Aerosol generation
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing smoking articles that burn tobacco produce smoke and do not offer a non-combustible alternative that replicates the flavor and sensation of traditional smoking, while existing non-combustible alternatives do not provide efficient and rapid heating methods to generate aerosols similar to traditional smoking.
An aerosol generation assembly comprising an induction heater and a cylindrical aerosol generating article, where the article is heatable by an induction coil to rapidly generate aerosols with controlled thermal profiles, using materials like tobacco or non-tobacco products, including features like filters and cooling elements to enhance user experience.
The assembly provides aerosols with properties similar to traditional smoking, achieving rapid heating and controlled thermal profiles, enhancing flavor release and user satisfaction.
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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol generation assembly. [Background technology]
[0002] Smoking products such as cigarettes and cigars produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these burning products by creating products that release compounds in a non-combustion manner. Examples of such products include heating devices that release compounds by heating a material in a non-combustion manner. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and the material may or may not contain nicotine. [Overview of the Initiative]
[0003] A first aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generating assembly comprising (i) an aerosol generating device comprising a coil, and (ii) an aerosol product comprising a substantially cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material having a length of about 10 mm to 100 mm, wherein the article and the device are arranged relative to each other such that the aerosol generating material can be heated by the aerosol generating device. The coil may comprise an induction coil, and the aerosol generating device may comprise an induction heater.
[0004] A second aspect of the present invention provides a component kit comprising (i) an aerosol generating device comprising a coil, and (ii) an aerosol product, wherein the aerosol product comprises a substantially cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material having a length of approximately 10 mm to 100 mm. The coil may comprise an induction coil, and the aerosol generating device may comprise an induction heater.
[0005] A third aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generating assembly comprising (i) an aerosol generating device comprising a coil, and (ii) an aerosol product comprising an aerosol generating material comprising at least 1.1 mg of nicotine and / or at least about 17 mg of an aerosol generating agent, wherein the article and the device are arranged relative to each other such that the aerosol generating material can be heated by the aerosol generating device. The coil may comprise an induction coil, and the aerosol generating device may comprise an induction heater.
[0006] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a component kit comprising (i) an aerosol generating device equipped with a coil, and (ii) an aerosol product, wherein the aerosol product comprises an aerosol generating material containing at least 1.1 mg of nicotine and / or at least about 17 mg of an aerosol generating agent.
[0007] Features described herein in relation to one aspect of the present invention are, to the extent that they are applicable, expressly disclosed in combination with other aspects.
[0008] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are given for illustrative purposes only with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] This is a front view of an example of an aerosol generation device. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the aerosol generation device shown in Figure 1, with the outer cover removed. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation device. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the aerosol generation device. [Figure 5A] This is a cross-sectional view of the heating assembly inside an aerosol generation device. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A is an enlarged view of a portion of the heating assembly. [Figure 6A] It is a partial cut-away cross-sectional view of an example of an aerosol-generating article. [Figure 6B] It is a perspective view of an exemplary aerosol-generating article of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7] It is a side cross-sectional view of an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device including a mouthpiece. [Figure 8a] It is a side cross-sectional view of a further article for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device, in this example an article including a capsule-containing mouthpiece. [Figure 8b] It is a cross-sectional view of the capsule-containing mouthpiece shown in FIG. 8a. [Figure 9] It is a flow chart showing a method of manufacturing an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0010] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" includes materials that, when heated, typically provide volatile components in the form of an aerosol. The aerosol-generating material can include any tobacco-containing material, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material can also include other non-tobacco products, and the aerosol-generating material may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. The aerosol-generating material can be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. The aerosol-generating material can also be, for example, a combination or mixture of materials. The aerosol-generating material can also be referred to as a "smoking material", an "aerosolizable material", or an "aerosol-generating substrate".
[0011] Devices are known that heat an aerosol - forming material without burning or combusting it, to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol - forming material and typically form an aerosol that can be inhaled. Such devices may be described as "non - combustible heating devices", "tobacco - heated product devices", or "tobacco - heating devices". Similarly, there are so - called e - cigarette devices that typically vaporize an aerosol - forming material in liquid form, and the aerosol - forming material may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol - forming material can be in the form of a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device, or can be provided as part of it. A heater for heating and volatilizing the aerosol - forming material can be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.
[0012] In this specification, in some cases, the aerosol - forming material can be a solid or a gel. That is, the aerosol - forming device can be a non - combustible heating device. In some cases, the aerosol - forming material is solid and includes tobacco material.
[0013] An aerosol - forming device can receive an article containing an aerosol - forming material for heating. In this context, an "article" is a component that contains an aerosol - forming material or stores an aerosol - forming material during use and is heated during use to volatilize the aerosol - forming material and optionally other components. A user can insert the article into the aerosol - forming device and then heat the article to generate an aerosol, and then the user inhales the aerosol. The article can be of a predetermined or specific size configured to be placed, for example, within a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.
[0014] The inventors have found that using an induction heater enables more rapid heating and further control over the heat profile. The heat profile affects the composition and constitution of the aerosol.
[0015] As described above, a first aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generation assembly comprising (i) an aerosol generation device equipped with an induction heater, and (ii) an aerosol product, wherein the aerosol product comprises a substantially cylindrical rod of aerosol-generating material having a length of about 34 mm to 50 mm, and the article and device are arranged relative to each other such that the aerosol-generating material can be heated by the induction heater.
[0016] In some cases, the aerosol product further comprises a filter and / or a cooling element and / or a mouthpiece.
