Moisture-absorbing packaging for aerosol-generating articles

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article (10) comprising a plurality of elements and a rod package, where the rod package is configured to connect the elements to form the aerosol-generating article, and where the aerosol-generating article is further configured to reveal a visually perceptible indicia (60) when the rod package is in contact with moisture. The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising: providing a plurality of elements, providing a rod package, connecting the elements by wrapping the rod package around a strip-shaped element to form the aerosol-generating article, and wherein the aerosol-generating article is configured to reveal a visually perceptible indicia when the rod package is in contact with moisture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising a hygroscopic wrapper. The present invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating article, and a method of manufacturing the aerosol-generating article. Background Art

[0002] One type of aerosol generating system is an electrically operated aerosol generating system. Known handheld electrically operated aerosol generating systems typically include an aerosol generating device including a battery, control electronics, and an electric heater for heating an aerosol generating article specifically designed for use with the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate. In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a rod (e.g., a tobacco rod), and when the smoking article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the electric heater contained in the aerosol generating device is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0003] Typically, such aerosol generating articles are made of a combination of multiple strip elements, which may also be referred to as rods. Each rod may be wrapped by a rod package. Rod packaging may be used to connect individual strip elements and form an elongated aerosol generating article. The proximal end of the aerosol generating article is intended to contact the user's lips. The distal end of the aerosol generating article is intended to be inserted into the inside of the aerosol generating device, and is intended to be heated to generate an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol generating article may include a matrix rod for retaining an aerosol-forming matrix at the distal end and a mouthpiece filter (MPF) at the proximal end. Other rods may be arranged between the matrix rod and the mouthpiece filter. Such rods may be, for example, a cardboard tube, a cooling element made of polylactic acid (PLA), or a hollow acetate tube (HAT).

[0004] Electrically heated aerosol-generating articles are heated but not burned during consumption, and are therefore also referred to as heat-not-burn articles (HnB articles). HnB articles may not necessarily change their appearance during consumption, so that it may be difficult for users to distinguish between used HnB articles and unused HnB articles. This may be a problem when consumers put used aerosol-generating articles back into their original packaging together with other new (unused) aerosol-generating articles, as may be the case when there is no trash can nearby to dispose of the used / consumed aerosol-generating articles. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article that allows used aerosol-generating articles to be easily distinguished from unused aerosol-generating articles.

[0006] It would be particularly desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article having a front-stick and a coated rod package, wherein a used aerosol-generating article can still be easily distinguished from an unused aerosol-generating article.

[0007] It would also be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article that allows for permanent differentiation of used aerosol-generating articles from unused aerosol-generating articles, and at least over a period of several days.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, an aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of elements and a rod package. The rod package is configured to connect the strip-shaped elements to form the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article is configured to reveal a visually perceptible mark when the rod package comes into contact with moisture.

[0009] As used herein, the term "heated aerosol-generating article" refers to an aerosol-generating article for generating an aerosol, the aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate that is intended to be heated rather than burned in order to release volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. These articles are often referred to as "heat but not burn" products.

[0010] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" refers to a substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol when heated. The aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article described herein can be visible or invisible, and can contain vapor (e.g., fine particles of a substance in a gaseous state that is typically liquid or solid at room temperature) and gas and liquid droplets of condensed vapor.

[0011] As used herein, the term "rod" or "rod-shaped element" refers to a generally cylindrical element having a generally polygonal cross-section, and preferably a circular, oval or elliptical cross-section. Unless otherwise specified, the term "article" will refer to an aerosol-generating article.

[0012] As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, which direction extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article. During use, air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0013] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" describe the relative position of an element or part of an element of an aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction in which an aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article during use.

[0014] The aerosol-generating article according to the invention is suitable for use in an aerosol-generating system comprising an electrically heated aerosol-generating device having an internal heating element for heating an aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating article according to the invention has particular application in an aerosol-generating system comprising an electrically heated aerosol-generating device having an internal heater blade adapted to be inserted into a strip of an aerosol-generating substrate. In the prior art, aerosol-generating articles of this type are described, for example, in European patent application EP-A-0 822 670.

[0015] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device comprising a heating element that interacts with an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0016] As used herein, the term "hydrochromic portion" refers to a portion of a type of packaging used in an aerosol generating system that exhibits a visible, perceptible reaction when in contact with moisture. The visible, perceptible reaction of the hydrochromic portion may include one or more of a color change and an opacity change of the hydrochromic portion.

[0017] As described above, the aerosol-generating article is configured to reveal a visually perceptible mark when the rod package comes into contact with moisture. As will be discussed in more detail below, the article can be configured in various ways so as to be able to reveal a visually perceptible mark. The aerosol-generating article can be configured to include a permanent mark that is not visually perceptible in an unused aerosol-generating article, but becomes visually perceptible when the aerosol-generating article is used. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article in an unused state may not include a mark, but the mark may be generated when the aerosol-generating article is used. In the latter case, the mark can also be described as appearing when the aerosol-generating article is used.

[0018] By configuring the aerosol-generating article so that a visually perceptible indicia is revealed or appears upon use, a user may easily distinguish between a used aerosol-generating article and an unused aerosol-generating article.

[0019] This may be particularly advantageous when a consumer places a used aerosol-generating article back into its original packaging in which an unused aerosol-generating article is still retained. This may occur when there is no trash can available for disposal of the used aerosol-generating article. With an aerosol-generating article as described herein, a user can easily discern the difference between a used aerosol-generating article and an unused aerosol-generating article, and thereby an unpleasant and potentially harmful user experience may be avoided.

[0020] Furthermore, because users can distinguish between used and unused articles, they may be more inclined to retain unused aerosol-generating articles rather than trying to account for littering and improper disposal of used aerosol-generating articles.

[0021] According to embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the packaging of the aerosol-generating article may be configured as a hydrochromic portion. According to embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the rod packaging of the aerosol-generating article may be configured as a hydrochromic portion. A hydrochromic portion is a portion that changes its visual appearance when in contact with moisture. A hydrochromic portion may change its color or opacity when in contact with moisture.

[0022] The change in color or opacity of the hydrochromic portion of the rod package may be irreversible. At least when considering the time scale over which a user may reasonably be expected to carry a used aerosol generating article, the change in color or opacity of the hydrochromic portion of the rod package may be irreversible. In order to qualify as an irreversible color change, the change should last for at least 10 days, last for at least 5 days, or last for at least 3 days. The change in color or opacity of the hydrochromic portion of the rod package may last for at least 24 hours.

