Aerosol generating article having different fibrous segments

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (10) is provided. The aerosol-generating article (10) comprises an upstream segment (11). The upstream segment (11) is located at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article (10). The aerosol-generating article (10) also comprises a mouthpiece segment (18). The mouthpiece segment (18) is located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article (10). The aerosol-generating article (10) comprises an aerosol-forming substrate plug (12). The aerosol-forming substrate plug (12) is located between the upstream segment (11) and the mouthpiece segment (18). Each of the upstream segment (11) and the mouthpiece segment (18) comprises a fibrous material. The upstream segment (11) has at least one of a different color, a different edge shape, a different surface pattern, and a different texture compared to the mouthpiece segment (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol-generating articles comprising different upstream segments and mouthpiece segments.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than burned are known in the art. In such heated smoking articles, typically, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heating element to a physically separated aerosol-forming substrate or material, which may be located in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heating element. During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heating element and entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article may be configured to insert a portion of the aerosol-generating article into a chamber of an aerosol-generating device.

[0003] It is known to provide a susceptor element within the aerosol-generating article in the form of a heating element that can be heated when penetrated by a changing magnetic field. For example, an aerosol-generating device may be provided comprising an inductor coil arranged to inductively heat a susceptor element within the aerosol-generating article. Alternatively, or additionally, the heating element may be provided within an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor.

[0004] Typically, the aerosol-generating article comprises a downstream segment at the downstream end of the article. The downstream segment may be referred to as a filter segment or a mouthpiece segment. The article may also comprise an upstream segment at the upstream end of the article. The upstream segment may be formed from the same or a similar material as the material forming the downstream segment.

[0005] During use, the user inserts a portion of the aerosol-generating article into the chamber of the aerosol generator. Typically, the portion of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the chamber of the aerosol generator comprises at least a portion of an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0006] Typically, the upstream end of an aerosol-generating article needs to be inserted into the chamber of the aerosol generator. However, there is a risk that the user may accidentally insert the wrong end of the aerosol-generating article into the chamber. For example, the user may accidentally insert the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article into the chamber of the aerosol generator. The risk may be increased for aerosol-generating articles that have both an upstream and a downstream segment.

[0007] Accidentally inserting the wrong end of an aerosol-generating article into the chamber of an aerosol generator may result in insufficient or no aerosol generation during use, and may cause damage to at least one of the aerosol-generating article or the aerosol generator.

[0008] Furthermore, aerosol-generating articles that are heated rather than burned may not change significantly in appearance during use. Therefore, it can be difficult for users to distinguish between used and unused aerosol-generating articles. This can occur, for example, when unused and used aerosol-generating articles are stored together. This difficulty may be exacerbated for aerosol-generating articles that have both upstream and downstream segments.

[0009] It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating article that reduces the risk of accidental insertion into the chamber of an aerosol generating device.

[0010] Furthermore, it is desirable to provide aerosol generating articles that are configured to help users determine which aerosol generating articles have been used and which have not. [Overview of the project]

[0011] This disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may include an upstream segment. The upstream segment may be located at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may include a mouthpiece segment. The mouthpiece segment may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may include a plug of an aerosol-forming substrate. The plug of the aerosol-forming substrate may be located between the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment. Each of the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment may contain a fibrous material. The upstream segment may have at least one of a different color, a different edge shape, a different surface pattern, and a different texture compared to the mouthpiece segment.

[0012] According to the present invention, an aerosol generating article is provided. The aerosol generating article comprises an upstream segment, located at the upstream end of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article comprises a mouthpiece segment, located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article comprises a plug of an aerosol-forming substrate, located between the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment. Each of the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment comprises a fibrous material. The upstream segment has at least one of a different color, a different edge shape, a different surface pattern, and a different texture compared to the mouthpiece segment.

[0013] Advantageously, by providing an upstream segment having at least one of a different color, a different edge shape, a different surface pattern, and a different texture compared to the mouthpiece segment, the user can easily distinguish between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol generating article. Advantageously, this can reduce the risk of the user inserting the wrong end of the aerosol generating article into the aerosol generator.

[0014] Advantageously, providing an upstream segment having at least one of a different color, a different edge shape, a different surface pattern, and a different texture compared to the mouthpiece segment can help the user determine which aerosol generating articles are used and which are unused. For example, if the user stores used and unused aerosol generating articles in a single container, the user can insert the used aerosol generating articles in the opposite direction to the unused aerosol generating articles. In this way, the user can easily distinguish between used and unused aerosol generating articles based on the position of each upstream or downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0015] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" means a substrate that can condense to form an aerosol and release volatile compounds upon heating.

[0016] As used herein, the term “aerosol” means a dispersion of solid particles or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets, in a gas. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid particulate matter or droplets, or a combination of solid particulate matter and droplets.

[0017] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article containing an aerosol-forming substrate. Aerosol-generating articles may be disposable.

[0018] To avoid any ambiguity, the term "different" refers to components that are easily identifiable by the user during normal use, such as the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment.

[0019] As used herein, the terms “upstream,” “downstream,” “proximal,” and “distal” are used to describe the relative positions of elements or parts of elements of aerosol generating articles, aerosol generating devices, and aerosol generating systems as described herein. The aerosol generating articles described herein have a proximal end through which aerosols are discharged when in use. The proximal end may also be called the mouth end. When in use, the user inhales the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article by inhaling it at the proximal or mouth end of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article has a distal end opposite to the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the aerosol generating article may be called the downstream end. The distal end of the aerosol generating article may also be called the upstream end. Components of an aerosol generating article, or parts of components, may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal or downstream end and the distal or upstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0020] As used herein, the term “different color” is used to refer to a color that differs from another color by at least ΔE of 10 according to the CIEDE2000 color difference formula.

[0021] The aerosol generating article comprises a mouthpiece segment located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The mouthpiece segment comprises a fibrous material. For example, the mouthpiece segment may be formed of a fibrous filter material. The mouthpiece segment is preferably a solid plug. The mouthpiece segment may be a solid plug of a fibrous material. The mouthpiece segment may include a solid cylindrical plug element having a filled cross-section.

[0022] As used herein, the term “solid plug” refers to a plug made of a material that does not have a tubular or annular shape.

[0023] The mouthpiece segment may be an oral end filter. The mouthpiece segment may be made of a porous material. The mouthpiece segment may be made of a biodegradable material. The mouthpiece segment may contain at least one of cellulose acetate fibers and polylactic acid fibers.

