Aerosol-generating article, aerosol-generating system, and plug for aerosol-generating article

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (1000), an aerosol-generating system, and a plug (1140) for an aerosol-generating article (1000). The aerosol-generating article (1000) comprises an outer wrapper (1160), an aerosol-generating substrate (1130) which is axially arranged in the outer wrapper (1160), and a plug (1140) which is arranged upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate (1130). The plug (1140) comprises a substantially tubular base body (1141), and a porous body (1142) located in the tubular base body (1141), wherein the porous body (1142) is formed by curing a slurry precursor (1142a) inside the base body (1141) and bonded to an inner surface of the base body (1141). During use, air flows through the plug (1140) and then flows downstream to enter the aerosol-generating substrate (1130). The plug (1140) is formed by curing the slurry precursor (1142a) injected into the tubular base body (1141), which is more convenient to prepare.

Description

Aerosol generating products, aerosol generating systems, and plugs for aerosol generating products.

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411751788.X, filed on November 29, 2024, entitled “Aerosol Generating Article, Aerosol Generating System and Plug for Aerosol Generating Article”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] This application relates to the field of heated non-combustible aerosol generation technology, and in particular to an aerosol generation product, an aerosol generation system, and a plug for the aerosol generation product. Background Technology

[0005] Tobacco products (such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.) produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Efforts are being made to replace these tobacco-burning products by creating products that release compounds without combustion.

[0006] Examples of such products are heating devices that release compounds by heating rather than burning materials. For example, the material could be tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. Known tobacco or other non-tobacco products employ a plug at the upstream end to prevent the tobacco or non-tobacco material from falling out or detaching; the plug is typically made of a porous polymer such as cellulose acetate or polyethylene, allowing a heater to pass through the plug and be inserted into the tobacco or non-tobacco material for heating. In known tobacco or other non-tobacco products, plugs made of synthetic polymers such as cellulose acetate or polyethylene are inconvenient to manufacture, as these synthetic polymers are foamed or towed and then wrapped together with the tobacco in cigarette paper to form a cigarette. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One embodiment of this application provides an aerosol generating article, including an outer wrapping component, wherein the outer wrapping component has axially arranged:

[0008] Aerosol generating matrix is ​​configured to generate aerosols when heated;

[0009] A plug is disposed upstream of the aerosol-generating matrix; the plug comprises:

[0010] The basic tubular matrix and the porous body located within the tubular matrix; the porous body is formed by solidifying a slurry precursor within the matrix and bonded to the inner surface of the matrix, and in use, air flows through the porous body and enters downstream into the aerosol to form a matrix.

[0011] In some embodiments, the slurry precursor includes a skeleton material, an organic liquid additive, and water.

[0012] In some embodiments, the slurry precursor comprises: 40-80 wt% skeleton raw material, 30-60 wt% organic liquid additive, and the balance being water.

[0013] In some embodiments, the skeleton material and / or the porous body may comprise plant tissue.

[0014] In some embodiments, the porosity of the porous body is between 40% and 75%.

[0015] In some embodiments, the porous body can be heated to produce volatile components, which are then incorporated into the aerosol-generating matrix during user inhalation, thereby enhancing or altering some of the aerosol's properties.

[0016] In some embodiments, the water content of the porous body is between 5 and 10 wt%.

[0017] In some embodiments, the porous body is bonded to the substrate; or the porous body and the substrate are not tearable or peelable.

[0018] In some embodiments, the thickness and / or hardness and / or density and / or tensile strength of the substrate are greater than that of the outer wrapping.

[0019] In some embodiments, the porous body does not contain synthetic polymers.

[0020] In some embodiments, the slurry precursor is dried and cured in the matrix by microwave heating and / or ultrasonic heating.

[0021] In some embodiments, the water content in the slurry precursor is 30 wt% to 60 wt%.

[0022] In some embodiments, the substrate has protrusions that extend at least partially radially into the porous body.

[0023] In some embodiments, the porous body at least partially defines a plurality of air passages that extend axially through the plug.

[0024] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the substrate has protrusions or burrs.

[0025] In some embodiments, the substrate is formed by stacking multiple layers of paper;

[0026] Alternatively, the substrate may be a tubular structure formed by winding paper strips, with a spiral-shaped stepped structure formed inside the tubular structure during the winding process.

[0027] In some embodiments, the matrix is ​​made of organic polymer plastic and can withstand temperatures of at least 150 degrees Celsius.

[0028] Another embodiment of this application provides an aerosol-generating article, including an outer wrapping; the outer wrapping has axially arranged:

[0029] Aerosol generating matrix is ​​configured to generate aerosols when heated;

[0030] A plug is disposed upstream of the aerosol-generating matrix; the plug comprises:

[0031] The matrix consists of a basic tubular structure and a porous body located within the tubular structure; the porous framework of the porous body includes plant tissue, and the porosity of the porous body is between 40% and 75%; during use, air flows through the porous body and then downstream into the aerosol-generating matrix.

