Aerosol generating product and method for increasing nicotine release amount
By employing radiant heating technology and a tortuous hole design in heated cigarettes, combined with a reflective layer and annular seals, the problem of insufficient aerosol generation in heated cigarettes has been solved, increasing the amount and rate of nicotine release, and enhancing heating efficiency and product quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHENGZHOU TOBACCO RES INST OF CNTC
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing heated cigarettes suffer from insufficient aerosol generation, low effective substance conversion rate of aerosol generation matrix, long heating waiting time, low heat transfer efficiency of central heating, potential generation of impurities in circumferential heating, and separation risks in sealed heated cigarettes, all of which affect consumer acceptance.
By combining radiant heating technology with aerosol generation products, an aerosol generation matrix section with tortuous holes and a reflective layer are designed. The cigarette is sealed with an annular seal. The radiant heat source corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol generation matrix section, which reduces heat loss and improves heating efficiency and aerosol generation speed.
It significantly increased the amount and rate of nicotine release, enhanced the efficiency of the aerosol generation matrix, reduced heating time, reduced the generation of impurities, and improved the sensory quality and control precision of the product.
Smart Images
Figure CN122004510A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of heated cigarette technology, specifically relating to an aerosol-generating product and a method for increasing nicotine release. Background Technology
[0002] Traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated cigarettes, oral cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and other tobacco products all primarily rely on nicotine delivery as their main consumption characteristic. However, newer tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, heated cigarettes, and nicotine pouches are less harmful to consumers while effectively delivering nicotine, thus gaining increasing popularity. New tobacco products have experienced rapid growth in the international tobacco market in recent years and are a key focus for major tobacco manufacturers. Heated cigarettes, due to their similarity to the smoke characteristics of traditional cigarettes, have seen rapid development in the international market and are expected to become a major tobacco consumer product. Innovations in heated cigarettes mainly focus on the cigarette's structure, heating methods, and the close integration with smoking devices to promote aerosol generation and efficient delivery to consumers.
[0003] In terms of cigarette structure, mature heated cigarettes are generally still mainly cylindrical, characterized by a length of 40mm to 80mm and a circumference of 17mm to 24mm. Axially, they typically contain an aerosol-generating matrix section, a cooling section, and a filter section. Heating directions include circumferential and central heating, bottom heating, or hot airflow heating. Circumferential heating refers to placing heaters around the aerosol-generating matrix section. Central heating is generally achieved by placing heaters inside the aerosol-generating matrix or inserting them during use to heat the aerosol-generating matrix. The airflow channel design during inhalation can also be divided into airflow channels located on the matching smoking device or airflow channels naturally formed by the gap between the cigarette and the device. Airflow is introduced into the airflow channel and passes through the aerosol-generating matrix, carrying out the aerosol formed by heating the matrix, which is then transferred through the cooling section and / or the filter section.
[0004] Another type of heated cigarette (Chinese patents previously filed by the applicant in this case, such as 202010241676.5, 201911021676.8, and 201911021823, etc.) generally consists of an aerosol generating matrix section, a hollow structure smoke mixing section, and a filter section. Specifically, the upstream end face of the aerosol generating matrix is sealed. The sealing method can be achieved by sealing the upstream end face of the aerosol generating matrix with a matching smoking device, or by attaching a sealing rod or gas barrier membrane to the upstream end face of the aerosol generating matrix. At the same time, an airflow channel is set in the smoke mixing section (for example, a channel of controllable size is set in the side wall of the hollow structure in the smoke mixing section). During inhalation, the airflow does not pass through the aerosol generation matrix. Air enters the hollow structure cavity of the smoke mixing section through the side wall holes. The fluid flow in the smoke mixing section creates negative pressure, and the heated aerosol is extracted due to the pressure difference. It mixes with the air that enters from the outside through the side wall holes and is then passed out through the filter section. Since the main airflow (its weight ratio is between 92% and 98%) is air that enters from the outside through the side wall holes, the heated cigarette does not need to cool down the mixed aerosol.
[0005] Currently, both the first type of heated cigarette with an open upstream aerosol generating matrix and the second type with a closed upstream aerosol generating matrix face problems in use, including insufficient aerosol generation, low effective substance conversion rate of the aerosol generating matrix, and long heating waiting times. Generally, products require a waiting time of more than 15 seconds. Central heating methods, due to the limitation of the aerosol generating matrix in the heat transfer process, have lower aerosol generation and transfer efficiency, requiring higher heater temperatures. In circumferential heating methods, the packaging material used for the aerosol generating matrix is also heated, potentially generating other substances that mix with the aerosol, introducing unwanted impurities. While partially reducing packaging material is a temporary solution (Chinese patents 202310095263.4 and 202310079543.6), it also introduces aesthetic issues and the risk of separation when the aerosol generating matrix section is combined with downstream components, reducing consumer acceptance of the product. Although the aerosol generation and transfer efficiency of sealed heated cigarettes at the upstream end of the aerosol generation matrix is higher than that of open heated cigarettes at the upstream end of the aerosol generation matrix (Contributions to Tobacco & Nicotine Research, 2022, 31(3): 162-174), it is still possible to further improve the aerosol generation and transfer efficiency by combining heating methods and structural features.
[0006] To address the above problems, this invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to design an aerosol-generating product, a heated cigarette device, and an aerosol-generating system that combine radiant heating technology, based on the aforementioned existing technology.
[0008] The first aspect of this application provides an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article comprising: an aerosol generating matrix segment, the aerosol generating matrix segment having an upstream end face and a downstream end face;
[0009] The aerosol generating matrix segment has a tortuous hole extending from the upstream end face to the downstream end face;
[0010] The aerosol generating matrix segment is cylindrical, and the ratio of the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the aerosol generating matrix segment to its diameter is less than 1.2; or the aerosol generating matrix segment is cuboid, and the ratio of the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the aerosol generating matrix segment to the hydraulic diameter of the end face is less than 1.2.
[0011] The aforementioned tortuous holes can be naturally formed, for example, during the filling process of tobacco or other smoking materials.
[0012] Preferably, in the aerosol generating matrix section, the visible light transmittance between the upstream end face and the downstream end face is 5% to 40%.
[0013] Preferably, the aerosol generating article further includes: a heat shielding section located downstream of the aerosol generating matrix section;
[0014] The heat shield section is configured such that the projection of light transmitted from the downstream end face in the downstream axial direction falls on the heat shield section.
[0015] Preferably, the heat shielding section is a fiber bundle section or a light-blocking plate; the heat shielding section may have an axial through hole or no axial through hole;
[0016] When the heat shield section has an axial through hole, the heat shield section is configured such that the projection of light transmitted from the downstream end face in the downstream axial direction onto the non-axial through hole position of the heat shield section.