[0024] The mouthpiece segment may be formed from cellulose acetate. For example, the mouthpiece segment may be formed from a bundle of cellulose acetate fibers having 10 to 15 denier per filament. The mouthpiece segment may not include a toe plug. For example, the mouthpiece segment may be formed from a relatively low-density cellulose acetate toe, such as a cellulose acetate toe containing 12 denier fibers per filament.

[0025] The mouthpiece segment may be formed from a cellulosic material. The cellulosic material may include a paper material formed from multiple cellulose fibers. The cellulosic material may include multiple natural fibers. The natural fibers may be one or more of the following: flax fibers, hemp fibers, jute fibers, kenaf fibers, ramie fibers, abaca fibers, phormium fibers, sisal fibers, coir fibers, cotton fibers, and kapok fibers. The cellulosic material may include multiple regenerated cellulose fibers. The regenerated cellulose fibers may be one or more of the following: viscose fibers, modal fibers, lyocell fibers, and viscose rayon fibers. The cellulosic material may further include an additive coating applied to the paper material, multiple natural fibers, or multiple regenerated cellulose fibers. The additive coating may contain at least 5% by weight of exogenous lignin on a dry weight basis.

[0026] The mouthpiece segment preferably has a low particle filtration efficiency. The mouthpiece segment may not be ventilated so that air does not enter the aerosol generating article along the mouthpiece segment.

[0027] The mouthpiece segment preferably has a width substantially equal to the width of the aerosol generating article. The width of the mouthpiece segment may be 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, 5.5 millimeters to 9 millimeters, or 6 millimeters to 8 millimeters.

[0028] As used herein, the term "width" is used to describe the maximum transverse dimension of an aerosol generating article, aerosol generating device, and element of an aerosol generating system, or a portion of an element, according to the present disclosure. To avoid doubt, when used herein, the term "diameter" may be used to refer to the "width" of an element or a portion of an element having a circular cross-sectional area of an aerosol generating article, aerosol generating device, and aerosol generating system according to the present disclosure.

[0029] The term "transverse direction" as used herein is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction.

[0030] Unless otherwise specified, references to the "cross-section" of an aerosol generating article or a component of an aerosol generating article refer to a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction or the axis.

[0031] The aerosol generating article includes an upstream segment positioned at the upstream end of the aerosol generating article. The upstream segment includes a fibrous material. The upstream segment is preferably a solid plug. The upstream segment may be a solid plug of fibrous material. The upstream segment may include a solid cylindrical plug element having a filled cross-section.

[0032] Advantageously, providing an upstream segment prevents direct physical contact between the aerosol-forming substrate and the upstream end of the plug. For example, the upstream segment can prevent direct physical contact between the aerosol-forming substrate plug and the aerosol generator. Furthermore, the presence of the upstream segment helps prevent any loss of the aerosol-forming substrate, which may be advantageous, for example, when the aerosol-forming substrate contains particulate plant material. Advantageously, the upstream segment can prevent heat-generating elements, such as susceptors, from falling off the aerosol-generating article.

[0033] The upstream segment may be made of a porous material or may have multiple openings. This can be achieved, for example, by laser drilling. Preferably, the multiple openings are uniformly distributed across the cross-section of the upstream segment. The porosity or permeability of the upstream segment can advantageously provide an aerosol-generating article with a specific overall drawdown resistance (RTD) that does not substantially affect the filtration provided by the other parts of the article.

[0034] The upstream segment may be made of the same material as described herein for the mouthpiece segment, for example. The upstream segment may be formed of a biodegradable material. The upstream segment may contain at least one of cellulose acetate fibers and polylactic acid fibers.

[0035] The upstream segment may be formed from cellulose acetate. For example, the upstream segment may be formed from a bundle of cellulose acetate fibers having 10 to 15 denier per filament. The upstream segment may include a tow plug. For example, the upstream segment may be formed from a relatively low-density cellulose acetate tow, such as a cellulose acetate tow containing 12 denier fibers per filament.

[0036] The upstream segment may be formed of a cellulosic material. The cellulosic material may include a paper material formed from multiple cellulose fibers. The cellulosic material may include multiple natural fibers. The natural fibers may be one or more of flax fibers, hemp fibers, jute fibers, kenaf fibers, ramie fibers, abaca fibers, phormium fibers, sisal fibers, coir fibers, cotton fibers, and kapok fibers. The cellulosic material may include multiple regenerated cellulose fibers. The regenerated cellulose fibers may be one or more of viscose fibers, modal fibers, lyocell fibers, and viscose rayon fibers. The cellulosic material may further include an additive coating applied to the paper material, multiple natural fibers, or multiple regenerated cellulose fibers. The additive coating may contain at least 5% by weight of exogenous lignin on a dry weight basis.

[0037] Preferably, the upstream segment has a width approximately equal to the width of the aerosol-generating article. The maximum width of the upstream segment may be 5 to 10 mm, 5.5 to 9 mm, or 6 to 8 mm.

[0038] Each of the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment may include a toe plug. Each of the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment may include any of the fibrous materials described herein. Each of the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment may include at least one of cellulose acetate fibers and polylactic acid fibers. For example, each of the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment may include cellulose acetate fibers.

[0039] Each of the upstream segment and mouthpiece segment may be a solid plug made of fibrous material.

[0040] The upstream segment may include an upstream end face that defines the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece segment may include a downstream end face that defines the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0041] The downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment is preferably white. The entire mouthpiece segment is preferably white.

[0042] As used herein, the term “white” is used to refer to a color having at least 235 red, green, and blue (RGB) color values, respectively, in the 8-bit RGB color model.

[0043] Users may be accustomed to, or habitually, the mouthpiece filter segment of combustible cigarettes, which is typically white. Therefore, providing a white mouthpiece segment in the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is advantageous in that it can help users determine which end of the aerosol-generating article is the downstream end.

[0044] The upstream end face of the upstream segment may be a different color from the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment. For example, the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment may be white, while the upstream end face of the upstream segment may contain a color other than white.

[0045] The entire upstream end face of the upstream segment may be a single color. The entire downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment may be a single color.

[0046] The entire upstream end face of the upstream segment may be a different color from the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment.

[0047] The entire downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment may be a different color from the entire upstream end face of the upstream segment.

