Hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article

Abstract

A hollow tubular element (100) for an aerosol-generating article (1) includes: an outer peripheral portion (110) providing a curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element (100) and defining a hollow inner region (120) of the hollow tubular element (100); and an inner protrusion (130) extending into the hollow inner region (120). The hollow tubular element (100) is formed of a sheet comprising: a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, having a first fold line (141) between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion of the sheet forms at least a portion of the outer peripheral portion (110) of the hollow tubular element (100). The entire first portion of the sheet forms at least a portion of the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element (100). The second portion of the sheet defines an internal protrusion (130) of the hollow tubular element (100), which extends from the first fold line (131) into the hollow internal region (120) of the hollow tubular element (100).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a hollow tubular element for an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming matrix and adapted to generate an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles are known in the art in which an aerosol-forming matrix, such as a tobacco-containing matrix, is heated rather than burned.

[0003] A conventional cigarette is ignited when a user applies a flame to one end and inhales air through the other. The localized heat provided by the flame and oxygen in the inhaled air ignites the cigarette's end, and the resulting combustion produces inhalable smoke. In contrast, in heated aerosol-generating articles, aerosols are typically generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-forming matrix or material, which may be positioned in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming matrix through heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in the air inhaled through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

[0004] Numerous prior art documents disclose aerosol generating apparatuses for consumer aerosol generating articles. For example, such apparatuses include electrically heated aerosol generating apparatuses, wherein aerosols are generated via heat transfer from one or more electrically heated elements of the aerosol generating apparatus to an aerosol generating matrix of the heated aerosol generating article. For instance, electrically heated aerosol generating apparatuses have been proposed that include an internal heating element adapted to be inserted into the aerosol forming matrix. Alternatively, WO2015 / 176898 discloses an inductively heated aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating matrix and a sensor element disposed within the aerosol generating matrix.

[0005] Aerosol-generating articles in which the tobacco-containing matrix is ​​heated without combustion present many challenges not encountered with conventional smoking articles. For example, it may be desirable to limit the movement of the aerosol-generating matrix within the aerosol-generating article while still ensuring a sufficient level of airflow through both the aerosol-generating matrix and the aerosol-generating article. Limiting the potential movement of the aerosol-generating matrix is ​​particularly desirable because it can, for example, help improve the consistency of performance from one aerosol-generating article to another by helping to improve the consistency of the interaction between the aerosol-generating matrix and the heater element. This may be particularly suitable for aerosol-generating articles adapted to receive a heating element, since the insertion of the heating element might otherwise increase the likelihood of displacement of the aerosol-generating matrix.

[0006] WO2013 / 098405 provides a hollow tubular element comprising a component immediately downstream of an aerosol-forming matrix. The hollow tubular element is provided in the form of an annular hollow cellulose acetate tube. The hollow cellulose acetate tube is configured to resist downstream movement of the aerosol-forming matrix during insertion of the heating element of the aerosol-generating apparatus into the aerosol-forming matrix. The blank space within the hollow cellulose acetate tube provides an opening for aerosol flow from the aerosol-forming matrix toward the orifice of the aerosol-generating article.

[0007] However, such hollow tubular elements may have one or more disadvantages, such as inconsistent performance, limitations of one or both of the materials and design, manufacturing challenges, and one or more undesirable RTD characteristics.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to provide new and improved hollow tubular elements for aerosol-generating articles that are less likely to have one or more of these disadvantages.

[0009] This disclosure relates to a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may include a first element. The first element may include an aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol-generating article may include a hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may be disposed downstream of the first element. The hollow tubular element may include a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element may provide a curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element. The peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element may define a hollow internal region of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include an internal protrusion. The internal protrusion may extend into the hollow internal region. The hollow tubular element may be formed from a sheet. The sheet may include a first portion. The sheet may include a second portion. The second portion of the sheet may be adjacent to the first portion of the sheet. The second portion of the sheet may be adjacent to the first portion of the sheet and have a first fold line between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion of the sheet may form at least a portion of the peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element. The entire first portion of the sheet may form at least a portion of the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element. The second portion of the sheet may define an internal protrusion of the hollow tubular element. The internal protrusion may extend from the first fold line into the hollow internal region of the hollow tubular element.

[0010] According to the present invention, a hollow tubular element is provided. The hollow tubular element includes an outer peripheral portion. The outer peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element provides a curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element. The outer peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element defines a hollow internal region of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element includes an internal protrusion. The internal protrusion extends into the hollow internal region. The hollow tubular element is formed of a sheet. The sheet includes a first portion. The sheet includes a second portion. The second portion of the sheet is adjacent to the first portion of the sheet. The second portion of the sheet adjacent to the first portion of the sheet has a first fold line between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion of the sheet forms at least a portion of the outer peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element. The entire first portion of the sheet forms at least a portion of the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element. The second portion of the sheet defines the internal protrusion of the hollow tubular element. The internal protrusion extends from the first fold line into the hollow internal region of the hollow tubular element.

[0011] The internal protrusions of a hollow tubular element can form a support element for the hollow tubular element. Therefore, as used herein, the internal protrusions of a hollow tubular element can also be referred to as a support element for the hollow tubular element.

[0012] The hollow tubular element of the present invention is formed from a sheet and has a support element that hangs from a first portion of the sheet along a first fold line and extends into the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular element. In an aerosol-generating article including the hollow tubular element, the support element may act as a support barrier for at least a portion of the first element of the aerosol-generating article. In particular, the support element may act as a support barrier for at least a portion of the aerosol-forming matrix of the first element. This may reduce the availability of free space for material from the aerosol-forming matrix to be pushed in, for example, when the aerosol-generating article interacts with an aerosol-generating device or when the aerosol-generating article is held or transported. The interaction may involve inserting the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device. In other words, the support element can provide a support barrier to prevent or limit the movement (e.g., downstream movement) of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming matrix. Therefore, in an aerosol-generating article including the hollow tubular element of the present invention, when using the aerosol-generating article, it is less likely that a portion of the aerosol-forming material will be pushed out of the aerosol-forming matrix. This can provide users with a more consistent experience.

[0013] Furthermore, because the hollow tubular element is formed from a sheet, and the support element hangs from a first portion of the sheet along a first fold line, wherein the first portion of the sheet forms at least a portion of the outer peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element, and wherein the entire first portion of the sheet forms at least a portion of the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element, the hollow tubular element can still maintain an opening of an appropriate size to allow aerosol to flow from the aerosol forming matrix toward the opening of the aerosol generating article. This means that the hollow tubular element can still have appropriately low suction resistance. It also means that the hollow tubular element may still have appropriately low filtration efficiency.

[0014] Furthermore, by arranging support elements to suspend from a first portion of the sheet along a first fold line, wherein the first portion of the sheet forms at least a portion of the outer peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element, and the entire first portion of the sheet forms at least a portion of the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element, the present invention provides a simple and direct method for forming a hollow tubular element with support elements. This allows for the use of less material in the construction of the hollow tubular element. This allows for simpler designs for the hollow tubular element.

[0015] Furthermore, forming hollow tubular elements from sheets offers flexibility in the design of these elements. In particular, forming hollow tubular elements from sheets provides flexibility in the design of support elements and in the design of the location where the support element provides its support barrier. This is because the flexibility of the sheet allows it to be easily formed into a shape best suited to provide a support barrier for, for example, the first element and any components disposed within the first element. This advantage can be particularly beneficial for aerosol-generated articles having sensory elements that can be located in numerous positions within the first element. Therefore, the design flexibility of the support element and the design flexibility of the location where the support element provides its support barrier mean that the support element can be designed to effectively support the first element and any components disposed within the first element.

[0016] Furthermore, compared to existing hollow cellulose acetate tubes, the hollow internal region of the hollow tubular element of the present invention can have a proportionally larger cross-section. This advantageously increases the porosity of the hollow tubular element. This can advantageously result in a smaller aerosol acceleration as it passes through the hollow tubular element. This can mean that the aerosol spends more time in the hollow internal region of the hollow tubular element, and therefore allows for better cooling of the aerosol.

[0017] Furthermore, compared to prior art hollow cellulose acetate tubes, the hollow tubular element of the present invention may require less material, which corresponds to a lighter overall hollow tubular element. Additionally, compared to prior art hollow cellulose acetate tubes, the hollow tubular element of the present invention can be made from more biodegradable materials (such as certain forms of paper).

[0018] Furthermore, compared to existing hollow cellulose acetate tubes, the hollow tubular element of the present invention exhibits lower suction resistance when placed in an aerosol-generating article, and particularly when placed immediately downstream of the first element.

[0019] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article in which an aerosol-forming matrix is ​​heated to generate an inhalable aerosol and delivered to a consumer.

[0020] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming matrix" refers to a matrix that can release compounds to generate aerosols when heated.

[0021] As used herein, the term "hollow tubular element" refers to a generally elongated element that defines an internal cavity or airflow passage along its longitudinal axis. Specifically, the term "tubular" will be used hereinafter to refer to a tubular element having a tubular body with a generally cylindrical cross-section and defining at least one airflow conduit that establishes uninterrupted fluid communication between an upstream end and a downstream end of the tubular body. However, it should be understood that alternative geometries (e.g., alternative cross-sectional shapes) of the tubular body may be possible.

[0022] As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, which extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article.

[0023] As used herein, the term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. Unless otherwise stated, any reference to "section" of an aerosol-generating article or its components refers to a cross-section.

[0024] As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” describe the relative position of an element or portion of an aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction in which the aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article during use.

[0025] As used in this article, the term "sheet" refers to a sheet-like element whose width and length are substantially greater than its thickness.

[0026] The second portion of the sheet is adjacent to the first portion of the sheet, and a first fold line exists between the first and second portions. This means that only the first fold line exists between the first and second portions of the sheet. In other words, there are no other portions of the sheet between the first and second portions. The second portion of the sheet hangs over the first portion of the sheet along the first fold line.

[0027] A first portion of the sheet forms at least a portion of the outer peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element. Therefore, at least a portion of the outer peripheral portion and the support element are integrally formed from the sheet. In other words, at least a portion of the outer peripheral portion and the support element are formed from the same sheet. The entire outer peripheral portion and the support element can be integrally formed from the sheet. For example, the first portion of the sheet can define the entire outer surface of the outer peripheral portion. A second portion of the sheet hangs over the outer peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element along a first fold line of the sheet. Consequently, the support element of the hollow tubular element hangs over the outer peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element along the first fold line of the sheet.

[0028] The outer portion may have a generally tubular shape.

[0029] The first portion of the sheet integrally forms at least a portion of the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element. The first portion of the sheet integrally forms substantially the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

[0030] The support element may extend along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the support element extends from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. This means that the support element is located at the end of the hollow tubular element closest to the first element of the aerosol-generating article. Thus, the support element can better prevent or limit movement of the first element and any components disposed within the first element. Preferably, the support element extends to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may extend along about 10% or more of the length of the hollow tubular element, preferably about 40% or more, more preferably about 80% or more. Most preferably, the support element extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element. Thus, the support element may have a length approximately equal to the length of the hollow tubular element. This provides additional mechanical strength and stiffness to the hollow tubular element along its entire length.

[0031] The length of the support element may be about 4 mm or more, preferably about 6 mm or more, more preferably about 8 mm or more, or about 15 mm or more.

[0032] The length of the support element may be about 40 mm or less, preferably about 30 mm or less, and more preferably about 20 mm or less.

[0033] The length of the support element can be between about 4 mm and about 40 mm, preferably between about 6 mm and about 30 mm, more preferably between about 8 mm and about 20 mm, or between about 15 mm and about 20 mm.

[0034] The support element may have a length of approximately 8 mm. The support element may have a length of approximately 18 mm.

[0035] The support element hangs from the outer periphery along the first fold line of the sheet. Advantageously, this simplifies the manufacture of the hollow tubular element and provides a suitable support barrier for the first element of the aerosol-generating article and any components disposed within the first element.

[0036] A first portion of a sheet forming at least a portion of the outer peripheral portion of a hollow tubular element may be attached to the remaining portion of the outer peripheral portion by an adhesive. The use of an adhesive may help improve the mechanical strength of the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions. Therefore, this may help improve the hollow tubular element's ability to provide a support barrier and its resistance to collapse or deformation. The first portion of the sheet may form the entirety of the outer peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element.

[0037] The first fold line may extend along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element. In this case, the support element also extends along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the first fold line extends from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the first fold line extends to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The first fold line may extend along about 10% or more of the length of the hollow tubular element, preferably along about 40% or more of the length of the hollow tubular element, more preferably along about 80% or more of the length of the hollow tubular element. Most preferably, the first fold line extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

[0038] The first fold line may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element. Alternatively, the first fold line may not be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element. The first fold line may be designed in a way that prevents it from being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, causing the internal protrusions to induce a vortex airflow pattern within the cavity of the hollow tubular element.

[0039] When the sheet includes a fold line, the sheet can deflect around the fold line at an angle greater than about 45 degrees, at an angle greater than about 60 degrees, at an angle greater than about 75 degrees, or at an angle greater than about 90 degrees.

[0040] The fold line may be a crease line. The sheet may include scribe lines aligned with the fold line to facilitate folding of the sheet.

[0041] As used herein, the term "length" refers to the dimension of a component of an aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction. For example, it can be used to refer to the dimension in the longitudinal direction of a first element or hollow tubular element comprising an aerosol-forming matrix.

[0042] The first fold line may be the only fold line of the sheet. Therefore, the first fold line may be the only fold line, and the support element hangs from the outer peripheral portion along said only fold line.

[0043] The support element may include an end of a sheet. The end of the sheet may contact an outer peripheral portion. The end of the sheet may be attached to the outer peripheral portion at contact points by an adhesive.

[0044] The second part of the sheet can form part of the outer periphery of the hollow tubular element.

[0045] The second portion of the sheet may include a second fold line. Preferably, a support element hangs from the outer peripheral portion along the second fold line of the sheet. Preferably, the support element hangs from both the first and second fold lines of the sheet from the outer peripheral portion. This provides sufficient mechanical strength and stiffness in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions to prevent or limit movement of at least a portion of the first element and at least a portion of any component disposed in the first element during at least one period of handling, transport, and use of the aerosol-generating article (e.g., during the interaction of the aerosol-generating article with the aerosol-generating device, and particularly during the insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device), without significant deformation of the hollow tubular element.

[0046] The second fold line may extend along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element. The second fold line may extend along about 10% or more of the length of the hollow tubular element, preferably about 40% or more, more preferably about 80% or more. Most preferably, the second fold line extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

[0047] Preferably, the first fold line and the second fold line extend approximately the same amount along the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0048] The first fold line and the second fold line can be parallel to each other. The first fold line and the second fold line can also be non-parallel to each other.

[0049] The first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet may be spaced apart from each other. The first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet may be spaced apart from each other by about 0.05 mm or more, preferably about 0.3 mm or more, more preferably about 0.5 mm or more.

[0050] The first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet may be spaced apart from each other by about 3 mm or less, preferably about 2.5 mm or less, more preferably about 2 mm or less.

