JP2022514750A - Aerosol generating article with aerated hollow segment - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol-generating article (10) for producing an aerosol that can be inhaled when heated is provided with a rod (12) of the aerosol-generating substrate and a plug of filter material and is disposed downstream of the rod (12). It comprises a mouthpiece segment (18) aligned in the longitudinal direction of the rod (12) and a hollow tubular segment (16) between the rod (12) and the mouthpiece segment (18). The hollow tube segment (16) defines a cavity that is longitudinally aligned with the rod (12) and mouthpiece segment (18) and extends all the way to the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment (18). The article (10) further comprises a ventilation zone (26) in place along the hollow tubular segment. The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment (16) at the location of the ventilation zone (26) is at least about 5 mm. The rod (12) of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least an aerosol-forming body, and the rod (12) has an aerosol-forming body content of at least about 10 percent on a dry weight basis. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and adapted to produce an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

Aerosol-generating articles, such as tobacco-containing substrates, in which an aerosol-generating substrate is heated rather than burned are well known in the art. Typically, in such heat-not-burn smoking articles, aerosols are generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-generating substrate or material, which is in contact with the heat source. , Or within the heat source, or around the heat source, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, the volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer from a heat source and are entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. The released compound condenses as it cools to form an aerosol.

Numerous prior art documents disclose aerosol generators for consuming aerosol-generating articles. Examples of such an apparatus include an electrically heated aerosol generator in which an aerosol is generated by heat transfer from one or more electric heater elements of the aerosol generator to an aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article.

Hypokeimenons for heat-not-burn aerosol-generating articles have traditionally been produced using randomly oriented pieces, strands, or pieces of tobacco material. As an alternative, rods for heated aerosol-generating articles, formed from aggregates of sheets of tobacco material, are proposed, for example, in International Patent Publication No. A-2012 / 16409. The rod disclosed in International Patent Publication No. A-2012 / 16409 has a long axis porosity that allows air to be drawn through the rod. In essence, folding in the aggregate of tobacco material sheets defines a longitudinal channel through the rod.

Alternative rods for heated aerosol-generating articles are well known from International Patent Publication No. A-2011 / 101164. These rods are made from strands of homogenized tobacco material and are made of homogenized tobacco material by casting, rolling, calendaring, or extruding a mixture containing particulate tobacco and at least one aerosol formant. It may be formed by forming a sheet. Also, in an alternative embodiment, the rods of International Patent Publication No. A-2011 / 101164 are also extruded and homogenized mixtures of particulate matter and mixtures containing at least one aerosol-forming material. It may be formed from strands of homogenized aerosol material obtained by forming a continuous length.

A substrate for a heated aerosol-generating article is typically an aerosol-forming compound, i.e., a compound that facilitates aerosol formation during use and is preferably substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article. Or it further comprises a mixture of compounds. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming bodies are polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate or triacetate), and Examples include monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids or aliphatic esters of polycarboxylic acids (dimethyl dodecanoate, dimethyl tetradecanoate, etc.).

It is also common to include one or more additional elements assembled with the substrate in the same wrapper in the aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating. Examples of these additional elements include mouthpiece filtration segments, support elements adapted to impart structural strength to aerosol-generating articles, and adapted to favor cooling of the aerosol before it reaches the mouthpiece. Includes cooling elements and the like. However, the inclusion of these additional elements, although proposed in view of their favorable effects, generally complicates the overall structure of the aerosol-generating article, making manufacturing more complex and expensive. In fact, the production of such multi-element aerosol-generating articles typically requires a slightly more complex combination of manufacturing machines and machines.

In consideration of this, aerosol-generating articles having a simpler structure have also been proposed. However, in the absence of certain additional components, such as aerosol cooling components, it may be more difficult to produce aerosol-generating articles that consistently provide consumers with satisfactory aerosol delivery and RTD. be.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide aerosol-generating articles that enable consumers to consistently provide satisfactory aerosol delivery during use. In addition, it would be desirable to provide one of these improved aerosol-generating articles with a satisfactory RTD value. It would also be desirable to provide one of these aerosol-generating articles, which can be produced efficiently and at high speed, preferably with low RTD variation between articles. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technical solution adapted to achieve at least one of the desired results described above.

According to one aspect of the invention, an aerosol-generating article for producing an aerosol that can be inhaled when heated is provided, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a rod of an aerosol-generating substrate and a plug of a filtering material, the rod. It comprises a mouthpiece segment disposed downstream of and aligned longitudinally with the first segment and a hollow tubular segment located between the rod and the mouthpiece segment. The hollow tube segment is longitudinally aligned with the rod and mouthpiece segments. In addition, the hollow tubular segment defines a cavity that extends all the way to the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment. Aerosol-generating articles further include ventilation zones along the hollow tubular segments. The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is at least about 5 mm. The rod of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least an aerosol-forming body, and the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-forming body content of at least about 10 percent on a dry weight basis.

The term "aerosol-generating article" is used herein to mean an article in which an aerosol-generating substrate is heated to produce an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a consumer. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" means a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds to generate aerosols upon heating.

Traditional cigarettes are ignited when the user puts a flame on one end of the cigarette and breathes air through the other end. The localized heat generated by the flame and the oxygen in the air drawn through the cigarette ignites the end of the cigarette, and the resulting combustion produces inhalable smoke. On the contrary, in the heated aerosol-generating article, the aerosol is generated by heating a flavor-generating substrate (such as tobacco). Well-known heated aerosol-generating articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol-generating articles and aerosol-generating articles in which aerosols are generated by the transfer of heat from a flammable fuel element or heat source to a physically separated aerosol-forming material. And can be mentioned. For example, the aerosol-generating articles according to the invention have specific applications in aerosol generation systems comprising an electrically heated aerosol generator with an internal heater blade adapted to be inserted into a rod of an aerosol-generating substrate. .. This type of aerosol-generating article is described in the prior art, eg, European Patent EP0822670.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generator" refers to a device comprising a heater element that interacts with an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term "tubular segment" is used to mean an elongated element that defines a lumen or air passage along its longitudinal axis. In particular, the term "tubular" in the following refers to at least one stream having a substantially cylindrical cross section and establishing uninterrupted fluid communication between the upstream end of the tubular element and the downstream end of the tubular element. Used with respect to tubular elements that define the conduit. However, of course, alternative geometry of the cross section of the tubular element may be possible.

As used herein, the term "major axis direction" refers to the direction corresponding to the major longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article extending between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article. As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" describe the relative position of an element (or part of an element) of an aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction in which the aerosol is conveyed through the aerosol-generating article during use. do.

During use, air is drawn in the longitudinal direction through the aerosol-generating article. The term "transverse direction" refers to a direction that is perpendicular to the major axis. Any reference to a "cross section" of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article refers to a cross section, unless otherwise stated.

The term "length" means the dimensions of the components of an aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction. For example, it may be used to mean the dimensions of a rod or elongated tubular element in the longitudinal direction.

