Hollow tobacco rod (consumable) assembly and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat-not-burn smoking article comprising a longitudinal axis extending in a length direction and along which at least one tubular tobacco segment, at least one filter and at least one cooling tubular element or cooling cavity are arranged.SOLUTION: The common wrapper completely covers the tobacco segment in the longitudinal direction and surrounds and is in direct contact with the tobacco segment, the filter and / or the tubular element. The filter comprises or is a recess filter comprising a cooling cavity and a filter wrapper. The cavity and the filter are associated by a filter wrapper that surrounds both the filter and the cavity to form a recess filter. The invention also relates to a manufacturing method for manufacturing such heat-not-burn smoking articles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat-and-burn smoking article comprising at least one tobacco segment, at least one filter, and at least one cooling tubular element or cooling cavity. A common wrapping material completely envelops the tobacco segment in the longitudinal direction and surrounds and is in direct contact with the tobacco segment, the filter, and / or the tubular element, or the common wrapping material surrounds and is in direct contact with the tobacco segment and a downstream wrapping material, which associates the filter and the tubular element to form a filtering and cooling subassembly. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the heat-and-burn smoking article. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and tobacco vapor products are popular and widely accepted. They have created a need and opportunity for novel tobacco products that are vaporized and inhaled by consumers. These e-cigarettes or similar devices, such as e-pipes, typically generate an aerosol by heating a liquid containing flavors, e.g., water, and optionally, an aerosol-forming agent, such as nicotine. However, this can result in a non-uniform smoking profile, where the flavor of the puffs experienced can vary significantly, for example, due to insufficient extraction of key compounds in the liquid. This has led consumers to seek alternatives to heated, but not burned, tobacco products.

[0003] Meanwhile, heat-and-burn devices that can heat tobacco instead of burning it have become increasingly popular. These heat-and-burn devices provide tobacco-based vapor and can be packaged with several tobacco products that may be heated by activating an electronic heater. Primarily, such tobacco products are manufactured and sold in stick form, which are then heated and consumed using an electronic device. A drawback of this solution is that the heater is often fixedly mounted to the electronic device, resulting in a thermal gradient in the tobacco portion of the tobacco stick, which causes uneven heating of the tobacco and therefore uneven production of inhaled vapor. This drawback can lead to a poor consumer experience, as the flavor may be stronger at the beginning of a vaping session and less intense at the end of the session.

[0004] Another problem that can lead to a poor vaping experience is the hot air currents generated by electronic heaters, which are often so hot that when they reach the consumer's mouth, they can cause discomfort to the consumer during vaping. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a smoking or vapor inhalation article and a method for manufacturing such an article that can maintain a comfortable temperature of the airflow and provide uniform heating of the tobacco. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The aforementioned problems are solved by a heat-and-burn smoking article, the heat-and-burn smoking article including a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction and along which at least one tobacco segment, which may be a tubular tobacco segment, at least one filter, and at least one cooling tubular element or cooling cavity are disposed, wherein the common wrapping material completely envelops the tobacco segment in a longitudinal direction and surrounds and is in direct contact with the tobacco segment, the filter, and / or the tubular element, or the common wrapping material surrounds and is in direct contact with the tobacco segment and a downstream wrapping material, which associates the filter and the tubular element to provide a filtering and cooling subassembly. Forms swertia.

[0007] This object is also achieved by a heat-and-burn smoking article, the smoking article extending in the longitudinal direction and including a longitudinal axis along which at least one tobacco segment, which may be a tubular tobacco segment, at least one filter, and at least one cooling tubular element or cooling cavity are arranged. According to the invention, a common wrapping material completely covers the tobacco segment in the longitudinal direction and surrounds and directly contacts the tobacco segment, the filter, and / or the tubular element. The filter includes or is a recess filter, including the cooling cavity and / or the filter wrapping material. Furthermore, the cavity and the filter are associated by a filter wrapping material that surrounds both the filter and the cavity to form the recess filter.

[0008] Preferably, the recess filter is formed only by the common wrapping material and / or the downstream wrapping material. Preferably, the recess filter is a tube, preferably a cardboard tube, which is preferably attached directly to the filter.

[0009] Preferably, the common wrapping material extends along at least a portion of the length of the smoking structure, although it is conceivable that the common wrapping material may cover only a portion of the filter and / or recess filter.

[0010] A tubular or cylindrical tobacco segment allows the tobacco to be heated from the inside and outside. Ideally, the tobacco segment tube is hollow so that a rod-shaped heating element can be positioned within the tobacco segment. Preferably, the tobacco segment tube is positioned within the segment and / or arranged to extend longitudinally across the tobacco segment, in particular from the distal end to the proximal end of the tobacco segment. The tube can be arranged to extend over the entire length of the tobacco segment or over only a portion of it. In this way, an optimal heating surface for the tobacco segment can be achieved. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco segment has an at least mainly cylindrical shape. Ideally, the tobacco segment is a plain rod filled with a substance suitable for generating vapor and / or aerosol.

[0011] In preferred embodiments, the tobacco segments have lengths greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, and / or less than 80 mm, preferably less than 60 mm, preferably less than 40 mm. Furthermore, the tobacco segments and / or the tubes of the tubular tobacco segments may have diameters greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, and / or less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm, preferably less than 6 mm. Such dimensions provide sufficient space for placing a heating element of an electronic device within the channel of the tubular tobacco segment. In preferred embodiments, the tobacco segments and / or the tubes of the tubular tobacco segments comprise diameters less than 5 mm.