[0051] The first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet may be spaced apart from each other by about 0.05 mm to about 3 mm, preferably between about 0.3 mm and about 2.5 mm, and more preferably between about 0.5 mm and about 2 mm.

[0052] The first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet may be spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular element by about 0.2% or more of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, preferably about 2% or more of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, more preferably about 3% or more of the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

[0053] The first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet may be spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular element by about 12% or less of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, preferably about 10% or less of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, more preferably about 8% or less of the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

[0054] The first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet may be spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular element by about 0.2% to about 12% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, preferably between about 2% and about 10% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, and more preferably between about 3% and about 8% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

[0055] The first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet are spaced apart from each other by approximately half the circumference of the hollow tubular element. That is, the first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet are approximately diametrically opposite each other.

[0056] The first point and the second point at the outer periphery may be spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular element, between about 5% and about 50% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, preferably between 10% and about 40% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, and more preferably between about 15% and about 30% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

[0057] The first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet may be adjacent to each other. The first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet may be spaced approximately zero millimeters apart. The first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet may be in contact with each other. The first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet may be attached to each other by an adhesive. The use of an adhesive can help improve the mechanical strength of the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions. Therefore, this can help improve the resistance of the hollow tubular element to collapse or deformation.

[0058] The support element may contact the outer peripheral portion at points other than the first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet. When the support element contacts the outer peripheral portion, the support element may be attached to the outer peripheral portion at the contact point by an adhesive.

[0059] The support element may include a tip positioned within the hollow interior region. The tip may be spaced apart from the outer peripheral portion. The tip may be spaced apart from the outer peripheral portion by about 0.6 mm or more, preferably about 2 mm or more, more preferably about 3 mm or more.

[0060] The tip may be spaced about 0.2 mm or more from the radial center of the hollow tubular element, preferably about 0.5 mm or more, more preferably about 1 mm or more.

[0061] The tip may be spaced about 3 mm or less from the radial center of the hollow tubular element, preferably about 2.5 mm or less, more preferably about 2 mm or less.

[0062] The tip may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by about 0.2 mm to about 3 mm, preferably between about 0.5 mm and about 2.5 mm, and more preferably between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

[0063] The tip can be spaced about 1.5 mm from the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

[0064] The tip can be located near a point on the outer periphery. The tip can be in contact with the outer periphery. The tip can be located at the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

[0065] The tip can be positioned approximately equidistant from the first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet.

[0066] As used in this article, the term "radial center" refers to the center of the cross-section of a hollow tubular element.

[0067] The tip can be pointed. For example, the support element can have a substantially triangular cross-section.

[0068] The tip can be rounded. For example, the support element can have a substantially parabolic cross-section.

[0069] The tip can be flat. For example, the support element can have a substantially trapezoidal cross-section.

[0070] The support element may include a third fold line of the sheet. That is, the second portion of the sheet may include a third fold line between the first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet. This can further strengthen the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions, enabling the hollow tubular element to withstand larger forces applied to it in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions before substantially deforming. Consequently, this improves the ability of the hollow tubular element to prevent or limit movement of at least a portion of the first element of the aerosol-generating article and at least a portion of any component disposed in the first element.

[0071] The third fold line may be located at or near the outer periphery. The third fold line may be located at or near the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

[0072] The third fold line can define the tip of the support element.

[0073] The third fold line can be positioned approximately equidistant from the first and second fold lines. Compared to the second fold line, the third fold line can be positioned closer to the first fold line.

[0074] Preferably, the amount of sheet material between the first fold line and the third fold line is approximately the same as the amount of sheet material between the second fold line and the third fold line. The amount of sheet material between the first fold line and the third fold line may be less than the amount of sheet material between the second fold line and the third fold line.

[0075] The surface of the support element along the longitudinal direction can be substantially planar. Therefore, the cross-section of the hollow tubular element can include a straight line corresponding along the longitudinal direction to the substantially planar surface of the support element. The substantially planar surface can extend from the first fold line. In the presence of a second fold line of the sheet, the substantially planar surface can extend to the second fold line. In the presence of both a first fold line and a second fold line of the sheet, the substantially planar surface can extend from the first fold line to the second fold line. In the presence of both a first fold line and a third fold line of the sheet, the substantially planar surface can extend from the first fold line to the third fold line. In the presence of both a second fold line and a third fold line of the sheet, the substantially planar surface can extend from the second fold line to the third fold line.

[0076] When viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the support element may include a substantially straight portion. When viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the substantially straight portion may extend from a first fold line of the sheet. In the presence of a second fold line of the sheet, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the substantially straight portion may extend to the second fold line. In the presence of both a first fold line and a third fold line of the sheet, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the substantially straight portion may extend from the first fold line to the third fold line. In the presence of both a second fold line and a third fold line of the sheet, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the substantially straight portion may extend from the second fold line to the third fold line.

[0077] In the presence of both a first fold line and a third fold line, the first fold line and the third fold line may define a first sidewall of the support element. That is, the first sidewall may extend from the first fold line to the third fold line, and there is no fold line between the first fold line and the third fold line. The first sidewall may be substantially straight. The first sidewall may be curved.

[0078] The first sidewall may be completely surrounded by the outer periphery of the hollow tubular element, and therefore does not form the outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

[0079] In the presence of both a second fold line and a third fold line, the second fold line and the third fold line may define a second sidewall of the support element. That is, the second sidewall may extend from the second fold line to the third fold line, and there is no fold line between the second fold line and the third fold line. The second sidewall may be substantially straight. The second sidewall may be curved.

[0080] The second sidewall can be completely surrounded by the outer periphery of the hollow tubular element, and therefore does not form the outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

[0081] A first sidewall of the support element may form the outer surface of the hollow tubular element. A second sidewall of the support element may form the outer surface of the hollow tubular element. For example, the entirety of the outer peripheral portion and the entirety of the support element may be integrally formed from the same sheet; wherein the substantially integral outer peripheral portion and the substantially integral support element are formed from a single layer of sheet (excluding seams); wherein the support element hangs from the outer peripheral portion along both a first fold line and a second fold line of the sheet; wherein the support element includes a third fold line located within the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular element, the first and third fold lines defining a substantially straight first sidewall of the support element, the second and third fold lines defining a substantially straight second sidewall of the support element; and wherein the first and second sidewalls form an angle of, for example, 30 degrees around the third fold line. In this example, the first sidewall forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular element, and the second sidewall forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

[0082] The outer surface of the hollow tubular element can be formed by the outer peripheral portion, the first sidewall of the supporting element, and the second sidewall of the supporting element.

[0083] When the first sidewall is substantially straight and the second sidewall is substantially straight, the first and second sidewalls can define an angle of about 5 degrees or more between them. That is, the angle between the first and second sidewalls can be about 5 degrees or more. In other words, the angle around the third fold line can be about 5 degrees or more. Preferably, the angle between the first and second sidewalls at the third fold line is about 10 degrees or more, more preferably about 15 degrees or more, and even more preferably about 20 degrees or more.

[0084] When the first sidewall is substantially straight and the second sidewall is substantially straight, the angle between the first sidewall and the second sidewall may be about 50 degrees or less. Preferably, the angle between the first sidewall and the second sidewall at the third fold line is about 45 degrees or less, more preferably about 40 degrees or less, and even more preferably about 35 degrees or less.

[0085] When the first sidewall is substantially straight and the second sidewall is substantially straight, the angle between the first sidewall and the second sidewall can be between about 5 degrees and about 50 degrees, preferably between about 10 degrees and about 45 degrees, more preferably between about 15 degrees and about 40 degrees, and even more preferably between about 20 degrees and about 35 degrees.

[0086] The surfaces of the first sidewall and the second sidewall may be in contact with each other. The surfaces of the first sidewall and the second sidewall may be attached to each other by an adhesive. The substantially entire outer surface of the first sidewall and the substantially entire outer surface of the second sidewall may be in contact with each other. The substantially entire outer surface of the first sidewall and the substantially entire outer surface of the second sidewall may be attached to each other by an adhesive. The use of an adhesive may help improve the mechanical strength of the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions. Therefore, this may help improve the hollow tubular element's resistance to collapse or deformation, and its ability to prevent or restrict movement of the first element and at least a portion of any component disposed in the first element. When the first sidewall is substantially straight and the second sidewall is substantially straight, the angle formed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall may be approximately zero degrees.

[0087] The cross-section of the support element may include a curved portion. When viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the support element may include a curved portion. The support element may include a substantially S-shaped cross-section. When viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the support element may be substantially S-shaped. The support element may include a substantially Ω-shaped cross-section. When viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the support element may be substantially Ω-shaped. The support element may include a substantially C-shaped cross-section. When viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the support element may be substantially C-shaped.

[0088] When viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the support element may have a wavy profile. When viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the support element may include multiple peaks and valleys. When viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the support element may be substantially sinusoidal. When viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the support element may have a substantially triangular wavy profile. For example, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the support element may be substantially W-shaped.

[0089] The hollow tubular element may include at least one longitudinal plane of symmetry. The hollow tubular element may be radially symmetrical. This simplifies the assembly of aerosol-generating articles, as the orientation of the hollow tubular element inserted into the aerosol-generating article may be less important. Additionally, this may mean that the hollow tubular element can distribute the load more evenly to withstand increased forces applied to it.

[0090] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow tubular element is substantially constant along its entire length. This ensures that the suction resistance of the aerosol-generated article is also constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

[0091] Preferably, the hollow tubular element has a substantially constant cross-section along its entire length. That is, the cross-section of the hollow tubular element remains substantially unchanged along its entire length. This simplifies the manufacture of the hollow tubular element. Alternatively, the cross-section of the hollow tubular element can vary along its length. For example, a support element can have a cross-section that varies along the length of the hollow tubular element. For example, a support element may not extend along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

[0092] A support element can divide the hollow interior region of a hollow tubular element into multiple channels. The number of channels can be selected based on the desired nucleation of aerosol particles and the desired suction resistance of the aerosol-generated article. A support element can divide the cavity of a hollow tubular element into two channels. A support element can divide the cavity of a hollow tubular element into three channels. A support element can divide the cavity of a hollow tubular element into four channels. A support element can divide the cavity of a hollow tubular element into between two and four channels. A support element can divide the cavity of a hollow tubular element into at least three channels.

[0093] The support element can extend through the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

[0094] The support element may be spaced apart from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of about 5% or more of the radius of the hollow tubular element, preferably about 10% or more of the radius of the hollow tubular element, and more preferably about 15% or more of the radius of the hollow tubular element.

[0095] The support element may be spaced apart from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of about 90% or less of the radius of the hollow tubular element, preferably about 80% or less of the radius of the hollow tubular element, and more preferably about 70% or less of the radius of the hollow tubular element.

[0096] The distance between the support element and the radial center of the hollow tubular element is between about 5% and about 90% of the radius of the hollow tubular element, preferably between about 10% and about 80% of the radius of the hollow tubular element, and more preferably between about 15% and about 70% of the radius of the hollow tubular element.

[0097] The distance between the support element and the radial center of the hollow tubular element is about 0.2 mm or more, preferably about 0.5 mm or more, more preferably about 1 mm or more, from the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

[0098] The distance between the support element and the radial center of the hollow tubular element is about 3 mm or less, preferably about 2.5 mm or less, more preferably about 2 mm or less, or about 1 mm or less.

[0099] The distance between the support element and the radial center of the hollow tubular element is between about 0.2 mm and about 3 mm, preferably between about 0.5 mm and about 2.5 mm, more preferably between about 1 mm and about 2 mm, or between about 0.5 mm and about 1 mm.

[0100] When the support element includes a tip, the depth of the support element may be about 0.6 mm or more, preferably about 1 mm or more, more preferably about 1.5 mm or more.

[0101] When the support element includes a tip, the depth of the support element may be about 3 mm or less, preferably about 2.7 mm or less, more preferably about 2.5 mm or less.

[0102] When the support element includes a tip, the depth of the support element can be between about 0.6 mm and about 3 mm, preferably between about 1 mm and about 2.7 mm, and more preferably between about 1.5 mm and about 2.5 mm. When the support element includes a tip, the support element can have a depth between about 2 mm and about 3 mm.

[0103] When the support element includes a tip, the support element may have a depth of approximately 2 mm. When the support element includes a tip, the support element may have a depth approximately equal to the inner radius of the hollow tubular element.

[0104] As used herein, the term “depth” refers to the distance between the first fold line and the tip of the support element.

[0105] The support element may be the sole support element of the hollow tubular element. That is, the hollow tubular element may include a single support element. Alternatively, the support element may be a first support element, and the hollow tubular element may include one or more additional support elements. Each of the one or more additional support elements may be formed of a sheet. The one or more additional support elements may be formed of a separate sheet. Preferably, the one or more additional support elements are formed of the same sheet as the first support element. Each of the one or more additional support elements may extend from a corresponding first fold line at the outer peripheral portion to the hollow interior region.

[0106] Each of one or more additional support elements may be suspended from the outer periphery along the corresponding second fold line of the sheet.

[0107] The hollow tubular element may include two to six support elements. Preferably, the hollow tubular element includes three support elements. Three support elements can help improve the hollow tubular element's resistance to collapse or deformation, as well as its ability to prevent or limit the movement of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0108] Each support element in the support system can be identical to the others. This simplifies the manufacture of the hollow tubular element. One support element can differ from another. For example, the first support element can be larger than the second.

[0109] Each of the support elements may have any combination of the characteristics described above with respect to the support element (that is, the first support element).

[0110] Each support element in the support elements may be spaced approximately equally around the outer periphery of the hollow tubular element. This means that the separation between the first fold line extending from one support element and the first fold line extending from the next support element around the outer periphery of the hollow tubular element is approximately the same.

[0111] When the support elements are identical and equally spaced around the outer periphery of the hollow tubular element, the hollow tubular element can be radially symmetrical. This simplifies the assembly of aerosol-generating articles, as the orientation of the hollow tubular element inserted into the aerosol-generating article may be less important. Additionally, this may mean that the hollow tubular element can distribute the load more evenly to withstand increased forces applied to it.

[0112] The length of the hollow tubular element may be about 4 mm or more, preferably about 6 mm or more, and more preferably about 8 mm or more.

[0113] The length of the hollow tubular element may be about 40 mm or less, preferably about 30 mm or less, and more preferably about 20 mm or less.

[0114] The length of the hollow tubular element can be between about 4 mm and about 40 mm, preferably between about 6 mm and about 30 mm, and more preferably between about 8 mm and about 20 mm.

[0115] The length of the hollow tubular element can be approximately 8 mm. The length of the hollow tubular element can be approximately 18 mm.

[0116] The outer diameter of the hollow tubular element is preferably approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article including the hollow tubular element. When the first element of the aerosol-generating article is formed as a strip, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element is preferably approximately equal to the outer diameter of the first element.

[0117] The outer diameter of the hollow tubular element may be about 5 mm or more, preferably about 6 mm or more, and more preferably about 7 mm or more.

[0118] The outer diameter of the hollow tubular element may be about 12 mm or less, preferably about 10 mm or less, and more preferably about 8 mm or less.

[0119] The outer diameter of the hollow tubular element can be between about 5 mm and about 12 mm, preferably between about 6 mm and about 10 mm, and more preferably between about 7 mm and about 8 mm.