The term "thickness of the peripheral wall of a tubular element" is used herein to mean the minimum distance measured between the outer and inner surfaces of the wall partitioning the periphery of the tubular element. In fact, the distance at a given location is measured along a direction that is locally substantially perpendicular to the outer and inner surfaces of the tubular element. For tubular elements with a substantially circular cross section, the distance is measured along the substantially radial direction of the tubular element.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the tubular element is constant. In an alternative embodiment, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the tubular element varies along the length of the tubular element. This may be because the tubular element is formed from a material with an irregular surface finish (eg, the tubular element is provided in the form of a cellulose acetate tube). Alternatively, this may be because the tubular element is designed to contain tapered sections or the like. In an embodiment in which the thickness of the peripheral wall of the tubular element varies along the length of the tubular element, the "thickness of the peripheral wall of the tubular element" is the outside of the wall at different locations along the length of the tubular element. It is taken as an average value calculated based on some values measured as the minimum distance between the surface and the inner surface.

In any embodiment, a particularly significant parameter is the thickness of the peripheral wall of the tubular element at the location of the ventilation zone.

The expression "impermeable material" is used throughout the specification to mean a material that does not allow the passage of fluids, especially air and smoke, through gaps and pores in the material. When the hollow tubular segment is made of a material that is impermeable to air and aerosol particles, the air and aerosol particles drawn through the hollow tubular segment are forcibly defined internally by the hollow tubular segment. It flows through the airflow conduit, but cannot flow across the peripheral walls of the hollow tubular segment.

As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" includes any tobacco material formed by the agglomeration of particles of the tobacco material. A sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material is a particulate tobacco obtained by grinding one or both of the tobacco leaf blades and tobacco leaf stems, or otherwise powdering. It is formed by agglomeration. In addition, the homogenized tobacco material may contain a small amount of tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and one or more of other particulate tobacco by-products formed during tobacco processing, handling, and shipping. .. Sheets of homogenized tobacco material may be produced by casting, extrusion, papermaking processes, or any other suitable process well known in the art.

The term "porous" is used herein to refer to a material that provides multiple pores or openings that allow the passage of air through the material.

The term "ventilation level" is used throughout the specification to mean the volume ratio of airflow entering an aerosol-generating article through a ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) to the sum of aerosol airflow and airflow. To. The higher the aeration level, the higher the dilution of the aerosol stream delivered to the consumer.

As briefly described above, the aerosol generating article of the present invention comprises a rod of an aerosol generating substrate, a mouthpiece segment with a plug of filter material, and a hollow tubular segment located between the rod and the mouthpiece segment. .. All three of these elements are aligned along the long axis. The rod of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least an aerosol-forming body.

In contrast to the well-known aerosol-generating articles, the rods of the aerosol-generating substrate have an aerosol-forming body content of at least about 10 percent on a dry weight basis. In addition, the hollow tubular segment defines a cavity that extends all the way to the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment, and ventilation zones are provided along the hollow tubular segment. In addition, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tube segment is at least about 5 millimeters.

A hollow tubular element defining a cavity extending all the way to the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment provides an aerosol-generating article disposed between the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate and the mouthpiece, thereby providing an overall structure of the article. The complexity may be significantly reduced compared to existing aerosol-generating articles. This advantageously simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the complexity of manufacturing and combination equipment required to carry out the manufacturing process.

One such aerosol-generating article was adapted to reduce the temperature of the aerosol flow drawn through the aerosol-generating article, as in the case of the aerosol-generating article described, for example, in International Patent Publication No. 2013/120565. It does not necessarily have an aerosol cooling element.

The inventors achieved satisfactory cooling of the aerosol flow generated by heating the article and drawn through the hollow tubular element by providing a ventilation zone along the hollow tubular segment. I found that it would be done. In addition, the inventors surprisingly counteract the effects of increased aerosol dilution caused by the introduction of ventilated air into the article by utilizing hollow tubular segments with a considerable inner diameter of at least about 5 mm. I found that it may be possible.

Although not bound by theory, the ventilated air is a hollow tubular segment because the introduction of ventilated air rapidly cools the flow of the aerosol as it moves toward the mouthpiece segment. Entering the aerosol stream at a location relatively close to the upstream end of the aerosol (ie, close enough to the heat source and the rod of the aerosol generating substrate), dramatic cooling of the aerosol stream is achieved, which is the condensation of aerosol particles. And is assumed to have a beneficial effect on nucleation. As a result, the overall ratio of aerosol particle phase to aerosol gas phase may be higher than in existing non-ventilated aerosol-generating articles.

At the same time, utilizing a hollow tubular element with a considerable inner diameter of 5 mm or more allows the aerosol to nucleate the overall internal volume of the hollow tubular element, which is as soon as the aerosol component leaves the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. (Used to initiate the formation process) and ensure that the cross-sectional surface area of the hollow tubular segment is substantially maximized, while at the same time the hollow tubular segment collapses the aerosol-generating article. It ensures that it has the structural strength needed to provide some support for the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate, as well as to minimize the RTD of the hollow tubular segment. do. A larger value of the cross-sectional surface area of the cavity of the hollow tubular segment is associated with a reduced rate of flow of the aerosol moving along the aerosol-generating article, which is understood to favor the nucleation of the aerosol. .. In fact, although not bound by theory, the cooling chamber slows down the flow of aerosols by providing a cavity with one of these large volumes, as is the case with the article according to the invention. Since the nucleation phenomenon is enhanced by causing the nucleation, it is substantially provided within a range that is advantageous for the condensation of aerosol particles upstream of the oral end of the article.

It is understood that providing a sufficiently wide tubular cavity downstream of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate favors the formation of a sufficient amount of aerosol during use. As a result, a larger proportion of the generated aerosol particles begins to condense before reaching the mouth end of the article.

In fact, the inventors are surprisingly how the beneficial effects of enhanced nucleation can be achieved consistently with satisfactory values of aerosol delivery in the aerosol-generating articles according to the invention. We have found that it significantly counteracts the less desirable effects of dilution. This is because the length of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate is less than about 40 mm, preferably less than 25 mm, even more preferably less than 20 mm, or the total length of the aerosol-generating article is less than about 70 mm, preferably about 60 mm. It is particularly advantageous for "short" aerosol-generating articles, such as less than, even more preferably less than 50 millimeters. As is understood, in such aerosol-generating articles, there is little time and space for aerosol formation and for the particle phase of the aerosol to be available for delivery to the consumer.

Furthermore, since the hollow tubular element does not substantially contribute to the RTD of the aerosol-generating article, in the aerosol-generating article according to the invention, the length and density of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate, or the length of the segment of the filter material of the mouthpiece. And by adjusting the density, the overall RTD of the article can be fine-tuned in an advantageous way. This makes it possible to consistently and very accurately produce aerosol-generating substrates with a given RTD so that consumers can be provided with a satisfactory level of RTD, even in the presence of aeration. ..

The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention can be manufactured in a continuous process that can be performed at high speed and efficiently, and the heated aerosol-generating article can be manufactured without requiring extensive modification of manufacturing equipment. It can be conveniently manufactured on an existing production line for manufacturing.