[0012] Ideally, the inner diameter of the tobacco segment tube is determined by the wall thickness of the tobacco tubular segment, which is preferably greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm, preferably greater than 1.5 mm, and / or less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3.5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, to provide sufficient mechanical stability.

[0013] The cooling tubular element or cooling cavity allows for cooling the hot airflow along its path through the smoking article to improve the feel and comfort of the smoking session. Ideally, the cooling tubular element has non-filtering properties, is a non-filtering element and / or is made of a non-filtering material so that the airflow can pass through the cooling tubular element unimpeded.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the tubular elements have a length greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 7 mm, and / or less than 40 mm, preferably less than 35 mm, preferably less than 30 mm. Furthermore, the tubular elements and / or the tubes of the tubular elements may have a diameter greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, and / or less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm, preferably less than 6 mm. Such dimensions provide an excellent cooling effect for cooling the hot air flow to a comfortable temperature.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the cooling tubular elements comprise a paper or cardboard material, which is a suitable choice for the cooling tubular elements as it is lightweight but at the same time provides sufficient stability and is easy to handle during manufacturing.

[0016] Ideally, the cooling tubular element is separate from the filter and / or from the tobacco segment. Preferably, the cooling tubular element is positioned between the filter and the tobacco segment so that the cooling tubular element can be connected to the tobacco segment upstream and / or to the filter downstream by a common wrapping material. The cooling tubular element and the filter can be connected by a downstream wrapping material to form a subassembly. Such an arrangement improves the manufacturing process and provides sufficient stability for the final smoking article.

[0017] It is further contemplated that the filter may include or be a recess filter, including a cooling cavity and / or a filter wrap. Ideally, the cavity and filter are associated by a filter wrap, which may surround both the filter and the cavity to form a recess filter. Preferably, the filter wrap extends along at least part of or the entire length of the filter and the entire length of the cavity. This improves the mechanical stability of the final smoking article. The properties of the filter wrap and the downstream wrap may be similar or different.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the filter and / or recess filter has a diameter greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm, preferably greater than 4 mm, and / or less than 10 mm, preferably less than 9 mm, preferably less than 8 mm. Ideally, the filter and / or recess filter has a length greater than 8 mm, preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 12 mm, and / or less than 50 mm, preferably less than 45 mm, preferably less than 40 mm. With these dimensions, the filter and / or recess filter fits into the smoking article and ensures good cooling and / or filtering effects. Smaller filters may not filter certain substances to the intended extent. Larger filters may adversely affect the taste of smoke.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the heated non-combustion smoking article includes a longitudinal axis extending in the length direction and along which at least one tobacco segment, at least one filter, and at least one cooling tubular element or cooling cavity are disposed. Preferably, a common wrapping material completely covers the tobacco segment in the length direction and surrounds and directly contacts the tobacco segment and the downstream wrapping material, which associates the filter and the tubular element to form a filtering and cooling subassembly. Also preferably, the downstream wrapping material extends along at least a portion of the length of the subassembly. It is conceivable that the downstream wrapping material covers only a portion of the filter.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter comprises at least one plain fiber filter segment and at least one hollow filter segment. The filter, in particular the fibers of the filter, may comprise a material made of cellulose, in particular cellulose acetate, or a biodegradable substitute for cellulose acetate. The hollow filter extends the cooling tubes of the cooling tubular element, and / or may have a cooling effect on the hot airflow during consumption of the smoking article. The fibers of the filter allow for the filtration of certain substances from the hot airflow, the filtration effect being enhanced by the use of cellulose acetate or biodegradable alternatives.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the tubular element abuts the filter and the downstream wrapping overlaps the tubular element and the filter of the subassembly, in this way the filter and the tubular element can be fixedly attached to each other to improve the processability of the subassembly.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the downstream wrap extends along at least a portion or the entire length of the subassembly. Ideally, the downstream wrap extends along at least a portion or the entire length of the filtering and cooling subassembly, the filter, and / or the cooling tubular elements. Preferably, the downstream wrap extends along the entire length of the filtering and cooling subassembly as well as the filters and cooling tubular elements, providing improved fixation of these components and sufficient mechanical stability so that the risk of kinking and / or breakage is reduced.

[0023] In preferred embodiments, the downstream wrapping has a width greater than 12 mm, preferably greater than 16 mm, preferably greater than 24 mm, and / or less than 150 mm, preferably less than 100 mm, preferably less than 50 mm. The width of the downstream wrapping may be between 16 mm and 56 mm and / or between 24 mm and 100 mm, depending on the overall dimensions of the smoking article. These dimensions allow the downstream wrapping to be used with smoking articles of different sizes and to accommodate filters and / or tubular elements of various sizes.

[0024] Ideally, the downstream wrapping has a length of more than 10 mm, preferably more than 16 mm, preferably more than 30 mm, and / or less than 150 mm, preferably less than 120 mm, preferably less than 20 mm. The length of the downstream wrapping may be between 16 mm and 28 mm and / or between 30 mm and 120 mm, depending on the overall length of the smoking article. These dimensions allow the downstream wrapping to be used with smoking articles of different sizes and to accommodate filters and / or tubular elements of various sizes.