[0048] In some embodiments, only the upstream end face of the upstream segment contains a different color. In other words, the upstream end face of the upstream element may contain a different color compared to the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment, while the rest of the upstream element downstream of that upstream end face may be the same color as the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment. For example, the upstream segment may be substantially white with a different color provided only on its upstream end face. The different color may be applied as a coating to the upstream end face of the upstream segment. For example, the different color may be applied to the upstream end face by at least one of printing and dipping.

[0049] The entire upstream segment may be a different color. In other words, the entire upstream segment may be a different color compared to the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment. Advantageously, providing an upstream segment that is a completely different color from the downstream face of the mouthpiece segment may simplify the manufacturing of the upstream segment, particularly in embodiments where multiple upstream segments are cut from a single rod of material.

[0050] The mouthpiece segment may have a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape. In other words, the mouthpiece segment may have a constant cross-sectional shape along its length. For example, the mouthpiece segment may have a circular cylindrical shape.

[0051] The upstream segment may have a different outer edge shape compared to the mouthpiece segment. The upstream segment may have a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape. In other words, the upstream segment may have a constant cross-sectional shape along its length. The upstream segment may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape along its entire length. For example, the upstream segment may have an elliptical, oblong, or polygonal cross-sectional shape along its entire length.

[0052] The upstream end face of the upstream segment may have a non-circular shape. The upstream end face may have an elliptical, oblong, or polygonal shape. The non-circular shape may define the cross-sectional shape of the upstream segment. The cross-sectional shape may be constant along the length of the upstream segment. The cross-sectional shape of the upstream segment may be elliptical, oblong, or polygonal. The upstream segment may have an elliptical cylindrical shape, an oblong cylindrical shape, or a polygonal prism shape.

[0053] The upstream segment may have a cross-sectional shape that varies along the length of the upstream segment. The upstream end face of the upstream segment may have a non-circular shape, while the downstream end of the upstream segment may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The upstream end face may have an elliptical, oblong, or polygonal shape. Preferably, at least 50 percent of the upstream segment length extending from the downstream end of the upstream segment has a circular cross-sectional shape. Advantageously, providing a circular cross-sectional shape for a portion of the upstream segment can facilitate the correct positioning of the upstream segment during the manufacturing of the aerosol-generating article.

[0054] As used herein, the term “long axis” is used to describe the direction between the downstream or proximal end and the opposite upstream or distal end of the aerosol generating article, aerosol generating device, and aerosol generating system according to the present invention.

[0055] As used herein, the term “length” is used to describe the maximum length dimension of an element or part of an element of an aerosol generating article, aerosol generating device, and aerosol generating system according to this disclosure.

[0056] As used herein, the term “circular” means a shape having a curvature of at least 0.999, where the curvature of a shape is the ratio of the radius of the inscribed circle to the radius of the circumscribed circle.

[0057] The aerosol-generating article may include a wrapper. The wrapper may include one or more of paper, cardboard, plastic, and metal foil. The wrapper may include a cellulosic material. The base wrapper may include a cellulosic material selected from one or more of paper, wood, textiles, natural fibers, and artificial fibers. The wrapper may extend along only a portion of the length of the aerosol-generating article. For example, in some embodiments, the wrapper may not extend along the mouthpiece element. The wrapper may extend along the entire length of the aerosol-generating article. The wrapper may include chipping paper.

[0058] The wrapper may extend around one or more of the upstream segment, the aerosol-forming substrate plug, and the mouthpiece segment. For example, the wrapper may extend around the upstream segment, the aerosol-forming substrate plug, and the mouthpiece segment.

[0059] The wrapper may include multiple wrappers. For example, the wrapper may include a first wrapper surrounding the upstream segment of the aerosol-forming substrate and the plug, and a second wrapper surrounding at least the mouthpiece segment.

[0060] The mouthpiece segment may include a cylindrical surface that contacts the inner surface of the wrapper. The entire outer surface of the mouthpiece segment parallel to the long axis of the aerosol-generating article may be in contact with the inner surface of the wrapper. At least a portion of the outer surface of the upstream segment may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the wrapper. For example, at least a portion of the outer surface of the upstream segment parallel to the long axis of the aerosol-generating article may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the wrapper.

[0061] The upstream end face of the upstream segment may have a different surface pattern compared to the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment. For example, the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment may be a single color.

[0062] The upstream end face of the upstream segment and the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment may include at least one of a surface pattern or marking. For example, the upstream end face of the upstream segment may include at least one of a surface pattern or marking. Only the upstream end face of the upstream segment may include at least one surface pattern or marking. At least one surface pattern or marking may also be present on the cross-section of the upstream segment along the entire length of the upstream segment.

[0063] The upstream end face of the upstream segment may include a first surface pattern or marking, and the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment may include a second surface pattern or marking, the first surface pattern or marking being different from the second surface pattern or marking.

[0064] The upstream segment may include a first bundle of fibers, each having a first color, and a second bundle of fibers, each having a second color, wherein the first color is different from the second color. The first and second bundles of fibers together may define at least part of at least one surface pattern or mark. The entire mouthpiece segment may be a single color. The single color may be different from at least one of the first and second colors. The single color is preferably white.

[0065] The upstream end face of the upstream segment may have a different texture compared to the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment.

[0066] The downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment and the upstream end face of the upstream segment may have different surface smoothness. The difference in surface smoothness may be large enough to allow the user to distinguish between the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment and the upstream end face of the upstream segment by touch.

[0067] Advantageously, providing the upstream end face of the upstream segment with a different surface smoothness than the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment may allow the user to distinguish the edges of the aerosol-generating article by touch without requiring visual inspection of the article. This may be particularly advantageous, for example, if the user has a visual impairment.

[0068] Surface smoothness can be characterized by the Bekk smoothness. Smoothness, expressed in Beck seconds (Beck smoothness index), can be measured by a standard test using a BEKK Smoothness Tester, which generates a vacuum and measures the time it takes for the vacuum to decrease from 50.66 kPa to 48.00 kPa. This test is approved by ISO standard 5627:1995. A higher Bekk smoothness value indicates a smoother surface.

[0069] The ratio of the Beck smoothness of the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment to the Beck smoothness of the upstream end face of the upstream segment is preferably at least 10:1, preferably at least 20:1, more preferably at least 30:1, or even more preferably at least 40:1.

