WO2025202132A1

WO2025202132A1 - Aerosol-generating device with heat conduction

Info

Publication number: WO2025202132A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/058002
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frédéric MATTHEY-DE-L'ENDROIT; Özgür ÖZSUN; Laurent Edouard Poget
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2024-03-26
Filing date: 2025-03-24
Publication date: 2025-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-26

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol-generating device (100) for use with an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device (100) comprises a housing (110). The housing (110) comprises a recess (111) for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The housing (110) comprises a heater assembly (112) configured to heat an aerosol-generating article when it is received in the recess (111). The housing (110) comprises a heating wall (113), the heating wall (113) comprising the heater assembly (112). The heating wall (113) is movable relative to the recess (111) between a closed position in which the recess (111) is substantially closed by the heating wall (113), and an open position to allow access to the interior of the recess (111). The device (100) further comprises at least one heat conducting element (110) provided on an inner wall of the recess (111). The at least one heat conducting element (110) is in contact with the heater assembly (112) when the heating wall (113) is in the closed position.

Description

AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE WITH HEAT CONDUCTION

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosolgenerating article. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing and at least one heat conducting element. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article configured to be used with the aerosol-generating device.

Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco containing substrate, is heated rather than combusted are known in the art. In heated aerosolgenerating articles, the aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

One type of aerosol-generating system is an electrically operated smoking system. Known handheld electrically operated smoking systems typically comprise an aerosolgenerating device comprising a rechargeable battery, control electronics and an electric heater for heating an aerosol-generating article designed specifically for use with the aerosolgenerating device. In some examples, the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosolforming substrate, such as a tobacco rod or a tobacco plug, and the heater contained within the aerosol-generating device is inserted into or is located around the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

A heating element may be provided in an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such a device may heat the aerosol-generating substrate contained in the aerosol-generating article without burning the aerosol-generating substrate. In doing so, the aerosol-generating substrate may generate an aerosol which may be delivered to a user.

Such aerosol-generating articles may take the form of a conventional cigarette. Where this is the case, the aerosol-generating substrate may be wrapped in cigarette paper. This approach may be appropriate where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises strands or spaghettis of material, for example strands of cast leaf tobacco or strands of shredded tobacco.

However, this approach may not effectively retain other forms of aerosol-generating substrate, such as granulated or powdered aerosol-generating substrate. Such aerosolgenerating articles may be prone to leakage of the aerosol-generating substrates during storage, handling and use thereof. Leakage of the aerosol-generating substrates may be exacerbated by high environmental temperatures and humidities. Loss of aerosol-generating substrates through leakage may disadvantageously reduce the lifespan of the aerosolgenerating article comprising the aerosol-generating substrate. Leakage of aerosol-generating substrates may negatively impact the overall performance of the aerosol-generating article. For example, leakage of aerosol-generating substrates may negatively impact the consistency of the inhalable aerosol generated by an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosolgenerating article.

In order to provide an aerosol-generating article in which loss or leaking of the aerosolgenerating substrate is reduced or prevented even when the aerosol-generating article is heated to the temperatures required to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate, an aerosol-generating article comprising a container may be provided. Such an aerosol-generating article may be able to retain different forms of aerosol-generating substrate, such as granulated or powdered aerosol-generating substrate. Such an aerosol-generating article comprising a container may be readily handled and manipulated by a consumer when it is being used in combination with a suitable aerosol-generating device. However, aerosolgenerating devices of the prior art may not be suitable for heating aerosol-generating articles comprising a container. For example, inserting a heating element into an aerosol-generating article comprising a container may disadvantageously cause the aerosol-generating substrate to leak out of the container. In addition, existing heaters configured to externally heat aerosolgenerating articles may not provide efficient heating sufficient to generate a consistent aerosol from an aerosol-generating article comprising a container.

Aerosol-generating articles comprising a container may be larger than aerosolgenerating articles of the prior art. Where this is the case, it may be advantageous to provide more customised heating of the aerosol-generating article which is not possible with aerosolgenerating devices of the prior art. Furthermore, providing efficient heating of a larger aerosolgenerating article may not be possible with aerosol-generating devices of the prior art. This may lead to at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate within the aerosol-generating article being underutilised to generate an aerosol.

As a result, there is a need to provide an aerosol-generating device which is able to provide a more consistent aerosol generation.

In addition, there is a need to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a greater proportion of the aerosol-generating substrate can be utilised to generate an aerosol.

In addition, there is a need to provide an aerosol-generating device in which the aerosol generation may be tailored depending on the nature of the aerosol-generating article.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosolgenerating device for use with an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing. The housing may comprise a recess for receiving an aerosolgenerating article. The housing may comprise a heater assembly configured to heat an aerosol-generating article when it is received in the recess. The device may further comprise at least one heat conducting element provided on an inner wall of the recess.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosolgenerating device for use with an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device comprises a housing. The housing comprises a recess for receiving an aerosol-generating article, and a heater assembly configured to heat an aerosol-generating article when it is received in the recess. The device further comprises at least one heat conducting element provided on an inner wall of the recess.