[0025] According to preferred embodiments, the common wrapping material extends along at least a portion or the entire length of the smoking article and / or the entire length of the tobacco segments. Ideally, the common wrapping material can attach the tobacco segments, filter, recess filter, and / or cavities to one another. The common wrapping material can extend along at least a portion of the combined length of the tobacco segments, filter, recess filter, and / or cavities. Preferably, the common wrapping material extends from one end of the smoking article to the other end of the smoking article, providing mechanical protection and / or fixation of the components of the smoking article.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the width of the common wrapping material is greater than 12 mm, preferably greater than 14 mm, preferably greater than 16 mm, and / or less than 70 mm, preferably less than 63 mm, preferably less than 56 mm. The width of the common wrapping material may be between 16 mm and 56 mm, depending on the overall dimensions of the smoking article. Ideally, the length of the common wrapping material is greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 25 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, and / or less than 140 mm, preferably less than 130 mm, preferably less than 120 mm. The length of the common wrapping material may be between 30 mm and 120 mm, depending on the overall length of the smoking article. The length and / or width of the common wrapping material may be sufficient to attach tobacco segments, filters, recess filters, and / or cavities to each other using the common wrapping material.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the material of the common wrapper and / or the filter wrapper preferably has a density of 60 g / m 2 More than 100 g / m 2 More than 125 g / m2 and / or 200 g / m 2 Less than 180 g / m 2 less than 160 g / m 2 Ideally, the maximum weight of the material for the common wrapping and / or filter wrapping is 125 g / m². 2 Such a weight provides sufficient stiffness to protect the smoking article from mechanical stress and ensure good mechanical behavior, which, if too high or too low, can adversely affect the mechanical behavior and / or optical properties of the smoking article.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the common wrapper, the filter wrapper and / or the downstream wrapper preferably have a thickness of 10 g / m 2 More than 15 g / m 2 More than 20 g / m 2 and / or 200 g / m 2 less than 160 g / m 2 less than 120 g / m 2 The smoking article may include paper and / or cellulose materials having a basis weight of less than 1000 kJ / g. Such basis weight provides sufficient stiffness to protect the smoking article from mechanical stress and ensure good mechanical behavior. If the stiffness is too high or too low, it may adversely affect the mechanical behavior and / or optical properties of the smoking article.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the common wrapper, the filter wrapper and / or the downstream wrapper have a thickness of more than 15 μm, preferably more than 20 μm, preferably more than 25 μm, and / or less than 80 μm, preferably less than 70 μm, preferably less than 60 μm. Thicknesses that are too high or too low can cause problems during manufacturing and can also cause low stiffness of the material or adversely affect the optical properties of the smoking article. Ideally, the common wrapper, the filter wrapper and / or the downstream wrapper have a breaking load strength of 8 N per 15 mm of wrapper width to 14 N per 15 mm of wrapper width, in particular more than 10 N per 15 mm of wrapper width.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the common wrapping material comprises aluminum, paper, and / or cardboard material. The common wrapping material may comprise a laminate of aluminum or aluminum foil and paper material and / or aluminum-backed paper. Because paper material is a commonly used material for such purposes, its properties and processability are well known, resulting in reduced production costs. Aluminum provides improved aesthetics and good thermal conductivity, and is therefore particularly well suited for use in heat-and-burn smoking articles, contributing to sufficient heating of the tobacco and good production of inhaled vapor. Composite materials may be used instead of aluminum and / or aluminum-backed paper.

[0031] Preferably, the composite material, aluminum and / or aluminum-backed paper have non-combustible properties to ensure sufficient heat transfer throughout the smoking session. Ideally, the composite material has a basis weight similar to that of the aluminum and / or aluminum-backed paper so that the composite can be used in place of aluminum without modifying the physical properties of common wrapping materials.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the aluminum-backed paper is greater than 30 μm, preferably greater than 35 μm, preferably greater than 40 μm, and / or less than 70 μm, preferably less than 60 μm, preferably less than 50 μm. Such a thickness allows for a sufficient amount of heat transfer so that the generated inhaled vapor is neither too hot nor too cold. If the tobacco temperature is too low, too little material is released from the tobacco. If the tobacco temperature is too high, the smoke may be unpleasant to smoke.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the length of the cooling cavity is greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 17 mm, preferably greater than 19 mm, and / or less than 30 mm, preferably less than 25 mm, preferably less than 22 mm. The cavity allows the hot smoke to be cooled to a comfortable level. A cavity with a length greater than 30 mm may have the effect of cooling the smoke too much or not at all if the cavity is not long enough.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the ventilation holes are provided through the common packaging and the cooling tubular element. The ventilation holes may be positioned in a row, in particular ventilation lines arranged circumferentially around the smoking article and / or along the length of the smoking article, so that sufficient ventilation through the wrapping material and, for example, between the tobacco segments and / or cooling tubular elements or rather between the inside and outside of the smoking article is ensured.

[0035] The object is also to provide a method of manufacturing at least one heat-and-burn smoking article, the smoking article extending in a lengthwise direction and including a longitudinal axis along which at least one tubular tobacco segment, at least one cooling tubular element, and at least one filter are disposed, the method comprising: - providing a filter and cooling tubular element; - associating the filter and the cooling tubular element by a downstream wrapping to form a filtering and cooling subassembly; - combining the sub-assembly and the tobacco segment by wrapping them in a common wrapping material, preferably the common wrapping material completely enclosing the tobacco segment in the longitudinal direction; This is achieved by a method comprising:

[0036] The tobacco segments allow the tobacco to be heated from the inside and outside. The cooling tubular element allows the hot inhaled vapor to be cooled during smoking. Preferably, the filter, the downstream wrapper, the common wrapper, the cooling tubular element and / or the tobacco segments have the properties and dimensions according to the above description in order to provide the above-mentioned benefits.

[0037] In a first step, a filter and a cooling tubular element are provided, ideally the filter is positioned adjacent to the cooling tubular element and has a similar diameter to the cooling tubular element, in particular to ensure a smooth transition area to the cooling tubular element.