[0017] In some cases, the aerosol product comprises a roll of paper that at least partially surrounds other components of the article, including one or more of the filter, cooling element, mouthpiece, and aerosol-generating material. In some cases, the roll of paper can surround each of these components. The roll of paper can have a thickness of about 10 μm to 50 μm, preferably about 15 μm to 45 μm or about 20 μm to 40 μm. In some cases, the roll of paper can comprise a paper layer, which in some cases is at least about 10 g.m². 2 , 15g.m 2 , 20g.m 2 , or 25g.m 2 ~about 50g.m 2 , 45g.m 2 , 40g.m 2 , or 35g.m 2 It can have a basis weight. In some cases, the roll paper can have a non-combustible layer such as metal foil. Preferably, the roll paper can have an aluminum foil layer, which can have a thickness of about 3 μm to 15 μm, preferably about 5 μm to 10 μm, and preferably about 6 μm. The roll paper can have a laminated structure, in some cases the laminated structure can have at least one paper layer and at least one non-combustible layer.
[0018] In some such cases, ventilation openings are provided in the roll paper. In some cases, the ventilation ratio provided by the holes (i.e., the amount of intake air flowing through the ventilation holes as a percentage of the aerosol volume) can be about 5% to 85%, preferably at least 20%, 35%, 50%, or 60%. The ventilation openings may be provided in the roll paper in a portion surrounding one or more of the filter, cooling element, and mouthpiece.
[0019] In some cases, the aerosol product is substantially cylindrical and has an overall length of approximately 71 mm to 95 mm. In other cases, the cylindrical rod of the aerosol-generating material has a diameter of approximately 5.0 mm to 6.0 mm.
[0020] In some cases, the aerosol-generating material contains nicotine. In other cases, the aerosol-generating material contains tobacco material.
[0021] In this specification, the term “tobacco material” refers to any material including tobacco or its derivatives. 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, loose tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stalks, remanufactured tobacco, and / or tobacco extracts.
[0022] The tobacco used to produce tobacco material can be any suitable tobacco, such as a single grade or mixture including Virginia and / or Burley and / or Oriental, shredded rag or whole leaf. Tobacco can also be other processed stem materials such as "fine granules" or fine powder of tobacco particles, puffed tobacco, stems, puffed stems, and shredded roll stems. Tobacco material can be ground tobacco or recycled tobacco material. Recycled tobacco material may contain tobacco fibers and can be formed by casting, Fourdrinier-type papermaking methods with backing of tobacco extract, or extrusion molding.
[0023] In some cases, the aerosol-generating material is a solid or gel material. That is, in some cases, the device is a non-combustion heating device. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material contains tobacco. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material is solid and contains tobacco.
[0024] In some cases, the aerosol-generating material contains recycled tobacco material. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material contains or consists of about 220 mg to about 400 mg of recycled tobacco material. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material contains about 220 mg to about 300 mg, preferably about 240 mg to about 280 mg, preferably about 260 mg of recycled tobacco material. In some other cases, the aerosol-generating material contains about 320 mg to about 400 mg, preferably about 320 mg to about 370 mg, preferably about 340 mg of recycled tobacco material.
[0025] In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may include tobacco material, preferably the recycled tobacco material discussed in the above paragraph, and may have a nicotine content of about 5 mg / g to 15 mg / g (dry weight basis), preferably about 7 mg / g to 12 mg / g. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may include tobacco material and may have an aerosol-generating agent (preferably glycerol) content of about 130 mg / g to 170 mg / g, preferably about 145 mg / g to 155 mg / g (total dry weight basis). In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may have a moisture content of about 5 to 8% by weight (wet weight basis). In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may contain at least about 1.5 mg of nicotine, preferably at least about 1.7 mg, 1.8 mg, or 1.9 mg of nicotine. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises at least about 25 mg of aerosol-generating agent, preferably at least about 30 mg, 32 mg, 34 mg, or 36 mg of aerosol-generating agent, which may include or consist of glycerol. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises the aerosol-generating agent and nicotine in a weight ratio of at least 10:1, preferably at least 12:1, 14:1, or 16:1.
[0026] As described above, a further aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generating assembly comprising (i) an aerosol generating device equipped with an induction heater, and (ii) an aerosol product, wherein the aerosol product comprises an aerosol generating material containing at least 1.1 mg of nicotine and / or at least about 17 mg of an aerosol generating agent, and the article and device are arranged relative to each other such that the aerosol generating material can be heated by the induction heater.
[0027] In some cases, the induction heater includes a tubular susceptor, and a rod of aerosol-generating material is placed inside the susceptor for heating.
[0028] In some cases, the induction heater has two heating sections, which can be heated independently of each other. In some such cases, the induction heater has two helical wire coils, each surrounding a portion of the susceptor, and the current applied to each coil can be controlled independently, thus allowing each portion of the susceptor to be heated separately. In such cases, the susceptor can be a single, homogeneous monolith.
[0029] In some cases, there are three or more heating sections, which are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the rod of the aerosol-generating material, with the first section being closer to the mouth end of the aerosol product during use, and the second section being further away from the mouth end. In some such cases, the first section is programmed to be heated before the second section. In some such cases, the length ratio of the first section to the second section can be about 1:3 to about 2:3, preferably about 1:2.
[0030] The aerosol generating device may further include a controller that drives an induction heater, the controller being programmed with selectable heating profiles, and the device having a user interface that allows the user to select the desired heating profile during use. That is, the controller can be programmed with at least two predetermined thermal profiles, and the user can select which of these is desired during use. The thermal profiles can differ from each other in several ways, including but not limited to heating rate, heating duration, and maximum temperature. If there are two or more heating sections, the heating profiles can differ with respect to the behavior of only one section or with respect to the behavior of each section.
[0031] As described above, in some cases, the susceptor defines a cylindrical chamber into which the article is inserted during use, and thus the aerosol-generating material is heated by the susceptor. The length of the cylindrical chamber can be about 40mm to 60mm, about 40mm to 50mm, or about 40mm to 45mm, or about 44.5mm. The diameter of the cylindrical chamber can be about 5.0mm to 6.5mm, preferably about 5.35mm to 6.0mm, preferably about 5.5mm to 5.6mm, or preferably about 5.55mm.
[0032] The aerosol product may comprise an aerosol-generating material and packaging material arranged around the aerosol-generating material. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material includes tobacco. The tobacco may be any suitable solid tobacco, such as single grade or mixture, shredded rag or whole leaf, ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stalks, and / or recycled tobacco. The tobacco may be any type, including Virginia and / or Burley and / or Oriental tobacco.