The rod of the aerosol-generating substrate preferably has an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

The rod of the aerosol-generating substrate preferably has an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters. The rod of the aerosol-generating substrate may have an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 12 mm, for example an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or an outer diameter of about 6 mm to about 8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate has an outer diameter of within 7.2 mm ± 10 percent.

The rod of the aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of about 5 mm to about 100 mm. The rod of the aerosol-generating substrate preferably has a length of at least about 5 millimeters, more preferably at least about 7 millimeters. In addition, or as an alternative, the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate preferably has a length of less than about 80 millimeters, more preferably less than about 65 millimeters, and more preferably less than about 50 millimeters. Is even more preferable. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate has a length of less than about 35 millimeters, more preferably less than 25 millimeters, and even more preferably less than about 20 millimeters. preferable. In one embodiment, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate may have a length of about 10 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate has a length of about 12 millimeters.

The rod of the aerosol-generating substrate preferably has a substantially uniform cross section along the length of the rod. It is particularly preferred that the rod of the aerosol generating substrate has a substantially circular cross section.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aggregate of one or more homogenized sheets of tobacco material. Sheets of one or more homogenized tobacco materials are preferably textured. As used herein, the term "textured sheet" means a crimped, embossed, debossed, perforated, or otherwise deformed sheet. The textured sheet of the homogenized tobacco material used in the present invention may include multiple isolated dents, protrusions, perforations, or a combination thereof. According to one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate comprises an aggregate of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material surrounded by a wrapper.

The term "crimped sheet" as used herein is intended to be substantially synonymous with the term "wrinkled sheet" and is also intended to be a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or It means a sheet having a corrugation. A crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material preferably has a plurality of bumps or corrugations substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis of the rod according to the invention. This advantageously facilitates the assembly of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material for forming rods. However, as a matter of course, the crimped sheet of the homogenized tobacco material used in the present invention is, as an alternative, or additionally, a plurality of parenchyma arranged at an acute or obtuse angle with respect to the cylindrical axis of the rod. Has ridges or corrugations that are parallel to each other. In certain embodiments, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material used in the rods of the articles of the invention may be textured substantially evenly over its surface. For example, a crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material used in the manufacture of rods for use in aerosol-generating articles according to the invention is a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations separated substantially uniformly over the width of the sheet. May include.

Sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material used in the present invention may have a tobacco content of at least about 40 weight percent by dry weight, and may have a tobacco content of at least about 60 weight percent by dry weight. It is more preferred to have a dry weight basis of at least about 70 weight percent tobacco content, most preferably at least about 90 weight percent dry weight basis.

A sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material used in the aerosol-generating substrate is one or more endogenous binders (ie, tobacco endogenous binders) to assist in agglomerating particulate tobacco. The above extrinsic binders (ie, tobacco exogenous binders), or combinations thereof, may be included. Alternatively, or additionally, sheets of homogenized tobacco material used in aerosol-generating substrates include tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol-forming bodies, wetting agents, plasticizers, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous and water-based. It may contain non-aqueous solvents as well as other additives including, but not limited to, combinations thereof.

Suitable extrinsic binders to be included in sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco materials used in aerosol-generating substrates are well known in the art and are gums (eg, guar gum, xanthan gum, arabic gum, and locust bean gum), cellulosic. Binders (eg hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and ethyl cellulose, etc.), polysaccharides (eg, starch, organic acids (such as alginic acid), conjugated base salts of organic acids (such as sodium alginate), agar, pectin, etc. ), And combinations thereof, but not limited to these.

Suitable non-tobacco fibers for inclusion in sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco materials used in aerosol-generating substrates are well known in the art and include cellulose fibers, softwood fibers, hardwood fibers, jute fibers, and combinations thereof. However, it is not limited to these. Prior to inclusion in a sheet of homogenized tobacco material for use in aerosol-generating substrates, non-tobacco fibers may be treated by a suitable process well known in the art, where the process is mechanical pulping, refining, chemical pulping. , Bleaching, sulfate pulping, and combinations thereof, but are not limited to these.

The homogenized tobacco material sheet or web preferably contains an aerosol-forming body. As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming body" is arbitrary, which facilitates the formation of aerosols in use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article. Describe suitable well-known compounds or mixtures of compounds.

Suitable aerosol-forming bodies are well known in the art and are polyhydric alcohols (propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, triacetate, etc.) ), And aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids or polycarboxylic acids (dimethyl dodecanoate, dimethyl tetradecanoate, etc.), but not limited to these.

Preferred aerosol-forming bodies are polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin) or mixtures thereof.

The homogenized tobacco material sheet or web may contain a single aerosol-forming body. Alternatively, the homogenized sheet or web of tobacco material may contain a combination of two or more aerosol-forming bodies.

The homogenized tobacco material sheet or web has an aerosol-forming body content of greater than 10 percent on a dry weight basis. The homogenized tobacco material sheet or web preferably has an aerosol-forming body content greater than 12 percent by dry weight. It is more preferred that the homogenized tobacco material sheet or web have an aerosol-forming body content greater than 14 percent by dry weight. It is even more preferred that the homogenized tobacco material sheet or web have an aerosol-forming body content greater than 16 percent by dry weight.

Sheets of homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol-forming body content of approximately 10 percent to approximately 30 percent on a dry weight basis. The homogenized tobacco material sheet or web preferably has an aerosol-forming body content of less than 25 percent by dry weight.

In a preferred embodiment, a sheet of homogenized tobacco material has an aerosol-forming body content of approximately 20 percent on a dry weight basis.

The homogenized tobacco sheet or web used in the aerosol-generating article of the present invention is made by a method well known in the art (eg, the method disclosed in International Patent Publication No. A-2012 / 16409 A2). May be good. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material used in the aerosol-generating article is formed from a slurry containing particulate tobacco, guar gum, cellulose fibers, and glycerin by a casting process.

Alternative arrangements of homogenized tobacco material in rods used in aerosol-generating articles are well known to those of skill in the art, and multiple stacked sheets of homogenized tobacco material, homogenized around the longitudinal axis. It may include a plurality of elongated tubular elements formed by winding up a piece of homogenized tobacco material.

As a further alternative, the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate may contain a material having nicotine from non-tobacco, such as a sheet of absorbent non-tobacco material loaded with nicotine (eg, in the form of a nicotine salt) and an aerosol-forming body. .. Examples of such rods are described in International Application No. WO-A-2015 / 052652. In addition, or as an alternative, the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate may contain non-tobacco plant material, such as a fragrant non-tobacco plant material.

In the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate of the article according to the present invention, it is preferable that the aerosol-generating substrate is surrounded by a wrapper. The wrapper may be made of a porous or non-porous sheet material. The wrapper may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. The wrapper is preferably a paper wrapper.