[0038] In a next step, in particular the second step, the filter and the cooling tubular element are associated to form a cooling subassembly by wrapping the filter and the cooling tubular element in a downstream wrapping material, preferably overlapping at least part or the entire length of the cooling tubular element and / or the filter. Ideally, the cooling subassembly has a length corresponding to the combined length of the filter and the cooling tubular element.

[0039] In a next step, particularly the third step, the subassembly is attached to the tobacco segment by wrapping the subassembly in a common wrapping material to form a smoking article. Preferably, the common wrapping material overlaps at least part of or the entire length of the subassembly and / or tobacco segment. Ideally, the smoking article has a length corresponding to the combined length of the subassembly and the tobacco segment.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the additional steps: - placing the tobacco segment between two subassemblies placed against the tobacco segment, the tobacco segment having a length corresponding to the length of the two tobacco segments in the final smoking article. Ideally, each subassembly is placed with a cooling tubular element against the tobacco segment, and in particular so that a double-length tobacco segment is placed between the two cooling tubular elements or rather between the two cooling subassemblies. - combining the two subassemblies and the tobacco segment to form a double-length heat-and-burn smoking article by wrapping the two subassemblies and the tobacco segment in a common wrapper. Ideally, the common wrapper is a double-length common wrapper having a length corresponding to the length of the two smoking articles. The length of the double-length common wrapper is greater than 40 mm, preferably greater than 50 mm, preferably greater than 60 mm, and / or less than 250 mm. The length of the double-length smoking article may be small, preferably smaller than 240 mm, preferably smaller than 220 mm. The common wrapping material may extend over at least a portion or the entire length of the double-length smoking article. - Cutting the double-length heat-and-burn smoking article to form two single heat-and-burn smoking articles. The cutting may be performed substantially in the middle of the double-length smoking article, in particular to form two smoking articles having equal lengths. The production of double-length smoking articles that are cut to form two smoking articles in one step helps to make the overall production more efficient and therefore helps to reduce costs.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, the method includes steps, in particular a preliminary step of forming a subassembly by: - placing a double-length filter between two cooling tubular elements and wrapping the double-length filter and cooling tubular element with a double-length downstream wrapping to form a double-length subassembly. Alternatively, the double-length cooling tubular element is placed between two filters. A double-length cooling tubular element or a double-length filter can be placed against the two filters or cooling tubular elements, respectively. The length of the double-length downstream wrap may be greater than 22 mm, preferably greater than 27 mm, preferably greater than 32 mm, and / or less than 66 mm, preferably less than 60 mm, preferably less than 54 mm. The double-length downstream wrap may extend over at least a portion or the entire length of the double-length subassembly. Preferably, the double-length downstream wrap overlaps at least a portion or the entire length of the double-length subassembly, filter, cooling tubular element, double-length cooling tubular element and / or double-length filter. Ideally, the double-length subassembly has a length corresponding to the combined length of the filter or cooling tubular element and the double-length filter or double-length cooling tubular element. - Cutting a double-length subassembly to form two single cooling and filtering subassemblies of equal length. The cut can be made substantially in the middle of the double-length subassembly. Manufacturing a double-length subassembly that is cut to form two equal subassemblies in one step helps make the overall manufacturing more efficient and therefore helps reduce costs.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the downstream wrapper extends along at least a portion or the entire length of the subassembly, and / or the common wrapper extends along at least a portion or the entire length of the smoking article. In this way, sufficient mechanical protection and / or fixation of the components of the smoking article is ensured. If the downstream wrapper and / or the common wrapper are too short, sufficient fixation of the components may not be ensured. If the outer wrapper and / or the common wrapper are too long, the processability and / or usability of the smoking article, especially in combination with an electronic device, may be adversely affected.

[0043] The object is also to provide a method for manufacturing a heat-and-burn smoking article, the smoking article including a longitudinal axis extending in a lengthwise direction and along which are disposed at least one tubular tobacco segment and a recess filter or at least one filter wrapped with a filter wrapper together with a cooling cavity to form a recess filter, the method comprising the steps of: - providing a tobacco segment and a recess filter with the cooling cavity positioned adjacent to the tobacco segment; - wrapping the tobacco segments and the recess filter in a common wrapping material that contacts and directly surrounds the tobacco segments and the recess filter; This is achieved by a method comprising:

[0044] The tubular tobacco segment allows the tobacco to be heated from the inside and outside. The recess filter or cavity associated with the filter cools the hot inhaled vapor during smoking and allows specific substances to be extracted from the flavored inhaled vapor generated in the tobacco segment. Preferably, the filter, filter wrapper, common wrapper, cavity and / or tobacco segment have the properties and dimensions according to the above description in order to provide the above mentioned benefits.

[0045] In a first step, the tobacco segment and recess filter are provided, ideally with the cavity located adjacent to the filter, and particularly surrounded by the filter wrap. The recess filter may be formed by attaching the filter and the cavity by wrapping both in the filter wrap. Ideally, the filter wrap extends along at least part or the entire length of the filter and the length of the cavity, and particularly overlaps at least part of the entire length of the filter.

[0046] In a next step, particularly the second step, the recess filter and the tobacco segments are wrapped in a common wrapping material to attach the recess filter and the tobacco segments to each other, such that the recess filter and the tobacco segments are positioned adjacent to each other, resulting in a smooth transition without edges that may cause breakage of the common wrapping material.

[0047] The common wrapping material may extend along at least a portion or the entire length of the smoking article, and in particular overlap at least a portion or the entire length of the recess filter and / or tobacco segment. In this way, sufficient mechanical protection and / or fixation of the components of the smoking article is ensured. If the common wrapping material is too short, sufficient fixation of the components may not be ensured. If the common wrapping material is too long, the processability and / or usability of the smoking article, especially in combination with an electronic device, may be adversely affected.

