1 mm / mm to 0.4 mm / mm.

[0050] The value obtained by dividing the difference between the width of the convergence section at the first end and the width of the convergence section at the second end by the length of the convergence section captures the rate of change of the width of the convergence section along the length of the convergence section. Reducing the rate of change of the width can promote more laminar airflow through the convergence section.

[0051] An aerosol-generating article comprises one or more aerosol-generating materials.

[0052] The common convergence section may substantially lack an aerosol generating material. The common convergence section may not include an aerosol generating material located therein.

[0053] The common convergence section can be practically empty.

[0054] The aerosol-generating article has a length extending in the x-direction. The aerosol-generating article has a width extending in the y-direction. The aerosol-generating article has a thickness extending in the z-direction.

[0055] The aerosol generating article may be substantially flat or substantially planar. In particular, the thickness of the aerosol generating article may be less than both the length and width of the aerosol generating article. For example, the thickness of the aerosol generating article may be less than 50% of both the length and width of the aerosol generating article. Advantageously, a thinner thickness may provide a small temperature gradient or temperature difference across the thickness of the aerosol generating substrate during heating.

[0056] The aerosol generating article may have a quadrilateral cuboid shape. The aerosol generating article may have a right-angled prism shape. The aerosol generating article may have a rectangular prism shape. The aerosol generating article may have a cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating article may have a right-angled cylindrical shape.

[0057] The aerosol generating article may have a lamination or laminated structure, for example, the aerosol generating article may include or be formed with at least two layers. In particular, as discussed in more detail below, the aerosol generating article may include at least two of a first outer layer, a second outer layer, a frame, a first frame layer, a second frame layer, a third frame layer, a first aerosol generating substrate layer, and a second aerosol generating substrate layer.

[0058] A substantial portion of the aerosol-generating article, excluding one or more aerosol-generating materials and (if present) adhesive, may be paper or cardboard.

[0059] Aerosol-generating articles may have a cellulose acetate content of less than 5%. Aerosol-generating articles may have a cellulose acetate content of less than 3%. Aerosol-generating articles may have a cellulose acetate content of less than 1%.

[0060] The aerosol generating article may include a frame. The frame may be located between a first planar outer surface and a second planar outer surface.

[0061] A frame can define the cavity at least partially. A frame can define the convergence section of the cavity at least partially.

[0062] The frame can be a flat frame.

[0063] The frame may define a frame aperture that extends through the thickness of the frame. The frame aperture may define or form an airflow passage for the aerosol-generating article. The frame aperture may define or form a cavity for the aerosol-generating article. For example, the frame may have a hollow rectangular shape or a square hollow tube shape. As a further embodiment, the frame may have a cross-section that is annular in shape, and preferably, the cross-section in the x / y plane is annular in shape.

[0064] The frame may include an outer surface of the frame. The outer surface of the frame may extend transversely, for example, between a first planar outer surface and a second planar outer surface. The outer surface of the frame may at least partially define or form one or more outer surfaces of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the outer surface of the frame may at least partially define or form one or more outer wall surfaces of an aerosol-generating article. The outer surface of the frame may surround or encircle the frame aperture. The outer surface of the frame may surround or encircle the cavity.

[0065] The frame may include an inner surface of the frame. The inner surface of the frame may extend transversely, for example, between a first planar outer surface and a second planar outer surface. The inner surface of the frame may define or form an outer wall of the frame aperture. The inner surface of the frame may define or form an outer wall of the cavity. The inner surface of the frame may surround or encircle the frame aperture extending through the thickness of the frame. The inner surface of the frame may surround or encircle the cavity.

[0066] The outer surface of the frame may surround or encircle the inner surface of the frame. The inner surface of the frame and the outer surface of the frame may be concentric with each other.

[0067] The aerosol generating article may include one or more outer wall surfaces extending between a first planar outer surface and a second planar outer surface. The one or more outer wall surfaces may collectively define the entire transverse outer area of ​​the aerosol generating article. A frame may define at least partially each of the one or more outer wall surfaces. The one or more outer wall surfaces may surround or enclose a cavity. A frame may define at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the entire transverse outer area of ​​the aerosol generating article.

[0068] The frame may include surrounding walls. The surrounding walls may surround or encircle at least a portion of the cavity. The surrounding walls may surround or encircle the cavity. The surrounding walls may surround or encircle at least a portion of the frame aperture extending through the thickness of the frame. The surrounding walls may surround or encircle the frame aperture extending through the thickness of the frame.

[0069] The periphery wall may be defined or formed by the outer surface of the frame and the inner surface of the frame. The periphery wall may at least partially define or form one or more outer surfaces or walls of the aerosol-generating article. The periphery wall may define or form the outer wall of the frame aperture. The periphery wall may define at least a portion of the cavity. The periphery wall may define the cavity. The periphery wall may define or form the outer wall of the cavity.

[0070] The surrounding walls may surround or define at least a portion of the cavity. The surrounding walls may surround or define the cavity.

[0071] The surrounding walls may have a radial thickness. The radial thickness can be defined, for example, as the minimum distance between the outer surface of the frame and the inner surface of the frame in the x / y plane.

[0072] The surrounding wall surface may have a radial thickness of 0.5 mm or more. The surrounding wall surface may have a radial thickness of 1.5 mm or more. The surrounding wall surface may have a radial thickness of 2.5 mm or more.

[0073] The surrounding wall surface may have a radial thickness of 3.5 mm or less. The surrounding wall surface may have a radial thickness of 2.5 mm or less.

[0074] The surrounding wall surface may have a radial thickness of 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm. The surrounding wall surface may have a radial thickness of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0075] Advantageously, a peripheral wall having a radial thickness of 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm has been found to provide good structural strength to the aerosol generating article without using an excess amount of material that could increase manufacturing costs, and can limit the amount of heat unintentionally transferred to the frame rather than the aerosol generating substrate.

[0076] The periphery wall surface may include a front wall surface and a rear wall surface. The front wall is located at the upstream end or the first end of the periphery wall. The rear wall is located at the downstream end or the second end of the periphery wall.

[0077] The periphery wall surface may include one or more side wall surfaces extending from the front wall surface to the rear wall surface. The periphery wall surface may include a first side wall surface extending from the front wall surface to the rear wall surface. As described below, the first side wall surface may include or be composed of a first converging side wall surface section and a first parallel side wall surface. The periphery wall surface may include a second side wall surface extending from the front wall surface to the rear wall surface. As described below, the second side wall surface may include or be composed of a second converging side wall surface section and a second parallel side wall surface.

[0078] The periphery wall surface of the frame may include a first convergent sidewall section and a second convergent sidewall section.

[0079] The first convergent sidewall section may have a length. The second convergent sidewall section may have a length.

[0080] Both the first convergent sidewall section and the second convergent sidewall section may define at least a portion of the common convergent section. The first convergent sidewall section and the second convergent sidewall section may define at least a portion of the length of the common convergent section. The first convergent sidewall section and the second convergent sidewall section may define the entire length of the common convergent section.

[0081] 1. The convergent sidewall section may extend from the first end of the common convergent section to the second end of the common convergent section. The second convergent sidewall section may extend from the first end of the common convergent section to the second end of the common convergent section.

[0082] The second convergent sidewall section may be opposite to the convergent sidewall section. This may allow the separation between the first and second convergent sidewall sections to define the width of the common convergent section.

[0083] The first and second convergent sidewall sections may not be parallel to each other. Both the first convergent sidewall section and the second convergent sidewall section may not be parallel to the x-direction.

[0084] The width of one or both of the first and second convergent sidewall sections may increase along the x-direction. The width of one or both of the first and second convergent sidewall sections may increase along the x-direction from the first end of the convergent section toward the second end of the convergent section. The width of one or both of the first and second convergent sidewall sections may decrease along the x-direction from the second end of the convergent section toward the first end of the convergent section. The width of one or both of the first and second convergent sidewall sections may increase along the x-direction from the first end of the convergent section toward the second end of the convergent section.

[0085] The inner surface of the first convergent sidewall section may define at least a portion of the common convergent section. The inner surface of the second convergent sidewall section may define at least a portion of the common convergent section.

[0086] The inner surface of the first convergent sidewall section and the inner surface of the second convergent sidewall section may be at an angle of 35 degrees or less, 30 degrees or less, 25 degrees or less, or 20 degrees or less with respect to each other.

[0087] A first convergent sidewall section and a second convergent sidewall section having internal surfaces at a smaller angle to each other can promote more laminar airflow.

[0088] The inner surface of the first convergent sidewall section and the inner surface of the second convergent sidewall section may be at an angle of at least 5 degrees or at least 10 degrees relative to each other.

[0089] The angle at which the inner surfaces of the first convergent sidewall section and the second convergent sidewall section are positioned relative to each other can be selected based on the desired airflow characteristics through the convergent section, the overall shape and size of the cavity, and the overall shape and size of the aerosol-generating article.

[0090] The inner surface of the first convergent sidewall section and the inner surface of the second convergent sidewall section may be at an angle of at least 5 to 35 degrees, 5 to 30 degrees, 5 to 25 degrees, or 5 to 20 degrees with respect to each other.

[0091] The inner surface of the first convergent sidewall section and the inner surface of the second convergent sidewall section may be at an angle of at least 10 to 35 degrees, 10 to 30 degrees, 10 to 25 degrees, or 10 to 20 degrees with respect to each other.

[0092] The inner surface of the first convergent sidewall section may be planar. The inner surface of the second convergent sidewall section may be planar. Both the inner surface of the first convergent sidewall section and the inner surface of the second convergent sidewall section may be planar.

[0093] The common convergence section can substantially have a cross-section in the x / y plane of a trapezoidal shape.

