Aerosol-generating article with tobacco fine particles and cooling element and method for manufacturing aerosol-generating article
By designing aerosol-generated products containing tobacco fine particles and multi-channel cooling elements, the problem of not being able to provide constant flavor and nicotine content in the prior art is solved, and the constant flavor and nicotine content is maintained during inhalation is achieved, and the inhalation experience of consumers is improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380074149.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-12-01
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing aerosol-generating products cannot provide essentially constant flavor and nicotine content during inhalation, affecting the consumer's inhalation experience.
An aerosol-generating product for a non-combustion heating aerosol generation device is designed, including an aerosol-generating matrix, a cooling element and a mouth-end section. The aerosol-generating matrix contains fine tobacco particles, and the cooling element consists of a number of channels extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating product, ensuring that the aerosol reaches the appropriate temperature upon inhalation.
By optimizing the design of aerosol-generated products, a constant nicotine content can be quickly achieved and maintained at the start of inhalation, while maintaining the constant flavor, providing consumers with the best inhalation experience.
Smart Images

Figure CN120035386A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article for a non-combustion heating aerosol-generating device (heat-not-burn device). The aerosol-generating article extends in a longitudinal direction and comprises an aerosol-generating substrate, a mouthpiece end section downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate relative to the flow path of the aerosol, and a cooling element arranged between the aerosol-generating substrate and the mouthpiece end section. The aerosol-generating substrate comprises fine tobacco particles. The cooling element comprises a plurality of channels extending at least partially substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article.
[0002] Non-combustion heated aerosol generating devices are articles that reduce harmful substances that would be produced by combustion, because the flavor is not obtained by combustion but by heating. Consumers only inhale aerosols generated under controlled conditions. In order to provide consumers with a high sense of pleasure that does not decrease during inhalation from the beginning, it is important to provide a constant aerosol vapor with a desired component right from the beginning. This may be affected by both the design of the aerosol-generating article and the components of the aerosol-generating substrate. In addition, for flavor, the nicotine content in the aerosol plays a major role because it has the effect desired by consumers.
[0003] US20220175034A1 discloses an aerosol-generating article, which includes an aerosol-forming substrate, a hollow tubular support element and a filter. The aerosol-forming substrate is located at the upstream end of the article. The hollow tubular support element is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, and the hollow tubular support element extends in the longitudinal direction. The filter element is arranged downstream of the hollow tubular support element. The hardness of the hollow tubular support element is defined by the DD60A test and is at least about 80%, wherein the hollow tubular support element has optimized heat capacity and structural characteristics. It also defines an opening extending in the longitudinal direction and is configured for aerosol to flow toward the downstream end. The aerosol-forming substrate can be a tobacco-containing substrate, and can have a hollow tubular shape to accommodate a heating element without piercing the tobacco-containing substrate.
[0004] KR2268663B1 discloses an aerosol generating article, which is combined with an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating article includes a tobacco rod and a cooling structure, which is manufactured by weaving at least one fiber bundle. The tobacco rod includes an aerosol generating material, such as glycerol, propylene glycol or ethylene glycol. In addition, the tobacco rod may contain other additive substances, such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and / or organic acids.
[0005] US20210015170A1 relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, a support element immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, and an aerosol-cooling element downstream of the support element. In addition, a mouthpiece filter may be arranged at the most downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate comprises a gathered sheet of curled homogenized tobacco material surrounded by a wrapper.
[0006] From WO 2017041920A1, an aerosol-generating article is known, which comprises homogenized tobacco. The homogenized tobacco can be a mixture of different tobacco types and specified particle sizes. The mixture can contain several flavoring agents. The method for forming the homogenized tobacco comprises heating and forming a homogenized slurry comprising tobacco powder having a specified particle size.
