Article for aerosol provision system and aerosol provision system

Abstract

There is provided an article for an aerosol provision system and an aerosol provision system. The article comprises an aerosol generating material capable of being heated to produce an aerosol, and having a porous region along the length direction of the article. The interior of the porous region comprises a pore that is randomly distributed or distributed according to a predetermined pattern, wherein the pore allows air to pass through. Through the present application, debris and condensate can be blocked to prevent their deposition in the heating chamber, thereby improving the hygiene of the device.

Description

[0001] ARTICLE FOR AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM AND AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of aerosol provision technology, particularly to an article for an aerosol provision system and an aerosol provision system.

[0004] Background

[0005] Articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use to generate tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by producing noncombustible articles that release compounds. An example of such an article is the so-called "heated but non-combustible" article, also known as tobacco heating article or tobacco heating device, which generates aerosols from aerosol generating materials (such as tobacco containing substrate) by heating but not burning the material.

[0006] Aerosol generating materials may be present as a component of an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article is physically separated from the aerosol generating device. Such an aerosol generating article may be received in the chamber of the aerosol generating device (i.e. , heating chamber). In use, the aerosol generating device may provide electrical power to transfer heat from a heat source to the aerosol generating material. During the use of this known aerosol generating device, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol generating material through heat transfer from a heat source and are carried in the air of the aerosol generating article that has been puffed. When the released compound cools, it condenses to form aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer.

[0007] However, it has been found that condensate and debris can accumulate in the heating chamber. Generally, the tobacco stick is wrapped within thin paper to form an article for aerosol generation devices, but this structure cannot prevent condensate from depositing in the heating chamber.

[0008] Summary

[0009] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an article for an aerosol provision system and an aerosol provision system.

[0010] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided an article for an aerosol provision system. The article comprises an aerosol generating material capable of being heated to produce an aerosol, and having a porous region along the length direction of the article. The interior of the porous region comprises a pore that is randomly distributed or distributed according to a predetermined pattern, wherein the pore allows air to pass through.

[0011] The pore in the porous region may allow air to pass through the article during the puffing process, which may facilitate puffing and allows volatile compounds to be fully released from the aerosol generating material. The structure of the aerosol generating material itself may block debris and condensate to prevent their deposition in the heating chamber, thereby improving the hygiene of the device.

[0012] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, the porous region may comprise multiple pores with at least some of the pores having different diameters.

[0013] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, the diameters of adjacent pores may be different.

[0014] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating material may be formed into at least two layered structures, wherein each of the layered structures may have a first through-hole passing along the length direction of the article, and the first through-hole may form part of the pore.

[0015] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, each of the layered structures may have multiple first through-holes, and at least some of the first through-holes may have different diameters.

[0016] Debris of different sizes may be blocked, thereby reducing the deposition of debris in the heating chamber.

[0017] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, the apertures of the first through-holes on adjacent layers of the layered structures may be at least partially staggered.

[0018] By arranging the apertures of the first through-holes on adjacent layers of the layered structure to be at least partially staggered, the effectiveness of blocking debris and condensate may be further improved, and the deposition of debris and condensate in the heating chamber may be reduced.

[0019] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, the diameter of the first through-holes may be from 0.01mm to half of the maximum width of the cross-section of the layered structures.

[0020] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, each of the layered structures may further comprise a second through-hole located at its center, and all the second through-holes on the layered structures may be coaxially aligned. The second through-holes allow a heating element to pass through.

[0021] It can be understood that by the arrangement of a second through-hole located at the center of each layer of the layered structure, and the arrangement of all the second through- holes on the layered structure to be coaxially aligned allowing the heating element to pass through, the heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol generating material to generate aerosols.

[0022] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, the diameters of all the second through-holes in the layered structures may be the same.

[0023] The heating element may be easily passed through and the aerosol generating material can be heated as evenly as possible.

[0024] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, the diameter of the second through-holes may be from 0.01mm to half of the maximum width of the cross-section of the layered structures.

