RU2840944C1 - Aerosol generating article comprising dual aerosol generating substrates - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to aerosol-generating article (300) for generating an inhaled aerosol when heated. Article (300) has near end (12) and far end (14) and comprises: first aerosol generating substrate (16) disposed between distal end (14) and proximal end (12) of article (300); first air inlet (34) for inlet of air into article (300); second aerosol-generating substrate (18) placed between first aerosol-generating substrate (16) and proximal end (12) of aerosol-generating article (300); second air inlet (36) for inlet of air into article (300); first air flow passage extending from first air inlet (34) through first aerosol generating substrate (16) to proximal end (12) of article (300) and a second air flow passage extending from second air inlet (36) through second aerosol generating substrate (18) to proximal end (12) of article (300). First air flow passage and the second air flow passage are isolated from each other.

EFFECT: invention enables to deliver to a user an inhaled aerosol containing controlled portions of volatile compounds released from each of the aerosol-generating dual substrates.

16 cl, 6 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating article comprising dual aerosol generating substrates for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an electrically controlled aerosol generating device configured to heat the aerosol generating article.

Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing material, is heated rather than burned are known in the art. The purpose of such "heated" aerosol-generating articles is to reduce the amount of known harmful smoke components that result from the combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

Typically, in heated aerosol-generating articles, the aerosol is generated by heat transfer from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-generating substrate. During use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer to the aerosol-generating substrate from the heat source and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the aerosol cools, the released compounds condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

A number of hand-held aerosol-generating devices are known in the art, which are designed to heat aerosol-generating substrates and heated aerosol-generating articles. They comprise electrically controlled aerosol-generating devices, in which the aerosol is generated by transferring heat from one or more electrical heating elements of the aerosol-generating device to the aerosol-generating substrate of the heated aerosol-generating article. Known hand-held electrically controlled aerosol-generating devices typically comprise a battery, control electronics and one or more electrical heating elements for heating the aerosol-generating substrate of the heated aerosol-generating article, designed specifically for use with the aerosol-generating device.

Some known electrically controlled aerosol generating devices comprise an internal heating element that is configured to be inserted into an aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article. Other known electrically controlled aerosol generating devices comprise one or more external heating elements. For example, document WO 2020/115151 A1 discloses an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an electrically controlled aerosol generating device comprising an external heating element surrounding the outer periphery of the aerosol generating article.

Electrically controlled aerosol generating devices comprising an inductor configured to inductively heat aerosol generating substrates, heated aerosol generating articles, are also known in the art. For example, document WO 2015/176898 A1 discloses an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article comprising an elongated current collector (susceptor) in thermal contact with an aerosol generating substrate, and an electrically controlled aerosol generating device having an inductor for heating the aerosol generating substrate. In use, the fluctuating or alternating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor induces eddy currents in the susceptor, causing the susceptor to heat up as a result of one or both of resistive losses (Joule heating) and, if the susceptor is magnetic, hysteresis losses. The heat generated in the susceptor is transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate by conduction.

The art provides heated aerosol-generating articles comprising two or more physically separated aerosol-generating substrates for use with electrically controlled aerosol-generating devices. Typically, two or more physically separated aerosol-generating substrates of such heated aerosol-generating articles are heated simultaneously by an electrically controlled aerosol-generating device. This may adversely result in the generation of a respirable aerosol containing uncontrolled and variable proportions of volatile compounds released from each of the two or more physically separated aerosol-generating substrates.

It would be desirable to provide a heated aerosol generating article comprising dual aerosol generating substrates for use with an electrically controlled aerosol generating device that is capable of delivering to a user an inhalable aerosol comprising controlled proportions of volatile compounds released from each of the dual aerosol generating substrates.

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating article may have a near (proximal) end and a far (distal) end. The aerosol-generating article may contain a first aerosol-generating substrate. The first aerosol-generating substrate may be placed between the far end and the near end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may contain a first air inlet for injecting air into the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may contain a second aerosol-generating substrate. The second aerosol-generating substrate may be placed between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the near end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a second air inlet for inlet of air into the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first air flow passage extending from the first air inlet through the first aerosol-generating substrate to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a second air flow passage extending from the second air inlet through the second aerosol-generating substrate to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The first air flow passage and the second air flow passage may be isolated from each other.

The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating article as described above. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may be configured to heat a first aerosol generating substrate and a second aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol-generating article is provided for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a proximal end and a distal end and comprises: a first aerosol-generating substrate located between the distal end and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article; a first air inlet for admitting air into the aerosol-generating article; a second aerosol-generating substrate located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article; a second air inlet for admitting air into the aerosol-generating article; a first air flow passage extending from the first air inlet through the first aerosol-generating substrate to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article; and a second air flow passage extending from the second air inlet through the second aerosol generating substrate to a proximal end of the aerosol generating article, wherein the first air flow passage and the second air flow passage are isolated from each other.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention; and an aerosol generating device configured to heat a first aerosol generating substrate and a second aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

In the context of this document, in relation to the present invention, the term "aerosol generating article" is used to describe an article comprising an aerosol generating substrate that is heated to generate an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user.

In the context of this document, in relation to the present invention, the term "aerosol generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate containing an aerosol forming material capable of releasing, upon heating, volatile compounds that can generate an aerosol.

In the context of this document, in relation to the present invention, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets in a gas. An aerosol may be visible or invisible. An aerosol may contain vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

In the context of this document, in relation to the present invention, the term "aerosol generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.

Aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention comprise a first air flow passage extending from a first air inlet through a first aerosol-generating substrate to a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article; and a second air flow passage extending from a second air inlet through a second aerosol-generating substrate to a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

In the context of this document, in relation to the present invention, the term "air flow passage" is used to describe a route along which air can be drawn through the aerosol generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention.

In use, volatile compounds released from a first aerosol generating substrate upon heating of the first aerosol generating substrate are entrained in air drawn along a first air flow passage.

In use, volatile compounds released from the second aerosol generating substrate upon heating of the second aerosol generating substrate are entrained in air drawn along the second passage of the air flow.

The first air flow passage and the second air flow passage are isolated from each other.

In the context of this document, in relation to the present invention, the term "isolated" means that, in use, air drawn in along the first air flow passage cannot mix with air drawn in along the second air flow passage, and air drawn in along the second air flow passage cannot mix with air drawn in along the first air flow passage.