[0033] The aerosol-generating material can be in the form of a cylindrical rod. A roll of paper can form a tube arranged around the rod of aerosol-generating material. The cylindrical aerosol-generating material has a length of approximately 34 mm to 50 mm, preferably approximately 38 mm to 46 mm, and preferably approximately 42 mm. The cylindrical aerosol-generating material has a diameter of approximately 5.0 mm to 6.0 mm, preferably approximately 5.25 mm to 5.45 mm, preferably approximately 5.35 mm to 5.40 mm, and preferably approximately 5.39 mm. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material can fill at least approximately 85% of the void defined by the susceptor.
[0034] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more of the following: aerosol-generating agents, adhesives, fillers, and flavorings.
[0035] In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may include the tobacco composition described in International Publication No. 2017 / 097840, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0036] A second aspect of the present invention provides a component kit comprising (i) an aerosol generating device equipped with an induction heater and (ii) an aerosol product, wherein the aerosol product comprises a substantially cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material having a length of approximately 10 mm to 100 mm. The rod of the aerosol generating material can be approximately 34 mm to 50 mm in length.
[0037] Non-flammable aerosol supply devices are used to heat the aerosol-generating material of the articles described herein. Non-flammable aerosol supply devices are preferably equipped with coils, as this has been found to allow for improved heat transfer to the articles compared to other configurations.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.”
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] In some examples, the use of a coil allows an aerosol generating device, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply device, to reach its operating temperature more quickly than an aerosol supply device without a coil. For example, a non-combustible aerosol supply device including the aforementioned coil can reach its operating temperature so that it can provide the first smoke extraction in less than 30 seconds, more preferably less than 25 seconds, from the start of the device heating program. In some examples, the device can reach its operating temperature in about 20 seconds from the start of the device heating program.
[0045] 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 including the coils described herein are also thought to be capable of heating aerosol-generating materials, such as the tobacco materials described herein, to release flavor compounds, resulting in aerosols that are reported to be more similar to FMC aerosols.
[0046] 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.
[0047] At least 10 μg of nicotine is aerosolized from the aerosol-generating material.
[0048] 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.
[0049] At least 100 μg of aerosol-forming material can be aerosolized from the aerosol-generating material.
[0050] The average particle or droplet size within the generated aerosol is less than approximately 1000 nm.
[0051] The aerosol density is at least 0.1 μg / cc.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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 aerosols from the aerosol-generating material in the article described herein, which has a higher temperature when the aerosol leaves the mouthpiece end than previous devices, and this can contribute to the generation of aerosols that are considered to be closer to FMC products. For example, the maximum aerosol temperature measured at the mouthpiece end of the article 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 mouthpiece end of the article 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 mouthpiece end of article 1 can preferably be 50°C to 62°C, more preferably 56°C to 60°C.
[0058] Referring to these figures, Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol generating device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating medium / material. In summary, the device 100 can be used to heat a replaceable article 110 containing an aerosol generating medium to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that can be inhaled by the user of the device 100.
[0059] 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.
[0060] The device 100 in this example includes a first end member 106, the first end member 106, and 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 1, the lid 108 is shown in the open configuration, but the cap 108 can also be moved to the closed configuration. For example, the user can slide the lid 108 in the direction of arrow "A".
[0061] 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. In some cases, different thermal profiles can be accessed through a predetermined interaction with the switch (e.g., the number of times or the length of the press).
[0062] Device 100 may also be equipped with electrical components such as a socket / port 114 that can receive a cable to charge the device's battery. For example, socket 114 could be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples, socket 114 could be used, additionally or alternatively, to transfer data between device 100 and another device, such as a computing device.
[0063] Figure 2 shows the device 100 of Figure 1 with the outer cover 102 removed and the article 110 absent. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 134.
[0064] As shown in Figure 2, 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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 2, 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.
[0073] 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 of article 110, and then the second inductor coil 126 may operate later to heat a second section of article 110. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps to reduce the current induced in the inactive coil when used with certain types of control circuits. In Figure 2, 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] The device 100 in Figure 2 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.
[0076] 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 2, 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] Figure 3 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] The device may also include a second printed circuit board 138 attached to the control element 112.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] Figure 4 is an exploded view of device 100 from Figure 1, with the outer cover 102 omitted.
[0084] Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the device 100 of Figure 1. Figure 5B shows a magnified view of a region of Figure 5A. Figures 5A and 5B 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.
[0085] Figure 5B 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.
[0086] Figure 5B 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.
[0087] In one example, the susceptor 132 has a wall thickness 154 of approximately 0.025 mm to 1 mm, or approximately 0.05 mm.
[0088] For example, susceptor 132 has a length of approximately 40mm-60mm, approximately 40-45mm, or approximately 44.5mm.
[0089] 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.
[0090] The end member 116 can further accommodate one or more electrical components, such as a socket / port 114. In this example, the socket 114 is a female USB charging port.
[0091] In one embodiment, the device can be configured to reach a temperature such that it can provide the user with the "first vapor extraction" within 30 seconds, preferably within 25 seconds, and more preferably within 20 seconds, after the user initiates the heating cycle.
[0092] Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, a partial cross-sectional view and a perspective view of an example of aerosol product article 110 are shown. During use, article 110 is removably inserted into device 100, as shown in Figure 1, through the opening 104 of device 100.