[0017] The light-blocking plate can be made of aluminum foil or airtight paper material. The function of the heat shielding section is to partially intercept or reflect the heat radiation light back to the aerosol generation matrix section, thereby improving heating efficiency and reducing the heat radiation light radiated to the user.
[0018] Preferably, the aerosol generating product further includes: a flue gas mixing section;
[0019] The flue gas mixing section is located between the aerosol generation matrix section and the heat shield section; or the flue gas mixing section is located downstream of the heat shield section.
[0020] The flue gas mixing section has a hollow structure.
[0021] Preferably, the aerosol generating article includes a reflective layer surrounding the aerosol generating matrix section. The heat shielding layer may be composed of an aluminum foil layer or an airtight paper material.
[0022] Preferably, in the aerosol generating matrix section, the visible light transmittance between the upstream end face and the downstream end face is 5% to 15%.
[0023] Preferably, when the aerosol generating matrix segment is cylindrical, the ratio of the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the aerosol generating matrix segment to its diameter is 0.6 to 1;
[0024] When the aerosol generating matrix section is a cuboid, i.e., a square brick, the ratio of the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the aerosol generating matrix section to the hydraulic diameter of the end face of the aerosol generating matrix section is 0.6 to 0.9.
[0025] A second aspect of this application provides a heated cigarette device, the heated cigarette device comprising: a cigarette receiving cavity, and a radiant heat source located below the cigarette receiving cavity;
[0026] The bottom of the cigarette receiving cavity is provided with a bottom annular cigarette seal, or a middle annular cigarette seal is provided between the bottom of the cigarette receiving cavity and the top of the cigarette receiving cavity. The bottom annular cigarette seal and the middle annular cigarette seal are configured to seal the gap between the heated cigarette smoke-generating section and the cigarette receiving cavity.
[0027] Preferably, the heated cigarette device includes a reflective layer located around the periphery of the cigarette receiving cavity. The reflective layer is used to reflect the heat from the heat source back to the aerosol generation matrix section, reducing heat loss.
[0028] Preferably, from downstream to upstream, the cross-sectional area of the hollow portion of the bottom annular cigarette seal or the middle annular cigarette seal gradually decreases.
[0029] Preferably, the cross-section of the bottom annular cigarette seal or the middle annular cigarette seal is circular throughout the entire axial direction.
[0030] Preferably, the cross-sectional perimeter of the hollow portion of the bottom annular cigarette seal or the middle annular cigarette seal remains constant and is equal to the perimeter of the smoke-generating section, or the perimeter decreases by no more than 5%.
[0031] The perimeter decreases by no more than 5%, meaning the ratio of the minimum perimeter to the maximum perimeter is 0.95 to 1.
[0032] Preferably, at the upstream end, the hollow portion of the bottom annular cigarette seal or the middle annular cigarette seal has a circular cross-section.
[0033] Preferably, from downstream to upstream, the cross-section of the hollow portion of the bottom annular cigarette seal or the middle annular cigarette seal changes from an initial circle to a rectangle, ellipse, racetrack shape, or a smaller circle.
[0034] Preferably, the ratio of the area of the initial circle to the area of the cigarette receiving cavity is 85% to 98%.
[0035] The downstream end face of the bottom annular cigarette seal is connected to the downstream end face of the cigarette receiving cavity by a ramp;
[0036] The downstream end face of the middle annular cigarette seal at the lowest point is connected to the downstream end face of the cigarette receiving cavity by a ramp.
[0037] The purpose of the aforementioned ramp connection is to facilitate the insertion of cigarettes.
[0038] Preferably, the inner wall of the bottom annular cigarette seal is sloped. This sloped design facilitates the insertion of the cigarette.
[0039] After the smoking section of the heated cigarette is inserted, it will be squeezed by the cigarette seal into the same shape as the cross-section of the hollow part of the cigarette seal.
[0040] This application found in its research that if the cross-section of the seal is circular along the entire axial direction, the circumference of the smoke-generating section will also be reduced because the annular seal directly reduces the inner diameter of the cylindrical smoke-generating section. If the circumference reduction is greater than 5%, the following disadvantages will occur: 1. The cigarette paper will have wrinkles, which can easily lead to air leakage during sealing; 2. The end of the cigarette will be severely deformed, easily causing complete opacity, and the light transmittance will be difficult to control; 3. The wrinkles in the cigarette will affect the appearance of the cigarette.
[0041] If, from downstream to upstream, the cross-sectional area of the hollow portion of the bottom or middle annular cigarette seal gradually decreases while the perimeter remains constant, and this perimeter is equal to or decreases by no more than 5% of the perimeter of the heated cigarette's smoke-generating section, then the cigarette paper's perimeter will not be significantly altered during the sealing process, thus preventing wrinkles and air leakage.
[0042] Since a circle has the largest area for the same perimeter, in a preferred embodiment, from downstream to upstream, the cross-section of the hollow portion of the bottom or middle annular cigarette seal changes from an initial circle to a rectangle, ellipse, or racetrack shape. Compared to becoming a smaller circle for the same perimeter, the rectangular, elliptical, or racetrack-shaped cross-sectional areas are smaller, allowing for more compact compression of the tobacco.
[0043] Preferably, the cigarette receiving cavity is cylindrical.
[0044] The direction of smoke flow within the cigarette receiving cavity is denoted as from upstream to downstream. The upstream of the cigarette receiving cavity is the bottom of the cigarette receiving cavity.
[0045] Preferably, the height of the bottom annular cigarette seal is less than 0.5 times the height of the cigarette receiving cavity.
[0046] Preferably, the ratio of the distance between the upstream end face of the most downstream middle annular cigarette seal and the bottom of the cigarette receiving cavity to the height of the cigarette receiving cavity is 0.5 to 1.0 times.
[0047] Preferably, the height of the bottom annular cigarette seal is less than the length of the aerosol matrix section. More preferably, the height of the bottom annular cigarette seal should be less than 0.5 times the length of the aerosol matrix section. Even more preferably, the height of the bottom annular cigarette seal is between 0.05 and 0.5 times the length of the aerosol matrix section.
[0048] Preferably, the height of the central annular cigarette seal from the bottom of the cigarette receiving cavity is less than the length of the aerosol matrix section. More preferably, the height of the central annular cigarette seal from the bottom of the cigarette receiving cavity should be greater than 0.5 times the length of the aerosol matrix section. Even more preferably, the height of the central annular cigarette seal from the bottom of the cigarette receiving cavity is 0.5 to 1.5 times the length of the aerosol matrix section.
