Aerosol generating substrate, aerosol generating article and aerosol generating system

Abstract

An aerosol generating substrate (10). A plurality of air passage holes (10a) are provided in the aerosol generating substrate (10), and extend in the direction of length. At least some of the air passage holes are divided into a plurality of groups, and the air passage holes in each group are radially distributed with respect to the central axis (10c) of the aerosol generating substrate in the direction of length. Radially distributing the air passage holes in the aerosol generating substrate facilitates a reduction in the adverse impact of the arrangement of the air passage holes on the structural strength of the aerosol generating substrate, thus mitigating air flow unsmoothness caused by a change in the cross sections of the air passage holes due to deformation of the aerosol generating substrate after being heated, and improving the vaping experience of a user. Further provided are an aerosol generating article (20) comprising the aerosol generating substrate, and an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating article.

Description

Aerosol generating substrate, aerosol generating product and aerosol generating system

[0001] Cross-references to related publications

[0002] The present disclosure is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202322982910.1, application date November 3, 2023, and invention name “Aerosol Generating Matrix, Aerosol Generating Product and Aerosol Generating System”, and claims the priority of the above-mentioned Chinese patent application. The entire content of the above-mentioned Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into the present disclosure as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of atomization technology, and in particular to an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating product, and an aerosol generating system. Background Art

[0004] Airway holes are provided in the aerosol-generating matrix. The aerosol-generating matrix can be atomized to form an aerosol by heating or other means, and the aerosol diffuses into the airway holes. Airflow enters from one end of the airway hole and, entrained with the aerosol, is discharged from the other end of the airway hole for inhalation by the user.

[0005] In related technologies, the aerosol-generating matrix is ​​formed by rolling up a thin sheet structure and forming airway holes within it. This can easily cause the direction and arrangement of the formed airway holes to become disordered, affecting the flow efficiency of the airway holes. Furthermore, during the heating process of the aerosol chamber-generating matrix, the thin sheet structures tend to shrink and adhere to each other, resulting in a smaller cross-section of the airway holes, affecting the user's puffing experience.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide an aerosol-generating substrate, an aerosol-generating article, and an aerosol-generating system that improve the flow efficiency of airflow.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention provides an aerosol generating substrate, in which a plurality of airway holes are provided. The airway holes extend along the length direction, and at least some of the airway holes are divided into multiple groups. The airway holes in each group are radially arranged about the central axis of the aerosol generating substrate along the length direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, any two cross-sections of the aerosol-generating substrate perpendicular to the length direction are identical.

[0011] In some embodiments, the number of the airway holes is no less than 5.

[0012] In some embodiments, the wall thickness between two adjacent airway holes is 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0013] In some embodiments, the ratio of the total volume of the airway pores to the total volume of the aerosol-generating substrate excluding the airway pores ranges from 1 / 5 to 5.

[0014] In some embodiments, the radial arrangement formed by the plurality of airway holes is a centrifugal radial arrangement; or a centripetal radial arrangement; or a concentric radial arrangement.

[0015] In some embodiments, each group of the airway holes is rotationally symmetric about the central axis;

[0016] And / or, each group of the airway holes is axisymmetric about a reference plane passing through the central axis.

[0017] In some embodiments, the number of groups of symmetrical airway holes is no less than 4.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of airway holes form a group, and in each group of the airway holes, the cross-sectional area of ​​each airway hole perpendicular to the length direction increases in a direction away from the central axis.

[0019] In some embodiments, between each group of the airway holes, the airway holes that are at the same distance from the central axis have the same cross-sectional area perpendicular to the length direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating matrix includes a plurality of spoke portions and a plurality of contour portions, both of which extend in the length direction, and each of the contour portions is concentric with the central axis and radially spaced from each other along the aerosol generating matrix. Two radially adjacent contour portions along the aerosol generating matrix are connected by the spoke portions, and the spoke portion between the two is circumferentially spaced from the aerosol generating matrix. The two radially adjacent contour portions along the central axis and the two circumferentially adjacent spoke portions between the two are jointly arranged to form the airway holes in each group.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the contour portion includes a plurality of protrusions, and the protrusions protrude in a radial direction of the central axis toward a direction away from the central axis.

[0022] In some embodiments, in a cross section perpendicular to the length direction, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion is one or a combination of arc, pointed angle and trapezoid;

[0023] And / or, at least part of the protrusion includes a first part and a second part, the cross-sectional shape of the first part is an arc, the cross-sectional shape of the second part is a rectangle, and one end of the first part along the arc direction is connected to one end of the second part along its length direction.

[0024] In some embodiments, the number of the protrusions on each of the contour portions is not less than 6.

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention further provides an aerosol-generating article, comprising a coating layer and the aerosol-generating substrate of any one of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the coating layer wraps around at least a portion of the circumferential surface of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0026] In some embodiments, a portion of the inner surface of the coating layer is spaced apart from the aerosol-generating substrate in a radial direction of the aerosol-generating substrate to jointly enclose an air gap, which extends in a longitudinal direction and penetrates the aerosol-generating article.