As further described below, isolating the first air flow passage and the second air flow passage from each other in the aerosol generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention advantageously ensures delivery to the user of an inhalable aerosol containing controlled proportions of volatile compounds released from each of the first aerosol generating substrate and the second aerosol generating substrate.

The aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention have a proximal end through which, in use, the aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article for delivery to the user. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the mouthpiece end of the aerosol-generating article. In use, the user draws on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention have a distal end. The distal end is located opposite the proximal end.

The components of the aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention may be described as being upstream or downstream relative to each other based on their relative positions between the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

A first aerosol generating substrate is positioned between a distal end and a proximal end of the aerosol generating article.

The second aerosol generating substrate is positioned between the first aerosol generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol generating article.

The second aerosol generating substrate may be described as being located downstream of the first aerosol generating substrate.

In the context of this document, in relation to the present invention, the term "axial" is used to describe the direction between the proximal end and the distal end of the aerosol generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention.

In the context of this document, in relation to the present invention, the term "radial" is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. That is, a direction perpendicular to the direction between the proximal end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention.

In the context of this document, in relation to the present invention, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum size of the aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention and the components of the aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention in the axial direction. That is, the maximum size of the aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention and the components of the aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention in the direction between the proximal end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention.

In the context of this document, in relation to the present invention, the term "width" is used to describe the maximum size of the aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention and the components of the aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention in the radial direction. That is, the maximum size of the aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention and the components of the aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention in the direction perpendicular to the direction between the proximal end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more components located upstream of the first aerosol-generating substrate. That is, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more components located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The components located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article are hereinafter referred to as "upstream components."

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more air-permeable upstream components. For example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more air-permeable rods of porous material positioned between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The one or more air-permeable rods may comprise any suitable porous material, including, but not limited to, cellulose acetate, cotton, paper, and porous plastic.

The first passage for the air flow may pass through one or more air-permeable upstream components.

The aerosol generating article may comprise an air-permeable upstream component located at the distal end of the aerosol generating article. For example, the aerosol generating article may comprise an air-permeable rod of porous material located at the distal end of the aerosol generating article.

The first passage for the air flow may pass through an air-permeable upstream component located at the distal end of the aerosol generating article.

The first aerosol generating substrate may be positioned near the distal end of the aerosol generating article.

The first aerosol generating substrate may be located at the distal end of the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more components disposed between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The components disposed between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article are hereinafter referred to as "intermediate components" of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more tubular intermediate components. For example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more hollow tubular elements positioned between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The one or more hollow tubular elements may comprise any suitable material, including, but not limited to, plastic.

The first passage for the air flow may pass through one or more tubular intermediate components.

The aerosol generating article may comprise a first hollow tubular element located between a first aerosol generating substrate and a second aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

The first hollow tubular element may comprise an axial air flow channel surrounded by an airtight wall.

The first air flow passage may pass through an axial air flow passage of the first hollow tubular element.

An axial air flow channel may be provided in the second aerosol generating substrate.

The first air flow passage may pass through an axial air flow passage provided in the second aerosol generating substrate.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more components located downstream of the second aerosol-generating substrate. That is, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more components located between the second aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The components located between the second aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article are hereinafter referred to as "downstream components."

The aerosol generating article may comprise one or more tubular downstream components. For example, the aerosol generating article may comprise one or more hollow tubular elements positioned between the second aerosol generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol generating article. The one or more hollow tubular elements may comprise any suitable material, including, but not limited to, a cellulose-based material, a biopolymer material, and paper.

A first air flow passage may pass through one or more tubular downstream components, and a second air flow passage may pass through one or more tubular downstream components.

The aerosol generating article may comprise a second hollow tubular element positioned between the second aerosol generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol generating article.

The second hollow tubular element may comprise a first axial air flow channel and a second axial air flow channel.

The first air flow passage may pass through the first axial air flow passage of the second hollow tubular element, and the second air flow passage may pass through the second axial air flow passage of the second hollow tubular element.

The second hollow tubular element may comprise an internal axial air flow channel and an external axial air flow channel.

The first air flow passage may pass through the inner axial air flow passage of the second hollow tubular element, and the second air flow passage may pass through the outer axial air flow passage of the second hollow tubular element to the near end of the aerosol generating article.

The first air flow passage may extend toward the proximal end of the aerosol generating article, and the second air flow passage may extend toward the proximal end of the aerosol generating article.

If the first air flow passage extends toward the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article and the second air flow passage extends toward the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article, in use, a first inhalable aerosol comprising volatile compounds released from a first aerosol-generating substrate upon heating of the first aerosol-generating substrate and entrained by air drawn along the first air flow passage may exit the aerosol-generating article through the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article for delivery to a user, and a second inhalable aerosol comprising volatile compounds released from a second aerosol-generating substrate upon heating of the second aerosol-generating substrate and entrained by air drawn along the second air flow passage may exit the aerosol-generating article through the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article for delivery to a user. The first inhalable aerosol and the second inhalable aerosol may mix in the user's mouth during inhalation by the user.

The first air flow passage and the second air flow passage may not extend to the near end of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may comprise a third air flow passage that extends from the first air flow passage and the second air flow passage to the near end of the aerosol generating article.

If the aerosol-generating article comprises a third air flow passage that extends from the first air flow passage and the second air flow passage to a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article, in use, a first inhalable aerosol containing volatile compounds released from a first aerosol-generating substrate upon heating of the first aerosol-generating substrate and entrained in air drawn along the first air flow passage may be drawn along the third air flow passage, and a second inhalable aerosol containing volatile compounds released from a second aerosol-generating substrate upon heating of the second aerosol-generating substrate and entrained in air drawn along the second air flow passage may be drawn along the third air flow passage. As the first inhalable aerosol and the second inhalable aerosol are drawn along the third air flow passage, the first inhalable aerosol and the second inhalable aerosol may mix to form a combined inhalable aerosol that may exit the aerosol-generating article through a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article for delivery to the user.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mixing chamber located downstream of the second aerosol-generating substrate. That is, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a mixing chamber located between the second aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The first air flow passage may extend from the first air inlet through the first aerosol-generating substrate to the mixing chamber, and the second air flow passage may extend from the second air inlet through the second aerosol-generating substrate to the mixing chamber. The third air flow passage may extend from the first air flow passage and the second air flow passage through the mixing chamber to the near end of the aerosol-generating article.