[0025] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating material may also be formed into multiple stacked strip-like structures in the width direction of the article, and along the airflow path inside the article, at least two of the layered structures may be located upstream of the strip-like structures.

[0026] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, the length direction of the strip-like structures may be aligned with the length direction of the article.

[0027] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, at least two of the stacked layered structures may form a first module, the multiple stacked striplike structures may form a second module, at least two of the first modules and at least two of the second modules may be spaced apart along the length direction of the article, and at least one of the first modules may be located at the upstream of the airflow path of the article.

[0028] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco.

[0029] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, the article may further comprise packaging material, wherein the packaging material may comprise a packaging layer covering the exterior of the aerosol generating material. In embodiments of the or any of the above articles for an aerosol provision system, the article may further comprise: a filter element arranged at one end away from the aerosol generating material; a hollow tube arranged between the aerosol generating material and the filter element.

[0030] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system, wherein the system comprises at least an article of the or any of the above articles, and a heating device. The heating device may comprise a heating element passing through the article to heat the aerosol generating material of the article.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided an article for an aerosol provision system, wherein the article comprises aerosol generating material configured to be heated to produce aerosol, the aerosol generating material having a porous region, wherein an interior of the porous region comprises a plurality of pores that are one of randomly distributed and distributed according to a predetermined pattern, and wherein the plurality of pores allow air to pass through.

[0032] In embodiments of the or any of the above articles, the plurality of pores allow air to pass through the porous region. In embodiments of the or any of the above articles, the plurality of pores allow air to pass through the porous region along the length direction of the article.

[0033] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system, wherein the system comprises an article of the or any of the above articles, and an aerosol provision device, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a heating element configured to extend in the article to heat the aerosol generating material of the article.

[0034] The above one or more embodiments may have at least one or more beneficial effects as follows:

[0035] In the implementation of embodiments above, the article used for the aerosol provision system is configured to comprise an aerosol generating material, and the aerosol generating material is configured to have a porous region along the length direction of the article, and the interior of the porous region comprises a pore that is randomly distributed or distributed according to a predetermined pattern, wherein the pore allows air to pass through. Debris and condensate may be blocked to prevent their deposition in the heating chamber, thereby improving the hygiene of the device.

[0036] Additional aspects and advantages will be partially described in the following description, some will become apparent from the following description, and others will be learned through the practice of the application. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the disclosed content of the present application will become easier to understand. It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. In addition, similar numbers in the figure are used to represent similar components, where:

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic structure diagram of an aerosol generating material of an article for an aerosol provision system;

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic structure diagram of an aerosol generating material of an article for an aerosol provision system;

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an article for an aerosol provision system;

[0041] Figure 4 is a front view of an article for an aerosol provision system ;

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of an article for an aerosol provision system;

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of an article for an aerosol provision system; and

[0044] Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of an article for an aerosol provision system.

[0045] Detailed Description

[0046] The following describes some embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only for explaining the technical principles and are not intended to limit the scope of protection.

[0047] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0048] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0049] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

[0050] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

[0051] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0052] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0053] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0054] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0055] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0056] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a noncombustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0057] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0058] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0059] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0060] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosolmodifying agent.

[0061] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0062] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosolformer materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0063] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0064] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0065] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0066] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

[0067] Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

[0068] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0069] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0070] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0071] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis. In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0072] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0073] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0074] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0075] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0076] The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0077] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosolgenerating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0078] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0079] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosolmodifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0080] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0081] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system / device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0082] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol-generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a “cartomizer”) and the reusable device part will comprise the power provision (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol-generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol-generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices. Systems and devices conforming to this type modular configuration may generally be referred to as a multi-part modular configuration or multi-part systems / devices.