[0093] One example article 110 is substantially in the form of a cylindrical rod and includes an aerosol-generating material body 303 and a filter assembly 305 in the form of a rod. The filter assembly 305 includes three segments: a cooling segment 307, a filter segment 309, and a mouth segment 311. Article 110 has a first end 313, also known as the mouth or proximal end, and a second end 315, also known as the distal end. The aerosol-generating material body 303 is positioned toward the distal end 315 of article 110. In one example, the cooling segment 307 is positioned adjacent to the aerosol-generating material body 303 between the aerosol-generating material body 303 and the filter segment 309, so that the cooling segment 307 is in contact with the aerosol-generating material 303 and the filter segment 309. In other examples, separations may be provided between the aerosol-generating material body 303 and the cooling segment 307, and between the aerosol-generating material body 303 and the filter segment 309. The filter segment 309 is positioned between the cooling segment 307 and the mouth segment 311. The mouth segment 311 is positioned adjacent to the filter segment 309 towards the proximal end 313 of the article 110. In one example, the filter segment 309 is in contact with the mouth segment 311. In one embodiment, the total length of the filter assembly 305 is 37 mm to 45 mm, and more preferably 41 mm.
[0094] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material body 303 contains tobacco. However, in each of the other embodiments, the aerosol-generating material body 303 may consist of tobacco, may consist substantially entirely of tobacco, may contain tobacco and other aerosol-generating materials, may contain other aerosol-generating materials, or may not contain tobacco. The aerosol-generating material may contain an aerosol-generating agent such as glycerol.
[0095] In one example, the aerosol generating material body 303 has a length of 10 mm to 100 mm, for example, 10 mm to 15 mm, 15 mm to 100 mm, or 34 mm to 50 mm, more preferably 38 mm to 46 mm in length, and even more preferably 42 mm in length.
[0096] In one example, the total length of article 110 is 71 mm to 95 mm, more preferably 79 mm to 87 mm, and even more preferably 83 mm.
[0097] The axial end of the aerosol-generating material body 303 can be seen at the distal end 315 of the article 110. However, in other embodiments, the distal end 315 of the article 110 may also include an end member (not shown) that covers the axial end of the aerosol-generating material body 303.
[0098] The aerosol-generating material body 303 is joined to the filter assembly 305 by annular chip paper (not shown), which is positioned substantially around the circumference of the filter assembly 305 and extends partially along the length of the aerosol-generating material body 303. In one example, the chip paper is made from 58GSM standard chip base paper. In one example, the chip paper has a length of 42mm to 50mm, and more preferably has a length of 46mm.
[0099] In one example, the cooling segment 307 is an annular tube positioned around and defining a void within the cooling segment. The void provides a chamber for the heated volatile components generated from the aerosol-generating material body 303 to flow. The cooling segment 307 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 while the article 110 is being used during insertion into the device 100. In one example, the wall thickness of the cooling segment 307 is approximately 0.29 mm.
[0100] The cooling segment 307 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol-generating material 303 and the filter segment 309. The physical displacement provided by the cooling segment 307 provides a temperature gradient along the length of the cooling segment 307. In one example, the cooling segment 307 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 40 degrees Celsius between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 307 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 307. In another example, the cooling segment 307 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 60 degrees Celsius, more preferably at least 100 degrees Celsius, between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 307 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 307. This temperature difference along the length of the cooling element 307 protects the temperature-sensitive filter segment 309 from the high temperature of the aerosol-generating material 303 when heated by the heating components of the device 100. If no physical displacement is provided between the filter segment 309 and the aerosol-generating material body 303 and the heating element of the device 100, the temperature-sensitive filter segment 309 may be damaged during use and therefore will not be able to effectively perform the required function.
[0101] In one example, the length of the cooling segment 307 is at least 15 mm. In another example, the length of the cooling segment 307 is 20 mm to 30 mm, more specifically 23 mm to 27 mm, more specifically 25 mm to 27 mm, and more specifically 25 mm.
[0102] The cooling segment 307 is made from paper, which means that the cooling segment 307 is made from a material that does not produce compounds of concern, such as toxic compounds, when used adjacent to the heater components of device 100. In one example, the cooling segment 307 is manufactured from a helical-wound paper tube that provides a hollow internal chamber while maintaining mechanical rigidity. The helical-wound paper tube can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of a high-speed manufacturing process with respect to the length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness of the tube.
[0103] In another example, the cooling segment 307 is a recess made from rigid plug wrap or tip paper. The rigid plug wrap or tip paper is manufactured to be rigid enough to withstand the axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during the use of the article 110 during manufacturing and insertion into the device 100.
[0104] For each example of the cooling segment 307, the dimensional accuracy of the cooling segment is sufficient to meet the dimensional accuracy requirements of the high-speed manufacturing process.
[0105] The filter segment 309 can be formed from any filter material sufficient to remove one or more volatile compounds from the heat-volatile components of the aerosol-generating material. In one example, the filter segment 309 is made from a monoacetic acid material such as cellulose acetate. The filter segment 309 provides cooling and irritation reduction from the heat-volatile components without depleting the amount of heat-volatile components to a level unsatisfactory to the user.
[0106] The density of the cellulose acetate tow material in the filter segment 309 controls the pressure drop in the filter segment 309, thereby controlling the suction resistance of article 110. Therefore, the selection of the material for the filter segment 309 is important for controlling the suction resistance of article 110. In addition, the filter segment 309 performs a filtration function within article 110.
[0107] For example, filter segment 309 is made from 8Y15 grade filter tow material, providing a filtering action to the heated volatile material while reducing the size of condensed aerosol droplets caused by the heated volatile material, thereby reducing the irritation and throat effects of the heated volatile material to a satisfactory level.
[0108] The presence of the filter segment 309 provides insulation by providing further cooling to the heated volatile components leaving the cooling segment 307. This further cooling reduces the contact temperature of the user's lips with the surface of the filter segment 309.
[0109] One or more fragrances can be added to the filter segment 309 by direct injection of a fragrance-containing liquid into the filter segment 309, or by embedding or placing one or more fragrance-containing, destructible capsules or other fragrance carriers within the cellulose acetate tow of the filter segment 309.
[0110] In one example, the filter segment 309 has a length of 6 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 8 mm.
[0111] The end segment 311 is an annular tube positioned around and defining a void within the end segment 311. The void provides a chamber for heated volatile components flowing from the filter segment 309. The end segment 311 is hollow and provides a chamber for aerosol deposits that is still rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during the use of the article during manufacturing and insertion into the device 100. In one example, the wall thickness of the end segment 311 is approximately 0.29 mm.