[0120] Hollow tubular elements may have an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 mm.

[0121] The inner diameter of the hollow tubular element may be about 4.5 mm or more, preferably about 5.5 mm or more, and more preferably about 6.5 mm or more.

[0122] The inner diameter of the hollow tubular element may be about 11.5 mm or less, preferably about 9.5 mm or less, and more preferably about 7.5 mm or less.

[0123] The inner diameter of the hollow tubular element can be between about 4.5 mm and about 11.5 mm, preferably between about 5.5 mm and about 9.5 mm, and more preferably between about 6.5 mm and about 7.5 mm.

[0124] The total inner surface area of ​​the hollow tubular element can be about 25 square millimeters or more per millimeter of length, preferably about 28 square millimeters or more per millimeter of length, more preferably about 30 square millimeters or more per millimeter of length, or about 35 square millimeters or more per millimeter of length.

[0125] The total inner surface area of ​​the hollow tubular element may be about 70 square millimeters or less per millimeter of length, preferably about 60 square millimeters or less per millimeter of length, more preferably about 50 square millimeters or less per millimeter of length, or about 40 square millimeters or less per millimeter of length.

[0126] The total inner surface area of ​​the hollow tubular element can be between approximately 25 square millimeters per millimeter and approximately 70 square millimeters per millimeter, preferably between approximately 28 square millimeters per millimeter and approximately 60 square millimeters per millimeter, more preferably between approximately 30 square millimeters per millimeter and approximately 50 square millimeters per millimeter, or between approximately 30 square millimeters per millimeter and approximately 40 square millimeters per millimeter. The total inner surface area of ​​the hollow tubular element can be between approximately 35 square millimeters per millimeter and approximately 70 square millimeters per millimeter, preferably between approximately 40 square millimeters per millimeter and approximately 70 square millimeters per millimeter, more preferably between approximately 50 square millimeters per millimeter and approximately 70 square millimeters per millimeter, or between approximately 60 square millimeters per millimeter and approximately 70 square millimeters per millimeter.

[0127] Preferably, the hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular segment preferably provides a negligible level of suction resistance (RTD). The term "negligible level of RTD" is used to describe the RTD of hollow tubular elements with less than 1 mm H2O per 10 mm length, preferably less than 0.4 mm H2O per 10 mm length, and more preferably less than 0.1 mm H2O per 10 mm length. Therefore, the flow channel should not contain any components that would impede the flow of air in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the flow channel is substantially empty.

[0128] Unless otherwise specified, the draw resistance (RTD) of a component or aerosol-generating article is measured according to ISO 6565-2015. RTD refers to the pressure required to force air through the entire length of the component. The terms "pressure drop" or "draw resistance" for a component or article can also refer to "resistance to draw." These terms generally refer to measurements according to ISO 6565-2015 typically performed at a temperature of about 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of about 101 kPa (about 760 Torr), and a relative humidity of about 60%, at a volumetric flow rate of about 17.5 ml / s at the output or downstream end of the measured component.

[0129] The hollow tubular element may have about 80% or more porosity in the longitudinal direction, preferably about 90% or more porosity in the longitudinal direction, and more preferably about 95% or more porosity in the longitudinal direction.

[0130] The hollow tubular element may have a porosity between about 80% and about 99% in the longitudinal direction, or between about 85% and about 95% in the longitudinal direction, or between about 90% and about 95% in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the hollow tubular element has a porosity between about 95% and about 99.9% in the longitudinal direction, or between about 96% and about 99.5% in the longitudinal direction, between about 97% and about 99% in the longitudinal direction, or about 98% in the longitudinal direction. As used herein, the porosity of the hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction is defined by the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the material forming the hollow tubular element to the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol-generated article at the location of the hollow tubular element.

[0131] The porosity of the hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction can be advantageously selected to provide the desired overall suction resistance for aerosol-generated articles.

[0132] The porosity of a hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction can be substantially constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the material forming the hollow tubular element can be substantially constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element, and the aerosol-generating article can also have an internal cross-sectional area that is substantially constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element. A hollow tubular element can have a substantially constant cross-section along its entire length, such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the material forming the hollow tubular element is substantially constant along its entire length. A hollow tubular element can also have a cross-section that varies along its length and a cross-sectional area of ​​the material forming the hollow tubular element that is substantially constant along its entire length.

[0133] The porosity of a hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction can vary along its length. For example, this could be when the hollow tubular element does not have a constant cross-section along its entire length, such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the material forming the hollow tubular element varies along its length.

[0134] The sheet comprising the first and second portions may be formed from paper, any other paper-based material, any other cellulose-based material, bioplastic-based material, or metal. For example, the sheet may be formed from one or more of paper, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted tobacco paper, glassine paper, and aluminum.

[0135] Preferably, the sheet is formed from a biodegradable material.

[0136] More preferably, the sheet is formed from a paper-based material such as paper, paperboard, or cardboard. The paper-based material may be bleached or unbleached. The paper-based material may be one or more of lightweight, inexpensive, and biodegradable. When the sheet is a paper sheet, the hollow tubular element may be able to prevent or limit movement of at least a portion of the first element of the aerosol-generating article and any component disposed in the first element during at least one operation of handling, transporting, and using the aerosol-generating article (e.g., during the interaction of the aerosol-generating article with the aerosol-generating device), while exhibiting sufficient mechanical strength and stiffness to withstand significant deformation. The interaction may involve inserting the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device. The material properties of the paper sheet allow individual hollow tubular elements formed from the paper sheet to be cut from a continuous strip of hollow tubular elements. This simplifies the manufacture of the hollow tubular elements.

[0137] Aluminum has a very high ignition temperature. Therefore, hollow tubular elements formed from aluminum sheets can help prevent ignition of the hollow tubular elements during use at temperatures reached by aerosol-generated articles that include the hollow tubular elements.

[0138] The basis weight of the sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the support element may be about 15 g / m² or more, preferably about 25 g / m² or more, more preferably about 35 g / m² or more, or about 45 g / m² or more. Sheets with this basis weight can avoid the formation of one or both of cracks and breakage during one or both of bending and folding of the sheet. Thus, the sheet can maintain its structural integrity when bent or folded to form the support element. This improves the resistance of the hollow tubular element to collapse or deformation, and the ability of the hollow tubular element to prevent or limit the movement of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming matrix and at least a portion of the receptor element.

[0139] The basis weight of the sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the support element may be about 150 g / m² or less, preferably about 130 g / m² or less, more preferably about 110 g / m² or less, or about 80 g / m² or less, or about 50 g / m² or less. Providing a sheet with this basis weight advantageously ensures that the hollow tubular element has the desired porosity in the longitudinal direction. This allows the hollow tubular element to have the desired suction resistance. In addition, providing a sheet with this basis weight advantageously makes the hollow tubular element easier to manufacture, for example, by making the sheet easier to roll, bend, and fold at least one of the sheets.

[0140] The basis weight of the sheet can be between approximately 15 g / m² and approximately 150 g / m², between approximately 20 g / m² and approximately 130 g / m², between approximately 60 g / m² and approximately 100 g / m², and between approximately 70 g / m² and approximately 80 g / m².

[0141] Preferably, the sheet has a basis weight between about 45 g / m² and about 110 g / m². The sheet may have a basis weight of about 45 g / m². The sheet may have a basis weight of about 60 g / m². Preferably, the sheet has a basis weight of about 78 g / m². Preferably, the sheet has a basis weight of 110 g / m².

[0142] The sheet thickness can be about 15 micrometers or more, about 30 micrometers or more, about 45 micrometers or more, or about 100 micrometers or more. Sheets of this thickness can prevent the formation of cracks or breakage during bending or folding. Therefore, the sheet can maintain its structural integrity when bent or folded to form a support element. This improves the hollow tubular element's resistance to collapse or deformation, and its ability to prevent or restrict movement of at least a portion of the first element and any component disposed within the first element.

[0143] The sheet thickness may be about 150 micrometers or less, preferably about 140 micrometers or less, more preferably about 130 micrometers or less. Providing a sheet with this thickness advantageously ensures that the hollow tubular element has the desired porosity in the longitudinal direction. This allows the hollow tubular element to have the desired suction resistance. In addition, providing a sheet with this basis weight advantageously makes the hollow tubular element easier to manufacture, for example, by making the sheet easier to roll up, bend, and fold at least one of the sheets.

[0144] The thickness of the sheet can be between about 15 micrometers and about 150 micrometers, preferably between about 30 micrometers and about 140 micrometers, and more preferably between about 100 micrometers and about 130 micrometers.

[0145] When the sheet is an aluminum sheet, it can have a thickness between about 10 micrometers and about 20 micrometers. An aluminum sheet of this thickness advantageously makes the hollow tubular element easier to manufacture, for example, by making the sheet easier to roll up, bend, and fold at least one of the sheets. Additionally, an aluminum sheet of this thickness provides the hollow tubular element with sufficient strength and stiffness to prevent or inhibit movement of at least a portion of the first element and at least a portion of any component disposed within the first element, while preventing deformation of the hollow tubular element. Furthermore, an aluminum sheet of this thickness advantageously ensures that the hollow tubular element has the desired porosity in the longitudinal direction.

[0146] The support element can be substantially integrally formed from a single layer of sheet material forming the support element. In this case, the substantially integral thickness of the support element can be approximately the same as the thickness of the sheet material. The support element may include a seam, which can be formed from overlapping layers of sheet material. The overlapping layers of sheet material forming the seam can be attached to each other by an adhesive.

[0147] At least a portion of the outer peripheral portion may be formed from a single layer of sheet. The substantially entire outer peripheral portion may be formed from a single layer of sheet. At least a portion of the outer peripheral portion may be formed from multiple overlapping layers of sheet, such as multiple parallel-wound sheet layers or multiple helically wound sheet layers. For example, a portion of the outer peripheral portion may be formed from a first portion of sheet and additional layers of sheet, wherein the first portion of sheet forms the outermost layer of that portion of the outer peripheral portion. That is, there is no layer of sheet covering the first portion of sheet, such that the entire first portion of sheet forms at least a portion of the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element. In cases where the outer peripheral portion includes a seam, the seam may be formed from overlapping layers of sheet. For example, a large portion of the outer peripheral portion may be formed from a single layer of sheet, and the seam may be formed from two overlapping layers of sheet.

[0148] When the outer periphery is formed from a single sheet, the thickness of the outer periphery is approximately the same as the thickness of the sheet.

[0149] Hollow tubular elements can be formed from a single sheet. Hollow tubular elements can also be formed from more than one sheet.

[0150] The outer perimeter portion can be formed from multiple sheets. For example, the outer perimeter portion can be formed from both the sheet forming the support element and additional sheets.

[0151] The outer peripheral portion may be formed from a total of four or fewer layers of one or more sheets forming the outer peripheral portion. The outer peripheral portion may be formed from a total of four or fewer layers of a combination of sheets forming the outer peripheral portion. In the case where a portion of the outer peripheral portion comprises multiple layers, one of the layers is formed by a first portion of the sheet forming the support element, the first portion of the sheet forming the support element forming the outermost layer of that portion of the outer peripheral portion.

[0152] The peripheral sections can be formed from a different number of sheet layers than other sections of the peripheral portion. For example, a peripheral section can be formed from one sheet layer, and additional peripheral sections can be formed from two sheet layers. As another example, a peripheral section can be formed from two sheet layers, an additional peripheral section can be formed from three sheet layers, and other peripheral sections can be formed from four sheet layers.

[0153] The outer peripheral portion may have a thickness of about 15 micrometers or more, about 45 micrometers or more, or about 100 micrometers or more. Providing an outer peripheral portion with this thickness provides sufficient strength and stiffness to the hollow tubular element to prevent or limit movement of one or both of the first element and the sensor element, while preventing deformation of the hollow tubular element.

[0154] The thickness of the outer peripheral portion can be approximately 600 micrometers or less, approximately 500 micrometers or less, or approximately 400 micrometers or less. Providing an outer peripheral portion of this thickness advantageously ensures that the hollow tubular element has the desired porosity in the longitudinal direction. This allows the hollow tubular element to have the desired suction resistance. Additionally, providing an outer peripheral portion of this thickness may mean that individual hollow tubular elements can be easily cut from continuous strips of the hollow tubular element. This simplifies the manufacture of the hollow tubular element.

[0155] The thickness of the outer peripheral portion can be between about 15 micrometers and about 600 micrometers, between about 50 micrometers and about 500 micrometers, or between about 100 micrometers and about 400 micrometers. Preferably, the outer peripheral portion has a thickness between about 100 micrometers and about 130 micrometers.

[0156] Hollow tubular elements with low overall weight have the advantage of being able to be assembled in aerosol-generating articles using high-speed machines and processes. In particular, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that hollow tubular elements with an overall weight of about 150 mg or less can be advantageously assembled in aerosol-generating articles using existing high-speed aerosol-generating article assembly machines.

[0157] The total weight of the hollow tubular element may be about 150 mg or less, preferably about 100 mg or less, more preferably about 70 mg or less.

[0158] The total weight of the hollow tubular element can be between about 15 mg and about 150 mg, preferably between about 20 mg and about 100 mg, or between about 25 mg and about 70 mg.

[0159] Hollow tubular elements may have a total weight of approximately 34 milligrams. Hollow tubular elements may have a total weight of approximately 76 milligrams.

[0160] The average weight of the hollow tubular element can be about 10 mg or less per millimeter of length, preferably about 8 mg or less per millimeter of length, and more preferably about 6 mg or less per millimeter of length. Providing hollow tubular elements with this average weight advantageously enables the assembly of hollow tubular elements into aerosol-generated articles using existing high-speed aerosol-generated article assembly machines.

[0161] The average weight of the hollow tubular element can be between about 1 to about 10 milligrams per millimeter of the hollow tubular element, preferably between about 2.5 to about 8 milligrams per millimeter of the hollow tubular element, and more preferably between about 2 to about 6 milligrams per millimeter of the hollow tubular element.

[0162] Hollow tubular elements can have an average weight of approximately 4.25 milligrams per millimeter of length.

[0163] As used in this article, the average weight of a hollow tubular element is measured by dividing the total weight of the hollow tubular element by the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0164] The hollow tubular element may include a flame-retardant portion comprising a flame-retardant composition. For example, one or both of the support element and the peripheral portion may include a flame-retardant portion. The sheet forming the support element may include a flame-retardant portion. Where the peripheral portion is formed of sheet material, the sheet forming the peripheral portion may include a flame-retardant portion. The flame-retardant portion may prevent one or both of charring and carbonization of the hollow tubular element during the use of an aerosol-generated article comprising the hollow tubular element. This is because by providing one or more flame-retardant compounds to the hollow tubular element, it is possible to substantially prevent any heat transferred to the hollow tubular element from causing pyrolysis or combustion of the hollow tubular element.

[0165] The flame-retardant component eliminates the need for an additional layer of metal foil or other heat-shielding material included in one or both of the hollow tubular element and the aerosol-generating article. This simplifies the manufacturing process and thus reduces manufacturing costs. It also makes the disposal of the aerosol-generating article easier, as it may not be necessary to separate and recycle valuable recyclable materials, such as aluminum foil, when discarding the used aerosol-generating article.

