Functional segment, aerosol-generating article, and aerosol-generating system

Abstract

The present application provides a functional segment, which is applied to an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article comprises a substrate segment, and the functional segment is located on one side of the proximal end of the substrate segment. The functional segment comprises a composite material, and the composite material comprises a skeleton material, a binder and a phase change material. The present application also provides an aerosol generating article comprising the functional segment, and an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of smoke-generating products, specifically to a functional segment, an aerosol-generating product, and an aerosol-generating system. Background Technology

[0002] The aerosol produced by the combustion of traditional cigarettes can be inhaled, but along with the production of flavor compounds, combustion also produces many components that are harmful to the human body. Heating instead of combustion can greatly reduce the production of harmful substances, so heated non-combustible aerosol products are attracting more and more attention.

[0003] Heated non-combustible aerosol products typically consist of a matrix section and a functional section. The matrix section is heated by an aerosol generating device to produce an aerosol rich in aromatic substances. After passing through the functional section, the temperature of the aerosol is reduced to a suitable level. Finally, the aerosol passes through a filtration section to adsorb some impurities, making it available for inhalation.

[0004] Because the aerosol generated by heating the matrix segment is at a high temperature, it is necessary to develop methods to reduce the aerosol temperature so that the aerosol reaches a suitable temperature when it enters the user's mouth. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a functional section, an aerosol generating article, and an aerosol generating system. The functional section of the present invention includes a phase change material, whereby the phase change material changes from a solid phase to a liquid or gas phase when the aerosol passes through the functional section, thereby reducing the aerosol temperature and improving the user's sensory experience.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a functional segment applied to an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article including a matrix segment, the functional segment being located on one side of the matrix segment near the lip end; wherein the functional segment includes a composite material, the composite material including a skeleton material, an adhesive, and a phase change material.

[0008] In some embodiments, the functional segment includes a first functional segment and a second functional segment arranged in an axial direction; wherein the first functional segment is a cooling segment and the second functional segment is a filtering segment; or, the first functional segment is a filtering segment and the second functional segment is a cooling segment, wherein the cooling segment is located on one side of the matrix segment near the lip end.

[0009] In some embodiments, the phase change material has a phase change temperature of 50°C to 200°C.

[0010] In some embodiments, the composite material further includes a functional material selected from one or more of smoke-generating agents, fillers, and fragrances, preferably selected from smoke-generating agents.

[0011] In some embodiments, the composite material comprises, based on its total weight:

[0012] 30wt% to 90wt%, preferably 30wt% to 60wt% of the skeleton material;

[0013] 1 wt% to 15 wt%, preferably 3 wt% to 10 wt% of adhesive;

[0014] 0.5 wt% to 15 wt%, preferably 1 wt% to 10 wt% of phase change material; and

[0015] 2 wt% to 50 wt%, preferably 5 wt% to 30 wt% of functional materials.

[0016] In some embodiments, the phase change material is selected from one or more of palmitic acid, stearic acid, microcrystalline wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, sodium sulfate hydrate, sodium carbonate hydrate, magnesium chloride hydrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate hydrate, sodium acetate trihydrate, xylitol, sorbitol, neopentyl glycol, pentaerythritol, maltose, dextrin, gelatin, soy protein, corn starch, potato starch, amylose, amylopectin, octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch, and hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate. Preferably, the phase change material is selected from one or more of corn starch, pentaerythritol, stearic acid, sodium acetate trihydrate, and Fischer-Tropsch wax.

[0017] In some embodiments, the skeleton material is selected from one or more of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, tobacco raw materials, tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, aromatic plants, plant-derived powders, and inorganic materials. Preferably, the skeleton material is selected from one or more of cellulose, calcium carbonate, silicon dioxide, kudzu root powder, and Assam black tea powder.

[0018] In some embodiments, the adhesive is selected from one or more of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, agar, sodium alginate, locust bean gum, konjac gum, gelatin, casein, soy protein, wheat protein, peanut protein, silk protein, recombinant protein, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylate, and polyvinyl ether. Preferably, the adhesive is selected from one or more of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, konjac gum, polyvinyl alcohol, and gelatin.