[0048] The present object is also to provide a method of manufacturing a heat-and-burn smoking article, the smoking article including a longitudinal axis extending in the length direction and along which at least one tubular tobacco segment, at least one filter, and at least one cooling tubular element or cooling cavity are disposed, the method comprising: - providing a tobacco segment, a filter and a cooling tubular element, the tubular element being a non-filter element; - wrapping the tobacco segments, the filter and the tubular element in a common wrapping material, the common wrapping material directly surrounding and contacting the tobacco segments, the filter and the cooling tubular element; This is achieved by a method comprising:

[0049] The tubular tobacco segment allows the tobacco to be heated from the inside and outside. The cooling tubular element allows the hot inhaled vapor to be cooled during smoking. Moreover, since the common wrapping directly wraps the tobacco segment, the filter, and the cooling tubular element, no additional wrapping material, e.g., a downstream wrapping material, is required. Therefore, the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced, thereby reducing material and manufacturing costs. Preferably, the filter, the common wrapping material, the cooling tubular element, and / or the tobacco segment have the characteristics and dimensions described above to provide the above-mentioned benefits.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the additional steps: - pre-assembling the tobacco segment, the cooling tubular element and the filter in line, ideally the cooling tubular element being positioned between or adjacent to the filter and the tobacco segment to allow cooling of the hot inhaled vapor before it passes through the filter during smoking. - wrapping the pre-assembly in a common wrapping material, which preferably extends along at least part or the entire length of the smoking article or the filter, the cooling tubular element and / or the tobacco segment, in particular along at least part or the entire length of the filter and / or the tobacco segment; overlaps the entire length of the cooling tubular element, in particular the entire length of the cooling tubular element. Such an arrangement improves the mechanical stability of the final smoking article.

[0051] This object is also achieved by a heat-and-burn smoking article including a longitudinal axis extending in the length direction and along which are arranged at least one tubular-shaped tobacco segment, at least one cooling, preferably non-filtering, tubular element, and a filter. The filter and tubular element are associated by a downstream wrapping material to form a downstream filtering and cooling subassembly that is wrapped and attached separately from the tobacco segment. The downstream filtering and cooling subassembly and the tobacco segment are wrapped in a common wrapping material.

[0052] The tubular tobacco segment allows the tobacco to be heated from the inside and outside. The cooling tubular element allows the hot inhaled vapor to be cooled during smoking. Preferably, the filter, downstream wrapper, common wrapper, cooling tubular element and / or tobacco segment have the properties and dimensions according to the above description to provide the above-mentioned benefits.

[0053] This object is also achieved by a heat-and-burn smoking article including a longitudinal axis extending in the length direction and along which at least one tubular-shaped tobacco segment, a cooling cavity, and a downstream filter are disposed. The filter is wrapped in a filter wrapper extending upstream to form a recess filter extending through the cooling cavity. The tobacco segment and the recess filter are wrapped in a common wrapper that contacts and directly surrounds the tobacco segment and the recess filter.

[0054] The tubular tobacco segment allows the tobacco to be heated from the inside and outside. The cooling tubular element allows the hot inhaled vapor to be cooled during smoking. Preferably, the filter, recess filter, common wrapper, cavity and / or tobacco segment have the characteristics and dimensions according to the above description to provide the above-mentioned benefits.

[0055] This object is also achieved by a heat-and-burn smoking article including a longitudinal axis extending in the length direction and along which are arranged at least one tubular-shaped tobacco segment, at least one preferably non-filtering tubular element, and a filter, The tubular element is a paper tube independent of the filter and tobacco segment, and is connected upstream to the tobacco segment and downstream to the filter by a common wrapping material.

[0056] The tubular tobacco segments allow the tobacco to be heated from the inside and outside. The cooling tubular elements allow the hot inhaled vapor to be cooled during smoking. Preferably, the filter, common wrapper, tubular elements and / or tobacco segments have the properties and dimensions according to the above description to provide the above-mentioned benefits.

[0057] The object is also achieved by a method for manufacturing a heat-and-burn smoking article, the method comprising: a longitudinal axis extending in the length direction and along which at least one tubular-shaped tobacco segment, at least one preferably non-filtering tubular element, and a filter are disposed. The non-filtering tubular element is a paper tube independent of the filter and tobacco segment, and is connected to the tobacco segment on the upstream side and to the filter on the downstream side by a common wrapping material. The method comprises: - pre-assembling the tobacco segments, the non-filtering tubular element and the filter in a line; - wrapping the pre-assembly in a common wrapping material; Includes:

[0058] The tubular tobacco segment allows the tobacco to be heated from the inside and outside. The tubular element allows the hot inhaled vapor to be cooled during smoking. Preferably, the filter, tubular element, common wrapping material, and / or tobacco segment have the properties and dimensions according to the above description to provide the above-mentioned benefits.

[0059] Further advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be explained, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings in which similar elements in different embodiments may be designated by the same reference numerals, and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0060] [Figure 1] 1 is a chart of a method for manufacturing a smoking article and a schematic diagram of the various steps for manufacturing a smoking article with a cooling subassembly. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a smoking article with a cooling tubular element. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a smoking article with a recess filter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] 1, 2 and 3 show schematic views of a smoking article 1 having an upstream end 16 and a downstream end 17. The smoking article 1 extends in a length direction L and includes a longitudinal axis 2 along which are arranged at least one tubular tobacco segment 7, at least one filter 4 and at least one cooling element 8, 9. A common wrapping material 13 wraps and surrounds the cooling elements 8, 9 and filter 4, and in particular directly surrounds and contacts the tobacco segment 7 (see FIG. 2).