The provision of at least one heat conducting element on an inner wall of the recess may help to distribute the heat from the heater assembly around the inner wall of the recess. This may advantageously improve the efficiency of the heating of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess. Specifically, the provision of at least one heat conducting element may advantageously ensure that portions of the aerosol-generating article which are spaced apart from the heater assembly may be efficiently heated to generate an aerosol. This may advantageously improve the consistency of aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device. In addition, the provision of at least one heat conducting element may ensure a greater proportion of the aerosol-generating substrate can be utilised to generate an aerosol.

The provision of at least one heat conducting element on an inner wall of the recess may provide these advantages without the need for a second heating arrangement configured to heat the recess. This may advantageously simplify the manufacture of the aerosol-generating device. In addition, in examples where the heater assembly is configured to move relative to the recess to allow access to the cavity of the recess, the provision of at least one heat conducting element may advantageously remove the need for electricity to be supplied to the recess. This may considerably simplify the structure of the aerosol-generating device.

In use, an aerosol-generating article may be received in the recess of the housing. The heater assembly may be activated to heat the aerosol-generating article, particularly the portion directly adjacent the heater assembly to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate. The heat is also transferred by the at least one heat conducting element away from the heater assembly around the inner wall of the recess. Heat from the at least one heat conducting element may then heat a portion of the aerosol-generating article which is spaced apart from the heating assembly to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “aerosol-generating substrate” denotes a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating, which can condense to form an aerosol.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “aerosol” denotes a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. The aerosol may include vapours of substances that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature as well as solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “aerosol-generating article” denotes an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “aerosol-generating device” denotes a device that interacts with an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol-generating device heats the aerosol-generating substrate to facilitate release of volatile compounds from the substrate.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “aerosol-generating system” refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “heater assembly” refers to an arrangement configured to generate heat to heat an aerosol-generating article. The heater assembly may be an electric heater assembly.

The recess may comprise at least one air inlet to allow air to enter the recess and access the aerosol-generating article received within the recess. The at least one air inlet may be located at the upstream end of the recess. The recess may comprise at least one aerosol outlet to allow aerosol to leave the recess to be delivered to a user. The at least one aerosol outlet may be located at the downstream end of the recess.

The recess may include a rim edge. The at least one heat conducting element may have a first edge and an opposed second edge. The first edge may overly the rim edge of the recess.

The rim edge of the recess may lie in a plane. The rim edge of the recess may define a plane.

In use, the heater assembly may at least partially lie in a parallel plane when the device is closed. In this way, where the first edge of the at least one heat conducting element overlies the rim edge, at least a portion of the first edge of the at least one heat conducting element may be as close to the heater assembly as possible. This may advantageously ensure sufficient heat is transferred from the heater assembly to the at least one heat conducting element. In some examples, the first edge of the at least one heat conducting element may lie in a plane parallel to the heater assembly. This may advantageously ensure a greater proportion of the at least one heat conducting element is close to the heater assembly to further improve heat transfer from the heater assembly to the at least one heat conducting element.

The at least one heat conducting element may have a first edge and an opposed second edge. The first edge and the opposed second edge may be parallel to each other. The first edge and the opposed second edge may have the same length. The first edge and the opposed second edge may be parallel to each other and have the same length. The at least one heat conducting element may further comprise a first transverse edge and an opposed second transverse edge extending between the first and second edges. In this way, the at least one heat conducting element may be in the form of a rectangle.

The rim edge may be a continuous rim such that the rim edge fully circumscribes the entrance to the recess. The rim edge may be discontinuous.

The second edge of the at least one heat conducting element may overlay the rim edge of the recess. In this way, both ends of the at least one heat conducting element may be in close proximity to the heater assembly. This may advantageously improve the heat conduction from the heater assembly to the at least one heat conducting element. This may advantageously improve the efficiency of the aerosol generation by the aerosol-generating article.

The portion of the rim edge overlayed by the first edge of the at least one heat conducting element may oppose the portion of the rim edge overlayed by the second edge of the at least one heat conducting element.

The second edge of the at least one heat conducting element may not overlay the rim edge of the recess.

In this way, some portions of the aerosol-generating article may be heated to a higher temperature than other portions. This may advantageously allow for tailored control of the heating of the aerosol-generating article by the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a first heat conducting element having a first edge overlying the rim edge of the recess on a first side of the recess, and a second edge which does not overlay the rim edge of the recess.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a second heat conducting element having a first edge overlying the rim edge of the recess on a second side of the recess, and a second edge which does not overlay the rim edge of the recess.

The first heat conducting element and the second heat conducting element may be aligned in the longitudinal direction.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “longitudinal” refers to the direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device or portion of the aerosol-generating device, which extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating device or portion of the aerosol-generating device.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” describe the relative positions of elements, or portions of elements, of the aerosol-generating device in relation to the direction in which the aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating device during use.

The first and second edges of the at least one heat conducting element may be parallel with the longitudinal axis of the recess. In this way, first and second edges may be described as the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge. In addition, the first transverse edge may be considered an upstream transverse edge, and the second transverse edge may be considered a downstream transverse edge.

The at least one heat conducting element may have upstream transverse edge and an opposed downstream transverse edge.