[0023] Due to the change in color or opacity of the hydrochromic portion of the rod package, the indicia of the aerosol-generating article is revealed. The change in color or opacity of the hydrochromic portion of the rod package may increase the contrast of the indicia relative to the surrounding portion of the aerosol-generating article. The change in contrast may be at least between 0.5 and 30. The change in contrast may be between 1 and 20. The change in contrast may be between 2 and 15. The change in contrast may be between 3 and 10.

[0024] The aerosol-generating article may be configured to be heated during use.By heating the aerosol-generating article, an aerosol may be formed by evaporating volatile components of an aerosol-forming substrate contained in the aerosol-generating article.

[0025] The aerosol-generating article may have a proximal end and a distal end. The element wrapped by the rod wrap may define an internal airflow path from the distal end to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The element wrapped by the rod wrap may be strip-shaped. The element wrapped by the rod wrap may be cylindrical and may have a generally circular cross-section.

[0026] The element of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a substrate rod comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.The element of the aerosol-generating article may further comprise one or more of a front-end filter, a mouthpiece filter, a PLA filter, a hollow acetate tube and a paperboard tube.

[0027] One or more of the various elements forming the aerosol-generating article may comprise a stick pack.The stick pack may be a paper wrapper as is commonly used in the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles.

[0028] The moisture that the hydrochromic portion contacts can be the moisture generated when the aerosol generating article is heated and the subsequent condensation of the air and the generated aerosol during the user experience. As described above, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article described herein may include steam and gas and droplets of condensed steam. Therefore, the increase in moisture indicates the occurrence of the user experience. In turn, this increase in moisture is used in the mechanism described herein to distinguish used aerosol generating articles from unused aerosol generating articles. The use of a rod package including a hydrochromic portion is a suitable and inexpensive way to introduce a differentiated feature that allows a user to identify a used aerosol generating article.

[0029] There are various ways as to how to construct an aerosol-generating article so that indicia is revealed when the aerosol-generating article comes into contact with moisture. It is disclosed to provide such indicia in the following suitable manners.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the rod wrap may include a hydrochromic portion that covers a portion of the outer surface of the strip-shaped element of the aerosol-generating article. The portion of the outer surface of the strip-shaped element covered by the hydrochromic portion of the rod wrap may carry a permanent marking. The hydrochromic portion of the rod wrap may be configured to be opaque as long as the aerosol-generating article is not in use and is not in contact with increased levels of moisture. The hydrochromic portion of the rod wrap may also be configured to become more transparent upon contact with moisture.

[0031] The rod packaging of such aerosol generating articles covers the mark before use. Due to the opacity of the water-chromic part of the rod packaging, the permanent mark below the water-chromic part of the rod packaging cannot be visually perceived by the user. Therefore, such aerosol generating articles can be easily identified as unused aerosol generating articles. During the user experience, the aerosol generating article is heated, and the user draws air through the aerosol generating article. Thus, an aerosol is formed, which cools in the aerosol generating article before inhalation. The cooling and heated aerosol causes condensation and a general increase in the humidity level in the airflow path through the aerosol generating article. The water-chromic part of the rod packaging contacts the moisture generated in the aerosol generating article. When in contact with this moisture, the water-chromic part of the rod packaging becomes more transparent, and the permanent mark below the water-chromic part of the rod packaging becomes visually perceptible from the outside by the user.

[0032] The hydrochromic portion of the rod package can be formed by conventional paper used to make aerosol-generating articles. When such paper comes into contact with moisture, it may become more transparent than when in a dry state. This may be caused by the similarity of the refractive index of the cellulose fibers of water and paper. The increased moisture causes the rod package to be moistened, and the water droplets occupy the cavity between the cellulose fibers, resulting in a higher uniformity of the overall refractive index of the wetted wet rod package. Therefore, the light passing through the moistened rod package experiences less total internal reflection, thereby increasing the transparency of the rod package. The rod package becomes more transparent, and the markings below this hydrochromic portion of the rod package become apparent. It was found that this effect does not completely disappear after the rod package is dried. Therefore, even after the humidity level in the rod package has been restored to ambient conditions, the markings can still be visible compared to unused aerosol-generating articles.

[0033] The hydrochromic portion of the rod package can be formed from a paper sheet material having a thickness of less than 100 microns. The hydrochromic portion of the rod package can be formed from a paper sheet material having a thickness of less than 65 microns, less than 60 microns, less than 55 microns, less than 50 microns, less than 45 microns, less than 40 microns, or less than 35 microns. The thinner the paper material, the stronger the effect on the change in opacity when the paper material is wetted.

[0034] The grammage of the paper sheet material forming the hydrochromic portion of the rod package may total less than 65 g / m2, less than 60 g / m2, less than 55 g / m2, less than 50 g / m2, less than 45 g / m2, less than 40 g / m2, less than 35 g / m2, less than 30 g / m2, less than 25 g / m2 or less than 20 g / m2.

[0035] The hydrochromic portion of the rod wrap may be formed from a paper sheet material having a higher porosity than the cigarette paper typically used for HnB products. The hydrochromic portion of the rod wrap may be formed from a paper sheet material having a porosity that increases air permeability. The air permeability of the paper sheet material used for the hydrochromic portion of the rod wrap may be higher than 30 corresta units (CU) at an applied pressure differential of 1 kilopascal (kPa).

[0036] The hydrochromic portion of the rod package may be formed from a paper sheet material having any colour in a dry state. Preferably, the hydrochromic portion of the rod package may be formed from a paper sheet material which is white in a dry state.

[0037] Without wishing to be bound by theory, conventional paper materials are generally opaque because the cellulose fiber material forms a porous structure including hollow air-filled cavities, and in addition, the paper material generally includes a mineral filler located between the cellulose fibers. The mineral filler is provided in a crystalline form. In a dry paper sheet where the mineral filler is surrounded by air, light is scattered at these filler materials due to the large difference in refractive index between the air and the mineral filler. Therefore, the paper material appears opaque.

[0038] When such paper material comes into contact with moisture, the porous structure becomes filled with water. Water has a different refractive index that is closer to the refractive index of the paper material and the mineral filler material contained in the paper. Due to this smaller difference in refractive index between water and the paper material or the mineral filler, less scattering occurs and the paper material becomes more translucent.

[0039] Hydrocarbons such as glycerol can help increase the translucency of paper materials in at least two ways. On the one hand, aliphatic materials also do have an increased refractive index. Therefore, for the same reasons discussed above, contact of the paper material with glycerol will also increase the translucency of the paper material. In addition, the presence of glycerol helps maintain the moisture level of the aerosol-forming substrate at an increased level. This increased moisture level in turn enhances the aerosol formation and the generation of moisture during the use of the aerosol generating system. Therefore, hydrocarbon materials such as glycerol directly or indirectly increase the effects of the present invention.