[0027] In some embodiments, the number of the air gaps is not less than 4; and / or the air gaps are uniformly distributed along the circumference of the central axis, and have the same cross-sectional area perpendicular to the length direction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the ratio of the area of ​​the aerosol-generating substrate in contact with the coating to the area of ​​the aerosol-generating substrate not in contact with the coating ranges from 1 / 8 to 5 / 2.

[0029] In some embodiments, the total volume of the air gaps is smaller than the total volume of the airway holes.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ratio of the total volume of the air gaps to the total volume of the airway holes ranges from 1 / 40 to 2 / 15.

[0031] An embodiment of the present invention further provides an aerosol generating system, comprising an aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating article of any of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element, and the heating element is used to heat the aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0032] The aerosol generating matrix in the embodiment of the present invention improves the utilization rate of the space within the aerosol generating matrix by arranging multiple groups of radially arranged airway holes. At the same time, the airway holes can be arranged in an orderly manner and independently of each other. On the one hand, this is conducive to arranging more airway holes in a limited space, thereby increasing the total area of ​​the inner wall of the airway hole; on the other hand, it is conducive to reducing the bends in the airway holes, so that the airflow can flow smoothly along the length direction, reducing the obstruction of the airflow flow, and improving the thermal utilization rate and airflow efficiency of the aerosol generating matrix; at the same time, the radial arrangement of the airway holes is conducive to reducing the adverse effect of the arrangement of the airway holes on the structural strength of the aerosol generating matrix, reducing the poor airflow caused by the change of the cross-section of the airway holes caused by the deformation of the aerosol generating matrix after heating, and improving the user's puffing experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating substrate according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the embodiment in FIG1 from another perspective;

[0035] FIG3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the AA position in FIG2 ;

[0036] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating substrate according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating substrate according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating substrate according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating substrate according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment in FIG8 at position BB;

[0042] FIG10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment in FIG8 at position CC, wherein the direction of the dotted arrow is the direction of airflow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the technical features in the embodiments may be combined with each other, and the detailed descriptions in the specific implementation methods should be understood as explanations of the embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as improper limitations on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the "length direction" orientation or position relationship is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in Figures 1 and 8. It should be understood that these orientation terms are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] An embodiment of the present invention provides an aerosol-generating substrate 10 for use in an aerosol-generating article 20 to generate an aerosol. Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 4 to 7, the aerosol-generating substrate 10 is provided with a plurality of airway holes 10a, which extend along the length direction. At least some of the airway holes 10a are divided into multiple groups, and the airway holes 10a in each group are radially arranged about the central axis 10c of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 along the length direction.

[0046] The aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating substrate is collected in the airway holes 10a. The airflow in the airway holes 10a can entrain the aerosol and eventually flow out of the aerosol-generating article.

[0047] The airway holes 10a are provided in a plurality. When the total volume of the aerosol generating matrix 10 is constant, it is beneficial to increase the total area of ​​the inner wall of the airway hole 10a. In this way, on the one hand, it is beneficial to improve the efficiency of the atomized aerosol entering the airway hole 10a; on the other hand, it is beneficial to improve the efficiency of the airflow in the airway hole 10a entraining the aerosol, thereby ultimately achieving the purpose of improving the user's puffing experience.

[0048] The central axis 10c of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 along the longitudinal direction refers to an axis passing through the geometric center of each cross section of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal direction.

[0049] The groups of airway holes 10 a are arranged radially, that is, the airway holes 10 a in each group are spaced apart along the circumference of the aerosol generating substrate 10 .

[0050] The aerosol generating matrix 10 in the embodiment of the present invention improves the utilization rate of the space inside the aerosol generating matrix 10 by arranging radially arranged airway holes 10a. At the same time, each airway hole 10a can be arranged in an orderly manner and independently of each other. On the one hand, this is conducive to arranging more airway holes 10a in a limited space, thereby increasing the total area of ​​the inner wall of the airway hole 10a; on the other hand, it is conducive to reducing the bends in the airway hole 10a, so that the airflow can flow smoothly along the length direction, reducing the obstruction of the airflow, and improving the thermal utilization rate and airflow efficiency of the aerosol generating matrix 10; at the same time, the radial arrangement of the airway holes 10a is conducive to reducing the adverse effect of the arrangement of the airway holes 10a on the structural strength of the aerosol generating matrix 10, reducing the poor airflow caused by the change in the cross-section of the airway hole 10a caused by the deformation of the aerosol generating matrix 10 after being heated, and improving the user's puffing experience.

[0051] The specific shape of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 is not limited. For example, referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , and FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 , the aerosol-generating substrate 10 is cylindrical.

[0052] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the length direction does not specifically refer to the direction in which the outer contour of the aerosol generating substrate 10 is the longest.

[0053] For example, when the aerosol-generating substrate 10 has a cylindrical outline, the length direction is the axial direction of the aerosol-generating substrate 10. It should be noted that even when the axial length of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 is smaller than its diameter, the length direction of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 is still the axial direction.

[0054] The specific components of the aerosol generating matrix 10 are not limited herein. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating matrix 10 may include plant components, auxiliary components, smoke generating components, adhesive components, etc.