[0062] The tobacco segment 7 preferably has a diameter of 5 mm to 8 mm and in particular comprises a tube preferably made of cigarette paper wrapper, so that the tobacco segment 7 has a tubular shape. Ideally, the thickness of the tube wall, or rather the tobacco wall, is between 1 mm and 3 mm. The tobacco segment may have a length of between 12 mm and 60 mm.

[0063] The width of the common wrapping material 13 can be between 16 mm and 56 mm. Ideally, the common wrapping material 13 has a length between 30 mm and 120 mm and / or a thickness between 25 μm and 60 μm. Preferably, the common wrapping material 13 has a weight of 20 g / m 2 ~120g / m 2The common packaging material 13 may further comprise aluminum, or rather aluminum-backed paper, in particular having a thickness of 40 μm to 50 μm.

[0064] The filter 4 , cooling elements 8 , 9 and tobacco segments 7 are preferably arranged one behind the other in a row in the longitudinal direction L and / or with the cooling elements 8 , 9 located between the tobacco segments 7 and the filter 4 .

[0065] Smoking articles are as cooling tubular elements 8, ideally with non-filtering properties, or as a recess filter 5, including a cavity 9 (FIG. 3), or - as a cavity 9 formed by a common packaging material (not shown) The cooling elements 8, 9 can be provided in three configurations, differing mainly in the shape of the cooling elements 8, 9 that can be formed.

[0066] FIG. 1 shows a smoking article in which the cooling elements 8, 9 are formed as cooling tubular elements 8 and a chart showing some manufacturing steps.

[0067] In a first step 40 or 41, a filter 4 and a cooling tubular element 8 are provided. Ideally, the filter 4 has a diameter of 8 mm to 5 mm and / or a length 4L of 12 mm to 40 mm. The filter is preferably made of a cellulose fibrous material, in particular cellulose acetate. The filter 4 may comprise hollow and / or plain segments. Ideally, the filter 4 is provided in the form of a double-length filter 4x, in particular having a length of 24 mm to 80 mm. Alternatively, two single filters are provided. Each filter may have one or two segments. The segments may be fiber tows, such as cellulose acetate or paper. The fiber tows may form plain rods or may be formed as hollow tubes. In the case of plain rods, they may contain easily breakable capsules that can release flavoring substances when broken.

[0068] The cooling tubular element 8 preferably has a length of 5 mm to 30 mm and / or a diameter of 5 mm to 8 mm. Furthermore, the cooling tubular element 8 ideally has non-filtering properties and / or comprises a paper or cardboard material. The cooling tubular element may be hollow or, alternatively, filled with a cooling material such as polylactic acid (PLA) tow. Preferably, in this step, a second cooling tubular element 8 is provided. A double-length filter 4x is then arranged between and / or against the two cooling tubular elements 8, in particular, in a row along the longitudinal axis 2, one behind the other in the longitudinal direction L. Alternatively, each single filter of the two single filters 4 may be arranged against one cooling tubular element 8.

[0069] In a further step, particularly an intermediate step, the double-length filter 4x and the two cooling tubular elements 8 are wrapped and / or associated by two single or one double-length downstream wraps 10 so as to form a double-length subassembly of filter and cooling pipe 15x. The length of the double-length downstream wraps may be between 32 mm and 54 mm, and / or the width of the double-length downstream wraps or each single downstream wrap 10 may be between 24 mm and 100 mm, and the length of the single downstream wrap may be between 16 mm and 28 mm.

[0070] Alternatively, two single downstream wrappers 10 are arranged adjacent to each other, in particular so that each downstream wrapper 10 can extend over at least part of, in particular half the length of, the double-length filter 4x and / or over at least part or the entire length of the cooling tubular element 8. It may be possible for the downstream wrapper 10 to extend over at least part or the entire length of the subassembly 15L.

[0071] In a further intermediate step, the double-length subassembly 15x is cut 20 into two single cooling and filtering subassemblies 15 so that each of the two subassemblies 15 can be used to manufacture a smoking article 1. The cut can be made substantially in the middle of the double-length subassembly 15x. More particularly, the cut can be made in the middle of the double-length filter 4x.

[0072] In a further step, ideally a second step 41, two single subassemblies 15 are provided, each comprising a filter 4 and a cooling tubular element 8, the filters 4 and the cooling tubular elements 8 being wrapped and associated by a downstream wrapping material 10. The downstream wrapping material 10 preferably extends along at least part or the entire length of the subassembly 15L. The subassembly 15 may also be arranged adjacent to a double-length tobacco segment 7x, which is ideally positioned so as to be located between the subassemblies 15, in particular between the two cooling tubular elements 8.

[0073] In a further step, ideally a third step 42, the subassembly 15 and the double-length tobacco segment 7x are joined and / or wrapped in a common wrapping material 13x to form a double-length smoking article 1x. The common wrapping material 13x may have a length corresponding to the entire length of one smoking article 1. It is also contemplated that the length of the common wrapping material 13x may be less than the entire length of the double-length smoking article 1x. Thus, part of the subassembly 15 is not covered by the common wrapping material 13x.