[0094] The outer surface of the first convergent sidewall section may be planar. The outer surface of the second convergent sidewall section may be planar. Both the outer surface of the first convergent sidewall section and the outer surface of the second convergent sidewall section may be planar.

[0095] The outer surface of the first convergent sidewall section may be substantially parallel to the outer surface of the second convergent sidewall section.

[0096] The outer surfaces of both the first convergent sidewall section and the second convergent sidewall section may be parallel to the x-direction.

[0097] The convergent section may be located toward the second end or downstream end of the cavity. The convergent section may extend to the second end of the cavity.

[0098] The common convergence section may extend to the rear wall surface of the surrounding wall. Both the first and second convergence side wall sections of the surrounding wall may extend to the rear wall surface of the surrounding wall.

[0099] The convergence section may be positioned toward a second end or a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The convergence section may extend to an air outlet of the aerosol-generating article. In particular, one or more internal surfaces of the convergence section may extend to an air outlet of the aerosol-generating article. The width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section may be substantially the same as the width of the air outlet.

[0100] The cavity may not include another convergent section located immediately downstream of the convergent section. If the cavity is located immediately downstream of the convergent section and includes another section extending from the second end of the convergent section toward the second end of the cavity, the width of this other section may not immediately decrease along the length of this other section from the second end of the convergent section or the first end of this other section toward the second end of this other section or the second end of the cavity.

[0101] The cavity may include a non-converging section. The non-converging section of the cavity may extend from a first or upstream end of the non-converging section to a second or downstream end.

[0102] The cavity may include parallel sections. The parallel sections of the cavity have a constant width along the entire length of the parallel sections. The parallel sections of the cavity may extend from a first or upstream end of the parallel sections to a second or downstream end.

[0103] The periphery wall surface of the frame may include a first parallel side wall section and a second parallel side wall section. The first parallel side wall section and the second parallel side wall section may face each other. The separation between the first parallel side wall section and the second parallel side wall section may define the width of the common parallel section.

[0104] The first parallel sidewall section may have a length. The second parallel sidewall section may have a length. The first parallel sidewall section and the second parallel sidewall section may be parallel to each other. Both the first parallel sidewall section and the second parallel sidewall section may be parallel to the x direction. Both the first parallel sidewall and the second parallel sidewall may extend into the x / z plane.

[0105] The first parallel sidewall section and the second parallel sidewall section can both define at least a portion of the common parallel section. The first parallel sidewall section and the second parallel sidewall section can define at least a portion of the length of the common parallel section. The first parallel sidewall section and the second parallel sidewall section can define the entire length of the common parallel section.

[0106] The first parallel sidewall section may extend from the first end of the common parallel section to the second end of the common parallel section. The parallel convergent sidewall section may extend from the first end of the common parallel section to the second end of the common parallel section.

[0107] The width of both the first and second parallel sidewall sections can be constant along the x direction.

[0108] The inner surface of the first parallel sidewall section may define at least a portion of the common parallel section. The inner surface of the second parallel sidewall section may define at least a portion of the common parallel section.

[0109] The inner surface of the first parallel sidewall section may be planar. The inner surface of the second parallel sidewall section may be planar. Both the inner surface of the first parallel sidewall section and the inner surface of the second parallel sidewall section may be planar.

[0110] The common parallel section can have a cross-section in the x / y plane that is substantially rectangular or square in shape.

[0111] The parallel section may be positioned toward the common first end or upstream end.

[0112] The parallel section may extend to the first end of the cavity. The parallel section may be located upstream of the cavity or at the first end. That is, the first end of the parallel section may be at the first end of the cavity.

[0113] The common parallel section may extend to the front wall of the periphery wall. The first and second parallel side wall sections of the periphery wall may both extend to the rear wall of the periphery wall.

[0114] The parallel section may be located at the first end or upstream end of the aerosol generating article. The parallel section may extend to the air inlet of the aerosol generating article.

[0115] A common parallel section may be located adjacent to a common convergent section. A common parallel section may be immediately adjacent to a common convergent section. The common may not include a section located between the parallel section and the convergent section. A common parallel section may be located upstream of a common convergent section. For example, the second end of a common parallel section may coincide with the first end of a common convergent section.

[0116] The first parallel sidewall section may extend from the front wall surface of the surrounding wall to the first convergent sidewall section. In particular, the first parallel sidewall section may extend from the front wall surface of the surrounding wall to the first end of the first convergent sidewall section. The first convergent sidewall section may extend from the first parallel sidewall section to the rear wall surface of the surrounding wall. In particular, the first convergent sidewall section may extend from the second end of the first parallel sidewall section to the rear wall surface of the surrounding wall.

[0117] The second parallel sidewall section may extend from the front wall surface of the surrounding wall to the second convergent sidewall section. In particular, the second parallel sidewall section may extend from the front wall surface of the surrounding wall to the first end of the second convergent sidewall section. The second convergent sidewall section may extend from the second parallel sidewall section to the rear wall surface of the surrounding wall. In particular, the second convergent sidewall section may extend from the second end of the second parallel sidewall section to the rear wall surface of the surrounding wall.

[0118] An aerosol generating article may include an airflow path or passage extending from an air inlet of the aerosol generating article to an air outlet of the aerosol generating article through both a common parallel section and a converging section. During use of the aerosol generating article, air may be drawn into the aerosol generating article through an air inlet at a first end of the aerosol generating article, enter into the common parallel section, then enter into the common converging section, and then exit out of the aerosol generating article through an air outlet.

[0119] The width of the common parallel section can correspond to the width of the common convergent section at the first end of the convergent section.

[0120] The parallel section may have a length of 20% or more of the joint length, 30% or more of the joint length, or 40% or more of the joint length.

[0121] The parallel section may have a length of 70% or less, 60% or less, or 50% or less of the common length.

[0122] The parallel section may have a length of 20% to 70%, 20% to 60%, or 20% to 50% of the length of the cavity. The parallel section may have a length of 30% to 70%, 30% to 60%, or 30% to 50% of the length of the cavity. The parallel section may have a length of 40% to 70%, 40% to 60%, or 40% to 50% of the length of the cavity.

[0123] The length of the cavity can be equal to the sum of the lengths of the parallel sections and the convergent sections. The cavity can consist of parallel sections and convergent sections.

[0124] At least one of the one or more aerosol generating materials may be positioned toward the first or upstream end of the aerosol generating article. At least one of the one or more aerosol generating materials may be positioned in a common parallel section.

[0125] At least one of the one or more aerosol generating materials may have a length substantially equal to the length of the common parallel section. At least one aerosol generating material may be located in the common parallel section and may extend from a first end of the parallel section to a second end of the parallel section.

[0126] A common parallel section may be shaped and sized to accommodate at least one of one or more aerosol generating materials. This may be configured so that the aerosol generating material is heated during the use of the aerosol generating article.

[0127] At least one of the one or more aerosol generating materials may have a length smaller than the length of a common parallel section.

[0128] At least one of the one or more aerosol generating materials may be spaced apart in the x-direction from the second end of the parallel section. At least one aerosol generating material may be located in a common parallel section and may extend from the first end of the parallel section toward the second end of the parallel section.

[0129] At least one of the one or more aerosol generating materials may be spaced apart in the x-direction from the first end of the parallel section. At least one aerosol generating material may be located in a common parallel section and may extend from the second end of the parallel section to the first end of the parallel section.

[0130] At least one of the one or more aerosol generating materials may be spaced apart in the x-direction from both the first end of the parallel section and the second end of the parallel section.

[0131] At least one of the one or more aerosol generating materials may have a width substantially equal to the width of the common parallel section.

[0132] A convergence section with reduced width can prevent the aerosol generating material from escaping into the convergence section.

[0133] The frame may be manufactured from or contain biodegradable materials. The frame may be manufactured entirely from biodegradable materials.

[0134] The frame may be manufactured from or contain a cellulose material. The cellulose material may include a sheet of cellulose material. The cellulose material may include cellulose fibers. The cellulose material may be paper, paperboard, or cardboard. The frame may be manufactured from or contain a plant material such as tobacco. The frame may be manufactured entirely from a cellulose material. The frame may not be an aerosol generating substrate. The frame may contain, on a dry weight basis, 5% or less of an aerosol forming agent, 2% or less of an aerosol forming agent, or 1% or less of an aerosol forming agent.

[0135] The perimeter walls of the frame may be manufactured from or contain biodegradable materials. The perimeter walls of the frame may be entirely manufactured from biodegradable materials.

[0136] The periphery wall of the frame may be manufactured from or contain a cellulose material. The cellulose material may contain a sheet of cellulose material. The cellulose material may contain cellulose fibers. The cellulose material may be paper, paperboard, or cardboard. The periphery wall of the frame may be manufactured from or contain a plant material such as tobacco. The periphery wall of the frame may be manufactured entirely from a cellulose material. The periphery wall of the frame may not be an aerosol generating substrate. The periphery wall of the frame may contain, on a dry weight basis, 5% or less of an aerosol forming agent, 2% or less of an aerosol forming agent, or 1% or less of an aerosol forming agent.

[0137] The aerosol generating article may include one or more susceptor materials. The frame may include one or more susceptor materials. One or more susceptor materials may be in thermal contact with the aerosol generating substrate. One or more susceptor materials may be in thermal contact with the cavity. One or more susceptor materials may be incorporated within the material of the frame. For example, one or more susceptor materials may be incorporated within the peripheral wall surface of the frame.

[0138] One or more susceptor materials may be one or more particles, strips, threads, or wires of the susceptor material. One or more susceptor materials may be one or more sheets or layers of the susceptor material. One or more sheets or layers of the susceptor material may be in the form of a mesh of the susceptor material.

[0139] The susceptor material may comprise, in any form, one or more materials selected from the list consisting of aluminum, iron and iron alloys, nickel and nickel alloys, cobalt alloys, stainless steel alloys, copper alloys, carbon, expanded carbon, and graphite.