[0055] In some embodiments, the plant component is one or more combinations of powders formed from crushed tobacco leaves, tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, and flavorful plants. The plant component is the core source of the flavor of the product. Endogenous substances in the plant component, such as nicotine, enter the human bloodstream through aerosolization, promoting dopamine production in the pituitary gland, thereby achieving a sense of physiological satisfaction.

[0056] In some embodiments, the auxiliary ingredient may be one or more combinations of inorganic fillers, lubricants, and emulsifiers. Inorganic fillers include one or more combinations of heavy calcium carbonate, light calcium carbonate, zeolite, attapulgite, talc, and diatomaceous earth. Inorganic fillers can provide skeletal support for the plant component and, because they have micropores, can increase the porosity of the wall material after the plant component is formed, thereby improving the aerosol release rate.

[0057] Lubricants include one or more of candelilla wax, carnauba wax, shellac, sunflower wax, rice bran, beeswax, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. Lubricants can increase particle flowability, reduce friction between particles, and achieve a more uniform particle density. They can also reduce mold pressure and reduce mold wear.

[0058] Emulsifiers include one or more combinations of polyglycerol fatty acid esters, Tween-80, and polyvinyl alcohol. Emulsifiers (also known as surfactants) reduce the interfacial tension between water-soluble and water-insoluble components in a mixed system and form a strong film on the surface of the droplets. Alternatively, due to the charge imparted by the emulsifier, an electrical double layer is formed on the droplet surface, preventing the droplets from agglomerating and maintaining a uniform emulsion. Emulsifying and homogenizing two immiscible components can improve the consistency of product quality.

[0059] The function of the smoke-generating agent component is to generate a large amount of vapor when heated, thereby increasing the amount of smoke produced by the smoking article. In one embodiment, the smoke-generating agent may include, for example, a monohydric alcohol (such as menthol); a polyhydric alcohol (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and glycerol); an ester of a polyhydric alcohol (such as glyceryl monoacetate, glyceryl diacetate, or glyceryl triacetate); a monocarboxylic acid; a polycarboxylic acid (such as lauric acid, myristic acid), or an aliphatic ester of a polycarboxylic acid (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, erythritol, 1,3-butylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, propylene carbonate, ethyl laurate, triactin, meso-erythritol, a mixture of diacetyl glycerides, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, ethyl vanillate, tributyrin, and lauryl acetate).

[0060] In some embodiments, the adhesive component is a natural plant-derived, non-ionically modified viscous polysaccharide, including one or more combinations of tamarind polysaccharide, pullulan, seaweed polysaccharide, locust bean gum, guar gum, and xyloglucan. The adhesive wetting and intimately contacting the product's component materials creates intermolecular attraction, thereby bonding the powders and liquids of the component materials. The use of a natural plant-derived, non-ionic adhesive can prevent the release of harmful substances such as methanol, formaldehyde, and acrolein caused by colloid modification, thereby improving the safety of the product.

[0061] It can be understood that the airway hole 10a is a hole in a macroscopic sense and can be identified by the naked eye.

[0062] In some embodiments, the airway holes 10a extend through the aerosol-generating substrate 10 along its length, allowing airflow outside the aerosol-generating substrate 10 to enter the airway holes 10a through an opening at one end of the airway holes 10a along its length. Simultaneously, after heating, the aerosol-generating substrate 10 atomizes to form an aerosol, which then diffuses into the airway holes 10a. Consequently, the airflow within the airway holes 10a can entrain the aerosol within the airway holes 10a and exit the airway through an opening at the other end of the airway holes 10a along its length. This achieves the goal of allowing the aerosol to be discharged from the aerosol-generating substrate 10 and inhaled by the user.

[0063] The aerosol-generating substrate 10 is formed with micropores, which are interconnected to form micro-airways. At least some of the micro-airways are connected to the airway pores 10a. Thus, the aerosol generated by the heated aerosol-generating substrate 10 can directly enter the airway pores 10a and be carried away by the airflow. Alternatively, the airflow can directly enter the micro-airways and then enter the airway pores 10a.

[0064] It can be understood that the micropores may be connected to each other, and some of the micropores may be connected while others may not; or all of the micropores may be connected to each other.

[0065] It is understandable that micropores are pores in a microscopic sense and cannot be directly identified by the naked eye.

[0066] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating matrix 10 is an integrated structure, which is beneficial to improving the overall structural strength of the aerosol generating matrix 10, reducing the probability of deformation of the aerosol generating matrix 10 during heating, resulting in obstruction of the airway holes 10a, and reducing the probability of failure caused by damage or breakage of the aerosol generating matrix 10 during transportation; at the same time, it is beneficial to improve the physical structure density of the aerosol generating matrix 10, and while ensuring the life of the number of puffs of the aerosol generating matrix 10, it is beneficial to increase the total cross-sectional area of ​​all airway holes 10a perpendicular to the length direction, so that the suction resistance and the airflow rate passing through are more appropriate, thereby improving the user experience.

[0067] The specific manufacturing method for manufacturing the aerosol generating substrate 10 as an integrated structure is not limited, for example, one or a combination of processes such as extrusion, injection molding, die casting, additive manufacturing, etc.