[0166] As used herein, the term "flame retardant composition" refers to a composition comprising one or more flame retardant compounds.

[0167] As used herein, the term "flame retardant compound" is used to describe compounds that provide varying degrees of flammability protection to a substrate when added to or otherwise incorporated into a substrate such as a paper or plastic compound. In practice, flame retardant compounds can be activated in the presence of an ignition source and are adapted to prevent or slow the further development of ignition through a variety of different physical and chemical mechanisms.

[0168] The flame retardant composition may include a polymer and a mixed salt, said mixed salt being based on at least one monocarboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid and / or tricarboxylic acid, at least one polyphosphate, pyrophosphate and / or phosphoric acid, and an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide or salt, wherein said at least one monocarboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid and / or tricarboxylic acid forms a carboxylate with said hydroxide or salt, and said at least one polyphosphate, pyrophosphate and / or phosphoric acid forms a phosphate with said hydroxide or salt.

[0169] Flame retardant compositions may include those treated with at least one C 10 Or higher fatty acids, tall oil fatty acids (TOFA), phosphorylated linseed oil, or cellulose modified from phosphorylated downstream corn oil. Preferably, the at least one C 10 Or higher fatty acids are selected from decanoic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and combinations thereof.

[0170] A portion of the hollow tubular element may be defined by packaging. The entire hollow tubular element may be defined by packaging. The packaging may be paper packaging.

[0171] Preferably, the hollow tubular element is connected to one or more adjacent components of the aerosol-generating article by means of a packaging material. The packaging material may be a paper packaging material.

[0172] Aerosol generating articles may include receptor elements. Receptor elements may be disposed within a first element. Receptor elements may be disposed within an aerosol forming matrix. Receptor elements may be disposed around an aerosol forming matrix.

[0173] In the case of an aerosol-generating article comprising a receptor element, a support element may act to provide a support barrier for at least a portion of the receptor element. This can help prevent or limit movement of at least a portion of the receptor element during at least one period of handling, use, and transport of the aerosol-generating article. Movement of a portion of the receptor element may have an even greater negative impact on the performance of the aerosol-generating article than movement of a portion of the aerosol-forming matrix. This is because, during use of the aerosol-generating article, movement of a portion of the receptor element can affect one or both of the receptor element's ability to inductively heat and its ability to heat the aerosol-forming matrix. Therefore, preventing or limiting movement of at least a portion of the receptor element can have a significant impact on the user experience. Thus, preventing or limiting movement of at least a portion of the receptor element can provide the user with a more consistent experience.

[0174] When an aerosol-generating article includes a receptor element, preventing or limiting movement of one or both of the aerosol-forming matrix and the receptor element can help increase the consistency of the interaction between the aerosol-forming matrix and the receptor element. This allows for more consistent heating of the aerosol-forming matrix when using the aerosol-generating article, which in turn provides a more consistent user experience.

[0175] As used in this article, the term "receptor element" refers to a material that can convert electromagnetic energy into heat. When located in a fluctuating electromagnetic field, the eddy currents induced in the receptor element cause the receptor element to heat up.

[0176] In the case where the aerosol generating article includes a sensor element, the sensor element can be configured to be in thermal contact with the aerosol forming matrix. Therefore, the aerosol forming matrix can be heated by the sensor element during use of the aerosol generating article.

[0177] The receptor element can be an elongated receptor element. The receptor element can extend longitudinally within the aerosol forming matrix.

[0178] When used to describe a receptor element, the term "elongated" means that the length of the receptor element is greater than its width or thickness, for example, twice as large as its width or thickness.

[0179] The receptor element can be arranged substantially longitudinally within the first element. This means that the length dimension of the elongated receptor element can be arranged approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first element, for example, within plus or minus 10 degrees. Preferably, the elongated receptor element is positioned at the radial center within the first element and extends along the longitudinal axis of the first element.

[0180] Preferably, the receptor element extends to the downstream end of the first element. The receptor element may also extend to the upstream end of the first element. Preferably, the receptor element has substantially the same length as the first element and extends from the upstream end of the first element to the downstream end of the first element.

[0181] The receptor element is preferably in the form of a needle, strip, band, or sheet.

[0182] The receptor element preferably has a length of about 5 mm to about 15 mm, for example about 6 mm to about 12 mm, or about 8 mm to about 10 mm.

[0183] The receptor element preferably has a width of about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0184] The receptor element can typically have a thickness of about 0.01 mm to about 2 mm, for example, about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. The thickness of the receptor element can be about 10 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, more preferably about 10 micrometers to about 100 micrometers.

[0185] If the receptor element has a constant cross-section, such as a circular cross-section, then it preferably has a width or diameter of about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0186] If the receptor element is in the form of a strip or sheet, the strip or sheet preferably has a rectangular shape, the rectangular shape having a width preferably from about 2 mm to about 8 mm, more preferably from about 3 mm to about 5 mm. For example, a receptor element in the form of a strip or sheet may have a width of about 4 mm.

[0187] If the receptor element is in the form of a strip or sheet, the strip or sheet preferably has a rectangular shape and a thickness of about 0.03 mm to about 0.15 mm, more preferably about 0.05 mm to about 0.09 mm. For example, a receptor element in the form of a strip or sheet may have a thickness of about 0.06 mm or about 0.07 mm.

[0188] Preferably, the elongated sensor element is in the form of a strip or sheet and has a rectangular shape and a thickness of about 55 micrometers to about 65 micrometers.

[0189] Preferably, the elongated receptor element has a length that is the same as or shorter than the length of the aerosol-forming matrix. Preferably, the elongated receptor element has the same length as the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0190] The sensor element can be formed from any material capable of being inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred sensor elements include metals or carbon.

[0191] Preferred sensor elements may comprise or be composed of ferromagnetic materials, such as ferromagnetic alloys, ferritic iron, ferromagnetic steel, or stainless steel. Suitable sensor elements may be aluminum or include aluminum. Preferred sensor elements may be formed of 400 series stainless steel, such as grade 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel. Different materials will consume different amounts of energy when positioned within an electromagnetic field with similar frequency and field strength.

[0192] Therefore, parameters such as the material type, length, width, and thickness of the sensor element can all be changed to achieve the desired power dissipation within a known electromagnetic field. Preferably, the sensor element can be heated to temperatures exceeding 250 degrees Celsius.

[0193] The sensor element is arranged in thermal contact with the aerosol forming matrix. Therefore, when the sensor element heats up, the aerosol forming matrix heats up and an aerosol is formed. Preferably, the sensor element is arranged in direct physical contact with the aerosol forming matrix, for example, within the aerosol forming matrix.

[0194] The receptor element can be a multi-material receptor element, and can include a first receptor element material and a second receptor element material. The first receptor element material can be configured to be in close physical contact with the second receptor element material.

[0195] Hollow tubular components may include adhesives.

[0196] As an example, the first fold line and the second fold line can be attached to each other by an adhesive. For example, a first portion of a sheet forming at least a part of the outer peripheral portion can be attached to the remaining portion of the outer peripheral portion by an adhesive. As another example, when a support element contacts the outer peripheral portion, the support element can be attached to the outer peripheral portion by an adhesive at the contact point. For example, when the support element includes an end of a sheet, the end of the sheet can be attached to the outer peripheral portion by an adhesive. As an additional example, a point on the support element can be attached to another point on the support element. For example, when the support element includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall can be attached to the second sidewall by an adhesive. Furthermore, when the hollow tubular element includes a seam formed by overlapping layers of sheets, the overlapping layers of sheets can be attached to each other by an adhesive to form a seam. Moreover, when the hollow tubular element is formed of one or more sheets, the one or more sheets can be attached to each other at the contact point, for example, using an adhesive.

[0197] The adhesive may include at least one of PVA, PVOH and hot melt adhesive.

[0198] Adhesives may include binders. Suitable binders include, but are not limited to: gums, such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, and locust bean gum; cellulose binders, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and ethyl cellulose; polysaccharides, such as starch; organic acids, such as alginic acid; conjugate base salts of organic acids, such as sodium alginate, agar, and pectin; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the binder includes guar gum.

[0199] In aerosol-generating articles, the hollow tubular element can be longitudinally aligned with the first element. Specifically, the hollow tubular element can be longitudinally aligned with the aerosol-forming matrix. When the aerosol-generating article includes a sensor element, the hollow tubular element can be longitudinally aligned with the sensor element.

[0200] The hollow tubular element can be positioned immediately downstream of the first element. This means that no other elements of the aerosol-generating article are disposed between the hollow tubular element and the first element. This can help improve the ability of the hollow tubular element to prevent or restrict movement of the first element and at least a portion of any component disposed in the first element.

[0201] The hollow tubular element can contact the first element. For example, the upstream end of the hollow tubular element can contact the downstream end of the first element. That is, the upstream end of the hollow tubular element can be adjacent to the downstream end of the first element. In particular, the upstream end of the hollow tubular element can contact the downstream end of the aerosol forming matrix. That is, the upstream end of the hollow tubular element can be adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol forming matrix.

[0202] The hollow tubular element can be positioned immediately downstream of the first element, but not in contact with it, because the gap in the void space separates the hollow tubular element from the first element in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming article. For example, the hollow tubular element can be positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming matrix, but not in contact with it. The gap can be about 2 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or less.

[0203] The first element can be called the aerosol generating element.

[0204] The aerosol forming matrix can be referred to as the aerosol generating matrix.

[0205] The aerosol forming matrix can substantially define the structure and size of the first element. The aerosol forming matrix can be a solid aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol forming matrix can be provided in strip form.

[0206] Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix comprises homogenized plant material, and more preferably homogenized tobacco material.

[0207] As used herein, the term "homogenized plant material" encompasses any plant material formed by the agglomeration of plant particles. For example, sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material used as the aerosol-forming matrix of the present invention can be formed by agglomerating particles of tobacco material obtained by crushing, grinding, or grinding plant material, and optionally one or more of tobacco leaves and tobacco stems. Homogenized plant materials can be produced by casting, extrusion, papermaking processes, or any other suitable processes known in the art.

[0208] Homogenized plant material can be provided in any suitable form. For example, homogenized plant material can be in the form of one or more sheets. Homogenized plant material can be in the form of multiple pellets or granules. Homogenized plant material can be in the form of multiple strips, strips, or fragments. As used herein, the term "strip" describes an elongated element of material whose length is substantially greater than its width and thickness. The term "strip" should be considered to include strips, fragments, and any other homogenized plant material having similar forms. Strips of homogenized plant material can be formed from sheets of homogenized plant material, for example by cutting or shredding, or by other methods, such as extrusion.

[0209] Preferably, the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​in the form of one or more sheets of homogenized plant material. The one or more sheets of homogenized plant material can be produced by a casting process. The one or more sheets of homogenized plant material can be produced by a papermaking process. Each of the one or more sheets described herein may individually have a thickness between 100 micrometers and 600 micrometers, preferably between 150 micrometers and 300 micrometers, and most preferably between 200 micrometers and 250 micrometers. Individual thickness refers to the thickness of a single sheet, while combined thickness refers to the total thickness of all sheets constituting the aerosol-forming matrix. For example, if the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​formed from two separate sheets, the combined thickness is the sum of the thicknesses of the two separate sheets, or, in the case of two sheets stacked in the aerosol-forming matrix, the measured thickness of the two sheets.

[0210] One or more sheets as described herein may each individually have approximately 100 g / m³ 2 Approximately 300g / m 2 The weight per square meter.

[0211] The one or more sheets described herein may each individually have approximately 0.3 g / cm³. 3 Approximately 1.3 g / cm³ 3 The preferred concentration is approximately 0.7 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 1.0 g / cm³ 3 The density.

[0212] In cases where the aerosol-forming matrix comprises one or more sheets of homogenized plant material, the sheets are preferably in the form of one or more aggregated sheets. As used herein, the term "aggregate" means that the homogenized plant material sheet is rolled, folded, or otherwise compressed or contracted into a cylindrical shape substantially transverse to the axis of the rod or strip.

[0213] One or more sheets of homogenized plant material may be aggregated laterally relative to its longitudinal axis and defined by packaging to form continuous strips or rods.

[0214] One or more sheets of homogenized plant material may be advantageously curled or similarly treated. As used herein, the term “curled” means that the sheet has a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Alternatively, or in addition to curling, one or more sheets of homogenized plant material may be embossed, debossed, perforated, or otherwise deformed to provide texture on one or both sides of the sheet.

[0215] Preferably, each sheet of homogenized plant material can be curled such that it has multiple ridges or corrugations substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis of the rod. This treatment advantageously promotes the aggregation of the curled sheets of homogenized plant material to form the rod. Preferably, one or more sheets of homogenized plant material can be aggregated. It should be appreciated that the curled sheets of homogenized plant material may alternatively or additionally have multiple substantially parallel ridges or corrugations arranged at acute or obtuse angles to the cylindrical axis of the rod. The sheets can be curled to such an extent that the integrity of the sheets is compromised at the multiple parallel ridges or corrugations, causing material separation and resulting in the formation of fragments, strips, or bands of homogenized plant material.

[0216] One or more sheets of homogenized plant material can be cut into strips as described above. The aerosol-forming matrix may include multiple strips of homogenized plant material. The strips can be used to form rods. The multiple strips preferably extend substantially longitudinally, aligned with the longitudinal axis along the length of the aerosol-forming matrix. Preferably, the multiple strips are thus aligned substantially parallel to each other.

[0217] The homogenized plant material may comprise up to about 95% by weight of plant particles on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the homogenized plant material comprises up to about 90% by weight of plant particles on a dry weight basis, more preferably up to about 80% by weight of plant particles, more preferably up to about 70% by weight of plant particles, more preferably up to about 60% by weight of plant particles, and more preferably up to about 50% by weight of plant particles.

[0218] For example, homogenized plant material may include plant particles of about 2.5% to about 95% by weight, or about 5% to about 90% by weight, or about 10% to about 80% by weight, or about 15% to about 70% by weight, or about 20% to about 60% by weight, or about 30% to about 50% by weight, on a dry weight basis.

[0219] The homogenized plant material may be a homogenized tobacco material comprising tobacco particles. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material used in such embodiments may have a tobacco content of at least about 40% by weight, more preferably at least about 50% by weight, more preferably at least about 70% by weight, and most preferably at least about 90% by weight, based on dry weight.

[0220] The term "tobacco pellet" describes the pellets of any plant member of the genus Nicotiana. The term "tobacco pellet" includes ground or pulverized tobacco leaves, ground or pulverized tobacco stems, tobacco dust, tobacco debris, and other particulate tobacco byproducts formed during the processing, handling, and transportation of tobacco. Preferably, tobacco pellets are substantially entirely derived from tobacco leaves. In contrast, isolated nicotine and nicotine salts are compounds derived from tobacco but are not considered tobacco pellets for the purposes of this invention and are not included in the percentage of particulate plant material.

[0221] Tobacco pellets can be prepared from one or more tobacco plants. Any type of tobacco can be used in the blend. Examples of tobacco types that can be used include, but are not limited to, sun-cured tobacco, flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, Virginia tobacco, and other specialty tobaccos.