[0007] WO 2021 / 170650 A1 discloses an aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol-generating article comprises a rod for an aerosol-generating substrate, and the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a homogenized plant material, and the homogenized plant material comprises tobacco particles and non-tobacco plant flavor particles. Non-tobacco plant flavor particles include particles of eucalyptus, fennel, cloves, ginger, rosemary, or a combination thereof. Therefore, this invention does not have multiple channels. Therefore, there is no optimization for the flavor and temperature provided to consumers. In an article with such an arrangement, the flavor will change with the use of the aerosol-generating article, and the temperature of the aerosol will also change.
[0008] EP 2 625 975 A1 relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol-cooling element for cooling an aerosol formed from the substrate. It does not show the composition of the aerosol consisting of particles of tobacco and a nicotine source.
[0009] Known aerosol generating articles are based on different designs to optimize the flavor delivery to the user. Therefore, it is important that the flavor is present from the beginning and remains substantially constant until the end of inhalation. In addition to the flavor, the nicotine content in the aerosol is an important criterion for consumers. Moreover, the nicotine content should be substantially constant during inhalation. However, known aerosol generating articles of current design cannot provide substantially constant flavor and / or nicotine content during inhalation.
[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to improve the flavor delivery to the user, i.e. by making the nicotine content in the aerosol quickly reach the optimal level at the beginning of inhalation, and keep it substantially constant during inhalation. This should be done while also keeping the flavor constant during inhalation. Although it is also important to maintain the high nicotine level in the aerosol produced throughout the suction period, the object of the present invention is also to provide an aerosol with suitable inhalation parameters for sensory purposes. For aerosol production products with enhanced tobacco flavor content and enhanced nicotine content in aerosol, the inhalation temperature must be properly controlled to avoid irritation to the inner wall of the throat and the respiratory tract leading to the lungs, which may cause potential discomfort during the suction period.
[0011] It has been found that these problems can be overcome by an aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 14 .
[0012] The aerosol-generating article for a non-combustion heated aerosol-generating device extends in a longitudinal direction and preferably has a substantially cylindrical shape. It comprises an aerosol-generating substrate, a mouth end section arranged downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate relative to the flow path of the aerosol, and a cooling element arranged between the aerosol-generating substrate and the mouth end section.
[0013] The mouth end section according to the invention is the end piece at which the user preferably inhales the aerosol. In order to have a pleasant feeling on the lips when inhaling, the mouth end section is usually wrapped in paper or has another pleasant surface structure.
[0014] The cooling element according to the present invention comprises a plurality of channels substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article at least in part. The cooling element is an important feature for delivering the desired flavored aerosol to the user at a suitable inhalation temperature. During the suction period, the aerosol generating substrate can be heated to a high temperature (i.e., vaporization temperature) in the vaporization chamber of the heat-not-burn device, preferably higher than 150°C and up to 380°C, most preferably between 200°C and 350°C. This aerosol will be too hot for the user to inhale, and the desired temperature range for inhaling the aerosol should be lower than the optimal temperature for generating an aerosol with a desired flavor. Therefore, at such a vaporization temperature, the vaporization of the aerosol generating substrate can be quickly generated in the vaporization chamber, and then the aerosol droplets are provided to the user at a suitable inhalation temperature due to the cooling element of the formed aerosol. The suitable inhalation temperature is lower than 50°C, preferably between 25°C and 45°C, most preferably between 30°C and 42°C. In order to achieve the best possible cooling, both geometric dimensions and material dimensions should be considered. Additionally, the cooling preferably does not negatively impact the composition of the aerosol and / or the process of inhaling the aerosol.
[0015] The cooling effect is usually caused by heat transfer from a hotter medium (in this case the aerosol) to a cooler medium (in this case the cooling element). The surface area between the two media, the temperature difference between the media, and the heat transfer coefficient are important variables. Therefore, they must be utilized in a smart way in order to be able to provide the consumer with an aerosol at the desired temperature.
[0016] As mentioned above, surface area is one variable that affects heat transfer and therefore cooling of the aerosol. Generally, the larger the surface area between the aerosol and the cooling element, the cooler the aerosol will be when it reaches the mouth end section downstream of the cooling element.