[0070] Alternatively, the ratio of the Bekk smoothness of the upstream end face of the upstream segment to the Bekk smoothness of the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment is preferably at least 10:1, preferably at least 20:1, more preferably at least 30:1, or even more preferably at least 40:1.

[0071] The upstream end face of the upstream segment may include at least one embossed or debossed area. The at least one embossed or debossed area may include multiple areas, each containing at least one of embossing and / or debossing. These multiple areas may form a repeating pattern of surface texture on the upstream end face of the upstream segment. The downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment may not include embossing or debossing.

[0072] The downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment may include at least one embossed or debossed area. The upstream end face of the upstream segment may not include embossing or debossing.

[0073] The maximum height of the embossed protrusions or the maximum depth of the debossed recesses is preferably 15 to 25 micrometers.

[0074] Both the upstream end face of the upstream segment and the downstream end face of the mouthpiece may include at least one embossed or debossed area, wherein the at least one embossed or debossed area on the upstream end face of the upstream segment and the at least one embossed or debossed area on the downstream end face of the mouthpiece have different textures from each other.

[0075] The term "embossing" is used herein to refer to protrusions formed on the surface of a segment. These protrusions may be engraved, molded, or stamped onto the surface of the segment. A portion of a surface that exhibits such embossing is said to be embossed.

[0076] In this specification, the term “debossing” is used to refer to recesses formed on the surface of a segment. These recesses may be cut, molded, or stamped onto the surface of the segment. A portion of the surface bearing such debossing is said to be debossed.

[0077] The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 40-80 mm, 45-80 mm, 40-70 mm, 45-70 mm, 40-60 mm, 45-60 mm, 40-50 mm, 45-50 mm, or approximately 45 mm.

[0078] The plug of the aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of 1 mm to 30 mm, 5 mm to 22 mm, 8 mm to 16 mm, 9 mm to 15 mm, 9 mm to 14 mm, 10 mm to 14 mm, 11 mm to 13 mm, or about 12 mm.

[0079] The mouthpiece segment may have a length of 5 mm or more, 6 mm or more, 10 mm or more, or 11 mm or more. The mouthpiece segment may have a length of 25 mm or less, 20 mm or less, 15 mm or less, 14 mm or less, 13 mm or less, 12 mm or less, 10 mm or less, or 8 mm or less. For example, the mouthpiece segment may have a length of 5 mm to 15 mm.

[0080] The upstream segment may have a length of 10 mm or less, 8 mm or less, 6 mm or less, or 5 mm or less. The upstream segment may have a length of 2 mm or more, 3 mm or more, or 4 mm or more. For example, the upstream segment may have a length of 3 mm to 8 mm.

[0081] The aerosol-generating article may include a susceptor element. The susceptor element may be located within a plug of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0082] As used herein, the term “susceptor” means a material that can be heated when penetrated by a changing magnetic field.

[0083] The susceptor element may be formed from any material that can be induction heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the susceptor element may contain metal or carbon. The susceptor element may contain or consist of ferromagnetic materials (e.g., ferromagnetic alloys, ferrite iron, or ferromagnetic steel or ferromagnetic stainless steel). A suitable material may be aluminum or may contain aluminum. The susceptor element may be formed from 400 series stainless steel, for example, grade 410, or grade 420, or grade 430 stainless steel.

[0084] The aerosol-forming substrate plug may be positioned immediately downstream of the upstream segment.

[0085] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0086] As used herein, the term “tobacco material” is used to describe any material containing tobacco, including but not limited to tobacco leaves, tobacco veins, tobacco stems, tobacco petioles, tobacco dust, puffed tobacco, reconstituted tobacco material, and homogenized tobacco material.

[0087] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized tobacco material. The term "homogenized tobacco material," as used herein, means material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0088] The aerosol-forming substrate may include one or more sheets of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "sheet" means a layered element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness.

[0089] Each of the tobacco material sheets may individually have a length substantially equal to the plug length of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0090] The aerosol-forming substrate may include an aggregate of homogenized tobacco material sheets. As used herein, the term “gathered” is used to describe sheets that have been rolled up, folded, or compressed or shrunk substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of a separate aerosol-generating article.

[0091] The homogenized tobacco material sheet may be crimped. As used herein, the term “crimped” means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or undulations. The aerosol-forming substrate may include an assembly of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material. Preferably, when the aerosol-generating article is assembled, the substantially parallel ridges or undulations extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0092] The homogenized tobacco material sheet may also be a cast sheet.

[0093] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco cut filler, and the aerosol-forming material content in the aerosol-forming substrate is preferably at least about 8% by weight.

[0094] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain strands of reconstituted tobacco or remanufactured tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may also contain crimped fiber pieces of reconstituted tobacco or remanufactured tobacco.

[0095] As used herein, the term “strand” describes an elongated element of a material having a length substantially greater than its width and thickness. The term “strand” should be considered to encompass slivers, fragments, and any other homogenized plant material having similar forms. Strands of homogenized plant material may be formed from a sheet of homogenized plant material, for example, by cutting or shredding, or by other means, such as extrusion.

[0096] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine.

[0097] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "nicotine" is used to refer to nicotine, nicotine base, or nicotine salt. The aerosol-forming substrate may include natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine.

[0098] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more mononucleotide nicotine salts.

[0099] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "monobasic nicotine salt" is used to refer to a nicotine salt of a monobasic acid.

[0100] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one cellulosic agent, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and one or more carboxylic acids.

[0101] The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be one of a solid aerosol-generating film or a solid aerosol-generating gel.

[0102] As used herein, the term “film” is used to describe a solid layered element having a thickness less than its width or length. A film may be self-supporting. In other words, a film may have cohesive and mechanical properties that allow it to be separated from a support surface, even if it is obtained by casting a film-forming formulation onto a support surface. Alternatively, a film may be placed on a support or sandwiched between other materials. This can enhance the mechanical stability of the film.

[0103] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain multiple fragments of tobacco material, such as tobacco cut filler or fragments of homogenized tobacco material.

[0104] As used herein, the term “slice” means an element having a length substantially greater than its width and thickness.

[0105] Homogenized tobacco material fragments may be formed from a sheet of homogenized tobacco material, for example, by cutting or shredding. Homogenized tobacco material fragments may also be formed by other methods, such as extrusion molding.

[0106] Tobacco may contain at least one of cut filler and cast leaf.