[0068] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 and 2 , any two cross-sections of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 perpendicular to its length are identical. That is, at any position along the length of the aerosol-generating substrate 10, the shapes and dimensions of its cross-sections perpendicular to its length remain consistent. This allows for smoother airflow within the airway apertures 10a, improving the efficiency of aerosol discharge from the aerosol-generating substrate 10. Furthermore, it can enhance the strength and rigidity of the aerosol-generating substrate 10, making the shape of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 more stable during use and reducing the likelihood of obstruction of the airway apertures 10a.

[0069] The specific number of the airway holes 10a is not limited.

[0070] For example, referring to Figures 1, 2, and 4 to 7, the number of airway holes 10a is no less than 5. This reduces the risk of excessive draw resistance of the aerosol-generating matrix 10 due to a small number of airway holes 10a, thereby facilitating appropriate draw resistance and ventilation during the user's inhalation process, thereby enhancing the user's experience.

[0071] The specific number of the airway holes 10a is not limited, for example, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.

[0072] By adjusting the cross-sectional area and number of the airway holes 10a perpendicular to the length direction, the total cross-sectional area of ​​all the airway holes 10a perpendicular to the length direction is adjusted, thereby adjusting the inhalation resistance and the efficiency of aerosol discharge from the aerosol generating matrix 10.

[0073] It is understandable that the distance between two adjacent airway holes 10a has an important influence on the heat transfer rate of the aerosol generating substrate 10 during the heating process and the draw resistance encountered by the air flow during the flow process.

[0074] In some embodiments, referring to FIG3 , the wall thickness between two adjacent airway holes 10 a is 0.01 mm (millimeter) to 0.2 mm, that is, 0.01 mm ≤ D ≤ 0.2 mm.

[0075] The wall thickness between two adjacent airway holes 10a is within the above-mentioned size range, which can ensure that the cross-sectional area of ​​the airway hole 10a perpendicular to the length direction is within a suitable range, thereby optimizing the flow velocity of the airflow and the aerosol transport flow rate, reducing the suction resistance, and at the same time, allowing the aerosol generating matrix 10 to maintain a certain structural strength, reducing the chance of deformation during use.

[0076] The specific value of the wall thickness between two adjacent airway holes 10a is not limited, for example, 0.01mm, 0.02mm, 0.05mm, 0.1mm, 0.15mm, 0.2mm, etc.

[0077] In some embodiments, the ratio of the total volume of the airway pores 10a to the total volume of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 excluding the airway pores 10a ranges from 1 / 5 to 5.

[0078] Within the above-mentioned ratio range, on the one hand, it is beneficial for the physical structure in the aerosol generating matrix 10 to meet the life requirements of the number of puffs, and at the same time, the aerosol generating matrix 10 maintains a certain structural strength, reducing the probability of deformation during use; on the other hand, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airway hole 10a perpendicular to the length direction is within a suitable range, thereby optimizing the flow velocity of the airflow and the aerosol transport flow rate, and reducing the suction resistance.

[0079] The specific ratio of the total volume of the airway pores 10a to the total volume of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 excluding the airway pores 10a is not limited, for example, 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 1 / 3, 1 / 2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.

[0080] The specific manner of radial arrangement of the multiple groups of airway holes 10a is not limited.

[0081] For example, the radial arrangement formed by the plurality of airway holes 10a is a centrifugal radial arrangement.

[0082] Centrifugal radiation refers to an arrangement in which the emission point is at the central axis 10c and the emission lines are emitted outward.

[0083] In this way, it is advantageous to arrange the airway holes 10a at the edge of the aerosol generating substrate 10 away from the central axis 10c, thereby improving the efficiency of the aerosol generated at this position being discharged from the aerosol generating substrate 10 along with the airflow.

[0084] For another example, the radial arrangement formed by the multiple airway holes 10a is a centripetal radial arrangement.

[0085] Centripetal radiation refers to an arrangement in which the emission point is outside and the light is emitted from the periphery toward the central axis 10c.

[0086] In this way, it is beneficial to better utilize the space at the edge of the aerosol generating substrate 10 away from the central axis 10c to arrange the airway holes 10a of larger size.

[0087] For another example, the radial arrangement formed by the multiple airway holes 10a is a concentric radial arrangement.

[0088] Concentric radiation refers to a pattern where the emission point starts from the central axis 10c and gradually expands into a repeated shape formed by concentric circles or polygonal gradual diffusion.

[0089] In this way, the airway holes 10 a are evenly and regularly arranged along the radial direction of the central axis 10 c toward the edge of the aerosol generating substrate 10 , which is beneficial for the manufacture of the aerosol generating article 20 .

[0090] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 , each group of airway holes 10 a is rotationally symmetric about the central axis 10 c .

[0091] That is, after the pattern of one group of airway holes 10a is rotated around the central axis 10c by a certain angle, it can completely overlap with the airway holes 10a of other groups.

[0092] This helps to make the airflow rate and airflow temperature between different airway holes 10a at various positions of the aerosol generating matrix 10 roughly the same, which helps to improve the user experience; at the same time, the arrangement of each group of airway holes 10a is regular, which is conducive to manufacturing.