[0017] In case of an elongated design of the cooling element, the cylindrical shape of the channel is a simple way to produce a highly efficient cooling aerosol. A branching structure will increase the surface area, but the aerosol will also settle. This will lead to increased condensation in the cooling element, which is disadvantageous. Another consideration is the flow resistance. This should also be arranged in a way that the consumer does not have to inhale the aerosol too hard. Therefore, a compromise between cooling area and flow resistance needs to be maintained. Moreover, the length of the cooling element can be adjusted.
[0018] As the aerosol flows through the multiple channels, the temperature of the aerosol decreases and the wall temperature of the channels increases. Here, the heat capacity of the cooling element is also important because it determines how much energy can be processed from the aerosol to the cooling element. In the final stage, the temperature of the element will be equal to the temperature of the aerosol. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling element has a conductive connection with the aerosol generating device so that heat can also continue to dissipate from the cooling element to the aerosol generating device, so that cooling of the aerosol is always maintained. In another preferred embodiment, a cooling surface on the outside of the cooling element or the aerosol generating device is equipped to further dissipate the heat.
[0019] The heat transfer coefficient can be affected by the aerosol velocity and the type of flow (i.e., laminar or turbulent) as well as the texture of the channel walls. However, since the quality of the aerosol is optimized for the best flavor and experience for the consumer, this variable sets itself.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the channels are straight, parallel to each other, and have the same diameter. In another preferred embodiment, the channels are straight, parallel to each other, and may have different diameters from each other. In another preferred embodiment, the channels are conical or tapered and are the same or different from each other. In this case, each channel has a diameter that varies along the length of the channel. In some embodiments envisioning tapered channels, the diameter of the channel at the upstream end of the cooling element is greater than the diameter of the channel at the downstream end of the cooling element. In some other embodiments envisioning tapered channels, the diameter of the channel at the downstream end of the cooling element is greater than the diameter of the channel at the upstream end of the cooling element. In a preferred embodiment, the channels are formed by an extruder technique.
[0021] The aerosol - generating substrate according to the present invention comprises fine tobacco particles. The size of the particles is one of a plurality of variables by which the rate of flavor release can be determined when the aerosol - generating device is activated. By the size of the particles, it can also be determined how strong the tobacco taste is. In order to obtain a preferred flavor, fine tobacco particles of different tobacco types can be mixed. Using different sizes for the fine tobacco particles of one type and / or different particle sizes for different tobacco types can also be a useful measure in order to obtain the most beneficial flavor for the consumer. This is another important step in addition to the cooling section to achieve the goal of providing the best experience for the consumer from the start. As mentioned above, not only the flavor but also the nicotine content is crucial for giving the consumer the best possible experience immediately after activating the aerosol - generating device. Fine tobacco facilitates the provision of an aerosol with a sufficient nicotine level. The fine particles are heated faster and, for the same mass, have a larger surface area. Therefore, the amount of nicotine released immediately after activating the device is higher than that of aerosol - generating articles of the prior art. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the size (sD 50 Sedigraph) of the fine tobacco particles is in the range of 10 µm to 200 µm, preferably 15 µm to 100 µm. More preferably, it is the size of fine particles in the range of 20 µm to 50 µm. Even more preferably, it is a size of 30 µm, optionally ± ≤ 5 µm, preferably with an even smaller deviation of ± ≤ 2 µm.
[0022] In another preferred embodiment, particles of the nicotine source can be added to the aerosol - generating substrate. As used herein, "particles of the nicotine source" are different from "tobacco particles" and refer to nicotine powder in which the powder has a defined and optimal particle size. Powdered nicotine or "particles of the nicotine source" is more stable than liquid nicotine base and provides the same benefits as liquid nicotine base dissolved in propylene glycol or glycerol. Powdered nicotine or "particles of the nicotine source" evaporates at a lower temperature and has a low pH, which provides a smoother draw experience and better nicotine absorption. For example, "particles of the nicotine source" can be a powder of nicotine salt, microcrystalline cellulose - loaded nicotine, or nicotine bound to an ion - exchange resin to facilitate controlled release. Depending on the desired nicotine level in the aerosol, the particle size (sD 50 Sedigraph) of the nicotine source particles is in the range of 10 µm to 300 µm, preferably 20 µm to 200 µm, more preferably 30 µm to 100 µm. Most preferably, the particle size of the nicotine source particles is about 50 µm, in a range of preferably ± ≤ 5 µm. To be able to even more precisely regulate the nicotine content in the aerosol, a range of ± ≤ 2 µm is preferred.
