RU2720571C2 - Aerosol-generating article with ventilation zone - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an aerosol-generating article, such as a heated smoking article. Aerosol generating article comprises a combustible heat source; an aerosol-forming substrate located downstream of the combustible heat source; a wrapper surrounding at least a rear portion of the combustible heat source and at least a front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. In the area of the wrapper covering the combustible heat source, there are multiple attenuated sections, and the wrapper is configured to break when used on a plurality of weakened portions to form a ventilation zone comprising a plurality of openings extending through the wrapper.

EFFECT: invention is aimed at prevention of unfavourable effect on conductive heat transfer from combustible heat source to substrate forming aerosol.

16 cl, 7 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating article, such as a heated smoking article. In particular, examples of the present invention relate to an aerosol generating article comprising a combustible heat source, an aerosol forming substrate located downstream of the combustible heat source, and a wrapper surrounding at least the back of the combustible heat source and at least the front of the generatrix aerosol substrate.

In the prior art, a number of smoking articles have been proposed in which tobacco is heated rather than burned. The objective of such “heated” smoking articles is to reduce the number of known harmful smoke components resulting from burning and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes. In a heated smoking article of one known type, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a combustible heat source to a physically separated aerosol forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate. When smoking, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol forming substrate as a result of heat transfer from a combustible heat source and are drawn into the air stream drawn through the smoking article. When the released compounds are cooled, they condense to form an aerosol inhaled by the user.

It is known to introduce a heat-conducting element around at least the rear of the combustible heat source and at least the front of the aerosol forming substrate of a heated smoking article to provide conductive heat transfer from the combustible heat source to the aerosol forming substrate to produce an aerosol. For example, document WO-A2-2009 / 022232 discloses a smoking article containing a combustible heat source, an aerosol forming substrate located downstream of the combustible heat source, and a heat conducting element surrounding the back of the combustible heat source and the adjacent front of the aerosol forming substrate and in direct contact with them. The heat-conducting element and the aerosol forming substrate are surrounded by an outer paper wrapper. In use, the front of the aerosol forming substrate is heated by heat transfer through the adjacent rear of the combustible heat source and the heat-conducting element.

In smoking articles in which tobacco is heated rather than burned, the temperature obtained in the aerosol forming substrate significantly affects the ability to generate aerosol perceived by the sensory organs. It is generally desirable to maintain the temperature of the aerosol forming substrate within a certain range in order to optimize the delivery of the aerosol to the user. In smoking articles containing a combustible heat source and an aerosol forming substrate located downstream of the combustible heat source, the movement of the combustible heat source relative to the aerosol forming substrate when using the smoking article may cause the temperature of the aerosol forming substrate to fall outside the required range , due to this, affecting the effectiveness of the smoking article. If the temperature of the aerosol forming substrate drops too low, for example, this can adversely affect the consistency and amount of aerosol delivered to the user.

In the prior art, a number of methods have been proposed for holding combustible heat sources in a position inside heated smoking articles. For example, in the prior art, a layer of glue is applied around a combustible heat source between a combustible heat source and a wrapper. However, if the glue burns out during use, the combustible heat source can only be held in place by the wrapper. This can lead to the movement of the combustible heat source relative to the aerosol forming substrate if the holding force applied to the wrapper is insufficient.

It was also suggested that the wrapper be wrapped tightly around the combustible heat source or wrapped around the wrapper so that it surrounds the combustible heat source over its entire length. However, in both cases, the wrapper can adversely affect the combustion of a combustible heat source due to the restriction of air supply, which can lead to a drop in temperature of the aerosol forming substrate and adversely affect the consistency and amount of aerosol delivered to the user. In addition, the pressure generated by the combustible gases produced by the combustible heat source can build up behind a tightly wound wrapper. This can lead to an air gap between the combustible heat source and the wrapper, reducing the holding force exerted during use by the wrapper, and possibly leading to the displacement of the combustible heat source relative to the substrate forming aerosol. When the wrapper contains a heat-conducting element, the air gaps between the combustible heat source and the wrapper can adversely affect the conductive heat transfer from the combustible heat source to the aerosol forming substrate and, accordingly, the performance of the smoking article. In some cases, the pressure generated by the gases behind the tightly wound wrapper may be sufficient to damage the wrapper or combustible heat source.

It would be desirable to provide a heated smoking article in which the retention of a combustible heat source is preferably improved in the absence or reduction of an adverse effect on the conductive heat transfer from the combustible heat source to the aerosol forming substrate and, accordingly, on the performance of the smoking article.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating article comprising: a combustible heat source; an aerosol forming substrate located downstream of the combustible heat source; a wrapper surrounding at least the rear of the combustible heat source and at least the front of the aerosol forming substrate; moreover, many weak points are made in the area of the wrapper that overlaps the combustible heat source, and the wrapper is made to be torn during use in the location area of the set of weakened sections with the formation of a ventilation zone containing many holes passing through the wrapper.

Advantageously, with this configuration, the wrapper can be wound tightly around the combustible heat source to hold it in the correct position, while providing sufficient air supply to the combustible heat source and the exit of the combustible gases generated by the heat source through the plurality of openings during use. This ensures the conductive heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol forming substrate and, accordingly, the performance of the aerosol generating article. In addition, this can eliminate the need for glue to be applied around a combustible heat source, simplifying production. In some examples, the weakened areas are arranged so that the wrapper breaks in places of the weakened areas, for example, under the influence of pressure generated by combustible gases. This, as an advantage, allows ventilation of a combustible heat source when used without undue strain on the user. In addition, due to weakened areas in which the wrapper is capable of rupture with the formation of many holes, the wrapper forms a partition before rupture, for example, to limit the amount of moisture absorbed by the heat source from the atmosphere during transportation and storage. Since moisture can reduce the thermal characteristics of the heat source, limiting the amount of moisture absorbed by the heat source can have a positive effect on the performance of the aerosol generating product.