[0040] To prevent external air humidity from triggering the transparency of the rod package, the rod package may have an outer layer or coating extending at least over the hydrochromic portion of the rod package. The coating may be hydrophobic and transparent. The coating may prevent the coated area of ​​the rod package from contacting ambient moisture.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the rod package can be configured to be substantially transparent. The rod package can also be configured to have a hydrochromic portion. The hydrochromic portion can be configured to be opaque in a dry state and become more transparent when in contact with moisture. Likewise, when in contact with moisture, the hydrochromic portion becomes more transparent and the markings at the outer surface of the element located below the hydrochromic portion become visible.

[0042] The hydrochromic portion of the rod packaging may also be configured to change color when exposed to moisture. This color change may be perceived by the user and may serve as an indication or marker that the aerosol generating device has been used.

[0043] For example, the rod package may be provided with a hydrochromic portion formed by applying stripes of a hydrochromic ink on the outer surface of the rod package. Such a hydrochromic ink may have a light yellow color in a dry state. Upon contact with moisture, the hydrochromic ink may change its color to, for example, blue. In order to make the hydrochromic portion invisible when the rod has not yet been used, the color of the remainder of the rod package may be configured to be substantially the same color as the hydrochromic ink in a dry state. Thus, before use, the entire rod package has a uniform yellow appearance and the marking is not visible. Upon contact with moisture, the hydrochromic portion changes its color to blue, indicating that it has been contacted by moisture and has subsequently been consumed in the user experience.

[0044] The rod package may be substantially transparent and may have a hydrochromic portion configured to be opaque in an unused or dry state. The hydrochromic portion may also be configured to change its transparency when in contact with moisture. Likewise, the aerosol-generating article is configured to exhibit a permanent mark at an outer surface of an element covered by the hydrochromic portion of the rod package. When the hydrochromic portion of the rod package comes into contact with moisture, the hydrochromic portion becomes transparent, thereby revealing the mark underneath. Likewise, the mark becomes visible after use and allows a user to distinguish between a used aerosol-generating article and an unused aerosol-generating article.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the aerosol generating article comprises a colour pigment which is transported to the outer surface of the rod package by moisture and capillary action of the rod package. When moisture carrying the colour pigment contacts the rod package, a mark appears at the rod package indicating that the aerosol generating article has been used. The colour pigment is preferably disposed within an element of the aerosol generating article. The colour pigment may be disposed in a rod package for wrapping an element of the aerosol generating article. Moisture generated in the internal volume of the aerosol generating article and traveling radially outward through the rod package and further into the rod package may carry the colour pigment to the rod package and produce a mark visually perceptible to a user at the rod package.

[0046] Rod packaging can be configured to have a higher capillary action than the capillary action of the rod packaging of the element for aerosol generating articles. Using a rod packaging with a higher capillary action helps to cope with the effects caused by ambient moisture. Due to its higher capillary action, any ambient moisture that enters the rod packaging from the outside will remain in the rod packaging and will not contact the color pigment. Only the moisture generated inside the aerosol generating article will travel through the rod packaging and can carry the color pigment to the outer surface of the rod packaging. Therefore, by using a rod packaging with a high capillary action, the outer coating that protects the rod packaging from the influence of ambient moisture can be omitted. The protective effect of the higher capillary action of the rod packaging depends on the difference in the capillary action used in the packaging material. The higher this difference is, the better the protective effect is. Therefore, using a rod packaging with a high capillary action can help to reduce the spontaneous migration of the color pigment arranged in the aerosol generating article.

[0047] The marking of the aerosol generating element may have any suitable form that can be easily perceived and understood by the user. The marking may include words, graphic elements or symbols that can be used to convey information to the user. The marking may be a printed marking. The marking may include the terms "used", "empty", "disposal" or the like. The symbol may include an "X" (capital letter X), "!" (exclamation point), a caution sign or any other symbol suitable for warning or alerting the user.

[0048] The marking may also be configured to indicate the amount of moisture received in the marking area. The amount of moisture associated with the level of consumption of the aerosol generating article may be converted into the size of the area of ​​the marking. The amount of moisture may be converted into the amount of the marking that appears. For example, the marking may be provided in the form of a progressive marking. The larger the marking or the larger the proportion of the portion of the marking that has been exposed to moisture, the higher the level of exposure to moisture and the higher the level of consumption. Thus, the progression of the color change may be used to provide the user with an indication of how much of the aerosol generating article has been used. The area reached by moisture may be controlled according to the amount of moisture by using a paper treatment that allows for a gradation of moisture. Although such treatments may be used for hydrochromic inks, such an achievement is not easily achieved by using thermochromic inks. Thermochromic inks are generally sensitive to the value of the maximum temperature achieved, but not to the heat involved. Thus, since the maximum temperature has been reached during the first user experience, an aerosol generating article with a thermochromic ink indicator will show the same indication for a completely consumed aerosol generating article as an aerosol generating article that has been heated for only one puff.

[0049] The area where the marking appears may be any specific part of the aerosol-generating article. It may be arranged so that the area is easily identifiable by a user when the aerosol-generating article is taken out of the packaging or when the aerosol-generating article is introduced into the aerosol-generating device. Preferably, the marking is in a position where it is still visible when the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the aerosol-generating device. In this way, the user may still have a chance to detect that he is about to reuse the spent aerosol-generating article.

[0050] The indicia may be provided at a longitudinal position downstream of a substrate rod comprising the aerosol-forming substrate.Since the main heating occurs at the substrate rod, condensation mainly occurs in elements of the aerosol-generating article located downstream of the substrate rod.

[0051] In order to promote the migration of moisture in a radial direction toward the rod package, one or more of the elements of the aerosol generating article may include small openings or perforations extending in a generally radial direction. For example, a paperboard tube placed downstream of the matrix rod may include a small opening in the paperboard tube below the rod package so that a small portion of the heated air and generated aerosol in the paperboard tube can reach the rod package.

[0052] The area of ​​the aerosol-generating article that is accessible to moisture may vary, and may depend on the type of heating system of the aerosol-generating device with which the aerosol-generating article is to be used.

[0053] In the case of an internal heater, such as an induction heating susceptor disposed longitudinally in the centre of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate, the primary heat is generated in the centre of the rod. Moisture caused by condensation of the heated air and aerosol will be generated primarily in the cooler parts at the peripheral regions of the substrate and in the rod packaging. Thereby, the moisture will diffuse according to the capillary action of the rod packaging and will migrate towards the rod packaging.

[0054] In the case of external heater, mainly generate heat at the peripheral area of ​​matrix rod. Matrix rod around and near temperature may be too high and do not allow moisture to arrive matrix rod packaging. Yet, the moisture caused by the condensation of heated air and aerosol can occur at the element that is positioned at matrix rod downstream. In such embodiment, can use the dedicated little air path of its rod packaging from the inner core in the downstream element.Then, moisture can advance along these passages in radial direction, so that arrive rod packaging.

