Article for use in non-combustible aerosol provision system
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-27
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to articles for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system and a non-combustible aerosol supply system including the articles. [Background technology]
[0002] Certain tobacco industrial products generate aerosols during use, which are inhaled by the user. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol-generating substrate, such as tobacco, and form an aerosol by non-combustion heating of the substrate. Such tobacco industrial products generally include a mouthpiece, through which the aerosol passes to the user's mouth. [Overview of the project]
[0003] According to embodiments of the present invention, in a first embodiment, an article for use in a non-flammable aerosol supply system is provided, the article comprising an aerosol generating material and a mouthpiece downstream of the aerosol generating material, the mouthpiece comprising a material body in the form of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis and a capsule embedded within the material body, thereby the capsule being surrounded on all sides by the material forming the body, the capsule having a shell enclosing a liquid aerosol modifier, the maximum cross-sectional area of the capsule measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis being less than 28% of the cross-sectional area of the material body measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
[0004] According to embodiments of the present invention, a second embodiment provides a system comprising the article described in the first embodiment and a non-combustible aerosol supply device for heating the aerosol-generating material of the article.
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below for illustrative purposes only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0006] [Figure 1a]This is a side cross-sectional view of an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol dispensing device, including a capsule-retaining mouthpiece. [Figure 1b] Figure 1a is a cross-sectional view of the capsule-containing mouthpiece. [Figure 2] Figures 1a and 1b show a perspective view of a non-combustible aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials of the articles shown in Figures 1a and 1b. [Figure 3] This figure shows the device in Figure 2 with the outer cover removed and no items present. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the device. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the device with the outer cover omitted. [Figure 6A] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the device. [Figure 6B] This is a magnified view of a region of the device in Figure 6A. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a non-flammable aerosol supply device and articles for use with it. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0007] In this specification, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass a system for delivering substances to a user, and this includes, Flammable aerosol supply systems for cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or hand-rolled or handmade cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, puffed tobacco, recycled tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smoking materials), Non-combustible aerosol supply systems that release compounds from aerosolizable materials without burning the aerosolizable materials, such as e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and mixing systems for generating aerosols using a combination of aerosolizable materials. Articles comprising aerosolizable material and configured for use in one of these non-flammable aerosol supply systems, as well as This includes aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver materials to the user without forming an aerosol, regardless of whether the material contains nicotine or not, such as articles containing lozenges, gums, patches, inhalable powders, and smokeless tobacco products such as snus and snuff.
[0008] According to this disclosure, a “flammable” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosolizable components (or their components) of the aerosol supply system are burned or incinerated in order to facilitate delivery to the user.
[0009] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosolizable components (or their components) of the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate delivery to the user. In the embodiments described herein, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a power-supplied non-combustible aerosol supply system.
[0010] In one embodiment, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not a requirement.
[0011] In one embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a tobacco heating system also known as a non-combustion heating system.
[0012] In one embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a mixing system for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, and one or more of the aerosolizable materials can be heated. Each of the aerosolizable materials can be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the mixing system includes a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material can include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.
[0013] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol supply system can include a non-combustible aerosol supply device and an article for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply system. However, it is also contemplated that an article itself having means for powering the aerosol generating components can form a non-combustible aerosol supply system.
[0014] In one embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol supply device can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be a power supply or a heat source. In one embodiment, the heat source includes a carbon substrate that can be excited to disperse power in the form of heat to an aerosolizable material or a heat transfer material in the vicinity of the heat source. In one embodiment, a power source such as a heat source is provided within an article to form a non-combustible aerosol supply.
[0015] In one embodiment, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device can include an aerosolizable material, an aerosol generating component, an aerosol generating area, a mouthpiece, and / or an area for receiving the aerosolizable material.
[0016] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating component is a heater capable of interacting with an aerosolizable material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosolizable material and form an aerosol. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating component is capable of generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the aerosol generating component can generate an aerosol from an aerosolizable material without applying heat by one or more means such as vibration, mechanical means, pressurization, or electrostatic means.
[0017] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable material may include an active material, an aerosol-forming material, and optionally one or more functional materials. The active material may include nicotine (optionally, contained in tobacco or tobacco derivatives), or one or more other non-olfactory physiologically active materials. The non-olfactory physiologically active materials are materials included in the aerosolizable material to achieve a physiological response other than olfaction.
[0018] The aerosol-forming material may contain one or more of the following: glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
[0019] One or more functional materials may include one or more of the following: fragrances, carriers, pH adjusters, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.
[0020] In one embodiment, an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include an aerosolizable material or an area for receiving the aerosolizable material. In one embodiment, an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include a mouthpiece. The area for receiving the aerosolizable material may be a storage area for storing the aerosolizable material. For example, the storage area may be a reservoir. In one embodiment, the area for receiving the aerosolizable material may be separate from the aerosol generation area or may be combined with the aerosol generation area.
[0021] Aerosolizable materials, also referred to herein as aerosol-generating materials, are materials capable of generating aerosols when excited, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. Aerosolizable materials can be, for example, in the form of solids, liquids, or gels, and may or may not contain nicotine and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, aerosolizable materials can include “amorphous solids,” which may also be referred to as “monolithic solids” (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, amorphous solids can be dry gels. Amorphous solids are solid materials capable of holding fluids, such as some liquids, within them. In some embodiments, aerosolizable materials can include, for example, about 50%, 60%, or 70% by weight of amorphous solids to about 90%, 95%, or 100% by weight of amorphous solids.
[0022] Aerosolizable materials can be present in the substrate. The substrate may be, for example, paper, cardboard, thick paper, recycled aerosolizable materials, plastic materials, ceramic materials, composite materials, glass, metals, or metal alloys, or may contain these.
[0023] Aerosol modifiers are substances capable of altering aerosols in use. Aerosol modifiers can alter aerosols to produce physiological or sensory effects on the human body. Exemplary aerosol modifiers include flavorings and sensations. Sensates produce sensory stimuli that can be perceived through the senses, such as cold or sour sensations.
[0024] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The heating material can be a conductive material, and therefore penetration of a conductive material by a fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material can be a magnetic material, and therefore penetration of a magnetic material by a fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The heating material can be both conductive and magnetic, and therefore can be heated by either heating mechanism.
[0025] Induction heating is the process by which a conductive object is heated when a fluctuating magnetic field penetrates it. This process is described by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are suitably positioned relative to each other so that the fluctuating magnetic field produced by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. The object has resistance to the flow of current. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated within the object, the object is heated by the flow against its electrical resistance. This process is called Joule, Ohm, or resistance heating. An object capable of induction heating is known as a susceptor.
[0026] In one embodiment, the susceptor is in a closed-circuit configuration. It has been found that when the susceptor is in a closed-circuit configuration, magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet during use is promoted, resulting in greater or improved Joule heating.
[0027] Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process by which an object made of a magnetic material is heated when a fluctuating magnetic field penetrates the object. A magnetic material can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the field. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field produced by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the fluctuation of the applied magnetic field. This change in orientation of the magnetic dipoles generates heat within the magnetic material.
[0028] When an object possesses both conductivity and magnetism, a fluctuating magnetic field entering the object can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating. Furthermore, the magnetic field can be reinforced by using magnetic materials, thereby facilitating Joule heating.
[0029] In each of the above processes, heat is generated within the object itself rather than through an external heat source via heat conduction. Therefore, by selecting a particularly suitable material and geometry for the object, as well as a suitable magnitude and direction of the fluctuating magnetic field relative to the object, a rapid temperature rise and a more uniform heat distribution can be achieved in the object. Furthermore, since induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection between the fluctuating magnetic field source and the object, they offer greater design freedom and control compared to heating profiles, and thus reduce costs.
[0030] Articles, such as rod-shaped articles, are often named according to their length as follows: "Regular" (typically 68-75mm, e.g., in the range of approximately 68mm-72mm), "Short" or "Mini" (68mm or less), "King Size" (typically 75-91mm, e.g., in the range of approximately 79mm-88mm), "Long" or "Super King" (typically 91-105mm, e.g., in the range of approximately 94mm-101mm), and "Ultra Long" (typically in the range of approximately 110mm-121mm).
[0031] The products are also named according to their circumference as follows: "Regular" (approximately 23-25mm), "Wide" (over 25mm), "Slim" (approximately 22-23mm), "Demi-Slim" (approximately 19-22mm), "Super Slim" (approximately 16-19mm), and "Micro Slim" (less than approximately 16mm).
[0032] Therefore, a king-size, super-slim item would have, for example, a length of approximately 83 mm and a circumference of approximately 17 mm.
[0033] Each form can be manufactured with mouthpieces of different lengths. The length of the mouthpiece is approximately 30mm to 50mm. A tip paper connects the mouthpiece to the aerosol-generating material. The tip paper is usually longer than the mouthpiece, for example, 3 to 10mm longer, and therefore the tip paper covers the mouthpiece and overlaps with the aerosol-generating material, for example, in the form of a substrate material rod, connecting the mouthpiece to the rod.
[0034] The articles described herein, as well as the aerosol-generating materials and mouthpieces thereof, may be made in any of the above forms, but are not limited thereto.
[0035] As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are relative terms defined in relation to the direction in which the mainstream aerosol is drawn through the article or device in use.
[0036] The filament tow materials described herein may include cellulose acetate fiber tow. Filament tow can also be formed using other materials used to form fibers, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(1-4-butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials, and polysaccharide polymers, or combinations thereof. The filament tow can be plasticized with a plasticizer suitable for the tow, such as triacetin if the material is cellulose acetate tow, or the tow can be unplasticized. The tow can have any preferred specifications, such as other cross-sections like a "Y" shape or an "X" shape, a filament denier value of 2.5 to 15 denier per filament, for example 8.0 to 11.0 denier per filament, and a total denier value of 5,000 to 50,000, for example 10,000 to 40,000.
[0037] In this specification, the term “tobacco material” refers to any material including tobacco or its derivatives or substitutes. The term “tobacco material” may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, puffed tobacco, remanufactured tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Tobacco material may include one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fibers, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stalks, tobacco leaves, remanufactured tobacco, and / or tobacco extracts.
[0038] In this specification, the terms “flavoring” and “flavoring” refer to materials that can be used to produce a desired taste or aroma in products intended for adult consumers, where permitted by local regulations. One or more flavorings may be used as aerosol modifiers as described herein.
[0039] The fragrances include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang). The fragrance may include mint oil (from ylang, sage, fennel, bell pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or any species of the Mentha genus), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant substances, or breath fresheners. The fragrance may be an imitation, synthetic or natural ingredient, or a mixture thereof. The fragrance may be in any preferred form, such as an oil, liquid, or powder.
[0040] In the figures described herein, the same reference numerals are used to describe equivalent features, articles, or components.
[0041] Figure 1a is a side cross-sectional view of article 1, including a capsule housing mouthpiece 2 for use in a non-flammable aerosol supply system. Figure 1b is a cross-sectional view of the capsule housing mouthpiece shown in Figure 1a, cut along the line A-A' in Figure 1a.
[0042] Article 1 comprises a mouthpiece 2 and a cylindrical rod of aerosol-generating material 3, in which case the aerosol-generating material 3 is tobacco material connected to the mouthpiece 2.
[0043] In this example, mouthpiece 2 includes a hollow tubular element 4 and a material body 6, the material body 6 being located upstream of the hollow tubular element 4 and, in this example, adjacent to and in contact with the hollow tubular element 4.
[0044] The aerosol-generating material 3, when heated, supplies an aerosol within, for example, a non-combustible aerosol supply device described herein that forms a system. In other embodiments, article 1 may include its own heat source without requiring a separate aerosol supply device, forming an aerosol supply system and being used within the aerosol supply system.
[0045] Within the material body 6, the aerosol modifier is provided in the form of a capsule 11 in this example, and an oil-resistant first plug wrap 7 surrounds the material body 6. In addition, in other examples, the aerosol modifier can be provided in other forms, such as a material injected into the material body 6 or a material provided to a yarn; for example, the yarn can hold a flavoring or other aerosol modifier, and the aerosol modifier can also be placed within the material body 6. The material body 6 is in the form of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis, and the capsule 11 is embedded within the material body 6, so the capsule 11 is surrounded on all sides by the material forming the body 6. The capsule 11 has a shell that encloses a liquid aerosol modifier. The maximum cross-sectional area of the capsule, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, is less than 28% of the cross-sectional area of the material body 6, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The fact that the maximum cross-sectional area of the capsule is less than 28% of the cross-sectional area of the portion of the mouthpiece 2 to which the capsule 11 is provided has the advantage, compared to a capsule with a larger cross-sectional area, that the pressure drop in the mouthpiece 2 is reduced, leaving sufficient space around the capsule for the aerosol to pass through, and the material body 6 does not remove a large amount of aerosol mass when the aerosol passes through the mouthpiece 2.