The mouthpiece segment comprises a plug of filter material capable of removing particulate components, gaseous components, or combinations. Suitable filtration materials are well known in the art and are fibrous filtration materials (eg, cellulose acetate tow, viscose fiber, polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA) fiber, polylactic acid (PLA) fiber, paper, etc.), adsorbents. Includes, but is not limited to, activated alumina, zeolites, molecular sieves, silica gel, etc., and combinations thereof. In addition, the filter material plug may further contain one or more aerosol modifiers. Suitable aerosol modifiers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, flavoring agents such as menthol. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece may further include a recess at the mouth end downstream of the plug of filter media. As an example, the mouthpiece may include a hollow tube disposed longitudinally aligned with the plug of the filter material and immediately downstream of the plug of the filter material, where the hollow tube is the mouthpiece. And at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, a cavity is formed at the mouth-side end that is open to the external environment.

The length of the mouthpiece is preferably at least about 4 millimeters, more preferably at least about 6 millimeters, and even more preferably at least about 8 millimeters. In addition, or as an alternative, the length of the mouthpiece is preferably less than 25 millimeters, more preferably less than 20 millimeters, and even more preferably less than 15 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the mouthpiece is from about 4 mm to about 25 mm, more preferably from about 6 mm to about 20 mm. In one exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece is about 7 millimeters long. In another exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece is about 12 millimeters in length.

The hollow tubular segment is preferably an annular tube that separates and defines the voids in the aerosol-generating article. In fact, the hollow tubular segment provides a chamber in which the volatilized aerosol components released with the heating of the aerosol-generating substrate accumulate and flow through. As briefly mentioned above, this chamber extends longitudinally all the way to the upstream end of the mouthpiece. This means that no intermediate element is provided between the hollow tubular segment and the mouthpiece, and when the aerosol flowing through the aerosol generating article reaches the downstream end of the hollow tubular segment, it passes through the aerosol generating article. The flowing aerosol effectively means that it also reaches the upstream end of the mouthpiece. More specifically, the aerosol flowing through the aerosol-generating article generally reaches the upstream end of the segment of the filter material of the mouthpiece.

Therefore, in the aerosol-generating article according to the invention, the hollow tubular segment keeps the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate at a predetermined distance from the mouthpiece and is an elongated airflow conduit for forming the aerosol and flowing towards the mouthpiece. I will provide a. During use, a thermal gradient is established along this airflow conduit. In fact, the temperature difference is that the temperature of the volatile aerosol component entering the hollow tubular segment at the upstream end exits the hollow tubular segment at the downstream end (ie, the upstream end of the mouthpiece). It is provided to be higher than the temperature.

On the other hand, the hollow tubular segment is required to withstand any axial compressive load or bending moment that may be applied to the hollow tubular segment during the manufacture of the aerosol-generating article. In addition, the hollow tubular segment is required to impart structural strength to the aerosol generating article so that it can be easily handled by the consumer and inserted into the aerosol generator for use. To. On the other hand, it is desirable that the overall volume of the chamber internally defined by the hollow tubular element be as large as possible so as to favor the formation of the aerosol and enhance the delivery of the aerosol to the consumer.

To meet these requirements, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 5 mm, as briefly described above. The term "equivalent inner diameter" is used herein to mean the diameter of a circle having the same surface area as the cross section of an airflow conduit internally defined by a hollow tubular segment. The cross section of the airflow conduit may have any suitable shape. However, as briefly described above, a circular cross section is preferred, i.e. the hollow tubular segment is a substantially cylindrical tube. In that case, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment substantially coincides with the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube.

The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is more preferably at least about 5.25 mm and even more preferably at least about 5.5 mm. In some embodiments, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 6 millimeters, or at least about 6.5 millimeters, or at least about 7 millimeters.

In addition, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is preferably less than about 10 millimeters. The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is more preferably less than about 9.5 mm and even more preferably less than 9 mm.

The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is measured at the location of the ventilation zone.

In a preferred embodiment, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is substantially constant along the length of the hollow tubular segment. In other embodiments, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment may vary along the length of the hollow tubular segment.

The inventors surprisingly find that an aerosol-generating article according to the invention comprising a hollow tubular segment having a considerable inner diameter within the above range can provide a particularly satisfactory aerosol delivery value. I found it. Although not bound by theory, the flow of aerosol along a hollow tubular segment with a considerable inner diameter that falls within the above range is that the flow of colder aerated air coming in is the flow of aerosol. It is assumed to produce a relatively slow flow when received and mixed with it. It is expected that the favorable cooling effect on aerosol nucleation under these conditions will be maximized, as the aerosol flow will proceed relatively slowly along the hollow tubular segments.

It is preferred that the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is substantially constant along the length of the hollow tubular segment. However, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional surface area of the hollow tubular segment may vary along the length of the hollow tubular segment. In these embodiments, the equivalent inner diameter is measured at the location of the ventilation zone.

In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is less than 1.5 mm. The thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is more preferably less than 1250 micrometers, even more preferably less than 1000 micrometers, and most preferably less than 900 micrometers. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is less than 800 micrometers.

In addition, or as an alternative, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 100 micrometers. The thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is preferably at least about 200 micrometers.

Although not bound by theory, by utilizing a hollow tubular segment with a peripheral wall thickness that falls within the above range, it is advantageous to have its contact and mixing with the flow of the aerosol. Prior to, it seems possible to limit the diffusion of aerated air, or even substantially prevent it. This is understood to be a more favorable nucleation phenomenon. In fact, it is possible to enhance the cooling effect on the formation of new aerosol particles by providing more controllable localized cooling of the flow of volatile species drawn through the hollow tubular segment.

As briefly mentioned above, the aerosol generating article according to the invention comprises a ventilation zone in place along the hollow tubular segment. The ventilation zone is preferably provided less than about 18 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment. The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment is preferably less than about 15 mm. Even more preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment is less than about 10 mm.

In addition, or as an alternative, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment is preferably at least 2 mm. More preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 4 mm. Even more preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 6 mm.

The ventilation zone is preferably provided at least 2 mm from the upstream end of the mouthpiece along the hollow tubular segment. The ventilation zone is preferably provided at least 4 mm from the upstream end of the mouthpiece along the hollow tubular segment. It is even more preferred that the ventilation zone is provided at least 6 mm from the upstream end of the mouthpiece along the hollow tubular segment.

When a mixture of air and aerosol particles flowing through the aerosol-generating article reaches the ventilation zone, the outside air drawn into the hollow tubular segment through the ventilation zone mixes with the aerosol. This rapidly reduces the temperature of the aerosol mixture while partially diluting the mixture of air and aerosol particles. As discussed in more detail below, however, by providing a ventilation zone at a distance from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment that falls within the above range, a cooling chamber is provided substantially just upstream of the mouthpiece. It is advantageous for nucleation and growth of aerosol particles. Thus, the diluting effect of the aerated air entering the hollow tubular segment is at least partially countered, which, in an advantageous way, makes it possible to provide a satisfactory aerosol delivery level for the consumer.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the distance between the vent zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the vent zone is less than 4. The ratio of the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is preferably less than 3.5. More preferably, the ratio of the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 3. It is even more preferred that the ratio of the distance between the vent zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the vent zone is less than 2.5.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio of the distance between the ventilation zone to the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 2 and less than 1.5. Is more preferably, and even more preferably less than 1.2.