[0093] The specific rotation angle required to achieve rotational symmetry is not limited, for example, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, etc.

[0094] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 4 , FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 , each group of airway holes 10 a is axisymmetric about a reference plane passing through the central axis 10 c .

[0095] That is, the number, shape and size of the airway holes 10a on both sides of the reference plane are completely equal.

[0096] This helps to make the airflow rate and airflow temperature between different airway holes 10a at various positions of the aerosol generating matrix 10 roughly the same, which helps to improve the user experience; at the same time, the arrangement of each group of airway holes 10a is regular, which is conducive to manufacturing.

[0097] It can be understood that the number of reference planes passing through the central axis 10c can be one or more.

[0098] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 , the number of groups of symmetrical airway holes 10 a is no less than four.

[0099] In this way, it is more conducive to making the air flow rate and air flow temperature between different airway holes 10a at various positions of the aerosol generating matrix 10 roughly the same, thereby improving the aerosol transportation efficiency.

[0100] The number of groups of symmetrical airway holes 10a is not limited, for example, 4 groups, 5 groups, 6 groups, 7 groups, 8 groups, etc.

[0101] It is understandable that the number of airway holes 10a in a group of airway holes 10a is multiple, and the cross-sectional areas perpendicular to the length direction of each airway hole 10a can be the same or different.

[0102] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 , a plurality of airway holes 10 a form a group. In each group of airway holes 10 a , the cross-sectional area of ​​each airway hole 10 a perpendicular to the length direction increases in a direction away from the central axis 10 c.

[0103] Each group includes a plurality of airway holes 10 a , that is, the airway holes 10 a in each group are arranged radially along the central axis 10 c .

[0104] The cross-sectional area perpendicular to the length direction of each airway hole 10a in each group increases radially away from the central axis 10c. In other words, the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the length direction of the airway holes 10a in each group is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the adjacent airway holes 10a radially away from the central axis 10c within the same group. This helps to increase the total cross-sectional area perpendicular to the length direction of all airway holes 10a.

[0105] At the same time, the heat exchange area between the airflow and the aerosol generating matrix 10 is gradually increased along the radial direction of the central axis 10c toward the direction away from the central axis 10c. In this way, the heat exchange effect between the airflow passing through the airway hole 10a and the aerosol generating matrix 10 is improved, which facilitates the aerosol generating matrix 10 to dissipate heat faster after heating, thereby helping to reduce the airflow temperature, reducing the probability of the aerosol generating matrix 10 failing due to excessive temperature, and reducing the probability of the user burning their mouth during inhalation.

[0106] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 , among each group of airway holes 10 a , the airway holes 10 a that are at the same distance from the central axis 10 c have the same cross-sectional area perpendicular to the length direction.

[0107] In this way, the flow rate of the airflow passing through the aerosol generating substrate 10 is consistent at positions with the same distance from the central axis 10c, which is beneficial to improving the aerosol discharge efficiency and the heat exchange effect of the airflow.

[0108] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 and 2 , the airway holes 10a include a central hole 10b, with a central axis 10c extending through the central hole 10b. This radial arrangement of airway holes 10a surrounds the central hole 10b radially outwardly of the central axis 10c. The provision of the central hole 10b further improves space utilization within the aerosol-generating matrix 10, increasing the total cross-sectional area of ​​all airway holes 10a, further enhancing aerosol discharge efficiency and heat exchange performance, and improving the user experience.

[0109] It can be understood that the central axis 10c passes through the geometric center of the cross section of the central hole 10b perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0110] The shape of the cross section of the central hole 10b perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is not limited, for example, circular, polygonal, etc.

[0111] The specific form of forming the airway hole 10a is not limited.

[0112] Exemplarily, referring to Figures 1, 2, 4 to 7, the aerosol generating matrix 10 includes a plurality of spoke portions 11 and a plurality of contour portions 12, the spoke portions 11 and the contour portions 12 both extend in the length direction, each contour portion 12 is concentric with respect to the central axis 10c and spaced apart from each other along the radial direction of the aerosol generating matrix 10, two radially adjacent contour portions 12 along the aerosol generating matrix 10 are connected by the spoke portion 11, and the spoke portion 11 between the two is spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating matrix 10, the two radially adjacent contour portions 12 along the central axis 10c, and the two circumferentially adjacent spoke portions 11 between the two along the central axis 10c are jointly arranged to form the airway holes 10a in each group.

[0113] Each spoke portion 11 connects two adjacent contour portions 12 radially along the central axis 10c, thereby stabilizing the structure between the contour portions 12. This allows the radial force acting on the aerosol-generating substrate 10 along the central axis 10c to be transmitted to the multiple contour portions 12 via the spoke portions 11, distributing the force. This helps maintain the structural stability of the aerosol-generating substrate 10, improves its structural strength, and reduces the likelihood of deformation of the aerosol-generating substrate 10, which could lead to increased inhalation resistance and poor airflow.

[0114] It can be understood that, referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , and FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 , the contour portion 12 is closed along the circumference of the central axis 10 c.