[0032] Another embodiment of this application provides an aerosol-generating article, including an outer wrapping; the outer wrapping has axially arranged:

[0033] Aerosol generating matrix is ​​configured to generate aerosols when heated;

[0034] A plug is disposed upstream of the aerosol-generating matrix; the plug comprises:

[0035] The aerosol generator comprises a basic tubular matrix and a porous body located within the tubular matrix; the porous body is formed by solidifying a slurry precursor within the matrix and bonded to the inner surface of the matrix, and during use, air flows downstream through the porous body into the aerosol generating matrix; the porous body can be heated to produce volatile components; during user aspiration, the volatile components are mixed in with the aerosol generating matrix to generate aerosols, enhancing or altering some of the aerosol's properties.

[0036] Another embodiment of this application also proposes an aerosol generation system, comprising:

[0037] Aerosol-generating products; and,

[0038] Heating device, including:

[0039] A chamber for receiving the aerosol-generated product;

[0040] A heater is configured to heat the aerosol generating matrix of the aerosol generating article.

[0041] Another embodiment of this application provides a plug for aerosol-generating articles, the plug comprising a generally tubular matrix and a porous body located within the tubular matrix; the porous body is formed by curing a slurry precursor within the matrix and bonded to the inner surface of the matrix.

[0042] The above aerosol-generated products have plugs formed by injecting slurry into a tubular matrix and then solidifying it, which is more convenient in preparation. Attached Figure Description

[0043] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol-generated article provided in an embodiment;

[0045] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the plug in Figure 1 from another perspective;

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generation system in Figure 1, in which the aerosol-generated product is received in the heating device to form an aerosol generation system.

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a plug being prepared by injecting a slurry precursor into a tubular matrix using an injection device in one embodiment;

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of drilling holes in the substrate of the plug using a needle punching device in one embodiment;

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the plug substrate after drilling in Figure 5;

[0050] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a plug being prepared by wrapping a sheet-like substrate around a slurry precursor in another embodiment;

[0051] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol-generated article provided in yet another embodiment;

[0052] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol-generated article provided in another embodiment;

[0053] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the heater of the heating device being inserted into the aerosol-generated product of Figure 9 for heating;

[0054] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a plug according to yet another embodiment;

[0055] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a plug according to another embodiment. Embodiments of the present invention

[0056] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description of this application will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0057] One embodiment of this application proposes a heated aerosol generating article comprising multiple elements assembled in the form of strips, capable of generating aerosols when heated.

[0058] For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating article 1000 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generating article 1000 includes an upstream end 1100 and a downstream end 1200 facing away from each other. As used herein, the terms 'upstream' and 'downstream' are used to describe the relative positions of elements or portions of elements of the aerosol generating article 1000 with respect to the direction in which a user draws the aerosol generating article 1000 during its use. Downstream can be a direction closer to the user's drawing direction, and correspondingly upstream is a direction away from the user; and the upstream direction can be the direction in which external air enters the aerosol generating article 1000, and the downstream direction can be the direction in which an airflow containing aerosol exits the aerosol generating article 1000, such as the direction indicated by arrow R12 in Figure 1. In use, the aerosol generated by heating within the aerosol generating article 1000 passes through the downstream end 1200 and exits the aerosol generating article from the downstream end 1200 before being delivered to the user. In use, the user can draw the downstream end 1200 to inhale the aerosol.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, for ease of use by ordinary users, the aerosol generating article 1000 has an overall elongated cylindrical structure. Alternatively, in some other variations, the aerosol generating article 1000 may be an elongated elliptical cylinder, a square prism, a polygonal prism, etc.

[0060] The aerosol generating article 1000 can mimic the appearance of a conventional, lit, and smokeable cigarette. The aerosol generating article 1000 can have an outer diameter between approximately 5 mm and 12 mm (e.g., between approximately 5 mm and 10 mm). The aerosol generating article 1000 has an overall length between approximately 40 and 100 mm; in an optional embodiment, the aerosol generating article 1000 has an overall length between approximately 45 and 55 mm.

[0061] As shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generating article 1000 includes multiple components arranged coaxially from the upstream end 1100 to the downstream end 1200:

[0062] The aerosol generating matrix 1130, cooling element 1120, and filter element 1110 are arranged sequentially and constrained by an external enclosure 1160 to form an aerosol generating article 1000. Wherein:

[0063] The components include a plug 1140, an aerosol generating matrix 1130, a cooling element 1120, and a filter element 1110. These components are arranged sequentially and constrained by an external enclosure 1160 to form an aerosol generating article 1000.

[0064] In one embodiment, the plug 1140 is located upstream of the aerosol generating matrix 1130. In another embodiment, the plug 1140 is adjacent to and defines the upstream end 1100, and is used to block or seal the upstream end 1100 of the aerosol generating article 1000, thereby preventing material of the aerosol generating matrix 1130 or generated aerosol / aerosol condensate from flowing out from the upstream end 1100. In some examples, the plug 1140 is immediately upstream of the aerosol generating matrix 1130. In another embodiment, the plug 1140 is airflow permeable, allowing air to enter from the upstream end 1100 during suction and flow through the plug 1140 to the downstream aerosol generating matrix 1130.