[0083] It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

[0084] Existing articles for aerosol provision systems are prone to condensate and debris deposition in the heating chamber during the process of heating the aerosol generating material contained in the article to form aerosols for puffing by the user. Embodiment one

[0085] Figure 1 is a schematic structure diagram of an aerosol generating material of an article for an aerosol provision system. Referring to Figure 1 , the aerosol generating material generally comprises an aerosol generating material that can be heated to generate aerosols. In embodiments, the aerosol generating material has a porous region 600 along the length direction of the article, and the interior of the porous region 600 comprises pores 610 that are randomly distributed or distributed according to a predetermined pattern, wherein the pores 610 allow air to pass through. The pores 610 in the porous region 600 allow air to pass through the article during the puffing process, which facilitates puffing and allows volatile compounds to be fully released from the aerosol generating material. The structure of the aerosol generating material itself can block debris (such as debris from the aerosol generating material or debris from the heated aerosol generating material) and condensate to prevent their deposition in the heating chamber, thereby improving the hygiene of the device.

[0086] The porous region 600 may comprise one pore 610. The porous region may comprise at least one pore 610.

[0087] It should be noted that in embodiments, no limitation is imposed on the predetermined pattern. That is, in embodiments, no specific limitation is imposed on the arrangement of the pores 610 in the pore region 600. The arrangement can be made according to actual requirements.

[0088] In embodiments, the pores 610 in the porous region 600 may comprise a plurality of pores, at least some of which have different diameters. In embodiments, the diameters of the pores 610 may be the same, or different, or may be partially the same and partially different. In embodiments, at least some of the pores 610 have different diameters. Since the aerosol generating materials may generate some debris before, during, or after being heated, and the size of these debris may also be unequal, by configuring the diameters of at least some of the pores 610 to be different, debris of different sizes may be blocked and their deposition in the heating chamber may be reduced.

[0089] In embodiments, the diameters of adjacent pores 610 may be different. “Adjacent pores” 610 refers to two pores that are closest to each other in any direction. That is, there is no other pore between the two pores in that direction.

[0090] Embodiment two

[0091] The difference from Embodiment one is that the structure of the article for the aerosol provision system in the embodiment of the present application is different from the structure of the article for the aerosol provision system in Embodiment one. Referring to Figures 2 to 5, in embodiments, the aerosol generating material may be formed into at least two layered structures 100, and the at least two layered structures 100 are stacked and arranged in the length direction of the article. Each layered structure 100 is provided with a respective first through-hole 110, which penetrates the respective layered structure 100 along the length direction of the article, and is formed as a part of the pore 610. First through-hole 110 on the layered structure 100 of the aerosol generating material may allow air to pass through the article during the puffing process, which facilitates puffing and allows volatile compounds to be fully released from the aerosol generating material. The structure of the aerosol generating material itself may block debris (such as debris from the aerosol generating material or debris from the heated aerosol generating material) and condensate to prevent their deposition in the heating chamber, thereby improving the hygiene of the device. In embodiments, each of the layered structures 100 has multiple first through-holes 110, and at least some of the first through-holes 110 have different diameters.

[0092] Aerosol generating materials such as tobacco can be first pressed into several substrates, and then the substrates can be cut into a desired shape (optionally circular). A predesigned porous structure can be used to penetrate each substrate to obtain a layered structure 100 with first through-holes 110. At least some of the first through-holes 110 on each layer of layered structure 100 have different diameters. Subsequently, the layered structure 100 of the required number of layers can be stacked according to design requirements. When stacking, the apertures of the first through-holes 110 on adjacent layers of layered structure 100 should be at least partially staggered. Subsequently, a pre-set force is applied according to the processing technology to compress them. Finally, it is wrapped with a packaging material to obtain a rod-shaped article.

[0093] In embodiments, the diameters of the first through-holes 110 on each layered structure 100 may be the same, or different, or may be partially the same and partially different. In embodiments, at least some of the first through-holes 110 on each layered structure 100 may have different diameters. Since the aerosol generating materials may generate some debris before, during, or after being heated, and the size of these debris may also be unequal, by configuring the diameters of at least some of the first through-holes 110 on the layered structure 100 to be different, debris of different sizes may be blocked and their deposition in the heating chamber may be reduced.

[0094] In embodiments, the apertures of the first through-holes 110 on adjacent layers of the layered structures 100 are at least partially staggered.