The length of the at least one heat conducting element between the upstream and downstream transverse edges may be at least 3 millimetres. For example, the length of the at least one heat conducting element between the upstream and downstream transverse edges may be at least 4 millimetres, at least 6 millimetres, or at least 10 millimetres.

The length of the at least one heat conducting element between the upstream and downstream transverse edges may be no more than 20 millimetres. For example, the length of the at least one heat conducting element between the upstream and downstream transverse edges may be no more than 17 millimetres, no more than 15 millimetres, or no more than 13 millimetres.

The length of the at least one heat conducting element between the upstream and downstream transverse edges may be between about 3 millimetres and about 20 millimetres, between about 4 millimetres and about 17 millimetres, between about 6 millimetres and about 15 millimetres, or between about 10 millimetres and about 13 millimetres. The length of the at least one heat conducting element between the upstream and downstream transverse edges may be about 12 millimetres.

It has been found that the provision of a heat conducting element having a length between the upstream and downstream transverse edges as set out above may improve the heat transfer from the heater assembly to the aerosol-generating article. This may advantageously improve aerosol generation from the aerosol-generating article.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the “length” of the at least one heat conducting element refers to the distance between the upstream transverse edge and an opposed downstream transverse edge. The length of the at least one heat conducting element may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the recess.

The upstream transverse edge of the at least one heat conducting element may abut the upstream end of the recess.

In this way, the heat conducting element extends from the upstream end of the recess and along at least a portion of the length of the recess. The provision of the upstream transverse edge of the at least one heat conducting element abutting the upstream end of the recess may advantageously help conduct heat from the heater assembly to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article received within the recess. This may advantageously ensure that the aerosol-generating substrate at the upstream extremity of the aerosol-generating article is sufficiently heated to generate an aerosol. This may be particularly important since aerosolgenerating substrate at an extremity of the aerosol-generating article may typically receive less efficient heating.

The downstream transverse edge of the at least one heat conducting element may abut the downstream end of the recess.

In this way, the heat conducting element extends from the downstream end of the recess and along at least a portion of the length of the recess. The provision of the downstream transverse edge of the at least one heat conducting element abutting the downstream end of the recess may advantageously help conduct heat from the heater assembly to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article received within the recess. This may advantageously ensure that the aerosol-generating substrate at the downstream extremity of the aerosolgenerating article is sufficiently heated to generate an aerosol. This may be particularly important since aerosol-generating substrate at an extremity of the aerosol-generating article may typically receive less efficient heating.

The at least one heat conducting element may be spaced apart from both the upstream and downstream end of the recess.

The at least one heat conducting element may comprise a heat conducting element extending from the upstream end of the recess to the downstream end of the recess.

The at least one heat conducting element may comprise a single heat conducting element.

The at least one heat conducting element may comprise a single heat conducting element extending from the upstream end of the recess to the downstream end of the recess.

In this way, the heat conducting element may extend along the entire length of the recess. This may ensure the maximum volume of aerosol-generating substrate is in close proximity to the heat conducting element. This may advantageously improve the efficiency of the heating of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess which may improve consistency of the aerosol generated during use.

The heat conducting element may overlay the entire inner wall of the recess.

The at least one heat conducting element may comprise a plurality of individual heat conducting elements.

The provision of a plurality of individual heat conducting elements may allow heating of specific portions of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess in use. This may advantageously allow the aerosol-generation to be tailored depending on the nature of the aerosol-generating article.

Each of the plurality of individual heat conducting elements may have the same length. Each of the plurality of individual heat conducting elements may have the same width. Each of the plurality of individual heat conducting elements may have the same surface area. The at least one heat conducting element may comprise any number of individual heat conducting elements.

The at least one heat conducting element may comprise no more than 10 heat conducting elements. For example, the at least one heat conducting element may comprise no more than 7 heat conducting elements, no more than 5 heat conducting elements, or no more than 3 heat conducting elements.

The at least one heat conducting element may comprise at least 3 individual heat conducting elements.

For example, the at least one heat conducting element may comprise at least 4 heat conducting elements, or at least 5 heat conducting elements.

The at least one heat conducting element may comprise 3 individual heat conducting elements.

The plurality of individual heat conducting elements may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

The provision of the plurality of individual heat conducting elements being spaced apart from each other may prevent heat from a first heat conducting element being transferred to a second heat conducting element by direct conduction. This may ensure that individual heat conducting elements are thermally isolated from each other. This may advantageously allow for heating of specific portions of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess in use. This may advantageously allow the aerosol-generation to be tailored depending on the nature of the aerosol-generating article.

The individual heat conducting elements may be evenly distributed in the longitudinal direction.

In other words, the longitudinal displacement between adjacent individual heat conducting elements may be the same. The space between adjacent individual heat conducting elements may be the same as the space between the upstream end of the recess and the most upstream individual heat conducting element. The space between adjacent individual heat conducting elements may be the same as the space between the downstream end of the recess and the most downstream individual heat conducting element.

Evenly distributing the individual heat conducting elements in the longitudinal direction may ensure even heating of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess. This may advantageously ensure substantially even aerosol generation by aerosol-generating substrate during use.

The recess may have any length.