[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the average size (sD 50 Sedigraph) of the fine particles of the nicotine source exceeds the average size of the tobacco fine particles. Doing so can affect the flavor and nicotine content in the aerosol. Preferably, the fine particles of the nicotine source are at least in the range of 1.2 times to 4 times, more preferably at least in the range of 1.4 times to 2 times, even more preferably at least in the range of 1.6 times to 1.8 times the size of the tobacco fine particles. Preferably, the fine particles of the nicotine source are in the range of 1.2 times to 4 times, more preferably in the range of 1.4 times to 2 times the size of the tobacco fine particles. Most preferably, it is in the range of 1.6 times to 1.8 times.
[0024] As described above, the tobacco fine particles and the fine particles of the nicotine source are important for controlling the flavor and nicotine content of the aerosol. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, these two types of particles are mixed together and preferably evenly distributed in the aerosol - generating substrate. It may also be preferred to arrange a plurality of stacked elements of the more uniform aerosol - generating substrate together to obtain a stacked aerosol - generating substrate. In an advantageous embodiment, such stacking is used to very quickly provide some nicotine content at the start, even when the heater of the aerosol - generating device has not yet reached the optimal temperature. When the heater has reached the optimal operating temperature, the first stacked element is used up, while the stacked element for generating the optimal flavor and nicotine content under stable temperature conditions is in use.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco fine particles are in a liquid suspension. This liquid suspension comprises glycerine (vegetable glycerine (VG)), propylene glycol (PG), water or a mixture thereof. The liquid suspension provides particularly good conditions for producing an aerosol with the best possible taste and a constant nicotine content. The suspension can also contain other condiments in solid form or liquid form. Thin nicotine particles can also be included in a preferred embodiment. Preferably, all components of the liquid suspension are uniformly distributed.
[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the weight fraction of tobacco fine particles in the aerosol generating substrate to the weight fraction of particles of the nicotine source is in the range of 95:5 to 40:60. Preferably in the range of 90:10 to 50:50, more preferably in the range of 80:20 to 60:40. In the most preferred embodiment, the weight fraction of tobacco fine particles to the weight fraction of fine particles of the nicotine source is preferably in the range of 70:30, optionally with a deviation of ± ≤ 5%, preferably only ± ≤ 2%.
[0027] Preferably, the amount of tobacco fine particles and / or nicotine source fine particles in the aerosol generation substrate is within the range of providing the best flavor and nicotine content when the consumer inhales the aerosol. This range is 0.5% to 30% by weight of tobacco fine particles and / or nicotine source fine particles relative to the gross weight of the aerosol generation substrate. Preferably, this range is 1% to 15% by weight of tobacco fine particles and / or nicotine source fine particles relative to the gross weight of the aerosol generation substrate and more preferably 1% to 10%, most preferably 1% to 8% by weight.
[0028] In another preferred embodiment, aerosol generation according to the present invention further comprises tobacco sheet material and / or adhesive.Tobacco sheet material is also referred to as reconstituted tobacco sheet, and can be obtained by papermaking process or by casting process.Adhesive can be one or more compounds selected from the group comprising the following: alginate, pectin, sucrose, starch (and derivatives thereof), cellulose (and derivatives thereof), gum, silicon dioxide or silicone compound, clay, polyvinyl alcohol and their combination.For example, in some embodiments, adhesive comprises one or more of the following: alginate, pectin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, gum arabic, fumed silica, sodium silicate, kaolin and polyvinyl alcohol.Adhesive is preferably selected from the group comprising the following: sucrose, starch and their combination.Adhesive can allow tobacco sheet material to bond with the fine particles of tobacco fine particles and / or nicotine source in the aerosol generation matrix.