[0140] The frame may have a thickness of 50% or more of the thickness of the aerosol-generating article. The frame may have a thickness of 70% or more of the thickness of the aerosol-generating article. The frame may have a thickness of 90% or more of the thickness of the aerosol-generating article. The frame may have a thickness of 95% or more of the thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0141] The frame may have a thickness of 95% or less of the thickness of the aerosol-generating article. The frame may have a thickness of 90% or less of the thickness of the aerosol-generating article. The frame may have a thickness of 70% or less of the thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0142] The frame may have a thickness of 50% to 95% of the thickness of the aerosol-generating article. The frame may have a thickness of 70% to 95% of the thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0143] The frame may have a thickness of 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, 3 mm or more, or 4 mm or more. The frame may have a thickness of 5.5 mm or less, 4.5 mm or less, 3.5 mm or less, 2.5 mm or less, or 1.5 mm or less. The frame may have a thickness of 1 mm to 5.5 mm. Preferably, the frame may have a thickness of 1.5 mm to 5.5 mm.

[0144] The frame may have a length equal to the length of the aerosol-generating article. The frame may have a length of at least 90% of the length of the aerosol-generating article. The frame may have a length of at least 95% of the length of the aerosol-generating article.

[0145] The frame may have a width equal to the width of the aerosol-generating article. The frame may have a width that is at least 90% of the width of the aerosol-generating article.

[0146] The frame may be a single component. Alternatively, the frame may include two or more layers. That is, the frame may have a laminated structure. Advantageously, the characteristics of each layer may be individually optimized according to the relative distance between the layer and the aerosol generating substrate or heater of the aerosol generating device.

[0147] A frame may include a first frame layer and a second frame layer. The first frame layer and the second frame layer may be the only layers of the frame. That is, the frame may include two or fewer layers, or exactly two layers. A frame aperture may be defined through both the first frame layer and the second frame layer.

[0148] The frame may include a first frame layer, a second frame layer, and a third frame layer. The second frame layer may be located between the first frame layer and the third frame layer. The first frame layer, the second frame layer, and the third frame layer may be the only layers of the frame. That is, the frame may include three or fewer layers, or exactly three layers.

[0149] One or more aerosol generating substrates may include an aerosol generating substrate layer. Advantageously, the aerosol generating substrate layer may be made thin, and thus can rapidly heat and release a volatile compound to form an aerosol. Advantageously, the aerosol generating substrate layer may be located close to a heater of the aerosol generating device.

[0150] The aerosol generating substrate layer may comprise an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may be any aerosol generating material described herein. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a sheet of aerosol generating material. The sheet of aerosol generating material may be any sheet of aerosol generating material described herein. The aerosol generating substrate layer may be a sheet of aerosol generating material and may be manufactured entirely therefrom.

[0151] The aerosol generating substrate layer may be located between the frame and the first planar outer surface. The aerosol generating substrate layer may be located between the frame and the second planar outer surface. The aerosol generating substrate layer may be in physical contact with the frame and may be bonded to the frame.

[0152] The aerosol generating substrate layer may be located between the frame and the outer wrapper. The outer wrapper is discussed in more detail below. The aerosol generating substrate layer may physically contact both the frame and the outer wrapper and may be bonded thereto.

[0153] The aerosol generating substrate layer may be located between the frame and the first planar outer layer. The aerosol generating substrate layer may be located between the frame and the second planar outer layer. The first planar outer layer and the second planar outer layer are discussed in more detail below. The aerosol generating substrate layer may be in physical contact with both the frame and the first planar outer layer and may be bonded thereto. The aerosol generating substrate layer may be in physical contact with both the frame and the second planar outer layer and may be bonded thereto.

[0154] The aerosol generating substrate layer may be placed over the end of the cavity. The aerosol generating substrate layer may define at least a portion of the cavity. The aerosol generating substrate layer may define or form a wall surface of the cavity, such as a first cavity end wall surface or a second cavity end wall surface. Accordingly, advantageously, the aerosol generating substrate layer may be within an airflow passage or may at least partially define or form an airflow passage, thereby enabling the released volatile compound to rapidly form an aerosol.

[0155] One or more aerosol generating substrates may include a first aerosol generating substrate layer and a second aerosol generating substrate layer. Advantageously, the first and second aerosol generating substrate layers can rapidly generate a satisfactory volume of aerosol compared to using a single aerosol generating substrate layer.

[0156] The first aerosol generating substrate may include an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may be any aerosol generating material described herein. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a sheet of aerosol generating material. The sheet of aerosol generating material may be any sheet of aerosol generating material described herein. The first aerosol generating substrate layer may be a sheet of aerosol generating material and may be manufactured entirely therefrom.

[0157] The second aerosol generating substrate layer may include an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may be any aerosol generating material described herein. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a sheet of aerosol generating material. The sheet of aerosol generating material may be any sheet of aerosol generating material described herein. The second aerosol generating substrate layer may be a sheet of aerosol generating material and may be manufactured entirely therefrom.

[0158] The first aerosol generating substrate layer may be located between the frame and the first planar outer surface. The first aerosol generating substrate layer may be in physical contact with the frame and may be bonded to the frame.

[0159] The first aerosol generating substrate layer may be located between the frame and the outer wrapper. The first aerosol generating substrate layer may physically contact both the frame and the outer wrapper and may be bonded thereto.

[0160] The first aerosol generating substrate layer may be located between the frame and the first planar outer layer. The first aerosol generating substrate layer may be in physical contact with both the frame and the first planar outer layer and may be bonded thereto.

[0161] The second aerosol generating substrate layer may be located between the frame and the second planar outer surface. The second aerosol generating substrate layer may be in physical contact with the frame and may be bonded to the frame.

[0162] The second aerosol generating substrate layer may be located between the frame and the outer wrapper. The second aerosol generating substrate layer may physically contact both the frame and the outer wrapper and may be bonded thereto.

[0163] The second aerosol generating substrate layer may be located between the frame and the second planar outer layer. The second aerosol generating substrate layer may be in physical contact with both the frame and the second planar outer layer and may be bonded thereto.

[0164] The first aerosol generating substrate layer and the second aerosol generating substrate layer may be placed on opposite ends of the cavity. The first aerosol generating substrate layer and the second aerosol generating substrate layer may define or form the wall surface of the opposite ends of the cavity. That is, the frame, the first aerosol generating substrate layer, and the second aerosol generating substrate layer may collectively define the cavity.

[0165] One or more of the aerosol generating substrate layer, the first aerosol generating substrate layer, and the second aerosol generating substrate layer may have a thickness of 100㎛ or more, 200㎛ or more, 300㎛ or more, 400㎛ or more, or 500㎛ or more.

[0166] One or more of the aerosol generating substrate layer, the first aerosol generating substrate layer, and the second aerosol generating substrate layer may have a thickness of 600㎛ or less, 500㎛ or less, 400㎛ or less, 300㎛ or less, or 300㎛ or less.

[0167] One or more of the aerosol generating substrate layer, the first aerosol generating substrate layer, and the second aerosol generating substrate layer may have a thickness of 100㎛ to 600㎛, 200㎛ to 500㎛, 200㎛ to 400㎛, or 200㎛ to 300㎛.

[0168] The aerosol generating substrate layer may have a length substantially equal to the length of the frame. The aerosol generating substrate layer may have a length substantially equal to the length of the aerosol generating article.

[0169] The first aerosol generating substrate layer may have a length substantially equal to the length of the frame. The first aerosol generating substrate layer may have a length substantially equal to the length of the aerosol generating article.

[0170] The second aerosol generating substrate layer may have a length substantially equal to the length of the frame. The second aerosol generating substrate layer may have a length substantially equal to the length of the aerosol generating article.

[0171] The aerosol generating substrate layer may have a width substantially equal to the width of the frame. The aerosol generating substrate layer may have a width substantially equal to the width of the aerosol generating article.

[0172] The first aerosol generating substrate layer may have a width substantially equal to the width of the frame. The first aerosol generating substrate layer may have a width substantially equal to the width of the aerosol generating article.

[0173] The second aerosol generating substrate layer may have a width substantially equal to the width of the frame. The second aerosol generating substrate layer may have a width substantially equal to the width of the aerosol generating article.

[0174] The first planar outer surface may be a planar upper surface, and the second planar outer surface may be a planar lower surface. The first planar outer surface may be positioned parallel to the second planar outer surface. The first planar outer surface may extend in the x / y plane. The second planar outer surface may extend in the x / y plane. The second planar outer surface may be spaced apart from the first planar outer surface in the z direction or the transverse direction. The distance between the first planar outer surface and the second planar outer surface in the z direction or the transverse direction may define the thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0175] The aerosol-generating article may include an outer wrapper. The outer wrapper may be hydrophobic. The outer wrapper may contain a hydrophobic material.

[0176] The outer wrapper may define or form a first planar outer surface. The outer wrapper may define or form a second planar outer surface. The outer wrapper may define or form both the first planar outer surface and the second planar outer surface.

[0177] The outer wrapper may surround or encircle the frame. The outer wrapper may physically contact the frame and may be bonded to the frame. The outer wrapper may be placed over the opposing end of the cavity. The outer wrapper may define or form opposing end walls of the cavity, such as a first cavity end wall and a second cavity end wall. That is, the frame and the outer wrapper may collectively define the cavity.

[0178] The outer wrapper may surround or encircle the frame and the aerosol generating substrate layer. The outer wrapper may physically contact both the frame and the aerosol generating substrate layer and may be bonded thereto.

[0179] The outer wrapper may surround or enclose the frame, the first aerosol generating substrate layer, and the second aerosol generating substrate layer. The outer wrapper may physically contact both the first aerosol generating substrate layer and the second aerosol generating substrate layer and may be bonded thereto.