The ventilation zone is preferably provided at least 10 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment along the hollow tubular segment. It is more preferred that the ventilation zone is provided at least 12 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment along the hollow tubular segment. It is even more preferred that the ventilation zone is provided at least 15 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment along the hollow tubular segment. This is advantageous in ensuring that the ventilation zone is not obstructed by the consumer's lips during use.

In addition, or as an alternative, the ventilation zone is preferably located less than 25 millimeters from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment along the hollow tubular segment. The ventilation zone is more preferably located less than 20 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment along the hollow tubular segment. This is advantageous because during use, cold outside air can be easily drawn into the hollow tubular segment when the aerosol generator is received in the heating chamber of the electroheated aerosol generator. As such, ensure that the aerosol is substantially located along the hollow tubular segment that projects outward of the heating chamber.

In some preferred embodiments, the ventilation zone is about 10 mm to about 25 mm, more preferably about 12 mm to about 12 mm to about 25 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment, along the hollow tubular segment. It is offered in a 20mm location. In one exemplary embodiment, the ventilation zone is provided 18 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment along the hollow tubular segment. In another exemplary embodiment, the ventilation zone is provided along the hollow tubular segment, 13 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment.

Aerosol-generating articles may typically have an aeration level of at least about 10 percent, preferably at least about 20 percent.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has an aeration level of at least about 30 percent. Aerosol-generating articles more preferably have an aeration level of at least about 35 percent. In addition, or as an alternative, aerosol-generating articles preferably have an aeration level of less than about 60 percent. Aerosol-generating articles more preferably have an aeration level of less than about 50 percent. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has an aeration level of about 30 percent to about 60 percent. Aerosol-generating articles more preferably have an aeration level of about 35 percent to about 50 percent. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has an aeration level of about 40 percent.

Although not bound by theory, we hope that the temperature drop caused by the introduction of colder outside air into hollow tubular segments through ventilation zones will result in nucleation and growth of aerosol particles. It has been found that it may have a beneficial effect on.

The formation of aerosols from gaseous mixtures containing various species explains the changes in vapor concentration, temperature and velocity field, the delicate interaction between nucleation, evaporation, condensation and even fusion. Depends on the action. The so-called classical nucleation theory is based on the assumption that some of the molecules in the gas phase are large enough to remain coherent for long periods of time with sufficient probability (eg, 1/2 probability). ing. These molecules represent some kind of critical, threshold molecular cluster in a transient aggregate, which is generally easier for smaller molecular clusters to break down into the gas phase rather quickly, while more. Larger clusters generally mean easier to grow. These critical clusters are identified as the major nucleation cores where droplets are expected to grow due to the condensation of molecules from the vapor. It is envisioned that freshly nucleated untreated droplets may appear with a certain original diameter and then grow by several orders of magnitude. This may be facilitated and enhanced by the rapid cooling of the surrounding vapor, which induces condensation. In this regard, it is helpful to keep in mind that evaporation and condensation are two aspects of one and the same mechanism: mass transfer of gas and liquid. Evaporation is associated with the net mass transfer from the droplet to the gas phase, and condensation is the net mass transfer from the gas phase to the droplet phase. Evaporation (or condensation) causes the droplets to shrink (or grow), but the number of droplets does not change.

In this scenario (where the scenario is further complicated by fusion phenomena), the temperature and rate of cooling can play an important role in determining how the system responds. In general, because the nucleation process is typically non-linear, different cooling rates can lead to significantly different temperature behaviors with respect to the formation of liquid phases (droplets). Although not bound by theory, cooling can result in a rapid increase in the number of droplets condensed, followed by a strong short-term increase in this growth (nucleation burst). Assumed. This nucleation burst appears to be more pronounced at lower temperatures. In addition, faster cooling rates may favor early initiation of nucleation. In contrast, the reduction in cooling rate appears to have a beneficial effect on the final size of the aerosol droplets that will eventually reach.

Therefore, the rapid cooling induced by injecting outside air into the hollow tubular segment through the ventilation zone can be used to favor the favorable nucleation and growth of the aerosol droplets. However, at the same time, putting outside air into the hollow tubular segment has the direct drawback of diluting the flow of aerosol delivered to the consumer.

Surprisingly, the inventors have a diluting effect on the aerosol, which can be assessed, in particular, by measuring its effect on the delivery of glycerin contained in the aerosol-generating substrate as an aerosol-forming body. We have found that when the level is between 30 and 50 percent, it is beneficially minimized. In particular, it was found that aeration levels of 35 percent to 42 percent lead to particularly satisfactory values of glycerin delivery.

In addition, we found that in the aerosol-generating articles according to the invention, the cooling and diluting effects produced by injecting aerated air at locations along the conduits defined by the hollow tubular segments described above include phenol-containing species. We have found that there is a surprising reduction in development and delivery.

The ventilation zone may include one or more rows of perforations formed through the peripheral walls of the hollow tubular segment. The ventilation zone preferably comprises only one row of perforations. It is understood that this is advantageous in that it is possible to further enhance the nucleation of the aerosol by condensing the cooling effect provided by the ventilation over the short portion of the cavity defined by the hollow tube segment. Will be done. This is because faster and more dramatic cooling of the flow of volatile species is expected to be particularly beneficial for the formation of new nuclei of aerosol particles.

One or more rows of perforations are preferably arranged circumferentially around the wall of the hollow tube. If the ventilation zone comprises two or more rows of perforations formed through the peripheral walls of the hollow tubular segment, the rows are longitudinally separated from each other along the hollow tubular segment. As an example, adjacent rows of perforations may be longitudinally separated from each other by a distance of approximately 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm.

The equivalent diameter of at least one of the vent perforations is preferably at least about 100 micrometers. The equivalent diameter of at least one of the vent perforations is preferably at least about 150 micrometers. It is even more preferred that the equivalent diameter of at least one of the vent perforations is at least about 200 micrometers. In addition, or as an alternative, the equivalent diameter of at least one of the vent perforations is preferably less than about 500 micrometers. More preferably, the equivalent diameter of at least one of the vent perforations is less than about 450 micrometers. It is even more preferred that the equivalent diameter of at least one of the vent perforations is less than about 400 micrometers. The term "equivalent diameter" is used herein to mean the diameter of a circle having the same surface area as the cross section of a vent. The cross section of the ventilation perforation may have any suitable shape. However, circular vent perforations are preferred.

The ventilation perforations may be of uniform size. Alternatively, the ventilation perforations may vary in size. By varying the number and size of vent perforations, it is possible to adjust the amount of outside air that enters the hollow tubular segment when the consumer inhales the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating article during use. Therefore, it is advantageously possible to adjust the aeration level of the aerosol-generating article.