[0107] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains an aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol-forming agent can be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol during use. The aerosol-forming agent can promote the aerosol's substantial resistance to thermal decomposition at the temperatures typically applied during use of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include, for example, polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanediol and dimethyl tetradecanediol; and combinations thereof.

[0108] The aerosol-forming body may contain one or more of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming body may consist of glycerin or propylene glycol, or a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0109] The aerosol generating article may be provided with ventilation. The aerosol generating article may be provided with ventilation openings. The aerosol generating article may be provided with at least one ventilation opening located downstream of the plug of the aerosol forming substrate.

[0110] The aerosol-generating article may comprise at least one hollow tubular element.

[0111] As used herein, the term “hollow tubular element” refers to a generally elongated element that defines a lumen or airflow passage along its longitudinal axis. In particular, the term “tubular” is used below with respect to a tubular element having a substantially cylindrical cross-section and defining at least one airflow conduit that establishes an uninterrupted fluid communication between the upstream and downstream ends of the tubular element. However, naturally, alternative shapes of tubular elements (e.g., alternative cross-sectional shapes) may be possible.

[0112] One or more hollow tubular elements may be formed from at least one of cardboard, paper, polymer materials, cellulosic materials, cellulose acetate, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). If at least one hollow tubular element is formed from paper, the paper may be crimped paper such as crimped heat-resistant paper or crimped sulfuric acid paper.

[0113] At least one hollow tubular element may include an aerosol cooling element immediately downstream of the hollow tubular element. The aerosol cooling element may include an assembly of polylactic acid sheets.

[0114] As used herein, “aerosol cooling element” refers to a component of an aerosol generating article positioned downstream of an aerosol generating substrate such that, during use, aerosols formed by volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate pass through the aerosol cooling element and are cooled by the aerosol cooling element before being inhaled by the user.

[0115] The hollow tubular element may be a first hollow tubular element. The aerosol cooling element may include a second hollow tubular element. That is, the aerosol generating article may include a first hollow tubular element and a second hollow tubular element. The first hollow tubular element may have a first inner diameter. The second hollow tubular element may have a second inner diameter. The second inner diameter may be larger than the first inner diameter. Each of the first and second hollow tubular elements may include a cellulose acetate tube or a cardboard tube. The first hollow tubular element may have a length of 3 mm to 13 mm, 6 mm to 10 mm, 7 mm to 9 mm, or about 8 mm. The second hollow tubular element may have a length of 3 mm to 13 mm, 6 mm to 10 mm, 7 mm to 9 mm, or about 8 mm.

[0116] At least one hollow tubular element may be positioned between the aerosol-forming substrate plug and the mouthpiece segment. For example, the first and second hollow tubular elements may be positioned between the aerosol-forming substrate plug and the mouthpiece segment. At least one hollow tubular element may be included immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate plug.

[0117] At least one hollow tubular element may include one or both of a hollow acetate tube (HAT) and a fine hollow acetate tube (FHAT).

[0118] At least one hollow tubular element may include a HAT and an FHAT. The FHAT may be positioned downstream of the HAT. The inner width of the FHAT may be greater than the inner width of the HAT. The wall thickness of the HAT may be greater than the wall thickness of the FHAT. The HAT has a HAT length. The FHAT has an FHAT length. The HAT length may be 3 to 13 mm, 6 to 10 mm, 7 to 9 mm, or about 8 mm. The FHAT length may be 3 to 13 mm, 6 to 10 mm, 7 to 9 mm, or about 8 mm. One or both of the HAT and the FHAT may include a ventilation zone. Preferably, the FHAT includes a ventilation zone at a position along the FHAT.

[0119] Aerosol generating systems may also be provided. An aerosol generating system may comprise any of the aerosol generating articles described herein and an aerosol generating device.

[0120] The aerosol generator may include a heating element or part of a heating element for heating the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generator may also include a chamber for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generator may also include a chamber for receiving an electric heater.

[0121] As used herein, the term “aerosol generator” refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol generator heats the aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate the release of volatile compounds from the substrate.

[0122] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating system" refers to a combination of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article.

[0123] Since the aerosol generating system of this disclosure comprises the aerosol generating article described herein, the advantages of the aerosol generating article described above also apply to the system itself.

[0124] The aerosol generator may be equipped with an electric heater.

[0125] The electric heater may include an inductor coil. If a susceptor element is provided, the aerosol generator may include an inductor coil arranged to inductively heat the susceptor element. The aerosol generator may include an inductor coil. If the aerosol generator includes a chamber for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol generating article, the inductor coil may at least partially surround the chamber for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. The inductor coil may be arranged to coaxially surround the chamber for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0126] The electric heater may include a resistance heater. The resistance heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. The resistance heater may have a tubular shape. The resistance heater may be arranged to be at least partially received within the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device. The resistance heater may have an elongated shape.

[0127] The aerosol generation system may also be equipped with a power source.

[0128] The aerosol generation system may include a controller. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the electric heater. The controller may be configured to control the supply of alternating current from the power source to the inductor coil in order to generate an alternating magnetic field.