[0180] The aerosol generating article may include a first planar outer layer and a second planar outer layer. The first planar outer layer may be an upper layer, and the second planar outer layer may be a lower layer.

[0181] The first planar outer layer may define or form a first planar outer surface. The first planar outer layer may extend in the x / y plane. The second planar outer layer may define or form a second planar outer surface. The second planar outer layer may extend in the x / y plane.

[0182] The frame is located between the first planar outer layer and the second planar outer layer. The cavity can be defined by the frame, the first planar outer layer, and the second planar outer layer.

[0183] The first planar outer layer can physically contact the frame and can be bonded to the frame. The first planar outer layer can be placed over the end of the cavity. The first planar outer layer can define or form a wall surface of the cavity, such as the first cavity end wall surface or the top wall surface.

[0184] The second planar outer layer may physically contact the frame and may be bonded to the frame. The second planar outer layer may be placed over the end of the cavity. The second planar outer layer may define or form a wall surface of the cavity, such as the second cavity end wall surface or the bottom wall surface.

[0185] The first planar outer layer and the second planar outer layer may be placed on the opposing ends of the cavity. The first planar outer layer and the second planar outer layer may define or form the opposing end walls of the cavity, for example, the first cavity end wall or upper wall and the second cavity end wall or lower wall. That is, the frame, the first planar outer layer, and the second planar outer layer may collectively define the cavity.

[0186] At least one of the aerosol generating materials may be located between the first planar outer layer and the second planar outer layer.

[0187] The first planar outer layer may be spaced apart from the frame, for example, in the horizontal direction. For example, the aerosol generating substrate layer or the first aerosol generating substrate layer may be located between the first planar outer layer and the frame. The first planar outer layer may be in physical contact with the aerosol generating substrate layer or the first aerosol generating substrate layer and may be bonded thereto.

[0188] The second planar outer layer may be spaced apart from the frame, for example, in the horizontal direction. For example, the aerosol generating substrate layer or the second aerosol generating substrate layer may be located between the second planar outer layer and the frame. The second planar outer layer may be in physical contact with and bonded to the aerosol generating substrate layer or the second aerosol generating substrate layer.

[0189] The first planar outer layer may be hydrophobic. The first planar outer layer may include a hydrophobic material. The second planar outer layer may be hydrophobic. The second planar outer layer may include a hydrophobic material.

[0190] One or more of the outer wrapper, the first planar outer layer, and the second planar outer layer may include a cellulose material or may be manufactured from a cellulose material. The cellulose material may be paper, cigarette paper, tobacco paper, cardboard, wood, fabric, natural fiber, or artificial fiber.

[0191] One or more of the outer wrapper, the first planar outer layer, and the second planar outer layer may be an aerosol generating substrate comprising an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may be any aerosol generating material described herein. In particular, the aerosol generating material may be in the form of a sheet of the aerosol generating material. The sheet of the aerosol generating material may be any sheet of the aerosol generating material described herein. Alternatively, one or more of the outer wrapper, the first planar outer layer, and the second planar outer layer may not include any aerosol generating material, particularly in an embodiment comprising an aerosol generating substrate layer, a first aerosol generating substrate layer, a second aerosol generating substrate layer, or an aerosol generating substrate located within a cavity. One or more of the outer wrapper, the first planar outer layer, and the second planar outer layer may be substantially nicotine-free.

[0192] One or more of the outer wrapper, the first planar outer layer, and the second planar outer layer may have a thickness of 25㎛ or more, 30㎛ or more, 35㎛ or more, 40㎛ or more, or 45㎛ or more.

[0193] One or more of the outer wrapper, the first planar outer layer, and the second planar outer layer may have a thickness of 55㎛ or less, 50㎛ or less, 45㎛ or less, 40㎛ or less, or 35㎛ or less.

[0194] One or more of the outer wrapper, the first planar outer layer, and the second planar outer layer may have a thickness of 25㎛ to 55㎛, 25㎛ to 45㎛, or 30㎛ to 45㎛.

[0195] One or more of the outer wrapper, the first planar outer layer, and the second planar outer layer may have a length substantially equal to the length of the frame. One or more of the outer wrapper, the first planar outer layer, and the second planar outer layer may have a length substantially equal to the length of the aerosol-generating article.

[0196] One or more of the first planar outer layer and the second planar outer layer may have a width substantially equal to the width of the frame. One or more of the first planar outer layer and the second planar outer layer may have a width substantially equal to the width of the aerosol-generating article.

[0197] The cavity may have a thickness of 0.5 mm or more. The cavity may have a thickness of 1.5 mm or more. The cavity may have a thickness of 2.5 mm or more. The cavity may have a thickness of 3.5 mm or more.

[0198] The cavity may have a thickness of 4.5 mm or less. The cavity may have a thickness of 3.5 mm or less. The cavity may have a thickness of 2.5 mm or less. The cavity may have a thickness of 1.5 mm or less.

[0199] The cavity may have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm. The cavity may have a thickness of 1 mm to 4.5 mm. Preferably, the cavity may have a thickness of 2.8 mm to 3.3 mm.

[0200] The cavity may have a length of 14 mm or more. The cavity may have a length of 18 mm or more. The cavity may have a length of 22 mm or more. The cavity may have a length of 30 mm or more. The cavity may have a length of 38 mm or more.

[0201] The cavity may have a length of 40 mm or less. The cavity may have a length of 34 mm or less. The cavity may have a length of 28 mm or less. The cavity may have a length of 22 mm or less. The cavity may have a length of 18 mm or less.

[0202] The cavity may have a length of 14 mm to 40 mm. The cavity may have a length of 14 mm to 34 mm. The cavity may have a length of 24 mm to 28 mm.

[0203] The cavity may have a width of 4.5 mm or more. The cavity may have a width of 7 mm or more. The cavity may have a width of 11 mm or more.

[0204] The cavity may have a width of 13 mm or less. The cavity may have a width of 11 mm or less. The cavity may have a width of 7 mm or less. The cavity may have a width of 5 mm or less.

[0205] The cavity may have a width of 4.5 mm to 13 mm. The cavity may have a width of 7 mm to 10 mm. The cavity may have a width of 7.5 mm to 8.5 mm.

[0206] The cavity may have a length of 14 mm to 40 mm, a width of 4.5 mm to 13 mm, and a thickness of 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0207] Preferably, the cavity may have a length of 20 mm to 30 mm, a width of 7 mm to 10 mm, and a thickness of 2.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0208] Most preferably, the cavity may have a length of 26 mm, a width of 8 mm, and a thickness of 3.1 mm.

[0209] The cavity may have a volume of 30 mm³ or more, 100 mm³ or more, 300 mm³ or more, 500 mm³ or more, 700 mm³ or more, 900 mm³ or more, 1000 mm³ or more, 2000 mm³ or more, or 30 mm³ or more.

[0210] The cavity may have a volume of 3500 mm³ or less, 2500 mm³ or less, 1500 mm³ or less, 1000 mm³ or less, 800 mm³ or less, 600 mm³ or less, 500 mm³ or less, 400 mm³ or less, or 300 mm³ or less.

[0211] The cavity may have a volume of 30 mm³ to 3500 mm³. The cavity may have a volume of 30 mm³ to 2500 mm³. The cavity may have a volume of 100 mm³ to 1500 mm³. The cavity may have a volume of 100 mm³ to 1000 mm³.

[0212] The common area can be practically empty.

[0213] One or more aerosol generating materials may include an aerosol generating material located within a cavity. The aerosol generating material located within the cavity may fill the cavity.

[0214] An aerosol generating material located within the cavity may include an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may be any aerosol generating material described herein. For example, the aerosol generating material may be in the form of a crushed aerosol generating material.

[0215] The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a sheet of the aerosol generating material. The sheet of the aerosol generating material may be any sheet of the aerosol generating material described herein. For example, the sheet of the aerosol generating material may be a sheet of homogenized tobacco material.

[0216] A sheet of aerosol-generating material can extend along the entire length of the cavity. A sheet of aerosol-generating material can extend along the entire width of the cavity.

[0217] The sheet of aerosol generating material may be a corrugated sheet of aerosol generating material. That is, the sheet of aerosol generating material may be wavy, folded, otherwise compressed or shrunk substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction of the aerosol generating article.

[0218] The sheet of aerosol generating material may be a crimped sheet of aerosol generating material. The sheet of aerosol generating material may be a wavy sheet of aerosol generating material. The crimped sheet of aerosol generating material or the wavy sheet of aerosol generating material may include a plurality of parallel wavy folds. For example, the crimped sheet of aerosol generating material may include a plurality of substantially parallel peaks and valleys.

[0219] Multiple parallel ripples can be defined by a ripple profile, where the ripple profile is sinusoidal, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, toroidal, or parabolic.

[0220] Multiple parallel wavy folds may define or form multiple channels between a sheet of aerosol-generating material and one or more walls of a cavity. The multiple channels may be multiple longitudinally extending channels. The multiple channels may be multiple laterally extending channels. The multiple channels may define or form at least a portion of an airflow passage extending between an air inlet and an air outlet of an aerosol-generating article.

[0221] The aerosol generating material may include one or more organic materials such as tobacco, mint, tea, and cloves. The aerosol generating material may include one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco rib pieces, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco such as cast leaves, extruded tobacco, puffed tobacco, aerosol generating films, and gel compositions.

[0222] The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a shredded aerosol generating material. The shredded aerosol generating material may include: one or more strips and strands of the aerosol generating material, such as strips and strands of tobacco or homogenized tobacco material. The shredded aerosol generating material may be in the form of shredded sheets of homogenized tobacco material.