[0046] The cross-sectional area of the capsule 11 at the position of its maximum cross-sectional area is less than 28%, more preferably less than 27%, and even more preferably less than 25% of the cross-sectional area of the portion of the mouthpiece 2 to which the capsule 11 is provided. For example, in the case of a spherical capsule with a diameter of 3.0 mm, the maximum cross-sectional area of the capsule is 7.07 mm². 2 In the case of the mouthpiece 2 having a circumference of 21 mm as described herein, the material body 6 has an outer circumference of 20.8 mm, the radius of this component is 3.31 mm, and 34.43 mm 2 This corresponds to the cross-sectional area. In this example, the cross-sectional area of the capsule is 20.5% of the cross-sectional area of mouthpiece 2. As another example, if the capsule has a diameter of 3.2 mm, its maximum cross-sectional area is 8.04 mm². 2 This should be the case. In this case, the cross-sectional area of the capsule should be 23.4% of the cross-sectional area of the main material 6.
[0047] The capsule 11 can constitute a destructible capsule, for example, a capsule having a solid, brittle shell surrounding a liquid payload. In this example, a single capsule 11 is used. The capsule 11 is entirely embedded within the material body 6. In other words, the capsule 11 is completely surrounded by the material forming the body 6. In other examples, multiple destructible capsules, for example, two, three, or more destructible capsules, can be placed within the material body 6. The length of the material body 6 can be increased to accommodate the number of capsules required. In examples where multiple capsules are used, the individual capsules can be the same as or different from each other in terms of size and / or capsule payload. In other examples, multiple material bodies 6 can be provided, each body housing one or more capsules.
[0048] The capsule 11 has a core-shell structure. In other words, the capsule 11 comprises a shell enclosing a liquid agent, such as a flavoring or other active substance, the liquid agent may be any one of the flavorings or aerosol modifiers described herein. The capsule shell can be ruptured by the user to release the flavoring or other active substance into the material body 6. The first plug wrap 7' may constitute a barrier coating to make the material of the plug wrap substantially impermeable to the liquid payload of the capsule 11. Alternatively or additionally, the second plug wrap 9 and / or tip paper 5 may constitute a barrier coating to make the material of the plug wrap and / or tip paper substantially impermeable to the liquid payload of the capsule 11.
[0049] In this example, capsule 11 is spherical and has a diameter of approximately 3 mm. In other examples, capsules of other shapes and sizes may be used. The total weight of capsule 11 can be in the range of approximately 10 mg to approximately 50 mg.
[0050] In this example, the capsule 11 is positioned at the longitudinal center within the material body 6. That is, the capsule 11 is positioned so that its center is 4 mm away from each end of the material body 6. In other examples, the capsule 11 can be positioned at a location other than the longitudinal center within the material body 6, i.e., closer to the downstream end than the upstream end of the material body 6, or closer to the upstream end than the downstream end of the material body 6. The mouthpiece 2 is preferably configured such that the capsule 11 and the vent hole 12 are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction within the mouthpiece 2.
[0051] A cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 2 is shown in Figure 1b, which is a section of Figure 1a taken along the line A-A'. Figure 1b shows the capsule 11, the material body 6, the first plug wrap 7 and the second plug wrap 9, and the tip paper 5. In this example, the capsule 11 is located at the center of the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the mouthpiece 2. The first plug wrap 7 and the second plug wrap 9 and the tip paper 5 are arranged concentrically around the material body 6.
[0052] The destructible capsule 11 has a core-shell structure; that is, the encapsulating material or barrier material forms a shell around a core containing the aerosol modifier. The shell structure prevents the movement of the aerosol modifier during storage of article 1, but allows for the controlled release of the aerosol modifier, also called the aerosol modifier, during use.
[0053] In some cases, the barrier material (also referred to herein as the encapsulating material) is brittle. The capsule is crushed or otherwise damaged or destroyed by the user to release the encapsulated aerosol modifier. Typically, the capsule is destroyed just before heating begins, but the user can choose when to release the aerosol modifier. The term “destructible capsule” refers to a capsule whose shell can be broken by pressure to release the core, more specifically, the shell can be ruptured under pressure applied by the user’s finger when the user wishes to release the capsule’s core.
[0054] In some cases, the barrier material is heat-resistant. That is, in some cases, the barrier will not burst, melt, or otherwise collapse at the temperature reached at the capsule site during operation of the aerosol supply device. Explanatoryly, the capsule placed in the mouthpiece can be exposed to temperatures in the range of, for example, 30°C to 100°C, and the barrier material can continue to hold the liquid core up to at least about 50°C to 120°C.
[0055] In other cases, when heated, the capsule releases the core composition, for example, by the melting of the barrier material or by the expansion of the capsule causing the barrier material to rupture.
[0056] The total weight of the capsule can be in the range of approximately 1 mg to approximately 100 mg, preferably approximately 5 mg to approximately 60 mg, approximately 8 mg to approximately 50 mg, approximately 10 mg to approximately 20 mg, or approximately 12 mg to approximately 18 mg.
[0057] The total weight of the core formulation can be in the range of approximately 2 mg to approximately 90 mg, preferably approximately 3 mg to approximately 70 mg, approximately 5 mg to approximately 25 mg, approximately 8 mg to approximately 20 mg, or approximately 10 mg to approximately 15 mg.
[0058] The capsule according to the present invention comprises the core and shell described above. The capsule can exhibit a crushing strength of about 4.5 N to about 40 N, more preferably about 5 N to about 30 N or about 28 N (for example, about 9.8 N to about 24.5 N). The capsule bursting strength can be measured when the capsule is removed from the material body 6, using a force gauge to measure the force at which the capsule is pressed between two flat metal plates and bursts. A preferred measuring device is the Sauter FK50 force gauge, which has a flat attachment on its head, and can be used to press the capsule against a flat, hard surface having a surface similar to the attachment.
[0059] The capsules can be substantially spherical and may have a diameter of at least about 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.8 mm, or 3.0 mm. The diameter of the capsule may be less than about 10.0 mm, 8.0 mm, 7.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 3.5 mm, or 3.2 mm. Explanatoryly, the capsule diameter may be in the range of about 0.4 mm to about 10.0 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 6.0 mm, about 2.5 mm to about 5.5 mm, or about 2.8 mm to about 3.2 mm. In some cases, the capsule may have a diameter of about 3.0 mm. These sizes are particularly suitable for incorporating the capsule into the articles described herein.
[0060] When the capsule is ruptured, the pressure drop or differential pressure (also called suction resistance) within the article, measured as the open pressure drop (i.e., with the vent opening open), preferably drops to less than 8 mmH2O. The open pressure drop is more preferably less than 6 mmH2O, and more preferably less than 5 mmH2O. These values are measured as the average achieved by at least 80 articles made with the same design. Such small changes in pressure drop mean that other aspects of the product design can be realized, such as setting an appropriate vent level for a given product pressure drop, regardless of whether the consumer chooses to rupture the capsule.
[0061] The barrier material may include one or more of the following: gelling agents, fillers, buffers, colorants, and plasticizers.
[0062] The gelling agent may preferably be, for example, a polysaccharide or cellulose gelling agent, gelatin, rubber, gel, wax, or a mixture thereof. Suitable polysaccharides include alginic acid, dextran, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, and pectin. Suitable alginic acid includes, for example, alginate, esterified alginic acid, or glyceryl alginate. Alginate includes ammonium alginate, triethanolamine alginate, and Group I or Group II alginate metal ions such as sodium alginate, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Esterified alginic acid includes propylene glycol alginate and glyceryl alginate. In one embodiment, the barrier material may be sodium alginate and / or calcium alginate. Suitable cellulose materials include methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose acetate, and cellulose ethers. The gelling agent may contain one or more modified starches. The gelling agent may contain carrageenan. Suitable gums include agar, gellan gum, gum arabic, pullulan gum, mannan gum, ghati gum, tragacanth gum, karaya, locust bean, acacia gum, guar, quince seed, and xanthan gum. Suitable gels include agar, agarose, carrageenan, fucoidan, and ferceleran. Suitable waxes include carnauba wax. In some cases, the gelling agent may include carrageenan and / or gellan gum, and these gelling agents are particularly suitable to be included as gelling agents such that the pressure required to break the resulting capsule is particularly favorable.
[0063] The barrier material may contain one or more fillers such as starch, modified starch (such as oxidized starch), and sugar alcohols such as maltitol.
[0064] The barrier material may include a colorant that facilitates the positioning of capsules within the aerosol generating device during the manufacturing process of the aerosol generating device. The colorant is preferably selected from among dyes and pigments.
[0065] The barrier material may further include at least one buffering agent, such as a citrate or phosphate compound.
[0066] The barrier material may further contain at least one plasticizer, which may be glycerol, sorbitol, maltitol, triacetin, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or another polyalcohol having plasticizing properties, and optionally a mono-acid-base, di-acid-base, or tri-acid-base type acid, particularly citric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, etc. The amount of plasticizer is in the range of 1 to 30% by weight, preferably 2 to 15% by weight, and more preferably 3 to 10% by weight, of the total dry weight of the shell.
[0067] The barrier material may also contain one or more filler materials. Suitable filler materials include starch derivatives such as dextrin, maltodextrin, and cyclodextrin (α, β, or γ), or cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), methylcellulose (MC), and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol, polyols, or mixtures thereof. Dextrin is a preferred filler. The amount of filler in the shell is at most 98.5% by weight, preferably 25-95% by weight, more preferably 40-80% by weight, and even more preferably 50-60% by weight of the total dry weight of the shell.
[0068] The capsule shell may further include a hydrophobic outer layer that reduces the capsule's susceptibility to moisture-induced degradation. The hydrophobic outer layer is preferably selected from the group including waxes, particularly carnauba wax, candelilla wax, or beeswax, carbowax, shellac (in an alcohol solution or aqueous solution), ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, latex compositions, polyvinyl alcohol, or combinations thereof. At least one moisture-proofing agent is more preferably ethylcellulose or a mixture of ethylcellulose and shellac.
[0069] The capsule core contains an aerosol modifier. This aerosol modifier can be any volatile substance that modifies at least one property of the aerosol. For example, the aerosol substance can modify pH, sensory properties, moisture content, delivery characteristics, or flavorings. In some cases, the aerosol modifier can be selected from acids, bases, water, or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol modifier includes one or more flavorings.
[0070] The flavorings may preferably be licorice, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, peppermint oil and / or spearmint oil, mint flavoring from any species of the Mentha genus, preferably menthol and / or mint oil, or lavender, fennel, or anise.
[0071] In some cases, the flavorings include menthol.
[0072] In some cases, the capsule may contain at least about 25% w / w of flavoring (based on the total weight of the capsule), preferably at least about 30% w / w of flavoring, 35% w / w of flavoring, 40% w / w of flavoring, 45% w / w of flavoring, or 50% w / w of flavoring.
[0073] In some cases, the core may contain at least about 25% w / w of flavoring (based on the total weight of the core), preferably at least about 30% w / w of flavoring, 35% w / w of flavoring, 40% w / w of flavoring, 45% w / w of flavoring, or 50% w / w of flavoring. In some cases, the core may contain about 75% w / w or less of flavoring (based on the total weight of the core), preferably about 65% w / w or less of flavoring, 55% w / w or less of flavoring, or 50% w / w or less of flavoring. Explanatoryly, the capsule may contain an amount of flavoring in the range of 25-75% w / w (based on the total weight of the core), about 35-60% w / w, or about 40-55% w / w.
[0074] The capsule may contain at least about 2 mg, 3 mg, or 4 mg of an aerosol modifier, preferably at least about 4.5 mg of an aerosol modifier, 5 mg of an aerosol modifier, 5.5 mg of an aerosol modifier, or 6 mg of an aerosol modifier.
[0075] In some cases, the consumables include at least about 7 mg of aerosol modifier, preferably at least about 8 mg of aerosol modifier, 10 mg of aerosol modifier, 12 mg of aerosol modifier, or 15 mg of aerosol modifier. The core may also include a solvent for dissolving the aerosol modifier.