If the aerosol-generating article comprises a mixing chamber located downstream of the second aerosol-generating substrate, in use, a first inhalable aerosol comprising volatile compounds released from the first aerosol-generating substrate upon heating of the first aerosol-generating substrate and entrained by air drawn along the first air flow passage may be drawn into the mixing chamber, and a second inhalable aerosol comprising volatile compounds released from the second aerosol-generating substrate upon heating of the second aerosol-generating substrate and entrained by air drawn along the second air flow passage may be drawn into the mixing chamber. The first inhalable aerosol and the second inhalable aerosol may be mixed within the mixing chamber to form a combined inhalable aerosol that may exit the aerosol-generating article through a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article for delivery to the user.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more components located downstream of the mixing chamber. That is, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more components located between the mixing chamber and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The components located between the mixing chamber and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article are hereinafter referred to as "mouth-end components."

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more breathable mouth end components. For example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more breathable rods of porous material positioned between the mixing chamber and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The one or more breathable rods may comprise any suitable porous material, including, but not limited to, cellulose acetate, cotton, paper, and porous plastic.

The third air flow passage may pass through one or more air-permeable components of the mouthpiece end.

An aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece located at a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. For example, an aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece comprising a rod of porous material located at a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

A third passage for air flow can be through the mouthpiece.

The first air flow passage can be any desired length.

The first air flow passage may have a length of at least about 15 mm, at least about 20 mm, or at least about 25 mm.

The first air flow passage may have a length that is less than or equal to approximately 55 mm, less than or equal to approximately 50 mm, or less than or equal to approximately 45 mm.

The first air flow passage may have a length of from about 15 mm to about 55 mm, from about 15 mm to about 50 mm, or from about 15 mm to about 45 mm.

The first air flow passage may have a length of from about 20 mm to about 55 mm, from about 20 mm to about 50 mm, or from about 20 mm to about 45 mm.

The first air flow passage may have a length of from about 25 mm to about 55 mm, from about 25 mm to about 50 mm, or from about 25 mm to about 45 mm.

The second air flow passage can be of any desired length.

The second air flow passage may have a length of at least about 10 mm, at least about 12 mm, or at least about 14 mm.

The second air flow passage may have a length that is less than or equal to approximately 30 mm, less than or equal to approximately 28 mm, or less than or equal to approximately 26 mm.

The second air flow passage may have a length of from about 10 mm to about 30 mm, from about 10 mm to about 28 mm, or from about 10 mm to about 26 mm.

The second air flow passage may have a length of from about 12 mm to about 30 mm, from about 12 mm to about 28 mm, or from about 12 mm to about 26 mm.

The second air flow passage may have a length of from about 14 mm to about 30 mm, from about 14 mm to about 28 mm, or from about 14 mm to about 26 mm.

The ratio of the length of the first air flow passage to the length of the second air flow passage may be at least about 1.2, at least about 1.3, at least about 1.4, or at least about 1.5.

The ratio of the length of the first air flow passage to the length of the second air flow passage may be less than or equal to approximately 2.5, less than or equal to approximately 2.3, less than or equal to approximately 2.1, or less than or equal to approximately 1.9.

The ratio of the length of the first air flow passage to the length of the second air flow passage may be from about 1.2 to about 2.5, from about 1.2 to about 2.3, from about 1.2 to about 2.1, or from about 1.2 to about 1.9.

The ratio of the length of the first air flow passage to the length of the second air flow passage may be from about 1.3 to about 2.5, from about 1.3 to about 2.3, from about 1.3 to about 2.1, or from about 1.3 to about 1.9.

The ratio of the length of the first air flow passage to the length of the second air flow passage may be from about 1.4 to about 2.5, from about 1.4 to about 2.3, from about 1.4 to about 2.1, or from about 1.4 to about 1.9.

The ratio of the length of the first air flow passage to the length of the second air flow passage may be from about 1.5 to about 2.5, from about 1.5 to about 2.3, from about 1.5 to about 2.1, or from about 1.5 to about 1.9.

The third air flow passage can be any desired length.

The third air flow passage may have a length of at least about 2 mm, at least about 4 mm, or at least about 6 mm.

The third air flow passage may have a length that is less than or equal to approximately 14 mm, less than or equal to approximately 12 mm, or less than or equal to approximately 10 mm.

The third air flow passage may have a length of from about 2 mm to about 14 mm, from about 2 mm to about 12 mm, or from about 2 mm to about 10 mm.

The third air flow passage may have a length of from about 4 mm to about 14 mm, from about 4 mm to about 12 mm, or from about 4 mm to about 10 mm.

The third air flow passage may have a length of from about 6 mm to about 14 mm, from about 6 mm to about 12 mm, or from about 6 mm to about 10 mm.

The mouthpiece may have any desired cross-section. For example, the mouthpiece may have a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section.

The mouthpiece can be of any desired length. For example, the mouthpiece can be from approximately 3 mm to approximately 6 mm long.

The mouthpiece may have any desired width. For example, the mouthpiece may have a width of about 5 millimeters to about 11 millimeters. The mouthpiece may have a width that is substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article.

The mixing chamber may be located near the proximal end of the aerosol generating article.

The mixing chamber may be located at the near end of the aerosol generating article.

The mixing chamber may be a cavity or recess at the proximal end of the aerosol generating article.

The mixing chamber may have any desired shape. For example, the mixing chamber may be substantially cylindrical.

The mixing chamber may have any desired cross-section. For example, the mixing chamber may have a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section.

The mixing chamber may have any desired length. For example, the mixing chamber may have a length of approximately 4 mm to approximately 7 mm.

The mixing chamber may have any desired width. For example, the mixing chamber may have a width of about 5 millimeters to about 11 millimeters. The mixing chamber may have a width that is substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article.

The mixing chamber may be formed by one or more wrappers of the aerosol generating article that surround the mixing chamber and one or more other components of the aerosol generating article.

The first air inlet and the second air inlet are physically separated from each other.

The first air inlet may be located at the distal end of the aerosol generating article.

The second air inlet may be located downstream of the first air inlet. That is, the second air inlet may be located between the first air inlet and the near end of the aerosol-generating article.

The first air inlet may be configured to admit air into the aerosol generating article in an axial direction.