[0065] Aerosol generating matrix 1130 describes a matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating, which can form aerosols. Aerosols described herein can be visible or invisible and can comprise vapors (e.g., fine particles of matter in a gaseous state, which are typically liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as droplets of gas and condensed vapors. Aerosol generating matrix 1130 can comprise one or more of the following: powders, granules, pellets, fragments, strands, strips, or sheets, comprising one or more of the following: dried flowers or leaves, grass leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco midribs, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco. In an alternative embodiment, aerosol generating matrix 1130 comprises aggregated sheets of wrinkled homogenized tobacco material confined by an outer wrapper 1160; the aggregated sheets of wrinkled homogenized tobacco material comprise glycerol as an aerosol forming agent.

[0066] Cooling element 1120 may be arranged immediately downstream of and adjacent to aerosol generating matrix 1130. Cooling element 1120 serves two purposes: firstly, to provide downstream support for aerosol generating matrix 1130; secondly, in use, volatile substances released from aerosol generating matrix 1130 after heating pass downstream of aerosol generating article 1000 along cooling element 1120, and these volatile substances can be cooled within cooling element 1120 to form an aerosol inhaled by the user. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, cooling element 1120 includes a cooling chamber 1121 extending along the length of cooling element 1120. This axially extending cooling chamber 1121 ensures that the airflow through cooling element 1120 is longitudinally directed without significant radial deviation. Cooling element 1120 can cool the temperature of the aerosol stream drawn through it by means of heat transfer. The components of the aerosol will interact with the space within the cooling element 1120 and lose heat. The cooling element 1120 may include ceramic, metal, or organic polymer plastic, etc. In some embodiments, the temperature of the aerosol stream may decrease by more than 10 degrees Celsius as it is drawn through the cooling element 1120. In some embodiments, the temperature of the aerosol stream may decrease by more than 25 degrees Celsius or more than 30 degrees Celsius as it is drawn through the cooling element 1120.

[0067] Filter element 1110 is arranged immediately downstream of cooling element 1120 and defines downstream end 1200, and is adjacent to cooling element 1120 for filtration before aerosol delivery to the user. In the embodiment shown in FIG1, filter element 1110 comprises a conventional cellulose acetate or polypropylene tow filter element with low filtration efficiency.

[0068] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the aerosol generating article 1000 may not include the cooling element 1120, and a cooling effect may be achieved by making the filter element 1110 longer, thereby providing heat exchange during the downstream delivery of the aerosol.

[0069] To assemble the aerosol-generating article 1000, the multiple components described above are aligned and tightly wrapped within the outer packaging 1160. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 1, the outer packaging 1160 may be conventional cigarette paper, fibrous material, organic polymer, etc.

[0070] In some embodiments, the thickness of the outer wrapping 1160 is 0.2 to 0.5 mm; more preferably, the thickness of the outer wrapping 1160 is 0.35 to 0.45 mm.

[0071] In some embodiments, the plug 1140 is airflow-permeable, allowing air to pass through the plug 1140 during suction and be delivered to the downstream aerosol-generating matrix 1130. In some embodiments, the plug 1140 may comprise a porous body; the term "porous" is intended to cover materials that are inherently porous as well as generally non-porous materials that become porous or permeable by providing a plurality of pores. The porous material has pores large enough to allow air to pass through and be drawn through the porous body. Because the porous body has a high surface area to volume ratio, the plug 1140 allows for rapid and efficient heating of the air drawn through the porous body. This allows for uniform heating of the air drawn through the porous body, and therefore allows for more uniform heating of the aerosol-generating matrix 1130 downstream of the plug 1140.

[0072] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the plug 1140 includes:

[0073] A tubular substrate 1141 and a porous body 1142 formed within the substrate 1141.

[0074] In some embodiments, the plug 1140 may have a length of approximately 4 mm to 8 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the plug 1140 is less than the length of the aerosol generating matrix 1130. In some embodiments, the ratio of the length of the aerosol generating matrix 1130 to the length of the plug 1140 is between 1 and 3:1.

[0075] In some embodiments, the substrate 1141 is a rigid paper tube, a metal tube such as an aluminum foil tube or a tin foil tube, or a ceramic tube, an organic polymer plastic tube that can withstand a temperature of at least 150°C, etc.

[0076] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the substrate 1141 is greater than the thickness of the outer wrapping 1160; for example, in some embodiments, the wall thickness of the substrate 1141 is between 0.5 and 1.5 mm.

[0077] In some embodiments, the hardness or mechanical strength of the substrate 1141 is greater than the hardness, density, or mechanical strength, such as tensile strength, of the outer wrapping 1160.

[0078] In some embodiments, the density of the rigid matrix 1141 is between 80 and 250 g / m³. 2 The density of the outer wrapping material of ordinary cigarette paper (1160) is between 25 and 40 g / m³. 2 .

[0079] In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the matrix 1141 may be greater than 4 kN / m; more preferably, the tensile strength of the matrix 1141 is between 6.3 and 6.93 kN / m. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the outer wrapping 1160 of ordinary cigarette paper is less than 1 kN / m; more preferably, the tensile strength of the outer wrapping 1160 is between 0.17 and 0.2 kN / m.