[0019] In some implementations, the cooling section and the filtration section are each integral structures formed by one of the following methods: extrusion, injection molding, or compression molding.

[0020] A second aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generating article, comprising: a matrix segment for generating aerosols, wherein the matrix segment has a distal lip end and a proximal lip end at its two ends along the axial direction; a functional segment provided in the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the functional segment is disposed at the proximal lip end; an optional blocking segment disposed at the distal lip end; and an outer wrapping layer that wraps around the circumferential exterior of the matrix segment, the functional segment, and the optional blocking segment.

[0021] A third aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generation system, including an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation article provided in the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the aerosol generation device includes a heating component, and a matrix segment generates aerosol under the heating action of the heating component.

[0022] In this invention, the functional section includes a phase change material. When the aerosol passes through the functional section, the phase change material changes from a solid phase to a liquid or gas phase, which can reduce the aerosol temperature and improve the user's sensory experience. Furthermore, a suitable phase change material can be selected based on the generated aerosol temperature, allowing for targeted adjustment and improvement of the aerosol temperature, thereby reducing the aerosol temperature to a comfortable oral temperature. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of a matrix segment or functional segment in an embodiment of this application, along a cross section perpendicular to the length direction.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of a matrix segment or functional segment in another embodiment of this application, along a cross section perpendicular to the length direction.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of a matrix segment or functional segment in a cross section perpendicular to the length direction, according to another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following detailed description discusses exemplary embodiments. The specific embodiments included herein should not be construed as limiting the invention. Furthermore, while specific language may be used to describe features, actions, and / or structures in the embodiments described herein, the claims are not limited to the described features, actions, and / or structures. Those skilled in the art will understand that other embodiments, including improvements, are within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0031] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, the terminology used herein should be understood as having the meaning as commonly used in the art. Therefore, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0032] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present invention, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only the elements expressly stated, but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to implementing the method or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other related elements in the method or apparatus that includes that element.

[0033] When using existing heated non-combustible aerosol products, the aerosol reaches a high temperature after heating and activation, typically between 150℃ and 230℃. Therefore, a functional section is needed to rapidly reduce the aerosol temperature so that it reaches a suitable temperature upon entering the oral cavity. Currently, commonly used functional sections include hollow cellulose acetate structures, corrugated paper tubes, fiber paper, and hollow polypropylene tubes. However, hollow cellulose acetate structures, corrugated paper tubes, and fiber paper release acidic or papery odors when near high-temperature aerosols, resulting in poor cooling effects and poor aroma carrying and retention capabilities, which is detrimental to the consistency of the smoke. Furthermore, these materials partially soften at high temperatures, leading to reduced support and potential microplastic safety hazards. In addition, the thermal conductivity of these materials fluctuates within a small range, making it impossible to effectively control the smoke temperature according to requirements.

[0034] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] This invention provides an aerosol-generating product, referenced Figure 1 The aerosol-generated product includes a matrix segment 20, a functional segment 30, and a coating layer (not shown in the figure), wherein the functional segment 30 is disposed at one end of the matrix segment 20 along the length direction, and the coating layer is wrapped around the functional segment and the matrix segment in the circumferential direction.

[0036] This aerosol-generated product is suitable for suction by heating without combustion.

[0037] The matrix segment 20 is used to generate aerosols. Specifically, the aerosol generating article is used in conjunction with an aerosol generating device, which includes a heating component and a power supply component. The power supply component provides electrical energy to the heating component, which converts the electrical energy into other forms of energy and applies them to the matrix segment 20, thereby heating the matrix segment 20 to generate aerosols.

[0038] There are various heating methods for the heating components. Exemplarily, heating methods include center heating and peripheral heating. Center heating refers to the heating component being inserted into the matrix segment 20 to bake and heat the matrix segment 20 from the inside out. Peripheral heating methods are also varied. Exemplarily, heating methods include center heating and peripheral heating. Center heating refers to the heating component being positioned around the aerosol-generating product to bake and heat the matrix segment 20 from the outside in. These heating methods can specifically include resistance heating, electromagnetic induction heating, infrared heating, microwave heating, laser heating, air heating, electric field heating, carbon source heating, plasma heating, etc., which are not specifically limited herein.