[0129] The aerosol generator may further include a power supply. The power supply may be a DC power supply. The power supply may be a battery. The power supply may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery such as a lithium-cobalt, lithium-acid-phosphate, or lithium polymer battery. The power supply may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity to store enough energy for one or more user operations, such as one or more aerosol generation experiences. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0130] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article in Figure 4A along the dashed line 4-4. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article in Figure 5A along the plane indicated by the dashed line 5-5. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating article and aerosol generating device shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0131] [Examples] A non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0132] Example 1: Aerosol-generating article, The upstream segment is located at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article, A mouthpiece segment positioned at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article, It comprises a plug of an aerosol-forming substrate positioned between the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment, Each of the upstream segment and mouthpiece segment contains a fibrous material, An aerosol-generating article in which the upstream segment has at least one of the following: a different color, a different edge shape, a different surface pattern, and a different texture compared to the mouthpiece segment. Example 2: The aerosol generating article according to Example 1, wherein each of the upstream segment and mouthpiece segment includes a tow plug. Example 3: The aerosol generating article according to Example 1 or 2, wherein each of the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment comprises at least one of the following: a paper material containing cellulose fibers, a plurality of natural cellulose fibers, a plurality of regenerated cellulose fibers, a plurality of cellulose acetate fibers, and a plurality of polylactic acid fibers. Example 4: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein each of the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment is a solid plug of fibrous material. Example 5: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the upstream segment includes an upstream end surface defining the upstream end of the aerosol generating article, and the mouthpiece segment includes a downstream end surface defining the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. Example 6: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 5, wherein the upstream end face of the upstream segment is a different color from the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment. Example 7: The aerosol generating article according to Example 6, wherein the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment is white. Example 8: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 7, wherein the entire mouthpiece segment is white. Example 9: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 7 or 8, wherein only the upstream end face of the upstream segment contains a different color. Example 10: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 7 or 8, wherein the entire upstream segment is a different color. Example 11: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the mouthpiece segment has a circular cylindrical shape, and the upstream segment has a different shape compared to the mouthpiece segment. Example 12: The aerosol generating article according to Example 11, further comprising an upstream segment, a plug of an aerosol-forming substrate, and a wrapper extending around a mouthpiece segment, wherein the mouthpiece segment includes a cylindrical surface in contact with the inner surface of the wrapper, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the upstream segment is spaced apart from the inner surface of the wrapper. Example 13: The aerosol generating article according to Example 12, wherein the upstream end face of the upstream segment has a non-circular shape. Example 14: The aerosol generating article according to Example 13, wherein a non-circular shape defines the cross-sectional shape of the upstream segment, and the cross-sectional shape is constant along the length of the upstream segment. Example 15: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 14, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the upstream segment is elliptical, oblong, or polygonal. Example 16: The aerosol generating article according to Example 11, wherein the upstream segment has an elliptical cylindrical shape, an oblong cylindrical shape, or a polygonal prismatic shape. Example 17: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the upstream segment includes an upstream end face defining the upstream end of the aerosol generating article, and the mouthpiece segment includes a downstream end face defining the downstream end of the aerosol generating article, and the upstream end face of the upstream segment has a different surface pattern compared to the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment. Example 18: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 17, wherein the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment is a single color. Example 19: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 17 or 18, wherein the upstream end face of the upstream segment includes at least one of a surface pattern or markings. Example 20: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 19, wherein only the upstream end face of the upstream segment includes at least one surface pattern or mark. Example 21: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the upstream segment comprises a first bundle of fibers, each having a first color, and a second bundle of fibers, each having a second color, and the first color is different from the second color. Example 22: An aerosol-generating article according to Example 21, combined with Example 19, wherein the first fiber bundle and the second fiber bundle together define at least a portion of at least one surface pattern or mark. Example 23: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the entire mouthpiece segment is a single color. Example 24: An aerosol-generating article according to Example 23, combined with Example 21 or 22, wherein a single color is different from at least one of the first and second colors. Example 25: An aerosol-generating article according to Example 23 or 24, wherein the single color is white. Example 26: An aerosol-generating article comprising the features described in Example 5, as described in any of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the upstream end face of the upstream segment has a different texture compared to the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment. Example 27: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 26, wherein the upstream end face of the upstream segment includes at least one embossed or debossed area. Example 28: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 27, wherein at least one embossed or debossed area comprises multiple areas, each containing at least one of embossing and debossing. Example 29: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 28, wherein multiple regions form a repeating pattern of surface texture on the upstream end face of the upstream segment. Example 30: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment is not embossed or debossed. Example 31: An aerosol generating article according to any of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the mouthpiece segment has a length of 5 mm to 15 mm. Example 32: The upstream segment is an aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 1 to 31, having a length of 3 mm to 8 mm. Example 33: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, further comprising a susceptor element. Example 34: The aerosol generating article according to Example 33, wherein the susceptor element is positioned within the plug of the aerosol-forming substrate. Example 35: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, wherein the plug of the aerosol-forming substrate is located immediately downstream of the upstream segment. Example 36: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate contains tobacco. Example 37: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 36, wherein the tobacco comprises at least one of cut filler and cast leaf. Example 38: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 37, further comprising at least one hollow tubular element positioned between the plug of the aerosol-forming substrate and the mouthpiece segment. Example 39: The aerosol generating article according to Example 38, wherein at least one hollow tubular element comprises a hollow tubular element immediately downstream of the plug of the aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol cooling element immediately downstream of the hollow tubular element. Example 40: The aerosol generating article according to Example 39, wherein the hollow tubular element is a first hollow tubular element, and the aerosol cooling element includes a second hollow tubular element. Example 41: The aerosol generating article according to Example 40, wherein the first hollow tubular element has a first inner diameter, and the second hollow tubular element has a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being larger than the first inner diameter. Example 42: The aerosol generating article according to Example 40 or 41, wherein each of the first hollow tubular element and the second hollow tubular element includes an acetate tube or a cardboard tube. Example 43: The aerosol generating article according to Example 39, wherein the aerosol cooling element comprises an aggregate of polylactic acid sheets. Example 44: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 43, further comprising at least one ventilation opening located downstream of the plug of the aerosol forming substrate. Example 45: an aerosol generation system, an aerosol generating article described in any of Examples 1 to 44, An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device including a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol generating article and an electric heater. Example 46: The aerosol generating system according to Example 45, wherein the electric heater includes an inductor coil. Example 47: The aerosol generating system according to Example 45 or 46, further comprising a power supply and a controller configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to an electric heater. Example 48: The aerosol generating system according to a combination of Examples 46 and 47, wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of alternating current from a power source to an inductor coil to generate an alternating magnetic field.

[0133] Herein, the present invention will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings, although this is purely illustrative.

[0134] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating article 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape along its length. The aerosol generating article 10 comprises an aerosol forming substrate plug 12. The aerosol forming substrate plug 12 has a substantially cylindrical shape along its length and includes an assembly of homogenized tobacco sheets.

[0135] The aerosol generating article 10 may further comprise a downstream section located downstream of the plug 12 of the aerosol forming substrate. The downstream section includes a first hollow tubular element 14, a second hollow tubular element 15, and a mouthpiece segment 18. The longitudinal axis 7 extends centrally along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article 10.

[0136] The mouthpiece segment 18 is located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article 10. The mouthpiece segment 18 is a solid cylindrical plug element with a filled cross section. The mouthpiece segment 18 abuts against the downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 15. The mouthpiece segment 18 contains a low-density cellulose acetate filter segment. The RTD of the mouthpiece segment 18 is approximately 18 millimeters of water column. The length of the mouthpiece segment 18 is 12 millimeters. The diameter of the mouthpiece segment 18 is 7.2 millimeters.