[0074] Alternatively, in a third step 42, the subassembly 15 and the double-length tobacco segment 7x are joined and / or wrapped by a double-length common wrapping material 13x to form a double-length smoking article 1x. The double-length common wrapping material 13x may have a length of 60 mm to 240 mm. It is contemplated that the double-length common wrapping material 13x corresponds to twice the overall length of the smoking article 1 (not shown). The double-length common wrapping material 13x may extend along at least a portion or the entire length of the double length of the final smoking article 1, and the double-length common wrapping material 13x may also overlap at least a portion or the entire length of the downstream wrapping material 10 and / or the subassembly 15 and the entire length of the double-length tobacco segment 7x, and / or may overlap a portion of the filter 4 depending on the length of the downstream wrapping material 10.

[0075] In a further step, particularly a fourth step 43, the double-length smoking article 1x is cut 20 to form two single smoking articles 1. The cut 20 may be made substantially in the middle of the double-length smoking article 1x to form two smoking articles of equal length. In a further step, particularly a fifth or final step 44, one or two smoking articles 1 are provided. The subassembly 15 may ideally be located at the downstream end 17 with the filter 4 facing the end of the smoking article 1 and / or the cooling tubular element 8 facing the tobacco section 7, which forms the upstream end 16 of the smoking article 1. Preferably, the length of the common wrapping material 13 extends from the downstream end 17 to the upstream end 16 and / or corresponds to the total length 1L of the smoking article 1.

[0076] In one possible mode, the filter and cooling tube subassembly 15 can be formed by cutting a continuous assembly including several repeating double-length cooling tubes, or alternatively, two adjacent single-length cooling tubes and a double-length filter 4x. For example, four, six, eight, twelve, or more repeats are possible. Thus, the continuous repeating double-length pattern is packaged in a single wrapper 10 the same length as the assembly. In this case, separation of the subassemblies 15 requires cutting the continuous assembly midway between each of the double-length tubes and double-length filters.

[0077] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a smoking article 1 similar to the final smoking article 1 described in FIG. 1 . The dimensions and / or properties of the filter 4, cooling tubular element 8, tubular tobacco segment 7, and common wrapping material 13 may also be similar to those described above, particularly those described in FIG. 1 . The filter 4, tubular element 8, and tobacco section 7 are arranged in a line from the downstream end 17 to the upstream end 16, and the filter 4, tubular element 8, and tobacco section 7 are directly surrounded by the common wrapping material 13. Ideally, the common wrapping material 13 is in direct contact with the filter 4, tubular element 8, and tobacco segment 7. Preferably, the tubular element 8 is positioned between the tobacco section 7 and the filter 4. It is also conceivable that a cavity 9, instead of a cooling element 8, is formed by the common wrapping material 13 (not shown). In this case, the tobacco segment 7 and the filter 4 are preferably spaced apart from each other. The common wrapping material 13 therefore preferably maintains the tobacco segment 7 and the filter 4 in a line, one behind the other, in the longitudinal direction L.

[0078] Such a smoking article can be manufactured by providing, in a first step, the filter 4, the cooling tube 8 and the tobacco section 7. In a further step, possibly a second step, these components 4, 7, 8 can be arranged in a row from the downstream end 16 to the upstream end 17, with the cooling tubular element ideally positioned between the filter 4 and the tobacco segment 7. In a further step, possibly a third step, these components 4, 7, 8 can be wrapped and joined by wrapping and surrounding them in a common wrapping material 13.

[0079] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a smoking article 1 similar to the final smoking article 1 described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The dimensions and / or characteristics of the tubular tobacco segment 7 and the common wrapping material 13 may also be similar to those described above, particularly those described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The filter 4 is formed as a recess filter 5, including a cavity 9. The recess filter 5 and the tobacco section 7 are aligned from the downstream end 17 to the upstream end 16, with the cavity 8 positioned adjacent to the tobacco section 7. The recess filter 5 and the tobacco section 7 are directly surrounded by the common wrapping material 13. Ideally, the common wrapping material 13 is in direct contact with the recess filter 5 and the tobacco section 7. Preferably, the common wrapping material 13 extends over and / or overlaps at least a portion or the entire length of the recess filter 5L and / or the tobacco segment 7L. The recess filter 5 may have a diameter of 5 mm to 8 mm and / or a length 5L of 12 mm to 40 mm. The recess filter may be formed by wrapping at least one filter segment with a filter wrap that extends beyond the recess filter, forming a tubular wrap that is not occupied by the filter segment. The filter wrap should be thick enough to provide sufficient rigidity to the recess filter. Ideally, the filter wrap should have a weight of 60 g / m or less. 2 More than 100 g / m 2 More than 110 g / m 2 and / or 200 g / m 2 Less than 180 g / m 2 less than 130 g / m 2 having a weight of less than

[0080] Such smoking articles can be manufactured in a first step by providing a recess filter 5 and a tobacco section 7. In a further step, possibly a second step, these components 5, 7 can be arranged in a row from the downstream end 16 to the upstream end 17, ideally with the cavity 9 and recess filter 5 positioned adjacent to the tobacco segment 7. In a further step, possibly a third step, these components 5, 7 can be wrapped and joined by wrapping and surrounding them in a common wrapping material 13. In this configuration, the common wrapping material 13 can be formed of paper at least partially lined with aluminum foil along its length to improve aesthetics while optimizing heat transfer to the tobacco segment.