[0223] The aerosol-generating material may be a cut grass. The aerosol-generating material may be tobacco cut grass. As used herein, the term “cut grass” is used to describe a blend of shredded plant material, such as tobacco plant material, homogenized plant material, comprising one or more of leaf blades, processed stems, and ribs in particular.

[0224] The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a sheet of the aerosol generating material. As used herein, the term “sheet” describes a laminated element in which the width and length are substantially greater than the thickness. The sheet of the aerosol generating material may be a sheet of plant material. The sheet of the aerosol generating material may be a sheet of tobacco material. The sheet of the aerosol generating material may be a sheet of homogenized tobacco material, such as a cast leaf sheet.

[0225] The aerosol generating material may comprise one or more aerosol-forming agents. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. It may be particularly preferable that the aerosol-forming agent be one or both of glycerin and propylene glycol, or comprise them. The aerosol-forming agent may consist of glycerin or propylene glycol, or a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0226] The aerosol generating material may have an aerosol forming agent content of 1, 2, 5, 10, or 15 weight percent or more based on dry weight. The aerosol generating material may have an aerosol forming agent content of 15 weight percent or more based on dry weight, for example, exceeding 20 weight percent based on dry weight, or exceeding 25 weight percent based on dry weight, or exceeding 30 weight percent based on dry weight, or exceeding 40 weight percent based on dry weight, or exceeding 50 weight percent based on dry weight.

[0227] The aerosol generating material may have an aerosol forming agent content of 30% by weight or less based on dry weight, 25% by weight or less based on dry weight, or 20% by weight or less based on dry weight.

[0228] The aerosol generating material may have an aerosol forming agent content of 5% to 30% by weight based on dry weight, 5% to 25% by weight based on dry weight, or 5% to 20% by weight based on dry weight.

[0229] The aerosol generating material may have an aerosol forming agent content of 10% to 30% by weight based on dry weight, 10% to 25% by weight based on dry weight, or 10% to 20% by weight based on dry weight.

[0230] The aerosol generating material may contain nicotine. The aerosol generating material may contain natural nicotine, synthetic nicotine, or a combination of natural nicotine and synthetic nicotine.

[0231] The aerosol generating material may contain at least 0.5 weight% nicotine, at least 1 weight% nicotine, at least 1.5 weight% nicotine, or at least 2 weight% nicotine. That is, the aerosol generating material may have a nicotine content of at least 0.5 weight%, at least 1 weight%, at least 1.5 weight%, or at least 2 weight%.

[0232] The aerosol generating material may be in the form of multiple beads. The multiple beads may have an average particle diameter of 0.1 mm to 4 mm, for example, 0.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0233] The term "bead" refers to distinct solid particles formed from an aerosol-generating substrate. Beads may have a round shape, typically spherical. Other terms may be used to define the substrate, such as "granule."

[0234] Providing an aerosol-generating material as multiple beads can offer specific advantages. Beads can be handled more easily than other aerosol-forming substrates, such as fine powders or bits. Since beads flow easily, they can reliably and consistently fill the cavity of an aerosol-generating article during manufacturing. This can enable a consistent and reproducible amount of aerosol-generating material to be loaded into each article during manufacturing. Beads can also be cleaner to handle than powders and bits, which can cause dust in the factory and leak from the aerosol-generating article during transport or use. By selecting beads with appropriate bead size and a suitable particle size distribution, the airflow through the cavity of the aerosol-generating article can be controlled more reproducibly, so to speak, than in the case of bits.

[0235] When a particle is not perfectly spherical but its diameter is referred to, the term "diameter" may refer to the largest dimension of the particle. Alternatively, the term "diameter" may refer to the diameter of a perfectly spherical particle having the same volume as a non-spherical particle.

[0236] The term "average particle diameter" as used herein may refer to the number average particle diameter. Other methods for determining the average particle diameter are known. Thus, the average particle diameter may be, for example, the volume average particle diameter.

[0237] The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a wrapped body of the aerosol generating material, and the wrapped body includes a wrapper that at least partially surrounds the aerosol generating material.

[0238] The wrapped body of the aerosol generating material may occupy 15% to 100% of the internal volume of the cavity. The wrapped body of the aerosol generating material may occupy 30% to 100% of the internal volume of the cavity. The wrapped body of the aerosol generating material may occupy 50% to 100% of the internal volume of the cavity. The wrapped body of the aerosol generating material may occupy 50% to 80% of the internal volume of the cavity. The wrapped body of the aerosol generating material may occupy 50% to 70% of the internal volume of the cavity.

[0239] An aerosol generating article may include an air inlet and an air outlet. The aerosol generating article may include an airflow passage extending between the air inlet and the air outlet. The airflow passage may extend through a cavity between the air inlet and the air outlet. The airflow passage may extend from the air inlet to the air outlet. The airflow passage may extend from the air inlet to the air outlet through a cavity. The airflow passage may extend from the air inlet to the air outlet through a converging section of the cavity. The airflow passage may extend from the air inlet to the air outlet through both a parallel section and a converging section of the cavity.

[0240] An air inlet may be defined by the front wall surface of the aerosol-generating article. An air inlet may be defined by a frame and may extend through the frame. An air inlet may be defined by the periphery wall surface of the frame. An air inlet may extend through the periphery wall surface of the frame. An air inlet may be defined by the front wall surface of the frame or the front wall surface of the periphery wall surface of the frame. An air inlet may extend through the front wall surface of the frame or the front wall surface of the periphery wall surface of the frame. An air outlet may be defined by the rear wall surface of the aerosol-generating article. An air outlet may be defined by a frame and may extend through the frame. An air outlet may be defined by the periphery wall surface of the frame. An outlet may extend through the periphery wall surface of the frame. An air outlet may be defined by the rear wall surface of the frame or the rear wall surface of the periphery wall surface of the frame.

[0241] The air inlet may have a round cross-section, a circular cross-section, an oval cross-section, a square cross-section, or a rectangular cross-section. The air outlet may have a round cross-section, a circular cross-section, an oval cross-section, a square cross-section, or a rectangular cross-section.

[0242] An air inlet may be defined by a first planar outer surface and may extend through it. An air inlet may be defined by an outer wrapper and may extend through it. An air inlet may be defined by an outer wrapper and an aerosol generating substrate layer and may extend through it. An air inlet may be defined by an outer wrapper and a first aerosol generating substrate layer and may extend through it. An air inlet may be defined by a first planar outer layer and an aerosol generating substrate layer and may extend through it. An air inlet may be defined by a first planar outer layer and a first aerosol generating substrate layer and may extend through it.

[0243] An air inlet may be defined by a second planar outer surface and may extend through it. An air inlet may be defined by an outer wrapper and a second aerosol generating substrate layer and may extend through it. An air inlet may be defined by a second planar outer layer and an aerosol generating substrate layer and may extend through it. An air inlet may be defined by a second planar outer layer and a second aerosol generating substrate layer and may extend through it.

[0244] An air outlet can be defined by a first planar outer surface and can be extended through it. An air outlet can be defined by an outer wrapper and can be extended through it. An air outlet can be defined by an outer wrapper and an aerosol generating substrate layer and can be extended through it. An air outlet can be defined by an outer wrapper and a first aerosol generating substrate layer and can be extended through it. An air outlet can be defined by a first planar outer layer and an aerosol generating substrate layer and can be extended through it. An air outlet can be defined by a first planar outer layer and a first aerosol generating substrate layer and can be extended through it.

[0245] An air outlet may be defined by a second planar outer surface and may extend through it. An air outlet may be defined by an outer wrapper and a second aerosol generating substrate layer and may extend through it. An air outlet may be defined by a second planar outer layer and an aerosol generating substrate layer and may extend through it. An air outlet may be defined by a second planar outer layer and a second aerosol generating substrate layer and may extend through it.

[0246] One or both of the air inlet and air outlet may have an equivalent diameter of 0.1 mm or more, 0.4 mm or more, 0.7 mm or more, or 1.0 mm or more.

[0247] One or both of the air inlet and the air outlet may have an equivalent diameter of 3 mm or less, 2.7 mm or less, 2.4 mm or less, or 2.1 mm or less. The air inlet may have an equivalent diameter of 2.7 mm or less, 1.8 mm or less, or 1.5 mm or less.

[0248] One or both of the air inlet and the air outlet may have an equivalent diameter of 0.1 mm to 3 mm, 0.1 mm to 2.4 mm, 0.4 mm to 2.1 mm, 0.4 mm to 1.8 mm, 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm, or 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0249] The air inlet may have a width narrower than the width of the cavity. The air outlet may have a width narrower than the width of the cavity. The air inlet may have a thickness thinner than the thickness of the cavity. The air outlet may have a thickness thinner than the thickness of the cavity.

[0250] One or both of the air inlet and the air outlet may have a width of 0.3 mm to 3 mm or 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0251] One or both of the air inlet and the air outlet may have a thickness of 0.3 mm to 3 mm or 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0252] Preferably, the air inlet may have a width of 0.3 mm to 3 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm to 3 mm.

[0253] Preferably, the air outlet may have a width of 0.3 mm to 3 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm to 3 mm.

[0254] Advantageously, an aerosol generating article having an air outlet or air inlet having a width of 0.3 mm to 3 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm to 3 mm can provide a relatively large inlet or outlet opening while allowing improved retention of the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article. Improved retention of the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article can reduce the risk of the aerosol generating material falling out of the aerosol generating article.

[0255] The ratio of the width of the air inlet to the thickness of the air inlet may be 0.33 to 3. The ratio of the width of the air inlet to the thickness of the air inlet may be 0.5 to 1.5. The ratio of the width of the air inlet to the thickness of the air inlet may be 0.75 to 1.25.

[0256] The ratio of the width of the air outlet to the thickness of the air outlet may be 0.33 to 3. The ratio of the width of the air outlet to the thickness of the air outlet may be 0.5 to 1.5. The ratio of the width of the air outlet to the thickness of the air outlet may be 0.75 to 1.25.