[0039] The matrix segment 20 has two axial ends, a proximal lip end 20a and a distal lip end 20b. The proximal lip end 20a refers to the end of the matrix segment 20 closest to the user's lips when using the aerosol-generating article, and the distal lip end 20b refers to the end of the matrix segment 20 furthest from the user's lips when using the aerosol-generating article. In this application, the matrix segment is also referred to as the aerosol-generating matrix.

[0040] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating matrix may also be one or more combinations of filamentous, granular, flake, and other shaped or amorphous tobacco, herbaceous plants, and biomass-derived materials.

[0041] In some embodiments, the axial dimension of the matrix segment 20 is 17 mm to 28 mm, for example, it can be 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 26 mm, 27 mm or 28 mm, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0042] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The functional segment 30 is disposed near the lip end 20a of the matrix segment 20. The functional segment 30 includes at least one of a filter segment 31, a support segment 32, and a cooling segment 33. In this application, the functional segment 30 specifically refers to at least one of the support segment 32 and the cooling segment 33, which is used to reduce the temperature of the aerosol while supporting the structure, so as to ensure that the temperature of the aerosol reaching the user's oral cavity is suitable and to avoid the problem of "burning the mouth".

[0043] In some implementations, such as Figure 2The functional section 30 includes a filter section 31, a support section 32, and a cooling section 33. The support section 32 is located at one end of the matrix section 20 along its axial direction, one end of the cooling section 33 is located at the end of the support section 32 away from the matrix section 20 along its axial direction, and the filter section 31 is located at the other end of the cooling section 33.

[0044] The support section 32 can connect and support the matrix section 20 and the cooling section 33 at both ends. The cooling section 33 is used to reduce the temperature of the aerosol so that the temperature of the aerosol flowing out of the filter section 31 is suitable and avoids the problem of the aerosol being "hot to the mouth".

[0045] Of course, the positions of the support section 32 and the cooling section 33 can also be interchanged, that is, the cooling section 33 is connected to one end of the matrix section 20 along the axis, and the two ends of the support section 32 are connected to the other end of the cooling section 33 and the filter section 31, respectively.

[0046] The functional segment 30 of the present invention includes a composite material, which includes a skeleton material, an adhesive, and a phase change material.

[0047] In this invention, the composite material of the functional segment includes a skeleton material, an adhesive, and a phase change material. The skeleton material imparts high strength and toughness to the composite material, providing better support for the functional segment. The adhesive improves the formability and structural stability of the composite material, reducing the probability of deformation and cracking of the functional segment under high-temperature conditions. When high-temperature aerosols pass through the functional segment, the phase change material undergoes a phase change at high temperatures, transforming from a solid phase to a liquid or gas phase, absorbing heat from the aerosol, thereby reducing the aerosol temperature and improving the user's sensory comfort.

[0048] For example, the phase transition temperature of the phase change material is from 50°C to 200°C, such as 50°C, 80°C, 100°C, 120°C, 150°C, 180°C, and 200°C.

[0049] In this invention, "phase change material" refers to a material that absorbs or releases a large amount of heat through a phase change (such as the transition between solid and liquid states) at a certain temperature. The heat absorbed or released by these materials during the phase change process is called latent heat, which is usually much larger than sensible heat. "Phase" refers to a homogeneous part of a material system with identical physical and chemical properties and a clear interface with other parts, such as the gas phase, liquid phase, and solid phase. "Phase change" refers to the process by which a substance transforms from one phase to another. "Phase change temperature" is the temperature at which a substance undergoes a phase change under certain pressure conditions.

[0050] In some embodiments, the composite material further includes a functional material selected from one or more of smoke-generating agents, fillers, and fragrances, preferably selected from smoke-generating agents.

[0051] In some embodiments, the smoke-generating agent is selected from one or more of propylene glycol, glycerol, xylitol, triethylene glycol, sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol. Preferably, the smoke-generating agent is selected from one or more of propylene glycol and glycerol.