[0137] Mouthpiece segment 18 is white.

[0138] The aerosol generating article 10 further comprises an upstream segment 11 at the upstream end of the article 10. The upstream segment 11 is a solid cylindrical plug element having a filled cross section. The upstream segment 11 contains cellulose acetate. In this embodiment, the length of the upstream segment 11 is 5 millimeters. The upstream segment 11, the aerosol forming substrate plug 12, the first hollow tubular element 14, the second hollow tubular element 15, and the mouthpiece segment 18 are arranged end-to-end along the longitudinal axis 7.

[0139] The upstream segment 11 is a different color from the mouthpiece segment 18. In this embodiment, the upstream segment 11 is gray. It will be understood that the upstream segment may be any suitable color, provided that the upstream segment 11 is a different color from the mouthpiece segment 18 so that it is visually distinguishable from the mouthpiece segment 18.

[0140] The upstream segment 11, the aerosol-forming substrate plug 12, the first hollow tubular element 14, and the second hollow tubular element 15 are surrounded by the first wrapper 16. The second hollow tubular element 15 and the mouthpiece segment 18 are surrounded by the second wrapper 19.

[0141] The plug 12 of the aerosol-forming substrate has a plug length parallel to the longitudinal axis 7 of the aerosol-generating article 10 and a plug diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 7 of the aerosol-generating article 10. The plug diameter is substantially uniform along the plug length. In this embodiment, the plug diameter is 7.1 millimeters and the plug length is 12 millimeters. The length of the aerosol-generating article 10 is 45 millimeters.

[0142] The aerosol generating article 10 further comprises a susceptor element 17 disposed within a plug 12 of an aerosol forming substrate. The susceptor element 17 is configured to be heated when penetrated by a changing magnetic field. The length of the susceptor element 17 is approximately equal to the length of the plug 12 of the aerosol forming substrate. In other words, the length of the susceptor element 17 is 12 millimeters. The width of the susceptor element 17 is 4 millimeters, and the thickness of the susceptor element 17 is 60 micrometers.

[0143] As described above, the downstream section includes a mouthpiece segment 18, a second hollow tubular element 15, and a first hollow tubular element 14. The downstream section extends between the aerosol-forming substrate plug 12 and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10. The downstream section has a length of 28 millimeters. The second hollow tubular element 15 is downstream of the first hollow tubular element 14. The first hollow tubular element 14 is a hollow acetate tube. The second hollow tubular element 15 is a hollow acetate tube. The first hollow tubular element 14 abuts against the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate plug 12. The length of the first hollow tubular element 14 is 8 millimeters. The length of the second hollow tubular element 15 is 8 millimeters.

[0144] The first hollow tubular element 14 includes a lumen. The lumen of the first hollow tubular element 14 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The second hollow tubular element 15 includes a lumen. The lumen of the second hollow tubular element 15 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The lumen diameter (inner width) of the second hollow tubular element 15 is greater than the lumen diameter (inner width) of the first hollow tubular element 14. The wall thickness of the second hollow tubular element 15 is less than the wall thickness of the first hollow tubular element 14. The second hollow tubular element 15 may be called a fine hollow acetate tube (FHAT). The wall thickness of the second hollow tubular element 15 is 1.05 millimeters. The wall thickness of the first hollow tubular element 14 is 1.9 millimeters. The outer diameter of each of the first hollow tubular element 14 and the second hollow tubular element 15 is 7.1 millimeters. The RTD formed by combining the first hollow tubular element 14 and the second hollow tubular element 15 has a water column of approximately 0 millimeters.

[0145] The second hollow tubular element 15 is provided with a ventilation zone located along the second hollow tubular element 15. It will be understood that the ventilation zone may be provided alternatively or additionally along the first hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone includes one or more rows of ventilation holes 13 arranged circumferentially around the second hollow tubular element 15 in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 7 of the aerosol generating article 10. The ventilation holes 13 are perforations through the wall of the second hollow tubular element 15. The ventilation level of the aerosol generating article 10 is approximately 50 percent. Each circumferential row of ventilation holes 13 contains 11 holes. The ventilation holes 13 extend through both the first wrapper 16 and the second wrapper 19 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 7. The distance of the ventilation holes 13 from the downstream end of the article 10 is 18 millimeters.

[0146] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article 100 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating article 100 differs from the aerosol generating article 10 only in that a different upstream segment 111 and a different mouthpiece segment 118 are provided. Similar reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

[0147] Both the mouthpiece segment 118 and the upstream segment 111 are white. However, the upstream segment 111 has a different surface texture compared to the mouthpiece segment 118. In particular, the upstream segment 111 has a different surface smoothness compared to the mouthpiece segment 118. Therefore, the mouthpiece segment 118 and the upstream segment 111 are distinguishable by touch.

[0148] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article 200 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating article 200 differs from the aerosol-generating article 10 only in that a different upstream segment 211 is provided. Similar reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

[0149] The upstream segment 211 includes an upstream end face 221 and a body 222 extending downstream from the upstream end face 221. The upstream end face 221 is the only exposed surface of the upstream segment 211. The upstream end face 221 of the upstream segment 211 is a different color from the mouthpiece segment 18. In this embodiment, the upstream end face 221 of the upstream segment 211 is gray. The body 222 of the upstream segment 211 is the same color as the mouthpiece segment 18, and in this embodiment, it is white. It will be understood that the upstream end face 221 of the upstream segment 211 may be any preferred color, provided that the upstream end face 221 of the upstream segment 211 is a different color from the mouthpiece segment 18 so that the upstream segment 211 is visually distinguishable from the mouthpiece segment 18.

[0150] Figure 4A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article 300 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating article 300 differs from the aerosol-generating article 10 only in that a different upstream segment 311 is provided. Similar reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

[0151] Mouthpiece segment 18 is completely white.

[0152] The upstream segment 311 includes a core 321 and a shell 322, which are integrally formed to form a solid cylindrical plug element with a filled cross-section. Together, the core 321 and shell 322 form a circular upstream end face 323 of the upstream segment 311, which is exposed. The core 321 is a different color from the shell 322 and is a different color from the mouthpiece segment 18. In this embodiment, the core 321 is gray and the shell 322 is white. The core 321 has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape.