[0049] During operation, the radiant heat source heats the aerosol matrix. Generally, when the aspect ratio of the aerosol matrix section is less than 1.2, preferably between 0.6 and 1.0, its light transmittance is approximately between 5% and 15%. High light transmittance makes it difficult to fully utilize the radiant energy of the radiant heat source to generate aerosols. Based on the principle that changing a circle to a rectangle, ellipse, or racetrack shape with a fixed perimeter reduces the cross-sectional area, the use of the aforementioned annular cigarette seal increases the tobacco density within the aerosol matrix section, reduces light transmittance, and increases thermal conductivity. Therefore, in addition to fixing and sealing the cigarette, the seal also allows for changes in the cigarette's shape. This does not require altering the cigarette manufacturing process and, with the same power of the radiant heat source, improves the aerosol generation rate and transfer efficiency.
[0050] By adjusting the height and position of the sealing structure and the insertion depth of the heated cigarette in the cigarette receiving cavity, the tightness of the tobacco shreds being compressed after insertion can be adjusted, thereby regulating the heat transfer effect. Furthermore, controlling the insertion depth of the heated cigarette allows for control over whether the radiant heat source and the upstream end face of the aerosol generating matrix are in direct contact or form a certain gap. This gap is less than the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the aerosol generating matrix, preferably less than 0.5 times the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the aerosol generating matrix.
[0051] Preferably, the surface material of the bottom annular cigarette seal or the middle annular cigarette seal is a reflective material to reduce energy loss from thermal radiation. In particular, if there is a gap between the radiant heat source and the upstream end face of the aerosol generating matrix, the reflective bottom annular cigarette seal can reduce energy loss of the radiant heat source around the gap area.
[0052] A third aspect of this application provides an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generation article as described in any one of the first aspects and the heated cigarette device as described in any one of the second aspects;
[0053] The aerosol generating matrix segment of the aerosol generating product is inserted into the cigarette receiving cavity of the heated cigarette device;
[0054] The bottom annular cigarette seal or the middle annular cigarette seal is configured to seal the gap between the heated cigarette smoke-generating section and the cigarette receiving cavity.
[0055] The central annular cigarette seal is located axially between the bottom of the cigarette receiving cavity and the side wall through hole of the heated cigarette.
[0056] In this application, heated cigarettes are aerosol-generating products. The smoke-generating section is the aerosol-generating matrix section.
[0057] The bottom of the cigarette receiving cavity of the heated cigarette device has a radiant heat source, and the radiant heat source is either spaced apart from or in direct contact with the upstream end face of the heated cigarette.
[0058] The fourth aspect of this application provides a method for increasing nicotine release amount and release rate, which uses the aerosol generating article or the aerosol generating system described above.
[0059] Preferably, the nicotine release amount is the nicotine release amount per puff or the total release amount.
[0060] The principle of this application is as follows:
[0061] Aerosol-generating products may include an aerosol-generating matrix section, a flue gas mixing section, or a heat shielding section. Downstream of the aerosol-generating matrix section, in the flue gas mixing section or heat shielding section, sidewall openings may be provided to facilitate the entry of air during the suction process, which mixes with the heated substances generated by the aerosol-generating matrix to form the aerosol.
[0062] The aerosol generation matrix segment is composed of one or more aerosol generation matrix morphologies, which can be formed by stacking filamentous, sheet-like, or granular matrix morphologies to achieve a porous state. The stacked porous aerosol generation matrix segment has at least one tortuous hole extending from the upstream end face to the downstream end face.
[0063] The heated cigarette device includes a cigarette receiving cavity for holding the heated cigarette. A radiant heat source is located at the bottom of the cigarette receiving cavity. A cigarette sealing element is flexibly installed between the bottom of the cigarette receiving cavity and the through hole in the side wall of the cigarette. The radiant heat source and the upstream end face of the aerosol generating matrix section of the cigarette are in a relative relationship, that is, the projection of the radiant heat source in the downstream axial direction falls on the upstream end face of the aerosol generating matrix section. The radiant heat source and the upstream end face of the aerosol generating matrix section of the cigarette can be in direct contact or form a certain gap.
[0064] The design basis of this invention is that the channels formed by the accumulation of the aerosol-generating matrix are continuous and tortuous. A radiant heat source transfers heat to the cigarette, and the radiated heat can act relatively evenly on the surface of the aerosol-generating matrix involved in the tortuous channels, thereby achieving rapid heating of the aerosol-generating matrix and generating aerosol substances. When the consumer inhales, external air enters the cigarette through the through-holes in the side wall of the smoke mixing section downstream of the aerosol-generating matrix. In the smoke mixing section, the airflow creates negative pressure, causing the aerosol substances to migrate naturally towards the negative pressure area, mix with the air, and then migrate out of the smoke.
[0065] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0066] 1. For cylindrical heated cigarettes, existing technologies design the length-to-diameter ratio of the smoke-generating section to be greater than 1.5 to ensure the conversion of nicotine and other substances. This application reduces the ratio of the distance between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating matrix to the hydraulic diameter of the cigarette circumference, and discovers the following unexpected technical effects: it increases the amount of nicotine released per puff and the total amount of nicotine released; it significantly improves the utilization efficiency of the aerosol-generating matrix; it significantly increases the heating rate of the aerosol-generating matrix, making it closer to the smoke generation method of traditional combustion cigarettes, and improves the aerosol concentration and puff stability; at the same time, it can effectively reduce the amount of aerosol-generating matrix used and reduce the taxes payable.
[0067] 2. In existing heated fume appliances, the aerosol-generating matrix section typically has through-holes in the axial direction to facilitate the outflow of aerosol substances. For this type of aerosol-generating matrix section, if a radiant heat source is used, circumferential heating is generally employed to ensure that light rays perpendicularly contact the aerosol-generating matrix section, maximizing heat utilization efficiency. If the radiant heat source uses end heating, because the light rays are parallel to the axial holes in the aerosol-generating matrix section, some light rays cannot directly contact the aerosol-generating matrix, resulting in energy waste.
[0068] However, in the circumferential heating method, the packaging material used in the aerosol generation matrix section will also be heated, and may generate other substances that mix into the aerosol, bringing unnecessary impurities.
[0069] This application employs an aerosol-generating matrix section with tortuous holes, and positions the radiant heat source corresponding to the upstream end of the cigarette aerosol-generating matrix section. In this way, the heat released by the radiant heat source directly acts on the surface of the aerosol-generating matrix section through the tortuous holes, effectively improving energy utilization. Because this application does not directly heat the external packaging material of the aerosol-generating matrix section and the cigarette smoke mixing section, it also reduces the off-odors generated by heating these two materials, such as reducing the papery smell. Therefore, this application can significantly improve the sensory quality of the product.