The recess may have a length of at least 10 millimetres. For example, the recess may have a length of at least 12 millimetres, at least 14 millimetres, at least 16 millimetres, or at least 18 millimetres. The recess may have a length of no more than 30 millimetres. For example, the recess may have a length of no more than 28 millimetres, no more than 25 millimetres, no more than 20 millimetres, or no more than 18 millimetres.

The recess may have a length of between about 10 millimetres and about 30 millimetres, between about 12 millimetres and about 28 millimetres, between about 14 millimetres and about 25 millimetres, or between about 20 millimetres and about 16 millimetres.

The recess may have a length of about 14 millimetres. The recess may have a length of about 16 millimetres. The recess may have a length of about 18 millimetres.

The heating arrangement may comprise a plurality of heating zones which may be activated independently such that different portions of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess may be selectively heated by a corresponding heating zone.

The provision of a plurality of heating zones which may be activated independently may allow specific areas of an aerosol-generating article received in the recess to be heated at different times. The provision of a plurality of heating zones which may be activated independently may allow specific areas of an aerosol-generating article received in the recess to be heated to different temperatures. The provision of a plurality of heating zones which may be activated independently may allow specific areas of an aerosol-generating article received in the recess to be heated for different periods.

At least one heating zone may have a corresponding heat conducting element such that at least one portion of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess may be selectively heated by the at least one heating zone and the corresponding heat conducting element.

The provision of at least one heating zone having a corresponding heat conducting element may advantageously allow a greater proportion of an aerosol-generating substrate to be selectively heated by the at least one heating zone and the corresponding heat conducting element. This may advantageously improve the aerosol generation from the portion of the aerosol-generating article heated by the heating zone and the corresponding heat conducting element.

The at least one heating zone may be longitudinally aligned with the corresponding heat conducting element.

By aligning the at least one heating zone with the corresponding heat conducting element, the specific portions of the aerosol-generating article can be efficiently heated by both the heating zone and the corresponding heat conducting element. In addition, aligning the at least one heating zone with the corresponding heat conducting element may advantageously improve heat conduction from the at least one heating zone and the corresponding heat conducting element. As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “longitudinally aligned” refers to a heating zone and a heat conducting element which are arranged such that either the upstream end of the heating zone is at the same position in the longitudinal direction as the upstream end of the corresponding heat conducting element, or the downstream end of the heating zone is at the same position in the longitudinal direction as the downstream end of the corresponding heat conducting element.

The at least one heating zone may be the same length as the corresponding heat conducting element.

This provision may maximise heat transfer from the at least one heating zone to other portions of the recess. This may advantageously improve aerosol generation from the portion of the aerosol-generating article heated by the heating zone and the corresponding heat conducting element.

Each heating zone may have a corresponding heat conducting element such that different portions of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess may be selectively heated by the a corresponding heating zone and heat conducting element.

For example, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a heater assembly including three heating zones and three corresponding heat conducting elements. Each of the three heating zones may have the same length as the corresponding heat conducting element. Each of the three heating zones may be longitudinally aligned with the corresponding heat conducting element.

This may advantageously improve the ability of the aerosol-generating device to control the heating and aerosol generation from an aerosol-generating article received within the recess.

The at least one heat conducting element may comprise a heat conducting material.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “heat conducting material” is used to describe a material having a bulk thermal conductivity of at least about 10 W per metre Kelvin (W/(m K)) at 23°C and a relative humidity of 50% as measured using the modified transient plane source (MTPS) method.

The at least one heat conducting element may comprise a metal. For example, the at least one heat conducting element may comprise at least one of aluminium, steel, Nimmonic, and Inconel. The heat conducting element may comprise aluminium.

The housing may comprise a heating wall, the heating wall comprising the heater assembly, and wherein the heating wall is a planar wall.

As described above, the provision of a planar heating wall in combination with a rim edge of the recess which lies in a plane may mean that the rim edge of the recess is as close to the heating wall as possible along the full length of the rim edge. This may ensure that the recess is effectively closed by the planar heating wall to ensure an aerosol-generating article received within the recess is securely retained. In addition, this provision may also improve heat transfer from the heater assembly to the at least one heat conducting element.

The heating wall may be movable relative to the recess between a closed position in which the recess is substantially closed by the heating wall, and an open position to allow access to the interior of the recess.

This provision may advantageously allow a user to access the interior of the recess to insert and remove aerosol-generating articles.

The at least one heat conducting element may be in contact with the heater assembly when the heating wall is in the closed position.

This may advantageously improve the heat transfer from the heater assembly to the at least one heat conducting element. This may advantageously improve the efficiency of the aerosol generation by an aerosol-generating article used in combination with the aerosolgenerating device.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating device according to the first aspect of the disclosure; and an aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may be received within the recess of the aerosolgenerating device.

The aerosol-generating article may be any aerosol-generating article. The aerosolgenerating article may comprise a container, the container comprising a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and second wall may together define a substrate compartment. An aerosolgenerating substrate may be provided in the substrate compartment.

The first wall may comprise a different material to the second wall. The first wall may comprise a flexible cellulosic material. The second wall may have a higher stiffness than the first wall. Alternatively, the first wall may have a higher stiffness than the second wall.

At least a portion of the first wall may be porous. As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “cellulosic material” refers to a material which is made from or is a derivative of cellulose.