[0080] In some embodiments, the porous body 1142 is obtained by injecting an injectable slurry precursor 1142a into a substrate 1141 and then heating and curing it. Referring to Figure 4, Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of injecting the slurry precursor 1142a into a tubular substrate 1141 using an injection device 200, such as a syringe. For example, during the preparation process, the slurry precursor 1142a in a paste-like form, similar to toothpaste, is injected into the substrate 1141 by the injection device 200. In some embodiments, the porous body 1142 formed by curing the slurry injection is bonded integrally with the substrate 1141. Alternatively, the porous body 1142 and the substrate 1141 are not tearable or peelable.

[0081] In some embodiments, the injectable slurry precursor 1142a for forming the porous body 1142 includes: a skeleton material, an organic liquid additive, and water.

[0082] In some embodiments, the skeleton material is used to form a porous skeleton of porous body 1142 after the slurry precursor 1142a has cured. In some embodiments, an organic liquid additive provides a dispersion medium for the skeleton material; and the organic liquid additive provides viscosity and plasticity to the slurry precursor 1142a. In some embodiments, water is used as a dispersion solvent for the slurry precursor 1142a and promotes or assists the formation of internal pores, i.e., the formation of porous body 1142, during the heat curing process of the slurry precursor 1142a. After the slurry precursor 1142a has cured in the matrix 1141 to form porous body 1142, it is cut according to the required length of the plugs 1140, so that a large number of plugs 1140 can be obtained at one time.

[0083] In some optional embodiments, the slurry precursor 1142a forming the porous body 1142 comprises, by weight percentage: 40-80 wt% skeleton material, 30-60 wt% organic liquid additive, and the balance being water. The skeleton material defines or forms the porous skeleton of the porous body 1142 after the slurry precursor 1142a has cured.

[0084] In some embodiments, the skeletal material includes or may include plant tissue. The plant tissue can be natural plant tissue. For example, in some embodiments, the plant tissue may include plant leaves, bark, fibrous tissue, stems, roots, petals, fruits, etc. For example, in some optional embodiments, the plant tissue is tobacco leaves, stems, etc. In other optional embodiments, the plant tissue may be derived from common herbal crops, such as tea leaves, lotus leaves, mint, licorice, cloves, dried lemons, dried oranges, chrysanthemums, star anise, osmanthus, mulberry leaves, bay leaves, perilla, yellow oranges, angelica, cardamom, dried tangerine peel, gynostemma pentaphyllum, lavender, hawthorn, roses, jasmine, honeysuckle, buckwheat tea, roselle, lilies, angelica sinensis, nard, absinthe, costus root, sandalwood, agarwood, a small cup, coffee, blueberries, and strawberries, or one or more of these. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the plant tissue may be derived from Chinese herbal medicine crops, such as one or more of the following: Angelica sinensis, Cassia tora, Taraxacum mongolicum, Apocynum venetum, Ziziphus jujuba, Lycium barbarum, Fritillaria cirrhosa, Panax notoginseng, Sterculia lychnophora, Borneol, Menthol, Saffron, Poria cocos, Pueraria lobata, Dalbergia odorifera, Aristolochia debilis, Perilla frutescens, Bupleurum chinense, Isatis indigotica, Astragalus membranaceus, Prunella vulgaris, Panax ginseng, Paeonia lactiflora, Gastrodia elata, and Schisandra chinensis.

[0085] In one embodiment, the porous body 1142 formed from plant tissue as a scaffold material can generate volatile components when the aerosol-generating article 1000 is heated; in some embodiments, these volatile components, when entrained in the aerosol during aspiration, can enhance or increase or alter some properties of the aerosol delivered to the user.

[0086] In some embodiments, a portion of the aerosol's properties include aroma. For example, in some specific embodiments, a porous body 1142 prepared from tea leaves as a framework material can produce volatile components with a tea aroma when heated during use, thereby incorporating a tea aroma into the aerosol delivered downstream to the user. Or, in yet other specific embodiments, a porous body 1142 prepared from petals with phases as a framework material can produce volatile components with a floral aroma when heated during use, thereby incorporating a floral aroma into the aerosol delivered downstream to the user.

[0087] In some embodiments, certain characteristics of the aerosol include properties different from those of aromatic aerosols, such as sweetness or pH. For example, in some embodiments, a porous body 1142 prepared using sweet-tasting plant tissue as a framework material can produce volatile sweet-tasting components when heated during use, thereby increasing the sweetness of the aerosol delivered downstream to the user. As another example, in some embodiments, a porous body 1142 prepared using acidic or alkaline plant tissue, such as dried lemon or mint, as a framework material can produce volatile acidic or alkaline components when heated, thereby altering the pH characteristics of the aerosol by lowering or raising the pH.

[0088] In some embodiments, certain characteristics of the aerosol include the concentration or content of nicotine. For example, in some embodiments, plant tissue may include tobacco leaves, etc., and the porous body 1142 prepared as a skeleton material can produce nicotine when heated during use, thereby increasing the concentration or content of nicotine in the aerosol generated by the heating of the aerosol generating matrix 1130.