[0076] Any suitable solvent can be used.
[0077] When the aerosol modifier contains flavorings, the solvent preferably contains short-chain or medium-chain fatty acids and oils. For example, the solvent may contain triesters of glycerol such as C2-C12 triglycerides, preferably C6-C10 triglycerides, or Cs-C12 triglycerides. For example, the solvent may contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCT-C8-C12) that can be derived from palm oil and / or coconut oil.
[0078] Esters can be formed with caprylic and / or capric acid. For example, the solvent may include medium-chain triglycerides of glyceryl tricaprylate and / or glyceryl tricaprate. For example, the solvent may include compounds identified by CAS registry numbers 73398-61-5, 65381-09-1, and 85409-09-2. Such medium-chain triglycerides are odorless and tasteless.
[0079] The hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of the solvent can be in the range of 9 to 13, preferably 10 to 12. The method for producing the capsules includes co-extrusion, optionally followed by centrifugation and curing and / or drying. The contents of International Publication No. 2007 / 010407 are incorporated by reference as a whole.
[0080] In some embodiments, for example, in a non-flammable aerosol supply device described herein, when the aerosol-generating material 3 is heated and the aerosol is supplied, the portion of the mouthpiece 2 in which the capsule is placed reaches a temperature of 58-70 degrees Celsius during use of the system to generate the aerosol. As a result of this temperature, the contents of the capsule are sufficiently warmed to promote the volatilization of the capsule contents, such as an aerosol modifier, into the aerosol formed by the system as the aerosol passes through the mouthpiece 2. Warming the contents of capsule 11 can be done, for example, before capsule 11 is ruptured, so that when capsule 11 is ruptured, the contents of capsule 11 are more easily released into the aerosol passing through mouthpiece 2. Alternatively, the contents of capsule 11 can be warmed to this temperature after capsule 11 has been ruptured, in which case as well, the release of the contents into the aerosol is increased. A mouthpiece temperature in the range of 58-70 degrees Celsius is advantageous because it is sufficiently high to allow the capsule contents to be released more easily, while the outer surface of the portion of the mouthpiece 2 in which the capsule is placed is found to be sufficiently low so as not to reach an uncomfortable temperature for the consumer to touch in order to rupture the capsule 11 by tightening the mouthpiece 2.
[0081] The temperature of the portion of the mouthpiece 2 in which the capsule 11 is located can be measured using a digital thermometer with an intrusion probe, which is positioned so that the probe enters the mouthpiece 2 through the wall of the mouthpiece 2 (forming a seal to limit the amount of outside air that may leak from around the probe into the mouthpiece) and is located close to the location of the capsule 11. Similarly, a temperature probe can be placed on the outer surface of the mouthpiece 2 to measure the temperature of the outer surface.
[0082] Table 1.0 below shows the temperature at the capsule location within mouthpiece 2 of the article used in the aerosol supply system during the first five inhalations. The data is provided for the article heated using the “standard” heating profile with the coil heating device described herein with reference to Figures 2-6, and for the same article heated using the same device with the “boost” heating profile. The “boost” heating profile is selectable by the user and allows for achieving higher heating temperatures.
[0083] As shown in Table 1.0, the temperature of the mouthpiece 2 at the capsule 11 reaches a maximum temperature of 61.5°C under the "standard" heating profile and a maximum temperature of 63.8°C under the "boost" heating profile. A maximum temperature in the range of 58°C to 70°C, preferably 59°C to 65°C, and more preferably 60°C to 65°C, was found to be particularly advantageous in terms of helping the contents of the capsule 11 volatilize while maintaining a suitable outer surface temperature of the mouthpiece 2.
[0084] Number of smokes extracted, T℃ at the capsule location in the coil heating device under the "Standard" heating profile, T℃ at the capsule location in the coil heating device under the "Boost" heating profile
[0085] [Table 1] The capsule 11 can be destroyed by an external force applied to the mouthpiece 2, for example, by the consumer using their fingers or another mechanism to squeeze the mouthpiece 2. As described above, the portion of the mouthpiece in which the capsule is placed is positioned to reach a temperature greater than 58°C during use of the aerosol supply system to generate an aerosol. The burst strength of the capsule 11 placed in the mouthpiece 2 before heating of the aerosol-generating material 3 is preferably 1500 to 4000 grams by weight. The burst strength of the capsule 11 placed in the mouthpiece 2 within 30 seconds of using the aerosol supply system for aerosol generation is preferably 1000 to 4000 grams by weight. Thus, it has been found that the capsule 11 can maintain its burst strength whether or not it is exposed to temperatures above 58°C, for example, 58°C to 70°C, and within this range of burst strength, it is possible to make the capsule 11 easily crushable by the consumer while providing the consumer with sufficient tactile feedback that the capsule 11 has been destroyed. Maintaining such burst strength is achieved by selecting a suitable gelling agent for the capsule, such as polysaccharides containing gum arabic, gellan gum, acacia gum, xanthan gum, or carrageenan alone or in combination with gelatin, as described herein. In addition, a suitable wall thickness for the capsule shell should be selected.
[0086] The burst strength of the capsule placed in the mouthpiece before heating the aerosol generating material is preferably 2000-3500 grams or 2500-3500 grams. The burst strength of the capsule placed in the mouthpiece within 30 seconds of using the aerosol generation system is preferably 1500-4000 grams or 1750-3000 grams. In one example, the average burst strength of the capsule placed in the mouthpiece before heating the aerosol generating material is approximately 3175 grams, and the average burst strength of the capsule placed in the mouthpiece within 30 seconds of using the aerosol generation system is approximately 2345 grams.
[0087] The burst strength of the capsule can be tested using force measuring instruments such as a texture analyzer. For these burst strength tests, a Type TA.XTPlus Texture Analyser was used, with a 6mm diameter circular metal probe positioned at the center of the capsule (i.e., 12mm from the mouthpiece 2). The probe speed was 0.3mm / second, with a pre-test speed of 5.00mm / second and a post-test speed of 10mm / second. The force used was 5000g. The tested items were drawn using a Borgwaldt A14 syringe drive unit, following the well-known Health Canada smoking method (55ml of smoke applied over 2 seconds every 30 seconds) using standard testing equipment. Three smoke draws were performed using this method, and the capsule burst strength was measured within 30 seconds of the third smoke draw. The tested article was equivalent to Article 1 shown in Figures 1a and 1b, which are described in more detail below, except that it had an 8 mm hollow tubular element 4 formed from two layers of laminated paper, with the opening end, and the two layers of paper wound parallel to each other and abutting at the seam, and had a total thickness of 300 μm. The capsule was a 3 mm diameter capsule and was placed inside a body of 8 mm long cellulose acetate tow with a tow specification of 9.5Y12,000 and a target of 9% triacetin plasticizer.
[0088] The aerosol-generating material 3, also referred to herein as aerosol-generating substrate 3, comprises at least one aerosol-forming material. In this example, the aerosol-forming material is glycerol. In alternative examples, the aerosol-forming material may be another material or a combination thereof as described herein. Aerosol-forming materials have been found to improve the perceived performance of an article by assisting in the transfer of compounds, such as fragrance compounds, from the aerosol-generating material to the consumer. However, a problem associated with adding such an aerosol-forming material to the aerosol-generating material in an article for use in a non-flammable aerosol supply system is that when the aerosol-forming material is aerosolized upon heating, it may increase the mass of the aerosol delivered by the article, and this increased mass may allow the aerosol to maintain a higher temperature as it passes through the mouthpiece. As the aerosol passes through the mouthpiece, it transfers heat into the mouthpiece, thereby warming the outer surface of the mouthpiece, including the area that comes into contact with the consumer's lips during use. The mouthpiece temperature can be significantly higher than what consumers can get used to when smoking, for example, conventional cigarettes, and the use of such aerosol-forming materials may cause undesirable effects.
[0089] Typically, the part of the mouthpiece that comes into contact with the consumer's lips is a paper tube, which is either hollow or surrounds a cylindrical body of filter material.
[0090] As shown in Figure 1a, the mouthpiece 2 of article 1 comprises an upstream end 2a adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate 3 and a downstream end 2b away from the aerosol-generating substrate 3. The mouthpiece 2 has a hollow tubular element 4 formed from a filament tow at the downstream end 2b. This has been found to be advantageous in that, when article 1 is in use, the temperature of the outer surface of the mouthpiece 2 at the downstream end 2b that comes into contact with the consumer's mouth is significantly reduced. In addition, the use of the tubular element 4 has also been found to significantly reduce the temperature of the outer surface of the mouthpiece 2 further upstream of the tubular element 4. Although we do not wish to be constrained by theory, it is assumed that this is due to the tubular element 4 causing the aerosol to pass closer to the center of the mouthpiece 2, and therefore reducing heat transfer from the aerosol to the outer surface of the mouthpiece 2.
[0091] The material body 6 and the hollow tubular elements 4 each define a substantially cylindrical overall outer shape and share a common longitudinal axis. The material body 6 is encased in a first plug wrap 7. The first plug wrap 7 preferably has a basis weight of less than 50 gsm, more preferably about 20 gsm to 40 gsm. The first plug wrap 7 preferably has a thickness of 30 μm to 60 μm, more preferably 35 μm to 45 μm. The first plug wrap 7 is a non-porous plug wrap and preferably has a permeability of, for example, less than 100 cholesta units, for example less than 50 cholesta units. However, in other embodiments, the first plug wrap 7 can be a porous plug wrap and have a permeability of, for example, greater than 200 cholesta units.
[0092] In this example, article 1 has a circumference of approximately 21 mm (i.e., the article is demi-slim). In other examples, the article may be provided in any of the forms described herein, for example, having a circumference of 15 mm to 25 mm. When heating the article to release aerosols, improved heating efficiency can be achieved by using articles with smaller circumferences within this range, for example, less than 23 mm. To achieve improved aerosols by heating while maintaining a suitable product length, circumferences of articles greater than 19 mm have also been found to be particularly effective. Articles with circumferences of 19 mm to 23 mm, more preferably 20 mm to 22 mm, have been found to offer a good balance that allows for efficient heating while providing effective aerosol delivery.
[0093] The outer circumference of the mouthpiece 2 is substantially the same as the outer circumference of the aerosol-generating material rod 3, and therefore the transition between these components is smooth. In this example, the outer circumference of the mouthpiece 2 is approximately 20.8 mm. Tip paper 5 is wrapped around a portion of the aerosol-generating material rod 3 along the entire length of the mouthpiece 2, and the tip paper 5 has an adhesive on its inner surface to connect the mouthpiece 2 and the rod 3. In this example, the tip paper 5 extends 5 mm over the aerosol-generating material rod 3, but alternatively, it may extend 3 mm to 10 mm, or more preferably 4 mm to 6 mm, over the rod 3 to provide a secure attachment between the mouthpiece 2 and the rod 3. The tip paper 5 may have a larger basis weight than the plug wrap used in article 1, for example 40 gsm to 80 gsm, more preferably 50 gsm to 70 gsm, 58 gsm in this example. As a result of these basis weight ranges, it was found that a tip paper with sufficient flexibility to wrap around article 1 and adhere to the tip paper itself along the longitudinal lap seam of the paper was obtained, while possessing acceptable tensile strength. After being wrapped around mouthpiece 2, the circumference of tip paper 5 is approximately 21 mm.
[0094] The "wall thickness" of the hollow tubular element 4 corresponds to the thickness of the wall of the tube 4 in the radial direction. This can be measured, for example, using a caliper. It is advantageous for the wall thickness to be greater than 0.9 mm, and more preferably 1.0 mm or more. It is preferable that the wall thickness is substantially constant throughout the wall of the hollow tubular element 4. However, if the wall thickness is not substantially constant, the wall thickness is preferably greater than 0.9 mm, and more preferably 1.0 mm or more, at any point around the hollow tubular element 4.
[0095] The length of the hollow tubular element 4 is preferably less than about 20 mm. More preferably, the length of the hollow tubular element 4 is less than about 15 mm. Even more preferably, the length of the hollow tubular element 4 is less than about 10 mm. In addition or alternatively, the length of the hollow tubular element 4 is at least about 5 mm. The length of the hollow tubular element 4 is preferably at least about 6 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular element 4 is about 5 mm to about 20 mm, more preferably about 6 mm to about 10 mm, even more preferably about 6 mm to about 8 mm, most preferably about 6 mm, 7 mm, or about 8 mm. In this example, the length of the hollow tubular element 4 is 6 mm.