[0115] In the embodiment with the central hole 10 b , referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , and FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 , the radially innermost contour portion 12 along the central axis 10 c is arranged to form the central hole 10 b .

[0116] It can be understood that the thickness of the contour portion 12 and the thickness of the spoke portion 11 are the wall thickness between two adjacent airway holes 10 a.

[0117] It will be appreciated that the outermost contoured portion 12 forms part of the outer contour of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 .

[0118] The specific structural form of the contour portion 12 is not limited.

[0119] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7 , at least a portion of the contour portion 12 has a circular cross-section perpendicular to the length direction, so that the contour portion 12 is subjected to uniform force, thereby reducing the probability of deformation of the aerosol generating substrate 10 under force.

[0120] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1, 2, and 4 to 7, at least a portion of the contour portion 12 includes a plurality of protrusions 121. The protrusions 121 protrude radially from the central axis 10c in a direction away from the central axis 10c. In other words, a portion of the protrusions 121 along the circumference of the central axis 10c is farther from the central axis 10c than other portions.

[0121] In this way, the radially distributed groups of airway holes 10a are centrifugally distributed, which is conducive to arranging the airway holes 10a with a larger cross-sectional area at the edge of the aerosol generating matrix 10 away from the central axis 10c, thereby improving the efficiency of the aerosol generated at this position being discharged from the aerosol generating matrix 10 along with the airflow.

[0122] It can be understood that, in the same contour portion 12 , the plurality of protrusions 121 are connected end to end along the circumferential direction of the central axis 10 c to form the contour portion 12 .

[0123] The specific shape of the protrusion 121 is not limited.

[0124] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , and FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 , in a cross section perpendicular to the length direction, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 121 is one or a combination of arc, pointed angle, and trapezoid.

[0125] That is to say, on a contour portion 12, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 121 can be only an arc shape, only an angular shape, only a trapezoidal shape, a combination of any two of the above three shapes, or a combination of the above three shapes.

[0126] In this way, by configuring protrusions 121 of different shapes, it is beneficial to form an airway hole 10a with a suitable cross-sectional area by matching protrusions 121 of different shapes. At the same time, the shape of the aerosol generating matrix 10 can better adapt to the installation space in the aerosol generating product 20, thereby improving the adaptability of the aerosol generating matrix 10.

[0127] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 6 , at least part of the protrusion 121 includes a first portion 121 a and a second portion 121 b , the first portion 121 a has an arc-shaped cross-section, the second portion 121 b has a rectangular cross-section, and one end of the first portion 121 a along the arc direction is connected to one end of the second portion 121 b along its length direction.

[0128] In this way, it is beneficial to form the airway hole 10a with a suitable cross-sectional area.

[0129] It is understandable that the number of protrusions 121 on different contour portions 12 may be the same or different.

[0130] The number of protrusions 121 on the same contour portion 12 is not limited.

[0131] For example, referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 4 , FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 , the number of protrusions 121 on each contour portion 12 is not less than 6.

[0132] In this way, a plurality of airway holes 10a are formed on the aerosol generating substrate 10, thereby improving the aerosol discharge efficiency and the heat exchange effect of the airflow.

[0133] The number of the protrusions 121 is not limited, for example, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, etc.

[0134] The following is a brief introduction to various specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0135] First embodiment

[0136] 1 to 3 , the outer contour portion 12 includes three concentrically arranged layers. The innermost layer of the outer contour portion 12 has a circular cross-section. The other two layers of the outer contour portion 12 are each formed by eight protrusions 121 connected end to end along the circumference of the central axis 10 c and closed. The cross-sections of the protrusions 121 are all arc-shaped.

[0137] Second embodiment

[0138] Referring to Figure 4, it includes three concentrically arranged contour portions 12, each of which is formed by six protrusions 121 connected end to end along the circumference of the central axis 10c. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusions 121 of the two inner contour portions 12 is pointed, and the cross-sectional shape of the protrusions 121 of the outermost contour portion 12 is arc-shaped.

[0139] Third embodiment

[0140] 5 , the present invention comprises three concentrically arranged contour portions 12 , each of which is formed by six protrusions 121 connected end to end along the circumference of the central axis 10 c . The cross-sectional shape of the protrusions 121 of the two inner contour portions 12 is pointed, and the cross-sectional shape of the protrusions 121 of the outermost contour portion 12 is trapezoidal.

[0141] Fourth embodiment

[0142] 6 , the outermost contour portion 12 includes three concentrically arranged layers. The innermost contour portion 12 has a circular cross-sectional shape. The middle contour portion 12 has four protrusions 121 including a first portion 121 a and a second portion 121 b. The outermost contour portion 12 has four protrusions 121 with an arc-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0143] Fifth embodiment

[0144] 7 , the structure includes four concentrically arranged layers of contour portions 12 , the inner three layers of contour portions 12 have circular cross-sections, and the outermost layer of contour portion 12 has twenty protrusions 121 with arc-shaped cross-sections.

[0145] An embodiment of the present invention further provides an aerosol-generating article 20 . Referring to FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 , the aerosol-generating article 20 includes a coating layer 21 and an aerosol-generating substrate 10 according to any of the aforementioned embodiments. The coating layer 21 wraps around at least a portion of the circumferential surface of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 .