[0089] In some embodiments, the skeleton material may also include inorganic oxides, such as clay, diatomaceous earth, polymer clay, bread clay, etc. In the embodiments, the porous body 1142 formed by inorganic oxides as the skeleton material does not produce volatile components when the sol-gel product 1000 is heated, and has little impact on the characteristics of the generated aerosol.

[0090] In some embodiments, the porous body 1142 prepared by heating and curing the slurry precursor 1142a does not contain synthetic polymers. The porous body 1142 of the plug 1140 does not contain conventional synthetic polymers such as cellulose acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester.

[0091] In some embodiments, the skeleton material is added in the form of a powder. The particle size of the powdered skeleton material is between 40 and 200 mesh.

[0092] In some embodiments, the organic liquid additive includes glycerol and / or propylene glycol, etc. Organic liquid additives such as glycerol and / or propylene glycol are miscible with another dispersion medium, water, which helps to formulate a paste-like slurry and has a water-locking effect.

[0093] In some embodiments, the density of the slurry precursor 1142a is 0.5 g to 1.5 g / ml.

[0094] In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity of the slurry precursor 1142a is 150–500 Pa·s; this is advantageous for injecting the slurry precursor 1142a using an injection molding process.

[0095] In some embodiments, the water content in the slurry precursor 1142a is 30 wt% to 60 wt% by mass; in a more preferred embodiment, the water content is 30 wt% to 50 wt% by mass. At this water content, the slurry precursor 1142a presents as a paste-like slurry, and the components are integrated like a paste. After drying, the water evaporates, forming fine pores. Too little water will make it difficult to maintain the fluidity of the slurry precursor 1142a, while too much water is detrimental to molding.

[0096] In some embodiments, the slurry precursor 1142a injected into the tubular matrix 1141 is cured by microwave heating or ultrasonic heating. By using microwave or ultrasonic heating with penetrating power, the slurry precursor 1142a can be heated from both the inside and outside, causing the skeleton material to expand inside and out and the moisture to evaporate simultaneously. When the moisture evaporates and escapes, air channels or pores are formed in the slurry precursor 1142a, thereby forming a loose and breathable porous body 1142 with internal pores.

[0097] In some embodiments, the heating temperature is below 80°C during microwave or ultrasonic heating of the slurry precursor 1142a. Typically, the heating temperature is between 45 and 75°C during microwave or ultrasonic heating of the slurry precursor 1142a; more specifically, for example, 60°C.

[0098] In some embodiments, after the slurry precursor 1142a is cured, the porosity of the porous skeleton of the porous body 1142 formed by plant tissue is between 40% and 75%.

[0099] In some embodiments, after heating the slurry precursor 1142a, the porous body 1142 can be subjected to static drying or baking treatment to control the water content in the porous body 1142, which is a porous skeleton formed by plant tissue, to 5-10 wt%.

[0100] In some embodiments, the absorbance of the porous body 1142 formed from plant tissue is 1.0 to 1.5 kPa.

[0101] In some embodiments, when the aerosol-generating article 1000 having the above-mentioned plug 1140 is heated by a heating device during use, the plug 1140 is advantageous for cleaning. For example, as shown in FIG3, the heating device includes:

[0102] The chamber has an opening 40; in use, the aerosol-generating article 1000 can be removably received in the chamber through the opening 40.

[0103] A heater 30, which extends at least partially within the chamber, is inserted into the aerosol generating article 1000 when it is received in the chamber to heat it, thereby causing the aerosol generating article 1000 to release a variety of volatile compounds, which are formed solely by heat treatment.

[0104] Cell 10 is used for power supply;

[0105] Circuit 20 is used to guide current between cell 10 and heater 30.

[0106] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the heater 30 is generally shaped like a pin, needle, rod, column, sheet, or plate. When the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the chamber, the heater 30 extends from the upstream end 1100 of the aerosol generating article 1000 through the plug 1140 into the aerosol generating matrix 1130 to heat and generate aerosol. In some embodiments, the heater 30 may have a length of approximately 10 to 18 mm and an outer diameter of approximately 2 to 4 mm.

[0107] In use, the aerosol generating article 1000 with the above-mentioned plug 1140 is advantageous because the skeleton of the porous body 1142 formed by the curing of the paste precursor 1142a allows the heater 30 to pass through the plug 1140. At the same time, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is removed from the chamber, the porous body 1142 combines with the surface of the heater 30 and forms a scraper, which is advantageous for cleaning the surface of the heater 30 of the aerosol generating matrix 1130 that adheres during heating.

[0108] In some embodiments, the heater 30 may also be configured to at least partially surround or define a chamber arrangement; for example, the heater 30 may be configured as a tubular shape that at least partially surrounds the chamber. When the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the chamber, the heater 30 at least partially surrounds or encloses the aerosol generating article 1000 and heats it from the outer periphery of the aerosol generating article 1000. Furthermore, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received within the housing 10, it is at least partially contained and held within the heater 30, which then surrounds and heats the aerosol generating article 1000 from the outside, thereby causing the aerosol generating article 1000 to release a variety of volatile compounds, which are formed solely by heat treatment. In some embodiments, the tubular heater 30 may have an inner diameter of approximately 5.8 mm to 10 mm.