[0081] Applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed herein as essential features of the invention to the extent that they are novel, individually or in combination, in view of the prior art. Furthermore, it should be noted that the Figures describe features that may be advantageous individually. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that a particular feature disclosed in a Figure may be advantageous without incorporating other features from that Figure. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may develop from a combination of various features disclosed in one or various Figures. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1. Heat-and-burn smoking articles 1x double-length smoking article 1L smoking article length 2 Longitudinal axis 4 Filters 4x double length filters 4L filter length 5 Recess Filter 5L Recess filter length 7 Tobacco Segment 7x double-length tobacco segments 7L tobacco section length 8 Tubular elements 9 hollow 10 Downstream packaging material 11 Length of downstream packaging 12 Filter packaging material 13 Common packaging materials 13x double length common packaging material 14 Common packaging lengths 15 Subassemblies 15x double length subassemblies 15L Subassembly length 16 Upstream end 17 Downstream end 20 Cut 40 First step: Providing cooling tubular elements and filters 41 Second step: Providing and arranging subassemblies and tobacco segments 42 Third step: packaging the subassemblies and tobacco segments 43 Cutting smoking articles to double length 44 Fourth Step: Providing the Final Smoking Article L lengthwise

Claims

1. A heat-and-burn smoking article (1), the smoking article (1) comprising a longitudinal axis (2) extending in a length direction (L) and along which at least one tobacco segment (7), at least one filter (4) and at least one cooling tubular element (8) or cooling cavity (9) are disposed; a common wrapping material (13) completely enveloping said tobacco segments (7) in the longitudinal direction and surrounding and in direct contact with said tobacco segments (7), said filter (4) and / or said tubular element (8); The filter (4) includes or is a recess filter (5) including the cooling cavity (9) and a filter wrap (12); The cavity (9) and the filter (4) are associated by the filter wrap (12), which surrounds both the filter (4) and the cavity (9) to form the recess filter (5). A heat-and-burn smoking article (1).

2. Smoking article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter (4) comprises at least one plain fibre filter (4) segment and / or at least one hollow filter segment.

3. 3. A smoking article (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the downstream wrapper (10) extends along at least part of the length or the entire length (15L) of the subassembly (15).

4. 4. A smoking article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the common wrapping material (13) extends along at least part of the length or the entire length (1L) of the smoking article (1).

5. The material of the common wrapper (13) and / or the filter wrapper (12) preferably has a density of 60 g / m ２ More than 100 g / m ２ More than 125 g / m ２ and / or 200 g / m ２ less than 180 g / m ２ less than 160 g / m ２ Smoking article (1) according to at least one claim, characterized in that it comprises a paper material having a weight of less than 10 ...

6. 6. A smoking article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the length of the cooling cavity (9) is more than 15 mm, preferably more than 17 mm, preferably more than 19 mm, and / or less than 30 mm, preferably less than 25 mm, preferably less than 22 mm.

7. Smoking article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cooling tubular element (8) comprises a paper or cardboard material.

8. 1. A method for manufacturing at least one heat-and-burn smoking article (1), the smoking article (1) extending in a length direction (L) and comprising a longitudinal axis (2) along which at least one tubular tobacco segment (7), at least one cooling tubular element (8), and at least one filter (4) are disposed, the method comprising: providing said filter (4) and said cooling tubular element (8); associating said filter (4) and said cooling tubular element (8) by a downstream wrapping (10) to form a filtering and cooling subassembly (14); The subassembly (15) and the tobacco segment (7) are wrapped in a common wrapping material (13), thereby securing the subassembly (15) and the tobacco segment (7). a combining step; A method comprising:

9. Additional steps, namely: placing the tobacco segment (7) between two subassemblies placed in contact with the tobacco segment (7), the tobacco segment (7) having a length corresponding to the length of two tobacco segments (7) of the final smoking article (1); wrapping the two subassemblies (15) and the tobacco segment (7) in the common wrapping material (13) to combine the two subassemblies (15) and the tobacco segment (7) to form a double-length heat-and-no-combustion smoking article (1x); cutting the double-length heat-and-burn smoking article (1x) to form two single heat-and-burn smoking articles (1); The method of claim 8, wherein:

10. placing a double-length filter (4x) between two cooling tubular elements (8), and wrapping said double-length filter (4x) and said cooling tubular element (8) with a double-length downstream wrapping material (10) to form a double-length subassembly (14); cutting said double-length subassembly (14) to form two single cooling and filtering subassemblies of equal length; 10. The method of claim 8 or 9, comprising forming the subassembly by:

11. 11. A method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the downstream wrapping material (10) extends along at least part or the entire length (15L) of the subassembly (15) and / or the common wrapping material (13) extends along at least part or the entire length (1L) of the smoking article (1).

12. A method for manufacturing a heat-and-burn smoking article (1), the smoking article (1) including a longitudinal axis (2) extending in a length direction (L) and along which at least one tubular tobacco segment (7) and a recess filter (5) or at least one filter (4) wrapped with a cooling cavity (9) by a filter wrapper (12) to form the recess filter (5) are disposed, comprising: providing the tobacco segment (7) and the recess filter (5) with the cooling cavity (9) positioned adjacent to the tobacco segment (7); wrapping said tobacco segments (7) and said recess filter (5) in a common wrapping material (13) in contact with and directly surrounding said tobacco segments (7) and said recess filter (5); A method comprising:

13. A method for manufacturing a heat-and-burn smoking article (1), the smoking article (1) including a longitudinal axis (2) extending in a length direction (L) and along which at least one tubular tobacco segment (7), at least one filter (4) and at least one cooling tubular element (8) are disposed, comprising: providing said tobacco segment (7), said filter (4) and a cooling tubular element (8), said tubular element (8) being a non-filter element; wrapping said tobacco segment (7), said filter (4) and said tubular element (8) in a common wrapping material (13), said common wrapping material (13) being in contact with and directly surrounding said tobacco segment (7), said filter (4) and said cooling tubular element (8); the packaging step; A method comprising:

14. The method for manufacturing a heat-and-burn smoking article (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the non-filter element is a paper tube or a cardboard tube.

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