[0096] The density of the hollow tubular element 4 is preferably at least about 0.25 grams per cubic centimeter (g / cc), more preferably at least about 0.3 g / cc. The density of the hollow tubular element 4 is preferably less than about 0.75 grams per cubic centimeter (g / cc), more preferably less than 0.6 g / cc. In some embodiments, the density of the hollow tubular element 4 is 0.25 to 0.75 g / cc, more preferably 0.3 to 0.6 g / cc, more preferably 0.4 g / cc to 0.6 g / cc or about 0.5 g / cc. These densities have been found to provide a good balance between the improved stiffness given by the higher density material and the lower heat transfer properties of the lower density material. For the purposes of the present invention, the "density" of the hollow tubular element 4 refers to the density of the filament tow forming the element into which some plasticizer is incorporated. The density can be determined by dividing the total weight of the hollow tubular element 4 by the total volume of the hollow tubular element 4, which can be calculated using appropriate measurements of the hollow tubular element 4, for example, obtained using a caliper. If necessary, appropriate dimensions can be measured using a microscope.
[0097] The filament tow forming the hollow tubular element 4 preferably has a total denier of less than 45,000, more preferably less than 42,000. This total denier has been found to allow for the formation of tubular elements 4 that are not too dense. The total denier is preferably at least 20,000, more preferably at least 25,000. In a preferred embodiment, the filament tow forming the hollow tubular element 4 has a total denier of 25,000 to 45,000, more preferably 35,000 to 45,000. The cross-sectional shape of the tow filament is preferably "Y" shaped, but in other embodiments, other shapes such as "X" shaped filaments may be used.
[0098] The filament tow forming the hollow tubular element 4 preferably has a denier per filament greater than 3. This denier per filament has been found to allow for the formation of tubular elements 4 that are not too dense. The denier per filament is preferably at least 4, more preferably at least 5. In a preferred embodiment, the filament tow forming the hollow tubular element 4 has a denier per filament of 4 to 10, more preferably 4 to 9. In one example, the filament tow forming the hollow tubular element 4 has an 8Y40,000 tow formed from cellulose acetate and contains 18% plasticizer, such as triacetin.
[0099] The hollow tubular element 4 preferably has an inner diameter greater than 3.0 mm. A smaller diameter may increase the velocity of the aerosol that passes through the mouthpiece 2 to the consumer's mouth more than desired, resulting in the aerosol becoming too hot, for example, reaching temperatures greater than 40°C or 45°C. The hollow tubular element 4 more preferably has an inner diameter greater than 3.1 mm, and even more preferably greater than 3.5 mm or 3.6 mm. In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular element 4 is about 3.9 mm.
[0100] The hollow tubular element 4 preferably contains 15% to 22% by weight of a plasticizer. In the case of cellulose acetate tow, the plasticizer is preferably triacetin, but other plasticizers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) may also be used. The tubular element 4 more preferably contains 16% to 20% by weight of a plasticizer, for example, about 17%, about 18%, or about 19% of a plasticizer.
[0101] The pressure drop or differential pressure (also called suction resistance) in the mouthpiece, for example, in the downstream portion of article 1 from the aerosol-generating material 3, is preferably less than about 40 mmH2O. Such a pressure drop has been found to allow sufficient aerosol containing desirable compounds, such as fragrance compounds, to reach the consumer through the mouthpiece 2. The pressure drop in the mouthpiece 2 is more preferably less than about 32 mmH2O. In some embodiments, particularly improved aerosols are achieved by using a mouthpiece 2 having a pressure drop of less than 31 mmH2O, for example, about 29 mmH2O, about 28 mmH2O, or about 27.5 mmH2O. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure drop in the mouthpiece can be at least 10 mmH2O, preferably at least 15 mmH2O, and more preferably at least 20 mmH2O. In some embodiments, the pressure drop in the mouthpiece can be about 15 mmH2O to 40 mmH2O. These values provide the time it takes for the aerosol to decrease in temperature as it passes through the mouthpiece 2, and therefore the time it takes for the aerosol to reach the downstream end 2b of the mouthpiece 2.
[0102] The length of the material body 6 is preferably less than about 15 mm. More preferably, the length of the material body 6 is less than about 10 mm. In addition or alternatively, the length of the material body 6 is at least about 5 mm. The length of the material body 6 is preferably at least about 6 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the material body 6 is about 5 mm to about 15 mm, more preferably about 6 mm to about 12 mm, even more preferably about 6 mm to about 12 mm, and most preferably about 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm. In this example, the length of the material body 6 is 10 mm.
[0103] In this example, the material body 6 is formed from a filament tow. In this example, the tow used in the material body 6 has a denier per filament (dpf) of 8.4 and a total denier of 21,000 (e.g., 8.4Y21000). Alternatively, the tow may have a denier per filament (dpf) of 9.5 and a total denier of 12,000 (e.g., 9.5Y9500), or a denier per filament of 8.0 and a total denier of 15,000.
[0104] It is known to generate tow performance curves that represent the pressure drop at the length of the rod formed using the tow for each of a wide range of tow weights for a given tow specification (e.g., 8.4Y21000). Parameters such as the rod length and circumference, the thickness of the winding paper, and the plasticizer level of the tow are specified and combined with the tow specification to generate a tow performance curve, which shows the pressure drop that should be provided by different tow weights between the minimum and maximum weights achievable for a given rod length using a standard filter rod forming machine. Such tow performance curves can be calculated, for example, using software available from tow suppliers. It has been found that it may be advantageous to use a material body 6 containing a filament tow with a weight per 1 mm of length of material body 6 that is about 10% to about 30% of the range between the minimum and maximum weights of the tow performance curve generated for the filament tow. This provides an acceptable balance that also supports capsule placement within the tow for capsules of the sizes described herein, while providing a tow weight sufficient to avoid shrinkage after the body 6 is formed and providing an acceptable pressure drop.
[0105] In this example, the tow contains a tow of plasticized cellulose acetate. The plasticizer used in the tow accounts for approximately 7% by weight of the tow. In this example, the plasticizer is triacetin. In alternative examples, lower levels of plasticizer have been found to be beneficial in providing a more flexible material body 6 that makes the capsules easier to crush. For example, the level of plasticizer can be less than 7%, less than 6%, less than 5%, or less than 4%. In some examples, the level of plasticizer is 0.2% to 4%, for example, 0.5% to 3%. Combined with a filament tow having a total denier of less than 18,000 grams / 9000m, for example, 10,000 to 18,000 grams / 9000m, this can provide a particularly flexible material body 6. The use of lower levels of plasticizer can also help minimize the shrinkage of the filament tow that may occur after the filter rod is formed.
[0106] In other examples, different materials can be used to form the material body 6. For example, instead of tow, the body 6 can be formed from paper, for example, in a manner similar to that of paper filters known for use in cigarettes. Alternatively, the body 6 can be formed from tow other than cellulose acetate, such as polylactic acid (PLA), other materials described herein with respect to filament tow, or similar materials. The tow is preferably formed from cellulose acetate. Whether the tow is formed from cellulose acetate or from another material, it preferably has a dpf of at least 5, more preferably at least 6, and even more preferably at least 7. These denier-per-filament values provide a tow with relatively coarse and thick fibers with a smaller surface area, resulting in a smaller pressure drop in the mouthpiece 2 than with a tow having a lower dpf value. To achieve a sufficiently uniform material body 6, the tow is preferably denier-per-filament of 12 d.pf or less, preferably 11 d.pf or less, and even more preferably 10 d.pf or less.
[0107] The total denier of the tow forming the material body 6 is preferably at most 30,000, more preferably at most 28,000, and even more preferably at most 25,000. These total denier values provide a tow that occupies a smaller proportion of the cross-sectional area of the mouthpiece 2, resulting in a smaller pressure drop in the mouthpiece 2 than with a tow having a higher total denier value. For a material body 6 of appropriate stiffness, the tow preferably has a total denier of at least 8,000, more preferably at least 10,000. The denier per filament is preferably 5 to 12, and the total denier is preferably 10,000 to 25,000. The denier per filament is more preferably 6 to 10, and the total denier is preferably 11,000 to 22,000. The cross-sectional shape of the tow filaments is preferably "Y"-shaped, but in other embodiments, other shapes such as "X"-shaped filaments having the same dpf and total denier values provided herein may also be used.
[0108] In this example, the hollow tubular element 4 is the first hollow tubular element 4, and the mouthpiece includes a second hollow tubular element 8, also called a cooling element, upstream of the first hollow tubular element 4. In this example, the second hollow tubular element 8 is located upstream of the material body 6, adjacent to the material body 6, and in contact with the material body 6. The material body 6 and the second hollow tubular element 8 each define a substantially cylindrical overall outer shape and share a common longitudinal axis. The second hollow tubular element 8 is formed from multiple layers of paper, which are rolled in parallel and joined at the seams to form the tubular element 8. In this example, the first and second paper layers are provided as a double tube, but in other examples, three, four, or more paper layers may be used to form triple, quadruple, or more tubes. Other structures may also be used, such as spirally rolled paper layers, cardboard tubes, tubes formed using paper mache-type processes, and molded or extruded plastic tubes. The second hollow tubular element 8 can also be formed using a rigid plug wrap and / or tip paper as the second plug wrap 9 and / or tip paper 5 described herein, meaning that a separate tubular element is not required. The rigid plug wrap and / or tip paper is manufactured to have sufficient rigidity to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and in use of Article 1. For example, the rigid plug wrap and / or tip paper may have a basis weight of 70 gsm to 120 gsm, more preferably 80 gsm to 110 gsm. In addition or alternatively, the rigid plug wrap and / or tip paper may have a thickness of 80 μm to 200 μm, more preferably 100 μm to 160 μm, or 120 μm to 150 μm. To achieve an acceptable overall level of rigidity for the second hollow tubular element 8, it may be desirable for both the second plug wrap 9 and tip paper 5 to have values within these ranges.
[0109] The second hollow tubular element 8 preferably has a wall thickness that can be measured in the same way as the first hollow tubular element 4, where the wall thickness of the second hollow tubular element 8 is at least about 100 μm to a maximum of about 1.5 mm, preferably 100 μm to 1 mm, more preferably 150 μm to 500 μm, or about 300 μm. In this example, the second hollow tubular element 8 has a wall thickness of about 290 μm.
[0110] The length of the second hollow tubular element 8 is preferably less than about 50 mm. More preferably, the length of the second hollow tubular element 8 is less than about 40 mm. Even more preferably, the length of the second hollow tubular element 8 is less than about 30 mm. In addition or alternatively, the length of the second hollow tubular element 8 is preferably at least about 10 mm. The length of the second hollow tubular element 8 is preferably at least about 15 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the second hollow tubular element 8 is about 20 mm to about 30 mm, more preferably about 22 mm to about 28 mm, even more preferably about 24 mm to about 26 mm, and most preferably about 25 mm. In this example, the length of the second hollow tubular element 8 is 25 mm.
[0111] The second hollow tubular element 8 is positioned around and defines a void within the mouthpiece 2, which acts as a cooling segment. The void provides a chamber through which heated volatile components generated by the aerosol-generating material 3 flow. The second hollow tubular element 8 is hollow and provides a chamber for the aerosol reservoir that is still rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and use of the article 1. The second hollow tubular element 8 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol-generating material 3 and the material body 6. The physical displacement provided by the second hollow tubular element 8 provides a temperature gradient along the length of the second hollow tubular element 8.
[0112] Mouthpiece 2 is 450mm 3Preferably, it has a cavity with a larger internal volume. It has been found that by providing a cavity of at least this volume, improved aerosol formation becomes possible. Such a cavity size provides sufficient space within the mouthpiece 2 for the heat - volatile components to cool, since an overly warm aerosol could occur, thus allowing exposure of the aerosol - generating material 3 to a temperature higher than the temperature that would otherwise be possible. In this example, the cavity is formed by the second hollow tubular element 8, but in an alternative configuration, it can also be formed within different parts of the mouthpiece 2. The mouthpiece 2 preferably comprises, for example, a cavity formed within the second hollow tubular element 8, and this cavity is more than 500 mm 3 larger, even more preferably more than 550 mm 3 having a larger internal volume, enabling further improvement of the aerosol. In some examples, the internal cavity is from about 550 mm 3 to about 750 mm 3 , for example about 600 mm 3 or 700 mm 3 in volume.