[0070] 3. This application, combining the heat transfer performance of the radiant heat source with an upstream closed structure of the aerosol generation matrix section, prevents a large amount of actively drawn-in flowing gas from actively entering the aerosol generation matrix section, effectively reducing its impact on the output heat source. This avoids the temperature control difficulties caused by a rapid drop in the temperature of the aerosol matrix section due to a large amount of actively drawn-in flowing gas entering the section. Therefore, this application reduces the control complexity of the system and improves the accuracy of product quality control.
[0071] 4. The advantages of the annular seal in this application are as follows:
[0072] (1) By improving the sealing device of the part where the smoking device and the cigarette stick are connected, the utilization efficiency of the aerosol generation matrix is significantly improved; (2) Without changing the cigarette manufacturing process, the shape of the cigarette aerosol matrix is changed by the sealing structure of the smoking device, the tobacco density is increased, the light transmittance is reduced, and the heat radiation energy conversion is more fully carried out, so that the heat conduction rate of the aerosol generation matrix is increased, the heating rate is faster, and the aerosol concentration and puff-by-puff stability are improved; (3) The perimeter of the smoking section is not changed or the change in perimeter is controlled during the extrusion process of the smoking section, so as to avoid the cigarette paper wrinkles affecting the sealing effect; (4) It is preferable to use reflective materials to make the sealing parts, which can further increase the heat radiation conversion efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0073] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the aerosol-generated product according to the first embodiment.
[0074] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heated cigarette device according to the second embodiment.
[0075] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generation system according to the third embodiment.
[0076] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the control program system in the heated cigarette device according to the second embodiment.
[0077] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heated cigarette device according to the fourth embodiment.
[0078] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generation system according to the fifth embodiment.
[0079] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heated cigarette device according to the sixth embodiment.
[0080] Figure 8 The curves show the change in nicotine release per puff of each cigarette over time for Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1-3.
[0081] Figure 9 The curves show the change in total nicotine release per cigarette over time for Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1-3.
[0082] Figure 10 The curves show the change in nicotine release per puff of each cigarette over time for Comparative Example 2 and Examples 4-6.
[0083] Figure 11 The curves show the change in total nicotine release per cigarette over time for Comparative Example 2 and Examples 4-6.
[0084] Figure 12 The curves show the change in nicotine release per puff of each cigarette over time for Comparative Example 3 and Examples 7-9.
[0085] Figure 13 The curves show the change in total nicotine release per cigarette over time for Comparative Example 3 and Examples 7-9.
[0086] Figure 14 The curves show the change in nicotine release per puff of each cigarette over time for Comparative Example 4 and Examples 10-12.
[0087] Figure 15 The curves show the change in total nicotine release per cigarette over time for Comparative Example 4 and Examples 10-12.
[0088] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:
[0089] 1. Aerosol generating product, 1-1. Aerosol generating matrix section, 1-2. Flue gas mixing section, 1-3. Side wall through hole, 1-4. Tortuous hole, 1-5. Upstream end face, 1-6. Filamentous aerosol generating matrix, 1-7. Downstream end face, 1-8. Hollow structure, 1-9. Flue gas mixing section filter part, 1-10. Outer packaging material of flue gas mixing section and / or heat shielding section, 1-11. Second outer packaging material, 1-12. Heat shielding section. 2. Heated cigarette device, 2-1. Cigarette receiving cavity, 2-2. Radiant heat source, 2-3. Bottom of cigarette receiving cavity, 2-4. Bottom annular cigarette seal, 2-5. Spacing, 2-6. Battery, 2-7. Controller, 2-8. Temperature detection element, 2-9. Power start / stop controller, 2-10. Control circuit, 2-11. Special sensors such as mechanical / optical / fluid pressure difference, 2-12. Middle annular cigarette seal. Detailed Implementation
[0090] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the embodiments.
[0091] Those skilled in the art will understand that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Where specific techniques or conditions are not specified in the embodiments, they are performed in accordance with the techniques or conditions described in the literature in the field or according to the product instructions. Materials or equipment whose manufacturers are not specified are all conventional products that can be obtained by purchase.
[0092] Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the term “comprising” as used in this specification means the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should be understood that when we say an element is “connected” to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or there may be an intermediate element. Furthermore, the term “connected” as used herein can include wireless connections.
[0093] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. The terms "inner," "upper," "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or state relationship based on the orientation or state relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.
[0094] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "equipped with" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0095] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be understood to have the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the prior art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless defined as herein.
[0096] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of aerosol generating product 1. In Figure 1, 1a is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of aerosol generating product 1; 1b is a top view of aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 when it is a cylindrical structure of stacked blades; 1c is an axial cross-sectional view of aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 when it is a cylindrical structure of stacked blades; 1d is a three-dimensional CT image of aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 when it is a cylindrical structure of stacked blades; 1e is a schematic diagram of aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 when it is a cuboid structure of stacked blades; 1f is a top view of aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 when it is a cylindrical structure of stacked particles; 1g is a schematic diagram of the structure of aerosol generating product 1 including aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 and flue gas mixing section 1-2; and 1h is a schematic diagram of the hollow structure 1-8 of the heat shield section 1-12 connected to the flue gas mixing section 1-2 by perforation.
[0097] As shown in Figure 1, an aerosol generating matrix segment 1-1 in an aerosol generating product 1 comprises single or mixed components from various physical forms of aerosol generating matrix. These physical forms can be categorized as filamentous, leaf-like, granular, single-layer sheet-like, multi-layer sheet-like, and gel-porous, etc. Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating matrix segment 1-1 containing a single filamentous aerosol generating matrix 1-6. The aerosol generating matrix is generally formed by accumulation under certain external stress, with the upstream end face 1-5 being an open end face. The aerosol generating matrix segment 1-1 has tortuous holes 1-4 extending from the upstream end face to the downstream end face. Due to stress, the aerosol generating matrix will not detach from the surrounding packaging material under a gravitational acceleration of 0.1 to 2.5 times the force of gravity. Its accumulation state, fixed by the packaging material, can be cylindrical or cuboid (brick-shaped) in appearance.
[0098] like Figure 1aAs shown, if the aerosol generating matrix segment 1-1 has a cylindrical appearance, the ratio of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol generating matrix to the diameter B of the aerosol generating matrix segment 1-1 is less than 1.2, i.e., A / B < 1.2. Preferably, A / B is between 0.6 and 1.0.