[0112] In one example, the length of the end segment 311 is 6 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 8 mm. In another example, the thickness of the end segment is 0.29 mm.
[0113] The end segment 311 can be manufactured from a helical-wound paper tube that provides a hollow internal chamber while maintaining critical mechanical rigidity. The helical-wound paper tube can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes regarding tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness.
[0114] The end segment 311 provides a function to prevent the condensate accumulating at the outlet of the filter segment 309 from coming into direct contact with the user.
[0115] In one example, the end segment 311 and the cooling segment 307 can be formed from a single tube, and the filter segment 309 is located within a tube separating the end segment 311 and the cooling segment 307.
[0116] A ventilation area 317 is provided within the article 110 to allow air to flow from the outside of the article 110 into the inside of the article 110. In one example, the ventilation area 317 is in the form of one or more ventilation holes 317 formed through the outer layer of the article 110. The ventilation holes may be located within a cooling segment 307 to assist in the cooling of the article 301. In one example, the ventilation area 317 comprises one or more rows of holes, preferably the holes in each row are arranged circumferentially around the article 110 in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article 110.
[0117] In one example, there are 1 to 4 rows of ventilation holes to provide ventilation to the article 110. Each row of ventilation holes may have 12 to 36 ventilation holes 317. The ventilation holes 317 may have a diameter of, for example, 100 to 500 μm. In one example, the axial separation between rows of ventilation holes 317 is 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm, and it is more preferable that the axial separation between rows of ventilation holes 317 is 0.5 mm.
[0118] In one example, the vents 317 are of uniform size. In another example, the size of the vents 317 varies. The vents can be made using one or more of any preferred techniques, such as laser technology, mechanical drilling of the cooling segment 307, or pre-drilling of the cooling segment 307 before it is formed as article 110. The vents 317 are positioned to provide effective cooling to article 110.
[0119] In one example, the ventilation holes 317 in these rows are positioned at least 11 mm away from the proximal end 313 of the article, and more preferably 17 mm to 20 mm away from the proximal end 313 of the article 110. The location of the ventilation holes 317 is such that the user does not block the ventilation holes 317 while using the article 110.
[0120] By providing the row of vents 17mm to 20mm away from the proximal end 313 of the article 110, it is advantageous that the vents 317 are located outside the device 100 when the article 110 is fully inserted into the device 100, as can be seen in Figure 1. By positioning the vents outside the device, unheated air can enter the article 110 from outside the device 100 through the vents, assisting in the cooling of the article 110.
[0121] The length of the cooling segment 307 is such that when the article 110 is fully inserted into the device 100, the cooling segment 307 is partially inserted into the device 100. The length of the cooling segment 307 provides a first function: to provide a physical gap between the heater component and the heat-sensitive filter component 309 of the device 100, and a second function: to allow the vent 317 to be located both inside the cooling segment and outside the device 100 when the article 110 is fully inserted into the device 100. As can be seen in Figure 1, the majority of the cooling element 307 is located inside the device 100. However, there is a portion of the cooling element 307 that extends outside the device 100. The vent 317 is located in this portion of the cooling element 307 that extends outside the device 100.
[0122] In the embodiments shown in Figures 6a and 6b, the article has an overall length of 83 mm and includes a 42 mm long cylindrical tobacco rod (5.4 mm in diameter) that contains approximately 260 mg of aerosol-generating material. The article has an air permeability ratio of 75%. The article is used in a device having a susceptor with a length of 44.5 mm and an inner diameter of 5.55 mm.
[0123] In another embodiment (not shown), the article has an overall length of 75 mm and includes a 34 mm long cylindrical tobacco rod (6.7 mm in diameter) that houses approximately 340 mg of aerosol-generating material. The article can have an air permeability ratio of 60%. It is used in a device having a susceptor with a length of 36 mm and an inner diameter of 7.1 mm.
[0124] Further embodiments of the article are shown in Figures 7, 8a, 8b, and 9.
[0125] As shown in Figure 7, 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.
[0126] 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.
[0127] The outer circumference of the mouthpiece 2 is substantially the same as the outer circumference of the rod 3 of the aerosol-generating material, and therefore the transition between these components is smooth. In this example, the outer circumference of the mouthpiece 2 is approximately 20.8 mm. Over the entire length of the mouthpiece 2, tip paper 5 is wrapped around a portion of the rod 3 of the aerosol-generating material, 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 rod 3 of the aerosol-generating material, 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.
[0128] 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.
[0129] 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.
[0130] 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.
[0131] 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.
[0132] 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.
[0133] 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.
[0134] 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.
[0135] 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.
[0136] In this example, the mouthpiece 2 includes a material body 6, which is located upstream of the hollow tubular element 4, adjacent to the hollow tubular element 4 in this example, and in contact with the hollow tubular element 4. The material body 6 and the hollow tubular element 4 each define a substantially cylindrical overall outer shape and share a common longitudinal axis. The material body 6 is wrapped within 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.
[0137] 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.
[0138] 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. Alternatively, the tow may have, for example, a denier per filament (dpf) of 9.5 and a total denier of 12,000. In this example, the tow includes a tow of plasticized cellulose acetate. The plasticizer used in the tow accounts for about 7% by weight of the tow. In this example, the plasticizer is triacetin. In other examples, different materials may be used to form the material body 6. For example, instead of tow, the body 6 may be formed from paper, for example, in a manner similar to that of paper filters known for use in cigarettes. Alternatively, the body 6 may be formed from a tow other than cellulose acetate, for example, polylactic acid (PLA), other materials described herein with respect to filament tow, or similar materials. It is preferable that the tow is formed from cellulose acetate. The tow, whether formed from cellulose acetate or from another material, 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 coarser and thicker fibers and a smaller surface area, resulting in a smaller pressure drop in the mouthpiece 2 than a tow with a lower dpf value. To achieve a sufficiently uniform material body 6, the tow preferably has a denier-per-filament of 12 d.pf or less, preferably 11 d.pf or less, and even more preferably 10 d.pf or less.