In the context of the present application, the term "weakened areas" refers to weakened areas of the wrapper structure designed to facilitate tearing or tearing of the wrapper at predetermined locations to form holes of a predetermined shape and size. Weakened structural sites can be formed, for example, by removing or destroying a certain amount of material in a given area, for example, by laser ablation or another method, or by mechanical pressure or rolling without removing material. The term "weakened areas" includes weakened lines along which the wrapper material has been weakened, and weakened areas in which the wrapper material has been removed.

In the context of this document, the terms “upstream”, “downstream”, “front” and “rear” are used to describe the relative positions of the components or parts of the components of the aerosol generating article relative to the direction in which the air flow passes through the aerosol generating article during its use. The aerosol generating articles of the invention comprise a proximal end through which, when used, the aerosol exits the article for delivery to the user. The proximal end of an aerosol generating article may also be called a mouthpiece end or a downstream end. In use, the smoker is drawn from the mouth end of the aerosol generating article. The mouthpiece end is located downstream of the distal end. A combustible heat source is located at or near the far end. The distal end of the aerosol generating article may also be called the end located upstream of the flow. The components or parts of the components of the smoking article may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal end of the smoking article and the distal end of the smoking article. The front part of the component or part of the component of the aerosol generating article is the part located at the end closest to the end of the aerosol generating article located upstream. The rear part of the component or part of the component of the aerosol generating article is the part located at the end closest to the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The back of the combustible heat source is a portion of the combustible heat source at the downstream end of the combustible heat source. The front portion of the aerosol forming substrate is a portion of the aerosol forming substrate at an upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate.

In some preferred embodiments, at least one of the weakened areas is defined by one or more weakened lines. Each of the plurality of weakened regions may be defined by one or more weakened lines. Weakened areas can be defined by a weakened region, for example, a region of a wrapper having a local decrease in thickness. At least one of the weakened areas may be defined by one weakened line running along the perimeter or along a part of the perimeter of the hole of the desired shape. In such examples, the weakened line may have any suitable shape, for example, it may be a straight line, a curved or uneven line, a closed line, or any combination thereof. In other examples, at least one of the weakened areas may be defined by two or more weakened lines. Two or more weakened lines may extend along the perimeter or along part of the perimeter of the hole of the desired shape. Two or more weakened lines can be combined to form the perimeter or part of the perimeter of the hole of the desired shape. At least one of the weakened areas may be defined by a plurality of weakened lines that extend from the unrefined central region.

When at least one of the weakened areas is formed by two or more weakened lines, said two or more weakened lines may have substantially the same dimensions. The sizes of one or more of two or more weakened lines may be different.

When at least one of the weakened areas is formed by one or more weakened lines, said one or more weakened lines preferably do not pass through the entire thickness of the wrapper. With this configuration, the wrapper can form a septum before rupture even in areas formed by the weakened area.

As used herein, the term “weakened line” refers to a line in a wrapper along which the material of the wrapper has been loosened to facilitate tearing or tearing of the wrapper along a desired line.

In some preferred embodiments, at least one of the weakened areas is defined by two or more intersecting weakened lines. This may make it possible to set a sufficiently large hole with weakened lines without significantly affecting the strength of the wrapper before using the aerosol generating article. Each of the many weakened areas can be defined by two or more intersecting lines. In such examples, the weakened lines can have any suitable shape, for example, they can be a straight line, a curved or uneven line, a closed line, or any combination thereof. Two or more intersecting lines can intersect each other in any suitable position along their respective lengths. This may depend on the desired shape of the hole formed by rupture of the wrapper in the weakened area. In a preferred embodiment, two or more intersecting weakened lines are arranged so that the resulting weakened portion has an open shape. In other words, two or more intersecting lines are not combined to completely cover any part of the wrapper. With this configuration, the torn portions of the wrapper can remain attached to the aerosol generating article after forming a plurality of holes. Due to this, garbage can be avoided.

Many weakened areas can be formed as a result of local reduction in the thickness of the wrapper. In such embodiments, a local reduction in thickness can be achieved by removing material, for example by laser ablation. A local decrease in thickness can be achieved by mechanical deformation of the wrapper, for example, by rolling or cutting.

Weakened areas can be formed by many perforations.

Weakened areas may be of any suitable size.

In some embodiments, one or more weakened areas may have a circumferential dimension of at least about 0.5 mm, preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 2.6 mm, more preferably from about 0.8 mm to about 1 , 8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, each of the weakened portions has a circumferential dimension of at least about 0.5 mm, preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 2.6 mm, more preferably from about 0.8 mm to about 1.8 mm

In some embodiments, one or more weakened areas may have a length of at least about 0.1 mm, preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 2.1 mm, more preferably from about 0.2 mm to about 1, 8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, each weakened area has a length of at least about 0.1 mm, preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 2.1 mm, more preferably from about 0.2 mm to about 1.8 mm.

Preferably, the length of each weakened area is less than its circumferential size. This can help increase the resistance of the wrapper to tearing due to the tension in the circumferential direction of the wrapper compared to the weakened portion, the length of which is greater than its circumferential size.

Weakened areas can be divided in a circumferential direction by any suitable circumferential interval. In some embodiments, adjacent weakened areas are circumferentially spaced by a circumferential spacing of at least about 0.5 mm, preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, more preferably from about 0.7 mm to about 1 5 mm.

Weakened areas can be divided in the longitudinal direction by any suitable longitudinal interval. In some embodiments of the invention, adjacent weakened areas are longitudinally separated by a longitudinal spacing of at least about 0.4 mm, preferably from about 0.4 mm to about 1.8 mm, more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 1 , 3 mm.

In the context of the present application, the terms “circumferential spacing” and “longitudinal spacing” are used to mean the minimum distance between two adjacent weakened portions in the circumferential direction and in the longitudinal direction, respectively.

Many weakened areas can be arranged randomly. In some preferred embodiments, the implementation of many weakened areas are located in a regular manner. With this arrangement, when the wrapper is torn along a plurality of weakened portions, the resulting plurality of holes are arranged in a regular manner. This can advantageously result in uniform ventilation of the combustible heat source. Uniform ventilation of a combustible heat source can prevent abrupt localized increases in gas pressure. In addition, this can prevent sharp localized increases in the temperature of the heat source.