[0109] In some embodiments, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is heated by a heating device, the plug 1140 and the aerosol generating matrix 1130 are heated simultaneously, which is advantageous for the plug 1140, prepared from plant tissue, to produce volatile components that alter or increase the properties of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating matrix 1130.

[0110] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the porous body 1142 further incorporates multiple air channels 1143 formed within it through methods such as puncture and drilling. In this embodiment, the air channels 1143 are not essential.

[0111] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, several air channels 1143 are arranged in an orderly manner along a predetermined direction in the porous body 1142 / plug 1140.

[0112] In the embodiments, a plurality of air channels 1143 extend straight along the axial direction of the porous body 1142. Furthermore, the plurality of air channels 1143 penetrate the porous body 1142 along the axial direction of the porous body 1142. The plurality of air channels 1143 may form through-holes within the porous body 1142 made of porous material; and in some embodiments, the cross-section of the air channels 1143 is circular; or in other embodiments, the air channels 1143 may also have a cross-sectional shape of hexagon, quadrilateral, triangle, or other forms.

[0113] In some embodiments, a plurality of air channels 1143 are arranged in an ordered manner within the porous body 1142. The extension of the air channels 1143 is directed in a predetermined direction, rather than being disordered. In another embodiment, the plurality of air channels 1143 are arranged in an array within the porous body 1142. In yet another embodiment, air can pass through the air channels 1143 and then exit to the aerosol generating matrix 1130, as indicated by arrow R12 in FIG1. ​​In yet another embodiment, the arrangement of the plurality of air channels 1143 within the porous body 1142 gives the porous body 1142 a honeycomb structure.

[0114] As shown in Figure 2, a plurality of air channels 1143 are substantially uniformly distributed within the porous body 1142. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the plurality of air channels 1143 are non-uniformly distributed within the porous body 1142. For example, the number / density of the plurality of air channels 1143 in the central region of the porous body 1142 is less than or greater than the number / distribution density in the outer region. In embodiments, corresponding to the columnar shape of the porous body 1142, the central region of the porous body 1142 is substantially the region within half the diameter of the cross-section at a distance from the center of the cross-section in the radial direction; the outer portion is the region surrounding the central region. "Distribution density" can be the number of air channels 1143 contained per unit area in the cross-section; or "distribution density" can be characterized as the volume occupied by the air channels 1143, for example, the distribution density of the air channels 1143 in the central region can be characterized as the volume of the air channels 1143 in the central region.

[0115] In some embodiments, the air channel 1143 has a relatively large diameter; for example, the diameter of the air channel 1143 is in the range of 0.01 mm to 1.5 mm. In an optional embodiment, the diameter of the air channel 1143 is in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, thereby allowing air to flow smoothly.

[0116] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area or diameter of the air passage 1143 is substantially constant and the same along the axial direction; or in some other variations, the cross-sectional area or diameter of the air passage 1143 is varied, for example, the cross-sectional area or diameter of at least a portion of the air passage 1143 gradually decreases along the direction near the upper end.

[0117] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the air channel 1143 is formed on the outer edge of the porous body 1142. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the porous body 1142 is serrated; then, a plurality of longitudinally extending protrusions are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the porous body 1142, and grooves extending longitudinally through the porous body 1142 are formed between adjacent protrusions. After fabrication, the grooves on the outer peripheral surface of the porous body 1142 define the air channel 1143 located between the substrate 1141 and the porous body 1142.

[0118] Figures 5 and 6 show a schematic diagram of a plug 1140 prepared according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, a needle 300 or a needle tip 300 is inserted radially inward from the outside of the substrate 1141, as indicated by arrow P11 in Figure 5, to form at least one or more perforations 1144 on the substrate 1141. During the insertion by the needle 300 or the needle tip 300, at least a portion of the material of the substrate 1141 is bent radially inward to form at least one protrusion 1145 extending into the porous body 1142. When the heater 30 passes through the porous body 1142, the protrusion 1145 provides a longitudinal obstruction, preventing the heater 30 from driving the porous body 1142 toward the aerosol generating matrix 1130.

[0119] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the inner wall of the substrate 1141 has a structure such as protrusions or burrs, the purpose of which is to increase the contact area between the slurry precursor 1142a and the substrate 1141 and increase the adhesion of the slurry.

[0120] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, at least one protrusion 1145 is arranged on the inner surface of the substrate 1141; during preparation, when the slurry precursor 1142a is injected into the substrate 1141 and cured, the protrusion 1145 extends into the porous body 1142 formed by the slurry precursor 1142a to provide retention.

[0121] Alternatively, in another embodiment, such as as shown in FIG7, the preparation of the plug 1140 includes:

[0122] S10, the paste precursor 1142a is cast or bonded onto the sheet substrate 1141a;

[0123] S20, the sheet-like substrate 1141a is wound to form a tubular matrix 1141 as shown by arrow P12 in Figure 7, and the slurry precursor 1142a is wrapped inside the wound tubular matrix 1141; the slurry precursor 1142a is then heated and cured to form a porous body 1142 that is integrated with the inner surface of the tubular matrix 1141, thus obtaining the plug 1140.