[0052] In this invention, by supplementing with functional materials, the product achieves the following effects: 1. Increases the amount of visual smoke during aerosol use, enhancing the user's sensory experience; 2. Improves the structural strength of the aerosol-generated product, ensuring shape stability during use; 3. Enriches the flavor of the aerosol, bringing pleasure to the user.

[0053] In some embodiments, the composite material comprises 30 wt% to 90 wt%, for example 30 wt% to 60 wt%, such as 30 wt%, 35 wt%, 40 wt%, 45 wt%, 50 wt%, 55 wt%, or 60 wt% of skeleton material, based on the total weight of the composite material.

[0054] In some embodiments, the composite material comprises 1 wt% to 15 wt%, preferably 3 wt% to 10 wt%, of an adhesive, such as 3.5 wt%, 4 wt%, 4.5 wt%, 5 wt%, 5.5 wt%, 6 wt%, 6.5 wt%, 7 wt%, 7.5 wt%, or 8 wt%, based on the total weight of the composite material.

[0055] In some embodiments, the composite material comprises 0.5 wt% to 15 wt%, preferably 1 wt% to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composite material, such as 1.5 wt%, 2 wt%, 2.5 wt%, 3 wt%, 3.5 wt%, 4 wt%, 4.5 wt%, 5 wt%, 5.5 wt%, 6 wt%, 6.5 wt%, 7 wt%, 7.5 wt%, 8 wt%, 8.5 wt%, 9 wt%, 9.5 wt%, and 10 wt% of phase change material.

[0056] In some embodiments, the composite material comprises 2 wt% to 50 wt%, preferably 5 wt% to 30 wt%, such as 6 wt%, 10 wt%, 12 wt%, 15 wt%, 18 wt%, 20 wt%, 32 wt%, 25 wt%, or 30 wt% of functional materials, based on the total weight of the composite material.

[0057] It should be understood that, depending on the process, the content of each component in the work-in-process may fluctuate by 20% above or below the central values ​​of the above components.

[0058] By adjusting the proportions of the skeleton material, adhesive, phase change material, and functional material, composite materials with high mechanical strength and the ability to reduce aerosol temperature can be obtained.

[0059] In some implementations, the phase change material is selected from one or more of the following:

[0060] 1) Phase change materials with a phase change temperature of 50℃ to 100℃, such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, microcrystalline wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, gelatin, soybean protein, corn starch, potato starch, amylose, amylopectin, octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch, and hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate.

[0061] 2) Phase change materials with a phase change temperature of 50℃ to 200℃, such as sodium sulfate hydrate, sodium carbonate hydrate, magnesium chloride hydrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate hydrate, and sodium acetate trihydrate.

[0062] 3) Phase change materials with a phase change temperature of 100℃ to 200℃, such as xylitol, sorbitol, neopentyl glycol, pentaerythritol, maltose, and dextrin.

[0063] In some embodiments, the phase change material includes one or more of corn starch, pentaerythritol, stearic acid, sodium acetate trihydrate, and Fischer-Tropsch wax.

[0064] Aerosols reach high temperatures after heating and activation, typically between 150°C and 230°C. In this invention, a phase change material with a suitable phase change temperature can be selected based on the generated aerosol temperature. This allows for targeted adjustment and improvement of the aerosol temperature, reducing it to a comfortable oral temperature and enhancing the user's sensory experience.

[0065] In some embodiments, the skeleton material is selected from one or more of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, tobacco raw materials, tobacco fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, aromatic plants, and inorganic materials.

[0066] In some specific embodiments, the skeleton material is selected from one or more of cellulose, calcium carbonate, silicon dioxide, kudzu root powder, and Assam black tea powder.

[0067] Adding the aforementioned skeleton material gives the composite material a certain strength and resistance to deformation, thereby enabling the functional segment to have a better support effect.

[0068] In some embodiments, the adhesive is selected from one or more of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, agar, sodium alginate, locust bean gum, konjac gum, gelatin, casein, soy protein, wheat protein, peanut protein, silk protein, recombinant protein, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylate, and polyvinyl alcohol ether.

[0069] In some specific embodiments, the adhesive is selected from one or more of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, konjac gum, polyvinyl alcohol, and gelatin.