In the context of this application, the term "naturally" is used to refer to a pattern containing a regularly located set of weakened areas. For example, weakened areas can be performed on a wrapper in the form of regularly arranged strips, regularly arranged checkers or squares, regularly arranged bricks, regularly located dots or spots, regularly arranged honeycombs or hexagons, or in any other regular alphanumeric, pictographic or geometric manner.

In some preferred embodiments, the plurality of weakened areas are arranged such that the plurality of holes have a total area of at least about 0.09 mm2, preferably from about 0.09 mm2 to about 40 mm2, more preferably from about 0.4 mm2 to approximately 30 mm2. It was found that this configuration provides sufficient ventilation of the combustible heat source without significantly affecting the strength of the wrapper.

In some embodiments of the invention, the weakened areas can be located so that many holes form visible marks on the outer surface of the wrapper. In the context of this application, the term “visible signs” is used to mean a single element or repeating elements or patterns that provide an aesthetic pleasure or informative presentation. Signs can be made in the form of text, images, letters, words, logos or a combination thereof. The marks may include a manufacturer’s trademark or logo, allowing the consumer to determine the type or origin of the aerosol generating product. The signs may provide information to the user, for example, to inform the user that the aerosol generating product is ready for use. Light emitted by a combustible heat source during use can be seen through multiple openings. This can increase the visibility of characters.

The wrapper may contain any suitable material. In some embodiments, the wrapper may comprise a thermally conductive material. The wrapper may be made of heat-conducting material. In such embodiments, the wrapper may form a heat-conducting element extending from a combustible heat source to an aerosol forming substrate. The heat-conducting element improves the conductive heat transfer from the combustible heat source to the aerosol forming substrate.

In the context of this document, the term “heat-conducting material” is used to describe a material having a bulk thermal conductivity of at least about 10 W per meter-kelvin (W / (m · K)) at a temperature of 23 ° C and a relative humidity of 50%, which is measured at using the modified method of non-stationary flat source (MTPS). In preferred embodiments, the wrapper is made of a heat-conducting material having a bulk thermal conductivity of at least about 50 W per meter Kelvin, more preferably at least about 100 W per meter Kelvin, most preferably at least about 150 W per meter Kelvin .

The wrapper can be made restricting air access to rupture of weakened areas. In other words, the wrapper may prevent air from passing through the wrapper before use.

In some preferred embodiments, the wrapper is substantially airtight. In other words, the wrapper is made of one or more materials that are substantially airtight. With this configuration, the wrapper forms a substantially sealed partition around the combustible heat source. This can essentially prevent the absorption of moisture from the atmosphere by a combustible heat source through the wrapper.

The wrapper may surround at least the rear of the combustible heat source. Preferably, the wrapper surrounds the combustible heat source along at least about 50 percent of its length. For example, a wrapper may surround a combustible heat source along at least about 60 percent of its length, at least about 70 percent of its length, at least about 80 percent of its length, or at least about 90 percent of its length. By continuing to wrap along most of the length of the combustible heat source, the wrapper can mechanically protect the combustible heat source and hold it in position relative to the aerosol forming substrate. Due to the presence of weakened areas in which the wrapper is capable of rupture when used to form a ventilation zone containing a plurality of holes passing through the wrapper, the wrapper can extend further along the length of the combustible heat source than would otherwise be possible without negatively affecting the workers aerosol generating product characteristics.

If the wrapper surrounds the combustible heat source along at least about 50 percent of its length, the ventilation zone may extend along less than 50 percent of the length of the combustible power source. In preferred embodiments in which the wrapper surrounds the combustible heat source along at least about 50 percent of its length, weakened portions are formed on the wrapper so that the ventilation zone also extends along at least about 50 percent of the length of the combustible heat source.

In any of the above embodiments of the invention, the weakened areas on the wrapper can be made so that the ventilation zone extends along essentially the entire length of the area of the wrapper covering the combustible heat source.

The wrapper may be in indirect contact with the outer surface of the combustible heat source through one or more intermediate components. The wrapper may be in direct contact with the outer surface of the combustible heat source. The wrapper may be in direct contact with the outer surface of the combustible heat source along substantially the entire length of the area of the wrapper overlapping the combustible heat source.

As used herein, the terms “longitudinal” and “axial” are used to describe the direction between the opposite proximal and distal ends of an aerosol generating article or component of an aerosol generating article.

As used herein, the term “length” is used to describe the maximum longitudinal dimension of a component of an aerosol generating article, such as a combustible heat source, or an aerosol generating article itself. In other words, the maximum size in the direction between the opposite distal and proximal ends of the component or the aerosol generating article itself.

In the context of this document, the terms "radial" and "transverse" are used to denote a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, a direction perpendicular to the direction between the opposite distal and proximal ends of the component of the aerosol generating article, such as a combustible heat source, or the aerosol generating article itself.

In the context of this document, the terms "inner surface" and "outer surface" refer to radially inner and radially outer surfaces, respectively, of a component of an aerosol generating article.

As used herein, the term “diameter” means the maximum transverse dimension of a component of an aerosol generating article, such as a combustible heat source, or of an aerosol generating article itself.

The aerosol generating articles of the present invention comprise a combustible heat source for heating an aerosol forming substrate. The combustible heat source is preferably a solid heat source and may contain any suitable combustible material, including, but not limited to, carbon and carbon-based materials containing aluminum, magnesium, one or more carbides, one or more nitrides, and combinations thereof. Solid combustible heat sources for heated smoking articles and methods for producing such heat sources are known in the art and are described, for example, in US Pat. that is, they contain carbon as the main combustible material.

The combustible heat source may be a combustible carbon-containing heat source.

The combustible heat source is preferably a continuous combustible heat source.

In the context of this document, the term "solid" describes a heat source that does not contain any air flow channels extending from the front end surface to the rear end surface of the combustible heat source. As used herein, the term “solid” is also used to describe a combustible heat source containing one or more channels for air flow extending from the front end surface of the combustible heat source to the rear end surface of the combustible heat source, the combustible substantially airtight partition between the rear end the surface of the combustible heat source and the substrate forming the aerosol prevents air from being drawn in along the length of the combustible heat source through one or more channels for air flow.