[0055] In this case, the marker must be disposed in a portion of the rod package away from the matrix rod. It may still be desirable to locate the marker away from the matrix rod because such positioning limits the possibility that the material constituting the marker or the material constituting the hydrophobic coating may form harmful and potentially harmful components during heating.

[0056] As discussed above, the aerosol generating article may include a plurality of elements. Each of these elements may be defined by a stick package. The elements themselves or the material of the stick package may have been specifically treated before being combined into the aerosol generating article. Such treatment may be intended to control the individual moisture-related properties of the elements. Such treatment may be a treatment that adjusts the waterproof properties, water absorption or water tension level of the element in order to drive and / or control the humidity in the aerosol generating article.

[0057] In particular, each stick package or element may be constructed to have a relatively low porosity, or may be constructed to be highly hydrophobic. In this way, it can be ensured that as much moisture as possible generated when the aerosol condenses during the user experience can migrate to the stick package including the hydrochromic portion.

[0058] In addition, the favorable rod configuration can also help to enhance the migration of moisture toward the rod package. For example, during the construction of the aerosol generating article, a small air gap can be formed between the outer surface of the rod package of the wrapped element and the inner surface of the rod package. In the dry state, the rod package and the rod package are not in direct contact. This aspect helps to increase the opacity of the rod package, making any following markings become less visible. During the user experience of generating moisture, this moisture can also fill the air gap between the wrappers. This moisture layer creates a kind of "bridge" by replacing the air gap that previously existed between the two wrappers, and direct contact can be established between the wrappers. This effect also increases the visibility of the following markings during and after using the aerosol generating system.

[0059] As discussed above, it may be advantageous to form the stick packages from paper materials having a relatively low thickness and reduced grammage. However, the use of such materials may result in reduced strength of the structure of the package. In order to compensate for the reduced thickness and low grammage of the stick packages, one or more of the stick packages, particularly the aerosol-forming material stick packages, may be formed from a thicker and higher grammage material.

[0060] In order to further control the moisture transport and distribution in the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article may include an element with increased capillarity. Using this element, moisture can be transported to a dedicated portion of the aerosol generating article. The element with increased capillarity can be used to transport moisture toward the portion of the aerosol generating article including the marking. The element with increased capillarity can be a longitudinal element. The element with increased capillarity can be a strip, a line, a yarn, a core or any other suitable capillary element.

[0061] The capillary element may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, and may help to distribute moisture evenly along the entire length of the aerosol-generating article.

[0062] Capillary element can be coated with hydrophobic material.By coating the capillary element with hydrophobic material, the capillary element effectively forms an element that acts as a tube.Moisture can enter at one end of the capillary element and be transported toward its other end by the capillary of the element.Because the length of the capillary material is coated with hydrophobic material, moisture can not enter the capillary element through the hydrophobic coating or only a reduced amount enters the capillary element through the hydrophobic coating.Such element can be particularly used in combination with the capsule that keeps the color pigment.The moisture of the entrained color pigment can be guided along the capillary element toward the predetermined part of the rod packaging.At the output end of the capillary element, the moisture carrying the color pigment is released on the rod packaging, thereby forming a visually perceptible mark at the outer surface of the rod packaging.

[0063] An aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of elements including a strip of an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0064] The aerosol-generating article may typically comprise a hollow acetate tube directly adjacent to an aerosol-generating substrate.The rod of aerosol-generating substrate may be formed from an aerosol-forming material, which may comprise homogenised tobacco material.

[0065] As used herein, term " homogenized tobacco material " contains any tobacco material formed by the agglomeration of tobacco material particles.Sheet material or the fiber web of homogenized tobacco material are formed by making particulate tobacco agglomerate, and this particulate tobacco is obtained by grinding one or both in tobacco blade and tobacco leaf stem or otherwise powdering.In addition, homogenized tobacco material can be included in one or more a small amount of tobacco dust, tobacco granules and other particulate tobacco byproducts formed during the processing, operation and transportation of tobacco.The sheet material of homogenized tobacco material can be produced by casting, extruding, papermaking process or any other suitable technology known in the art.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the strip comprises one or more homogenized tobacco material sheets that have been gathered to form a rod and are limited by an outer wrapper. As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "sheet" describes a laminar element whose width and length are substantially greater than its thickness. As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "gathering" describes a sheet that is substantially bent, folded or otherwise compressed or contracted transversely to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0067] Sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in the present invention can have a tobacco content of at least about 40 weight percent on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 50 weight percent on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 70 weight percent on a dry weight basis, and most preferably at least about 90 weight percent on a dry weight basis.

[0068] Preferably, the sheet of homogenised tobacco material comprises an aerosol former.The sheet of homogenised tobacco material may comprise a single aerosol former.Alternatively, the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol formers.

[0069] Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, monohydric alcohols such as menthol, polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as monoacetin, diacetin or triacetin; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polybasic carboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, erythritol, 1,3-butylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, propylene carbonate, ethyl laurate, triacetin, meso-erythritol, diacetin mixture, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, ethyl vanillate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid and propylene glycol.

[0070] Preferably, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material has an aerosol forming agent content greater than 5% by dry weight. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material can have an aerosol forming agent content of about 5% to about 30% by dry weight. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material has an aerosol forming agent content of about 20% by dry weight.

[0071] The sheet material for homogenized tobacco material of the present invention can include one or more intrinsic binders (i.e. tobacco endogenous binders), one or more non-intrinsic binders (i.e. tobacco exogenous binders) or their combination, to help coalesce particulate tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, the sheet material for the homogenized tobacco material in the aerosol generating matrix can include other additives, including but not limited to tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol forming agents, humectants, plasticizers, spices, fillers, aqueous solvents and non-aqueous solvents and their combination.

[0072] Suitable external binders for inclusion in sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in the present invention are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic and locust bean gum; cellulosic 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.

[0073] Suitable non-tobacco fibers for inclusion in a sheet of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol-generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, cellulose fibers; softwood fibers; hardwood fibers; jute fibers; and combinations thereof. Before inclusion in a sheet of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol-generating substrate, the non-tobacco fibers may be treated by a suitable process known in the art, including, but not limited to, mechanical pulping; refining; chemical pulping; bleaching; kraft pulping; and combinations thereof.

[0074] The sheet of homogenized tobacco used in the present invention preferably has a width between about 70 mm and about 250 mm, for example between about 120 mm and about 160 mm. Preferably, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material has a thickness between about 50 microns and about 300 microns, more preferably between about 150 microns and about 250 microns.