[0146] The covering layer 21 can provide a certain degree of protection for the aerosol-generating matrix 10, reducing the surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating matrix 10 directly exposed to the outside world, thereby reducing the probability of the aerosol-generating matrix 10 becoming damp and deteriorating due to contact with air. At the same time, it also reduces the probability of the aerosol-generating matrix 10 being contaminated by contact with other components.

[0147] It is understood that the material of the coating layer 21 is different from the material of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 .

[0148] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 9 , the inner surface of a portion of the coating layer 21 and the aerosol-generating substrate 10 are spaced apart radially from each other to form an air gap 20a. The air gap 20a extends longitudinally and penetrates the aerosol-generating article 20. In other words, air can flow through the air gap 20a from one end of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 to the other end along the longitudinal direction.

[0149] In this way, while ensuring that a portion of the inner surface of the wrapping layer is in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate 10 to prevent relative movement between the wrapping layer 21 and the aerosol-generating substrate 10, the flow rate of the airflow passing through the aerosol-generating article 20 is improved.

[0150] It will be appreciated that the aerosol formed by the aerosol-generating substrate 10 is able to enter the air gap 20a.

[0151] In some embodiments, the number of the air gaps 20 a is not less than four, which further helps to increase the flow rate of the airflow passing through the aerosol-generating article 20 .

[0152] The specific number of the air gaps 20a is not limited, for example, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, etc.

[0153] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9 , the air gaps 20a are uniformly distributed along the circumference of the central axis 10c and have equal cross-sectional areas perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This facilitates uniform distribution of airflow through the aerosol-generating article 20, thereby improving aerosol discharge efficiency and heat exchange performance.

[0154] It is understood that in the embodiment where the outermost contour portion 12 of the aerosol generating substrate 10 is provided with protrusions 121 , two adjacent protrusions 121 and the inner surface of the wrapping layer together enclose an air gap 20 a .

[0155] It can be understood that the area between two adjacent air gaps 20 a along the circumference of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 is the contact portion between the wrapping layer and the aerosol-generating substrate 10 .

[0156] In some embodiments, the ratio of the area of ​​the aerosol-generating substrate 10 in contact with the coating 21 to the area of ​​the aerosol-generating substrate 10 not in contact with the coating 21 ranges from 1 / 8 to 5 / 2.

[0157] Within this ratio range, it is beneficial to ensure that the ventilation effect of the air gap 20a and the resulting draw resistance meet the requirements while ensuring that there is sufficient contact area between the aerosol generating substrate 10 and the covering layer 21, thereby reducing the probability of relative movement between the two.

[0158] The specific ratio of the area of ​​the contact portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 and the coating layer 21 to the area of ​​the non-contact portion is not limited, for example, 1 / 8, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 1, 3 / 2, 2, 5 / 2, etc.

[0159] In some embodiments, the total volume of the air gap 20a is smaller than the total volume of the airway hole 10a. This facilitates the airflow rate through the airway hole 10a to be greater than the airflow rate through the air gap 20a, thereby improving the aerosol discharge efficiency and enhancing the user's puffing experience.

[0160] In some embodiments, the ratio of the total volume of the air gap 20a to the total volume of the airway hole 10a ranges from 1 / 40 to 2 / 15, which is further beneficial to improving the aerosol discharge efficiency and enhancing the user's inhalation experience.

[0161] The specific ratio of the total volume of the air gap 20a to the total volume of the airway hole 10a is not limited, for example, 1 / 40, 1 / 30, 1 / 20, 1 / 15, 2 / 15, etc.

[0162] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 10 , the aerosol-generating article 20 further includes a support segment 22 , which is located upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 along the airflow direction, and a portion of the inner surface of the wrapping layer is in contact with the support segment 22 . In this way, the tendency of relative movement between the aerosol-generating substrate 10 and the wrapping layer is limited by the support segment 22 .

[0163] In some embodiments, airflow can pass through the support segment 22 .

[0164] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 10 , the aerosol-generating article 20 further includes a functional segment 23. The functional segment 23 is located downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 10 in the airflow direction. The functional segment 23 is provided with a through-hole extending along its length, allowing airflow to pass through the through-hole in a first direction. Heat exchange between the functional segment 23 and the airflow can reduce the airflow temperature.

[0165] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 10 , the aerosol generating article 20 further includes a filter section 24 , which is located at the downstream end of the aerosol generation along the airflow direction. The filter section 24 can filter impurities in the airflow, thereby improving the user experience.

[0166] An embodiment of the present invention further provides an aerosol generating system, which includes an aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating article 20 of any of the aforementioned embodiments. The aerosol generating device includes a heating element, which is used to heat the aerosol generating substrate 10 to generate an aerosol.

[0167] The specific method by which the heating element heats the aerosol-generating substrate 10 is not limited.