Adding one or more closed air passage openings increases the surface area of a continuous combustible heat source, which is exposed to oxygen from the air, and can advantageously contribute to ignition and continuous burning of a continuous combustible heat source.

Proposed in accordance with the present invention, aerosol generating products containing continuous combustible heat sources, contain one or more air inlets located downstream of the rear end surface of the combustible heat source, in order to draw air into one or more passages for air flow through aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating articles of the present invention comprising non-continuous combustible heat sources may also contain one or more air inlets located downstream of the rear end surface of the combustible heat source to draw air into one or more of the flow passages air through an aerosol generating article.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating articles of the present invention containing continuous combustible heat sources comprise one or more air inlets adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate.

In use, air drawn in through one or more passages for the air flow of the proposed aerosol generating articles containing a continuous combustible heat source does not pass through any channels for air flow along a continuous combustible heat source. The absence of any channels for the air flow passing through a continuous combustible heat source advantageously substantially prevents or suppresses the activation of combustion of a continuous combustible heat source during a puff carried out by a user. This essentially prevents or suppresses temperature peaks of the aerosol forming substrate during puffing by the user. By preventing or suppressing the activation of combustion of a continuous combustible heat source, and thus preventing or suppressing excessive temperature increases in the aerosol forming substrate, it is possible to prevent the burning or pyrolysis of the aerosol forming substrate under intensive puffing conditions. In addition, the influence of the user puff mode on the composition of the main aerosol jet can be advantageously minimized or reduced.

The inclusion of a continuous combustible heat source can also provide an advantage consisting in the possibility of essentially preventing or attenuating the entry of combustion products and decay and other substances generated during ignition and combustion of a continuous combustible heat source into air drawn through the proposed aerosol generating products during their use. This is especially advantageous if the continuous combustible heat source contains one or more additives that contribute to the ignition or combustion of the continuous combustible heat source.

In the aerosol generating articles of the present invention containing a continuous combustible heat source, heat transfer from the continuous combustible heat source to the aerosol forming substrate occurs mainly due to conductive heat transfer. The heating of the aerosol forming substrate due to forced convection is minimized or reduced. This can advantageously contribute to minimizing or minimizing the influence of the user puff mode on the composition of the main aerosol jet of the products according to the present invention.

In the aerosol generating articles of the present invention comprising a continuous combustible heat source, it is especially important to optimize the conductive heat transfer between the combustible heat source and the aerosol forming substrate. As further described below, the inclusion of one or more thermally conductive elements located around at least the rear of the combustible carbon-containing heat source and at least the front of the aerosol forming substrate, particularly preferably in the proposed aerosol generating products that contain solid heat sources, where the substrate is heated forming an aerosol due to forced convection is insignificant or completely absent.

In some embodiments, the combustible heat source comprises at least one longitudinal air flow passage providing one or more passages for air flow through the heat source. In the context of this document, the term “channel for air flow” is used to describe a channel passing along the length of a heat source through which air can be drawn in through an aerosol generating article. Such heat sources containing one or more longitudinal channels for air flow are referred to herein as “non-continuous” heat sources.

The diameter of the at least one longitudinal channel for air flow may be from about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm, more preferably from about 2 mm to about 2.5 mm. The inner surface of the at least one longitudinal channel for air flow can be partially or completely covered, as described in more detail in document WO 2009/022232 A.

As used herein, the term “aerosol forming substrate” is used to describe a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol when heated. Aerosols generated from aerosol forming substrates of aerosol generating articles of the present invention may be visible or invisible and may contain vapors (e.g., fine particles of substances that are in a gaseous state and are usually liquid or solid at room temperature), as well as gases and liquid droplets of condensed vapor.

The aerosol forming substrate may be a solid aerosol forming substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol forming substrate may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol forming substrate may include tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco aromatic compounds that are released from the substrate by heating. Alternatively, the aerosol forming substrate may comprise non-tobacco material. The aerosol forming substrate may further comprise one or more substances to form an aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents include, but are not limited to, glycerol and propylene glycol.

The aerosol forming substrate may be a rod containing tobacco-containing material.

If the aerosol forming substrate is a solid aerosol forming substrate, then this solid aerosol forming substrate may contain, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, beads, particles, thin tubes, strips or sheets containing one or more of the following: herbal leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco vein fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and blasted tobacco. The solid aerosol forming substrate may be loose in shape or may be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. For example, an aerosol forming material of a solid aerosol forming substrate can be placed in a paper or other wrapper and shaped like an extruder. If the substrate forming the aerosol is in the form of an extruder, then the entire extruder, including any wrapper, is considered to be an aerosol forming substrate.

Optionally, the solid aerosol forming substrate may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile aromatic compounds to isolate the solid aerosol forming substrate when heated. The solid aerosol forming substrate may also contain capsules that contain, for example, additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile aromatic compounds, and such capsules may melt during heating of the solid aerosol forming substrate.

If necessary, the solid substrate forming the aerosol can be performed on a thermostable carrier or integrated into it. The carrier may be in the form of powder, granules, beads, grains, thin tubes, strips or sheets. The solid aerosol forming substrate may be applied to the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel or suspension. The solid aerosol forming substrate can be applied to the entire surface of the carrier or alternatively can be applied in a pattern to ensure delivery of a heterogeneous aroma during use.

The aerosol forming substrate may be in the form of an extruder or a segment containing a material capable of releasing volatile compounds when heated, surrounded by a paper or other wrapper. If the aerosol forming substrate is in the form of such an extruder or segment, then the entire extruder or segment, including any wrapper, is considered an aerosol forming substrate.

The aerosol forming substrate preferably has a length of from about 5 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming substrate may have a length of from about 6 mm to about 15 mm, or from about 7 mm to about 12 mm.