[0139] 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.
[0140] 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 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.
[0141] The second hollow tubular element 8 preferably has a wall thickness that can be measured in the same manner as the first hollow tubular element 4. 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.
[0142] 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. Additionally 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 from about 20 mm to about 30 mm, more preferably from about 22 mm to about 28 mm, even more preferably from about 24 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.
[0143] The second hollow tubular element 8 is located around and defines a void within the mouthpiece 2 that acts as a cooling segment. The void provides a chamber through which the heated volatile components generated by the aerosol-forming material 3 flow. The second hollow tubular element 8 is hollow and provides a chamber for the aerosol deposit that has sufficient rigidity to withstand the axial compressive forces and bending moments that can occur during manufacture and use of the article 1. The second hollow tubular element 8 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol-forming 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.
[0144] The mouthpiece 2 is 450 mm 3It is preferable to have a cavity with a larger internal volume. It has been found that providing a cavity of at least this volume enables improved aerosol formation. Such a cavity size provides sufficient space within the mouthpiece 2 to allow the heated volatile components to cool, as overheating aerosols can occur, thus allowing exposure of the aerosol-generating material 3 to a temperature higher than would otherwise be possible. In this example, the cavity is formed by a second hollow tubular element 8, but in alternative configurations, it may also be formed within a different part of the mouthpiece 2. It is more preferable that the mouthpiece 2 has a cavity formed, for example, within the second hollow tubular element 8, where this cavity is 500 mm 3 Larger, even more preferably 550mm 3 It has a larger internal volume, allowing for further improvement of aerosols. In some examples, the internal cavity is approximately 550 mm 3 ~about 750mm 3 For example, about 600mm 3 Or 700mm 3 It includes the volume of.
[0145] The second hollow tubular element 8 has a function similar to that of the cooling segment 307 described above and has similar advantages as described herein.
[0146] 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.
[0147] 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.
[0148] 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.
[0149] 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 an alternative embodiment, ventilation can be provided elsewhere into the mouthpiece, for example, into the material body 6 or the first tubular element 4.
[0150] 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.
[0151] 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.
[0152] 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 Providing an aerosol-generating material has the advantage of demonstrating that it can achieve superior aerosols with greater visibility and perceptual performance compared to those achieved in selected volumes from the lower end of this range.
[0153] 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.
[0154] The aerosol-generating material or substrate is preferably formed from a tobacco material described herein that contains tobacco components.
[0155] 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.
[0156] 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.
[0157] 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.
[0158] 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.
[0159] 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.
[0160] 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.
[0161] 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.
[0162] 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.
[0163] 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.
[0164] 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.
[0165] 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.
[0166] 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).
[0167] 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.
[0168] 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.
[0169] 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.
[0170] 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.
[0171] 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.
[0172] Figure 8a is a side cross-sectional view of a further article 1' including a capsule-containing mouthpiece 2'. Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view of the capsule-containing mouthpiece shown in Figure 8a, cut along line A-A'. Article 1' and the capsule-containing mouthpiece 2' are the same as article 1 and mouthpiece 2 shown in Figure 7, except that the aerosol modifier is provided in the form of a capsule 11 in this example within the material body 6, and an oil-resistant first plug wrap 7' surrounds the material body 6. 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 in a thread, for example, the thread may hold a flavoring or other aerosol modifier, and the aerosol modifier may also be placed within the material body 6.
[0173] 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.
[0174] 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.
[0175] 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.
[0176] 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, that is, it can be positioned 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 longitudinally offset from each other within the mouthpiece 2'.
[0177] A cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 2' is shown in Figure 8b, which is a cutaway from the line A-A' in Figure 8a. Figure 8b 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.
[0178] 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.
[0179] 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.
[0180] 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.
[0181] 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.
[0182] 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.
[0183] 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.
[0184] 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.
[0185] 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.
[0186] In some embodiments, 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' in which the capsule 11 is provided. For example, in the case of a spherical capsule having 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 of the mouthpiece 2'. In this example, the cross-sectional area of the capsule is 20.5% of the cross-sectional area of the 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 material body 6. Having the maximum cross-sectional area of the capsule be 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 of reducing the pressure drop in the mouthpiece 2' compared to a capsule with a larger cross-sectional area, leaving enough space around the capsule for the aerosol to pass through, and the material body 6 not removing a large amount of aerosol mass as the aerosol passes through the mouthpiece 2'.
[0187] 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.
[0188] The barrier material may include one or more of the following: gelling agents, fillers, buffers, colorants, and plasticizers.
[0189] 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.
[0190] The barrier material may contain one or more fillers such as starch, modified starch (such as oxidized starch), and sugar alcohols such as maltitol.
[0191] 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.
[0192] The barrier material may further include at least one buffering agent, such as a citrate or phosphate compound.
[0193] 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.
[0194] 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.
[0195] 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.
[0196] 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.
[0197] 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.
[0198] In some cases, the flavorings include menthol.
[0199] 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.
[0200] 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.
[0201] 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.
[0202] 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.
[0203] Any suitable solvent can be used.
[0204] 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.
[0205] 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.
[0206] 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.
[0207] In the example described above, mouthpieces 2 and 2' each comprise a single material body 6. In other examples, the mouthpieces in Figure 7 or Figures 2a and 2b may include multiple material bodies. Mouthpieces 2 and 2' may have cavities between the material bodies.
[0208] In some examples, the mouthpieces 2, 2' downstream of the aerosol-generating material 3 may comprise a roll of paper, for example, a first plug wrap 7 or a second plug wrap 9 or a tip paper 5, the roll of paper containing an aerosol modifier or other sensory material 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 or other sensory material 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 or other sensory material on the outward surface of the mouthpiece roll of paper, the aerosol modifier or other sensory material can be transmitted to the consumer's lips during use. The transmission of the aerosol modifier or other sensory material 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, an aerosol modifier or other sensation material can impart a fragrance to the aerosol produced by the aerosol-generating substrate 3. The aerosol modifier or other sensation material may be at least partially water-soluble so that it is transmitted to the user by the consumer's saliva. The aerosol modifier or other sensation material may be volatile due to 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 may include fragrances described herein, sucralose, or cooling agents such as menthol.