Ventilation perforations can be performed using any suitable technique, such as laser technology, mechanical perforations of hollow tubular segments as part of an aerosol-generating article, or before forming an aerosol-generating article in combination with other elements. It can be formed by pre-drilling a hollow tubular segment of. Ventilation perforations are preferably formed by online laser perforations.

The length of the hollow tubular segment is preferably at least about 10 millimeters. The length of the hollow tubular segment is more preferably at least about 15 millimeters. In addition, or as an alternative, the length of the hollow tubular segment is preferably less than about 30 millimeters. More preferably, the length of the hollow tubular segment is less than about 25 millimeters. It is even more preferred that the length of the hollow tubular segment is less than about 20 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular segment is from about 10 mm to about 30 mm, more preferably from about 12 mm to about 25 mm, and more preferably from about 15 mm to about 20 mm. Is even more preferable. As an example, in one particularly preferred embodiment, the length of the hollow tubular segment is about 18 millimeters. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the length of the hollow tubular segment is about 13 millimeters.

The total length of the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is preferably at least about 40 mm. In addition, or as an alternative, the overall length of the aerosol-generating article according to the invention is preferably less than about 70 mm, more preferably less than 60 mm, and even more preferably less than 50 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the total length of the aerosol-generating article is from about 40 mm to about 70 mm. In one exemplary embodiment, the total length of the aerosol-generating article is about 45 millimeters.

The hollow tubular segment is preferably made of a substantially impermeable material. As a result, air and aerosol particles drawn through the hollow tubular segment are forced to flow through the hollow tubular segment from its upstream end to its downstream end, but not across the perimeter wall of the hollow tubular element. Can not.

In some embodiments, the hollow tubular segment comprises a wrapper, which also surrounds the rod and mouthpiece segment. In fact, a wrapper having a thickness that falls within the above range is used to enclose and connect the rod and mouthpiece segments of the aerosol-generating substrate, the wrapper is substantially the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element. Form.

As an example, one of these coupling wrappers connecting the rod to the mouthpiece segment may have a basis weight of at least about 70 grams / square meter (gsm). One of these coupling wrappers connecting the rod to the mouthpiece segment preferably has a basis weight of at least about 80 grams / square meter, more preferably at least about 90 grams / square meter. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the coupling wrapper connecting the rod and the mouthpiece segment preferably has a basis weight of at least about 110 grams / square meter and more preferably has a basis weight of at least about 130 grams / square meter.

In another embodiment, the hollow tubular segment comprises a tube formed of a polymeric or cellulosic material, and the heated aerosol generating article further comprises a rod, a tube, and a wrapper surrounding the mouthpiece segment. .. As an example, the cellulosic material may include paper or cardboard, or a mixture thereof.

As an example, a hollow tubular segment can comprise a tube formed from an extruded plastic tube. Alternatively, the hollow tubular segment may include a tube formed from multiple overlapping layers of paper, such as multiple layers of parallel wound paper or multiple layers of spirally wound paper. good. Forming a tube from multiple overlapping layers of paper can help to further improve resistance to collapse or deformation. The tube preferably comprises two or more layers of paper. Alternatively or additionally, the tube preferably comprises less than 11 layers of paper.

One of these tubes may be made to be impermeable by using a substantially impermeable paper. The term "substantially impermeable paper" is used herein as measured in accordance with ISO 2965: 2009, with breathability of less than about 20 cholesterol units, more preferably less than about 10 cholesterol units, most preferably. Is used to mean paper with a breathability of less than about 5 cholesterol units. Alternatively, adjacent layers of paper in the tube may be retained with an adhesive that imparts sealing properties to the tube.

Suitable materials for forming tubes are well known in the art and include cellulose acetate, hard paper (ie, paper with a basis weight of at least 90 grams / square meter), polymer films such as cellulosic films, and cardboard. Including, but not limited to.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the weight of the hollow tubular segment to the volume of the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular segment is preferably less than 1 milligram / millimeter. The ratio of the weight of the hollow tubular segment to the volume of the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular segment is more preferably less than 0.5 milligrams / cubic millimeter.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio of the weight of the hollow tubular segment to the volume of the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular segment is less than 0.25 milligrams / millimeter. The ratio of the weight of the hollow tubular segment to the volume of the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular segment is more preferably less than 0.2 milligrams / cubic millimeter. It is even more preferred that the ratio of the weight of the hollow tubular segment to the volume of the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular segment is less than 0.1 milligrams / cubic millimeter.

While the volume of the cavity is advantageously maximized in the hollow tubular segment having a ratio of the weight of the hollow tubular segment to the volume of the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular segment that fits within the above range. The hollow tubular segment contributes to the overall structural strength of the aerosol-generating article and ensures that the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate is substantially maintained away from the mouthpiece.

In one exemplary embodiment, the hollow tubular segment is formed from a wrapper having a considerable inner diameter of 7 millimeters and a basis weight of 110 gsm and weighs 2.5 milligrams / millimeter. For one of these hollow tubular segments, the ratio of the weight of the hollow tubular segment to the volume of the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular segment is about 0.065 milligrams / cubic millimeter.

In another exemplary embodiment, a hollow tubular segment with a corresponding inner diameter of 5.3 millimeters may be provided as a cellulose acetate tube with a weight of 9.5 milligrams / millimeter. For one of these hollow tubular segments, the ratio of the weight of the hollow tubular segment to the volume of the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular segment is about 0.43 milligrams / cubic millimeter.

In the aerosol-generating article according to the invention, the overall RTD of the article is essentially a rod, as the hollow tubular segment is substantially empty and thus contributes only slightly to the overall RTD. Depends on the RTD of the mouthpiece and the RTD of the mouthpiece. In fact, hollow tubular segments may be adapted to generate RTDs ranging from approximately 0 mm H ₂ O (approximately 00 Pa) to approximately 20 mm H ₂ O (approximately 200 Pa). The hollow tubular segment is preferably adapted to generate an RTD of about 0 mm H ₂ O (about 00 Pa) to about 10 mm H ₂ O (about 100 Pa).

Aerosol-generating articles preferably have an overall RTD of less than about 90 mm _H2O (about 900 Pa). Aerosol-generating articles more preferably have an overall RTD of less than about 80 mm _H2O (about 800 Pa). It is even more preferred that the aerosol-generating article have an overall RTD of less than about 70 mm _H2O (about 700 Pa).

In addition, or as an alternative, the aerosol-generating article preferably has an overall RTD of at least about 30 mm _H2O (about 300 Pa). It is more preferred that the aerosol-generating article have an overall RTD of at least about 40 mm _H2O (about 400 Pa). It is even more preferred that the aerosol-generating article have an overall RTD of at least about 50 mm _H2O (about 500 Pa).

The RTD of the aerosol-generating article needs to be applied to the downstream end of the mouthpiece in order to maintain a stable air volume flow rate of 17.5 ml / s through the mouthpiece under the test conditions as defined in ISO3402. It may be evaluated as a certain negative pressure. The RTD values listed above can be measured against themselves (ie, prior to inserting the article into the aerosol generator) on the aerosol generating article without blocking the perforation of the ventilation zone. Intended.