[0124] In this embodiment, the plug 1140 is prepared by casting or bonding the slurry precursor 1142a onto the surface of the sheet-like substrate 1141a and then winding it into a cylindrical shape and then curing it; this is advantageous for maintaining the filling amount and bonding force of the porous body 1142 in the substrate 1141.

[0125] In some embodiments, the substrate 1141 is formed by stacking multiple layers of paper. The substrate 1141 is formed by spirally winding a sheet-like base material 1141a, such as a paper strip, and then forming a spiral-shaped stepped structure on the inner surface of the base material 1141a by the edges of the paper strip after winding. The stepped structure supports the pulp precursor 1142a, which can increase the adhesion between the pulp precursor 1142a and the substrate 1141; and is also advantageous for reducing the thrust of the heater 30 when passing through the porous body 1142.

[0126] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the inner wall of the substrate 1141 is rough, for example, the inner wall of the substrate 1141 has a structure such as protrusions or burrs, in order to increase the contact area between the slurry precursor 1142a and the substrate 1141 and increase the adhesion of the slurry.

[0127] In some other embodiments, the aerosol generating article 1000 may also have more functional elements. For example, Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the aerosol generating article 1000b; in this embodiment, the aerosol generating article 1000b includes a plurality of elements enclosed and confined by an outer enclosure 1160b; the plurality of elements include those arranged coaxially from the upstream end 1100b to the downstream end 1200b:

[0128] The plug 1140b, the aerosol generating matrix 1130b, the support element 1150b, the cooling element 1120b, and the filter element 1110b.

[0129] In this embodiment, a support element 1150b is provided between the aerosol generating matrix 1130b and the cooling element 1120b.

[0130] In this embodiment, the support element 1150b is positioned directly downstream of the aerosol generating matrix 1130b. In use, the support element 1150b can provide support to the upstream aerosol generating matrix 1130b against one or both forces associated with the heater 30 penetrating into the aerosol generating matrix 1130b. Specifically, the support element 1150b is configured to resist downstream movement of the aerosol generating matrix 1130b during the insertion of the heater 30 into the aerosol generating matrix 1130b of the aerosol generating article 1000b.

[0131] In some embodiments, the support element 1150b is configured to resist a penetration force of at least 2.5 N during insertion of the heater 30 into the aerosol generating matrix 1130b. Preferably, the support element 1150b is configured to resist a penetration force of at least 4 N during insertion of the heater 30 into the aerosol generating matrix 1130b. As used herein, the term "penetration force" is used to describe the maximum insertion force during insertion of the heater 30 into the aerosol generating matrix 1130b and before reaching the maximum insertion position. More preferably, the support element 1150b has a breaking force of at least 40 N, for example at least 45 N or at least 50 N, as measured using a standard compression test.

[0132] In some embodiments, the support element 1150b may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the support element 1150b may be formed of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate; cardboard; crimped paper, such as crimped heat-resistant paper or crimped parchment; and polymeric materials, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In a preferred embodiment, the support element 1150b is formed of cellulose acetate.

[0133] In an embodiment, the support element 1150b may include a hollow tubular element. In a preferred embodiment, the support element 1150b includes a hollow cellulose acetate tube.

[0134] In an embodiment, the length of the support element 1150b may be between about 5 mm and about 15 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the support element 1150b is about 8 mm.

[0135] For example, Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating article 1000c according to another embodiment; in this embodiment, the aerosol generating article 1000c includes a plurality of elements enclosed and confined by an outer enclosure 1160c; the plurality of elements include those arranged coaxially from the upstream end 1100c to the downstream end 1200c.

[0136] The plug 1140c, the aerosol generating matrix 1130c, the cooling element 1120c, and the filter element 1110c.

[0137] In this embodiment, the plug 1140c includes: a tubular substrate 1141c and a porous body 1142c formed within the substrate 1141c. In this embodiment, a temperature-reducing cavity 1144c is formed or defined within the porous body 1142c; the temperature-reducing cavity 1144c may be arranged close to and adjacent to the aerosol generating matrix 1130c. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the temperature-reducing cavity 1144c avoids the upstream end 1100c, and / or the temperature-reducing cavity 1144c does not extend to the upstream end 1100c, and / or the distance between the temperature-reducing cavity 1144c and the upstream end 1100c is greater than 1 mm.