[0095] The apertures of the first through-holes 110 on adjacent layered structures 100 may be completely staggered, or may not be staggered, or may be partially staggered and partially non-staggered. In embodiments, the first through-holes 110 on adjacent layers of the layered structures 100 are at least partially staggered. It can be understood that arranging the apertures of the first through-holes 110 on adjacent layers of the layered structures 100 to be at least partially staggered can further improve the effect of blocking debris and condensate, and reduce the deposition of debris and condensate in the heating chamber.

[0096] In embodiments, the diameter of the first through-hole 110 may be from 0.01mm to half of the maximum width of the cross-section of the layered structure. n embodiments, there is no specific limitation on the diameter of the first through-hole 110. The diameter of the first through-hole 110 mentioned above is merely an exemplary and not a limiting explanation. Users can adjust the diameter of the first through-hole 110 according to actual requirements.

[0097] In embodiments, the porosity of each layered structure 100 can also be adjusted. It should be noted that the porosity of the layered structure 100 is not specifically limited. Users can adjust the porosity of the layered structure 100 according to actual requirements. In embodiments, the porosity of each layer of layered structure 100 may be determined based on the aerosol generating material (such as tobacco leaves).

[0098] Referring further to Figure 2, in embodiments, each of the layered structures may further comprises a second through-hole 120 located at its center, and all the second through- holes 120 on the layered structure 100 are coaxially arranged, wherein the second through- holes are configured to allow a heating element to pass through.

[0099] In order to facilitate the heating element to heat the article provided in any of the embodiments to generate aerosols for users to puff, a second through-hole 120 on each of the layered structures 100 is provided. Each second through-hole 120 also penetrates the respective layer of the layered structure 100 along the length direction of the article on the layered structure 100, and is configured to allow the heating element (not shown in the figure) to pass through. In order to improve the heating effect of the heating element on the aerosol generating material, each second through-hole 120 in embodiments is optionally arranged at the center of each of the layered structures 100. At the same time, in order to facilitate the passage of the heating element, the second through-holes 120 on all layered structures 100 are arranged coaxially.

[0100] In embodiments, the diameters of all the second through-holes 120 in all layered structures 100 are the same.

[0101] The arrangement of the diameters of the second through-holes 120 in all the layered structures 100 to be the same can facilitate the passage of the heating element and enable the heating element to heat the aerosol generating material as evenly as possible.

[0102] In embodiments, the diameter of the second through-hole 120 is from 0.01mm to half of the maximum width of the cross-section of the layered structure.

[0103] In embodiments, there is no specific limitation on the diameter of the second through- hole 120. The diameter of the second through-hole 120 mentioned above is merely an exemplary and not a limiting explanation. Users can adjust the diameter of the second through- hole 120 according to actual requirements.

[0104] In embodiments, the second through-hole may not be provided on each of the layered structure 100. For example, for some articles with relatively sparse aerosol generating materials, the heating element can directly penetrate the aerosol generating material. In this case, even if a second through-hole for the heating element to pass through is not provided on the layered structure, the heating element can still penetrate the aerosol generating material to heat it. Alternatively, for heating elements using the circumferential heating method, when the heating element heats the article, the heating element is arranged around the article, so there is no need to provide a second through-hole in the layered structure for the heating element to pass through.

[0105] In embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises at least tobacco.

[0106] The aerosol generating material in embodiments mainly comprises solid aerosol generating material, such as tobacco or non-tobacco product, etc. The aerosol generating material in embodiments of the present application comprises at least tobacco. In addition, the aerosol generating material may also comprise the active substances mentioned above, and the relevant content can be referred to in the previous above, which will not be repeated here.

[0107] Referring further to Figures 3 and 4, in embodiments, the article further comprises packaging material 200, wherein the packaging material 200 comprises a packaging layer (not shown in the figure) covering the exterior of the aerosol generating material.