[0070] Adding the above-mentioned adhesive can improve the formability and structural stability of composite materials and reduce the probability of functional segments deforming or cracking under high temperature conditions.

[0071] In this invention, the support section and the cooling section can be an integral structure, or the cooling section and the filter section can each be a separate structure formed by one of the following methods: extrusion, injection molding, or compression molding.

[0072] The cooling section and the filtration section are obtained by integral molding methods such as extrusion, injection molding, and compression molding. This allows intermolecular forces to form between the phase change material and other component materials, enabling the material to maintain good structural integrity after the phase change and reducing the risk of phase change material shedding. This results in a functional section with good structural integrity.

[0073] In some implementations, reference Figure 3 The functional section 30 includes a pre-plug section 10, a filter section 31, and a cooling section 33. The pre-plug section 10 is located at the other end of the matrix section 20 along its length. The pre-plug section 10 can improve the problem of matrix section 20 falling off. In addition, the pre-plug section 10 can adsorb the aerosol that condenses and flows back after the aerosol generation product stops pumping, thereby avoiding the problem of aerosol condensation flowing downwards and causing internal contamination of the aerosol generation device, making it difficult to clean, and the problem of cross-contamination of flavors that may occur when pumping different flavored aerosol generation products.

[0074] This article does not impose any special restrictions on the material of the fore-plug section; any material commonly used in this field can be used.

[0075] In some implementations, reference Figure 4 The functional section 30 includes a front plug section 10, a filter section 31, a support section 32, and a cooling section 33. The front plug section 10 is located at the distal lip end 20b of the matrix section 20, the support section 32 is located at the proximal lip end 20a of the matrix section 20, and the cooling section 33 is located at one end of the support section 32 axially away from the matrix section 20. The filter section 31 is located at the end of the cooling section 33 axially away from the support section 32.

[0076] In this invention, functional segment 30 has an open structure at both ends along the axial direction, such as... Figure 5 As shown, it has numerous micropores, which are interconnected to form micro-channels. It can be understood that after the functional segment is formed, the gaps between its raw material components constitute micropores. These micropores are irregular and belong to the category of pores in a microscopic sense. The size of the micropores is determined by the gaps between the powder components after the powder is formed.

[0077] During the aerosol generation process, the generated aerosols can enter the microchannels of the functional section. Under the negative pressure generated by suction, the aerosols are transported to the user for inhalation through the microchannels. In addition, as the aerosols flow through the microchannels, it also helps the functional section capture some substances in the aerosols and has a cooling effect.

[0078] In another exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the functional segment and / or matrix segment include micropores and at least one airway pore, which extends through at least one end of the structural segment along its length. The airway pore helps improve the air permeability of the functional segment and reduce suction resistance.

[0079] It should be noted that the airway pores mentioned above are pores in a macroscopic sense, while micropores are pores in a microscopic sense. The cross-sectional area of ​​an airway pore is much larger than that of a micropore, for example, at least 20 times larger.

[0080] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airway pores is 20 to 60,000 times that of the micropores. This is beneficial for balancing the structural stability of the structural segment and the aerosol release rate. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airway pores is 100 to 40,000 times that of the micropores.

[0081] The micro-airways are connected to the airway pores. Since the micro-airways are formed by the interconnection of micropores, the micropores are also connected to the airway pores. Furthermore, it can be understood that the interconnection between micropores can be partial, with some micropores not connected, or all micropores can be interconnected. A portion of the aerosol in the micro-airways can also be collected at the airway pores and delivered to the user's mouth under the negative pressure of suction. The airway pores help reduce the suction resistance for the user, improving the user experience. It should be noted that suction resistance is positively correlated with the flow resistance of the aerosol; the lower the flow resistance of the aerosol, the lower the perceived suction resistance, and vice versa.

[0082] In some implementations, the airway openings extend through opposite ends of the functional segment and / or matrix segment along their length. This helps to reduce suction resistance for the user.

[0083] In one implementation, such as Figure 6 As shown, the functional segment and / or matrix segment have an airway opening inside. This helps to reduce the suction resistance for the user.

[0084] In some implementations, such as Figure 7 As shown, the functional segment and / or matrix segment have multiple airway pores inside. This is more conducive to reducing the suction resistance for the user.