[0029] As mentioned above, the channels of the cooling element affect the cooling of the aerosol and its flow resistance during inhalation. In order to optimize these two parameters, the diameter of the plurality of channels is in the range of 50 μm to 1000 μm, preferably 75 μm to 750 μm, more preferably 100 μm to 500 μm. In the most preferred embodiment, the average diameter is 150 μm to 400 μm.
[0030] Moreover, the number of channels affects the cooling and flow resistance of the aerosol. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the number of channels is optimized. The number of channels is about 50, preferably about 20, more preferably less than or equal to 10 channels. In a most preferred embodiment, the number of channels in the cooling section is less than or equal to 6.
[0031] In addition to the cooling element, the filter element in the mouth end section is another part of the aerosol generating article that has a large share in the flow resistance. Therefore, this embodiment is also optimized to give the consumer the best experience. The flow resistance can be characterized by a pressure drop. The pressure drop is defined by the pressure difference before and after the object being flowed through. In this case, it is the pressure drop of the filter element of the mouth end section. Therefore, the pressure difference of the flow before and after the filter is observed. The pressure drop can be optimized by the material density and composition of the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure drop is less than or equal to 200 mm WG, preferably equal to or less than 150 mm WG, and more preferably less than or equal to 100 mm WG.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the filter element is selected from the group consisting of: a hollow filter, a cavity filter having a cavity embedded in a filter material, a filter plug, and combinations thereof.
[0033] To further optimize the aerosol generating device, the mouth end section and / or the cooling element comprises an adsorbent to positively influence the aerosol upon inhalation. Such an adsorbent is preferably selected from the group comprising: activated carbon, charcoal, silica gel, zeolite, and combinations thereof.
[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the mouth end segment (such as a hollow filter, a cavity filter with a cavity embedded in the filter material, a filter plug, and combinations thereof) and / or the cooling element are made of a material component comprising a cellulose derivative (such as cellulose acetate) and / or a polymer, a polysaccharide and a polylactide, and combinations thereof. The polymer is preferably selected from the group comprising polyesters, preferably polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), more preferably polyhydroxybutyrates (PHB), poly-4-hydroxybutyrates (P4HB), polyhydroxyvalerates (PHV), polyhydroxyhexanoates (PHH), polyhydroxyoctanoates (PHO), and copolymers thereof. The polysaccharide is preferably starch, more preferably thermoplastic starch (TPS).
[0035] Aerosol-generating articles are mass-produced consumer goods. Therefore, the production method must be simple and process-safe to keep raw material consumption and costs low. Furthermore, it is desirable to keep the process reliability in production high. Therefore, the method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to the described embodiments comprises different structuring steps.
[0036] The method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to the preceding embodiments comprises at least four steps.
[0037] First, tobacco needs to be provided and ground to obtain fine tobacco particles.
[0038] Second, an aerosol generating substrate needs to be formed. The aerosol generating substrate includes the tobacco fine particles generated in step one.
[0039] Third, a nozzle end section and a cooling element are provided. The cooling element comprises a plurality of channels extending at least partially substantially parallel to each other. The preceding process steps for producing the nozzle end section and the cooling element are not further described here.
[0040] Fourth, an aerosol-generating article is formed by arranging the mouth end section and / or the cooling element downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate relative to the flow path of the aerosol.Thereby, the plurality of channels at least partially extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article.
[0041] As mentioned above, not only tobacco fine particles can be processed during production. Also, fine particles of a nicotine source can be introduced in a first process step and can be further processed in a second step. The same applies to other natural and artificial flavorings.
[0042] In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to the preceding embodiment comprises the following steps:
[0043] i) providing tobacco sheet material;
[0044] ii) providing fine tobacco particles;
[0045] iii) fine particles providing a source of nicotine;
[0046] iv) adding tobacco fine particles, fine particles of a nicotine source and a binder to the tobacco sheet material provided at step i) and forming an aerosol generating substrate;
[0047] iii) wrapping the aerosol generating substrate in a paper wrapper and forming an aerosol generating substrate rod;
[0048] iv) providing a mouth end section and a cooling element, wherein the cooling element comprises a plurality of channels extending at least partially substantially parallel relative to each other;
[0049] v) wrapping the aerosol-generating substrate rod, the mouth end section and the cooling element in tipping paper and forming an aerosol-generating article according to the invention.