[0222] The tobacco pellets may have a nicotine content of at least about 2.5% by weight on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the tobacco pellets may have a nicotine content of at least about 3% by weight on a dry weight basis, even more preferably at least about 3.2% by weight, even more preferably at least about 3.5% by weight, and most preferably at least about 4% by weight.

[0223] Homogenized plant materials may include tobacco particles combined with non-tobacco plant flavor particles.

[0224] The weight ratio of non-tobacco plant flavor particles to tobacco particles in granular plant materials that form homogenized plant materials can vary depending on the desired flavor characteristics and composition of the aerosols generated by the aerosol-forming matrix during use.

[0225] The homogenized plant material preferably comprises no more than 95% by weight of granular plant material on a dry weight basis. Therefore, the granular plant material is usually combined with one or more other components to form the homogenized plant material.

[0226] The homogenized plant material may further include a binder to modify the mechanical properties of the granular plant material, wherein the binder is incorporated into the homogenized plant material during manufacturing as described herein. The binder is an exogenous binder. Suitable exogenous binders are known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to: gums, such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, and locust bean gum; cellulose binders, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and ethyl cellulose; polysaccharides, such as starch; organic acids, such as alginic acid; conjugate base salts of organic acids, such as sodium alginate, agar, and pectin; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the binder comprises guar gum.

[0227] The binder may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight based on the dry weight of the homogenized plant material, preferably in an amount of about 2% to about 5% by weight based on the dry weight of the homogenized plant material.

[0228] The homogenized plant material may further include one or more lipids to facilitate the diffusion of volatile components (e.g., aerosol forming agents, gingerol, and nicotine), wherein the lipids are included in the homogenized plant material during manufacturing as described herein. Suitable lipids included in the homogenized plant material include, but are not limited to: medium-chain triglycerides, cocoa butter, palm oil, palm kernel oil, mango oil, shea butter, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, shellac, sunflower wax, sunflower oil, rice bran, and Revel A; and combinations thereof.

[0229] Homogenized plant materials may further include pH adjusters.

[0230] The homogenized plant material may further include fibers to modify the mechanical properties of the homogenized plant material, wherein the fibers are incorporated into the homogenized plant material during the manufacturing process as described herein. Suitable exogenous fibers for inclusion in the homogenized plant material are known in the art and include fibers formed from non-tobacco and non-ginger materials, including but not limited to: cellulose fibers; cork fibers; hardwood fibers; jute fibers; and combinations thereof. Exogenous fibers derived from tobacco and / or ginger may also be added. Any fibers added to the homogenized plant material are not considered to form part of the “granular plant material” as defined above.

[0231] Preferably, the fiber is present in an amount of about 2% to about 15% by weight based on the dry weight of the matrix, and most preferably at least about 4% by weight.

[0232] The aerosol forming matrix may contain one or more aerosol forming agents. Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix comprises homogenized plant material containing one or more aerosol forming agents. Upon volatilization, the aerosol forming agent can transport other volatile compounds, such as nicotine and flavorings, released from the aerosol forming matrix upon heating within the aerosol. Suitable aerosol forming agents included in the aerosol forming matrix are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols, such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as mono, di, or triacetic acid esters of glycerol; and aliphatic esters of mono, di, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanoate.

[0233] The aerosol forming agent content of the aerosol forming matrix can be between about 5% by weight and about 30% by weight on a dry weight basis, such as between about 10% by weight and about 25% by weight on a dry weight basis, or between about 15% by weight and about 20% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0234] For example, if the matrix is ​​intended for use in an aerosol-generating article of an electrically operated aerosol-generating system with a heating element, it may preferably include an aerosol-forming agent content of between about 5% and about 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. If the matrix is ​​intended for use in an aerosol-generating article of an electrically operated aerosol-generating system with a heating element, the aerosol-forming agent is preferably glycerol.

[0235] The aerosol-forming matrix may have an aerosol-forming agent content of about 1% to about 5% by weight on a dry weight basis. For example, if the matrix is ​​intended for use in an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-forming agent is held in a separate reservoir from the matrix, the matrix may have an aerosol-forming agent content greater than 1% and less than about 5%. In such embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent volatilizes upon heating, and the stream of the aerosol-forming agent contacts the aerosol-forming matrix to entrain flavor compounds from the aerosol-forming matrix in the aerosol.

[0236] The aerosol-forming matrix may have an aerosol-forming agent content of about 30% to about 45% by weight. This relatively high level of aerosol-forming agent is particularly suitable for aerosol-forming matrices intended to be heated at temperatures below 275 degrees Celsius. In this case, the homogenized plant material preferably further comprises between about 2% and about 10% by weight of cellulose ether and between about 5% and about 50% by weight of additional cellulose by dry weight. It has been found that the combination of cellulose ether and additional cellulose provides particularly effective aerosol delivery when used in aerosol-forming matrices having an aerosol-forming agent content of between 30% and 45% by weight.

[0237] Suitable cellulose ethers include, but are not limited to, methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, ethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cellulose ether is carboxymethylcellulose.

[0238] As used herein, the term "added cellulose" encompasses any cellulose material incorporated into homogenized plant material that is not derived from non-tobacco plant particles or tobacco particles provided in the homogenized plant material. Thus, in addition to non-tobacco plant material or tobacco material, added cellulose is incorporated into the homogenized plant material as a separate and distinct cellulose source from any cellulose inherently provided within the non-tobacco plant particles or tobacco particles. Added cellulose typically originates from plants different from those in the non-tobacco plant particles or tobacco particles. Preferably, the added cellulose is in the form of an inert cellulose material that is sensorily inert and therefore does not substantially affect the sensory properties of the aerosols generated from the aerosol-forming matrix. For example, the added cellulose is preferably a tasteless and odorless material.

[0239] Additional cellulose may include cellulose powder, cellulose fibers, or a combination thereof.

[0240] Aerosol forming agents can act as wetting agents in aerosol forming matrices.

[0241] Aerosol-generating articles may include mouthpiece elements. The mouthpiece elements may extend all the way to the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0242] The mouthpiece element can be located downstream of the hollow tubular element. When the mouthpiece element is located downstream of the hollow tubular element, it can extend all the way to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The mouthpiece element can be located immediately downstream of the hollow tubular element. For example, the mouthpiece element can be adjacent to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0243] The mouthpiece element is preferably located at the downstream end or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece element preferably includes at least one mouthpiece filter segment for filtering aerosols generated from the aerosol-forming matrix. For example, the mouthpiece element may include one or more segments of fibrous filter material. Suitable fibrous filter materials will be known to those skilled in the art. Particularly preferably, at least one mouthpiece filter segment includes a cellulose acetate filter segment formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0244] The mouthpiece element may include a mouth end cavity. The mouth end cavity may be defined by a hollow tubular element located at the downstream end of the mouthpiece. Alternatively, the mouth end cavity may be defined by an outer packaging of an aerosol-generating article at the mouth end.

[0245] The mouthpiece element may optionally include a flavoring agent, which may be provided in any suitable form. For example, the mouthpiece element may include one or more capsules, beads, or granules of flavoring agent, or one or more strands or filaments carrying flavoring.

[0246] Preferably, the mouthpiece element has a low particle filtration efficiency.

[0247] Preferably, the mouthpiece element is formed from segments of fiber filter material.

[0248] Preferably, the mouthpiece element is defined by a filter segment package.

[0249] The mouthpiece element is preferably connected to one or more adjacent upstream components of the aerosol-generating article by means of a tipping package.

[0250] Preferably, the mouthpiece element has an RTD of less than about 25 mm H2O. More preferably, the mouthpiece element has an RTD of less than about 20 mm H2O. Even more preferably, the mouthpiece element has an RTD of less than about 15 mm H2O.

[0251] An RTD value of about 10 mm H2O to about 15 mm H2O is particularly preferred because a mouthpiece element with such an RTD is expected to contribute minimally to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article and essentially does not exert a filtering effect on the aerosol delivered to the consumer.

[0252] The outer diameter of the mouthpiece element is preferably approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generated article. The mouthpiece element may have an outer diameter between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 6 mm and about 8 mm. Preferably, the mouthpiece element has an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 mm.

[0253] The length of the mouthpiece element may be at least about 10 mm, more preferably at least about 11 mm, and even more preferably at least about 12 mm. The length of the mouthpiece element may be less than about 25 mm, more preferably less than about 20 mm, and even more preferably less than about 15 mm.

[0254] The length of the mouthpiece element can be from about 10 mm to about 25 mm, more preferably from about 10 mm to about 20 mm, and even more preferably from about 10 mm to about 15 mm. The length of the mouthpiece element can be from about 11 mm to about 25 mm, more preferably from about 11 mm to about 20 mm, and even more preferably from about 11 mm to about 15 mm. The length of the mouthpiece element can be from about 12 mm to about 25 mm, more preferably from about 12 mm to about 20 mm, and even more preferably from about 12 mm to about 20 mm.

[0255] Preferably, the mouthpiece element has a length of approximately 12 millimeters.

[0256] Providing a relatively long mouthpiece element in an aerosol-generating article may allow for the inclusion of a pouch, or allow for greater rigidity of the article at the point where the user uses their lips, or both.

[0257] The overall length of the aerosol-generated article may be about 20 mm or more, preferably about 30 mm or more, and more preferably about 40 mm or more.

[0258] The overall length of the aerosol-generated article may be about 100 mm or less, preferably about 80 mm or less, and more preferably about 60 mm or less.

[0259] The overall length of the aerosol-generated article can be between about 20 mm and about 100 mm, preferably between about 30 mm and about 80 mm, and more preferably between about 40 mm and about 60 mm.

[0260] Aerosol-generated articles can have an overall length of approximately 45 millimeters.

[0261] Aerosol-generating articles may be included in the ventilation zone along the location of the hollow tubular element.

[0262] The hollow tubular element of the present invention may include ventilation zones located along the length of the hollow tubular element. Features of the ventilation zones are described below with respect to aerosol-generating articles. However, it should be recognized that they may also be applied directly to the hollow tubular element itself.

[0263] The ventilation zone can be positioned between approximately 5 mm and approximately 15 mm from the folded end portion of the hollow tubular element. The ventilation zone can be positioned at least 2 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, more preferably at least 3 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, and even more preferably at least 5 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0264] The ventilation zone can be positioned less than 20 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, more preferably less than 15 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, and even more preferably less than 10 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0265] The ventilation zone can be positioned between approximately 1 mm and approximately 10 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, more preferably between approximately 2 mm and approximately 8 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, and even more preferably between approximately 3 mm and approximately 6 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0266] The ventilation zone can be positioned at least 1 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, more preferably, the ventilation zone is positioned at least 2 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, and even more preferably, the ventilation zone is positioned at least 3 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0267] The ventilation zone can be positioned less than 10 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, more preferably, the ventilation zone is positioned less than 8 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, and even more preferably, the ventilation zone is positioned less than 6 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0268] The ventilation zone may include multiple perforations through the peripheral wall of a ventilated element, which may be a hollow tubular element. Preferably, the ventilation zone includes at least one row of circumferential perforations. The ventilation zone may include two rows of circumferential perforations. For example, the perforations may be formed on the production line during the manufacture of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, each row of circumferential perforations includes 8 to 30 perforations.

[0269] The aerosol-generating articles according to the present invention can have a ventilation level of at least about 5%.

[0270] Throughout this specification, the term "ventilation level" is used to indicate the volume ratio of the airflow entering the aerosol-generating article via a ventilated zone (ventilation airflow) to the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. A higher ventilation level results in a higher dilution of the aerosol stream delivered to the consumer.

[0271] Aerosol-generating articles can typically have a ventilation level of at least about 10%, preferably at least about 15%, and more preferably at least about 20%.

[0272] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of at least about 25%. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of less than about 60%. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of less than or equal to about 45%. More preferably, the ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to about 40%, and even more preferably less than or equal to about 35%.

[0273] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of about 30%. The ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article can be from about 20% to about 60%, preferably from about 20% to about 45%, more preferably from about 20% to about 40%. The ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article can be from about 25% to about 60%, preferably from about 25% to about 45%, more preferably from about 25% to about 40%. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of from about 30% to about 60%, preferably from about 30% to about 45%, more preferably from about 30% to about 40%.

[0274] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of about 28% to about 42%. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of about 30%.

[0275] Embodiments in which the aerosol-generating article includes a hollow tubular element downstream of the aerosol-generating matrix and a ventilation zone located along the hollow tubular element offer numerous advantages. For example, and without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have discovered that the temperature drop caused by cooler outside air entering the first hollow tubular element via the ventilation zone can have a favorable effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

[0276] The formation of aerosols from gaseous mixtures containing various chemicals depends on the delicate interactions between nucleation, evaporation and condensation, and coalescence, while taking into account variations in vapor concentration, temperature, and velocity fields. The so-called classical nucleation theory is based on the assumption that a subset of molecules in the gas phase is large enough to remain coherent for a sufficient period (e.g., 50% probability). These molecules represent some kind of critical, threshold molecular cluster in transient molecular aggregates, meaning that, on average, smaller clusters are likely to disintegrate quickly into the gas phase, while larger clusters are likely to grow. Such critical clusters are considered key nucleation nuclei from which droplets are expected to grow due to the condensation of molecules in the vapor. It is assumed that newly nucleated pristine droplets appear with a certain initial diameter and can then grow by several orders of magnitude. This process is facilitated and reinforced by condensation caused by rapid cooling of the surrounding vapor. In this regard, it should be remembered that evaporation and condensation are two aspects of the same mechanism: gas-liquid mass transfer. While evaporation involves a net mass transfer from the droplet to the gas phase, condensation is a net mass transfer from the gas phase to the droplet phase. Evaporation (or condensation) will cause droplets to shrink (or grow), but will not change the number of droplets.

[0277] In situations that can be further complicated by coalescence, the temperature and rate of cooling play a crucial role in determining how the system responds. Generally, different cooling rates can lead to significantly different temporal behaviors associated with liquid phase (droplet) formation, since nucleation processes are typically nonlinear. Without being bound by theory, it is assumed that cooling leads to a rapid increase in droplet number concentration, followed by a strong, brief surge in this growth (nucleation burst). This nucleation burst appears to be more pronounced at lower temperatures. Furthermore, higher cooling rates seem to favor earlier initiation of nucleation. In contrast, lower cooling rates appear to have a favorable effect on the final size that aerosol droplets eventually reach.

[0278] Therefore, the rapid cooling caused by the inflow of outside air into the hollow tubular element via the ventilation zone can be advantageously used to promote the nucleation and growth of aerosol droplets. However, at the same time, the inflow of outside air into the first hollow tubular element has the direct disadvantage of diluting the aerosol stream delivered to the consumer.

[0279] The inventors have surprisingly discovered that when the ventilation level is within the aforementioned range, the dilution effect on the aerosol (which can be assessed, in particular, by measuring the effect on the delivery of aerosol-forming agents (such as glycerol) included in the aerosol-generating matrix) is advantageously minimized. Specifically, ventilation levels between 25% and 50%, and even more preferably between 28% and 42%, have been found to produce particularly satisfactory glycerol delivery values. Simultaneously, the degree of nucleation and therefore the delivery of nicotine and aerosol-forming agents (e.g., glycerol) are enhanced.