[0085] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the airway opening is circular, elliptical, racetrack-shaped, fan-shaped, or polygonal in a plane perpendicular to the length direction of the functional segment and / or matrix segment.

[0086] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airway orifice is 0.0019 mm. 2 -30mm 2 Alternatively, the hydraulic diameter of the air passage orifice is 0.05 mm to 6 mm. In this application, the hydraulic diameter refers to the ratio of four times the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow passage to the perimeter. In some preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage orifice is 0.007 mm². 2 ~7.1mm 2 (square millimeters). In some preferred embodiments, the hydraulic diameter of the airway orifice is 0.1 mm to 3 mm. This facilitates more uniform aerosol release and higher utilization.

[0087] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the spacer between adjacent air passages is 10 μm to 800 μm. This facilitates heat penetration and diffusion, resulting in higher heat transfer efficiency, while also maintaining structural strength.

[0088] The filter section 31 of this invention is used to filter aerosols, removing large particles and unwanted impurities. The filtered aerosol then flows through the functional section for cooling. In other words, the aerosol generated in the heating matrix section is cooled and filtered sequentially through the cooling support section and the filter section before being drawn in by the user.

[0089] The filter material used in filter section 31 includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following materials: polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polypropylene (PP), cellulose acetate, and cellulose acrylic.

[0090] The encapsulation layer of this invention encapsulates the circumferential portions of the matrix segment and the functional segment. This improves the reliability of the connection between the matrix segment and the functional segment.

[0091] The coating layer has a certain degree of hardness, which can protect the matrix segment and functional segment to a certain extent, reduce their surface area directly exposed to the outside world, and thus reduce the chance of them becoming damp and deteriorating due to contact with air.

[0092] The specific material of the wrapping layer is not limited, and may be one or more of the following: fiber paper, metal foil, metal foil composite fiber paper, polyethylene (PE), polyethylene composite fiber paper, PBAT (Poly butylene adipate-co-terephthalate).

[0093] It should be noted that when the coating layer covers the entire circumferential outer surface of the filter section, the user can directly put the coating layer in their mouth to inhale the aerosol. When the coating layer covers part of the circumferential outer surface of the filter section, the user can directly put the part of the filter section exposed outside the coating layer in their mouth to inhale the aerosol. Of course, the user can also attach a mouthpiece to the filter section and inhale the aerosol through the mouthpiece.

[0094] It should be noted that the encapsulation layer can be a single layer, meaning that a single encapsulation layer can simultaneously encapsulate both the matrix segment and the functional segment.

[0095] Of course, the coating layer can also be multi-layered. Any segment of the matrix segment and the functional segment can be wrapped by at least one outer coating layer to obtain a multi-segment structure; or, two segments of the matrix segment and the functional segment can be wrapped by at least one coating layer to obtain a multi-segment structure, and the multi-segment structure can be wrapped by one or more coating layers to obtain an aerosol-generated product.

[0096] The present invention also provides an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generation apparatus having a heating component and the aerosol generation article described above. The matrix section of the aerosol generation article includes an aerosol generation matrix. Specifically, the heating component heats and atomizes the aerosol generation matrix to generate aerosols.

[0097] The present invention does not limit the specific method by which the heating component generates a matrix from heated aerosols.

[0098] In some embodiments, the heating component is a resistance / electromagnetic heating wire / plate / needle / tube. The heating component is attached to the aerosol generating article. After the heating component is turned on, it transfers heat to the aerosol generating matrix, causing the aerosol generating matrix to generate aerosol.

[0099] In some embodiments, the heating component is an infrared / microwave / laser heating device, which irradiates the aerosol generating article with high-energy infrared / microwave / laser light, thereby raising the temperature of the aerosol generating matrix and causing the aerosol generating matrix to generate aerosols.

[0100] The present invention does not limit the specific arrangement of the heating element. It can be arranged on the outside of the outer wrapping layer; or it can be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix and in contact with the aerosol generating matrix.