[0209] Figure 9 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, which constitutes 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.
[0210] 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.
[0211] 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. [Definition]
[0212] In this specification, the term “aerosol-generating agent” refers to a substance that promotes aerosol formation. Aerosol-generating agents can promote aerosol formation by promoting initial vaporization and / or condensation of gas into inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosols. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating agents can improve the delivery of sensory stimuli from aerosol-generating materials. Suitable aerosol-generating agents include, but are not limited to, polyols such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as 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. The aerosol-generating agent may contain glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, and / or ethyl myristate, and may consist substantially of these, or preferably consists substantially of these. In some cases, the aerosol-generating agent may contain glycerol and / or propylene glycol, and may consist substantially of these, or may consist substantially of these.
[0213] 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. Flavorings include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, peppermint, 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 include natural or identical fragrance chemicals. The fragrance may be in any preferred form, such as an oil, liquid, powder, or gel.
[0214] In this specification, the term “filler” may refer to one or more inorganic fillers, such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and molecular sieves, which are suitable inorganic adsorbents. Alternatively, the term “filler” may refer to one or more organic fillers, such as wood pulp, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives. Fillers may include both organic and inorganic fillers.
[0215] In this specification, the term “adhesive” may refer to alginic acid, cellulose or modified cellulose, starch or modified starch, or natural gum. Suitable adhesives include, but are not limited to, alginates containing any suitable cation, cellulose or modified cellulose such as hydroxypropylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose, starch or modified starch, polysaccharides such as pectin, salts containing any suitable cation such as sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium pectinate, xanthan gum, guar gum, and any other suitable natural gum, as well as mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the adhesive comprises, substantially consists of, or comprises one or more alginates selected from sodium alginate, calcium alginate, potassium alginate, or ammonium alginate.
[0216] All weight percentages (indicated as wt%) used herein are calculated on a dry weight basis unless otherwise specified. All weight ratios are also calculated on a dry weight basis. Weights cited on a dry weight basis refer to the entirety of the extract, slurry, or material other than water, and may include components that are liquid on their own at room temperature and pressure, such as glycerol. Conversely, weight percentages cited on a wet weight basis refer to all components, including water.
[0217] To avoid misunderstanding, embodiments are also disclosed in which, when the term “equips” is used to define the present invention or its features, the term “essentially consists of” or “consists of” may be used instead of “equips.”
[0218] The embodiments described above should be understood as explanatory examples of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are also conceivable. It should be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, or in combination with one or more features of other embodiments, or in any combination of other embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
[0219] This specification contains the following: [1] an aerosol generating assembly comprising (i) an aerosol generating device having a coil, and (ii) an aerosol product, wherein the aerosol product comprises a substantially cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material having a length of about 10 mm to about 100 mm, and the article and the device are arranged relative to each other such that the aerosol generating material can be heated by the device. [2] An aerosol generating assembly comprising (i) an aerosol generating device having a coil, and (ii) an aerosol product, wherein the aerosol product comprises an aerosol generating material having at least 1.1 mg of nicotine and / or at least about 17 mg of an aerosol generating agent, and the article and the device are arranged relative to each other such that the aerosol generating material can be heated by the device. [3] The aerosol generating assembly according to [1] or [2], wherein the coil comprises an induction coil. [4] The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the substantially cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material has a length of approximately 10 mm to 15 mm, or approximately 25 mm to 50 mm, or approximately 34 mm to 50 mm, or approximately 30 mm to 45 mm. [5] The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the aerosol generating material is solid and includes tobacco material. [6] The aerosol generating assembly according to [5], wherein the tobacco material comprises recycled tobacco material having a density of less than approximately 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter, or recycled tobacco material having a density of less than approximately 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter. [7] The aerosol generating assembly according to [5] or [6], wherein the tobacco material contains tobacco leaves in an amount of about 10% to about 90% by weight of the tobacco material, and the tobacco leaves have a nicotine content greater than 1.5% by weight of the tobacco leaves. [8] The aerosol-generating assembly according to any one of [5] to [7], wherein the tobacco material comprises at least a portion of the aerosol-forming material in an amount of up to about 10% by weight of the tobacco leaf, and the tobacco component comprises the aerosol-forming material in an amount of about 10% to about 30% by weight of the tobacco component. [9] The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the aerosol generating material comprises an aerosol forming material, and the aerosol forming material constitutes at least 5% by weight of the aerosol generating material.
[10] The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of [1] to [9], further comprising a filter and / or a cooling element and / or a mouthpiece for the aerosol product.
[11] The aerosol generating assembly according to
[10] , comprising a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a hollow tubular element formed from a filament tow at the downstream end of the mouthpiece.
[12] The aerosol generating assembly according to
[10] or
[11] , comprising a pressure drop in the mouthpiece of less than 32 mmH2O.
[13] The aerosol generating assembly according to
[10] ,
[11] , or
[12] , wherein the mouthpiece comprises a material body in the form of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis, the assembly comprises a capsule embedded in the material body so that the capsule is surrounded on all sides by the material forming the body, the capsule has a shell enclosing an 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.
[14] The aforementioned cooling element is 450 mm 3 An aerosol generating assembly according to any one of
[10] to
[13] , comprising a cavity having a larger internal volume.
[15] The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of [1] to
[14] , wherein the aerosol product comprises a roll of paper that at least partially surrounds the other components of the article.
[16] The aerosol generating assembly according to
[15] , wherein the rolled paper is provided with ventilation openings.
[17] The aerosol generating assembly according to
[15] or
[16] , wherein the rolled paper comprises an aerosol modifier.