[0099] like Figure 1a As shown, the aerosol generating product 1 includes, from upstream to downstream, an aerosol generating matrix section 1-1, a flue gas mixing section 1-2, and a heat shielding section 1-12. The flue gas mixing section 1-2 includes a hollow structure 1-8. The heat shielding section 1-12 is a filter 1-9 formed from cellulose acetate or other fiber bundles. In this embodiment, the filter 1-9 only contains natural voids formed by the fiber bundles, without additional through-holes, to shield against heat. Figure 1a As shown, the flue gas mixing section and / or heat shield outer packaging materials 1-10 are impermeable materials or materials with controllable air permeability. For example... Figure 1a As shown, the flue gas mixing section 1-2 and the aerosol generating matrix 1-1 are connected by a second outer packaging material 1-11.
[0100] like Figure 1a As shown, the outer wall of the flue gas mixing section 1-2 is provided with side wall through holes 1-3. The side wall through holes 1-3 are 0.5mm to 15mm away from the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol generating matrix, so that the outside air is connected to the gas channel formed by the hollow structure 1-8. In a preferred embodiment, the side wall through holes 1-3 are evenly distributed circumferentially on the outer wall of the flue gas mixing section 1-2.
[0101] like Figure 1e As shown, if the aerosol generating matrix in the cigarette has a square brick shape, the ratio of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol generating matrix to the hydraulic diameter B of the two upper and lower end faces is less than 2.4, i.e., A / B < 1.2, preferably between 0.6 and 0.9.
[0102] like Figure 1f As shown, if the aerosol generating matrix section is a particle accumulation, it also has tortuous holes 1-4 that extend from the upstream end face 1-5 to the downstream end face 1-7.
[0103] The aforementioned tortuous pores can be formed naturally during the preparation of the aerosol generation matrix segment, or they can be specially designed.
[0104] like Figure 1g As shown, the aerosol-generating product includes an aerosol-generating matrix section 1-1 and a flue gas mixing section 1-2, but does not contain a heat shielding section 1-12. Other features are as follows: Figure 1a This also enables the functionality of this application.
[0105] like Figure 1hAs shown, the aerosol generating product 1 includes an aerosol generating matrix section 1-1, a flue gas mixing section 1-2, and a heat shielding section 1-12. Figure 1h In this structure, the heat shielding section 1-12 is a fiber bundle section with axial through holes on both sides, but the axial through holes are misaligned in the axial direction with the hollow structure 1-8 of the flue gas mixing section 1-2. This causes the projection of light transmitted from the downstream end face in the downstream axial direction onto the non-axial through hole position of the heat shielding section 1-12. Thus, the projection of the hollow structure 1-8 in the downstream axial direction onto the non-axial through hole position of the heat shielding section 1-12 allows the heat shielding section 1-12 to still intercept or reflect at least a portion of the light from the radiant heat source 2-2, thereby reducing the heat radiated to the consumer.
[0106] In a preferred embodiment, the visible light transmittance between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 is 5% to 40%, preferably between 5% and 15%. The visible light transmittance can be adjusted by adjusting the number and inner diameter of the tortuous holes 1-4.
[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix segment 1-1 may include various forms of tobacco raw materials, specialty plant raw materials or other smoke-generating substances and components, and outer packaging materials.
[0108] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix contains tobacco raw materials, specialty plant raw materials, tea, or other natural plants.
[0109] The aerosol generating matrix may contain one or more of the following fuming substances: glycerol, propylene glycol, flavorings, nicotine, or nicotine salts.
[0110] In a preferred embodiment, the outer packaging material of the aerosol generating matrix segment 1 is an airtight material or a material with controllable air permeability.
[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the length of the flue gas mixing section 1-2 can be adjusted according to actual conditions. The length of the flue gas mixing section 1-2 is 5mm to 50mm, preferably 30mm to 40mm.
[0112] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the heated cigarette device according to the second embodiment. The heated cigarette device 2 has a cigarette receiving cavity 2-1 for placing the aerosol generating product. The inner wall of the cigarette receiving cavity 2-1 is used to fit against the outer wall of the aerosol generating product 1, especially against the outer wall of the aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 in the aerosol generating product 1. The axial (z-direction) length L of the cigarette receiving cavity 2-1 is not less than 1 / 2 of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol generating matrix section 1-1, that is, L is not less than 1 / 2A. Preferably, the axial (z-direction) length L of the cigarette receiving cavity 2-1 is 0.6 to 1.2 times the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol generating matrix section 1-1, that is, L / A = 0.6 to 1.2.
[0113] like Figure 2 The heated cigarette device 2 shown has a radiant heat source 2-2 at the bottom of the cigarette receiving cavity 2-1. The heat source can be an infrared light source, a microwave radiation source, a light wave radiation source, or a mixed wave radiant heat source with heating function. The radiant heat source 2-2 is face-to-face with the upstream end face 1-5 of the aerosol generating matrix 1-1 in the aerosol generating product 1. The two can be in direct contact or form a certain gap 2-5. The gap 2-5 is less than the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol generating matrix, preferably less than 0.5 times the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol generating matrix.
[0114] like Figure 2 As shown, a sealing structure is flexibly arranged between the bottom 2-3 of the cigarette receiving cavity and the through hole 1-3 on the side wall of the aerosol generating product. The sealing structure can be a bottom annular cigarette seal 2-4 located at the bottom 2-3 of the cigarette receiving cavity, or a middle annular cigarette seal 2-12 located in the axial direction between the bottom 2-3 of the cigarette receiving cavity and the through hole 1-3 on the side wall of the aerosol generating product. The ratio of the minimum inner diameter of the bottom annular cigarette seal 2-4 or the middle annular cigarette seal 2-12 to the diameter or hydraulic diameter of the aerosol generating matrix 1-1 is 85% to 98% to form a close-fitting sealing structure, thereby sealing the gap between the heated cigarette's smoking section and the cigarette receiving cavity. The heated cigarette device 2 includes a battery 2-6, a controller 2-7, a temperature detection element 2-8, a power start / stop controller 2-9, and a radiant heat source 2-2. These components are connected via a control circuit 2-10.
[0115] like Figure 3As shown, an aerosol generation system combining radiant heating technology includes an aerosol generation product 1 and a heated cigarette smoking device 2. The aerosol generation product 1 includes an aerosol generation matrix section 1-1, a smoke mixing section 1-2, and a heat shielding section 1-12. The smoke mixing section 1-2 may be provided with side wall through holes 1-3 to facilitate the entry of air during the inhalation process, which mixes with the substances generated by the heating of the aerosol generation matrix to form an aerosol.