[0113] The second hollow tubular element 8 can be configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 40 degrees Celsius between the heat - volatile component entering the first upstream end of the second hollow tubular element 8 and the heat - volatile component exiting the second downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 8. The second hollow tubular element 8 is preferably configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 60 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 80 degrees Celsius, more preferably at least 100 degrees Celsius between the heat - volatile component entering the first upstream end of the second hollow tubular element 8 and the heat - volatile component exiting the second downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 8. This temperature difference along the length of the second hollow tubular element 8 protects the temperature - sensitive material body 6 from the high temperature of the aerosol - generating material 3 when heated.
[0114] In the alternative article, the second hollow tubular element 8 can be replaced with an alternative cooling element, for example, an element formed from a material body that performs the function of cooling the aerosol while allowing the aerosol to pass longitudinally.
[0115] In this example, the first hollow tubular element 4, the material body 6, and the second hollow tubular element 8 are combined using a second plug wrap 9 wrapped around all three sections. The second plug wrap 9 preferably has a basis weight of less than 50 gsm, more preferably about 20 gsm to 45 gsm. The second plug wrap 9 preferably has a thickness of 30 μm to 60 μm, more preferably 35 μm to 45 μm. The second plug wrap 9 is preferably a non-porous plug wrap with a permeability of less than 100 cholesta units, for example, less than 50 cholesta units. However, in alternative embodiments, the second plug wrap 9 may also be a porous plug wrap with a permeability of, for example, greater than 200 cholesta units.
[0116] In this example, the aerosol-generating material 3 is wound within a roll of paper 10. The roll of paper 10 can be, for example, paper or paper-backed foil. In this example, the roll of paper 10 is substantially impermeable to air. In alternative embodiments, the roll of paper 10 preferably has a permeability of less than 100 cholesta units, more preferably less than 60 cholesta units. For example, low-permeability roll of paper having a permeability of less than 100 cholesta units, more preferably less than 60 cholesta units, has been found to result in improved aerosol formation within the aerosol-generating material 3. While we do not wish to be constrained by theory, this is assumed to be due to a reduction in the loss of aerosol compounds in the roll of paper 10. The permeability of the roll of paper 10 can be measured according to ISO 2965:2009 for determining the permeability of materials used as cigarette paper, filter plug wraps, and filter bonding paper.
[0117] In this embodiment, the roll paper 10 includes aluminum foil. The aluminum foil has been found to be particularly effective in promoting aerosol formation within the aerosol-generating material 3. In this example, the aluminum foil has a metal layer having a thickness of about 6 μm. In this example, the aluminum foil has a paper backing. However, in alternative configurations, the aluminum foil may have other thicknesses, for example, 4 μm to 16 μm. The aluminum foil also does not need to have a paper backing and may have a backing formed from other materials, for example, to help provide the foil with appropriate tensile strength, or it may not have a backing material at all. Metal layers or foils other than aluminum may also be used. The total thickness of the roll paper is preferably 20 μm to 60 μm, more preferably 30 μm to 50 μm, which provides a roll paper with appropriate structural integrity and heat transfer properties. The tensile force that can be applied to the roll of paper before it tears can be greater than 3,000 grams, for example, between 3,000 and 10,000 grams, or between 3,000 and 4,500 grams.
[0118] The article has a ventilation level of approximately 75% of the aerosol inhaled through the article. In an alternative embodiment, the article may have a ventilation level of 50% to 80%, for example, 65% to 75%, of the aerosol inhaled through the article. These levels of ventilation help to slow down the flow of aerosol inhaled through the mouthpiece 2, thereby allowing the aerosol to cool sufficiently before reaching the downstream end 2b of the mouthpiece 2. The ventilation is provided directly into the mouthpiece 2 of the article 1. In this example, the ventilation is provided into a second hollow tubular element 8, which has been found to be particularly beneficial in assisting the aerosol generation process. The ventilation is provided through first and second parallel rows of perforations 12, in this case formed as laser perforations at positions 17.925 mm and 18.625 mm, respectively, from the downstream mouth end 2b of the mouthpiece 2. These perforations pass through the tip paper 5, the second plug wrap 9, and the second hollow tubular element 8. In alternative embodiments, ventilation can be provided elsewhere into the mouthpiece, for example, into the material body 6 or the first tubular element 4. Alternatively, ventilation can be provided into the portion of the article where the hollow tubular element is located, via a single row of perforations, such as laser perforations. This has been found to result in improved aerosol formation, which is thought to be due to the airflow through the perforations being more uniform than in the case of multiple rows of perforations, given a given ventilation level.
[0119] In this example, the aerosol-forming material added to the aerosol-generating substrate 3 accounts for 14% by weight of the aerosol-generating substrate 3. The aerosol-forming material preferably accounts for at least 5% by weight, more preferably at least 10%, of the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-forming material preferably accounts for less than 25% by weight, more preferably less than 20%, for example, 10% to 20%, 12% to 18%, or 13% to 16% of the aerosol-generating substrate.
[0120] The aerosol generating material 3 is preferably provided as a cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material. Regardless of the formation of the aerosol generating material, the aerosol generating material 3 is preferably about 10 mm to 100 mm in length. In some embodiments, the length of the aerosol generating material is preferably in the range of about 25 mm to 50 mm, more preferably about 30 mm to 45 mm, and even more preferably in the range of about 30 mm to 40 mm.
[0121] The volume of the aerosol-generating material 3 provided is approximately 200 mm³. 3 ~Approximately 4300mm 3 Preferably about 500 mm 3 ~1500mm 3 , more comfortably approximately 1000mm 3 ~approximately 1300mm 3 These volumes can vary. For example, about 1000 mm³. 3 ~approximately 1300mm 3 It is advantageous that by providing an aerosol-generating material, it has been shown that superior aerosols with greater visibility and perceptual performance can be achieved compared to those realized in selected volumes from the lower end of this range.
[0122] The mass of the provided aerosol-generating material 3 can be greater than 200 mg, for example, about 200 mg to 400 mg, preferably about 230 mg to 360 mg, and more preferably about 250 mg to 360 mg. Providing a larger mass of aerosol-generating material has been found to result in improved perceptual performance compared to aerosols generated from smaller masses of tobacco material, which is advantageous.
[0123] The aerosol-generating material or substrate is preferably formed from a tobacco material described herein that contains tobacco components.
[0124] In the tobacco materials described herein, the tobacco component preferably contains recycled tobacco. This tobacco component may also contain loose leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco, and / or band-cast tobacco.
[0125] Aerosol-generating material 3 may include recycled tobacco material having a density of less than approximately 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter (mg / cc). Such tobacco material has been found to be particularly effective in providing an aerosol-generating material that can be heated rapidly and release aerosols compared to denser materials. For example, the inventors have tested the properties of various aerosol-generating materials when heated, including band-cast recycled tobacco material and paper-recycled tobacco material. For each given aerosol-generating material, it has been found that there is a specific zero heat flow temperature, and when heat is applied to the material, below this zero heat flow temperature, the net heat flow is endothermic, in other words, more heat enters the material and leaves it; above this zero heat flow temperature, the net heat flow is exothermic, in other words, more heat leaves the material and leaves it. Materials with a density of less than 700 mg / cc had a lower zero heat flow temperature. Since the majority of the heat flow emanating from a material is due to aerosol formation, having a lower zero heat flow temperature has a beneficial effect on the time it takes for aerosols to be initially released from the aerosol-generating material. For example, compared to materials with densities above 700 mg / cc which have zero heat flow temperatures above 164°C, aerosol-generating materials with densities below 700 mg / cc were found to have zero heat flow temperatures below 164°C.
[0126] The density of the aerosol-generating material also affects the rate at which heat is conducted through the material. At lower densities, for example below 700 mg / cc, heat is conducted more slowly through the material, thus allowing for more sustained aerosol release.
[0127] The aerosol-generating material 3 preferably contains recycled tobacco material having a density of less than approximately 700 mg / cc, such as recycled paper tobacco material. More preferably, the aerosol-generating material 3 contains recycled tobacco material having a density of less than approximately 600 mg / cc. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating material 3 preferably contains recycled tobacco material having a density of at least 350 mg / cc, which is considered to allow for a sufficient amount of heat conduction in the material.
[0128] The tobacco material can be provided in the form of shredded rag tobacco. Shredded rag tobacco can have a cut width of at least 15 cuts per inch (approximately 5.9 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of approximately 1.7 mm). Preferably, shredded rag tobacco has a cut width of at least 18 cuts per inch (approximately 7.1 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of approximately 1.4 mm), and more preferably at least 20 cuts per inch (approximately 7.9 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of approximately 1.27 mm). In one example, shredded rag tobacco has a cut width of 22 cuts per inch (approximately 8.7 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of approximately 1.15 mm). Preferably, shredded rag tobacco has a cut width of 40 cuts per inch (approximately 15.7 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of approximately 0.64 mm) or less. As a result of cutting widths of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, for example, 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm, or 0.6 mm to 1.7 mm, it was found that a favorable tobacco material was obtained, particularly in terms of the ratio of surface area to volume when heated, as well as the overall density and pressure drop of the substrate 3. The shredded rag tobacco can be formed from a mixture of forms of tobacco material, such as a mixture of one or more of recycled tobacco, loose leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco, and band-cast tobacco. The tobacco material preferably contains recycled tobacco, or a mixture of recycled tobacco and loose leaf tobacco.
[0129] In the tobacco materials described herein, the tobacco material may contain filler components. Filler components are generally non-tobacco components, i.e., components that do not contain tobacco-derived raw materials. Filler components may be non-tobacco fibers such as wood fibers or pulp or wheat fibers. Filler components may also be inorganic materials such as chalk, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, or magnesium carbonate. Filler components may also be non-tobacco cast materials or non-tobacco extruded materials. Filler components may be present in an amount of 0 to 20% by weight of the tobacco material, or in an amount of 1 to 10% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, filler components are absent.
[0130] In the tobacco materials described herein, the tobacco material contains an aerosol-forming material. In this context, “aerosol-forming material” is an active substance that promotes aerosol formation. Aerosol-forming materials can promote aerosol formation by promoting initial vaporization and / or condensation from gas to inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosols. In some embodiments, aerosol-forming materials can improve the delivery of flavorings from the aerosol-forming material. Generally, any suitable aerosol-forming material or active substance, including those described herein, may be included in the aerosol-forming material of the present invention. Other suitable aerosol-forming materials include, but are not limited to, sorbitol, glycerol, and polyols such as glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols and high-boiling hydrocarbons; acids such as lactic acid; glycerol derivatives; esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, and triethyl citrate; or myristic acid, including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate; and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanediate, and dimethyl tetradecanediate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. Glycerol may be present in an amount of 10-20% by weight of the tobacco material, for example, 13-16% by weight of the composition, or about 14% or 15% by weight of the composition. Propylene glycol, if present, may be present in an amount of 0.1-0.3% by weight of the composition.
[0131] Aerosol-forming materials may be included in any component of the tobacco material, for example, any tobacco component and / or filler component, if present. Alternatively or additionally, aerosol-forming materials may be added separately to the tobacco material. In either case, the total amount of aerosol-forming materials in the tobacco material may be as defined herein.
[0132] The tobacco material can contain 10% to 90% by weight of tobacco leaves, and the aerosol-forming material is supplied in an amount of up to approximately 10% by weight of tobacco leaves. To achieve an overall level of 10% to 20% by weight of aerosol-forming material in the tobacco material, it has been found to be advantageous that this can be added in a larger weight percentage than other components of the tobacco material, such as recycled tobacco material.
[0133] The tobacco materials described herein contain nicotine. The nicotine content is 0.5 to 1.75% by weight of the tobacco material, and can be, for example, 0.8 to 1.5% by weight of the tobacco material. In addition or by alternative means, the tobacco material contains 10% to 90% by weight of tobacco leaves and has a nicotine content greater than 1.5% by weight of the tobacco leaves. It has been found to be advantageous that by using tobacco leaves with a nicotine content greater than 1.5% in combination with a lower nicotine base material such as recycled cigarettes, it is possible to provide a tobacco material that has an appropriate nicotine level while having better perceptual performance than when recycled cigarettes are used alone. Tobacco leaves, for example, shredded rag tobacco, can have a nicotine content of, for example, 1.5% to 5% by weight of the tobacco leaves.