The first air inlet may be configured to admit air into the aerosol generating article in a radial direction.

The second air inlet may be configured to admit air into the aerosol generating article in an axial direction.

The second air inlet may be configured to admit air into the aerosol generating article in a radial direction.

The first air inlet may be configured to admit air into the aerosol-generating article in the same direction as the second air inlet. For example, the first air inlet may be configured to admit air into the aerosol-generating article in the axial direction, and the second air inlet may be configured to admit air into the aerosol-generating article in the axial direction.

The first air inlet may be configured to admit air into the aerosol-generating article in a direction different from the direction of the second air inlet. For example, the first air inlet may be configured to admit air into the aerosol-generating article in the axial direction, and the second air inlet may be configured to admit air into the aerosol-generating article in the radial direction.

The first air inlet may be located at the periphery of the first aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the first air inlet may be located at the distal end of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

The first air inlet may be configured to inlet air directly into the first aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the first air inlet may be configured to inlet air directly into the first aerosol-generating substrate in the axial direction.

The second air inlet may be located at the periphery of the second aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the second air inlet may be located between the distal end and the proximal end of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

The second air inlet may be configured to inlet air directly into the second aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the second air inlet may be configured to inlet air directly into the second aerosol-generating substrate in a radial direction.

The first aerosol generating substrate and the second aerosol generating substrate are physically separated from each other.

The composition of the first aerosol generating substrate may be the same as the composition of the second aerosol generating substrate.

The composition of the first aerosol-generating substrate may be different from the composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

One or both of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain nicotine. That is, the first aerosol-generating substrate may contain nicotine, or the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain nicotine, or each of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain nicotine.

In the context of this document, in relation to the present invention, the term "nicotine" is used to describe nicotine and nicotine derivatives such as nicotine salts.

One or both of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain tobacco material. That is, the first aerosol-generating substrate may contain tobacco material, or the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain tobacco material, or each of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain tobacco material.

In the context of this document, in relation to the present invention, the term "tobacco material" is used to describe any material containing tobacco, including, but not limited to, tobacco leaf, tobacco stem, tobacco stalk, tobacco dust, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco material, and homogenized tobacco material.

One or both of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain a homogenized tobacco material. That is, the first aerosol-generating substrate may contain a homogenized tobacco material, or the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain a homogenized tobacco material, or each of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain a homogenized tobacco material.

In the context of this document, in relation to the present invention, the term "homogenized tobacco material" is used to describe a material formed by agglomeration of loose tobacco.

The tobacco material may, for example, be in the form of powder, granules, pellets, pieces, tubes, strips, sheets, or any combination thereof.

One or both of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain one or more aerosol-forming substances. That is, the first aerosol-generating substrate may contain one or more aerosol-forming substances, or the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain one or more aerosol-forming substances, or each of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain one or more aerosol-forming substances.

The aerosol forming agent may be any suitable compound or mixture of compounds that, when used, promote the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that are substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol generating system containing the aerosol generating article. Suitable aerosol forming agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

One or both of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain one or more flavors. That is, the first aerosol-generating substrate may contain one or more flavors, or the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain one or more flavors, or each of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may contain one or more flavors.

Suitable flavoring agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, menthol.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a solid aerosol-forming material, a liquid aerosol-forming material, a gel-like aerosol-forming material, or a combination thereof.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a solid aerosol-forming material, a liquid aerosol-forming material, a gel-like aerosol-forming material, or a combination thereof.

The first aerosol generating substrate may comprise a rod of a solid aerosol generating material surrounded by a wrapper.

The first aerosol generating substrate may comprise a porous substrate filled with a liquid aerosol generating material, a gel aerosol generating material, or a combination thereof.

The second aerosol generating substrate may comprise a rod of solid aerosol generating material surrounded by a wrapper.

The second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a solid aerosol-forming material, a liquid aerosol-forming material, a gel-like aerosol-forming material, or a combination thereof.

The second aerosol generating substrate may comprise a porous substrate filled with a liquid aerosol generating material, a gel aerosol generating material, or a combination thereof.

The aerosol generating article may have any desired shape. For example, the aerosol generating article may be substantially cylindrical.

The aerosol generating article may have any desired cross-section. For example, the aerosol generating article may have a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section.

The aerosol generating article may have any desired length. For example, the aerosol generating article may have a length of approximately 50 millimeters to approximately 90 millimeters.

The aerosol generating article may have any desired width. For example, the aerosol generating article may have a width of about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired shape. For example, the first aerosol-generating substrate may be substantially cylindrical.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired cross-section. For example, the first aerosol-generating substrate may have a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired length. For example, the first aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of about 7 mm to about 13 mm.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired width. For example, the first aerosol-generating substrate may have a width of about 5 millimeters to about 11 millimeters. The first aerosol-generating substrate may have a width that is substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article.

The second aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired shape. For example, the second aerosol-generating substrate may be substantially cylindrical.

The second aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired cross-section. For example, the second aerosol-generating substrate may have a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section.

The second aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired length. For example, the first aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of about 7 mm to about 13 mm.

The second aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired width. For example, the first aerosol-generating substrate may have a width of about 5 millimeters to about 11 millimeters. The first aerosol-generating substrate may have a width that is substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article.

The first aerosol-generating substrate, the second aerosol-generating substrate, and other components of the aerosol-generating article may be assembled within one or more wrappers to form the aerosol-generating article. For example, the first aerosol-generating substrate, the second aerosol-generating substrate, and other components of the aerosol-generating article may be assembled within one or more wrappers to form an elongated rod.

Suitable wrappers for use in the aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: cigarette paper; filter papers; tipping paper; metallized paper; metal foil; and laminates of metal foil and paper.

The aerosol generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention may resemble conventional cigarettes with a lit end.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention; and an aerosol generating device configured to heat a first aerosol generating substrate and a second aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating device can be configured to simultaneously heat the first aerosol generating substrate and the second aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating device can be designed to sequentially heat the first aerosol generating substrate and the second aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating device can be configured to heat the first aerosol generating substrate and the second aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article to the same temperature.

The aerosol generating device can be configured to heat the first aerosol generating substrate and the second aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article to different temperatures.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a housing that forms a cavity of the device, configured to contain at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating device may be a hand held aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device may be an electrically controlled aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device may contain a power supply and control electronics.