The aerosol forming substrate may comprise a strand of tobacco-based material wrapped in fitzella. In preferred embodiments, the aerosol forming substrate comprises a strand of homogenized tobacco material wrapped in fitzella.

In any of the above embodiments, the combustible heat source and the aerosol forming substrate can abut against each other with coaxial alignment. In the context of this document, the terms “abutting” and “abutting” are used to describe a component or part of a component that is in direct contact with another component or part of a component. This includes embodiments of the invention in which the combustible heat source comprises a non-combustible partition between its rear end and the aerosol forming substrate, the non-combustible partition being in direct contact with the aerosol forming substrate.

The proposed aerosol generating articles may comprise a heat conducting element located around at least the rear of the heat source and at least the front of the aerosol forming substrate and in direct contact with them. In such embodiments, the heat-conducting element provides thermal bonding between the combustible heat source and the aerosol forming substrate of the aerosol generating article, and advantageously helps to ensure sufficient heat transfer from the combustible heat source to the aerosol forming substrate to form an acceptable aerosol.

The aerosol generating articles of the present invention may comprise a heat conducting element located at some distance from a combustible heat source or from an aerosol forming substrate or both, so that there is no direct contact between the heat conducting element and something one or both of the following: a combustible heat source and an aerosol forming substrate.

If the aerosol generating article comprises a heat conducting element located around at least a rear portion of the combustible heat source and at least a front portion of the aerosol forming substrate, the heat conducting element may be formed by a wrapper. For example, a wrapper may comprise one or more layers of heat-conducting material that form one or more heat-conducting elements.

The thermally conductive element is preferably non-combustible. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive element may limit the flow of oxygen. In other words, one or more heat-conducting elements can weaken or inhibit the passage of oxygen through the heat-conducting element.

Suitable heat-conducting elements include, but are not limited to: metal foil wrappers, such as, for example, aluminum foil wrappers, steel wrappers, iron foil wrappers and copper foil wrappers, as well as metal alloy foil wrappers.

The proposed aerosol generating products may contain a transmitting element or a separation element located downstream of the aerosol forming substrate. Such an element may take the form of a hollow tube located downstream of the aerosol forming substrate.

The transmitting element may abut against the aerosol forming substrate or into the mouthpiece, or both. Alternatively, the transmitting element may be located at some distance from the aerosol forming substrate or from the mouthpiece, or both.

Adding the transmitting element mainly allows you to cool the aerosol generated by the transfer of heat from a combustible heat source to the substrate forming the aerosol. In addition, the addition of the transmitting element advantageously allows the total length of the aerosol generating article to be adjusted to a desired value, for example, to a length similar to the length of a regular cigarette, by appropriate selection of the length of the transmitting element.

The transmission element may have a length of from about 7 mm to about 50 mm, for example, a length of from about 10 mm to about 45 mm or from about 15 mm to about 30 mm. The transmission element may have other lengths depending on the desired total length of the generating aerosol product, as well as the presence and length of other components in the aerosol generating product.

Preferably, the transmission element comprises at least one tubular hollow body with an open end. In such embodiments, when used, air drawn into the aerosol generating article passes through at least one open end tubular body as it passes downstream of the aerosol generating article from the aerosol generating substrate to the distal end of the aerosol generating article.

The transfer element may comprise at least one open end tubular body made of one or more suitable materials that are substantially thermally stable at the temperature of the aerosol generated by transferring heat from a combustible heat source to the aerosol forming substrate. Suitable materials are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, paper, cardboard, plastic, such as cellulose acetate, ceramic, and combinations thereof.

The proposed aerosol generating articles may comprise an aerosol cooling element or a heat exchange element located downstream of the aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol cooling element may comprise a plurality of channels extending in the longitudinal direction. If the aerosol generating article comprises a transmitting element located downstream of the aerosol forming substrate, then the aerosol cooling element is preferably located downstream of the transmitting element.

The aerosol cooling element may comprise an assembled sheet of material selected from the group consisting of metal foil, polymeric material, and substantially non-porous paper or paperboard. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may comprise an assembled sheet of material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA) and aluminum foil.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may comprise an assembled sheet of biodegradable polymeric material, such as polylactic acid (PLA) or Mater-Bi® (a commercially available starch copolyester series).

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating article comprises a mouthpiece located downstream of the aerosol generating substrate and located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The mouthpiece may contain a filter. For example, the mouthpiece may comprise a filter rod having one or more segments. If the mouthpiece contains a filter rod, then this rod is preferably a single segment filter rod. The filter rod may comprise one or more segments containing cellulose acetate, paper or other suitable known filter materials or combinations thereof. Preferably, the filter rod contains filter material with low filtration efficiency.

Proposed in accordance with the present invention products that generate aerosol, contain many elements assembled in the form of a rod.

In the context of this document, the term “aerosol generating article” is used to refer to an article containing an aerosol forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that may form an aerosol. The aerosol generating article may be a non-combustible aerosol generating article, which is a product releasing volatile compounds without combustion of the aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating article may be a heated aerosol generating article that is an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol forming substrate that must be heated rather than burned to release volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The heated aerosol generating article may comprise a built-in heating means that is part of the aerosol generating article, or may be configured to interact with an external heater that is part of a separate aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating article may be a smoking article. The aerosol generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol directly inhaled into the user's lungs through his mouth. The aerosol generating article may resemble a traditional smoking article, such as a cigarette. The aerosol generating article may contain tobacco. The aerosol generating article may be disposable. The aerosol generating article may be partially reusable and contain a renewable or removable aerosol forming substrate.

The aerosol generating article may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating article may be substantially elongated. The aerosol forming substrate may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol forming substrate may be substantially elongated. The aerosol forming substrate may be located in the aerosol generating article such that the length of the aerosol generating substrate is substantially parallel to the direction of air flow in the aerosol generating article.

The transmitting segment or element may be substantially elongated.

The aerosol generating article may have any desired length. For example, an aerosol generating article may have a total length of from about 65 mm to about 100 mm. The aerosol generating article may have any desired outer diameter. For example, an aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of from about 5 mm to about 12 mm.