[0138] In this embodiment, a portion of the cooling chamber 1144c near the aerosol generating matrix 1130c is cylindrical, while a portion away from the aerosol generating matrix 1130c is conical. In this embodiment, the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the cooling chamber 1144c near the aerosol generating matrix 1130c is larger than the diameter or width of the heater 30 of the heating device. As shown in FIG. 10, during use, when the heater 30 passes through the cooling chamber 1144c of the plug 1140c to heat the aerosol generating matrix 1130c, at least a portion of the surface of the heater 30 is exposed within the cooling chamber 1144c and has a gap with the inner surface of the cooling chamber 1144c. In one aspect, the cooling chamber 1144c is configured to reduce the temperature of the heater 30 surrounding it, such that the contact temperature between the heater 30 and the plug 1140c can be reduced to below 200°C, or to a temperature range that the plug 1140c can withstand. This prevents the plug 1140c from being burned by the high temperature of the heater 30. In another aspect, the cooling chamber 1144c also provides a preheating space for air to pass through the heater 30 and enter the aerosol generation matrix 1130c axially. During suction, when cold air enters the cooling chamber 1144c, it can absorb some of the heat from the heater 30 in the cooling chamber 1144c, thus forming hot air. This hot air then enters the aerosol generation matrix 1130c, preventing a sudden drop in temperature inside the aerosol generation matrix 1130c due to suction. Simultaneously, when cold air enters the cooling chamber 1144c, it accelerates the heat loss from the surface of the heater 30 in the cooling chamber 1144c, thereby significantly increasing the temperature gradient on the heater 30.

[0139] In further variations, the cooling cavity 1144c defined by the porous body 1142c within the plug 1140c can also have more regular or irregular variations in shape. For example, Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of another plug 1140d having a conical cooling cavity 1144d, in which the diameter or cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling cavity 1144d gradually decreases in the direction away from the aerosol generating matrix 1130c. As another example, Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of another plug 1140e having a frustum-shaped cooling cavity 1144e.

[0140] It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of this application are given in the specification and accompanying drawings, but are not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article, comprising an outer wrapping component; characterized in that, The outer packaging has axially arranged features: Aerosol generating matrix is ​​configured to generate aerosols when heated; A plug is disposed upstream of the aerosol-generating matrix; the plug comprises: A basic tubular matrix, and a porous body located within the tubular matrix; The porous body is formed by solidifying the slurry precursor within the matrix and bonding it to the inner surface of the matrix. During use, air flows through the porous body and enters downstream into the aerosol to generate the matrix.

2. The aerosol-generating product as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The slurry precursor includes a skeleton material, an organic liquid additive, and water.

3. The aerosol-generating product as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The slurry precursor comprises: 40-80 wt% skeleton raw material, 30-60 wt% organic liquid additive, and the balance being water.

4. The aerosol-generating product as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The skeleton material and / or the porous body may include plant tissue.

5. The aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The porosity of the porous body is between 40% and 75%.

6. The aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The porous material can be heated to produce volatile components, which are then mixed into the aerosol generating matrix during user inhalation, enhancing or altering some of the aerosol's properties.

7. The aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The water content of the porous body is between 5 and 10 wt%.

8. The aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The porous body is bonded to the substrate; or the porous body and the substrate are not tearable or peelable.

9. The aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The thickness and / or hardness and / or density and / or tensile strength of the substrate are greater than those of the outer wrapping.

10. The aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The porous body does not contain synthetic polymers.

11. The aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The slurry precursor is dried and cured in the matrix by microwave heating and / or ultrasonic heating.

12. The aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The water content in the slurry precursor is 30wt% to 60wt%.

13. The aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The substrate has at least a portion of protrusions extending radially into the porous body.

14. The aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The porous body at least partially defines a number of air channels that penetrate the plug along the axial direction.

15. The aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inner surface of the substrate has protrusions or burrs.

16. The aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The substrate is formed by stacking multiple layers of paper. Alternatively, the substrate may be a tubular structure formed by winding paper strips, with a spiral-shaped stepped structure formed inside the tubular structure during the winding process.

17. The aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The matrix is ​​made of organic polymer plastic and can withstand temperatures of at least 150 degrees Celsius.

18. An aerosol-generating article, comprising an outer wrapping component; characterized in that, The outer packaging has axially arranged features: Aerosol generating matrix is ​​configured to generate aerosols when heated; A plug is disposed upstream of the aerosol-generating matrix; the plug comprises: A basic tubular matrix, and a porous body located within the tubular matrix; The porous skeleton of the porous body includes plant tissue, and the porosity of the porous body is between 40% and 75%; during use, air flows through the porous body and enters the aerosol generation matrix downstream.

19. An aerosol-generating article, comprising an outer wrapping component; characterized in that, The outer packaging has axially arranged features: Aerosol generating matrix is ​​configured to generate aerosols when heated; A plug is disposed upstream of the aerosol-generating matrix; the plug comprises: A basic tubular matrix and a porous body located within the tubular matrix; the porous body is formed by curing a slurry precursor within the matrix and bonded to the inner surface of the matrix, and during use, air flows through the porous body and enters downstream into the aerosol to generate a matrix; The porous body can be heated to produce volatile components; when the user inhales, the volatile components are mixed in with the aerosol generating matrix to generate aerosols, which enhances or changes some of the aerosol's properties.

20. An aerosol generation system, characterized in that, include: Aerosol-generating articles according to any one of claims 1 to 19; as well as, Heating device, including: A chamber for receiving the aerosol-generated product; A heater is configured to heat the aerosol generating matrix of the aerosol generating article.

21. A plug for aerosol-generating products, characterized in that, The plug comprises a generally tubular matrix and a porous body located within the tubular matrix; the porous body is formed by curing a slurry precursor within the matrix and bonded to the inner surface of the matrix.

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