[0108] It can be understood that the article for the aerosol provision system provided in the embodiments of the present application further comprises packaging material 200, wherein the packaging material 200 comprises a packaging layer (not shown in the figure) covering the exterior of the aerosol generating material. The material of the packaging layer (not shown in the figure) is not specifically limited in embodiments, and may be selected according to actual needs during specific implementation. The material of the packaging layer in the embodiments of the present application may be paper or the like. Referring further to Figure 5, in embodiments , the article further comprise a filter element arranged at one end away from the aerosol generating material, and a hollow tube 300 arranged between the aerosol generating material and the filter element.

[0109] The article for an aerosol provision system in embodiments of the may further comprises a filter element (not shown), which is configured to be arranged at one end away from the aerosol generating material 100. This may make users feel closer to the touch of a real cigarette when puffing, improve the user's puffing experience. Additionally, it can effectively and appropriately filter the moisture in aerosols, and appropriately adsorb and filter substances such as nicotine in aerosols, thereby improving the user's taste and preventing harmful substances in aerosols from entering the human body.

[0110] In embodiments, the material of the hollow tube 300 may include but is not limited to cellulose acetate. In embodiments, the hollow tube 300 may also be a hollow section formed inside the packaging layer. The arrangement of the hollow tube 300 can cool the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material to prevent the aerosol puffed by the user from being too high in temperature, preventing the user from being scalded, etc. In embodiments, there is no specific limitation on the shape of the hollow tube 300, and the actual shape of the hollow tube 300 can be adjusted according to the actual requirements.

[0111] In the embodiments, there are no specific restrictions on the shape of the article, and the actual shape of the article can be adjusted according to the actual requirements. The shape of the article for the aerosol provision system provided in the embodiments of the present application may be cylindrical.

[0112] Referring further to Figures 3 to 5, in embodiments , the article may further comprise an air inlet 400. The air inlet 400 is configured to connect the internal space of the article with the external atmosphere of the article., the air inlet 400 in embodiments may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the packaging material 200. For example, the air inlet is arranged at the middle position of the packaging material 200 along the circumferential direction of the packaging material 200, etc.

[0113] Embodiment three

[0114] The difference from Embodiment two is that the structure of the article for the aerosol provision system in the embodiment of the present application is different from the structure of the article for the aerosol provision system in Embodiment one. Referring to Figure 6, in embodiments, the aerosol generating material is further formed into multiple strip-shaped structures 500, which are stacked in the width direction of the article. The length direction of the strip-shaped structures 500 is aligned with the length direction of the article. Along the airflow path inside the article, at least two of the layered structures 100' are located upstream of the strip-like structures 500. By this arrangement, at least two layered structures 100’ arranged upstream of the strip-like structure 500 can be used to block debris (such as debris from the aerosol generating material or debris from the heated aerosol generating material) and condensate to prevent their deposition in the heating chamber, thereby improving the hygiene of the device.

[0115] In the embodiments, the direction of the airflow path refers to the direction in which the aerosol generated by heating the article flows out of the interior of the article through the aerosol generating material, hollow tube, and filter element in sequence after being puffed by the user.

[0116] Embodiment four

[0117] The difference from Embodiment three is that the structure of the article for the aerosol provision system in the embodiment of the present is different from the structure of the article for the aerosol provision system in Embodiment one. Referring to Figure 7, in the embodiments of the application, at least two of the stacked layered structures 100” form a first module, the multiple stacked strip-like structures 500’ form a second module, at least two of the first modules and at least two of the second modules are spaced apart along the length direction of the article, and at least one of the first modules is located at the upstream of the airflow path of the article. The layered structures 100” of the first module being arranged upstream of the airflow path may be used to block debris (such as debris from the aerosol generating material or debris from the heated aerosol generating material) and condensate to prevent their deposition in the heating chamber, thereby improving the hygiene of the device.

[0118] At least two of the first modules and at least two of the second modules may be spaced along the length direction of the article. At least one of the first modules may be located at the upstream end of the airflow path of the article.

[0119] Embodiment five

[0120] An aerosol provision system comprising an article as described in any of the above embodiments and a heating device. The heating device comprises a heating element configured to pass through the article to heat the aerosol generating material of the article. In embodiments, any of the above embodiments may be used with the heating device.