The first wall may comprise any cellulosic material. The first wall may comprise a nonwoven material.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “non-woven” refers to a manufactured sheet, web or batt of directionally or randomly orientated fibres, bonded by friction, and/or cohesion and/or adhesion, excluding products which are woven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded incorporating binding yarns or filaments, or felted by wet-milling, whether or not additionally needled. The fibres may be of natural or man-made origin.

The first wall may comprise a moulded paper material. The second wall may be non-porous. The second wall may comprise a substantially planar material. The second wall may comprise a paper material.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least one alkaloid.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “alkaloid compound” is used to describe any one of a class of naturally occurring organic compounds that contain one or more basic nitrogen atoms. Generally, an alkaloid contains at least one nitrogen atom in an amine-type structure. This or another nitrogen atom in the molecule of the alkaloid compound can be active as a base in acid-base reactions. Most alkaloid compounds have one or more of their nitrogen atoms as part of a cyclic system, such as for example a heterocylic ring. In nature, alkaloid compounds are found primarily in plants, and are especially common in certain families of flowering plants. However, some alkaloid compounds are found in animal species and fungi. In the context of the present invention, the term “alkaloid compounds” is used to describe both naturally derived alkaloid compounds and synthetically manufactured alkaloid compounds. Suitable alkaloid compounds for use in an aerosol-generating element in accordance with the invention include, but are not limited to, nicotine and anatabine.

In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine or anatabine.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “nicotine” is used to describe nicotine, a nicotine base or a nicotine salt. In embodiments in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a nicotine base or a nicotine salt, the amounts of nicotine recited herein are the amount of free base nicotine or amount of protonated nicotine, respectively.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more monoprotic nicotine salts.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “monoprotic nicotine salt” is used to describe a nicotine salt of a monoprotic acid.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise nicotine.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-former. The aerosolgenerating substrate may contain any amount of aerosol-former. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least 50 weight percent, at least 60 weight percent, or at least 70 weight percent aerosol-former. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise about 80 weight percent aerosol-former.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a polyhydric alcohol.

The polyhydric alcohol acts as the aerosol-former for the aerosol-generating substrate. Polyhydric alcohols suitable for use in the aerosol-generating substrate include, but are not limited to, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin. Preferably, in an aerosol-generating substrate in accordance with the invention the polyhydric alcohol is selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, and combinations thereof. In particularly preferred embodiments the polyhydric alcohol is glycerin.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules. The granules may have any diameter. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules with a diameter of greater than or equal to 100 micrometres, greater than or equal to 250 micrometres, or greater than or equal to 500 micrometres.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules with a diameter of less than or equal to 5 millimetres, less than or equal to 4 millimetres, or less than or equal to 3 millimetres.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules with a diameter of between 500 micrometres and 3 millimetres. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules with a diameter of about 1.5 millimetres.

The substrate compartment may contain any mass of aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the substrate compartment may contain at least 80 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, at least 85 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, or at least 90 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate.

The substrate compartment may contain at no more than 300 milligrams of aerosolgenerating substrate, no more than 250 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, or no more than 200 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate.

The substrate compartment may contain between 80 milligrams and 300 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, between 85 milligrams and 250 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, and between 100 milligrams and 200 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate.

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

Example Ex 1.1. An aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a housing, the housing comprising: a recess for receiving an aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex 1.2. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 1.1., wherein the housing comprises a heater assembly configured to heat an aerosol-generating article when it is received in the recess.

Example Ex 1.3. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 1.1. or Ex 1.2., the device further comprising at least one heat conducting element provided on an inner wall of the recess.

Example Ex 1.An aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a housing, the housing comprising: a recess for receiving an aerosol-generating article, and a heater assembly configured to heat an aerosol- generating article when it is received in the recess, the device further comprising at least one heat conducting element provided on an inner wall of the recess.

Example Ex 2. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 1., wherein the recess includes a rim edge, and wherein the at least one heat conducting element has a first edge and an opposed second edge, the first edge overlying the rim edge of the recess.

Example Ex 3. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 2., wherein the second edge of the at least one heat conducting element overlays the rim edge of the recess.

Example Ex 4. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 2., wherein the second edge of the at least one heat conducting element does not overlay the rim edge of the recess.

Example Ex 5. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 2., comprising: a first heat conducting element having a first edge overlying the rim edge of the recess on a first side of the recess, and a second edge which does not overlay the rim edge of the recess, and a second heat conducting element having a first edge overlying the rim edge of the recess on a second side of the recess, and a second edge which does not overlay the rim edge of the recess.

Example Ex 6. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 5., wherein the first heat conducting element and the second heat conducting element are aligned in the longitudinal direction.

Example Ex 7. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 2., wherein the first and second edges of the at least one heat conducting element are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the recess.

Example Ex 8. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 2., wherein the rim edge of the recess defines a plane.

Example Ex 9. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one heat conducting element has an upstream transverse edge and an opposed downstream transverse edge, the length of the at least one heat conducting element between the upstream and downstream transverse edges is at least 3 millimetres.

Example Ex 10. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 9., wherein the length of the at least one heat conducting element between the upstream and downstream transverse edges is no more than 20 millimetres.