[0075] The sheets of homogenised tobacco used in the aerosol-generating articles of the present invention may be manufactured by methods known in the art (eg, the method disclosed in International Patent Application WO-A-2012 / 164009A2).

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, a sheet of homogenised tobacco material for use in an aerosol-generating article is formed from a slurry comprising particulate tobacco, guar gum, cellulose fibres and glycerol by a casting process.

[0077] As described above, as an alternative to using a gathered sheet of homogenised tobacco material, the aerosol-generating substrate may be formed from a plurality of strips or fragments of a sheet of homogenised tobacco material. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be formed from a plurality of fragments of homogenised tobacco material that are aligned in a longitudinal direction and have been gathered together and wrapped to form a rod of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0078] The length of the fragments of homogenized tobacco material is preferably between about 10 mm and about 20 mm, more preferably between about 12 mm and about 18 mm, more preferably between about 14 mm and about 16 mm, more preferably about 15 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the width of the fragments of homogenized tobacco material is preferably between about 0.4 mm and about 0.8 mm.

[0079] Preferably, the density of the sheet of homogenized tobacco material used to form the shredded pieces is between about 500 mg / cm3 and about 1500 mg / cm3, more preferably between about 800 mg / cm3 and about 1200 mg / cm3, more preferably between about 900 mg / cm3 and about 1100 mg / cm3, and most preferably between about 900 mg / cm3 and about 970 mg / cm3.

[0080] Preferably, the bulk density of the fragments of homogenized tobacco material within the aerosol-generating substrate is between about 0.4 g / cm3 and about 0.8 g / cm3, preferably between about 0.5 g / cm3 and about 0.7 g / cm3, and most preferably between about 0.65 g / cm3 and about 0.67 g / cm3.

[0081] As described above, the homogenised tobacco material may be formed by casting of a slurry. Alternatively, the homogenised tobacco material may be formed by another suitable method, such as an extrusion method.

[0082] Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate comprises a strip of homogenized tobacco material limited by a wrapper, wherein the wrapper is arranged around and contacts the homogenized tobacco material. The wrapper can be formed by any suitable sheet material that can wrap around the homogenized tobacco material to form an aerosol-forming substrate. The wrapper can be porous or nonporous. Preferably, the wrapper is a paper wrapper, but the wrapper can be non-paper alternatively.

[0083] The outer diameter of the strip of aerosol-forming substrate is preferably approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0084] Preferably, the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has an outer diameter of at least 5 mm. The strip of aerosol-generating substrate may have an outer diameter between about 5 mm and about 12 mm, for example, between about 5 mm and about 10 mm or between about 6 mm and about 8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has an outer diameter within 7.2 mm to 10%.

[0085] The length of the strip of aerosol-generating substrate may be between about 7 mm and about 15 mm. In one embodiment, the strip of aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of about 10 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the strip of aerosol-forming substrate has a length of about 12 mm.

[0086] Preferably, the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially uniform cross-section along the length of the strip. Particularly preferably, the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0087] Aerosol-generating articles according to the invention preferably include one or more elements in addition to the strip of aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating article may further include at least one of the following: a mouthpiece, an aerosol-cooling element and a support element, such as a hollow acetate tube. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article comprises a strip of aerosol-generating substrate as described above arranged in a linear sequence, a support element located immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, an aerosol-cooling element located downstream of the support element, and a rod package defining the strip, the support element and the aerosol-cooling element.

[0088] An aerosol generating system according to the present invention comprises an aerosol generating article as described above in detail in conjunction with an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device being adapted to receive an upstream end of the aerosol generating article during a user experience. The aerosol generating device comprises a heating element configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate so as to generate an aerosol during use. Preferably, the heating element is adapted to penetrate the aerosol generating substrate when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. For example, the heating element is preferably in the form of a heater blade.

[0089] The heater element may also be an external heating element that surrounds the aerosol-generating article during use.

[0090] The heating element may be a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element.

[0091] During use, the heating element is controlled to operate within a defined operating temperature range (i.e. below a maximum operating temperature). The thermal indicator of the aerosol-generating article is adapted such that when the heater element is operated below the maximum operating temperature, the threshold temperature is not reached during normal use of the aerosol-generating article in the aerosol-generating device. This ensures that the thermal indicator is not activated during normal use when the aerosol-generating article is used with the aerosol-generating device.

[0092] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further comprises a housing, a power source connected to the heating element, and a control element configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heating element.

[0093] Suitable aerosol generating devices for use in the aerosol generating system of the present invention are described in WO-A-2013 / 098405.

[0094] The present invention also relates to a method of making an aerosol-generating article, comprising providing a plurality of components, and providing a rod package. The method further comprises connecting the components by wrapping the rod package around the components to form an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article is configured to reveal a visually perceptible indicia when the rod package comes into contact with moisture.

[0095] A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below.Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment or aspect described herein.

[0096] Example 1: An aerosol-generating article comprising:

[0097] Multiple components, and

[0098] a rod package, wherein the rod package is configured to connect the elements to form the aerosol-generating article,

[0099] Wherein the aerosol-generating article is further configured to reveal a visually perceptible indicia when the rod package comes into contact with moisture.

[0100] Example 2: An aerosol-generating article according to example 1, wherein the aerosol-generating article is configured to be heated such that an aerosol is formed by evaporation of a volatile component of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0101] Example 3: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a proximal end and a distal end, and the strip-shaped element defines an internal airflow path from the distal end to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0102] Example 4: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the element comprises a substrate rod comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0103] Example 5: An aerosol-generating article according to the preceding example, wherein the matrix rod comprises glycerol.

[0104] Example 6: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the strip-shaped element comprises one or more of a front end filter, a mouthpiece filter, a hollow acetate tube, and a paperboard tube.

[0105] Example 7: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein one or more of the elements comprises a stick pack.

[0106] Example 8: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein at least a portion of the rod wrap is configured as a hydrochromic portion that changes color or opacity upon contact with moisture.

[0107] Example 9: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the hydrochromic portion of the rod package covers a portion of the outer surface of the element, wherein the portion of the outer surface of the element carries indicia, and wherein the hydrochromic portion of the rod package is configured to become more transparent upon contact with moisture.

[0108] Example 10: An aerosol-generating article according to any of examples 8 or 9, wherein the rod package is substantially transparent, wherein the rod package is provided with a hydrochromic portion that is opaque in a dry state, and wherein the hydrochromic portion becomes more transparent upon contact with moisture.

[0109] Example 11: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the hydrochromic portion of the rod package is configured to change color upon contact with moisture.

[0110] Example 12: An aerosol-generating article according to Example 11, wherein the hydrochromic portion of the rod package is configured to have the same or similar color as the rod package prior to contact with moisture, and wherein the hydrochromic portion of the rod package is also configured to change its color upon contact with moisture.