The aerosol generating device may contain a battery and control electronics.

The aerosol generating device may contain an electric heater.

The aerosol generating device may comprise an electric heater comprising one or more heating elements.

The aerosol generating device may comprise an electric heater comprising one or more resistive heating elements.

The aerosol generating device may comprise an electric heater comprising a first heating element configured to heat a first aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article, and a second heating element configured to heat a second aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating device may comprise an electric heater comprising a first resistive heating element configured to heat a first aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article, and a second resistive heating element configured to heat a second aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article.

One or both of the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more current collectors (susceptors). That is, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more current collectors, or the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more current collectors, or each of the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more current collectors.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one current collector configured to heat a first aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article and a second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol generating article may comprise one current collector that is in thermal contact with a first aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article and a second aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first current collector configured to heat a first aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article, and a second current collector configured to heat a second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

An aerosol-generating article may comprise a first current collector in thermal contact with a first aerosol-generating substrate and a second current collector in thermal contact with a second aerosol-generating substrate.

The aerosol generating device may comprise one current collector configured to heat a first aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating article, and a second aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a first current collector configured to heat a first aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article, and a second current collector configured to heat a second aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating device may comprise an inductor.

The aerosol generating device may comprise an inductor comprising one or more induction coils.

The aerosol generating device may comprise an inductor comprising a first induction coil and a second induction coil.

The aerosol generating device may comprise an inductor comprising a first induction coil configured to heat the first current collector, and a second induction coil configured to heat the second current collector.

If the aerosol-generating article comprises a first current collector and a second current collector, the aerosol-generating device may comprise an inductor comprising a first induction coil configured to heat the first current collector of the aerosol-generating article and a second induction coil configured to heat the second current collector of the aerosol-generating article.

If the aerosol generating device comprises a first current collector and a second current collector, the aerosol generating device may comprise an inductor comprising a first induction coil configured to heat the first current collector of the aerosol generating device and a second induction coil configured to heat the second current collector of the aerosol generating device.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

EX1. An aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a proximal end and a distal end and comprises: a first aerosol-generating substrate located between the distal end and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article; a first air inlet for admitting air into the aerosol-generating article; a second aerosol-generating substrate located between the distal end and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article; a second air inlet for admitting air into the aerosol-generating article; a first air flow passage extending from the first air inlet through the first aerosol-generating substrate to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article; and a second air flow passage extending from the second air inlet through the second aerosol generating substrate to a proximal end of the aerosol generating article, wherein the first air flow passage and the second air flow passage are isolated from each other.

EX2. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX1, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate is located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX3. An aerosol generating article according to example EX1 or EX2, wherein the first air inlet is configured to admit air into the aerosol generating article in an axial direction.

EX4. An aerosol generating article according to example EX1 or EX2, wherein the first air inlet is configured to admit air into the aerosol generating article in a radial direction.

EX5. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the examples EX1-EX4, wherein the first air inlet is located at the periphery of the first aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

EX6. An aerosol generating article according to any one of examples EX1-EX5, wherein the first air inlet is located at the distal end of the first aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

EX7. An aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1-EX6, wherein the first air inlet is configured to inject air directly into the first aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

EX8. An aerosol generating article according to any of the examples EX1-EX7, wherein the second air inlet is configured to inject air into the aerosol generating article in an axial direction.

EX9. An aerosol generating article according to any of the examples EX1-EX7, wherein the second air inlet is configured to inject air into the aerosol generating article in a radial direction.

EX10. An aerosol generating article according to any of the examples EX1-EX9, wherein the second air inlet is located at the periphery of the second aerosol generating substrate.

EX11. An aerosol generating article according to any of examples EX1-EX10, wherein the second air inlet is configured to inject air directly into the second aerosol generating substrate.

EX12. An aerosol generating article according to any of the examples EX1-EX11, wherein the axial air flow channel is provided in the second aerosol generating substrate.

EX13. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1-EX12, wherein the first air flow passage passes through an axial air flow channel provided in the second aerosol generating substrate.

EX14. An aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1-EX13, comprising one or more components located between a first aerosol-generating substrate and a second aerosol-generating substrate.

EX15. An aerosol generating article according to any of examples EX1-EX14, comprising a first hollow tubular element located between a first aerosol generating substrate and a second aerosol generating substrate.

EX16. An aerosol generating article according to example EX15, wherein the first hollow tubular element comprises an axial air flow channel and an air-impermeable wall.

EX17. An aerosol generating article according to example EX16, wherein the first air flow passage passes through an axial air flow passage of the first hollow tubular element.

EX18. An aerosol-generating article according to any of EX1-EX17, comprising one or more components located between a second aerosol-generating substrate and a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX19. An aerosol generating article according to any one of examples EX1-EX18, comprising a second hollow tubular element located between the second aerosol generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol generating article.

EX20. An aerosol generating article according to example EX19, wherein the second hollow tubular element comprises a first axial air flow channel and a second axial air flow channel.

EX21. An aerosol generating article according to example EX20, wherein the first air flow passage passes through the first axial channel of the second hollow tubular element, and the second air flow passage passes through the second axial channel for air flow of the second hollow tubular element.

EX22. An aerosol generating article according to example EX19, wherein the second hollow tubular element comprises an inner axial air flow passage and an outer axial air flow passage.

EX23. An aerosol generating article according to example EX22, wherein the first air flow passage passes through an internal axial channel of the second hollow tubular element, and the second air flow passage passes through an external axial channel for air flow of the second hollow tubular element.

EX24. An aerosol generating article according to any of EX1-EX23, wherein the first air flow passage extends toward the proximal end of the aerosol generating article.

EX25. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1-EX24, wherein the second air flow passage extends toward the proximal end of the aerosol generating article.

EX26. An aerosol-generating article according to any of EX1-EX23, comprising a mixing chamber located between the second aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX27. An aerosol generating article according to example EX26, wherein the first air flow passage extends from the first air inlet through the first aerosol generating substrate to the mixing chamber, and the second air flow passage extends from the second air inlet through the second aerosol generating substrate to the mixing chamber.

EX28. An aerosol generating article according to example EX26 or EX27, wherein the mixing chamber is located at the proximal end of the aerosol generating article.

EX29. An aerosol generating article according to example EX26 or EX27, comprising one or more components located between a mixing chamber and a proximal end of the aerosol generating article.