[0101] It is understandable that the aerosol generating product is loaded into the aerosol generating device so that the heating component can heat the aerosol generating product. After the aerosol generating matrix in the aerosol generating product is exhausted, it is removed from the aerosol generating device and replaced with a new aerosol generating product.

[0102] Example

[0103] The present invention will be described in more detail below through embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments described below are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Where specific techniques or conditions are not specified in the embodiments, they shall be performed in accordance with the techniques or conditions described in the literature in the art or in accordance with the product instructions. All raw materials used in the embodiments are commercially available.

[0104] Test methods

[0105] Methods for testing aerosol temperature

[0106] 1. Temperature T1 of aerosol generated in the matrix section: Test equipment: X500E-L fume extractor

[0107] Test method: The above-mentioned aerosol generating product and aerosol generating device are combined and placed in a suction device (suction capacity: 35mL for conventional suction, 55mL for deep suction; suction time: 2 seconds; suction interval: 30 seconds; suction curve: bell curve). The test module of the suction device is equipped with a temperature sensor. When aerosol is generated, the temperature sensor captures the aerosol release temperature at the medium end and transmits it in real time. The release temperature transmitted by the temperature sensor can directly characterize the amount of aerosol suction temperature. After the temperature reading stabilizes, the aerosol release temperature is read.

[0108] 2. Temperature T2 of the aerosol after passing through the functional section: Test equipment: X500E-L smoke extractor

[0109] Test method: The above-mentioned aerosol generating product and aerosol generating device are combined and placed in a suction device (suction capacity: 35mL for conventional suction, 55mL for deep suction; suction time: 2 seconds; suction interval: 30 seconds; suction curve: bell curve). The test module of the suction device is equipped with a temperature sensor. When aerosol is generated, the temperature sensor captures the aerosol release temperature at the filter tip and transmits it in real time. The release temperature transmitted by the temperature sensor can directly characterize the amount of aerosol suction temperature. After the temperature reading stabilizes, the aerosol release temperature is read.

[0110] Example 1

[0111] Cellulose and calcium carbonate (skeletal materials), xanthan gum (binder), glycerol (smoke generator), and corn starch (phase change material) were mixed in a mass ratio of 50:10:10:20:10. The mixture was then subjected to twin-screw extrusion with the following parameters: temperature 150℃±50℃, feed rate 1.8±0.2kg / h, screw speed 180±20rpm / min, and linear extrusion speed 1.0±0.2m / min. The resulting functional segment was obtained after extrusion.

[0112] Subsequently, other structural segments were prepared using conventional methods in the art and assembled into a heat-resistant, non-combustible aerosol-generating product. The parameters were: a matrix segment of 28 mm and a sealing segment of 6 mm.

[0113] The aerosol-generated product has a total length of 75 mm and a circumference of 21.36 mm.

[0114] The aerosol-generating matrix is ​​filamentous tobacco.

[0115] Examples 2 to 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3

[0116] The composite materials and aerosol-generated articles of each embodiment were prepared in a manner similar to that of Example 1, except that the types and mass percentages of the skeleton material, binder, smoke generator, and phase change material were adjusted. The specific changes in the types and mass percentages of each component are shown in Table 1. The aerosol-generated articles of each embodiment were subjected to the same aerosol temperature test as in Example 1, and the test results are shown in Table 2.

[0117] Comparative Example 4

[0118] Except for using empty paper tubes as functional segments, the aerosol-generating articles are assembled using the same method as in Example 1.

[0119] Comparative Example 5

[0120] Except for using PET tubes as functional segments, the aerosol-generated articles are assembled using the same method as in Example 1.

[0121] Comparative Example 6

[0122] Except for using a vinegar tube as a functional segment, the aerosol-generating articles are assembled using the same method as in Example 1.

[0123] The composite materials and aerosol-generated articles of each embodiment were prepared in a manner similar to that of Example 1, except that the types and mass percentages of the skeleton material, binder, smoke generator, and phase change material were adjusted. The specific changes in the types and mass percentages of each component are shown in Table 1. Aerosol temperature tests were performed on the aerosol-generated articles of each comparative example, as in Example 1, and the test results are shown in Table 2.

[0124] Table 1. Types and contents of each component in the composite materials of Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6.