[0050] In another preferred embodiment of the method, fine particles of tobacco and / or fine particles of a nicotine source and / or natural and artificial flavorings are mixed with a liquid to provide a suspension.
[0051] Other advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be described by way of example only in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar components in different embodiments may be presented with the same reference numerals.
[0052] The accompanying drawings show:
[0053] Figure 1 Schematic side view of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.
[0054] Figure 2 Schematic transverse cross-section of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.
[0055] Figure 3 Schematic transverse cross-section of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.
[0056] Figure 4 Schematic transverse cross-section of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.
[0057] Figure 5 Schematic transverse cross-section of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.
[0058] Figure 6 Schematic transverse cross-section of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.
[0059] Figure 7 Schematic longitudinal cross-section of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.
[0060] Figure 8 Schematic longitudinal cross-section of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.
[0061] Fig. 9 Schematic longitudinal cross-section of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.
[0062] Figure 1 A side view of an embodiment of an aerosol generating article 1 is shown. It comprises an aerosol generating substrate 2, a cooling element 3 arranged downstream of the aerosol generating substrate 2 relative to the flow path of the aerosol, and a mouth end section 4 further downstream. As mentioned above, the mouth end section 4 may include a filter for filtering the aerosol before the aerosol is inhaled by the consumer. Preferably, the aerosol generating article 1 has a cylindrical shape extending in the longitudinal direction. The lengths of the mentioned components may vary depending on the design.
[0063] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along the section level AA of a cooling element 3 as an element of an aerosol generating article 1 is shown. The section shows a channel 5 for cooling the aerosol. When the consumer inhales the aerosol, the aerosol flows through the channel 5 and transfers heat to the cooling element 3. The cooling element 3 thus acts as a heat sink. The cooling channel 5 can be arranged in different ways. The following illustrations show further preferred embodiments thereof. Importantly, the channel 5 extends substantially along the length of the cooling element 3 and thus creates a passage between the aerosol generating substrate 2 and the mouth end section 4. The arrangement of the channels 5 relative to each other can vary, as can the number of channels. In Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , fourteen channels 5 are randomly arranged in the cooling element 3 .
[0064] Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a cooling element 3 along the cross-sectional level AA is shown. Here, the channels 5 are arranged symmetrically. Four channels 5 are located on the radii and one channel is located in the center of the cylindrical cooling element 3. The channels 5 can have the same size, such as Figure 3 However, the diameter of the channel can also vary, as can be seen in Figure 4 Seen in.
[0065] Figure 4 Another cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a cooling element 3 along the cross-sectional level AA is shown. Here, too, the channels 5 are arranged radially symmetrically. In this embodiment, the diameters of the channels 5 vary. In this example, the centrally located channel shows a larger diameter. However, the other channels may also differ in size. This is a possible measure for optimizing the cooling and flow resistance of the aerosol.
[0066] Figure 5Another cross-sectional view along the section level AA of an embodiment of a cooling element 3 is shown. Here, the channels are arranged along a horizontal level. The size can also vary. This arrangement of the channels 5 can be advantageous in production, because the needles used to make the holes can be arranged horizontally.
[0067] Figure 6 Another cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional level AA of an embodiment of a cooling element 3 is shown. In this example, the channel for cooling the aerosol is oval. This may be the intended shape, but it may also be a result of production, since the material of the cooling element is compressed during machining. Other non-ideally circular shapes of the channel are also possible. These shapes do not cause significant disadvantages in terms of cooling effect or flow resistance compared to the exactly circular shape of the channel.