[0116] like Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the control program system for the heated cigarette device 2. The heated cigarette device 2 includes a control system consisting of a power start / stop controller 2-9, a temperature detection element 2-8, a controller 2-7, and a battery 2-6, forming a control circuit 2-10 for the radiant heat source 2-2. During use, the power start / stop controller 2-9 can be activated manually or through other automatic identification methods. Manual identification can be initiated as needed. Other automatic identification methods can utilize special sensors 2-11, such as mechanical / optical / fluid pressure differential sensors. The device is activated when the sensor detects the insertion of the aerosol generating product 1, and the controller 2-7 controls the current output to generate radiant heat. During this process, the output heat from the radiant heat source 2-2 is controlled by the temperature change of the radiant element or a specific location of the aerosol generating product 1. After a fixed time or a certain number of puffs, the power start / stop controller 2-9 is automatically shut off. During use, the power start / stop controller 2-9 can be manually turned off or restarted.
[0117] The output power of the radiant heat source 2-2 in the heated cigarette device 2 is controlled by controller 2-7. The output power of the battery 2-6 is also controlled by controller 2-7. Controller 2-7 is jointly controlled by temperature detection element 2-8 and power start / stop controller 2-9.
[0118] Referring to Figure 1- Figure 4As shown, during use, the upstream end face 1-5 of the aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 of the aerosol generating product 1 is inserted downwards into the cigarette receiving cavity 2-1 of the heated cigarette device 2. The power start / stop controller 2-9 is manually or automatically activated, and the radiant heat source 2-2 starts working. The heat is quickly radiated through the upstream end face 1-5 of the aerosol generating matrix and enters the tortuous holes 1-4 of the aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 of the aerosol generating product, directly acting on the surface of the accumulation body for rapid heating. After the temperature rises, the aerosol generating matrix continuously begins to form aerosol substances. After the consumer inhales, external airflow enters the flue gas mixing section 1-2 downstream of the aerosol generating matrix 1-1 through the side wall through-hole 1-3. Due to the negative pressure created by the fluid flow, and the positive pressure created by the aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 due to the generation of aerosol substances, the aerosol substances are delivered to the flue gas mixing section 1-2 under the action of the pressure difference. They mix with the airflow flowing into the flue gas mixing section 1-2 and cool down to form aerosols. Under the action of the airflow, the aerosols pass through the flue gas mixing section 1-2 of the aerosol generating product 1 and reach the outlet, entering the consumer's mouth, completing one inhalation process. During the inhalation interval, the radiant heat source 2-2 continuously supplies heat to the aerosol generating matrix section 1-1, which continuously generates aerosol substances. During the inhalation process, these substances are migrated to the flue gas mixing section 1-2 and mix with the air to form flue gas aerosols. After repeating several times, the power start / stop controller 2-9 is turned off after the programmed shutdown conditions are met, ending the use of the aerosol generating product 1.
[0119] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the heated cigarette device structure according to the fourth embodiment. The cross-section of the hollow portion of the bottom annular cigarette seal 2-4 is always circular. The upstream inner diameter of the bottom annular cigarette seal 2-4 is smaller than the downstream inner diameter. The inner wall of the bottom annular cigarette seal 2-4 is sloped to facilitate cigarette insertion. The ratio of the minimum inner diameter of the bottom annular cigarette seal 2-4 or the middle annular cigarette seal 2-12 to the diameter or hydraulic diameter of the aerosol generating matrix 1-1 is 85% to 98% to form a tight seal.
[0120] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the heated cigarette device structure according to the fifth embodiment. At the upstream end, the cross-section of the hollow portion of the bottom annular cigarette seal 2-4 is circular. From downstream to upstream, the cross-section of the hollow portion of the bottom annular cigarette seal 2-4 changes from an initial circle to a rectangle. The ratio of the area of the initial circle to the area of the cigarette receiving cavity is 85% to 98%. The area of the initial circle is larger than the cross-sectional area of the heated cigarette smoking section to facilitate cigarette insertion. The perimeter of the cross-section of the hollow portion of the bottom annular cigarette seal 2-4 remains constant and equal to the perimeter of the smoking section, or decreases by no more than 5%, so that the cigarette paper does not wrinkle during the insertion of the aerosol matrix section 1-1 and the pressing of the tobacco. The ratio of the height of the bottom annular cigarette seal 2-4 to the length of the aerosol matrix section 1-1 is no more than 0.5. Preferably, the height of the bottom annular cigarette seal 2-4 is 0.05 to 0.2 times the length of the aerosol matrix section. After the heated cigarette is inserted into the bottom annular cigarette seal 1-2, it is not only secured, but the bottom annular cigarette seal 1-2 also seals the gap between the aerosol matrix section 1-1 and the cigarette receiving cavity 2-1, and changes the shape of the upstream end of the aerosol matrix section 1-1 to increase the tobacco density at the upstream end of the aerosol matrix section 1-1 and enhance heat transfer. The bottom annular cigarette seal 2-4 has a hollow structure in the middle, allowing the upstream end face of the aerosol matrix section 1-1 to be open to receive heat from the radiant heat source 2-2. At this time, the middle annular cigarette seal 2-12 may or may not be provided.
[0121] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the heated cigarette device structure according to the sixth embodiment. From upstream to downstream, one or more central annular cigarette seals 2-12 are spaced apart on the inner wall of the cigarette receiving cavity 2-1. The cross-section of the one or more central annular cigarette seals 2-12 is circular, racetrack-shaped, or rectangular. From upstream to downstream of the cigarette receiving cavity, the cross-sectional area of the hollow portion of the central annular cigarette seal gradually decreases to facilitate the insertion of the aerosol generation matrix segment 1-1. The perimeter of the cross-section of the downstream hollow portion is equal to the perimeter of the aerosol matrix segment 1-1, so that the cigarette paper does not wrinkle during the insertion of the aerosol matrix segment 1-1 and the compression of the tobacco. The minimum perimeter of the hollow portion cross-section is reduced by no more than 5% compared to the perimeter of the aerosol matrix segment 1-1.
[0122] Figure 7 In the middle section, the cross-section of the most upstream annular cigarette seal 2-12 is circular. From downstream to upstream, the cross-section of the hollow portion of the middle annular cigarette seal changes from an initial circle to a rectangle.
[0123] Of course, in other embodiments, the cross-section of the upstream annular cigarette seal 2-12 is circular. Alternatively, from downstream to upstream, the cross-section of the hollow portion of the central annular cigarette seal may change from an initial circle to a racetrack shape.
[0124] Comparative Experiment of Cylindrical Tobacco Aerosol Matrix Segments
[0125] Comparative Example 1 is a conventional cylindrical cigarette, comprising: a tobacco-filled smoking section, a hollow support section, and a filter section. The outer diameter of the smoking section is 7.2 mm, and the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoking section 1 is 12 mm. In this case, the ratio of the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoking section 1 to the outer diameter of the smoking section is 12 / 7.2 = 1.67.