[0111] Example 13: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a color pigment, the color pigment being transported to the outer surface of the rod wrap by moisture and capillary action of the rod wrap.

[0112] Example 14: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein moisture generated by condensation of heated air or aerosol contacts the hydrochromic portion of the rod package.

[0113] Example 15: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the stick pack and the rod pack are made of paper materials having different thicknesses or different grammages.

[0114] Example 16: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the indicia comprises words, graphic elements or symbols that can be used to convey information to the user.

[0115] Example 17: An aerosol-generating article according to the preceding example, wherein the indicia is configured to indicate an amount of moisture received in the indicia region.

[0116] Example 18: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the indicia is disposed in a longitudinal position downstream of a substrate rod comprising the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0117] Example 19: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an element with increased capillarity for transporting moisture to a dedicated portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0118] Example 20: An aerosol-generating article according to the preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an element having increased capillarity for transporting moisture towards a portion of the aerosol-generating article comprising the indicia.

[0119] Example 21: An aerosol-generating article according to the preceding example, wherein the element having increased capillarity is a thread.

[0120] Example 22: An aerosol-generating article according to the preceding example, wherein the thread is coated with a hydrophobic material such that moisture is carried from one end of the thread to the other end of the thread which is advantageously in contact with the rod package.

[0121] Example 23: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein one or more of the strip-shaped elements may include perforations or openings to enhance radial transfer of moisture from the airflow channel towards the rod packaging.

[0122] Example 24: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the rod package is covered by a hydrophobic layer.

[0123] Example 25: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the change in color or opacity of the hydrochromic portion is irreversible.

[0124] Example 26: An aerosol generating system comprising:

[0125] an aerosol generating device; and

[0126] An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example.

[0127] Example 27: A method of making an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising:

[0128] providing a plurality of strip elements, and

[0129] Provide rod packaging,

[0130] connecting the strip-shaped elements by wrapping the rod wrap around the strip-shaped elements to form the aerosol-generating article,

[0131] wherein the aerosol-generating article is configured to reveal visually perceptible indicia when the rod package comes into contact with moisture.

[0132] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0133] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0134] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating article;

[0135] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the construction of an aerosol-generating article;

[0136] Figure 3 Details of an induction heated aerosol generating article comprising a rod pack having a hydrochromic portion are shown;

[0137] Figure 4 An aerosol-generating article having covered and revealed indicia is shown;

[0138] Figure 5Another mechanism for revealing indicia on an aerosol-generating article is shown;

[0139] Figure 6 An embodiment of an aerosol-generating article comprising a transparent rod package is shown;

[0140] Figure 7 An aerosol-generating article comprising a color pigment is shown;

[0141] Figure 8 various features of indicia provided on an aerosol-generating article are shown; and

[0142] Fig. 9 An aerosol-generating article comprising a capillary thread is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0143] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a conventional aerosol-generating article 10 is shown. The aerosol-generating article 10 is a rod-shaped article comprising a plurality of rod-shaped elements 12, 14, 16, 18 connected to each other by a rod wrapper 30. The rod wrapper 30 is made of conventional cigarette paper. The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises four elements: a front rod 12, a sensory medium rod 14 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 15, a hollow acetate tube 16 and a mouthpiece filter 18.

[0144] Each element is individually wrapped in a packaging material (not shown), and the so-called stick wrap holds the material of each element together. These wrapped elements are then wrapped together by the rod wrap 30 to form a Figure 1 The rod structure of the aerosol-generating article 10 depicted in FIG.

[0145] External air 22 drawn into the aerosol-generating article 10 by the user enters primarily through the front rod 12 at the distal or upstream end 24 of the aerosol-generating article 10. The external air 22 is directed through the aerosol-forming substrate 15 and mixes with the vapor and other volatiles generated when the aerosol-forming substrate 15 is heated to form an aerosol 26. The heated air and aerosol 26 are then directed forward through the other elements of the aerosol-generating article 10 and exit the aerosol-generating article 10 at the proximal or downstream end 28 through the mouthpiece filter 18. All elements form an internal airflow path 29 through the aerosol-generating article 10.

[0146] Figure 2An aerosol generating article 10 is shown comprising three elements 12, 14, 16, each of which is wrapped by a rod wrap 32, 34, 36. When the aerosol generating article 10 is manufactured, the individual elements 12, 14, 16 are aligned and abutted against each other, as indicated by the two arrows at either end of the aerosol generating article 10. Subsequently, the elements 12, 14, 16 are wrapped in an outer wrapping material, i.e. a rod wrap 32. In general, there may be several rod wraps which may overlap each other. For example, tipping paper typically represents a rod wrap that covers a mouthpiece filter and connects the mouthpiece filter to the rest of the aerosol generating article 10. This connection may be accomplished by connecting the overlapping parts of another rod wrap, i.e. a so-called cigarette wrapper, to the other components of the aerosol generating article 10. The aerosol generating article of the present invention in principle comprises corresponding elements, and as Figure 1 and Figure 2 manufactured as explained in the illustration.

[0147] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an aerosol-generating article 10 according to the present invention is shown. The aerosol-generating article 10 again comprises four strip-shaped elements: a front rod 12, a sensory medium rod 14 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 15, a hollow acetate tube 16 and a mouthpiece filter 18. Each of these elements is individually wrapped in a stick wrap 32, 34, 36, 38.

[0148] The front rod 12, sensory medium rod 14 and hollow acetate tube 16 are wrapped together using a first rod wrap 30 to form the front portion of the aerosol generating article 10. The mouthpiece filter 18 is attached to this front portion using a second rod wrap 52, commonly referred to as tipping paper.

[0149] The sensory medium rod 14 includes a susceptor element 40 for inductively heating the aerosol-forming substrate 15. External air 22 enters the aerosol-generating article 10 through the front rod 12 at the upstream end 24 of the aerosol-generating article 10. As the external air 22 is directed through the sensory medium rod 14, the external air is heated and entrains volatile aromas.

[0150] The heated air and aerosol 26 travels primarily along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article 10, but a portion 44 thereof flows in a radial direction to the outer periphery of the sensory medium stick 14, as indicated by arrow 44. At the periphery of the sensory medium stick 14, the heated air and aerosol 26 becomes cooler and condenses, thereby becoming moisture 46. This moisture 46 travels through the sensory medium stick wrap 34 by capillary action and reaches the inner surface of the rod wrap 30.

[0151] exist Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the rod package 30 has a hydrochromic portion 50. The hydrochromic portion 50 is a portion of the rod package 30 that is printed with a hydrochromic ink. In a dry state, the hydrochromic ink has a color that corresponds to the color of the rest of the rod package 30. Therefore, in a dry state, the hydrochromic portion 50 cannot be optically perceived by a user.