Example Ex 11. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 9. or Ex 10., wherein the upstream transverse edge of the at least one heat conducting element abuts the upstream end of the recess. Example Ex 12. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex 9. to Ex 11., wherein the downstream transverse edge of the at least one heat conducting element abuts the downstream end of the recess.

Example Ex 13. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex 9. to Ex 11., wherein the at least one heat conducting element is spaced apart from both the upstream and downstream end of the recess.

Example Ex 14. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one heat conducting element comprises a heat conducting element extending from the upstream end of the recess to the downstream end of the recess.

Example Ex 15. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex 1. to Ex 13., wherein the at least one heat conducting element comprises a plurality of individual heat conducting elements.

Example Ex 16. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 15., wherein the at least one heat conducting element comprises no more than 10 heat conducting elements.

Example Ex 17. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 15. or Ex

16., wherein the at least one heat conducting element comprises at least three individual heat conducting elements.

Example Ex 18. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples

Ex 15. to Ex 17., wherein the plurality of individual heat conducting elements are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

Example Ex 19. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 18., wherein the individual heat conducting elements are evenly distributed in the longitudinal direction.

Example Ex 20. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding

Example, wherein the recess has a length of at least 10 millimetres.

Example Ex 21. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding

Example, wherein the recess has a length of no more than 30 millimetres.

Example Ex 22. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding

Example, wherein the heating arrangement comprises a plurality of heating zones which may be activated independently such that different portions of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess may be selectively heated by a corresponding heating zone.

Example Ex 23. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 22., wherein at least one heating zone has a corresponding heat conducting element such that at least one portion of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess may be selectively heated by the at least one heating zone and the corresponding heat conducting element. Example Ex 24. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 23., wherein the at least one heating zone is longitudinally aligned with the corresponding heat conducting element.

Example Ex 25. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 23. or Ex 24., wherein the at least one heating zone is the same length as the corresponding heat conducting element.

Example Ex 26. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex 23. to Ex 25., wherein each heating zone has a corresponding heat conducting element such that different portions of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess may be selectively heated by the a corresponding heating zone and heat conducting element.

Example Ex 27. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one heat conducting element comprises a metal.

Example Ex 28. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding

Example, wherein the at least one heat conducting element comprises aluminium.

Example Ex 29. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding

Example, wherein the housing comprises a heating wall, the heating wall comprising the heater assembly.

Example Ex 29a. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 29, wherein the heating wall is a planar wall.

Example Ex 30. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 29 or Example Ex 29a, wherein the heating wall is movable relative to the recess between a closed position in which the recess is substantially closed by the heating wall, and an open position to allow access to the interior of the recess.

Example Ex 31. An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex 30., wherein the at least one heat conducting element is in contact with the heater assembly when the heating wall is in the closed position.

Example Ex 32. An aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating device according to any preceding Example; and an aerosol-generating article.

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

Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view in a first direction of an aerosol-generating device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view in a second direction of a portion of a first aerosolgenerating device according to the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view in a second direction of a portion of a second aerosol-generating device according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows a plan view of a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating device according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a graph comparing nicotine delivery for aerosol-generating devices according to the present invention to aerosol-generating devices not in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 6 is a graph comparing nicotine delivery for aerosol-generating devices according to the present invention to aerosol-generating devices not in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 7 is a graph comparing nicotine delivery for aerosol-generating devices according to the present invention to aerosol-generating devices not in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 8 is a graph comparing glycerin delivery for aerosol-generating devices according to the present invention to aerosol-generating devices not in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 9 is a graph comparing glycerin delivery for aerosol-generating devices according to the present invention to aerosol-generating devices not in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 10 is a graph comparing glycerin delivery for aerosol-generating devices according to the present invention to aerosol-generating devices not in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 11 shows a side on cross sectional view of an aerosol-generating article to be used with an aerosol-generating device according to the present invention.

An aerosol-generating device 100 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The device 100 is intended for use with an aerosol-generating article (not shown in Figure 1). The device 100 comprises a housing 110. The housing 110 comprises a recess 111 for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The housing 110 comprises a heater assembly 112 configured to heat an aerosol-generating article when it is received in the recess 111.

The housing 110 comprises a planar heating wall 113, the heating wall 113 comprising the heater assembly 112. The heating wall 113 is movable relative to the recess 111 between a closed position, shown in Figure 1, in which the recess is substantially closed by the heating wall, and an open position, not shown, to allow access to the interior of the recess 111.

The recess 111 has a length of about 20 millimetres.

The recess 111 includes an air inlet 116 at the upstream end 114 of the recess 111 to allow air to enter the recess 111. The recess 111 includes an aerosol outlet 119 at the downstream end 115 of the recess 111 to allow air to leave the recess 111. The airflow through the aerosol inlet 116 and air outlet 119 is shown by arrows 118. The device 100 further comprises three heat conducting elements 110 provided on the inner wall of the recess. Each heat conducting element 110 has a length of about 5 millimetres. Each of the heat conducting elements 110 are evenly distributed in the longitudinal direction.

The heat conducting elements comprise aluminium.

Figures 2 and 3 show a cross sectional view of a portion of the aerosol-generating device 100 shown in Figure 1 when viewed along plane A-A shown in Figure 1.