[0134] The tobacco materials described herein may contain aerosol modifiers such as any of the flavorings described herein. In one embodiment, the tobacco material contains menthol to form a menthol-containing article. The tobacco material may contain 3 mg to 20 mg of menthol, preferably 5 mg to 18 mg, more preferably 8 mg to 16 mg of menthol. In this example, the tobacco material contains 16 mg of menthol. The tobacco material may contain 2% to 8% by weight of menthol, preferably 3% to 7% by weight of menthol, more preferably 4% to 5.5% by weight of menthol. In one embodiment, the tobacco material contains 4.7% by weight of menthol. Such high levels of menthol loading can be achieved by using a high proportion, for example, more than 50% by weight of recycled tobacco material. Alternatively or additionally, the level of menthol loading that can be achieved can be increased by using a large amount of aerosol-generating material, for example, tobacco material, for example about 500 mm 3 More, or preferably about 1000 mm 3 More aerosol-generating materials, such as tobacco materials, are used.
[0135] In the compositions described herein, when an amount is given in weight percent, to avoid misunderstanding, this refers to dry basis weight unless otherwise specifically indicated. Therefore, for the purpose of determining weight percent, any water that may be present in the tobacco material or any of its components is completely disregarded. The moisture content of the tobacco material described herein may vary, for example, from 5 to 15% by weight. The moisture content of the tobacco material described herein may vary, for example, depending on the temperature, pressure, and humidity conditions under which the composition is maintained. The moisture content can be determined by Karl Fischer analysis, as is known to those skilled in the art. On the other hand, to avoid misunderstanding, even when the aerosol-forming material is a liquid-phase component such as glycerol or propylene glycol, all components other than water are included in the weight of the tobacco material. However, when the aerosol-forming material is provided within the tobacco component of the tobacco material or within the filler component of the tobacco material (if present), instead of being added separately to the tobacco material, the aerosol-forming material is not included in the weight of the tobacco component or filler component, but rather in the weight of the “aerosol-forming material” in the weight percent defined herein. All other ingredients present in the tobacco component are included in the weight of the tobacco component, even if they originate from non-tobacco sources (for example, non-tobacco fibers in the case of recycled cigarettes).
[0136] In one embodiment, the tobacco material comprises tobacco components defined herein and an aerosol-forming material defined herein. In one embodiment, the tobacco material consists essentially of tobacco components defined herein and an aerosol-forming material defined herein. In one embodiment, the tobacco material consists of tobacco components defined herein and an aerosol-forming material defined herein.
[0137] Recycled tobacco is present in the tobacco component of the tobacco material described herein in an amount of 10% to 100% by weight of the tobacco component. In embodiments, recycled tobacco is present in an amount of 10% to 80% by weight or 20% to 70% by weight of the tobacco component. In further embodiments, the tobacco component consists essentially of recycled tobacco or comprises recycled tobacco. In preferred embodiments, tobacco leaves are present in the tobacco component of the tobacco material in an amount of at least 10% by weight of the tobacco component. For example, tobacco leaves may be present in an amount of at least 10% by weight of the tobacco component, and the remainder of the tobacco component includes recycled tobacco, band-cast recycled tobacco, or a combination of band-cast recycled tobacco and other forms of tobacco such as tobacco granules.
[0138] Recycled tobacco refers to tobacco material formed by a process in which tobacco raw materials are extracted with a solvent to yield an extract of residue containing soluble substances and fibrous materials. The extract (usually concentrated and optionally further processed) is then recombined with fibrous materials from the residue by depositing the extract onto fibrous materials (usually, after purification of the fibrous materials, optionally a portion of non-tobacco fibers is added). The recombination process is similar to the papermaking process.
[0139] Recycled cigarettes can be any type of recycled cigarette known in the art. In certain embodiments, recycled cigarettes are made from raw materials comprising one or more of tobacco strips, tobacco stalks, and whole tobacco leaves. In further embodiments, recycled cigarettes are made from raw materials comprising tobacco strips and / or whole tobacco leaves, as well as tobacco stalks. However, in other embodiments, fragments, granules, and husks may also be used as raw materials by alternative or additional means.
[0140] Recycled cigarettes for use in the tobacco materials described herein can be prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art for preparing recycled cigarettes.
[0141] In the example described above, the mouthpiece 2 comprises a single material body 6. In other examples, the mouthpiece in Figure 1a may include multiple material bodies. The mouthpiece 2 may have cavities between the material bodies.
[0142] In some examples, the mouthpiece 2 downstream of the aerosol-generating material 3 may comprise a roll of paper, such as a first plug wrap 7 or a second plug wrap 9, or a tip paper 5, the roll of paper containing an aerosol modifier as described herein. The aerosol modifier may be placed on the inward or outward surface of the mouthpiece roll of paper. For example, the aerosol modifier may be provided on an area of the roll of paper that comes into contact with the consumer's lips during use, such as the outward surface of the tip paper 5. By placing the aerosol modifier on the outward surface of the mouthpiece roll of paper, the aerosol modifier can be delivered to the consumer's lips during use. The delivery of the aerosol modifier to the consumer's lips during use of the article may modify the sensory properties (e.g., taste) of the aerosol produced by the aerosol-generating substrate 3, or otherwise provide the consumer with an alternative sensory experience. For example, the aerosol modifier may impart a fragrance to the aerosol produced by the aerosol-generating substrate 3. The aerosol modifier may be at least partially water-soluble so that it is delivered to the user by the consumer's saliva. The aerosol modifier can be volatilized by the heat generated by the aerosol supply system. This facilitates the transfer of the aerosol modifier to the aerosol produced by the aerosol generating substrate 3. Suitable sensation materials include the fragrances described herein, sucralose, or cooling agents such as menthol.
[0143] A non-flammable aerosol supply device is used to heat the aerosol-generating material 3 of article 1 described herein. The non-flammable aerosol supply device is preferably equipped with a coil, as it has been found to allow improved heat transfer to article 1 compared to other configurations.
[0144] In some examples, the coil is configured to cause heating of at least one conductive heating element during use, so that thermal energy can be conducted from at least one conductive heating element to the aerosol-generating material, thereby causing heating of the aerosol-generating material.
[0145] In some examples, a coil is configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that penetrates at least one heating element during use, thereby causing inductive heating and / or magnetic hysteresis heating of the at least one heating element. In such configurations, this heating element or each heating element may be referred to as a “susceptor,” as defined herein. A coil configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that penetrates at least one conductive heating element during use, thereby causing inductive heating of the at least one conductive heating element, may be referred to as an “induction coil” or “inductor coil.”
[0146] The device may include heating elements, for example, conductive heating elements, and it is preferable that the heating elements may be positioned relative to a coil, or be configurable to be positioned relative to a coil, to enable such heating of the heating elements. The heating elements may be in a fixed position relative to the coil. Alternatively, at least one heating element, for example, at least one conductive heating element, may be included in the article 1 so as to be inserted into a heating section of the device, and the article 1 also comprises an aerosol-generating material 3 that is removable from the heating section after use. Alternatively, both the device and such article 1 may each include at least one heating element, for example, at least one conductive heating element, and the coil may be for causing heating of the heating elements of the device and the article when the article is in a heating section.
[0147] In some examples, the coil is helical. In some examples, the coil surrounds at least a portion of the heating section of a device configured to receive aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the coil is a helical coil surrounding at least a portion of the heating section.
[0148] In some examples, the device comprises a conductive heating element that at least partially surrounds the heating section, and the coil is a helical coil that surrounds at least a portion of the conductive heating element. In some examples, the conductive heating element is tubular. In some examples, the coil is an inductor coil.
[0149] In some examples, the use of a coil allows a non-combustible aerosol supply device to reach its operating temperature more quickly than a non-coiled aerosol supply device. For example, a non-combustible aerosol supply device including the coil described above can reach its operating temperature in less than 30 seconds, more preferably less than 25 seconds, from the start of the device heating program, enabling it to provide a first fumes extraction. In some examples, the device can reach its operating temperature in approximately 20 seconds from the start of the device heating program.
[0150] It has been found that the aerosol produced is enhanced by using the coil described herein in a device to induce heating of the aerosol-generating material. For example, consumers have reported that the aerosol produced by devices containing coils such as those described herein is subjectively closer to that produced by factory-made cigarette (FMC) products than the aerosol produced by other non-combustible aerosol supply systems. While we do not wish to be constrained by theory, it is assumed that this is a result of the reduced time required to reach the heating temperature when the coil is used, the higher heating temperature that can be achieved when the coil is used, and / or the coil enabling such a system to heat a relatively large volume of the aerosol-generating material simultaneously, and consequently the aerosol temperature being similar to that of FMC aerosols. In FMC products, a high-temperature aerosol is generated by burning coal, which heats the tobacco in the tobacco rod behind the coal as the aerosol is drawn through the rod. This high-temperature aerosol is understood to release flavoring compounds from the tobacco in the rod behind the burning coal. Devices comprising the coil described herein are also thought to be capable of heating aerosol-generating materials, such as the tobacco material described herein, to release flavor compounds, resulting in aerosols that are reported to be more similar to FMC aerosols.
[0151] By using an aerosol supply system that includes a coil as described herein, for example, an induction coil that heats at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material to at least 200°C, more preferably at least 220°C, it is possible to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material that have specific properties considered to be more similar to those of the FMC product. For example, when an induction heater is used to heat an aerosol-generating material containing nicotine, heated to at least 250°C over a period of 2 seconds under an airflow of at least 1.50 L / m during this period, one or more of the following properties are observed.
[0152] At least 10 μg of nicotine is aerosolized from the aerosol-generating material.
[0153] The weight ratio of the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming material to nicotine is at least about 2.5:1, preferably at least 8.5:1.
[0154] At least 100 μg of aerosol-forming material can be aerosolized from the aerosol-generating material.
[0155] The average particle or droplet size within the generated aerosol is less than approximately 1000 nm.
[0156] The aerosol density is at least 0.1 μg / cc.
[0157] In some cases, at least 10 μg of nicotine, preferably at least 30 μg or 40 μg of nicotine, is aerosolized from the aerosol-generating material under an airflow of at least 1.50 L / m during the period. In some cases, less than about 200 μg, preferably less than about 150 μg, or less than about 125 μg of nicotine, is aerosolized from the aerosol-generating material under an airflow of at least 1.50 L / m during the period.
[0158] In some cases, at least 100 μg, preferably at least 200 μg, 500 μg, or 1 mg of aerosol-forming material is aerosolized from the aerosol-generating material under an airflow of at least 1.50 L / m during the period. The aerosol-forming material may contain glycerol, or may consist of glycerol.
[0159] As defined herein, the term “average particle or droplet size” refers to the average size of the solid or liquid components of an aerosol (i.e., components suspended in the gas). If the aerosol contains suspended droplets and suspended solid particles, the term refers to the average size of all components combined.
[0160] In some cases, the average particle or droplet size in the generated aerosol can be approximately 900 nm, 800 nm, 700 nm, 600 nm, 500 nm, 450 nm, or less than 400 nm. In some cases, the average particle or droplet size can be larger than approximately 25 nm, 50 nm, or 100 nm.
[0161] In some cases, the aerosol density generated during the period is at least 0.1 μg / cc. In some cases, the aerosol density is at least 0.2 μg / cc, 0.3 μg / cc, or 0.4 μg / cc. In some cases, the aerosol density is about 2.5 μg / cc, 2.0 μg / cc, 1.5 μg / cc, or less than 1.0 μg / cc.
[0162] The non-combustible aerosol supply device is preferably configured to heat the aerosol-forming material 3 of article 1 to a maximum temperature of at least 160°C. The non-combustible aerosol supply device is preferably configured to heat the aerosol-forming material 3 of article 1 to a maximum temperature of at least about 200°C, or at least about 220°C, or at least about 240°C, more preferably at least about 270°C, at least once during the heating process by the non-combustible aerosol supply device.
[0163] By using an aerosol supply system that includes a coil described herein, for example, an induction coil that heats at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material to at least 200°C, more preferably at least 220°C, it is possible to enable the generation of an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material in the article 1 described herein, which has a higher temperature when the aerosol leaves the mouth end of the mouthpiece 2 than the previous device, and this can contribute to the generation of an aerosol that is considered to be closer to an FMC product. For example, the maximum aerosol temperature measured at the mouth end of article 1 can preferably be greater than 50°C, more preferably greater than 55°C, and even more preferably greater than 56°C or 57°C. In addition or alternatively, the maximum aerosol temperature measured at the mouth end of article 1 can be less than 62°C, more preferably less than 60°C, and more preferably less than 59°C. In some embodiments, the maximum aerosol temperature measured at the mouth end of article 1 can preferably be between 50°C and 62°C, more preferably between 56°C and 60°C.