[0257] An aerosol generating article may include a plurality of air inlets. One or each of the air inlets may have one or more of the features of the air inlets described herein.

[0258] An aerosol generating article may include a plurality of air outlets. One or each of the air outlets may have one or more of the features of the air outlets described herein.

[0259] The aerosol generating article may include a filter element located downstream of the aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating article may include a filter element located downstream of the cavity. The aerosol generating article may include a filter element located at least partially within the air outlet. The aerosol generating article may include a filter element located within the cavity and may be located at the downstream end of the cavity.

[0260] The aerosol generating article may include a filter element located upstream of the aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating article may include a filter element located upstream of the cavity. The aerosol generating article may include a filter element located at least partially within the air inlet. The aerosol generating article may include a filter element located within the cavity and may be located at the upstream end of the cavity.

[0261] The filter element may comprise one or more filter segments of a fibrous filtration material. Suitable fibrous filtration materials will be known to those skilled in the art. The filter element may comprise cellulose acetate.

[0262] The ratio between the length and thickness of the aerosol-generating article and between the width and thickness of the aerosol-generating article may be greater than 2:1, greater than 5:1, greater than 10:1, greater than 12:1, or greater than 15:1.

[0263] The ratio between the length and thickness of the aerosol-generating article and between the width and thickness of the aerosol-generating article may be less than 15:1, less than 12:1, less than 10:1, less than 5:1, or less than 2.5:1.

[0264] The ratio between the length and thickness of the aerosol-generating article and between the width and thickness of the aerosol-generating article may be 2:1 to 15:1, 2:1 to 12:1, 2:1 to 10:1, or 5:1 to 10:1.

[0265] The ratio between the length and width of an aerosol-generating article may be greater than 1:1, greater than 2:1, greater than 3:1, greater than 4:1, or greater than 5:1.

[0266] The ratio between the length and width of an aerosol-generating article may be less than 10:1, less than 8:1, less than 5:1, less than 4:1, less than 3:1, or less than 2:1.

[0267] The ratio between the length and width of the aerosol-generating article may be 1:1 to 10:1, 1:1 to 5:1, 1:1 to 4:1, 1:1 to 3:1, 2:1 to 4:1, or 2:1 to 3:1.

[0268] Aerosol-generating articles may have a length of 15 mm or more, 20 mm or more, 25 mm or more, 30 mm or more, 35 mm or more, or 40 mm or more.

[0269] Aerosol-generating articles may have a length of 45 mm or less, 40 mm or less, 35 mm or less, or 30 mm or less.

[0270] The aerosol generating article may have a length of 15 mm to 45 mm, 20 mm to 40 mm, 20 mm to 35 mm, or 25 mm to 30 mm.

[0271] Aerosol-generating articles may have a width of 3 mm or more, 5 mm or more, 7.5 mm or more, 9 mm or more, 11 mm or more, or 13 mm or more.

[0272] Aerosol-generating articles may have a width of 17 mm or less, 15 mm or less, 12.5 mm or less, 11 mm or less, or 9 mm or less.

[0273] The aerosol generating article may have a width of 3 mm to 17 mm, 5 mm to 15 mm, 7.5 mm to 12.5 mm, or 9 mm to 11 mm.

[0274] The width of the aerosol generating article may be constant along at least 80% of the length of the aerosol generating article, at least 90% of the length of the aerosol generating article, or at least 95% of the length of the aerosol generating article. The width of the aerosol generating article may be constant along the substantial entire length of the aerosol generating article.

[0275] Aerosol-generating articles may have a thickness of 1 mm or more, 1.5 mm or more, 2 mm or more, 2.5 mm or more, 3 mm or more, 3.5 mm or more, 4 mm or more, or 4.5 mm or more.

[0276] Aerosol-generating articles may have a thickness of 5.5 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4.5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3.5 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2.5 mm or less, or 2 mm or less.

[0277] The aerosol generating article may have a thickness of 1 mm to 5 mm, 1.5 mm to 5 mm, 2 mm to 4.5 mm, 2.5 mm to 4 mm, or 3 mm to 3.5 mm.

[0278] For example, the aerosol generating article may have a length of, for example, 15 mm to 45 mm, a width of 5 mm to 15 mm, and a thickness of 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0279] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device for receiving an aerosol generating article as described herein is provided. The aerosol generating device comprises a cavity dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device comprises a heater or heating means, a power source for supplying power to the heater or heating means, and a controller for controlling the power supply to the heater or heating means. The aerosol generating device is configured to heat at least one of one or more aerosol generating substrates to form an aerosol, e.g., an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol generating device may be configured to heat each of one or more aerosol generating substrates to form an aerosol, e.g., an inhalable aerosol.

[0280] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device as disclosed herein and an aerosol generating article as disclosed herein. The system may include a plurality of such articles for use with the aerosol generating device.

[0281] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol generating material. The article can be heated upon use to generate an inhalable aerosol and deliver it to a consumer.

[0282] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating material" refers to a material capable of releasing a volatile compound upon heating, for example, a compound that generates an aerosol upon cooling and condensation when in use.

[0283] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that, when in use, interacts with an aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol, for example, by heating it.

[0284] As used herein, the term “planar” may generally refer to a feature formed on a single Euclidean plane that is not wrapped around a curved non-planar shape or other non-planar shape, or otherwise is not conformed to be fitted with it. A planar surface extends two dimensions in a single Euclidean plane. A planar object extends two dimensions in a single Euclidean plane substantially further than at a third dimension perpendicular to the plane. More specifically, a planar object may extend at least two, five, or ten times further to a first dimension and a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension than to a third dimension perpendicular to the first dimension.

[0285] As used herein, the term "transverse direction" refers to the direction extending between the first planar outer surface and the second planar outer surface. The transverse direction may also be referred to as the "z direction."

[0286] As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction. For example, it is the direction between the front and rear walls of an aerosol-generating article. The longitudinal direction may also be referred to as the "x-direction."

[0287] As used herein, the term "lateral direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions. For example, it is the direction from the first side wall to the second side wall of an aerosol-generating article. The lateral direction may also be referred to as the "y-direction."

[0288] As used herein, the term "thickness" refers to the maximum dimension in the transverse direction of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article.

[0289] As used herein, the term "length" refers to the maximum longitudinal dimension of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article.

[0290] As used herein, the term "width" refers to the maximum lateral dimension of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article.

[0291] As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative positions of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generating article with respect to the direction in which air or aerosol is transported through the aerosol generating article during use. The “upstream end” of the aerosol generating article, the component of the aerosol generating article, or the part of the component of the aerosol generating article may each be referred to as the “first end” or “distal end” of the aerosol generating article, the component, or the part of the component. The “downstream end” of the aerosol generating article, the component of the aerosol generating article, or the part of the component of the aerosol generating article may each be referred to as the “second end” or “proximal end” of the aerosol generating article, the component, or the part of the component.

[0292] As used herein, the term "bulk density" may refer to the total weight of an aerosol generating material divided by the bulk volume of the aerosol generating material.

[0293] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming agent" may refer to any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of an aerosol upon use. The aerosol may be a dense and stable aerosol. The aerosol may be substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate or aerosol-generating article.

[0294] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming agent content" may refer to the aerosol-forming agent content as a percentage based on dry weight, unless otherwise specified.

[0295] As used herein, "susceptor" refers to a conductive element that heats up when affected by a variable magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents and / or hysteresis losses induced within the susceptor element.

[0296] As used herein, the term "hydrophobic" refers to a surface that exhibits water repellency. One useful method for determining hydrophobicity is to measure the water contact angle. The "water contact angle" is the angle at which the liquid / vapor interface meets the solid surface, typically measured through a liquid. The water contact angle quantifies the wettability of a solid surface by a liquid using Young's equation.

[0297] As used herein, the term "equivalent diameter" of an opening or aperture is used herein to denote the diameter of a circular opening or aperture having the same cross-sectional area as the opening or aperture.

[0298] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-limiting, non-comprehensive list of embodiments is provided below. Any one or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other embodiments, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0299] EX1: An aerosol generating article for use with an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, wherein the aerosol generating article has a length extending in the x direction, a width extending in the y direction, and a thickness extending in the z direction, and wherein the aerosol generating article comprises one or more aerosol generating substrates and a cavity extending in the x direction between a first end of the cavity and a second end of the cavity.

[0300] EX2: An aerosol generating article comprising a first planar outer surface and a second planar outer surface in EX1.

[0301] EX3: An aerosol generating article in which, in EX2, the first planar outer surface extends in the x / y plane and the second planar outer surface extends in the x / y plane.

[0302] EX4: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX1 to EX3, wherein the cavity comprises a convergence section extending in the x-direction between the first end of the convergence section and the second end of the convergence section.

[0303] EX5: An aerosol generating article in which, in EX4, the width of the convergence section decreases along the length of the convergence section from the first end of the convergence section to the second end of the convergence section.

[0304] EX6: An aerosol generating article in which, in EX4 or EX5, the width of the convergence section decreases continuously along the entire length of the convergence section.

[0305] EX7: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX4 to EX6, wherein the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section is at least 30% of the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section.

[0306] EX8: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX4 to EX7, wherein the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section is 90% or less of the width of the convergence section.

[0307] EX9: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX4 to EX8, wherein the difference in width of the convergence section at the first end and the second end of the convergence section is 6 mm or less.

[0308] EX10: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX4 to EX9, wherein the difference in width of the convergence section at the first end and the second end of the convergence section is at least 2 mm.

[0309] EX11: An aerosol generating article, wherein in any one of EX4 to EX10, the converging section extends along at least 30% of the length of the cavity.

[0310] EX12: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX4 to EX11, wherein the converging section has a length of 80% or less of the length of the cavity.