In the portion of the aerosol-generating device 200 shown in Figure 2, the recess 211 includes a rim edge 220 on either side of the recess 211. The rim edge 220 of the recess 211 defines a plane. The device 200 further includes a heat conducting element 210 which overlays the rim edge 220 on both sides of the recess 211.

In the portion of the aerosol-generating device 300 shown in Figure 3, the recess 311 includes a rim edge 320 on either side of the recess 311. The rim edge 320 of the recess 311 defines a plane. The device 300 further includes a first heat conducting element 321 and a second heat conducting element 322. A first edge of the first heat conducting element 321 overlies the rim edge 320 of the recess 311, and a second edge of the first heat conducting element 321 does not overlay the rim edge 320 of the recess 311. A first edge of the second heat conducting element 322 overlies the rim edge 320 of the recess 311 , and a second edge of the second heat conducting element 322 does not overlay the rim edge 320 of the recess 311. The second edge of the first heat conducting element 321 and the second edge of the second heat conducting element 322 are spaced apart from each other. The first heat conducting element 321 and the second heat conducting element 322 are aligned in the longitudinal direction.

Referring again to Figure 1, the at least one heat conducting element 110 has an upstream transverse edge and an opposed downstream transverse edge, the length of the at least one heat conducting element 110 between the upstream and downstream transverse edges is at least 3 millimetres

Figure 4 shows the arrangement of the heater assembly 112 shown in Figure 1 when viewed along plane B-B shown in Figure 1. The heater assembly 412 comprises a first heating zone 401 arranged at an upstream end 400 of the heater assembly 412, a second heating zone 403 arranged at the downstream end 402 of the heater assembly 412, and a third heating zone 406 arranged between the first heating zone 401 and the second heating zone 403. Each of the first heating zone 401, the second heating zone 403, and the third heating zone 406 comprise an individually actuatable sinusoidal electrical resistive heating element 405. In the example shown in Figure 4, each of the first heating zone 401 , the second heating zone 403, and the third heating zone 406 have the same length. Each of the first heating zone 401 , the second heating zone 403, and the third heating zone 406 have a length of about 5 millimetres. Referring again to Figure 1, each heating zone 401 , 403, 406 has a corresponding heat conducting element 110 such that different portions of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess 111 may be selectively heated by the a corresponding heating zone 401 , 403, 406 and heat conducting element 110.

Figure 5 shows the nicotine delivery per puff for an aerosol-generating device according to the present invention. The aerosol-generating device used to produce the data in Figure 5 has a recess having a length of 14 millimetres. Line 502 shows the nicotine delivery per puff where the device includes a single heat conducting element having a length of 6 millimetres, which extends the full width of the recess, and is aligned with the upstream end of the recess. Line 501 shows the nicotine delivery per puff where the device includes a single heat conducting element having a length of 12 millimetres, which extends the full width of the recess, and is aligned with the upstream end of the recess. Lines 503 and 504 show the results for a control aerosol-generating device which does not include a heat conducting element.

Figure 6 shows the nicotine delivery per puff for an aerosol-generating device according to the present invention. The aerosol-generating device used to produce the data in Figure 6 has a recess having a length of 16 millimetres. Line 602 shows the nicotine delivery per puff where the device includes a single heat conducting element having a length of 6 millimetres, which extends the full width of the recess, and is aligned with the upstream end of the recess. Line 601 shows the nicotine delivery per puff where the device includes a single heat conducting element having a length of 12 millimetres, which extends the full width of the recess, and is aligned with the upstream end of the recess. Lines 603 and 604 show the results for a control aerosol-generating device which does not include a heat conducting element.

Figure 7 shows the nicotine delivery per puff for an aerosol-generating device according to the present invention. The aerosol-generating device used to produce the data in Figure 7 has a recess having a length of 18 millimetres. Line 702 shows the nicotine delivery per puff where the device includes a single heat conducting element having a length of 6 millimetres, which extends the full width of the recess, and is aligned with the upstream end of the recess. Line 701 shows the nicotine delivery per puff where the device includes a single heat conducting element having a length of 12 millimetres, which extends the full width of the recess, and is aligned with the upstream end of the recess. Lines 703 and 704 show the results for a control aerosol-generating device which does not include a heat conducting element.

Figure 8 shows the glycerin delivery per puff for an aerosol-generating device according to the present invention. The aerosol-generating device used to produce the data in Figure 8 has a recess having a length of 14 millimetres. Line 802 shows the glycerin delivery per puff where the device includes a single heat conducting element having a length of 6 millimetres, which extends the full width of the recess, and is aligned with the upstream end of the recess. Line 801 shows the glycerin delivery per puff where the device includes a single heat conducting element having a length of 12 millimetres, which extends the full width of the recess, and is aligned with the upstream end of the recess. Lines 803 and 804 show the results for a control aerosol-generating device which does not include a heat conducting element.