[0126] Example 1 is a cigarette with an aspect ratio of 1.2. The only difference between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 is that the smoke-generating segment 1 is cut off, making the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating segment 1 8.6 mm. Therefore, the ratio of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol-generating matrix segment to the diameter B of the aerosol-generating matrix segment 1-1 is 8.6 / 7.2 = 1.2.
[0127] Example 2 is a cigarette with an aspect ratio of 1.0. The only difference between it and Comparative Example 1 is that the smoke-generating segment 1 is cut off, so that the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating segment 1 is 7.2 mm. Therefore, the ratio of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol generating matrix segment to the diameter B of the aerosol generating matrix segment 1-1 is 7.2 / 7.2 = 1.0.
[0128] Example 3 is a cigarette with an aspect ratio of 0.6. The only difference between it and Comparative Example 1 is that the smoke-generating segment 1 is cut off, so that the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating segment 1 is 4.3 mm. Therefore, the ratio of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol generating matrix segment to the diameter B of the aerosol generating matrix segment 1-1 is 4.3 / 7.2 = 0.6.
[0129] Performance testing:
[0130] The cigarettes from Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1-3 were tested using the same smoking device. The experimental conditions were: device pressing for 2 seconds, preheating for 25 seconds, puffing mode: 55ml, 30 seconds, 8 puffs per puff, smoke collection of 24 cigarettes onto one Cambridge filter, extractant: 25ml, equilibrated temperature, unequilibrated humidity. Nicotine changes over time are shown below. Figure 8-9 As shown.
[0131] The total nicotine content in Comparative Example 1 was approximately 5.72 mg, in Example 1 it was 4.11 mg, in Example 2 it was 3.43 mg, and in Example 3 it was 2.06 mg. After eight puffs, the total nicotine release amounts in Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1-3 were 0.82 mg, 1.06 mg, 1.33 mg, and 0.82 mg, respectively, with nicotine conversion rates of 14.33%, 25.8%, 38.8%, and 39.81%. This demonstrates that reducing the ratio of the distance A to the diameter B between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the cylindrical tobacco aerosol generation matrix section to within 1.2 can effectively improve the nicotine conversion rate, while simultaneously rapidly increasing the nicotine release rate during puffing and maintaining a stable release amount thereafter.
[0132] Comparative experiment of cylindrical particle aerosol matrix segments
[0133] Comparative Example 2 is a conventional cylindrical cigarette, comprising: a sealing component, a smoke-generating section filled with smoke-generating particles, a particle separator, a hollow support section, and a filter section. The outer diameter of the smoke-generating section is 7.2 mm, and the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating section 1 is 12 mm. In this case, the ratio of the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating section 1 to the outer diameter of the smoke-generating section is 12 / 7.2 = 1.67.
[0134] Example 4 is a cigarette with an aspect ratio of 1.2. The only difference from Comparative Example 1 is that the amount of particulate aerosol matrix filling in the smoke-generating section 1 is reduced, and the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating section 1 is 8.6 mm. Naturally, the cigarette as a whole will also be shorter. Therefore, the ratio of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol generating matrix section to the diameter B of the aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 is 8.6 / 7.2 = 1.2.
[0135] Example 5 is a cigarette with an aspect ratio of 1.0. The only difference between Example 5 and Comparative Example 1 is that the amount of particulate aerosol matrix filling in the smoke-generating section 1 is reduced, resulting in a distance of 7.2 mm between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating section 1. Naturally, the cigarette as a whole will also be shorter. Therefore, the ratio of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol-generating matrix section to the diameter B of the aerosol-generating matrix section 1-1 is 7.2 / 7.2 = 1.0.
[0136] Example 6 is a cigarette with an aspect ratio of 0.6. The only difference between Example 6 and Comparative Example 1 is that the amount of particulate aerosol matrix filling in the smoke-generating section 1 is reduced, resulting in a distance of 4.3 mm between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating section 1. Naturally, the overall cigarette will also be shorter. Therefore, the ratio of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol-generating matrix section to the diameter B of the aerosol-generating matrix section 1-1 is 4.3 / 7.2 = 0.6.
[0137] Performance testing:
[0138] The cigarettes from Comparative Example 2 and Examples 4-6 were tested using the same smoking device. The experimental conditions were: device pressing for 2 seconds, preheating for 25 seconds, puffing mode: 55ml, 30 seconds, 8 puffs per puff, smoke collection of 24 cigarettes onto one Cambridge filter, extractant: 25ml, equilibrated temperature, unequilibrated humidity. Nicotine changes over time are shown below. Figure 10-11 As shown.
[0139] In Comparative Example 2, the total nicotine content was approximately 7.18 mg; in Example 4, it was 5.16 mg; in Example 5, it was 4.3 mg; and in Example 6, it was 2.58 mg. After eight puffs, the total nicotine release amounts for Comparative Example 2 and Examples 4-6 were 0.83 mg, 0.92 mg, 0.96 mg, and 0.69 mg, respectively, with nicotine conversion rates of 11.56%, 17.83%, 22.32%, and 26.74%. This demonstrates that reducing the ratio of the distance A to the diameter B between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the cylindrical tobacco aerosol generation matrix section can effectively improve the nicotine conversion rate, while simultaneously rapidly increasing the nicotine release rate during puffing and maintaining a stable release amount thereafter.
[0140] Comparative experiment of rectangular tobacco aerosol matrix segments:
[0141] Comparative Example 3 is a cuboid cigarette, comprising: a tobacco-filled smoking section, a hollow support section, and a filter section. The smoking section is a cuboid, with its upstream and downstream surfaces being squares with a side length of 7.2 mm. The distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoking section 1 is 12 mm. At this point, the hydraulic diameter of the smoking section is 7.2 mm. The ratio of the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoking section 1 to its hydraulic diameter is 12 / 7.2 = 1.67.
[0142] Example 7 is a cigarette with an aspect ratio of 1.2. The only difference between Example 7 and Comparative Example 1 is that the smoke-generating section 1 is cut off, making the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating section 1 8.6 mm. Therefore, the ratio of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol-generating matrix section to the hydraulic diameter B of the aerosol-generating matrix section 1-1 is 8.6 / 7.2 = 1.2.
[0143] Example 8 is a cigarette with an aspect ratio of 1.0. The only difference between Example 8 and Comparative Example 1 is that the smoke-generating section 1 is cut off, making the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating section 1 7.2 mm. Therefore, the ratio of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol-generating matrix section to the hydraulic diameter B of the aerosol-generating matrix section 1-1 is 7.2 / 7.2 = 1.0.