[0311] EX13: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX4 to EX12, wherein the length of the convergence section is greater than the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section.

[0312] EX14: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX4 to EX13, wherein the length of the convergence section is at least 1.2 times the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section.

[0313] EX15: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX4 to EX14, wherein the difference between the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section and the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section, divided by the length of the convergence section, is 1 mm / mm or less.

[0314] EX16: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX4 to EX15, wherein the difference between the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section and the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section, divided by the length of the convergence section, is 0.1 mm / mm or more.

[0315] EX17: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX4 to EX15, wherein the common convergence section is substantially empty.

[0316] EX18: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX1 to EX17, wherein the aerosol generating article is a flat or planar aerosol generating article.

[0317] EX19: An aerosol generating article comprising a frame located between the first planar outer surface and the second planar outer surface in any one of EX2 to EX18.

[0318] EX20: An aerosol generating article in which, in EX19, the frame comprises a peripheral wall surface that surrounds or encloses at least a portion of the cavity.

[0319] EX21: An aerosol generating article in EX20, wherein the surrounding wall surface comprises a front wall surface, a rear wall surface, and one or more side wall surfaces extending between the front wall surface and the rear wall surface.

[0320] EX22: An aerosol generating article in which, in EX20 or EX21, the peripheral wall surface comprises a first convergent sidewall section and a second convergent sidewall section defining at least a portion of the length of the common convergent section.

[0321] EX23: An aerosol generating article in which, in EX22, the width of one or both of the first and second convergent sidewall sections increases along the x-direction.

[0322] EX24: An aerosol generating article in which, in EX22 or EX23, the inner surface of the first convergent sidewall section and the inner surface of the second convergent sidewall section are at an angle of 35 degrees or less with respect to each other.

[0323] EX25: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX22 to EX24, wherein the inner surface of the first convergent sidewall section and the inner surface of the second convergent sidewall section are at an angle of 5 degrees or more with respect to each other.

[0324] EX26: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX22 to EX25, wherein the outer surfaces of both the first convergent sidewall section and the second convergent sidewall section may be parallel to the x-direction.

[0325] EX27: In any one of EX4 to EX26, the aerosol generating article, wherein the converging section is positioned toward or at the second or downstream end of the cavity.

[0326] EX28: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX1 to EX27, wherein the cavity comprises a parallel section.

[0327] EX29: In EX28, the parallel section is an aerosol generating article located toward or at the first or upstream end of the cavity.

[0328] EX30: An aerosol generating article in EX28 or EX29, wherein the parallel section is located upstream of the convergent section.

[0329] EX31: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX28 to EX30, wherein the width of the parallel section is the same as the width of the convergent section at the first end of the convergent section.

[0330] EX32: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX28 to EX31, wherein the parallel section has a length of at least 20% of the length of the cavity.

[0331] EX33: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX28 to EX32, wherein the parallel section has a length of 70% or less of the length of the cavity.

[0332] EX34: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX28 to EX33, wherein at least one of the one or more aerosol generating materials is located in the common parallel section.

[0333] EX35: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX20 to EX34, wherein the parallel wall surface is formed of paper, cardboard or cardboard.

[0334] EX36: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX1 to EX35, wherein the aerosol generating article or the frame has a laminated structure.

[0335] EX37: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX1 to EX36, wherein one or more aerosol generating substrates comprise an aerosol generating material sheet defining at least a portion of the cavity.

[0336] EX38: An aerosol generating article comprising an outer wrapper that defines or forms at least one of the first planar outer surface and the second planar outer surface in any one of EX2 to EX37.

[0337] EX39: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX1 to EX38, wherein each of the one or more aerosol generating substrates comprises at least 5 weight% of an aerosol forming agent based on dry weight.

[0338] EX40: An aerosol generating article comprising an air inlet and an air outlet in any one of EX1 to EX39.

[0339] EX41: An aerosol generating article comprising, in EX40, an airflow passage extending between the air inlet and the air outlet through the above cavity.

[0340] EX42: In EX40 or EX41, the air inlet is defined by the frame, for example by the peripheral wall surface of the frame, for example by the front wall surface, an aerosol generating article.

[0341] EX43: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX45 to EX47, wherein the air outlet is defined by the frame, for example by the peripheral wall surface of the frame, for example by the rear wall surface.

[0342] EX44: An aerosol generating article comprising, in any one of EX40 to EX43, an airflow path or passage extending from the air inlet through a cavity, for example, through both a parallel section and a converging section of the cavity to the air outlet.

[0343] EX45: An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX44; and an aerosol generating device configured to heat at least one of one or more aerosol generating substrates of the aerosol generating article.

[0344] EX46: In EX45, the aerosol generating device comprises a cavity sized to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol generating article, a heater, a power source for supplying power to the heater, and a controller for controlling the power supply to the heater, an aerosol generating system. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0345] Now, embodiments will be further described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating article according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating article of Figure 1. FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of an aerosol generating article according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating article according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating article according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of an aerosol generating article according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating article according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 shows an exploded perspective view of an aerosol generating article according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system having the aerosol generating device of FIG. 8 connected to an aerosol generating article of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0346] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating article (10) comprising a first planar outer layer (24) forming a first planar outer surface (21), a second planar outer layer (25) forming a second planar outer surface (22), and a frame (50) located between the first planar outer layer (24) and the second planar outer layer (25). Both the first planar outer layer (24) and the second planar outer layer (25) comprise an aerosol generating substrate comprising an aerosol generating material, namely tobacco. However, it will be understood that in some embodiments, only one of the first planar outer layer (24) and the second planar outer layer (25) may comprise an aerosol generating substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating substrate may be located elsewhere within the aerosol generating article (10).

[0347] The aerosol generating article (10) has a length extending in the x direction, a width extending in the y direction, and a thickness extending in the z direction. The aerosol generating article (10) has a length of 30 mm, a width of 10 mm, and a thickness of 3.1 mm.

[0348] The aerosol generating article (10) is substantially flat or substantially planar aerosol generating article. In particular, the thickness of the aerosol generating article (10) is less than 50% of both the length and width of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article (10) has a shape that is generally rectangular and has a laminated structure formed by a first planar outer layer (24), a frame (50), and a second planar outer layer (25). The first planar outer layer (24), the frame (50), and the second planar outer layer (25) are bonded together using an adhesive, in particular guar gum, as will be discussed in more detail below in relation to FIG. 2.

[0349] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the aerosol generating article (10) of FIG. 1.

[0350] The frame (50) has a length of 30 mm, a width of 10 mm, and a thickness of 2.7 mm. The frame (50) is made of cardboard and defines a frame aperture that extends through the thickness of the frame (50). The frame aperture forms at least partially a cavity (30). The cavity (30) has a length of 26 mm, a width of 6 mm, and a thickness of 2.7 mm. The cavity (30) is substantially empty.

[0351] The frame (50) has an inner frame surface (52) extending in the z-direction or transverse direction between the first planar outer surface (21) and the second planar outer surface (22). The inner frame surface (52) defines a joint outer wall surface. The frame (50) has an outer frame surface (53) extending in the z-direction or transverse direction between the first planar outer surface (21) and the second planar outer surface (22). The outer frame surface (53) defines at least partially one or more outer surfaces of an aerosol generating article, such as a front wall (13) and a rear wall (14).

[0352] The frame (50) includes a perimeter wall surface (51) surrounding the cavity (30). More specifically, the perimeter wall surface (51) is defined by an inner surface (52) of the frame and an outer surface (53) of the frame.

[0353] The cavity (30) includes a parallel section (31) and a convergent section (32). The width of the convergent section (32) decreases from the first end of the convergent section (32) to the second end of the convergent section (32).

[0354] The surrounding wall surface (51) includes a front wall surface (13) and a rear wall surface (14). A parallel section (31) extends from the front wall surface (13) to a converging section (32). The converging section (32) extends from the parallel section (31) to the rear wall surface (14). Thus, the converging section (32) is located downstream of the parallel section. During use of the aerosol generating article (10), air is drawn into the article through the air inlet (10) of the aerosol generating article (11), then drawn in through the parallel section (31) of the cavity (30), then drawn in through the converging section (32) of the cavity (30), and then drawn out of the aerosol generating article (10) through the air outlet (12) of the aerosol generating article (10).

[0355] The surrounding wall surface (51) includes a first side wall surface and an opposing second side wall surface (62). The front wall surface (13), the rear wall surface (14), the first side wall surface (61), and the second side wall surface together define a common circumference. The first side wall surface includes a first parallel side wall surface portion (61) and a first convergent side wall surface portion (71). The first parallel side wall surface portion (61) extends from the front wall surface (13) to the first end of the first convergent side wall surface portion (71). The first convergent side wall surface portion (71) extends from the second end of the first parallel side wall surface portion (61) to the rear wall surface (14). The second side wall surface includes a second parallel side wall surface portion (62) and a second convergent side wall surface portion (72). The second parallel sidewall portion (62) extends from the front wall (13) to the first end of the second convergent sidewall portion (72). The second convergent sidewall portion (72) extends from the second end of the second parallel sidewall portion (71) to the rear wall (14).

[0356] Both the first convergent sidewall portion (71) and the second convergent sidewall portion (72) increase the width from the first end of the convergent section (32) to the second end of the convergent section (32AC). This can provide structural rigidity to the aerosol generating article (10).

[0357] The outer surface of both the first convergent sidewall portion (71) and the second convergent sidewall portion (72) is parallel to the x-direction.

[0358] The convergence section (32) has a length of 13 mm, a width of 6 mm at the first end of the convergence section (32), a width of 3 mm at the second end of the convergence section (32), and a thickness of 2.7 mm. Accordingly, the length of the convergence section (32) is greater than the width of the convergence section (32) at the first end of the convergence section (32).