[0152] Upon contact with moisture 46 generated during user experience, the hydrochromic ink of the hydrochromic portion 50 irreversibly changes its color from the original paper color to blue, which represents a strong contrast to the original paper color. Thus, after use, the user can easily perceive the hydrochromic portion 50. Thus, the hydrochromic portion 50 forms a visually perceptible mark, which allows the user to easily distinguish a used aerosol-generating article 10 from an unused aerosol-generating article 10.

[0153] On the exterior of the rod packaging 30, a transparent hydrophobic coating 54 is provided which extends over the entire surface of the rod packaging 30. The transparent hydrophobic coating 54 protects the rod packaging 30 from ambient moisture.

[0154] Figure 4 Another embodiment of an aerosol-generating article comprising a rod pack having a hydrochromic portion 50 is shown. Figure 4 , only the area of ​​the aerosol-generating article 10 including the hydrochromic portion 50 and the indicia 60 is shown. Figure 4 The left side view in FIG. 1 shows an unused aerosol generating article 10, and Figure 4 The right side view in FIG. 1 shows the same aerosol generating article 10 after use. The aerosol generating article 10 comprises an element 16, which in this case is a PLA filter element. The filter element 16 is wrapped by a stick wrap 36. Indicia 60 is provided at the outer surface of the stick wrap 36. Indicia 60 is provided in the form of a colored stripe. The stick wrap is further wrapped with a rod wrap 30, which is used to connect the element 16 to an adjacent element of the aerosol generating article 10. Figure 4 , the inner surface 30a and the outer surface 30b of the rod package 30 are depicted.

[0155] exist Figure 4In the embodiment of the invention, at least the depicted portion of the rod wrapper 30 of the aerosol generating article 10 is made of ordinary cigarette paper. This cigarette paper is opaque in the dry state, but becomes more transparent when subjected to moisture 46. Therefore, in the sense of the present invention, the depicted portion of the rod wrapper forms the hydrochromic portion 50. Before use, the depicted portion of the rod wrapper 30 is opaque and the user cannot recognize the permanent marking 60 at the rod wrapper 36 arranged below the rod wrapper 30. When the aerosol generating article 10 is used, moisture 46 is generated in the inner volume of the aerosol generating article 10. A portion of this moisture 46 travels towards the rod wrapper 30, thereby increasing the humidity level in the rod wrapper 30. After use of the aerosol generating article 10, the depicted portion of the rod wrapper 30 covering the marking 60 has been exposed to the moisture 46 and becomes more transparent. Therefore, the user can visually perceive the marking 60 below the rod wrapper 30 after using the aerosol generating article 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The right side view is indicated.

[0156] Figure 5 Another embodiment of an aerosol-generating article comprising a rod package having a hydrochromic portion 50 is shown. Figure 4 middle, Figure 5 Only the area of ​​the aerosol-generating article 10 comprising the hydrochromic portion 50 and indicia 60 is shown. Figure 5 The left side view in FIG. 1 shows an unused aerosol generating article 10, and Figure 5 The right side view in FIG. 1 shows the same aerosol generating article 10 after use. The construction of the aerosol generating article 10 is similar to Figure 4 The construction of the aerosol generating article 10 shown in FIG. 1 is largely the same. Figure 5 In FIG. 5 , the rod package is now provided with a stripe of hydrochromic ink forming a hydrochromic portion 50 .

[0157] The colour of the striped hydrochromic portion 50 is selected to be more or less the same as the colour of the rod wrapper. Thus, in an unused aerosol-generating article 10, the hydrochromic portion 50 on the rod wrapper 30 is not visually perceptible to the user. Instead, the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article appears to have a uniform colour.

[0158] When the aerosol-generating article 10 is used, moisture 46 is generated in the interior volume of the aerosol-generating article 10. A portion of this moisture travels toward the rod packaging 30, thereby increasing the humidity level in the rod packaging 30 and in the hydrochromic portion 50 printed thereon. Upon interacting with this moisture 46, the hydrochromic ink changes its color to form a strong contrast with the color of the rest of the rod packaging. Figure 5In the example of FIG. 4 , the hydrochromic portion turns blue upon contact with moisture 46. The user can now visually perceive the indicia 60 on the rod packaging 30 again after using the aerosol-generating article 10. In order to protect the outside air humidity from triggering the color change of the hydrochromic portion 50, the rod packaging 30 may be provided with a hydrophobic and transparent outer coating.

[0159] Figure 6 Another embodiment of an aerosol-generating article comprising a rod pack having a hydrochromic portion 50 is shown. Figure 6 The left side view in FIG. 1 shows an unused aerosol generating article 10, and Figure 6 The right side view in FIG. 1 shows the same aerosol generating article 10 after use. The construction of the aerosol generating article 10 is similar to Figure 4 The construction of the aerosol generating article 10 shown in FIG is largely the same. Again, the outer surface of the stick wrap 36 is provided with indicia 60 in the form of a colored stripe. The stick wrap is further wrapped with a rod wrap 30, which is used to connect the element 16 to an adjacent element of the aerosol generating article 10. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the rod package 30 is generally transparent.

[0160] The rod package 30 includes a hydrochromic portion 50 that is opaque as long as the hydrochromic portion is not in contact with moisture. The hydrochromic portion 50 is disposed at the inner surface of the rod package 30 and completely covers the indicia 60 of the stick package 36. Figure 6 As indicated in the left side view of , in the dry state, the opaque hydrochromic portion 50 covers the indicia 60 such that the indicia 60 is not visually perceptible to the user.

[0161] When the aerosol-generating article 10 is used, moisture 46 is generated in the interior volume of the aerosol-generating article 10. A portion of this moisture travels toward the rod packaging 30, thereby increasing the humidity level in the rod packaging 30 and also in the hydrochromic portion 50 printed on its inner surface. Upon interaction with this moisture 46, the hydrochromic ink changes its opacity and becomes transparent. Due to the change in opacity of the hydrochromic portion 50, the indicia 60 beneath the hydrochromic portion 50 is revealed. Thus, after using the aerosol-generating article 10, the user can again visually perceive the indicia 60 through the rod packaging 30. In order to protect the external air humidity from triggering the color change of the hydrochromic portion 50, the rod packaging 30 can be provided with a hydrophobic and transparent outer coating.