EX30. An aerosol-generating article according to any of EX1-EX29, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate is located at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX31. An aerosol-generating article according to any of EX1-EX29, comprising one or more components located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX32. An aerosol-generating article according to any of EX1-EX31, comprising one or more air-permeable components located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX33. An aerosol generating article according to example EX32, wherein the first air flow passage passes through one or more air-permeable components.

EX34. An aerosol generating article according to any of the examples EX1-EX32, comprising an air-permeable rod of porous material located at the distal end of the aerosol generating article.

EX35. An aerosol generating article according to example EX34, wherein the first passage for the air flow passes through an air-permeable rod made of porous material.

EX36. An aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1-EX35, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine.

EX37. An aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1-EX36, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine.

EX38. An aerosol-generating article according to any of EX1-EX37, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate comprises tobacco material.

EX39. An aerosol-generating article according to any of EX1-EX38, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises tobacco material.

EX40. An aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1-EX39, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate comprises homogenized tobacco material.

EX41. An aerosol-generating article according to any of EX1-EX40, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises homogenized tobacco material.

EX42. An aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1-EX41, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more aerosol-forming substances.

EX43. An aerosol-generating article according to any of EX1-EX42, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more aerosol-forming substances.

EX44. An aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1-EX43, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more flavoring agents.

EX45. An aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1-EX44, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more flavoring agents.

EX46. An aerosol-generating article according to any of EX1-45, wherein the composition of the first aerosol-generating substrate is the same as the composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

EX47. An aerosol-generating article according to any of EX1-45, wherein the composition of the first aerosol-generating substrate differs from the composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

EX48. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article according to any of examples EX1-EX47; and an aerosol generating device configured to heat a first aerosol generating substrate and a second aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

EX49. An aerosol generating system according to example EX48, in which the aerosol generating device is configured to simultaneously heat a first aerosol generating substrate and a second aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article.

EX50. An aerosol generating system according to example EX48 or EX49, in which the aerosol generating device is configured to sequentially heat a first aerosol generating substrate and a second aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article.

EX51. An aerosol generating system according to any of the examples EX48-EX50, in which the aerosol generating device is configured to heat the first aerosol generating substrate and the second aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article to the same temperature.

EX52. An aerosol generating system according to any of the examples EX48-EX51, in which the aerosol generating device is configured to heat the first aerosol generating substrate and the second aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article to different temperatures.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of an aerosol generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of an aerosol generating article according to a second aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a third embodiment of an aerosol generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an aerosol generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an aerosol generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention; and

Fig. 6 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of an aerosol generating system according to a second aspect of the present invention.

The first embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 10 according to the first aspect of the present invention, shown in Fig. 1, is substantially cylindrical and has a near end 12 and a far end 14. The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a first aerosol-generating substrate 16 located between the far end 14 and the near end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10, and a second aerosol-generating substrate 18 located between the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 and the near end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10.

The first aerosol generating substrate 16 comprises a rod of aerosol generating material surrounded by a wrapper.

The second aerosol-generating substrate 18 comprises a rod of aerosol-forming material surrounded by a wrapper. As shown in Fig. 1, an axial air flow channel 20 is provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate 18. The aerosol-forming material of the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 surrounds the axial air flow channel 20. The axial air flow channel 20 and the aerosol-forming material of the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 are separated by an air-impermeable surface.

The aerosol-generating article 10 further comprises a first hollow tubular element 22 located between the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 and the second aerosol-generating segment 18. The first hollow tubular element 22 comprises an axial air flow channel 24 surrounded by an air-impermeable wall 26.

The aerosol-generating article 10 also further comprises a second hollow tubular element 28 located between the second aerosol-generating segment 18 and the near end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10. The second hollow tubular element 28 comprises an internal axial air flow channel 30 surrounded by an external air flow channel 32. The internal axial air flow channel 30 and the external air flow channel 32 of the second hollow tubular element 28 are separated by an air-impermeable surface.

The first aerosol generating substrate 16, the first hollow tubular element 22, the second aerosol generating substrate 18 and the second hollow tubular element 28 are arranged in adjacent coaxial alignment and surrounded by an outer wrapper made of sheet material, such as, for example, cigarette paper, metallized paper, metal foil or a laminated material of metal foil and paper.

The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a first air inlet 34 at the distal end of the first aerosol-generating substrate 16. The first air inlet 34 is configured to inlet air directly into the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 in the axial direction.

The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a second air inlet 36 located along the periphery of the second aerosol-generating substrate 18. The second air inlet 36 comprises an annular row of perforation holes in the outer wrapper. The second air inlet 36 is designed to inlet air directly into the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 in the radial direction.

As shown in Fig. 1, the axial air flow passage 24 of the first hollow tubular element 22, the axial air flow passage 20 provided in the second aerosol generating substrate 18, and the internal axial air flow passage 30 of the second hollow tubular element 28 are coaxially aligned.

The first air flow passage (shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 1) extends from the first air inlet opening 34 through the first aerosol generating substrate 16, the axial air flow passage 24 of the first hollow tubular element 22, the axial air flow passage 20 provided in the second aerosol generating substrate 18, and the internal axial air flow passage 30 of the second hollow tubular element 28 to the proximal 12 end of the aerosol generating article 10.

A second air flow passage (shown by the dotted arrow in Fig. 1) extends from the second air inlet 36 through the second aerosol generating substrate 18 and the outer air flow passage 32 of the second hollow tubular member 28 to the proximal 12 end of the aerosol generating article 10.

The first air flow passage and the second air flow passage are isolated from each other. In use, the first air-impermeable wall 26 of the first hollow tubular element 22, the air-impermeable surface between the axial air flow passage 20 provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 and the aerosol-forming material of the second aerosol-generating substrate 18, and the air-impermeable surface between the internal axial air flow passage 30 and the external air flow passage 32 of the second hollow tubular element 28 prevent mixing of the air drawn in along the first air flow passage with the air drawn in along the second air flow passage, and vice versa.

In use, a first inhalable aerosol containing volatile compounds released from a first aerosol-generating substrate 16 upon heating of the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 and entrained by air drawn along the first air flow passage may exit the aerosol-generating article 10 through the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 12 for delivery to a user, and a second inhalable aerosol containing volatile compounds released from a second aerosol-generating substrate 18 upon heating of the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 and entrained by air drawn along the second air flow passage may exit the aerosol-generating article 10 through the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10 for delivery to a user. The first inhalable aerosol and the second inhalable aerosol may mix in the user's mouth during inhalation by the user.