[0359] The parallel section (32) has a length of 13 mm and a constant width of 2.7 mm along the entire length of the parallel section (32) of 6 mm.

[0360] The first planar outer layer (24) and the second planar outer layer (25) have a thickness of 200 μm and are in physical contact with the frame (50). The first planar outer layer (24) and the second planar outer layer (25) are bonded to the frame with an adhesive (15). The first planar outer layer (24) defines at least a portion of the cavity (30). The second planar outer layer (25) defines at least a portion of the cavity (30).

[0361] The air inlet (11) and air outlet (12) are defined by and extend through the peripheral wall surface (51) of the frame (50). The air inlet (11) and air outlet (12) each have a rectangular cross-section, a width of 3 mm, and a thickness of 0.9 mm. An airflow passage extends through a cavity (30) between the air inlet (11) and the air outlet (12).

[0362] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of an aerosol generating article similar to the aerosol generating article (10) of FIG. 1, except that the first planar outer layer (24) and the second planar outer layer (25) do not contain an aerosol generating substrate. Instead, the aerosol generating substrate (40) is located within the parallel section (31) of the cavity (30). The aerosol generating substrate (40) comprises an aerosol generating material in the form of a tobacco stick and has an aerosol forming agent content of 5% by weight based on dry weight. The tobacco stick may be wrapped in a wrapper. As shown, the aerosol generating substrate (40) fills the entire volume of the parallel section (31) of the cavity (30). In the example of FIG. 3, the aerosol generating substrate (40) has a packing density of about 0.87, a density of about 0.3 grams / cubic centimeter, and a mass of about 55 milligrams. In another example, the aerosol generating material (40) may have different packing densities, different densities, and different masses. For example, the aerosol generating material may have a packing density of 0.64, a density of 0.35 grams / cubic centimeter, and a mass of about 47 milligrams.

[0363] The convergence section (32) of the cavity (30) is empty. In particular, the aerosol generating material (40) does not extend into the convergence section (32) of the cavity (30).

[0364] FIG. 4 shows an aerosol generating article (10) similar to the aerosol generating article (10) of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, except that the aerosol generating article (10) of FIG. 4 includes an outer wrapper (23) defining a first planar outer surface (21) and a second planar outer surface (22) instead of a first planar outer layer (24) and a second planar outer layer (25).

[0365] FIG. 5 shows an aerosol generating article (10) similar to the aerosol generating article (10) of FIG. 1, except that the aerosol generating article (10) of FIG. 5 additionally includes a first aerosol generating substrate layer (41) and a second aerosol generating substrate layer (42). The first aerosol generating substrate layer (41) and the second aerosol generating substrate layer (42) are formed from sheets of aerosol generating material. In particular, the sheets of homogenized tobacco material have an aerosol forming agent content of 5% by weight based on dry weight. The first aerosol generating substrate layer (41) and the second aerosol generating substrate layer (42) each have a length equal to the length of the aerosol generating article (10), a width equal to the width of the aerosol generating article (10), and a thickness of 200 μm. That is, the aerosol generating article (10) has a length of 30 mm, a width of 10 mm, and a thickness of 3.5 mm.

[0366] The first aerosol generating substrate layer (41) and the second aerosol generating substrate layer (42) are in physical contact with the frame (50) and are bonded to the frame with an adhesive (15). The first aerosol generating substrate layer (41) defines at least a portion of the cavity (30). The second aerosol generating layer (42) defines at least a portion of the cavity (30).

[0367] The first planar outer layer (24) is physically in contact with the first aerosol generating substrate layer (41) and is bonded together with an adhesive (15). The second planar outer layer (25) is physically in contact with the second aerosol generating substrate layer (42) and is bonded together with an adhesive (15).

[0368] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of an aerosol generating article (10) similar to the aerosol generating article (10) of FIG. 5, except that the aerosol generating material (40) is located within the parallel section (31) of the cavity (30) as described in relation to FIG. 3. The aerosol generating material (40) comprises an aerosol generating material in the form of a tobacco stick and has an aerosol forming agent content of 5% by weight based on dry weight. As shown, the aerosol generating material (40) fills the entire volume of the parallel section (31) of the cavity (30).

[0369] FIG. 7 shows an aerosol generating article (10) similar to the aerosol generating article (10) of FIG. 5, except that the aerosol generating article (10) of FIG. 7 includes an outer wrapper (23) defining a first planar outer surface (21) and a second planar outer surface (22) instead of a first planar outer layer (24) and a second planar outer layer (25).

[0370] FIG. 8 shows an aerosol generating article similar to the aerosol generating article of FIG. 3, except that the aerosol generating material (40) does not fill the entire parallel section (31) of the cavity (30). Instead, the aerosol generating material (40) does not come into contact with the front wall surface (13). The aerosol generating material (40) also does not extend to the second end or downstream end of the parallel section (31) or to the first end or upstream end of the convergent section (32). The width of the packed aerosol generating material (40) is smaller than the width of the parallel section (31) of the cavity (30).

[0371] FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device (90) configured for use with the aerosol generating article (10) described herein. The aerosol generating device (90) is an elongated aerosol generating device extending between a proximal end (91) and a distal end (92). The aerosol generating device (90) includes a battery (93), a controller (94), a first heater (95), and a second heater (96) located within a housing (97). The controller (94) controls the power supply from the battery (93) to the first heater (95) and the second heater (96). A cavity (1000) is defined in the device (90), and the cavity (1000) has an opening (1010) defined at the proximal end (91) of the device (90). The opening (1010) is rectangular in shape and is dimensioned to accommodate a cross-section of the aerosol generating article (10). The cavity (1000) includes an upper planar surface (1020) and a lower planar surface (1030). A first heater (95) is located on the upper planar surface (1020) to heat the first planar outer surface (21) of an aerosol generating article (10) inserted into the cavity (1000), and a second heater (96) is located on the lower planar surface (1030) to heat the second planar outer surface (22) of an aerosol generating article (10) inserted into the cavity (1000). The device (90) includes an air inlet (98) that defines an airflow path configured to allow air to flow from outside the device into the cavity (1000).

[0372] FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system having an aerosol generating device (90) of FIG. 9 connected to an aerosol generating article (10) of FIG. 1. There is almost no tolerance between the first planar outer surface (21) and the second planar outer surface (22) of the aerosol generating article (10) and the inner surface (1020, 1030) of the cavity (1000). Therefore, there is a tight fit between the aerosol generating article (10) and the aerosol generating device (90). When a consumer inserts the aerosol generating article (10) into the cavity (1000), the device can be operated. The first heater (95) heats the first planar outer surface (21) of the aerosol generating article (10), and the second heater (96) heats the second planar outer surface (22) of the aerosol generating article, and as a result, the aerosol generating material is heated. The volatile components of the aerosol generating material evaporate and condense within the cavity (30) of the aerosol generating article (10) to form an aerosol. A consumer inhales the aerosol by sucking on the end of the aerosol generating article (10) which includes an air outlet (12). Once the volatile components in the aerosol generating material are depleted, the aerosol generating article (10) is removed from the cavity (1000) and disposed of.

[0373] For the purposes of this description and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood in all cases to be modified by the term “about.” Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and contain any intermediate ranges that may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. Accordingly, in this context, the number A is understood as 10% of A ± A. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include numerical values ​​within the general standard error for measuring the characteristic that the number A modifies. In some examples used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not substantially affect the basic and novel feature(s) of the claimed invention. Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and contain any intermediate ranges that may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

Claim 1 An aerosol generating article for use with an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, wherein the aerosol generating article has a length extending in the x direction, a width extending in the y direction, and a thickness extending in the z direction, and wherein the aerosol generating article comprises: a first planar outer surface; a second planar outer surface; one or more aerosol generating substrates; and a cavity extending in the x direction between a first end of the cavity and a second end of the cavity, wherein the cavity comprises a convergent section extending in the x direction between a first end of the convergent section and a second end of the convergent section, wherein the width of the convergent section decreases along the length of the convergent section from the first end of the convergent section to the second end of the convergent section, and the length of the convergent section is greater than the width of the convergent section at the first end of the convergent section. Claim 2 An aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the width of the convergence section decreases continuously along the entire length of the convergence section from the first end of the convergence section to the second end of the convergence section. Claim 3 An aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section is 30% to 90% of the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section. Claim 4 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section is 40% to 80% of the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section. Claim 5 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the difference between the width of the convergence section at the first end of the convergence section and the width of the convergence section at the second end of the convergence section, divided by the length of the convergence section, is 1 mm / mm or less. Claim 6 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the length of the convergence section is 30% or more of the length of the cavity. Claim 7 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a frame located between the first planar outer surface and the second planar outer surface, wherein the frame comprises a peripheral wall surface that surrounds or defines at least a portion of the cavity. Claim 8 An aerosol generating article according to claim 7, wherein the surrounding wall surface comprises a first convergent sidewall section and a second convergent sidewall section facing the first convergent sidewall section, and both the first convergent sidewall section and the second convergent sidewall section define at least a portion of the length of the common convergent section. Claim 9 In claim 8, the width of one or both of the first and second convergent sidewall sections increases along the x-direction, an aerosol generating article. Claim 10 An aerosol generating article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the inner surface of the first convergent sidewall section and the inner surface of the second convergent sidewall section form a constant angle with respect to each other, and said angle is 35 degrees or less. Claim 11 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the outer surface of the first convergent sidewall section is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the second convergent sidewall section. Claim 12 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the convergent section is positioned toward the second end of the cavity. Claim 13 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cavity comprises a non-converging section positioned toward the first end of the cavity. Claim 14 In paragraph 13, one or more aerosol generating materials are aerosol generating articles located in the common non-converging section. Claim 15 In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, the above common convergence section is empty, an aerosol generating article.

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