[0162] Figure 7 Another embodiment of an aerosol-generating article comprising a rod pack having a hydrochromic portion 50 is shown. Figure 7 The left side view in FIG. 1 shows an unused aerosol generating article 10, and Figure 7The right side view in FIG. 1 shows the same aerosol generating article 10 after use. The construction of the aerosol generating article 10 is similar to Figure 4 The construction of the aerosol generating article 10 shown in FIG. 1 is largely the same. Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, a color pigment 62 is disposed between the element 16 and the rod wrap 30. The color pigment does not flow in an unused aerosol-generating article 10. The color pigment 62 is covered by the opaque rod wrap 30 so that the color pigment 62 is not visible in an unused article. At least the hydrochromic portion 50 of the rod wrap 30 has increased capillarity. The term "increased capillarity" means that the capillarity is greater than the capillarity of the stick wrap 36.

[0163] When the aerosol generating article 10 is used, moisture 46 is generated in the internal volume of the aerosol generating article 10. A portion of this moisture travels radially through the rod package 36 towards the rod package 30. The color pigment 62 is carried by the internal moisture 46 and the increased capillary action of the rod package 30 towards the outer surface of the rod package 30. On the outer surface of the rod package, the color pigment becomes visible. Therefore, the color pigment forms a visually perceptible mark 60, which shows that the aerosol generating article 10 has been used. This embodiment is less susceptible to the influence of ambient moisture because the increased capillary action keeps the ambient moisture within the rod package 30 and thereby prevents the ambient moisture from contacting the color pigment 62. However, the rod package can still be provided with a hydrophobic and transparent outer coating to further reduce the influence of ambient moisture.

[0164] exist Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , various configurations of indicia are depicted. The indicia may, for example, include the word “used” displayed on an outer surface of the aerosol-generating article 10. In addition, in Figure 8 In an embodiment of the invention, the marking comprises progressive portions which indicate the level of consumption of the aerosol-generating article 10. The progressive marking is an arrow symbol comprising four segments. The first and second segments are already visible. The further segments are not yet visible and are only indicated by dashed lines. Thus, a user can infer from the progressive marking that the aerosol-generating article 10 has been consumed by 50%. The amount of segments of the marking which appear depends on the amount of moisture generated, which in turn indicates the intensity with which the aerosol-generating article 10 has been used. Such a progressive marking cannot be easily obtained with thermochromic inks, since thermochromic inks are only sensitive to absolute temperatures and cannot give an indication of how long the aerosol-generating article has been subjected to such temperatures.

[0165] Fig. 9An aerosol-generating article 10 is depicted comprising a plurality of strip-shaped elements 12, 14, 16, 18 connected to one another by a rod wrapper 30. The rod wrapper 30 is made of conventional cigarette paper. The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises four elements: a front rod 12, a sensory medium rod 14 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 15, a hollow acetate tube 16 and a mouthpiece filter 18.

[0166] The sensory medium stick and the hollow acetate tube are wrapped in stick wraps 34, 36, respectively. The stick wrap 36 of the hollow acetate tube 16 carries indicia 60 in the form of a printed graphic icon. The icon shows a red triangle with an exclamation point. The aerosol generating article 10 also includes a capillary element in the form of a capillary string 64. The capillary string 64 extends substantially over the entire length of the aerosol generating article 10.

[0167] exist Fig. 9 In the middle view of FIG. 1 , the aerosol-generating article 10 is depicted in fully assembled form. A rod wrapper 30, which is a conventional cigarette paper, extends over the completed aerosol-generating article 10 and joins together the various elements, including the capillary thread 64. As long as the aerosol-generating article 10 is not in use, the rod wrapper 30 is dry and opaque. In this state, the rod wrapper 30 also covers the indicia 60, so that the indicia is not visible or only barely visible to the user.

[0168] exist Fig. 9 , depicts an aerosol-generating article 10 after use. Moisture generated during use has been diffused by the capillary lines 64 over the entire length of the aerosol-generating article 10. A portion of the rod wrap 30 has reacted with this moisture and has become more transparent during use. This portion, including the area of ​​the hollow acetate tube 16 carrying the indicia 60, is the hydrochromic portion 50 of the rod wrap 30. Because this portion has become more transparent, the indicia 60 beneath this portion is revealed. The change in contrast of the indicia 60 between the unused aerosol-generating article 10 and the used aerosol-generating article is about 4. Therefore, the user can now clearly and easily distinguish between the used aerosol-generating article 10 and the unused aerosol-generating article.

Claims

1. An electrically heated aerosol generating product, comprising: Multiple components, and a rod package, wherein the rod package is configured to connect the elements to form the aerosol-generating article, Wherein the aerosol-generating article is further configured to reveal a visually perceptible indicia when the rod package comes into contact with moisture.

2. An electrically heated aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the rod wrap is configured as a hydrochromic portion that changes colour or opacity upon contact with moisture.

3. An electrically heated aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrochromic portion of the rod package covers a portion of the outer surface of the element, wherein the portion of the outer surface of the element carries indicia, and wherein the hydrochromic portion of the rod package is configured to become more transparent when in contact with moisture.

4. An electrically heated aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the rod packaging is substantially transparent, wherein the rod packaging is provided with a hydrochromic portion, the hydrochromic portion is opaque in a dry state, and wherein the hydrochromic portion becomes more transparent when in contact with moisture.

5. An electrically heated aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the hydrochromic portion of the rod pack is configured to change colour upon contact with moisture.

6. An electrically heated aerosol generating article according to claim 5, wherein the hydrochromic portion of the rod package is configured to have the same or similar color as the rod package before contact with moisture, and wherein the hydrochromic portion of the rod package is also configured to change its color when in contact with moisture.

7. An electrically heated aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a colour pigment which is transported to the outer surface of the rod wrap by moisture and capillary action of the rod wrap.

8. An electrically heated aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein moisture generated by condensation of the heated air or aerosol contacts the hydrochromic portion of the rod pack.

9. An electrically heated aerosol-generating article according to the preceding claim, wherein the indicia is configured to indicate an amount of moisture received in the indicia region.

10. An electrically heated aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an element having increased capillarity for transporting moisture to a dedicated portion of the aerosol-generating article.

11. An electrically heated aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the strip-shaped elements may comprise perforations or openings to enhance radial transfer of moisture from the airflow channel towards the rod packaging.

12. An electrically heated aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the rod wrap is covered by a hydrophobic layer.

13. An electrically heated aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the change in colour or opacity of the hydrochromic portion is irreversible.

14. An aerosol generating system comprising: Aerosol generating devices; as well as 4. An electrically heated aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim.

15. A method of manufacturing an electrically heated aerosol-generating article, the method comprising: providing a plurality of strip elements, and Provide rod packaging, connecting the strip-shaped elements by wrapping the rod wrap around the strip-shaped elements to form the electrically heated aerosol-generating article, wherein the electrically heated aerosol-generating article is configured to reveal visually perceptible indicia when the rod package comes into contact with moisture.

Images