[0121] The heating device may be referred to as an aerosol provision device. The heating element may extend into the article to heat the aerosol generating material of the article.

[0122] It can be understood that the aerosol provision system may also comprise a microcontroller. The microcontroller can control the heating device to heat the article, etc. The various embodiments in the description are described in a progressive manner. The same and similar parts of the various embodiments can be referred to each other, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the explanation in relation to the systems or system embodiments can be considered applicable to method embodiments. The partial explanation of the method embodiments for the relevant information may be referred to. The systems and system embodiments described above are only schematic, in which the units described as separate components may be or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may be or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or may be distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected according to the actual needs to achieve the purposes of the solutions of the embodiments. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and implement it without creative efforts.

[0123] In the description of this specification, terminology such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are comprised in at least one embodiment or example. In this specification, the indicative expression of the above-mentioned terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable way in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0124] Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the characteristics defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one such characteristic. In the description of the present invention, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0125] Unless explicitly defined and limited, terms such as "mounting," "connecting," "connection," "fixing," etc., should be understood broadly. For instance, the connection can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary medium, it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless explicitly defined otherwise. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of these terms based on the circumstances.

[0126] Although the embodiments have been shown and described above, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. Those skilled in the art can make variations, modifications, replacements, and variations to the above-described embodiments.

Claims

Claims1 . An article for an aerosol provision system, wherein the article comprises: aerosol generating material configured to be heated to produce aerosol, the aerosol generating material having a porous region, wherein an interior of the porous region comprises a plurality of pores that are one of randomly distributed and distributed according to a predetermined pattern, and wherein the plurality of pores allow air to pass through.

2. The article for an aerosol provision system according to claim 1 , wherein at least some of the pores have different diameters.

3. The article for an aerosol provision system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the diameters of adjacent pores of the plurality of pores are different.

4. The article for an aerosol provision system according to claim 1 , wherein the aerosol generating material comprises at least two layered structures, wherein each of the at least two layered structures has a through-hole passing along the length direction of the article, and wherein the through-hole forms part of one of the pores of the plurality of pores.

5. The article for an aerosol provision system according to claim 4, wherein each of the at least two layered structures has a plurality of through-holes, wherein at least some of the through-holes have different diameters.

6. The article for an aerosol provision system according to claim 5, wherein the apertures of the plurality of through-holes on adjacent layers of the at least two layered structures are at least partially staggered.

7. The article for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the diameter of the through-holes is from 0.01 mm to half of the maximum width of the crosssection of the layered structures.

8. The article for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the through-holes are first through-holes, and each of the at least two layered structures comprises a second through-hole located at the center of each of the at least two layered structures, wherein all the second through-holes on the at least two layered structures are coaxially aligned and configured to receive a heating element.

9. The article for an aerosol provision system according to claim 8, wherein the diameters of all of the second through-holes in the layered structures are the same.

10. The article for an aerosol provision system according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the diameter of the second through-holes is from 0.01mm to half of the maximum width of the cross-section of the layered structures.

11. The article for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 4 to 10 wherein the aerosol generating material comprises a plurality of stacked strip-like structures in the width direction of the article, along the airflow path inside the article, wherein at least two of the layered structures are located upstream of the plurality of stacked strip-like structures.

12. The article for an aerosol provision system according to claim 11 , wherein the length direction of the plurality of stacked strip-like structures is aligned with the length direction of the article.

13. The article for an aerosol provision system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least two layered structures form a first module, wherein the plurality of stacked striplike structures form a second module, wherein the article comprises at least two first modules and at least two second modules, wherein the at least two of the first modules and at least two of the second modules are spaced along the length direction of the article, and wherein at least one of the first modules is located at the upstream end of the airflow path of the article.

14. The article for an aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the aerosol generating material comprises tobacco.

15. The article for an aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the article comprises packaging material, and wherein the packaging material comprises a packaging layer covering the exterior of the aerosol generating material.

16. An aerosol provision system, wherein the system comprises : an article as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15; and an aerosol provision device, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a heating element configured to extend in the article to heat the aerosol generating material of the article.

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