Figure 9 shows the glycerin delivery per puff for an aerosol-generating device according to the present invention. The aerosol-generating device used to produce the data in Figure 9 has a recess having a length of 16 millimetres. Line 902 shows the glycerin delivery per puff where the device includes a single heat conducting element having a length of 6 millimetres, which extends the full width of the recess, and is aligned with the upstream end of the recess. Line 901 shows the glycerin delivery per puff where the device includes a single heat conducting element having a length of 12 millimetres, which extends the full width of the recess, and is aligned with the upstream end of the recess. Lines 903 and 904 show the results for a control aerosol-generating device which does not include a heat conducting element.

Figure 10 shows the glycerin delivery per puff for an aerosol-generating device according to the present invention. The aerosol-generating device used to produce the data in Figure 10 has a recess having a length of 18 millimetres. Line 1002 shows the glycerin delivery per puff where the device includes a single heat conducting element having a length of 6 millimetres, which extends the full width of the recess, and is aligned with the downstream end of the recess. Line 1001 shows the glycerin delivery per puff where the device includes a single heat conducting element having a length of 12 millimetres, which extends the full width of the recess, and is aligned with the downstream end of the recess. Line 1003 shows the results for a control aerosol-generating device which does not include a heat conducting element.

As can be seen from the graphs, the delivery of both nicotine and glycerin was improved for aerosol-generating devices with recesses of all lengths with the addition of a heat conducting element. In particular, the provision of a heat conducting element produced a greater mass of nicotine and glycerin at an earlier point in the user experience. Moreover, in most example devices, the 12 millimetre long heat conducting element provides a higher and sooner spike in nicotine and glycerin delivery when compared to the 6 millimetre long heat conducting element.

An aerosol-generating article 1100 for use with an aerosol-generating device of the present invention is shown in Figure 11. The aerosol-generating article 1100 comprises a container 1110. The container 1110 comprises a first wall 1111 and a second wall 1112 which together define a substrate compartment 1113. An aerosol-generating substrate 1114 is provided in the substrate compartment.

In the example shown in Figure 11 , the first wall 111 is formed from a non-woven cotton material. The first wall 1111 comprises between 85 weight percent and 90 weight percent cellulose, between 7 weight percent and 16 weight percent hemicellulose, and between 1 weight percent and 3 weight percent lignin. The first wall 1111 is porous. The second wall 1112 comprises paper. The second wall 1112 has a grammage of about 35 gsm. The second wall is non-porous.

The second wall 1112 is substantially planar. The second wall 1112 has a higher stiffness than the first wall 1111. In this way, the first wall 1111 may generally form a bag shape which is closed by the second wall 712.

An aerosol-generating substrate 1114 is provided in the substrate compartment 1113. The aerosol-generating substrate 1114 comprises granules of homogenised tobacco material, and an aerosol-former. The aerosol-former comprises glycerine. The substrate compartment 1113 contains about 150 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate 1114.

Referring again to Figure 1, in use the heating wall 113 is moved into the open position to allow the aerosol-generating article 700 to be inserted into the recess 111 of the aerosolgenerating device 100. The heater assembly 112 is activated to heat the aerosol-generating article 700, particularly the portion directly adjacent the heater assembly 112 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate. The heat is also transferred by the heat conducting elements 110 away from the heater assembly 112 around the inner wall of the recess 111. Heat from the heat conducting elements 110 then heats a portion of the aerosolgenerating article 700 which is spaced apart from the heating assembly 112 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate.

For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10 percent of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

Claims:

1. An aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article, the aerosolgenerating device comprising: a housing, the housing comprising: a recess for receiving an aerosol-generating article, a heater assembly configured to heat an aerosol-generating article when it is received in the recess, and a heating wall, the heating wall comprising the heater assembly, the heating wall being movable relative to the recess between a closed position in which the recess is substantially closed by the heating wall, and an open position to allow access to the interior of the recess, the device further comprising at least one heat conducting element provided on an inner wall of the recess, wherein the at least one heat conducting element is in contact with the heater assembly when the heating wall is in the closed position.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the recess includes a rim edge, and wherein the at least one heat conducting element has a first edge and an opposed second edge, the first edge overlying the rim edge of the recess.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the second edge of the at least one heat conducting element overlays the rim edge of the recess.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the second edge of the at least one heat conducting element does not overlay the rim edge of the recess.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, comprising: a first heat conducting element having a first edge overlying the rim edge of the recess on a first side of the recess, and a second edge which does not overlay the rim edge of the recess, and a second heat conducting element having a first edge overlying the rim edge of the recess on a second side of the recess, and a second edge which does not overlay the rim edge of the recess.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 5, wherein the first heat conducting element and the second heat conducting element are aligned in the longitudinal direction.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second edges of the at least one heat conducting element are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the recess.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the rim edge of the recess defines a plane.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one heat conducting element has an upstream transverse edge and an opposed downstream transverse edge, the length of the at least one heat conducting element between the upstream and downstream transverse edges is at least 3 millimetres.

10. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 9, wherein the length of the at least one heat conducting element between the upstream and downstream transverse edges is no more than 20 millimetres.

11. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the upstream transverse edge of the at least one heat conducting element abuts the upstream end of the recess.

12. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one heat conducting element comprises a heat conducting element extending from the upstream end of the recess to the downstream end of the recess.

13. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the at least one heat conducting element comprises a plurality of individual heat conducting elements.

14. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one heat conducting element comprises a metal.

15. An aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim; and an aerosol-generating article.