[0280] The inventors have surprisingly discovered how the beneficial effect of enhanced nucleation promoted by rapid cooling caused by introducing ventilated air into the article can significantly offset the less desirable dilution effect. Thus, satisfactory aerosol delivery values ​​are consistently achieved with the aerosol-generated articles according to this disclosure.

[0281] This is particularly advantageous for "short" aerosol-generating articles, such as those comprising a first element of an aerosol-generating matrix with a length of less than about 40 mm, preferably less than 25 mm, even more preferably less than 20 mm, or wherein the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is less than about 70 mm, preferably less than about 60 mm, even more preferably less than 50 mm. It will be understood that in such aerosol-generating articles, there is virtually no time or space available for aerosol formation and the microparticle phase transition of the aerosol to be delivered to the consumer.

[0282] Furthermore, since the ventilated hollow tubular element can be configured to substantially not contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article, the overall RTD of such an aerosol-generating article can advantageously be fine-tuned by adjusting the length and density of the first element comprising the aerosol-generating matrix, or the length and optional length and density of the filter material segment forming part of the mouthpiece, or the length and density of the element located upstream of the first element comprising the aerosol-generating matrix. Therefore, aerosol-generating articles with a predetermined RTD can be manufactured consistently and with high precision, providing consumers with a satisfactory RTD level even in the presence of ventilation.

[0283] Furthermore, the inventors have discovered that when the support element does not divide the internal region of the hollow tubular element into numerous discrete channels, it can particularly promote the mixing of hot air from the aerosol-generating matrix with fresh air drawn in through the ventilation holes. In particular, the support element can be preferably configured such that the hollow internal region of the hollow tubular element is, for example, as shown in Figure 4a of the accompanying drawings. Figure 6 and Figure 8 The arrangement consists of a single channel of the type shown in any of the examples. With this arrangement, fresh air drawn in through a row of vents extending circumferentially around the hollow tubular element can be substantially drawn into a single channel within the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular element. This provides improved mixing of fresh air with hot air from the aerosol-generating matrix.

[0284] Furthermore, the hollow tubular element can be preferably configured such that substantially all the hot air drawn from the aerosol-generating matrix and passing through the section of the aerosol-generating article including the hollow tubular element must pass through the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular element. This is achieved by ensuring that there are no substantial gaps around the exterior of the hollow tubular element (through which air can pass). For example, the hollow tubular element can be preferably configured such that the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element is substantially continuous around the circumference of the hollow tubular element, for example, as shown in the figures. Figure 6 , Figure 9 As shown in any of Figures 13-20. With this arrangement, fresh air drawn in through a row of vents extending circumferentially around the hollow tubular element can be substantially drawn into a single channel within the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular element. This provides improved mixing of fresh air with hot air from the aerosol-generating matrix. It also avoids situations where vents need to extend through one or more walls of the supporting element. Such a configuration can be difficult to manufacture. For example, due to the orientation of one or more walls, such a configuration may not result in efficient access of ventilation air to the hollow tubular element.

[0285] Preferably, the hollow tubular element and one or more of its support elements are configured such that the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular support element consists of no more than three channels, more preferably no more than two channels, and even more preferably a single channel. This arrangement is particularly preferred when the aerosol-generating article has one or more of the ventilation features described above.

[0286] This disclosure also relates to a method for forming a hollow tubular element for aerosol generation articles. The method may include providing apparatus for forming the hollow tubular element. The apparatus may include means. The means may have an inner surface. The inner surface may define a channel of the means. The channel may extend from an upstream opening of the means. The channel may extend to a downstream opening of the means. The means may include an internal protrusion projecting into the channel. The method may further include providing a hollow tube. The method may further include allowing the hollow tube to pass through the upstream opening of the means into the channel. The method may further include allowing the tube to pass along the channel and contact the internal protrusion of the means, such that the tube is folded by the internal protrusion to form a hollow tubular element having a support element.

[0287] According to the present invention, the method includes providing an apparatus for forming a hollow tubular element. The apparatus includes a device. The device has an inner surface defining a channel. The channel extends from an upstream opening of the device to a downstream opening of the device. The device includes an internal protrusion projecting into the channel. The method further includes providing a hollow tube. The method further includes: allowing the hollow tube to pass through the upstream opening of the device into the channel; allowing the tube to pass along the channel and contact the internal protrusion of the device; and folding the tube from the internal protrusion to form a hollow tubular element having a support element.

[0288] The method may also include allowing the hollow tubular element to exit the channel through a downstream opening of the device.

[0289] The hollow tube may be formed from a sheet. The method may include forming the hollow tube from the sheet. Forming the hollow tube from the sheet may include forming a seam by overlapping a portion of the sheet at a first end with a portion of the sheet at an opposite second end. Forming the seam may include attaching a portion of the sheet at the first end to a portion of the sheet at the second end using an adhesive. The seam may extend along the length of the hollow tube.

[0290] The diameter of the hollow tube can be approximately the same as the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

[0291] The channel may have a substantially circular cross-section. The channel may include substantially cylindrical segments. The channel may include substantially truncated cylindrical segments.

[0292] The internal protrusion may have a substantially constant cross-section along its entire length. Alternatively, the internal protrusion may have a cross-section that varies along its length. For example, the internal protrusion may taper. For example, the internal protrusion may taper at its upstream end. The length of the internal protrusion may extend in the direction in which the hollow tube passes through the device.

[0293] The internal protrusion may have a generally rectangular cross-section in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions. The internal protrusion may also have a generally triangular cross-section in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions. Preferably, the internal protrusion has a triangular cross-section in the transverse direction. A triangular cross-section in the transverse direction facilitates folding the hollow tube to form a hollow tubular element and avoids tearing through the hollow tube. The internal protrusion may be substantially pyramidal.

[0294] When the internal protrusion is essentially pyramidal, the internal protrusion can have the largest cross-sectional area at its apex.

[0295] When the internal protrusion has a substantially triangular cross-section in the transverse direction, such as when the internal protrusion is substantially pyramidal, the internal protrusion may include a first edge. The first edge may be adjacent to a portion of the inner surface of the device defining the channel. The internal protrusion may include a second edge. The second edge may be adjacent to a portion of the inner surface of the device defining the channel. The second edge may extend from an upstream end of the internal protrusion. The internal protrusion may include a third edge. The third edge may be located within the channel. The third edge may extend from an upstream end of the internal protrusion. The third edge may extend to the apex of the internal protrusion. The third edge may define the tip of the internal protrusion.

[0296] The circumference of a hollow tube is approximately equal to the internal circumference of the device's cross-section at the apex of the internal protrusion.

[0297] The internal protrusion may be a first internal protrusion, and the device may include one or more additional internal protrusions. The device may include between two and six internal protrusions. Preferably, the device includes three internal protrusions. Each of the internal protrusions may be identical to one another. One of the internal protrusions may be different from another internal protrusion. The internal protrusions may be equally spaced around the channel.

[0298] The internal shape of the device can be configured to achieve a tight fit between the hollow tube and the inner surface of the device defining the channel. This may be particularly desirable at the point where the hollow tube contacts one or more of the internal protrusions. This can facilitate folding the hollow tube at the desired location to form a hollow tubular element.

[0299] The device may include a first segment. The first segment may include at least a portion of a channel of the device. The channel may have a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the first segment of the device. For example, the portion of the channel extending through the first segment of the device may be substantially cylindrical. The cross-section of the channel may vary along the length of the first segment of the device. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel at the upstream end of the first segment of the device may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel at the downstream end of the first segment of the device. Preferably, the portion of the channel extending through the first segment of the device is substantially truncated conical. In this case, preferably, the channel diameter of the device at the upstream end of the first segment is greater than the channel diameter of the device at the downstream end of the first segment. The channel diameter of the device at a point along the first segment (e.g., at the upstream end of the first segment) may be approximately the same as the diameter of a hollow tube. The channel diameter at a point along the first segment (e.g., at the downstream end of the first segment) may be approximately the same as the diameter of a hollow tubular element. The diameter of the channel can be selected such that during the step of passing the hollow tube through the first section of the device, the outer surface of the hollow tube remains in contact with the inner surface of the device, in order to facilitate the shaping of the hollow tube into a hollow tubular element.

[0300] The internal protrusion may be part of a first segment of the device. That is, the first segment of the device may include an internal protrusion projecting into a channel. The internal protrusion may extend from an upstream end of the first segment of the device to a downstream end of the first segment of the device. Thus, the internal protrusion may extend along the entire length of the first segment of the device. The internal protrusion may protrude into a portion of the channel extending through the first segment of the device. In the case where the internal protrusion tapers, the internal protrusion may taper at the upstream end of the first segment of the device. Additionally, if the internal protrusion includes a first edge, the first edge may extend from the upstream end of the first segment of the device. If the internal protrusion includes a second edge, the second edge may extend from the upstream end of the first segment of the device. If the internal protrusion includes a third edge, the third edge may extend from the upstream end of the first segment of the device. The third edge may be located within the channel.

[0301] The first section of the device may extend from the upstream opening of the device to the downstream opening of the device. In this case, the first section of the device may be the only section of the device. That is, the device may consist only of the first section of the device.

[0302] In addition to the first segment, the device may include one or more additional segments.

[0303] For example, the device may include a second segment. The second segment of the device may include at least a portion of the channel of the device. The second segment may extend from an upstream opening of the device. The second segment may extend to a first segment of the device. In other words, the second segment may be adjacent to and upstream of the first segment of the device.

[0304] The portion of the channel extending through the second section may have a substantially circular cross-section. Preferably, the portion of the channel extending through the second section has a substantially circular cross-section at the downstream end of the second section. In this case, preferably, the diameter of the channel at the downstream end of the second section is approximately the same as the diameter of the channel at the upstream end of the first section.

[0305] Compared to the downstream end of the second section, the channel may have a larger cross-sectional area at the upstream end of the second section. The portion of the channel extending through the second section may be substantially truncated conical.

[0306] The portion of the channel extending through the second segment may have a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the second segment. The portion of the channel extending through the second segment may be substantially cylindrical.

[0307] The device may include a third segment. The third segment may include at least a portion of the channel of the device. The third segment may extend from the downstream end of the first segment of the device. The third segment may extend to the downstream opening of the device. In other words, the third segment may be adjacent to and downstream of the first segment of the device.

[0308] The portion of the channel extending through the third section may have a substantially circular cross-section. Preferably, the portion of the channel extending through the third section has a substantially circular cross-section at the upstream end of the third section. In this case, preferably, the diameter of the channel at the upstream end of the third section is approximately the same as the diameter of the channel at the downstream end of the first section.

[0309] Compared to the upstream end of the third section, the channel may have a larger cross-sectional area at the downstream end of the third section. The portion of the channel extending through the third section may be substantially truncated conical.

[0310] The portion of the channel extending through the third segment may have a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the third segment. The portion of the channel extending through the third segment may be substantially cylindrical.

[0311] The device may include only the first segment and the third segment. Alternatively, the device may include a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. In this case, the first segment may be located between the second and third segments of the device.

[0312] The method involves passing a hollow tube through an upstream opening into a channel within the device.

[0313] The method also includes passing the hollow tube along the channel and contacting the internal protrusion of the device. In cases where the device includes a first section containing the internal protrusion, the method may include passing the hollow tube along the channel and contacting the internal protrusion at the upstream end of the first section of the device. The method may also include passing the hollow tube along the channel through the first section of the device such that the outer surface of the hollow tube contacts the inner surface of the first section of the device. The method may also include passing the hollow tube along the channel through the first section of the device such that the outer surface of the hollow tube contacts the internal protrusion. Due to the configuration of the first section of the device, passing the hollow tube along the first section of the device allows the hollow tube to deform and conform to the internal shape of the first section of the device. In particular, when the portion of the channel extending through the first section has a substantially truncated conical shape, the combination of the shape of the channel in the first section and the presence of the internal protrusion in the first section can help to shape the hollow tube into a form with a reduced diameter and an internally folded protrusion forming a support element. Therefore, passing the hollow tube through the first section of the device allows the hollow tube to form: a first fold line at a first edge of the inner protrusion, a second fold line at a second edge of the inner protrusion, and a third fold line at a third edge of the inner protrusion. Thus, passing the hollow tube through the first section of the device can form a hollow tubular element formed of sheet material, the hollow tubular element comprising: an outer peripheral portion defining a hollow inner region, and a support element; wherein the support element hangs from the outer peripheral portion along both the first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet material; and wherein the support element includes a third fold line of the sheet material located within the hollow inner region.

[0314] The method may include allowing the hollow tubular element to exit the channel through a downstream opening of the device.

[0315] In cases where the device includes a second section extending from an upstream opening of the device to the upstream end of a first section of the device, the method includes passing the hollow tube along a channel through the second section of the device before passing the hollow tube through the first section of the device. Passing the hollow tube through the second section of the device facilitates insertion of the hollow tube into the channel and into contact with the internal protrusion.

[0316] In cases where the device includes a third section extending from the downstream end of a first section of the device to a downstream opening of the device, the method may include, after passing the hollow tube through the first section of the device, passing the hollow tube along a channel through the third section of the device. The method may include passing the hollow tubular element through the third section of the device and exiting the channel through the downstream opening of the device. Passing the hollow tubular element through the third section of the device may also facilitate the exit of the hollow tubular element from the device. Passing the hollow tubular element through the third section of the device may, for example, help maintain the desired shape of the hollow tubular element after folding it by helping to maintain the desired curvature of the hollow tubular element.

[0317] The method may include attaching a first sidewall of a support element to a second sidewall of a support element using an adhesive, wherein the first sidewall of the support element extends from a first fold line to a third fold line, and the second sidewall of the support element extends from a second fold line to a third fold line. The attachment step may be performed before the hollow tubular element leaves the device. In this case, the attachment step may be performed as the hollow tubular element passes through the channel. The attachment step may be performed after the hollow tubular element leaves the device.

[0318] The method may include defining a package around a hollow tubular element. The defining step may be performed before the hollow tubular element leaves the device. The defining step may be performed after the hollow tubular element leaves the device.

[0319] The method may include, for example, attaching packaging to a hollow tubular element using an adhesive. The step of attaching packaging to the hollow tubular element may be performed before the hollow tubular element leaves the device. The step of attaching packaging to the hollow tubular element may be performed after the hollow tubular element leaves the device.

[0320] The features described with respect to one instance or embodiment may also be applicable to other instances and embodiments.

[0321] The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example or embodiment described herein.

[0322] EX1. A hollow tubular element for aerosol generation articles, the hollow tubular element comprising: an outer peripheral portion providing a curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element and defining a hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element; and an inner protrusion extending into the hollow inner region, wherein the hollow tubular element is formed of a sheet comprising: a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion having a first fold line between the first portion and the second portion; wherein the first portion of the sheet forms at least a portion of the outer peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element; wherein the entire first portion of the sheet forms at least a portion of the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element; and wherein the second portion of the sheet defines the inner protrusion of the hollow tubular element extending from the first fold line into the hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element.

[0323] EX2. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1, wherein the outer peripheral portion is formed of a sheet.