[0068] Figure 7 A schematic longitudinal view (cross section) along the cross-sectional level BB of an embodiment of an aerosol generating article is shown. It comprises an aerosol generating substrate 2, a cooling element 3 arranged downstream of the aerosol generating substrate 2 relative to the flow path of the aerosol, and a mouth end section 4 further downstream. The cross-sectional view shows a channel 5 for cooling the aerosol. In this embodiment, the channels are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the cooling element. The diameter D1 of all channels 5 is the same. The length of the cooling channel 5 does not change, nor does the angle of the channel 5 relative to the center line. All channels 5 preferably extend straight.
[0069] Figure 8 A schematic longitudinal view (cross section) along the section level BB of another embodiment of an aerosol generating article is shown. It comprises an aerosol generating substrate 2, a cooling element 3 arranged downstream of the aerosol generating substrate 2 relative to the flow path of the aerosol, and a mouth end section 4 further downstream. The aerosol generating substrate 2 shows a recess for a heating plate 6. When the aerosol generating article 1 is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the heating plate is inserted into this recess 6. This recess 6 can be cylindrical, but can also have other shapes, such as a rectangular shape. In this embodiment, the channel 5 is largely straight relative to the center line of the aerosol generating article. However, they have different diameters D1 and D2, and the diameter D1 is smaller than the diameter D2. As already described, the cooling channel 5 can have different diameters D1 and D2 in order to optimize the flow resistance and the cooling effect. The number of channels 5 and the number of different diameters D can vary.
[0070] Fig. 9 A schematic longitudinal view (cross section) along section level BB of another embodiment of an aerosol-generating article is shown. Figure 7 and Figure 8Like the embodiment in, it includes an aerosol generating substrate 2, a cooling element 3 arranged downstream of the aerosol generating substrate 2 relative to the flow path of the aerosol, and a mouth end section 4 further downstream. In this embodiment, the channel (5) is not arranged exactly along the length of the cooling element. The shape of the channel is still irregular and worn. The diameter of the channel 5 is different. In the direction of the flow path of the aerosol, there may first be a larger diameter D5, which narrows to a diameter D6. The reverse may also occur; the diameter D3 increases in the flow direction of the aerosol to a diameter D4 at the end of the channel 5. Each centerline II of the channel 5 may have a different angle relative to the centerline I of the aerosol generating article. This may be due to the material and / or production method used. However, it is important that the flow resistance remains within the required range. As described above, the mouth end section 4 may include a filter section, and its material may also vary. The shape of the filter may be cylindrical and closed, or it may have a recess. As shown in this figure, the cylindrical filter may have a cylindrical recess extending in the longitudinal direction.
[0071] List of Reference Numerals
[0072] 1. Aerosol-generating products
[0073] 2. Aerosol Generating Matrix
[0074] 3. Cooling element
[0075] 4. Mouth end section
[0076] 5. Channel
[0077] 6. Recess for hot blade
[0078] I. Centerline of Aerosol Generating Article
[0079] II. Centerline of the channel
[0080] D1 diameter 1
[0081] D2 diameter 2
[0082] D3 diameter 3
[0083] D4 diameter 4
[0084] D5 diameter 5
[0085] D6 diameter 6
Claims
1. An aerosol generating article (1) for a non-combustion heating aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article (1) extending in a longitudinal direction and include: An aerosol generating substrate (2), the aerosol generating substrate (2) comprising tobacco fine particles; a mouth end section (4), the mouth end section being arranged downstream of the aerosol generating substrate (2) relative to a flow path of the aerosol; and a cooling element (3) arranged between the aerosol-generating substrate (2) and the mouth end section (4), wherein the cooling element (4) comprises a plurality of channels (5) extending at least partially substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article (1), wherein the aerosol generating substrate (2) further comprises fine particles of a nicotine source, and wherein the size of the fine particles of the nicotine source (sD50 Sedigraph) is in the range of 10 µm to 300 µm, preferably 20 µm to 200 µm, more preferably 30 µm to 100 µm, and most preferably 50 µm, optionally ± ≤ 10 µm, preferably ± ≤ 5 µm, more preferably ± ≤ 2 µm, The average size of the fine particles of the nicotine source (sD50 Sedigraph) exceeds the average size of tobacco fine particles (sD50 Sedigraph), preferably in the range of 1.2 to 4 times, more preferably in the range of 1.4 to 2 times, and most preferably in the range of 1.6 to 1.8 times the average size of tobacco fine particles.