[0125]

[0126]

[0127] In Table 1, " / " indicates that the symbol does not exist.

[0128] Table 2 Performance test results of Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6

[0129] project Aerosol temperature T1 (°C) Aerosol temperature T2 (°C) Example 1 240 57 Example 2 235 55 Example 3 242 59 Example 4 233 53 Example 5 246 54 Example 6 237 57 Example 7 244 43 Example 8 236 49 Comparative Example 1 237 41 Comparative Example 2 235 47 Comparative Example 3 233 62 Comparative Example 4 237 70 Comparative Example 5 231 68 Comparative Example 6 235 69

[0130] Note: The composite material in Comparative Example 1 has lower hardness, and the composite material in Comparative Example 2 has lower toughness.

[0131] The results above show that using the functional segment provided by the present invention can significantly reduce the aerosol temperature and improve the user's comfort during use.

[0132] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, many different variations, modifications, etc. will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0133] By studying the disclosure and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the present invention.

Claims

1. A functional segment applied to an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article comprising a matrix segment, the functional segment being located on one side of the matrix segment near its lip end; in, The functional segment includes a composite material, which includes a skeleton material, an adhesive, and a phase change material.

2. The functional segment according to claim 1, wherein, The functional segment includes a first functional segment and a second functional segment arranged in the axial direction. Wherein the first functional segment is a cooling segment and the second functional segment is a filtration segment; or, the first functional segment is a filtration segment and the second functional segment is a cooling segment. The cooling section is located on one side of the matrix section near the lip end.

3. The functional segment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The phase change material has a phase change temperature of 50°C to 200°C.

4. The functional segment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The composite material further includes functional materials selected from one or more of smoke-generating agents, fillers, and fragrances, preferably selected from smoke-generating agents.

5. The functional segment according to claim 4, wherein, Based on the total weight of the composite material, the composite material comprises: The skeleton material comprises 30 wt% to 90 wt%, preferably 30 wt% to 60 wt%. The adhesive comprises 1 wt% to 15 wt%, preferably 3 wt% to 10 wt%; The phase change material comprises 0.5 wt% to 15 wt%, preferably 1 wt% to 10 wt%; and The functional material comprises 2 wt% to 50 wt%, preferably 5 wt% to 30 wt%.

6. The functional segment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The phase change material is selected from one or more of palmitic acid, stearic acid, microcrystalline wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, sodium sulfate hydrate, sodium carbonate hydrate, magnesium chloride hydrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate hydrate, sodium acetate trihydrate, xylitol, sorbitol, neopentyl glycol, pentaerythritol, maltose, dextrin, gelatin, soy protein, corn starch, potato starch, amylose, amylopectin, octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch, and hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate. Preferably, the phase change material is selected from one or more of corn starch, pentaerythritol, stearic acid, sodium acetate trihydrate, and Fischer-Tropsch wax.

7. The functional segment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The skeleton material is selected from one or more of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, tobacco raw materials, tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, aromatic plants, plant-derived powders, and inorganic materials. Preferably, the skeleton material is selected from one or more of cellulose, calcium carbonate, silicon dioxide, kudzu root powder, and Assam black tea powder.

8. The functional segment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The adhesive is selected from one or more of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, agar, sodium alginate, locust bean gum, konjac gum, gelatin, casein, soy protein, wheat protein, peanut protein, silk protein, recombinant protein, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylate, and polyenol ether. Preferably, the adhesive is selected from one or more of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, konjac gum, polyvinyl alcohol, and gelatin.

9. The functional segment according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein, The cooling section and the filtration section are each integral structures formed by one of the following methods: extrusion, injection molding, or compression molding.

10. An aerosol-generating article, comprising: A matrix segment, which is used to generate aerosols, and has a distal lip end and a proximal lip end at its two ends along the axial direction, respectively; The functional segment according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the functional segment is disposed near the lip end; and A wrapping layer that wraps around the circumferential exterior of the matrix segment and the functional segment.

11. An aerosol generation system, comprising: Aerosol generating apparatus, including heating components; as well as According to claim 10, the aerosol generating article, wherein the matrix segment generates an aerosol under the heating action of the heating component.

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