[0324] EX3. The hollow tubular element according to EX2, wherein the outer peripheral portion and the support element are integrally formed from a sheet.

[0325] EX4. The hollow tubular element according to EX3, wherein the outer peripheral portion and the support element are formed from separate sheets.

[0326] EX5. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX4, wherein the outer peripheral portion comprises a tube.

[0327] EX6. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX5, wherein the support element extends between about 10% and about 100% of the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0328] EX7. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX6, wherein a first point on the outer peripheral portion and a second point on the outer peripheral portion are spaced apart from each other.

[0329] EX8. According to the hollow tubular element of EX7, the first point at the outer peripheral portion and the second point at the outer peripheral portion are substantially diametrically opposite.

[0330] EX9. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX6, wherein a first point at the outer peripheral portion and a second point at the outer peripheral portion are adjacent to each other.

[0331] EX10. The hollow tubular element according to EX9, wherein a first point on the outer peripheral portion and a second point on the outer peripheral portion are in contact with each other.

[0332] EX11. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX10, wherein the support element includes a tip located within the hollow interior region.

[0333] EX12. The hollow tubular element according to EX11, wherein the tip of the support element is spaced apart from the outer peripheral portion.

[0334] EX13. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX11, wherein the point where the tip of the support element is located is adjacent to a point on the outer peripheral portion.

[0335] EX14. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX13, wherein the surface of the support element along the longitudinal direction is substantially planar.

[0336] EX15. A hollow tubular element according to EX14, wherein a substantially planar surface extends from the first point at the outer peripheral portion.

[0337] EX16. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX14 to EX15, wherein the substantially planar surface extends to the second point at the outer peripheral portion.

[0338] EX17. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX16, wherein the support element comprises a substantially straight portion when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0339] EX18. A hollow tubular element according to EX17, wherein, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the substantially straight portion extends from the first point at the outer peripheral portion.

[0340] EX19. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX17 to EX18, wherein, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, the substantially straight portion extends to the second point at the outer peripheral portion.

[0341] EX20. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX19, wherein the support element hangs from the outer peripheral portion along a first fold line of the sheet, wherein the first fold line is located at the first point on the outer peripheral portion.

[0342] EX21. The hollow tubular element according to EX20, wherein the first fold line extends along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0343] EX22. The hollow tubular element according to EX21, wherein the first fold line extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

[0344] EX23. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX20 to EX22, wherein the first fold line is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

[0345] EX24. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX20 to EX22, wherein the first fold line is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

[0346] EX25. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX20 to EX24, wherein the first fold line is the only fold line, and the support element hangs from the outer peripheral portion along the only fold line.

[0347] EX26. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX20 to EX24, wherein the support element hangs from the outer peripheral portion along a second fold line of the sheet, wherein the second fold line is located at the second point on the outer peripheral portion.

[0348] EX27. The hollow tubular element according to EX26, wherein the second fold line extends along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0349] EX28. The hollow tubular element according to EX27, wherein the second fold line extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

[0350] EX29. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX26 to EX28, wherein the second fold line is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

[0351] EX30. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX26 to EX28, wherein the first fold line is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

[0352] EX31. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX26 to EX30, wherein the first fold line and the second fold line are parallel to each other.

[0353] EX32. Hollow tubular elements according to EX26 to EX30, wherein the first fold line and the second fold line are not parallel to each other.

[0354] EX33. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX26 to EX32, wherein the support element includes a third fold line of the sheet.

[0355] EX34. The hollow tubular element of claim 33, wherein the third fold line defines the tip of the support element, the tip being positioned within the hollow interior region.

[0356] EX35. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX33 to EX34, wherein the third fold line of the sheet is positioned approximately equidistant from the first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet.

[0357] EX36. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX33 to EX35, wherein the first fold line and the third fold line define a first sidewall of the support element.

[0358] EX37. The hollow tubular element according to EX36, wherein the first sidewall of the support element is substantially straight.

[0359] EX38. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX36 to EX37, wherein the second fold line and the third fold line define a second sidewall of the support element.

[0360] EX39. The hollow tubular element according to EX38, wherein the second sidewall of the support element is substantially straight.

[0361] EX40. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX38 to EX39, wherein the surfaces of the first sidewall and the second sidewall are in contact with each other.

[0362] EX41. A hollow tubular element according to EX39, wherein both the first sidewall and the second sidewall are substantially straight, and wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall define an angle of about 5 degrees or more between the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0363] EX42. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX41, wherein the support element has a substantially triangular cross section.

[0364] EX43. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX38 to EX40, wherein both the first sidewall and the second sidewall are substantially straight, and wherein the angle formed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall is approximately zero degrees.

[0365] EX44. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX40, wherein the cross-section of the support element includes a curved portion.

[0366] EX45. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX40 and EX44, wherein the support element comprises a plurality of peaks and valleys when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0367] EX46. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX40, EX44 and EX45, wherein the support element has a wavy profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0368] EX47. A hollow tubular element according to EX46, wherein the support element is substantially sinusoidal when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0369] EX48. A hollow tubular element according to EX46, wherein the support element has a substantially triangular wavy profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0370] EX49. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX44, EX46 and EX47, wherein the cross-section of said support element is substantially S-shaped.

[0371] EX50. A hollow tubular element according to EX44, wherein the cross-section of the support element is substantially Ω-shaped.

[0372] EX51. A hollow tubular element according to EX44, wherein the cross-section of the support element is substantially C-shaped.

[0373] EX52. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX45, EX46 and EX48, wherein the support element is substantially W-shaped when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0374] EX53. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX52, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises at least one longitudinally symmetrical plane.

[0375] EX54. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX53, wherein the hollow tubular element is radially symmetrical.

[0376] EX55. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX54, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow tubular element is substantially constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

[0377] EX56. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX55, wherein the hollow tubular element has a substantially constant cross section along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

[0378] EX57. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX56, wherein the support element divides the hollow interior region into a plurality of channels.

[0379] EX58. The hollow tubular element according to EX57, wherein the support element divides the hollow interior region into channels between two and four.

[0380] EX59. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX58, wherein the support element extends through the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

[0381] EX60. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX59, wherein the distance between the support element and the radial center of the hollow tubular element is between about 5% and about 90% of the radius of the hollow tubular element.

[0382] EX61. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX60, wherein the distance between the support element and the radial center of the hollow tubular element is between about 0.2 mm and about 3 mm.

[0383] EX62. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX61, wherein the support element includes a tip and the support element has a depth between about 0.6 mm and about 3 mm.

[0384] EX63. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX62, wherein the support element is the only support element of the hollow tubular element.

[0385] EX64. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX62, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises a plurality of support elements.

[0386] EX65. A hollow tubular element according to EX64, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises two to six support elements.

[0387] EX66. A hollow tubular element according to EX65, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises three support elements.

[0388] EX67. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX64 to EX66, wherein each of the support elements is identical to the other.

[0389] EX68. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX64 to EX67, wherein each of the support elements is spaced approximately equally around the outer periphery of the hollow tubular element.

[0390] EX69. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX68, wherein the hollow tubular element has a length between about 10 mm and about 30 mm.

[0391] EX70. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX69, wherein the hollow tubular element has an outer diameter between about 5 mm and about 12 mm.

[0392] EX71. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX70, wherein the hollow tubular element has an inner diameter between about 4.5 mm and about 11.5 mm.

[0393] EX72. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX71, wherein the hollow tubular element has a total inner surface area between about 25 square millimeters per millimeter of length and about 70 square millimeters per millimeter of length.

[0394] EX73. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX72, wherein the hollow tubular element provides a negligible level of suction resistance.

[0395] EX74. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX73, wherein the hollow tubular element has about 90% or more porosity in the longitudinal direction.

[0396] EX75. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX74, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the support element and the outer peripheral portion is formed of paper, any other paper-based material, any other cellulose-based material, bioplastic-based material, or metal.

[0397] EX76. The hollow tubular element according to EX75, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the support element and the outer peripheral portion is formed of paper.

[0398] EX77. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX76, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the outer peripheral portion and the support element has a basis weight between about 35 g / m² and about 80 g / m².

[0399] EX78. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX77, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the outer peripheral portion and the support element has a thickness between about 100 micrometers and about 130 micrometers.

[0400] EX79. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX78, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the support element and the outer peripheral portion is an aluminum sheet, and the sheet has a thickness between about 10 micrometers and about 20 micrometers.

[0401] EX80. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX79, wherein the support element is substantially entirely formed of a single layer of sheet forming the support element.

[0402] EX81. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX80, wherein the outer peripheral portion is formed of a single layer of sheet.

[0403] EX82. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX80, wherein the outer peripheral portion is formed by a plurality of overlapping layers of sheet material.

[0404] EX83. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX80, wherein the outer peripheral portion is formed of a plurality of sheets.

[0405] EX84. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX83, wherein the outer peripheral portion has a thickness between about 15 micrometers and about 600 micrometers.

[0406] EX85. A hollow tubular element according to EX84, wherein the outer peripheral portion has a thickness between about 100 micrometers and about 130 micrometers.

[0407] EX86. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX85, wherein the hollow tubular element has a total weight of about 150 milligrams or less.

[0408] EX87. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX86, wherein the hollow tubular element has an average weight of about 10 milligrams or less per millimeter of length.

[0409] EX88. An aerosol-generating article comprising a hollow tubular element of any one of EX1 to EX87, wherein the hollow tubular element is defined by packaging.

[0410] EX89. An aerosol generating article comprising a hollow tubular element of any one of EX1 to EX88, wherein the hollow tubular element is connected by means of a packaging material to one or more adjacent components of the aerosol generating article.

[0411] EX90. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX89, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises an adhesive.

[0412] EX91. A hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX90, wherein the sheet includes a flame-retardant portion comprising a flame-retardant composition.

[0413] EX92. A hollow tubular element according to EX91, wherein the flame-retardant portion extends from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0414] EX93. A hollow tubular element according to EX91 or EX92, wherein the flame-retardant portion extends over one or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the hollow tubular element.

[0415] EX94. A hollow tubular element according to EX93, wherein the flame-retardant portion extends over one or both of the substantially integral inner surface and the substantially integral outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

[0416] EX95. An aerosol generating article comprising a hollow tubular element of any one of EX1 to EX94, further comprising a first element, the first element comprising an aerosol forming matrix and a receptor, and preferably wherein the receptor is located at a downstream end of the first element.

[0417] EX96. An aerosol-generating article according to EX95, wherein the receptor is arranged within the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0418] EX97. An aerosol-forming article according to EX95 or EX96, wherein the receptor is arranged around the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0419] EX98. The hollow tubular element according to any one of EX1 to EX97 further includes a ventilation zone along the location of the hollow tubular element.

[0420] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0421] Figure 1 A schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article comprising a hollow tubular element according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0422] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of some components of an aerosol-generating article;

[0423] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A partial transparent perspective view of a hollow tubular element of an aerosol-generated product;

[0424] Figure 4A and 4B It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element in an aerosol-generated product;

[0425] Figure 4C It shows in Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generated product at the hollow tubular element;

[0426] Figure 5 A perspective view of a hollow tubular element for aerosol generation articles according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0427] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element;

[0428] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for aerosol generation article according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0429] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for aerosol generation articles according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0430] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for aerosol generation article according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0431] Figure 10A side view of an apparatus for forming a hollow tubular element for aerosol generation articles, such as according to a first embodiment of the invention, is shown.

[0432] Figure 11A It shows Figure 10 equipment along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view taken from plane AA;

[0433] Figure 11B It shows Figure 10 equipment along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view taken from plane BB;

[0434] Figure 12A A cross-sectional view of a hollow tube for forming a hollow tubular element for aerosol generation articles, such as according to a first embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0435] Figure 12B It shows the result of Figure 12A hollow tube and use Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a hollow tubular element formed by the equipment for aerosol generation articles; and

[0436] Figure 1 An aerosol generating article 1 comprising a hollow tubular element 100 is shown according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating article 1 includes: a first element 10 comprising an aerosol forming matrix 12; a receptor element 20 disposed within the first element 10; a hollow tubular element 100 disposed downstream of the first element 10; and an orifice element 30. Thus, the aerosol generating article extends from an upstream or distal end 2 to a downstream or orifice 4.

[0437] The aerosol-generated product has an overall length of approximately 45 millimeters.

[0438] The first element 10 is in the form of a strip, the strip comprising an aerosol forming matrix 12 of one of the types described above. The structure and dimensions of the first element 10 are defined by the aerosol forming matrix 12, which is also in the form of a strip. The first element 10 comprising the aerosol forming matrix 12 has an outer diameter of approximately 7.25 mm and a length of approximately 12 mm.

[0439] The receptor element 20 is an elongated receptor element 20. The receptor element 20 is arranged substantially longitudinally within the first element 10, so as to be generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first element 10. The receptor element 20 is located at a radial center position within the first element 10 and effectively extends along the entire longitudinal axis of the first element 10. Specifically, the receptor element 20 is arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol forming matrix 12 and located at a radial center position within the aerosol forming matrix 12. The receptor element 20 extends from an upstream end to a downstream end of the aerosol forming matrix 12. In practice, the receptor element 20 has substantially the same length as the first element 10 and the aerosol forming matrix 12.

[0440] The sensor element 20 is provided in strip form and has a length of about 12 mm, a thickness of about 60 micrometers, and a width of about 4 mm.

[0441] The hollow tubular element 100 is positioned immediately downstream of the first element 10, and the hollow tubular element 100 is longitudinally aligned with the first element 10. The upstream end of the hollow tubular element 100 is adjacent to the downstream end of the first element 10, and in particular to the downstream end of the aerosol forming matrix 10. This advantageously prevents or limits movement of both the first element 10 and the sensor element 20.

[0442] The mouthpiece element 30 is positioned immediately downstream of the hollow tubular element 100, and the mouthpiece element 30 is longitudinally aligned with the hollow tubular element. The upstream end of the mouthpiece element 30 is adjacent to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 100.

[0443] The mouthpiece element 30 is provided in the form of a cylindrical filter segment of low-density cellulose acetate. The mouthpiece element 30 has a length of approximately 12 mm and an outer diameter of approximately 7.25 mm. The RTD of the mouthpiece element 30 is approximately 12 mm H2O.

[0444] Hollow tubular element 100 in Figure 2 Exploded perspective view of some components of the aerosol-generating article 1 and Figure 3 The hollow tubular element is best seen in a partially transparent perspective view.

[0445] The hollow tubular element 100 is formed of a sheet, wherein the sheet includes a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, with a first fold line 141 between the first and second portions. The second portion of the sheet is adjacent to the first portion of the sheet, with the first fold line 141 between the first and second portions. This means that only the first fold line 141 exists between the first and second portions of the sheet. In other words, there are no other portions of the sheet between the first and second portions of the sheet. The second portion of the sheet hangs over the first portion of the sheet along the first fold line.

[0446] A first portion of the sheet forms at least a portion of the outer peripheral portion 110 of the hollow tubular element 100, wherein the outer peripheral portion 110 defines a hollow interior region 120 of the hollow tubular element 100. A second portion of the sheet defines a support element 130 of the hollow tubular element 100, wherein the support element 130 extends from a first point 131 at the outer peripheral portion 110 across the hollow interior region 120 to a second point 132 at the outer peripheral portion 110.