[0144] Example 9 is a cigarette with an aspect ratio of 0.6. The only difference between Example 9 and Comparative Example 1 is that the smoke-generating section 1 is cut off, making the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating section 1 4.3 mm. Therefore, the ratio of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol-generating matrix section to the hydraulic diameter B of the aerosol-generating matrix section 1-1 is 4.3 / 7.2 = 0.6.
[0145] Performance testing:
[0146] The cigarettes from Comparative Example 3 and Examples 7-9 were tested using the same smoking device. The experimental conditions were: device pressing for 2 seconds, preheating for 25 seconds, puffing mode of 55ml for 30 seconds, allowing for 8 puffs, smoke collection of 24 cigarettes onto a Cambridge filter, 25ml extractant, balanced temperature, and unbalanced humidity. Nicotine changes over time are shown below. Figure 12-13 As shown.
[0147] In Comparative Example 3, the total nicotine content was approximately 6.47 mg; in Example 7, it was 4.65 mg; in Example 8, it was 3.87 mg; and in Example 9, it was 2.32 mg. The total nicotine release from eight puffs in Comparative Example 3 and Examples 7-9 were 0.84 mg, 0.94 mg, 1.02 mg, and 0.77 mg, respectively, with nicotine conversion rates of 12.98%, 17.42%, 26.36%, and 33.19%. This demonstrates that reducing the ratio of the distance A to the diameter B between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the cylindrical tobacco aerosol generation matrix section can effectively improve the nicotine conversion rate, while simultaneously rapidly increasing the nicotine release rate during inhalation and maintaining a stable release rate thereafter.
[0148] Comparative experiment of cuboid particle aerosol matrix segments:
[0149] Comparative Example 4 is a cuboid cigarette, comprising: a sealing component, a smoke-generating section filled with smoke-generating particles, a particle separator, a hollow support section, and a filter section. The smoke-generating section is a cuboid, with its upstream and downstream surfaces being squares with a side length of 7.2 mm. The distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating section 1 is 12 mm. At this point, the hydraulic diameter of the smoke-generating section is 7.2 mm. The ratio of the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating section 1 to its hydraulic diameter is 12 / 7.2 = 1.67.
[0150] Example 10 is a cigarette with an aspect ratio of 1.2. The only difference between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 is that the amount of particulate aerosol matrix filling in the smoke-generating section 1 is reduced, resulting in a distance of 8.6 mm between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating section 1. Naturally, the overall cigarette length will also be shorter. Therefore, the ratio of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol generating matrix section to the hydraulic diameter B of the aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 is 8.6 / 7.2 = 1.2.
[0151] Example 11 is a cigarette with an aspect ratio of 1.0. The only difference between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 is that the amount of particulate aerosol matrix filling the smoke-generating section 1 is reduced, resulting in a distance of 7.2 mm between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating section 1. Naturally, the overall cigarette length will also be shorter. Therefore, the ratio of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol generating matrix section to the hydraulic diameter B of the aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 is 7.2 / 7.2 = 1.0.
[0152] Example 12 is a cigarette with an aspect ratio of 0.6. The only difference between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 is that the amount of particulate aerosol matrix filling in the smoke-generating section 1 is reduced, resulting in a distance of 4.3 mm between the upstream and downstream end faces of the smoke-generating section 1. Naturally, the overall cigarette length is also shorter. Therefore, the ratio of the distance A between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the aerosol generating matrix section to the hydraulic diameter B of the aerosol generating matrix section 1-1 is 0.6.
[0153] Performance testing:
[0154] The cigarettes from Comparative Example 4 and Examples 10-12 were tested using the same smoking device. The experimental conditions were: device pressing for 2 seconds, preheating for 25 seconds, puffing mode of 55ml for 30 seconds, 8 puffs per minute, smoke collection of 24 puffs onto a Cambridge filter, 25ml extractant, balanced temperature, and unbalanced humidity. Nicotine changes over time are shown below. Figure 14-15 As shown.
[0155] In Comparative Example 4, the total nicotine content was approximately 7.18 mg; in Example 10, it was 5.16 mg; in Example 11, it was 4.3 mg; and in Example 12, it was 2.58 mg. After eight puffs, the nicotine release amounts in Comparative Example 4 and Examples 10-12 were 0.81 mg, 0.86 mg, 0.95 mg, and 0.64 mg, respectively, with nicotine conversion rates of 11.28%, 16.67%, 22.09%, and 24.81%. This demonstrates that reducing the ratio of the distance A to the diameter B between the upstream end face 1-5 and the downstream end face 1-7 of the cylindrical tobacco aerosol generation matrix section can effectively improve the nicotine conversion rate, while simultaneously rapidly increasing the nicotine release rate during puffing and maintaining a stable release amount thereafter.
Claims
1. An aerosol-generating product, characterized in that, The aerosol generating product includes: an aerosol generating matrix segment, the aerosol generating matrix segment having an upstream end face and a downstream end face; The aerosol generating matrix segment has a tortuous hole extending from the upstream end face to the downstream end face; The aerosol generating matrix segment is cylindrical, and the ratio of the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the aerosol generating matrix segment to its diameter is less than 1.2; or the aerosol generating matrix segment is cuboid, and the ratio of the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the aerosol generating matrix segment to the hydraulic diameter of the end face is less than 1.
2.
2. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the aerosol generation matrix section, the visible light transmittance between the upstream end face and the downstream end face is 5% to 40%.
3. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol-generating product further includes a heat shield section located downstream of the aerosol-generating matrix section; The heat shield section is configured such that the projection of light transmitted from the downstream end face in the downstream axial direction falls on the heat shield section.
4. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat shielding section is one or both of the following: fiber bundle section or light-blocking plate; The heat shield section may have an axial through hole or no axial through hole; When the heat shield section has an axial through hole, the heat shield section is configured such that the projection of light transmitted from the downstream end face in the downstream axial direction falls on the non-axial through hole position of the heat shield section.
5. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol-generating product further includes: a flue gas mixing section; The flue gas mixing section is located between the aerosol generation matrix section and the heat shield section; or the flue gas mixing section is located downstream of the heat shield section.
6. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flue gas mixing section has a hollow structure.
7. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol-generating product includes a reflective layer surrounding the aerosol-generating matrix segment.
8. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the aerosol generation matrix section, the visible light transmittance between the upstream end face and the downstream end face is 5% to 15%.
9. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating matrix segment is cylindrical, and the ratio of the distance between its upstream and downstream end faces to its diameter is 0.6 to 1; or The aerosol generating matrix section is a cuboid, and the ratio of the distance between the upstream and downstream end faces of the aerosol generating matrix section to the hydraulic diameter of the end face is 0.6 to 0.
9.
10. A method for increasing nicotine release amount and release rate, characterized in that, Articles are generated using the aerosol as described in claim 1.