The second embodiment of the aerosol generating article 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention shown in Fig. 2 has a similar structure to the first embodiment of the aerosol generating article 10 according to the first aspect of the present invention shown in Fig. 1. The same reference numerals are used in Fig. 2 for the parts of the aerosol generating article 100 shown in Fig. 2 corresponding to the parts of the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1.

The first aerosol generating substrate 16 of the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1 is located at the distal end 14 of the aerosol generating article 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the aerosol generating article 100 shown in Fig. 2 differs from the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1 in that the aerosol generating article 100 shown in Fig. 2 comprises a component 38 located between the first aerosol generating substrate 16 and the distal end 14 of the aerosol generating article 100.

Component 38 is located at the distal end 14 of the aerosol generating article 10 and comprises an air-permeable rod made of a porous material such as, for example, acetyl cellulose.

The aerosol generating article 100 shown in Fig. 2 comprises a first air inlet 34 at the distal end of the component 38. The first air inlet 34 is configured to inject air directly into the component 38 in the axial direction.

In the aerosol generating article 100 shown in Fig. 2, the first air flow passage (shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 2) extends from the first air inlet 34 through the component 38, the first aerosol generating substrate 16, the axial air flow passage 24 of the first hollow tubular element 22, the axial air flow passage 20 provided in the second aerosol generating substrate 18, and the internal axial air flow passage 30 of the second hollow tubular element 28 to the proximal 12 end of the aerosol generating article 10.

The third embodiment of the aerosol generating article 200 according to the first aspect of the present invention shown in Fig. 3 has a similar structure to the first embodiment of the aerosol generating article 10 according to the first aspect of the present invention shown in Fig. 1. The same reference numerals are used in Fig. 3 for the parts of the aerosol generating article 200 shown in Fig. 3 corresponding to the parts of the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1.

The second hollow tubular element 28 of the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1 is arranged at the near end 12 of the aerosol generating article 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the aerosol generating article 200 shown in Fig. 3 differs from the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1 in that the aerosol generating article 200 shown in Fig. 3 comprises a mixing chamber 40 arranged between the second hollow tubular element 28 of the aerosol generating article 200 and the near end 12 of the aerosol generating article 200.

In the aerosol generating article 200 shown in Fig. 3, the first air flow passage (shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 3) extends from the first air inlet 34 through the first aerosol generating substrate 16, the axial air flow passage 24 of the first hollow tubular element 22, the axial air flow passage 20 provided in the second aerosol generating substrate 18, and the internal axial air flow passage 30 of the second hollow tubular element 28 to the mixing chamber 40. In the aerosol generating article 200 shown in Fig. 3, the second air flow passage (shown by the dotted arrow in Fig. 1) extends from the second air inlet 36 through the second aerosol generating substrate 18 and the outer air flow passage 32 of the second hollow tubular element 28 to the mixing chamber 40.

A third air flow passage (shown by the dashed and dotted arrows in Fig. 3) extends from the first air flow passage and the second air flow passage through the mixing chamber 40 to the proximal end 12 of the aerosol generating article 300.

In use, a first inhalable aerosol containing volatile compounds released from the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 upon heating of the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 and entrained in air drawn along the first air flow passage may be drawn into the mixing chamber 40, and a second inhalable aerosol containing volatile compounds released from the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 upon heating of the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 and entrained in air drawn along the second air flow passage may be drawn into the mixing chamber 40. The first inhalable aerosol and the second inhalable aerosol may be mixed within the mixing chamber 40 to form a combined inhalable aerosol that may exit the aerosol-generating article 300 through the proximal end 12 of the article 300, generating an aerosol for delivery to the user.

The fourth embodiment of the aerosol generating article 300 according to the first aspect of the present invention shown in Fig. 4 has a similar structure to the third embodiment of the aerosol generating article 200 according to the first aspect of the present invention shown in Fig. 3. The same reference numerals are used in Fig. 4 for the parts of the aerosol generating article 300 shown in Fig. 4 corresponding to the parts of the aerosol generating article 200 shown in Fig. 3.

In the aerosol generating article 200 shown in Fig. 3, the first aerosol generating substrate 16 of the aerosol generating article 200 is located at the distal end 14 of the aerosol generating article 200. As shown in Fig. 4, the aerosol generating article 300 shown in Fig. 4 differs from the aerosol generating article 200 shown in Fig. 3 in that the aerosol generating article 300 shown in Fig. 4 comprises a component 38 located between the first aerosol generating substrate 16 and the distal end 14 of the aerosol generating article 300.

Component 38 is located at the distal end 14 of the aerosol generating article 300 and comprises an air-permeable rod made of a porous material such as, for example, acetyl cellulose.

The aerosol generating article 300 shown in Fig. 4 comprises a first air inlet 34 at the distal end of the component 38. The first air inlet 34 is configured to inject air directly into the component 38 in an axial direction.

In the aerosol generating article 300 shown in Fig. 4, the first air flow passage (shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 4) extends from the first air inlet 34 through the component 38, the first aerosol generating substrate 16, the axial air flow passage 24 of the first hollow tubular element 22, the axial air flow passage 20 provided in the second aerosol generating substrate 18, and the internal axial air flow passage 30 of the second hollow tubular element 28 to the mixing chamber 40 of the aerosol generating article 10.

The fifth embodiment of the aerosol generating article 400 according to the first aspect of the present invention shown in Fig. 5 has a similar structure to the fourth embodiment of the aerosol generating article 300 according to the first aspect of the present invention shown in Fig. 4. The same reference numerals are used in Fig. 5 for the parts of the aerosol generating article 400 shown in Fig. 5 corresponding to the parts of the aerosol generating article 300 shown in Fig. 4.

In the aerosol generating article 300 shown in Fig. 4, the mixing chamber 40 of the aerosol generating article 300 is arranged at the near end 12 of the aerosol generating article 300. As shown in Fig. 5, the aerosol generating article 400 shown in Fig. 5 differs from the aerosol generating article 300 shown in Fig. 4 in that the aerosol generating article 400 shown in Fig. 5 comprises a mouthpiece 42 arranged between the first mixing chamber 40 and the near end 12 of the aerosol generating article 400.