The aerosol generating article may be surrounded by an outer wrapper, such as cigarette paper, which has low air permeability. Alternatively or additionally, the mouthpiece may be surrounded by rim paper.

It should also be borne in mind that individual combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspect of the invention can be implemented and / or provided and / or used independently.

The following is a description of the invention solely as an example with reference to the accompanying graphic materials on which:

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a longitudinal section of a first embodiment of a smoking article proposed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2A and 2B schematically depict an axonometric side view of the multi-segment component of the smoking article shown in FIG. 1, containing a wrapper with many weakened sections in accordance with the first example;

FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of the wrapper of the multi-segment component shown in FIG. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 3C schematically depicts a perspective view of the smoking article shown in FIG. 1, with the cover removed and a torn wrapper to form a ventilation zone;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the wrapper of the smoking article shown in FIG. 1 comprising a plurality of weakened areas in accordance with a second example;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the wrapper of FIG. 4A, in which the wrapper is torn in weakened areas to form a ventilation zone.

A smoking article 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 comprises a combustible heat source 102, an aerosol forming substrate 104, a transfer element 106, an aerosol cooling element 108, a separation element 110, and a mouthpiece 112 that abut against each other with coaxial alignment. The combustible carbon-containing heat source 102 has a front end surface 114 and an opposite rear end surface 116. As shown in FIG. 1, a combustible heat source 102, an aerosol forming substrate 104, a transfer member 106, an aerosol cooling member 108, a separation member 110, and a mouthpiece 112 are wrapped in an outer wrap 118 of sheet material, such as, for example, cigarette paper.

The combustible heat source 102 is a continuous carbon-containing combustible heat source and is located at the distal end of the smoking article 100. As shown in FIG. 1, a non-combustible substantially airtight partition 120 in the form of a disk of aluminum foil is formed between the rear end surface 116 of the combustible carbon-containing heat source 102 and the aerosol forming substrate 104. The baffle 120 is applied to the rear end surface 116 of the combustible heat source 102 by pressing an aluminum foil disk onto the rear end surface 116 of the combustible heat source 102. Said partition 120 may abut against the rear end surface 116 of the combustible carbon-containing heat source 102 and into the aerosol forming substrate 104.

The aerosol forming substrate 104 is located directly downstream of the baffle 120 applied to the rear end surface 116 of the combustible carbon-containing heat source 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the combustible heat source 102 and the aerosol forming substrate 104 abut against each other with coaxial alignment. The aerosol forming substrate 104 comprises a cylindrical strand of homogenized tobacco material 122 containing an aerosol forming substance, such as, for example, glycerin wrapped in fitzella 124.

The transmitting element 106 is located directly downstream of the aerosol forming substrate 104 and comprises a cylindrical hollow cellulose acetate tube 128 with an open end.

The aerosol cooling element 108 is located directly downstream of the transfer element 106 and contains an assembled sheet of biodegradable polymer material, such as, for example, polylactic acid.

The separation element 110 is located directly downstream of the aerosol-cooling element 108 and contains a cylindrical hollow paper or cardboard tube with an open end.

The mouthpiece 112 is located directly downstream of the separation element 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the mouthpiece 112 is located at the proximal end of the smoking article 100 and comprises a cylindrical rod of suitable filter material 130, such as, for example, a cellulose acetate tow with very low filtration efficiency, wrapped in a filter fitzella 132. The smoking article 100 may further comprise a strip of rim paper (not shown) surrounding the downstream end portion of the outer wrapper 118.

As shown in FIG. 1, the smoking article 100 further comprises a wrapper 126 surrounding at least the rear of the combustible heat source 102 and at least the front of the aerosol forming substrate 104. The wrapping 126 is tightly wrapped around the combustible heat source 102 and the aerosol forming substrate 104 to maintain the desired position of the fuel heat source 102 relative to the aerosol forming substrate. In this example, the wrapper 126 is made of a heat-conducting material, such as, for example, aluminum foil, so that it forms a heat-conducting element. Thus, the wrapper 126 forms a thermal bridge between the combustible heat source 102 and the aerosol forming substrate to provide sufficient conductive heat transfer from the combustible heat source 102 to the aerosol forming substrate 104. The wrapper 126 is substantially airtight. Accordingly, the wrapper 126 forms a septum prior to rupture, for example, to limit the amount of moisture absorbed by the combustible heat source 102 from the atmosphere during transportation and storage. Since moisture can reduce the thermal characteristics of the heat source, limiting the amount of moisture absorbed by the heat source can have a positive effect on the performance of the smoking article 100. In other examples, the wrapper 126 may be made of heat-insulating sheet material, such as, for example, cigarette paper, low air permeability, which is wrapped around a combustible heat source 102 and an aerosol forming substrate 104.

In this example, the wrapper 126 covers the entire length of the combustible heat source 102 with the exception of the front adjacent to the front end surface 114 of the combustible heat source 102, and the entire length of the aerosol forming substrate 104. In other embodiments (not shown), the aerosol forming substrate 104 may extend beyond the heat-conducting element 126 in a downstream direction. In other words, the wrapper 126 may cover only the front of the aerosol forming substrate 104. It should be understood that in other embodiments of the present invention (not shown), one or more additional heat-conducting elements covering the wrapper 126 can be made.

In this example, at the far end of the smoking article 100, a removable cover 134 is further located that is directly adjacent to the heat source 102. For example, a removable lid may include a central portion including a desiccant, such as glycerin, to absorb moisture, compared to a heat source that is wrapped with a portion of the outer wrap 118 and connected to the rest of the outer wrap 118 along a weakened line 136 containing a plurality of perforations in the outer the wrapper that surrounds the smoking article. To use the smoking article, the user removes the removable cover 134 by clamping the cover in the transverse direction by squeezing it between the thumb and forefinger. When the cover is compressed, sufficient force is applied to the weakened line 136 to locally break the outer wrapper 118. The user then removes the cover by twisting it to break the remaining part of the weakened line. After removing the cover, the front of the heat source 102 is exposed, allowing the user to light the smoking article 100.