[0164] Figure 2 shows an example of a non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating medium / material, such as the aerosol-generating material 3 of Article 1 described herein. In summary, the device 100 can be used to heat a replaceable article 110 containing an aerosol-generating medium, such as Article 1 described herein, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that can be inhaled by the user of the device 100. The device 100 and the replaceable article 110 together form a system.
[0165] Device 100 comprises a housing 102 (in the form of an outer cover) that surrounds and accommodates various components of device 100. Device 100 has an opening 104 at one end through which an article 110 can be inserted for heating by a heating assembly. When in use, the article 110 can be fully or partially inserted into the heating assembly and heated within the heating assembly by one or more components of the heater assembly.
[0166] The device 100 in this example includes a first end member 106, the first end member 106 having a lid 108 that is movable relative to the first end member 106 to close the opening 104 when the article 110 is not in place. In Figure 2, the lid 108 is shown in an open configuration, but the lid 108 can also be moved to a closed configuration. For example, the user can slide the lid 108 in the direction of arrow "B".
[0167] Device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 112, such as a button or switch, which, when pressed, activates device 100. For example, a user can turn on device 100 by operating the switch 112.
[0168] Device 100 may also be equipped with electrical components such as a socket / port 114 that can receive a cable to charge the device 100's battery. For example, the socket 114 could be a charging port, such as a USB charging port.
[0169] Figure 3 shows the device 100 of Figure 2 with the outer cover 102 removed and the article 110 absent. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 134.
[0170] As shown in Figure 3, the first end member 106 is positioned at one end of the device 100, and the second end member 116 is positioned at the opposite end of the device 100. Both the first and second end members 106 and 116 define at least partially the end face of the device 100. For example, the bottom surface of the second end member 116 defines at least partially the bottom surface of the device 100. The edge of the outer cover 102 can also define part of the end face. In this example, the lid 108 also defines part of the top surface of the device 100.
[0171] The end of the device closest to the opening 104 can be called the proximal end (or mouth end) of the device 100, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, the user inserts the article 110 into the opening 104 and operates the user control unit 112 to start heating the aerosol generating material and inhales the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow along the channel through the device 100 toward the proximal end of the device 100.
[0172] The other end of the device furthest from the opening 104 can be called the distal end of device 100, as it is the end furthest from the user's mouth during use. When the user inhales the aerosol generated within the device, the aerosol flows away from the distal end of device 100.
[0173] The device 100 further comprises a power source 118. The power source 118 may be a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to the heating assembly to supply power for heating the aerosol-generating material when needed, under the control of a controller (not shown). In this example, the battery is connected to a central support 120, which holds the battery 118 in place.
[0174] The device further comprises at least one electronic module 122. The electronic module 122 may, for example, comprise a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB 122 may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB 122 may also comprise one or more electrical tracks for electrically connecting various electronic components of the device 100 together. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB 122 so that power can be distributed throughout the device 100. The socket 114 may also be electrically coupled to the battery via the electrical tracks.
[0175] In exemplary device 100, the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly comprising various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of article 110 by an induction heating process. Induction heating is the process of heating a conductor (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as alternating current, through the inductive element. The fluctuating current in the inductive element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned relative to the inductive element, generating eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to eddy currents, and therefore, due to the flow of eddy currents against this resistance, the susceptor is heated by Joule heating. If the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., by the fluctuation of the orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of alignment with the fluctuating magnetic field. In induction heating, compared to, for example, conduction heating, heat is generated within the susceptor, enabling rapid heating. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, allowing for greater flexibility in terms of structure and application.
[0176] The induction heating assembly of exemplary device 100 comprises a susceptor structure 132 (hereinafter referred to as the “susceptor”), a first inductor coil 124, and a second inductor coil 126. The first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are made from a conductive material. In this example, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are made from Litz wire / cable wound in a helical shape to provide helical inductor coils 124, 126. Litz wire consists of multiple individual wires, each individually insulated, which are twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses of the conductor. In exemplary device 100, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are made from copper Litz wire having a rectangular cross-section. In other examples, Litz wire may have a cross-section of other shapes, such as circular.
[0177] The first inductor coil 124 is configured to generate a first fluctuating magnetic field for heating a first section of the susceptor 132, and the second inductor coil 126 is configured to generate a second fluctuating magnetic field for heating a second section of the susceptor 132. In this example, the first inductor coil 124 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 126 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100 (i.e., the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 do not overlap). The susceptor configuration 132 may consist of a single susceptor or two or more separate susceptors. The ends 130 of the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 may be connected to the PCB 122.
[0178] It will be understood that in some examples, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 may have at least one characteristic that is different from each other. For example, the first inductor coil 124 may have at least one characteristic that is different from the second inductor coil 126. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 124 may have a different inductance value than the second inductor coil 126. In Figure 3, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are of different lengths, and therefore the first inductor coil 124 is wound in a smaller section of the susceptor 132 than the second inductor coil 126. Thus, the first inductor coil 124 may contain a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 126 (assuming that the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 124 may be made from a different material than the second inductor coil 126. In some examples, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 may be substantially identical.
[0179] In this example, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the inductor coils become active at different times. For example, the first inductor coil 124 may operate first to heat a first section / part of article 110, and then the second inductor coil 126 may operate later to heat a second section / part of article 110. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in the inactive coil when used with certain types of control circuits. In Figure 3, the first inductor coil 124 is a right-handed helix and the second inductor coil 126 is a left-handed helix. However, in another embodiment, the inductor coils 124 and 126 may also be wound in the same direction, or the first inductor coil 124 may be a left-handed helix and the second inductor coil 126 may be a right-handed helix.
[0180] In this example, the susceptor 132 is hollow and thus defines a receptacle from which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, article 110 can be inserted into the susceptor 132. In this example, the susceptor 120 is tubular and has a circular cross-section.
[0181] The susceptor 132 can be made from one or more materials. Preferably, the susceptor 132 contains carbon steel and has a nickel or cobalt coating.
[0182] In some examples, the susceptor 132 may contain at least two materials, and these two materials may be heated at two different frequencies for the selective aerosolization of at least two materials. For example, a first section of the susceptor 132 (heated by a first inductor coil 124) may contain a first material, and a second section of the susceptor 132 (heated by a second inductor coil 126) may contain a second different material. In another example, the first section may contain first and second materials, and the first and second materials may be heated in different ways based on the operation of the first inductor coil 124. The first and second materials may be adjacent along an axis defined by the susceptor 132, or may form different layers within the susceptor 132. Similarly, the second section may contain third and fourth materials, and the third and fourth materials may be heated in different ways based on the operation of the second inductor coil 126. The third and fourth materials can be adjacent along the axis defined by the susceptor 132, or they can form different layers within the susceptor 132. For example, the third material can be the same as the first material, and the fourth material can be the same as the second material. Alternatively, each of these materials may be different. The susceptor can include, for example, carbon steel or aluminum.
[0183] The device 100 in Figure 3 further comprises an insulating member 128, which can be substantially tubular and can at least partially surround the susceptor 132. The insulating member 128 can be constructed from any insulating material, such as plastic. In this particular example, the insulating member is constructed from polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The insulating member 128 can help insulate the various components of the device 100 from the heat generated within the susceptor 132.
[0184] The insulating member 128 can also fully or partially support the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are arranged around the insulating member 128 and are in contact with the radially outward surface of the insulating member 128. In some examples, the insulating member 128 does not abut the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126. For example, a small gap may exist between the outer surface of the insulating member 128 and the inner surfaces of the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126.
[0185] In a specific example, the susceptor 132, the insulating member 128, and the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are coaxial around the longitudinal axis of the center of the susceptor 132.
[0186] Figure 4 shows a partial cross-sectional side view of device 100. In this example, the outer cover 102 is present. The rectangular cross-sectional shapes of the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 can be seen more clearly.
[0187] The device 100 further comprises a support 136 for engaging with one end of the susceptor 132 to hold the susceptor 132 in place. The support 136 is connected to the second end member 116.
[0188] The device may also include a second printed circuit board 138 attached to the control element 112.
[0189] Device 100 further comprises a second lid / cap 140 and a spring 142 located at the distal end of device 100. The spring 142 allows the second lid 140 to be opened to provide access to the susceptor 132. The user can open the second lid 140 to clean the susceptor 132 and / or support 136.
[0190] The device 100 further comprises an expansion chamber 144 extending away from the proximal end of the susceptor 132 toward the opening 104 of the device. Within the expansion chamber 144, a retaining clip 146 is at least partially positioned to contact and hold the article 110 when it is received into the device 100. The expansion chamber 144 is connected to the end member 106.
[0191] Figure 5 is an exploded view of device 100 from Figure 4, with the outer cover 102 omitted.
[0192] Figure 6A shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the device 100 of Figure 4. Figure 6B shows a magnified view of a region of Figure 6A. Figures 6A and 6B show the article 110 received into the susceptor 132, and the article 110 is dimensioned so that its outer surface abuts against the inner surface of the susceptor 132. This ensures that heating is most efficient. The article 110 in this example comprises an aerosol-generating material 110a. The aerosol-generating material 110a is placed inside the susceptor 132. The article 110 may also comprise other components such as a filter, packaging material, and / or a cooling structure.
[0193] Figure 6B shows that the outer surface of the susceptor 132 is separated from the inner surfaces of the inductor coils 124 and 126 by a distance 150 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In one particular example, the distance 150 is approximately 3-4 mm, approximately 3-3.5 mm, or approximately 3.25 mm.
[0194] Figure 6B further shows that the outer surface of the insulating member 128 is separated from the inner surfaces of the inductor coils 124 and 126 by a distance 152 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In one particular example, the distance 152 is approximately 0.05 mm. In another example, the distance 152 is substantially 0 mm, and therefore the inductor coils 124 and 126 are in contact with the insulating member 128.
[0195] In one example, the susceptor 132 has a wall thickness 154 of approximately 0.025 mm to 1 mm, or approximately 0.05 mm.
[0196] For example, the susceptor 132 has a length of approximately 40mm to 60mm, approximately 40mm to 45mm, or approximately 44.5mm.
[0197] In one example, the insulating member 128 has a wall thickness 156 of approximately 0.25 mm to 2 mm, 0.25 mm to 1 mm, or approximately 0.5 mm.
[0198] When in use, Article 1 described herein can be inserted into a non-flammable aerosol supply device, such as the device 100 described with reference to Figures 3 to 7. At least a portion of the mouthpiece 2 of Article 1 protrudes from the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 and can be placed in the user's mouth. The aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol generating material 3 using the device 100. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material 3 reaches the user's mouth through the mouthpiece 2.
[0199] Article 1 described herein has particular advantages when used with a non-flammable aerosol supply device, such as the device 100 described with reference to Figures 3 to 7. In particular, surprisingly, the first tubular element 4 formed from the filament tow has been found to have a significant effect on the temperature of the outer surface of the mouthpiece 2 of Article 1. For example, when the hollow tubular element 4 formed from the filament tow is wound into the outer winding paper, such as the tip paper 5, the outer surface of the outer winding paper at the longitudinal position corresponding to the location of the hollow tubular element 4 has been found to reach a maximum temperature of less than 42°C, preferably less than 40°C, and more preferably less than 38°C or less than 36°C during use.
[0200] Table 2.0 below shows the temperature of the outer surface of Article 1 as described herein with reference to Figures 1a and 1b, when heated using the device 100 described herein with reference to Figures 3 to 7. The first, second, and third temperature measuring probes were used as corresponding first, second, and third positions along the mouthpiece 2 of Article 1. The first position (indicated as position 1 in Table 2.0) is 4 mm away from the downstream end 2b of the mouthpiece 2, the second position (indicated as position 2 in Table 2.0) is 8 mm away from the downstream end 2b of the mouthpiece 2, and the third position (indicated as position 3 in Table 2.0) is 12 mm away from the downstream end 2b of the mouthpiece 2.
[0201] Therefore, the first position is located on the outer surface of the portion of the mouthpiece 2 where the first tubular element 4 is placed, and the second and third positions are located on the outer surface of the portion of the mouthpiece 2 where the material body 6 is placed.
[0202] The control articles were tested in comparison to the filament tow tubular element 4 described herein, using a well-known helical-wound paper tube having the same structure as the second hollow tubular element 8 described herein, but with a length of 6 mm instead of 25 mm.