For example, the length and density of the mouthpiece filter material (counting denier per filament) may be adjusted if desired or necessary to achieve a sufficiently high RTD for the aerosol-generating article. In addition, or as an alternative, an additional filter section may be included in the aerosol-generating article. As an example, such an additional filter section may be included between the rod of the aerosol generating substrate and the hollow tubular segment. Such additional filter sections preferably include a filter material such as cellulose acetate. The length of the additional filter section is preferably from about 4 mm to about 8 mm, preferably from about 5 mm to about 7 mm.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating articles according to the invention are disposed between the rods of the aerosol-generating substrate and the hollow tubular segments, and are disposed axially aligned with them. Support element may be provided. More specifically, the support element is preferably provided just downstream of the rod and just upstream of the hollow tubular element.

The support element is provided as a tubular element. The support element may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the supporting element is selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, cardboard, crimped paper (such as crimped heat resistant paper or crimped parchment paper), and polymer materials (such as low density polyethylene (LDPE)). It may be formed from one or more materials. In a preferred embodiment, the support element is provided as a hollow cellulose acetate tube.

The support element preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. The support element may have an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 12 mm, for example an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or an outer diameter of about 6 mm to about 8 mm. In one preferred embodiment, the support element has an outer diameter of about 7.2 mm.

The peripheral wall of the support element may have a thickness of at least 1 mm, preferably at least about 1.5 mm, more preferably at least about 2 mm.

The support element may have a length of about 5 mm to about 15 mm. In one preferred embodiment, the support element has a length of about 8 mm.

During insertion of the aerosol generator heating element into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article, the user has some force to overcome the resistance of the aerosol-generating article's aerosol-forming substrate to the insertion of the aerosol generator heating element. May be required to add. This can damage one or both of the aerosol generator and the heating element of the aerosol generator. In addition, the application of force during insertion of the heating element of the aerosol generator into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article may shift the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-generating article. This can result in a heating element of the aerosol generator that is not completely inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate, which leads to non-uniform and inefficient heating of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. In some cases. The support element is advantageously configured to resist the downstream movement of the aerosol-forming substrate during insertion of the heating element of the aerosol generator into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article is preferably less than about 50 millimeters. More preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article is less than about 45 millimeters. Even more preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article is less than about 40 millimeters.

In addition, or as an alternative, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article is preferably at least about 12 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating article is more preferably at least about 15 mm. Even more preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article is preferably at least about 20 millimeters. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating article is preferably at least about 25 millimeters.

The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the rod of the aerosol generation substrate is preferably at least about 2 mm. More preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate is at least about 5 mm. Even more preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate is at least about 10 mm. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate may be at least about 15 millimeters.

In addition, or as an alternative, the distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the rod of the aerosol generation substrate is preferably less than about 35 millimeters. More preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate is less than about 30 millimeters. Even more preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate is less than about 25 millimeters.

In fact, the ventilation zone is a cavity internally defined by a hollow tubular segment, with an upstream subcavity extending longitudinally from the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the location of the ventilation zone, and a hollow from the location of the ventilation zone. Divide into a downstream subcavity extending in the longitudinal direction at the downstream end of the tubular segment. Although not bound by theory, in the upstream subcavities, the volatile species of aerosol flow travel along the hollow tubular segments and transfer some of the heat to the perimeter walls of the hollow tubular segments. It is understood that the aerosol particles cool slowly and therefore begin to nucleate. On the other hand, in the downstream subcavities, the aerosol flow and ventilated air mix rapidly, which quickly cools the volatile species of the aerosol flow, thus renewing the aerosol as it travels toward the mouthpiece. It favors the nucleation of particles and the growth of existing aerosol particles.

The ratio of the length of the upstream cavity to the length of the downstream cavity is preferably less than 1.5. The ratio of the length of the upstream cavity to the length of the downstream cavity is more preferably less than 1. The ratio of the length of the upstream cavity to the length of the downstream cavity is even more preferably less than 0.67.

In addition, or as an alternative, the ratio between the length of the upstream cavity to the length of the downstream cavity is preferably at least about 0.15. The ratio of the length of the upstream cavity to the length of the downstream cavity is more preferably at least about 0.2. The ratio of the length of the upstream cavity to the length of the downstream cavity is even more preferably at least about 0.35.

Similarly, the ventilation zone divides the aerosol-generating article into two sections, one upstream and one downstream of the location of the ventilation zone, respectively.

The ratio of the length of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article to the length of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article is preferably less than 2.5. The ratio of the length of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article to the length of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article is more preferably less than 2. Even more preferably, the ratio of the length of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article to the length of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article is less than 1.5. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio of the length of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article to the length of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article is less than one.

In addition, or as an alternative, the ratio of the length of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article to the length of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article is preferably at least about 0.25. More preferably, the ratio of the length of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article to the length of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article is at least about 0.33. Even more preferably, the ratio of the length of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article to the length of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article is at least about 0.5.

In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, it is advantageously easy to adjust and control the overall RTD of the article. This is because the overall RTD of the article depends on the RTD of a finite few components, and the provision of ventilation zones contributes to the reduction of the overall RTD of the article. Therefore, it may advantageously reduce the variability of RTD between aerosol-generating articles.

As a result, the present invention may also provide packs containing 10 or more aerosol-generating articles as described above, with the RTD of the aerosol-generating article having the highest RTD of at least 10 aerosol-generating articles and at least 10. The difference from the RTD of the aerosol-generating article having the lowest RTD of the aerosol-generating articles is less than 10 _mmH2O (about 100 pascals). In one of these packs, the RTD of the aerosol-generating article having the highest RTD of at least 10 aerosol-generating articles and the RTD of the aerosol-generating article having the lowest RTD of at least 10 aerosol-generating articles. The difference between is preferably less than 9 mmH ₂ O (about 90 Pascals), more preferably less than 8 mmH ₂ O (about 80 Pascals), and still less than 7 mmH ₂ O (about 70 Pascals). More preferred.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a schematic side sectional view of another embodiment of the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a schematic side sectional view of a further embodiment of the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention.

The aerosol-generating article 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a rod 12 of an aerosol-generating substrate, a hollow cellulose acetate tube 14, a hollow tubular segment 16, and a mouthpiece segment 18. These four elements are arranged end-to-end and aligned in the longitudinal direction and are surrounded by an outer wrapper 20 to form the aerosol-generating article 10. The aerosol-generating article 10 has a mouth-side end 22 and an upstream distal end 24 located at the end opposite the mouth-side end 22 of the article. The aerosol-generating article 10 shown in FIG. 1 is particularly suitable for use in an electrically actuated aerosol generator comprising a heater for heating the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate.

The rod 12 of the aerosol-generating substrate has a length of about 12 millimeters and a diameter of about 7 millimeters. The rod 12 has a cylindrical shape and has a substantially circular cross section. The rod 12 contains an assembly of homogenized sheets of tobacco material. Sheets of homogenized tobacco material contain 10 weight percent glycerin on a dry basis. The hollow cellulose acetate tube 14 has a length of about 8 mm and a thickness of 1 mm.