The mouthpiece 42 is located at the proximal end 12 of the aerosol generating article 400 and comprises an air-permeable rod made of a porous material, such as, for example, acetyl cellulose.

In the aerosol generating article 400 shown in Fig. 5, a third air flow passage (shown by the dashed and dotted arrows in Fig. 5) extends from the first air flow passage and the second air flow passage through the mixing chamber 40 and the mouthpiece 42 to the proximal end 12 of the aerosol generating article 400.

An embodiment of an aerosol generating system 500 according to a second aspect of the present invention, shown in Fig. 6, comprises an aerosol generating article 300 according to the first aspect of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 4, and an electrically controlled hand-held aerosol generating device 600.

The aerosol generating device 600 comprises a housing 602 defining a device cavity 604 configured to accommodate a distal portion of the aerosol generating article 300.

The aerosol generating device 600 comprises a first hollow tubular current collector 606 in the form of a sleeve and a second hollow tubular current collector 608 in the form of a sleeve. The first hollow tubular current collector 606 in the form of a sleeve is configured to heat the first aerosol generating substrate 16 of the aerosol generating article 300 by conduction, when the distal part of the aerosol generating article 300 is placed in the cavity 604 of the device. The second hollow tubular current collector 608 in the form of a sleeve is configured to heat the second aerosol generating substrate 18 of the aerosol generating article 300 by conduction, when the distal part of the aerosol generating article 300 is placed in the cavity 604 of the device.

The aerosol generating device 600 further comprises an inductor comprising a first induction coil (not shown) and a second induction coil (not shown), a power supply in the form of a battery (not shown), such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and a control circuit (not shown). The control circuit controls the supply of electrical energy from the battery to the first induction coil and the second induction coil of the inductor.

In use, the fluctuating or alternating electromagnetic field generated by the first induction coil of the inductor induces eddy currents in the first hollow tubular current collector 606 in the form of a sleeve, causing the first hollow tubular current collector 606 to heat up. The heat generated in the first hollow tubular current collector 606 in the form of a sleeve is transferred to the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 of the aerosol-generating article 300 by conduction.

In use, the fluctuating or alternating electromagnetic field generated by the second induction coil of the inductor induces eddy currents in the second hollow tubular current collector 608 in the form of a sleeve, causing the second hollow tubular current collector 608 to heat up. The heat generated in the second hollow tubular current collector in the form of a sleeve 606 is transferred to the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 of the aerosol-generating article 300 by conduction.

The inductor of the aerosol generating device 600 can be designed with the possibility of heating the first hollow tubular current collector 606 in the form of a sleeve and the second hollow tubular current collector 608 in the form of a sleeve to the same temperature or to different temperatures. Thus, the aerosol generating device 600 can be designed with the possibility of simultaneously or sequentially heating the first aerosol generating substrate 16 and the second aerosol generating substrate 18 of the aerosol generating article 300 to the same temperature or to different temperatures.

The inductor of the aerosol generating device 600 can be designed with the possibility of simultaneously or sequentially heating the first hollow tubular current collector 606 in the form of a sleeve and the second hollow tubular current collector 608 in the form of a sleeve. The aerosol generating device 600 can thus be designed with the possibility of simultaneously or sequentially heating the first aerosol generating substrate 16 and the second aerosol generating substrate 18 of the aerosol generating article 300.

It should be understood that the aerosol generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention may also be suitable for use with other types of aerosol generating devices.

For example, it should be understood that the aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention may comprise a first current collector in thermal contact with a first aerosol-generating substrate and a second current collector in thermal contact with a second aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention may be used with an aerosol-generating device comprising an inductor configured to heat the first current collector and the second current collector of the aerosol-generating article.

For the purpose of the present description and the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges therebetween that may or may not be specifically listed herein. Therefore, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10% of A. In this context, the number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within the normal standard error for measuring the property that the number A modifies.

Claims (25)

1. An article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, wherein the article has a proximal end and a distal end and comprises: a first aerosol generating substrate located between the distal end and the proximal end of the article; the first air inlet for introducing air into the product; a second aerosol generating substrate located between the first substrate and the proximal end of the article; a second air inlet for introducing air into the product; a first air flow passage extending from the first air inlet through the first substrate to the proximal end of the article; and a second air flow passage extending from the second air inlet through the second substrate to the proximal end of the article, wherein the first air flow passage and the second air flow passage are isolated from each other. 2. The product according to item 1, wherein the first air inlet is designed to admit air into the product in the axial direction. 3. An article according to any one of paragraphs 1, 2, in which the second air inlet is designed to admit air into the article in a radial direction. 4. The article according to item 3, wherein the second substrate has an axial channel for air flow. 5. The article of claim 4, wherein the first air flow passage passes through an axial air flow passage in the second substrate. 6. An article according to any one of paragraphs. 4, 5, comprising a first hollow tubular element located between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first hollow tubular element comprises an axial channel for air flow and an air-impermeable wall. 7. The article according to claim 6, wherein the first air flow passage passes through an axial air flow passage of the first hollow tubular element. 8. An article according to any one of claims 1-7, comprising a second hollow tubular element located between the second substrate and the proximal end of the article, wherein the second hollow tubular element comprises an internal axial air flow channel and an external axial air flow channel. 9. The article according to claim 8, wherein the first air flow passage passes through the inner axial channel of the second hollow tubular element, and the second air flow passage passes through the outer axial channel for air flow of the second hollow tubular element. 10. The article according to any one of claims 1-9, comprising a mixing chamber located between the second substrate and the proximal end of the article, wherein the first air flow passage extends from the first air inlet through the first substrate to the mixing chamber, and the second air flow passage extends from the second air inlet through the second substrate to the mixing chamber. 11. The product according to claim 10, wherein the mixing chamber is located at the near end of the product. 12. An article according to any one of paragraphs 1-11, comprising an air-permeable rod made of porous material located at the distal end of the article. 13. An article according to any one of paragraphs 1-12, in which the composition of the first substrate differs from the composition of the second substrate. 14. The article according to any one of paragraphs. 1-13, in which one or both of the first substrate and the second substrate comprise tobacco material. 15. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article according to any one of paragraphs 1-14; and an aerosol generating device configured to heat a first aerosol generating substrate and a second aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein one or both of the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating device comprises one or more susceptors.