The smoking article 100 comprises one or more air inlets 138 around the perimeter of the aerosol forming substrate 104. As shown in FIG. 1, a circumferential arrangement of the air inlet openings 138 is provided in the fitzell 126 of the aerosol forming substrate 104 and in the outer wrapper 120 located above it in order to allow access of cold air (shown by dashed arrows in FIG. 1) to the aerosol forming substrate 104.

In use, the user removes the cap 134 and ignites a combustible heat source 102 that heats the aerosol forming substrate 104 to generate an aerosol. When the user takes a breath through the mouthpiece 110, air (shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. 1) is drawn into the aerosol forming substrate 104 through the air inlets 138.

The front of the aerosol forming substrate 104 is heated by conductive heat transfer through the rear end surface 116 of the combustible carbon-containing heat source 102, through the baffle 120, and through the wrapper 126, which acts as a heat-conducting element.

The heating of the aerosol forming substrate 104 due to conductive heat transfer leads to the release of glycerol and other volatile and semi-volatile compounds from the strand of material 122 based on homogenized tobacco. The compounds released by the aerosol forming substrate 104 form an aerosol entrained in the air drawn into the aerosol forming substrate 104 of the smoking article 100 through the air inlets 138 as it passes through the aerosol forming substrate 104. The drawn in air and entrained aerosol (shown by dashed arrows in FIG. 1) pass downstream through the inside of the cylindrical hollow cellulose acetate tube 128 with the open end of the transmitting element 106, through the aerosol-cooling element 108 and through the separating member 110 where they are cooled and condensed. The cooled drawn in air and entrained aerosol pass downstream through the mouthpiece 112 and delivered to the user through the proximal end of the smoking article 100. The non-combustible substantially airtight partition 120 on the rear end surface 116 of the combustible heat source 102 isolates the combustible heat source 102 from the air drawn through the smoking article 100, so that when used, the air drawn in through the smoking article 100 does not directly come in contact with a combustible heat source 102.

In FIG. 2A and 2B are a schematic side elevational view of the multi-segment component 140 of the smoking article 100 shown in FIG. 1. The multi-segment component 140 comprises a combustible heat source 102, an aerosol forming substrate 104 and a wrapper 126 of the smoking article 100 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2A shows a wrapper 126 surrounding a combustible heat source 102 and an aerosol forming substrate 104. In FIG. 2B shows a wrapper 126 partially unwound to show a combustible heat source 102 and an aerosol forming substrate 104.

The multi-segment component 140 may be preassembled separately from the remaining components of the smoking article for subsequent assembly, or may be manufactured and assembled together with one or more other components of the smoking article 100.

As shown in FIG. 2A and 2B, in the weakened region 160 of the wrapper 126 covering the combustible heat source 102, a plurality of weakened sections 150 are made in accordance with the first example. The wrapper 126 is capable of tearing in the weakened sections 150 to form a ventilation zone corresponding to the weakened region 160. The weakened sections 150 are arranged in regularly aligned rows and columns on the wrapper 126 and do not extend over the entire thickness of the wrapper.

In FIG. 2C shows an enlarged view of the wrapper 126 of the multi-segment component 140. In this example, the weakened sections 150 are defined by a plurality of weakened lines 152 extending from the central un-weakened region 154. The weakened lines 152 are inclined to the longitudinal direction of the multi-segment component 140. In this example, it is shown that each weakened section 150 includes weakened lines 152, with four lines grouped into two pairs of lines lying on one straight line that are transverse to each other so that each weakened nny portion 150 has an approximately X-shaped. Since the lines are of similar length, the weakened sections 150 form holes of approximately square shape when they break.

Despite the fact that each weakened area 150 is defined by four weakened lines 152, it should be understood that one or more weakened areas can be formed by more than or less than four weakened lines. For example, one or more weakened areas may be formed by three or more weakened lines extending from a central unreflected area. In other examples, one or more weakened areas may contain two or more intersecting weakened lines. In such examples, weakened lines may intersect toward either end of one or more weakened lines. Intersecting weakened lines may intersect in the central region of the weakened area. In other examples, one or more weakened areas may be formed by one or more weakened lines extending along the perimeter or along part of the perimeter of the hole of the desired shape.

Although weakened lines 152 are shown to have similar lengths in the drawings, in other examples, one or more weakened lines may have different lengths.

Adjacent weakened areas are divided in the circumferential direction by the circumferential interval 156 and in the longitudinal direction by the longitudinal interval 157. In a preferred embodiment, the circumferential interval 156 is at least about 0.5 mm, preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, more preferably from about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal spacing 157 is at least about 0.4 mm, preferably from about 0.4 mm to about 1.8 mm, more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 1.3 mm.

Each weakened portion has a circumferential size of 158 and a length of 159. In a preferred embodiment, the circumferential size of 158 is at least about 0.5 mm, preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 2.6 mm, more preferably from about 0.8 mm to about 1.8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the length 159 is at least about 0.1 mm, preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 2.1 mm, more preferably from about 0.2 mm to about 1.8 mm.

The attenuated portions 150 are arranged so that the resulting plurality of openings has a total opening area sufficient to provide sufficient air supply to the combustible heat source 102 and to ensure sufficient removal of combustible gases from the combustible heat source 102. In a preferred embodiment, the weakened portions 150 are arranged such that the resulting plurality of holes has a total opening area of at least about 0.09 mm2, preferably from about 0.09 mm2 to about 40 mm2, more preferably from about 0.4 mm2 to approximately 30 mm2.

During use of the smoking article 100, the pressure exerted on the wrapper 126 by the combustible gases generated by the combustible heat source 102 causes the wrapper 126 to break in the weakened areas 150 to form a ventilation zone containing a plurality of holes passing through the wrapper 126, as described below with reference to FIG. 3.

In FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a smoking article 100 during use. As shown in the drawing, the lid is removed from the upstream end of the smoking article to allow the user to ignite a combustible heat source 102 at its upstream end. When ignited, the combustible heat source 102 generates heat and combustible gases that pressurize the wrap 126. This causes the wrap 126 to break in weakened areas to form a ventilation zone 180 containing a plurality of openings 170 passing through the wrap 126, each corresponding to 170 weakened portion of the wrapper.