The mouthpiece segment 18 comprises a plug of cellulose acetate tow of 8 denier per filament and has a length of approximately 7 mm.

The hollow tubular segment 16 is provided as a cylindrical tube having a length of about 18 mm and the thickness of the tube wall is about 100 micrometers.

More specifically, the hollow tubular segment 16 may be formed, for example, from paper having a basis weight of 110 gsm and has a weight of 45 milligrams (ie, a length of 2.5 milligrams / millimeter). The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment 16 is about 7 mm. Therefore, the volume of the cavity internally defined by the hollow tubular segment 16 is about 693 cubic millimeters. Therefore, the ratio of the weight of the hollow tubular segment to the volume of the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular segment 16 is about 0.065. The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a ventilation zone 26 provided about 5 mm from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment 18. Therefore, the ventilation zone 26 is about 12 mm from the downstream end of the aerosol generating article and about 13 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment.

Therefore, the ventilation zone 26 is about 21 mm from the downstream end of the rod 12. FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 30 of FIG. 2 has the same structure as the aerosol-generating article 10 of FIG. 1, and is substantially different from the aerosol-generating article 10 only in the length of a specific component. To the extent that it differs from the above, it will be described below. In the following, the same reference numbers will be used wherever possible for corresponding components that have the same structure or functional function.

In the aerosol-generating article 30 of FIG. 2, the rod 12 and the hollow cellulose acetate tube 14 have the same length as the aerosol-generating article 10 of FIG. However, the mouthpiece segment comprises a plug of 11 denier cellulose acetate tow per filament and has a length of about 12 mm, and the hollow tubular segment 14 has a length of about 13 mm. The ventilation zone 26 is provided about 6 mm from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment 18 and about 7 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment. Therefore, the ventilation zone 26 is about 15 mm from the downstream end of the rod 12.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the hollow tubular segment 16 may be provided as a cylindrical tube of cellulose acetate having a length of, for example, about 18 millimeters and a peripheral wall thickness of about 1 millimeter, and weighs 171 milligrams. (Ie, 9.5 milligrams / millimeter in length).

The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment 16 may be about 5.3 mm. Therefore, the volume of the cavity internally defined by the hollow tubular segment 16 is about 397 cubic millimeters. Therefore, the ratio of the weight of the hollow tubular segment to the volume of the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular segment 16 is about 0.43. FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 40 of FIG. 3 is structurally different from the aerosol-generating article 10 of FIG. 1 and the aerosol-generating article 30 of FIG. 2 in that it does not include a hollow cellulose acetate tube as a supporting element. As a result, the lengths of the three major components also differ. In the following, the same reference numbers will be used wherever possible for corresponding components that have the same structure or functional function.

In the aerosol generating article 40 of FIG. 3, the rod 12 has a length of about 12 mm, the hollow tubular segment 14 has a length of about 26 mm, and the mouthpiece segment 18 has 11 denier cellulose acetate per filament. It has a toe plug and is about 12 mm long. The ventilation zone 26 is provided approximately 5 mm from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment 18 and is approximately 21 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment that coincides with the downstream end of the rod 12 in this embodiment. It is offered to.

The following examples record the experimental results obtained during the tests performed in a particular embodiment of the aerosol-generating article according to the invention. Conditions for smoking and specifications for smoking machines are presented in ISO Standard 3308 (ISO3308: 2000). Ambient air for conditioning and testing is presented in ISO Standard 3402.

Example 1
This experiment is performed to evaluate the effect of incorporation of the hollow tubular segment, where the ventilation zone is provided along the hollow tubular segment according to the present invention. The experiment investigates the effect of aeration levels on the delivery of nicotine and aerosol-forming bodies (glycerin). Comparative measurements with reference aerosol-generating articles without aeration are also provided.

Materials and Methods Article A is a rod and rod of an aerosol-generating substrate containing an aggregate of sheets of homogenized tobacco material and about 18% glycerin by dry weight, having a length of 12 mm. A support element in the form of a hollow cellulose acetate tube just downstream of the rod and aligned with the support element, having a length of 8 mm, and a thick paper tube aligned with the rod and just downstream of the rod. A hollow tubular segment having a length of 13 mm and a mouthpiece segment of a filtering material aligned with the hollow tubular segment and immediately downstream of the hollow tubular segment. , An aerosol-generating article formed of a mouthpiece having a length of 12 mm. The ventilation zone is provided 18 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment along the hollow tubular segment. The aeration level of the aerosol-generating article A is 30 percent.

Article B is a reference aerosol-generating article that has the same structure as article A but does not have a ventilation zone. Therefore, the aeration level of the aerosol-generating article B is 0 percent.

Delivery of nicotine and glycerin is measured by gas chromatography / time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC / MS-TOF) for nicotine and glycerin collected on a Cambridge filter pad. The experiment was carried out as described in Example 1.

Results Table 1 below shows the average delivery of nicotine and glycerin from Article A and Article B.
Table 1. Effect of aeration levels on the delivery of nicotine and glycerin

Claims (15)

An aerosol-generating article for producing an aerosol that can be inhaled with heating.
The rod of the aerosol generation substrate and
A mouthpiece segment comprising a plug of filter material, the mouthpiece segment located downstream of the rod and aligned longitudinally with the rod.
A hollow tubular segment located between the rod and the mouthpiece segment, aligned longitudinally with the rod and the mouthpiece segment, the hollow tubular segment of the mouthpiece segment. A hollow tubular segment that defines a cavity that extends all the way to the upstream end,
With a ventilation zone, located along the hollow tubular segment,
The rod of the aerosol generating substrate has a length of less than about 15 millimeters and has a length of less than about 15 millimeters.
The total length of the aerosol-generating article is about 40 mm to about 70 mm.
The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is at least about 5 mm.
An aerosol-generating article in which the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least an aerosol-forming body, and the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-forming body content of at least about 10 percent on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the hollow tubular segment comprises a wrapper, wherein the wrapper surrounds the rod and the mouthpiece segment. The hollow tubular segment comprises a tube formed of a polymeric or cellulosic material, and the heated aerosol generating article further comprises a wrapper surrounding the rod, the tube, and the mouthpiece segment. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the corresponding inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is substantially constant along the length of the hollow tubular segment. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ventilation zone is located at least 2 mm from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment along the hollow tubular segment. The aerosol-generating article of claim 4, wherein the aeration zone is located less than 25 millimeters from the downstream end of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate along the hollow tubular segment. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ventilation zone is located along the hollow tubular segment at a position less than about 18 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an aeration level of at least about 10%. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an aeration level of less than about 60 percent. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the hollow tubular segment has a length of about 10 mm to about 30 mm. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than about 1.5 mm. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the hollow tubular segment has a thickness of at least about 100 micrometers. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the RTD of the aerosol-generating article is about 30 mm H ₂ O to about 90 mm H ₂ O. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment is less than about 15 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article is less than about 40 mm.

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