2. The aerosol-generating article (1) according to claim 1, in, The size of tobacco fine particles (sD50 Sedigraph) is in the range of 10 to 200 µm, preferably 15 to 100 µm, more preferably 20 to 50 µm, and most preferably 30 µm, optionally ± ≤ 5 µm, preferably ± ≤ 2 µm.
3. An aerosol-generating article (1) according to any preceding claim 1 or 2, in, The fine particles of the nicotine source and the fine particles of tobacco are mixed together and preferably evenly distributed in the aerosol generating substrate.
4. The aerosol-generating article (1) according to claim 1, in, The relationship between the weight fraction of tobacco fine particles in the aerosol generating substrate and the weight fraction of fine particles of the nicotine source is in the range of 95:5 to 40:60, preferably in the range of 90:10 to 50:50, more preferably in the range of 80:20 to 60:40, most preferably in the range of 70:30, optionally ± ≤ 5%, preferably ± ≤ 2%.
5. An aerosol-generating article (1) according to claim 4, in, The amount of tobacco fine particles and / or nicotine source fine particles in the aerosol generating substrate is in the range of 0.5% to 30% by weight, preferably 1% to 15% by weight, more preferably 1% to 10% by weight, most preferably 1% to 8% by weight, of the total weight of the aerosol generating article.
6. An aerosol-generating article (1) according to any preceding claim, in, The average diameter of the plurality of channels is in the range of 50 µm to 1000 µm, preferably 75 µm to 750 µm, more preferably 100 µm to 500 µm, most preferably 150 µm to 400 µm.
7. An aerosol-generating article (1) according to any preceding claim, in, The number of channels is ≤ 50, preferably ≤ 20, more preferably ≤ 10, most preferably ≤ 6.
8. An aerosol-generating article (1) according to any preceding claim, in, The mouth end section (4) and / or the cooling element (3) comprises a filter element selected from the group consisting of: a hollow filter, a cavity filter, a filter plug, and combinations thereof.
9. An aerosol-generating article (1) according to any preceding claim, in, The aerosol generating substrate (2) further comprises a tobacco sheet material and / or a binder, wherein the binder is preferably selected from the group comprising alginates, pectins, sucrose, starch and its derivatives, cellulose and its derivatives, gums, silicon dioxide or silicone compounds, clays, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.
10. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, in, The mouth end section (4) and / or the cooling element (3) further comprises an adsorbent, wherein the adsorbent is preferably selected from the group comprising: activated carbon, charcoal, silica gel, zeolite, and combinations thereof.
11. An aerosol-generating article (1) according to any preceding claim, in, The mouth end section (4) and / or the cooling element (3) are made of a material or a material combination comprising: a cellulose derivative and / or a polymer, wherein the polymer is preferably selected from the group comprising polyesters, preferably polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), more preferably polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV), polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH), polyhydroxyoctanoate (PHO) and copolymers thereof; a polysaccharide, preferably starch, more preferably thermoplastic starch (TPS); polylactic acid (PLA); and combinations thereof.
12. A method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article (1), preferably an aerosol-generating article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method The following steps are involved: a1. providing tobacco and grinding the tobacco to obtain tobacco fine particles, and providing fine particles of a nicotine source, and then combining the tobacco fine particles with the fine particles of a nicotine source, b1. forming an aerosol-generating substrate (2) comprising fine tobacco particles, c1. providing a mouth end section (4) and a cooling element, said cooling element comprising a plurality of channels extending at least partially substantially parallel to each other, d1. An aerosol generating article (1) is formed by arranging the mouth end section (4) and / or the cooling element (3) downstream of the aerosol generating substrate (2) relative to the flow path of the aerosol, in such a way that the multiple channels extend at least partially substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.
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