[0447] The outer peripheral portion 110 and the support element 130 are integrally formed from the same paper sheet. The paper sheet has a basis weight of approximately 78 g / m². The portion of the sheet forming the outer peripheral portion 110 substantially integrally forms the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element 100.

[0448] To form the support element 130, the paper sheet includes a seam (not shown) in which two layers of paper sheet overlap each other. The seam may be part of one or both of the outer peripheral portion 110 and the support element 130. The seam extends over a small portion of one or both of the outer peripheral portion 110 and the support element 130. Thus, the outer peripheral portion 110 is substantially entirely formed of a single layer of sheet. Similarly, the support element 130 is substantially entirely formed of a single layer of sheet.

[0449] The support element 130 hangs from the outer peripheral portion 110 along a first fold line 141 of the sheet, wherein the first fold line 141 is located at a first point 131 on the outer peripheral portion 110, and wherein the first fold line 141 extends substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element 100. A second portion of the sheet includes a second fold line 142. The support element 130 also hangs from the outer peripheral portion 110 along the second fold line 142 of the sheet, wherein the second fold line 142 is located at a second point 132 on the outer peripheral portion 110, and wherein the second fold line 142 extends substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element 100.

[0450] Therefore, the support element 130 also extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element 100. In fact, the support element 130 has substantially the same length as the hollow tubular element 100.

[0451] The hollow tubular element 100 has a length of approximately 8 millimeters.

[0452] The hollow tubular element 100 has a total weight of approximately 34 milligrams. Therefore, the hollow tubular element has an average weight of approximately 4.25 milligrams per millimeter.

[0453] The hollow tubular element 100 has a constant cross-section along its entire length.

[0454] Both the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element 100. Therefore, the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 are parallel to each other.

[0455] like Figure 3 As shown, the support element 130 includes a third fold line 143 of the sheet, wherein the third fold line 143 is parallel to the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 and is equidistant between the first and second fold lines. This helps to provide a stronger support barrier to prevent or reduce movement of the first element 10 (particularly the aerosol forming matrix 12) and the sensor element 20. The third fold line 143 defines the tip of the support element.

[0456] Figure 4A and 4B A cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element 100 is shown.

[0457] The first fold line 141 and the third fold line 143 together define a first sidewall 151 of the support element 130, wherein the first sidewall 151 is substantially straight, and the outer surface 153 of the first sidewall 151 forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular element 100. The second fold line 142 and the third fold line 143 together define a second sidewall 151 of the support element 130, wherein the second sidewall 152 is substantially straight, and the outer surface 154 of the second sidewall 152 forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

[0458] The support element 130 has a generally triangular cross section.

[0459] The first point 131 and the second point 132 at the outer periphery 110 are spaced apart by a distance 160 of about 1 mm. Therefore, the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 are also spaced apart by a distance of about 1 mm.

[0460] The first sidewall 151 and the second sidewall 152 define an angle of approximately 30 degrees between the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0461] The depth of the support element 130 is approximately 2 millimeters. That is, the distance between the first point 131 on the outer periphery and the tip of the support element 130 is approximately 2 millimeters. Therefore, the distance between the first fold line 141 and the third fold line 143 is also approximately 2 millimeters.

[0462] The tip of the support element 130 is spaced approximately 1.5 mm from the radial center 162 of the hollow tubular element 100. Therefore, the support element 130 is spaced approximately 1.5 mm from the radial center 162 of the hollow tubular element.

[0463] The outer diameter 164 of the hollow tubular element is approximately 7.2 mm. Therefore, the distance between the support element 130 and the radial center 162 of the hollow tubular element 100 is approximately 42% of the radius of the hollow tubular element 100.

[0464] Figure 4C The packaging 190 of the defined hollow tubular element 100 is shown.

[0465] The support element 130 is the first support element 130, and the hollow tubular element includes two additional support elements: a second support element 170 and a third support element 180. This advantageously provides additional strength and stiffness to the hollow tubular element 100 in both the longitudinal and transverse directions to prevent or limit movement of the first element 110 (particularly the aerosol forming matrix 112) and the receptor element 120; while avoiding deformation of the hollow tubular element 100.

[0466] Each of the support elements 130, 170, and 180 is identical to the others and is equally spaced around the circumference of the hollow tubular element 100. The circumference of the hollow tubular element 100 is defined by... Figure 4B The curved dashed line in the diagram is shown.

[0467] Figure 5 A perspective view of a hollow tubular element 200 for aerosol generation articles according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The hollow tubular element 200 of the second embodiment differs from the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment in that the first point 231 and the second point 232 at the outer periphery are positioned closer to each other. Specifically, the first point 231 and the second point 232 at the outer periphery are spaced apart by approximately zero millimeters. Consequently, the first fold line 241 and the second fold line 242 are also spaced apart by approximately zero millimeters. The depth of the support element 230 is the same as the depth of the support element 130 and is approximately 2 millimeters.

[0468] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element 200 is shown. The angle formed between the first sidewall 251 and the second sidewall 252 is approximately zero degrees. The first sidewall 251 and the second sidewall 252 are substantially integrally in contact with each other and are attached to each other by an adhesive. This significantly increases the strength and stiffness of the hollow tubular element in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. It also avoids the need to confine the hollow tubular element 200 with packaging. Consequently, this minimizes the weight of the hollow tubular element 200, allowing it to be assembled in the aerosol-generated article 1 using existing high-speed aerosol-generated article assembly machines.

[0469] Figure 7A cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 300 for aerosol generation articles according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. The hollow tubular element 300 of the third embodiment is substantially the same as the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment. However, the hollow tubular element 300 of the third embodiment differs from the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment in that the support element 330 has a depth approximately equal to the radius of the hollow tubular element 300. Thus, the support element 330 extends to the radial center of the hollow tubular element 300. In particular, the tip of the support element 330 is located at or near the radial center of the hollow tubular element 300. In a manner similar to the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment, the hollow tubular element 300 of the third embodiment includes three identical support elements 330, 370, and 380 equally spaced around the circumference of the hollow tubular element 300. Thus, the support elements 330, 370, and 380 divide the hollow interior region into three channels. Specifically, the tips of the support elements 330, 370, and 380 are close to each other at the radial center of the hollow tubular element 300.

[0470] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 400 for an aerosol generation article according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. The hollow tubular element 400 is substantially the same as the hollow tubular element 400 of the first embodiment, except that the first point 431 and the second point 432 at the outer peripheral portion are positioned closer to each other. Specifically, the first point 431 and the second point 432 at the outer peripheral portion are spaced apart by approximately 0.8 mm. Furthermore, in Figure 8 In this case, the depth of support element 430 is now approximately 3 millimeters. Additionally, in... Figure 8 In the middle, the first sidewall and the second sidewall define an angle of about 15 degrees between the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0471] Figure 9A cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 500 for aerosol generation article according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. The hollow tubular element 500 is substantially the same as the hollow tubular element 200 of the second embodiment, except that the depth of the hollow tubular element 200 is approximately the same as the radius of the hollow tubular element 500. Therefore, the support element 530 extends to the radial center of the hollow tubular element 500. Specifically, the tip of the support element 530 is located at or near the radial center of the hollow tubular element 500. Similar to the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment and the hollow tubular element 200 of the second embodiment, the hollow tubular element 500 of the fifth embodiment includes three identical support elements. Therefore, the three support elements of the hollow tubular element 500 divide the hollow region of the hollow tubular element 500 into three channels. Specifically, the tips of the support elements 530, 370, and 580 are adjacent to each other at the radial center of the hollow tubular element 500.

[0472] Figure 10 A method for forming a hollow tubular element for aerosol generation articles is illustrated, such as the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment described above. The method includes providing an apparatus 105 for forming the hollow tubular element. The apparatus 105 includes a device 107. The device 107 has an inner surface 115 defining a channel 125. The channel 125 extends from an upstream opening 117 of the device 107 to a downstream opening 118 of the device 107.

[0473] Device 107 includes a first segment 126, a second segment 127, and a third segment 128. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the first segment is located between the second segment 127 and the third segment 128.

[0474] The first segment 126 of device 107 includes an internal protrusion 135 projecting into a channel 125. The internal protrusion 135 extends from an upstream end of the first segment 126 of device 107 to a downstream end of the first segment 126 of device 107. The channel 125 in the first segment 126 of device 107 is substantially truncated conical, wherein the diameter of the channel 125 at the upstream end of the first segment 126 is larger than the diameter of the channel 125 at the downstream end of the first segment 126.

[0475] The internal protrusion 135 is substantially pyramidal. The internal protrusion 125 has a substantially triangular cross-section in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The internal protrusion 135 has a maximum cross-sectional area at its apex and tapers at the upstream end of the first segment 126 of the device 107. The internal protrusion includes a first edge adjacent to a portion of the inner surface of the device 107 defining the channel 125. The first edge extends from the upstream end of the first segment 126 of the device 107. The internal protrusion also includes a second edge, which also adjacent to the inner surface 115 of the device 107 defining the channel. The second edge extends from the upstream end of the first segment 126 of the device 107. The internal protrusion further includes a third edge, which is located within the channel 125 and also extends from the upstream end of the first segment 126 of the device 107.

[0476] The cross-section of the internal protrusion 135 taken along plane AA is in Figure 11A As shown in the figure. The cross-section of the internal protrusion 135 taken along plane BB is shown in the figure. Figure 11B As shown in the diagram. Therefore, Figure 11B A cross-section of the internal protrusion 135 at its apex is shown.

[0477] The second section 127 of the device 107 extends from the upstream opening 117 of the device 107 to the first section 126 of the device 107. The portion of the channel 125 extending through the second section 127 of the device 107 is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter approximately the same as the diameter of the channel 125 at the upstream end of the first section 126.

[0478] The third segment 128 of device 107 extends from the first segment 126 of device 107 to the downstream opening 118 of device 107. The portion of the channel 125 extending through the third segment 128 of device 107 is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter approximately the same as the diameter of the channel 125 at the downstream end of the first segment 126.

[0479] The method also includes providing a hollow tube 145 formed of sheet material, wherein the circumference of the hollow tube 145 is approximately equal to the inner circumference of the cross-section of the device 107 at the apex of the internal protrusion 135. The cross-section of the hollow tube 145 is... Figure 11A As shown in the diagram, the diameter of the channel 125 at the upstream end of the first section 126 is approximately the same as the diameter of the hollow tube 145. Therefore, the diameter of the hollow tube 145 is also approximately the same as the diameter of the portion of the channel 125 extending through the second section 127 of the device 107.

[0480] The method further includes causing the hollow tube 145 to pass along the channel 125 through the upstream opening 117 of the device 107 and into the second section 127 of the device 107.

[0481] The method further includes passing the hollow tube 145 along the channel 125 and contacting the internal protrusion 135 at the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107.

[0482] The method further includes passing the hollow tube 145 along the channel 125 through the first section 126 of the device 107, such that the outer surface of the hollow tube 145 contacts the inner surface 115 of the device 107. Specifically, the outer surface of the hollow tube 145 contacts the internal protrusion 135. Due to the arrangement of the first section 126 of the device 107, passing the hollow tube 145 along the first section 126 of the device 107 deforms the hollow tube 145 and conforms to the internal shape of the first section of the device 107. Specifically, as... Figure 12B As shown, when combined with the presence of the internal protrusion 135 in the first section 126, the truncated conical shape of the channel 125 in the first section 126 helps to shape the hollow tube 145 into a form with a reduced diameter and an internal folded protrusion forming the support element 130. Therefore, passing the hollow tube 145 through the first section 126 of the device 107 forms the hollow tube 145 with: a first fold line at a first edge of the internal protrusion 135, a second fold line at a second edge of the internal protrusion 135, and a third fold line at a third edge of the internal protrusion 135. Thus, passing the hollow tube 145 through the first section 126 of the device 107 forms a hollow tubular element formed of sheet material, the hollow tubular element comprising: an outer peripheral portion 110 defining a hollow internal region, and a support element 130; wherein the support element 130 hangs from the outer peripheral portion along both the first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet material; and wherein the support element includes a third fold line of the sheet material located within the hollow internal region. Hollow tube 145 and hollow tubular elements in Figure 10 It is shown in dashed lines.

[0483] The method further includes passing the hollow tubular element through the third section 128 of the device 107 and exiting the channel 117 through the downstream opening 118 of the device 107. The third section 128 of the device 107 may facilitate the exit of the hollow tubular element from the device 107. In addition, the third section 128 of the device 107 may help maintain the desired shape of the hollow tubular element after it has been folded.

[0484] like Figure 11A and 11BAs shown, the internal protrusion 135 is the first internal protrusion 135, and the first segment 126 of the device 107 includes two additional internal protrusions: a second internal protrusion 175 and a third internal protrusion 185. Each of the internal protrusions 135, 175, and 185 is identical to each other and is equally spaced around the circumference of the first segment 126 of the device 107.

[0485] Therefore, such as Figure 12B As shown, the support element 130 of the hollow tubular element formed by passing the hollow tube 145 through the first section 126 of the device 107 is the first support element 130, and the hollow tubular element includes two additional support elements: a second support element 170 and a third support element 180. Each of the support elements 130, 170, and 180 is identical to each other and is equally spaced around the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

Claims

1. A hollow tubular element for aerosol generation articles, the hollow tubular element comprising: The outer peripheral portion provides a curved outer surface for the hollow tubular element and defines a hollow internal region for the hollow tubular element; as well as The internal protrusion extends into the hollow interior region. The hollow tubular element is formed from a sheet comprising: a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, with a first fold line between the first portion and the second portion; The first portion of the sheet forms at least a portion of the outer peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element; The first portion of the sheet integrally forms at least a portion of the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element; The second portion of the sheet defines the internal protrusion of the hollow tubular element, the internal protrusion extending from the first fold line to the hollow internal region of the hollow tubular element; and The second portion of the sheet forms part of the outer peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element.

2. The hollow tubular element according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the sheet integrally forms the entire curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

3. The hollow tubular element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second portion of the sheet includes a second fold line.

4. The hollow tubular element of claim 3, wherein the internal protrusion hangs from the outer peripheral portion along the second fold line of the sheet.

5. The hollow tubular element according to claim 3, wherein the first fold line of the sheet and the second fold line of the sheet are spaced apart from each other.

6. The hollow tubular element according to claim 3, wherein the internal protrusion includes a third fold line of the sheet.

7. The hollow tubular element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal protrusion has a triangular cross-section.

8. The hollow tubular element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the entire outer peripheral portion is formed of a single layer of the sheet.

9. The hollow tubular element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a portion of the outer peripheral portion is formed by the first portion of the sheet and an additional layer of the sheet, wherein the first portion of the sheet forms the outermost layer of the portion of the outer peripheral portion.

10. The hollow tubular element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal protrusion includes a tip positioned within the hollow internal region.

11. The hollow tubular element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal protrusion is configured such that the hollow internal region is formed by a single channel.

12. The hollow tubular element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal protrusion extends through the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

13. The hollow tubular element according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a ventilation zone along the location of the hollow tubular element.

14. An aerosol-generating article comprising a hollow tubular element according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images