[0203] Since the temperature generally reaches its peak after the fifth inhalation and then begins to decline, the test was performed on the first five inhalations of the item to allow observation of the approximate maximum temperature. Each sample was tested five times, and the temperature provided is the average of these five tests. Standard testing equipment was used, and the well-known Health Canada smoking method was applied (55 ml of smoke applied over 2 seconds every 30 seconds).
[0204] As shown in the table below, surprisingly, it was found that using the tubular element 4 formed from the filament tow lowered the outer surface temperature of the mouthpiece 2 compared to the control article at all inhalations and test positions in the mouthpiece 2. The tubular element 4 formed from the filament tow was particularly effective in lowering the temperature at the first probe position where the consumer's lips are positioned when using article 1. In particular, the outer surface temperature of the mouthpiece 2 at the first probe position decreased by more than 7°C for the first three inhalations and more than 5°C for the fourth and fifth inhalations.
[0205] [Table 2] Figure 7 shows a method for manufacturing an article for use in a non-flammable aerosol supply system. In step S101, first and second portions of an aerosol-generating material, each containing an aerosol-forming material, are arranged adjacent to the first and second longitudinal ends of a mouthpiece rod, the mouthpiece rod constituting a hollow tubular element rod formed from a filament tow positioned between the first and second ends. In this example, the hollow tubular element rod comprises a first hollow tubular element 4 of twice its length, positioned between the first and second material bodies 6. Each second tubular element 8 is positioned at the outer end of each material body 6, adjacent to the outer ends of these second tubular elements 8, on which the first and second portions of the aerosol-generating material are located. The mouthpiece rod is wound into a second plug wrap as described herein.
[0206] In step S102, the first and second portions of the aerosol-generating material are connected to the mouthpiece rod. In this example, this is done by wrapping the tip paper 5 described herein around the mouthpiece rod and at least a portion of each of the portions of the aerosol-generating material 3. In this example, the tip paper 5 extends approximately 5 mm longitudinally over the outer surface of each of the portions of the aerosol-generating material 3.
[0207] In step S103, the hollow tubular element rod is cut to form the first and second articles, and each article having a mouthpiece has a portion of the hollow tubular element rod at the downstream end of the mouthpiece. In this example, the first hollow tubular element 4, which is twice the length of the mouthpiece rod, is cut along its length at approximately the midpoint to form the first and second substantially identical articles.
[0208] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents thereof, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may include, may consist of, or may essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not claimed herein but which may be claimed in the future.
[0209] This specification contains the following: [1] Articles for use in non-flammable aerosol supply systems, Aerosol generating materials and An article comprising a mouthpiece downstream of the aerosol generating material, the mouthpiece comprising a material body in the form of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis, and a capsule embedded within the material body, wherein the capsule is surrounded on all sides by the material forming the body, the capsule having a shell enclosing a liquid aerosol modifier, and the maximum cross-sectional area of the capsule, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, is less than 28% of the cross-sectional area of the material body, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. [2] The article according to [1], wherein the material body is formed from a filament tow. [3] The article according to [2], wherein the material body is formed from filament tows having 5 to 12 denier per filament and 8,000 to 30,000 total denier. [4] The article according to [3], wherein the material body is formed from filament toes having 6 to 10 denier per filament and 10,000 to 25,000 total denier. [5] The article according to [4], wherein the material body is formed from filament toes having 7 to 10 denier per filament and 11,000 to 22,000 total denier. [6] The article according to any one of [2] to [5], wherein the filament tow comprises a tow of cellulose acetate. [7] The article according to any one of [2] to [6], wherein the filament tow includes a weight per 1 mm of length of the material body that is about 10% to about 30% of the range between the minimum and maximum weight of the tow performance curve generated for the filament tow. [8] The article according to any one of [2] to [7], wherein the filament tow contains a plasticizer in an amount of 0.2% to 4% by weight of the filament tow or 0.5% to 3% by weight of the filament tow. [9] The article according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the capsule is ruptured by an external force to selectively release the liquid aerosol modifier.
[10] The article according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the pressure drop in the mouthpiece is less than about 40 mmH2O and / or greater than about 15 mmH2O.
[11] The article according to
[10] , wherein the pressure drop in the mouthpiece is less than approximately 32 mmH2O.
[12] The article according to any one of items [1] to
[11] , wherein when the capsule is destroyed, the open pressure drop of the smoking item changes by less than about 8 mmH2O, less than about 6 mmH2O, or less than about 5 mmH2O.
[13] The article according to any one of [1] to
[12] , wherein the mouthpiece comprises a hollow tubular element formed from a filament tow at the downstream end of the mouthpiece.
[14] The article according to any one of [1] to
[13] , wherein the capsule is substantially spherical and has a diameter of about 2.8 mm to about 3.2 mm.
[15] The article according to any one of items [1] to
[14] , wherein the material body has a diameter of approximately 19 mm to approximately 23 mm.
[16] The article according to any one of [1] to
[15] , wherein the aerosol generating material is enclosed in a roll of paper having permeability of less than 100 cholesta units, less than 80 cholesta units, less than 60 cholesta units, or less than 20 cholesta units.
[17] The article according to any one of [1] to
[16] , wherein the aerosol generating material comprises recycled tobacco material having a density of less than about 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter, or recycled tobacco material having a density of less than about 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter.
[18] The article according to any one of [1] to
[17] , wherein the aerosol generating material contains a tobacco component, the tobacco component contains tobacco leaves in an amount of about 10% to about 90% by weight of the tobacco component, and the tobacco leaves have a nicotine content greater than 1.5% by weight of the tobacco leaves.
[19] The article according to
[18] , wherein the tobacco leaves comprise at least a portion of the aerosol-forming material in an amount of up to about 10% by weight of the tobacco leaves, and the tobacco component comprises the aerosol-forming material in an amount of about 10% to about 30% by weight of the tobacco composition.
[20] The article according to any one of [1] to
[19] , wherein the aerosol generating material comprises an aerosol forming material, and the aerosol forming material comprises at least 5% by weight of the aerosol generating material. [twenty one] The aforementioned mouthpiece is 450 mm 3 An article according to any one of items [1] to
[20] , comprising a cavity having a larger internal volume. [twenty two] Articles as described in any one of items [1] to
[21] , including an outer circumference of 19 mm to approximately 23 mm. [twenty three] A system comprising an article described in any one of items 1 to 22, and a non-combustible aerosol supply device for heating the aerosol generating material of the article. [twenty four] The system according to
[23] , wherein the non-flammable aerosol supply device comprises a coil. [twenty five] The system according to
[23] or
[24] , wherein the non-flammable aerosol supply device is configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the article to a maximum temperature of at least 200°C.
[26] The system according to
[25] , wherein the non-flammable aerosol supply device is configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the article to a temperature of at least about 160°C, or at least about 200°C, or at least about 220°C, or at least about 240°C, or at least about 270°C.
[27] The system according to any one of
[23] to
[26] , wherein the hollow tubular element formed from the filament tow is wound inside the outer winding paper, and the outer surface of the outer winding paper reaches a maximum temperature of less than 42°C, or less than 40°C, or less than 38°C during use, according to
[12] .
[28] The system according to any one of
[23] to
[27] , wherein the portion of the mouthpiece in which the capsule is placed reaches a temperature of 58 to 70 degrees Celsius during use of the system to generate an aerosol.
[29] The system according to any one of
[23] to
[28] , wherein the capsule is rupturable by an external force applied to the mouthpiece, the portion of the mouthpiece in which the capsule is placed reaches a temperature greater than 58 degrees Celsius during use of the system to generate an aerosol, the burst strength of the capsule when placed in the mouthpiece before heating of the aerosol-generating material is 1500 to 4000 grams by weight, and the burst strength of the capsule when placed in the mouthpiece within 30 seconds of using the system for aerosol generation is 1000 to 4000 grams by weight.
Claims
1. Articles for use in non-flammable aerosol supply systems, Aerosol generating materials and The aerosol generating material is further comprising a mouthpiece downstream of the aerosol generating material, the mouthpiece comprising a material body in the form of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis, and a capsule embedded within the material body, wherein the capsule is surrounded on all sides by the material forming the body, the capsule has a shell enclosing a liquid aerosol modifier, and the maximum cross-sectional area of the capsule, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, is less than 28% of the cross-sectional area of the material body, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The mouthpiece comprises a hollow tubular element formed from a filament tow at the downstream end of the mouthpiece, An article in which the density of the hollow tubular element is 0.25 to 0.75 g / cc.
2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the material body is formed from a filament tow.
3. The article according to claim 2, wherein the material body is formed from filament tows having 5 to 12 denier per filament and 8,000 to 30,000 total denier.
4. The article according to claim 3, wherein the material body is formed from filament tows having 6 to 10 denier per filament and 10,000 to 25,000 total denier.
5. The article according to claim 4, wherein the material body is formed from filament tows having 7 to 10 denier per filament and 11,000 to 22,000 total denier.
6. The article according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the filament tow comprises a tow of cellulose acetate.
7. The article according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the filament tow includes a weight per millimeter of the material body that is about 10% to about 30% of the range between the minimum and maximum weight of the tow performance curve generated for the filament tow.
8. The article according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the filament tow contains a plasticizer in an amount of 0.2% to 4% by weight of the filament tow or 0.5% to 3% by weight of the filament tow.
9. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the capsule is ruptured by an external force to selectively release the liquid aerosol modifier.
10. The pressure drop in the mouthpiece is approximately 40 mmH 2 Less than 0 mmH and / or approximately 15 mmH 2 An article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is greater than 0.
11. The pressure drop in the mouthpiece is approximately 32 mmH 2 The article according to claim 10, wherein the value is less than 0.
12. When the aforementioned capsule is destroyed, the pressure drop when the smoked item is released is approximately 8 mmH 2 Less than 0 mmH, approximately 6 mmH 2 Less than 0 mmH, or approximately 5 mmH 2 The article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the change is only less than 0.
13. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the capsule is substantially spherical and has a diameter of about 2.8 mm to about 3.2 mm.
14. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the material body has an outer circumference of about 19 mm to about 23 mm.
15. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the aerosol generating material is encased in a roll of paper having permeability of less than 100 cholesta units, less than 80 cholesta units, less than 60 cholesta units, or less than 20 cholesta units.
16. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the aerosol generating material comprises recycled tobacco material having a density of less than about 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter, or recycled tobacco material having a density of less than about 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter.
17. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the aerosol generating material contains a tobacco component, the tobacco component contains tobacco leaves in an amount of about 10% to about 90% by weight of the tobacco component, and the tobacco leaves have a nicotine content greater than 1.5% by weight of the tobacco leaves.
18. The article according to claim 17, wherein the tobacco leaves contain at least a portion of the aerosol-forming material in an amount of up to about 10% by weight of the tobacco leaves, and the tobacco component contains the aerosol-forming material in an amount of about 10% to about 30% by weight of the tobacco composition.
19. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the aerosol generating material comprises an aerosol forming material, and the aerosol forming material comprises at least 5% by weight of the aerosol generating material.
20. The aforementioned mouthpiece is 450 mm 3 The article according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising a cavity having a larger internal volume.
21. An article according to any one of claims 1 to 20, including an outer circumference of 19 mm to approximately 23 mm.
22. A system comprising an article according to any one of claims 1 to 21, and a non-combustible aerosol supply device for heating the aerosol generating material of the article.
23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the non-flammable aerosol supply device comprises a coil.
24. The system according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the non-flammable aerosol supply device is configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the article to a maximum temperature of at least 200°C.
25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the non-flammable aerosol supply device is configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the article to a temperature of at least about 160°C, or at least about 200°C, or at least about 220°C, or at least about 240°C, or at least about 270°C.
26. The system according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the hollow tubular element formed from the filament tow is wound inside the outer winding paper, and the outer surface of the outer winding paper reaches a maximum temperature of less than 42°C, or less than 40°C, or less than 38°C during use.
27. The system according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the portion of the mouthpiece in which the capsule is placed reaches a temperature of 58 to 70 degrees Celsius during use of the system and generates an aerosol.
28. The system according to any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the capsule is rupturable by an external force applied to the mouthpiece, the portion of the mouthpiece in which the capsule is placed reaches a temperature greater than 58 degrees Celsius during use of the system to generate an aerosol, the burst strength of the capsule when placed in the mouthpiece before heating of the aerosol generating material is 1500 to 4000 grams by weight, and the burst strength of the capsule when placed in the mouthpiece within 30 seconds of using the system for aerosol generation is 1000 to 4000 grams by weight.