Due to the presence of the ventilation zone 180, the air supply to the combustible heat source may be sufficient, despite the tight wrapping of the wrapper 126 around the combustible heat source 102. This confirms that there is no significant negative effect on the amount of heat generated by the combustible heat source 102 during use, despite the extent of coverage of the combustible heat source 102 with the wrapper 126. In addition, the ventilation zone 180 provides the output of combustible gases generated by the combustible heat source 102 through a plurality of holes 170. This prevents the build-up of excess pressure behind the wrapper 126, which may, given the magnitude of the combustible heat source 102 covered by the wrapper 126, lead to images the radial clearance between the wrapper 126 and the combustible heat source 102, which, in turn, can lead to a relative displacement of the combustible heat source 102 and the aerosol forming substrate 104. Thus, the ventilation zone 180 ensures that heat is generated by the combustible heat source 102, conductive heat transfer from the combustible heat source 102 to the aerosol forming substrate 104 and, therefore, the performance of the smoking article, despite the length of the coating of the combustible heat source 102 with wrapper 126.

As shown in FIG. 3, the combustible heat source 102 has a diameter of 190 and extends upstream of the flow path relative to the wrapper 126 by a value of 192. The wrapper 126 extends upstream of the flow path relative to the outer wrapper 118 by a value of 194 and is blocked at the downstream end of the outer wrapper 118 by an amount of 196. Exemplary size ranges 190, 192, 194, and 196 are shown below in Table 1.

THE SIZE APPROXIMATE SIZE RANGE PREFERRED SIZE RANGE 190 5-12 mm 7-8.1 mm 192 0-4 mm 1-2 mm 194 4-11 mm 5-8 mm 196 1-5 mm 2-4 mm

In FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of an alternative wrapper 426 for the smoking article 100 shown in FIG. 1 comprising a plurality of weakened areas in accordance with a second example. As shown in FIG. 4A, each weakened section 450 comprises a circumferential weakened line 452 and a longitudinal weakened line 453 intersecting in the central region 454. The weakened sections 450 are arranged in a regular manner in the form of evenly distributed rows, the adjacent rows being offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, and the alternating rows are aligned each other in the longitudinal direction. It should be understood that other drawings of the location of the weakened areas are also provided.

Adjacent weakened sections 450 in longitudinally aligned alternating rows are circumferentially spaced by a circumferential spacing 456. Adjacent weakened portions 450 in each row are longitudinally spaced apart by a longitudinal spacing 457. In a preferred embodiment, the circumferential spacing 456 is at least about 0.5 mm, preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, more preferably from about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal spacing 457 is at least about 0.4 mm, preferably from about 0.4 mm to about 1.8 mm, more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 1.3 mm.

Each weakened portion 450 has a circumferential dimension 458 and a length of 459. Since each weakened portion 450 is formed by a weakened circumferential line 452 and a longitudinal weakened line 453, the circumferential size 458 corresponds to the circumferential length of the circumferential weakened line 452, the longitudinal dimension 459 corresponds to the length of the longitudinal weakened line 453. In a preferred embodiment, the circumferential size 458 is at least about 0.5 mm, preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 2.6 mm, more preferably from about 0.8 mm up to about 1.8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the length 459 is at least about 0.1 mm, preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 2.1 mm, more preferably from about 0.2 mm to about 1.8 mm.

In FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the wrapper 426 shown in FIG. 4A, in which the wrap 426 is torn in a plurality of weakened portions to form a ventilation zone 480 containing a plurality of holes 470 passing through the wrap 426. As shown, due to the location of the weakened plots, the many openings 470 have an approximate diamond shape, and the torn wrap portions 472 remain attached to wrapper 426. This helps to avoid the formation of debris from wrapper 426.

The above specific embodiments and examples illustrate but do not limit the invention. It should be understood that other embodiments of the invention are possible, and the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.

Claims (20)

1. An aerosol generating article comprising: combustible heat source; an aerosol forming substrate located downstream of the combustible heat source; a wrapper surrounding at least the rear of the combustible heat source and at least the front of the aerosol forming substrate; moreover, in the area of the wrapper covering the combustible heat source, a lot of weakened sections are made, and the wrapper is made to be torn when used on the set of weakened sections with the formation of a ventilation zone containing many holes passing through the wrapper. 2. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the weakened areas is defined by one or more weakened lines. 3. The aerosol generating article according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the weakened areas is defined by two or more intersecting weakened lines. 4. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of weakened areas are formed by locally reducing the thickness of the wrapper. 5. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each weakened portion has a circumferential dimension of at least about 0.5 mm, preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 2.6 mm, more preferably from about 0, 8 mm to about 1.8 mm. 6. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each weakened portion has a length of at least about 0.1 mm, preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 2.1 mm, more preferably from about 0.2 mm to about 1.8 mm. 7. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjacent weakened areas are circumferentially divided by a circumferential spacing of at least about 0.5 mm, preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, more preferably from about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm. 8. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjacent weakened areas are longitudinally separated by a longitudinal spacing of at least about 0.4 mm, preferably from about 0.4 mm to about 1.8 mm, more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 1.3 mm. 9. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of weakened areas are evenly spaced. 10. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of weakened portions are arranged such that the plurality of openings have a total area of at least about 0.09 mm ² , preferably from about 0.09 mm ² to about 40 mm ² , more preferably from about 0.4 mm ² to about 30 mm ² . 11. The aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weakened regions are arranged such that a plurality of holes form marks on the outer surface of the wrapper. 12. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper is made of heat-conducting material. 13. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper is substantially airtight. 14. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper surrounds the combustible heat source along at least about 50 percent of the length of the combustible heat source. 15. The aerosol generating article of claim 14, wherein the weakened portions are formed on the wrapper so that the ventilation zone extends along at least about 50 percent of the length of the combustible heat source. 16. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper is in direct contact with the outer surface of the combustible heat source.

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