[0168] For example, the heating element is a resistor / electromagnetic heating wire / sheet / needle / tube, and the heating element is attached to the aerosol generating product 20. After the heating element is turned on, it transfers heat to the aerosol generating matrix 10 so that the aerosol generating matrix 10 generates an aerosol; for another example, the heating element is an infrared / microwave / laser heating device, and the infrared / microwave / laser heating device irradiates high-energy infrared rays / microwaves / lasers to the aerosol generating product 20 to heat the aerosol generating matrix 10, so that the aerosol generating matrix 10 generates an aerosol.

[0169] The specific arrangement of the heating element is not limited, and it can be arranged on the outside of the wrapping layer; or it can be inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 10 and contact the aerosol generating substrate 10.

[0170] The various embodiments / implementations provided in this application can be combined with each other without causing any contradiction.

[0171] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application. Industrial Applicability

[0172] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating product, and an aerosol generating system, which are beneficial for reducing the adverse effects of the arrangement of airway holes on the structural strength of the aerosol generating substrate, and reducing the poor airflow caused by the deformation of the aerosol generating substrate after being heated, which causes changes in the cross-section of the airway holes.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating substrate, wherein: The aerosol generating matrix is ​​provided with a plurality of airway holes, the airway holes extending along the length direction, at least part of the airway holes are divided into a plurality of groups, and the airway holes in each group are radially arranged about the central axis of the aerosol generating matrix along the length direction.

2. The aerosol-generating substrate according to claim 1, wherein Any two cross sections of the aerosol generating substrate perpendicular to the length direction are consistent.

3. The aerosol-generating substrate according to claim 1, wherein The number of the airway holes is not less than 5.

4. The aerosol-generating substrate according to claim 1, wherein The wall thickness between two adjacent airway holes is 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm.

5. The aerosol-generating substrate according to claim 1, wherein The ratio of the total volume of the airway pores to the total volume of the aerosol generating substrate excluding the airway pores is in the range of 1 / 5 to 5.

6. The aerosol-generating substrate of claim 1, wherein The radial arrangement formed by the plurality of airway holes is a centrifugal radial arrangement; or a centripetal radial arrangement; or a concentric radial arrangement.

7. The aerosol-generating substrate of claim 1, wherein Each group of the airway holes is rotationally symmetric about the central axis; And / or, each group of the airway holes is axisymmetric about a reference plane passing through the central axis.

8. An aerosol-generating substrate according to claim 7, wherein The number of groups of the airway holes that are symmetrical to each other is no less than 4.

9. The aerosol-generating substrate of claim 1, wherein The plurality of airway holes form a group, and in each group of the airway holes, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the airway holes perpendicular to the length direction increases in a direction away from the central axis.

10. The aerosol-generating substrate of claim 1, wherein Between each group of the airway holes, the airway holes that are at the same distance from the central axis have the same cross-sectional area perpendicular to the length direction.

11. The aerosol-generating substrate of claim 1 , wherein: The aerosol generating matrix includes a plurality of spoke portions and a plurality of contour portions, both of which extend in the length direction, and each of the contour portions is concentric with respect to the central axis and spaced apart from each other along the radial direction of the aerosol generating matrix, and two radially adjacent contour portions along the aerosol generating matrix are connected by the spoke portions, and the spoke portion between the two is spaced apart circumferentially along the aerosol generating matrix, and two radially adjacent contour portions along the central axis and two circumferentially adjacent spoke portions between the two are jointly arranged to form the airway holes in each group.

12. An aerosol-generating substrate according to claim 11, wherein At least a portion of the contour portion includes a plurality of protrusions, and the protrusions protrude in a radial direction of the central axis toward a direction away from the central axis.

13. An aerosol-generating substrate according to claim 12, wherein On a cross section perpendicular to the length direction, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion is one or a combination of arc, pointed angle and trapezoid; And / or, at least part of the protrusion includes a first part and a second part, the cross-sectional shape of the first part is an arc, the cross-sectional shape of the second part is a rectangle, and one end of the first part along the arc direction is connected to one end of the second part along its length direction.

14. An aerosol-generating substrate according to claim 12, wherein The number of the protrusions on each of the contour portions is not less than 6.

15. An aerosol-generating article, wherein: The aerosol-generating article comprises a covering layer and the aerosol-generating substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the covering layer wraps around at least a portion of a circumferential surface of the aerosol-generating substrate.

16. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 15, wherein The inner surface of a portion of the coating layer is spaced apart from the aerosol generating substrate along the radial direction of the aerosol generating substrate to jointly enclose an air gap, and the air gap extends along the length direction and penetrates the aerosol generating article.

17. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 16, wherein The number of the air gaps is not less than 4; and / or the air gaps are evenly distributed along the circumference of the central axis, and have the same cross-sectional area perpendicular to the length direction.

18. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 16, wherein The ratio of the area of ​​the aerosol generating substrate in contact with the coating layer to the area of ​​the non-contacting portion ranges from 1 / 8 to 5 / 2.

19. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 16, wherein The total volume of the air gaps is smaller than the total volume of the airway holes.

20. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 19, wherein The ratio of the total volume of the air gaps to the total volume of the airway holes ranges from 1 / 40 to 2 / 15.

21. An aerosol generating system, wherein: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 15 to 20 and an aerosol-generating device, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

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