[18] The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of [1] to
[17] , wherein the aerosol generating material is wrapped 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.
[19] The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of [1] to
[18] , wherein the aerosol product is substantially cylindrical and has an overall length of about 15 mm to about 120 mm or about 71 mm to 95 mm.
[20] The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of [1] to
[19] , wherein the cylindrical rod of the aerosol generating material has a diameter of approximately 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm. [twenty one] The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of [1] to
[20] , wherein the aerosol generating material comprises nicotine. [twenty two] An aerosol generating assembly according to any one of [1] to
[21] , comprising an induction heater, wherein the coil forms part of the induction heater. [twenty three] The aerosol generating assembly according to
[22] , wherein the induction heater includes a tubular susceptor, and a rod of the aerosol generating material is placed inside the susceptor for heating. [twenty four] The aerosol generating assembly according to
[22] or
[23] , wherein the induction heater comprises two heating sections, the heating sections of which can be heated independently of each other. [twenty five] The aerosol generating assembly according to
[24] , wherein the induction heater comprises two helical wire coils, each wire coil surrounding a portion of the susceptor, and the current applied to each coil can be controlled independently, thereby heating each portion of the susceptor separately.
[26] The aerosol generating assembly according to
[24] or
[25] , wherein the heating section is arranged along the longitudinal axis of the rod of the aerosol generating material, and during use, the section closer to the mouth end of the aerosol product is shorter than or equal in length to the section further from the mouth end.
[27] The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of
[22] to
[26] , further comprising a controller for driving the induction heater, wherein the controller is programmed with selectable heating profiles, and the device has a user interface that allows a user to select a desired heating profile during use.
[28] The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of [1] to
[27] , wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to provide the first smoke extraction within 30 seconds after the user starts a heating cycle.
[29] A component kit comprising (i) an aerosol generating device equipped with a coil, and (ii) an aerosol product, wherein the aerosol product comprises a substantially cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material measuring approximately 10 mm to approximately 100 mm in length.
[30] A component kit comprising (i) an aerosol generating device equipped with a coil, and (ii) an aerosol product, wherein the aerosol product comprises an aerosol generating material containing at least 1.1 mg of nicotine and / or at least about 17 mg of an aerosol generating agent.
[31] A component kit according to
[29] or
[30] , comprising an induction heater, wherein the coil forms part of the induction heater.
Claims
1. An aerosol generating assembly comprising (i) an aerosol generating device having a coil, and (ii) an aerosol product, wherein the aerosol product has a mouth end and a distal end at the end opposite to the mouth end of the aerosol product, the aerosol product comprises a substantially cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material having a length of about 10 mm to about 100 mm, the distal end of the aerosol product comprises an end member covering the axial end of the cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material, the aerosol generating material comprises an aerosol forming material in an amount of about 5% to about 25% by weight of the aerosol generating material, and the article and the device are arranged relative to each other such that the aerosol generating material can be heated by the device.
2. The aerosol generating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating material comprises at least 1.1 mg of nicotine and / or at least about 17 mg of an aerosol generating agent.
3. The aerosol generation assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coil comprises an induction coil.
4. The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the substantially cylindrical rod of the aerosol generating material has a length of about 10 mm to about 15 mm, or about 25 mm to about 50 mm, or about 34 mm to 50 mm, or about 30 mm to 45 mm.
5. The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tobacco leaves have a nicotine content greater than 1.5% by weight of the tobacco leaves.
6. The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generating material includes an aerosol forming material, and the aerosol forming material accounts for at least 5% by weight of the aerosol generating material.
7. The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the aerosol product further comprises a filter and / or a cooling element and / or a mouthpiece.
8. The aerosol generating assembly according to claim 7, comprising a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a hollow tubular element formed from a filament tow at the downstream end of the mouthpiece.
9. 32mmH 2 The aerosol generating assembly according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a pressure drop of less than 0 in the mouthpiece.
10. The aerosol generating assembly according to claim 7, 8, or 9, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a material body in the form of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis, the assembly comprises a capsule embedded in the material body so that the capsule is surrounded on all sides by the material forming the body, the capsule has a shell enclosing an 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.
11. The aforementioned cooling element is 450 mm 3 The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 10, comprising a cavity having a larger internal volume.
12. The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the aerosol product comprises a roll of paper that at least partially surrounds the other components of the article.
13. The aerosol generating assembly according to claim 12, wherein the rolled paper is provided with ventilation openings.
14. The aerosol generating assembly according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the rolled paper contains an aerosol modifier.
15. The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the aerosol generating material is wrapped 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 aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the aerosol product is substantially cylindrical and has an overall length of about 15 mm to about 120 mm or about 71 mm to 95 mm.
17. The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cylindrical rod of the aerosol generating material has a diameter of about 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm.
18. The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the aerosol generating material contains nicotine.
19. The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising an induction heater, wherein the coil forms a part of the induction heater.
20. The aerosol generating assembly according to claim 19, wherein the induction heater includes a tubular susceptor, and a rod of the aerosol generating material is positioned inside the susceptor for heating.
21. The aerosol generating assembly according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the induction heater comprises two heating sections, the heating sections of which can be heated independently of each other.
22. The aerosol generating assembly according to claim 21, wherein the induction heater comprises two helical wire coils, each wire coil surrounding a portion of the susceptor, and the current applied to each coil can be controlled independently, thereby allowing each portion of the susceptor to be heated separately.
23. The aerosol generating assembly according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the heating section is arranged along the longitudinal axis of the rod of the aerosol generating material, and during use, the section closer to the mouth end of the aerosol product is shorter than or equal in length to the section further from the mouth end.
24. The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a controller for driving the induction heater, the controller is programmed with selectable heating profiles, and the device comprises a user interface that enables a user to select a desired heating profile during use.
25. The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to provide the first smoke extraction within 30 seconds after the user starts a heating cycle.
26. A component kit comprising an aerosol generation assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 25.
27. The component kit according to claim 26, comprising an induction heater, wherein the coil forms a part of the induction heater.