[0153] Figure 4B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article 300 of Figure 4A along the plane indicated by the dashed line 4-4. The diagram in Figure 4B shows the exposed upstream end face 323 of the upstream segment 311. A user viewing the circular upstream end face 323 of the upstream segment 311 from this viewpoint will see a gray hexagonal shape enclosed by a white shell. The gray hexagonal shape at the center of the circular upstream face 323 makes it possible to visually distinguish the upstream segment 311 from the completely white mouthpiece segment 18, which has a white exposed downstream end face.

[0154] It will be understood that the shell 322 may be a different color from the mouthpiece segment 18, and the core 321 may be the same color as the mouthpiece segment 18. Naturally, the core 321 may be a different color from the shell 322, and both the core 321 and the shell 322 may be different colors compared to the mouthpiece segment 18. It will also be understood that the core 321 may have any preferred shape.

[0155] Figure 5A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article 400 according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating article 400 differs from the aerosol-generating article 10 only in that a different upstream segment 411 is provided. Similar reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

[0156] Mouthpiece segment 18 is completely white.

[0157] The upstream segment 411 is provided as a solid plug element having a filled cross-section that is hexagonal in shape. The hexagonal upstream surface 423 of the upstream segment 411 is exposed. The upstream segment 411 is also entirely white. The upstream segment 411, which includes a white hexagonal prism shape, is visually distinguishable from the white cylindrical mouthpiece segment 18. In particular, due to the hexagonal cross-sectional shape of the upstream segment 411, a portion of the outer edge of the upstream segment 411 is spaced apart from the first wrapper 16. This is illustrated in Figure 5B, which shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating article 400 in Figure 5A along the plane indicated by the dashed line 5-5. The mouthpiece segment 18 includes a cylindrical surface that is in full contact with the inner surface of the second wrapper 19.

[0158] It will be understood that the upstream segment 411 may have any preferred shape. In an alternative embodiment, the upstream segment 411 may have a cross-sectional shape that varies along the length of the upstream segment 411. For example, the upstream segment 411 may have an upstream portion having a non-circular cross-sectional shape and a downstream portion having a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0159] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating system 1000, which includes the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 and an aerosol generating device 500.

[0160] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating article 10 comprises a susceptor element 17 disposed within a plug 12 of an aerosol forming substrate. The susceptor element 17 is configured to be heated when penetrated by a changing magnetic field.

[0161] The aerosol generator 500 includes an inductor coil 526 surrounding the chamber 521 such that the inductor coil 526 surrounds the susceptor element 17 when the upstream end of the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the chamber 521. The inductor coil 526 is arranged to generate a changing magnetic field within the chamber 521 that penetrates the susceptor element 17 and inductively heats the susceptor element 17.

[0162] Chamber 521 is configured to receive the upstream end of the aerosol generating article 10. The distal end of chamber 521 has a closed end, and the proximal end of chamber 521 has an open end. The upstream end of the aerosol generating article 10 can be inserted into chamber 521 through the open end of chamber 521.

[0163] When in use, the user inserts the aerosol generating article 10 into the chamber 521 of the aerosol generating device 500.

[0164] The aerosol generator 500 further comprises a power supply (not shown) and control electronic equipment (not shown) arranged to supply power to an inductor coil 526 to generate a changing magnetic field within the chamber 521.

[0165] The induction heating susceptor element 17 heats the plug 12 of the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article 10 is properly received into the chamber 521. The inductor coil 526 may be operated manually or may occur automatically in response to the user inhaling the aerosol-generating article 10 when the aerosol-generating article 10 is inserted into the chamber 521.

[0166] The entire length of the aerosol-forming substrate plug 12 is received within the chamber 521 when the upstream aerosol-generating article 10 is inserted into the chamber 521. The chamber 521 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The chamber 521 has substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol-forming substrate plug 12. The vents of the second hollow tubular element of the aerosol-generating article 10 are not received within the chamber 521.

[0167] During use, the inductor coil 526 is controlled to heat the susceptor element 17 within a defined operating temperature range below the maximum operating temperature. The operating temperature of the susceptor element 17 is approximately 350 degrees Celsius.

[0168] Naturally, the aerosol generator 500 may be used in the same manner as any of the alternative aerosol generating articles shown in Figures 2 to 5B.

[0169] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values ​​representing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., should be understood in all instances as being modified by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10%. In this context, the number A may be considered to include numerical values ​​that fall within the general standard error to the measured value of the characteristic that the number A modifies. In some cases as used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation does not substantially affect the fundamental and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. Aerosol-generating article, An upstream segment located at the upstream end of the aerosol generating article, A mouthpiece segment positioned at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article, The system comprises a plug of an aerosol-forming substrate positioned between the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment, Each of the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment comprises a fibrous material, An aerosol-generating article wherein the upstream segment has at least one of a different color, a different edge shape, a different surface pattern, and a different texture compared to the mouthpiece segment.

2. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein each of the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment includes a tow plug.

3. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment comprises at least one of a paper material containing cellulose fibers, a plurality of natural cellulose fibers, a plurality of regenerated cellulose fibers, a plurality of cellulose acetate fibers, and a plurality of polylactic acid fibers.

4. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the upstream segment and the mouthpiece segment is a solid plug made of fibrous material.

5. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upstream segment includes an upstream end surface defining the upstream end of the aerosol generating article, and the mouthpiece segment includes a downstream end surface defining the downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

6. The aerosol generating article according to claim 5, wherein the upstream end face of the upstream segment is a different color from the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment.

7. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mouthpiece segment has a circular cylindrical shape, and the upstream segment has a different shape from that of the mouthpiece segment.

8. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the upstream end face of the upstream segment has a non-circular shape.

9. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the upstream segment includes an upstream end surface defining the upstream end of the aerosol generating article, the mouthpiece segment includes a downstream end surface defining the downstream end of the aerosol generating article, and the upstream end surface of the upstream segment has a different surface pattern compared to the downstream end surface of the mouthpiece segment.

10. The aerosol generating article according to claim 9, wherein the downstream end face of the mouthpiece segment is a single color.

11. The aerosol generating article according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the upstream end face of the upstream segment includes at least one of a surface pattern or markings.

12. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the upstream segment comprises a first bundle of fibers, each having a first color, and a second bundle of fibers, each having a second color, wherein the first color is different from the second color.

13. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the upstream segment includes an upstream end surface defining the upstream end of the aerosol generating article, the mouthpiece segment includes a downstream end surface defining the downstream end of the aerosol generating article, and the upstream end surface of the upstream segment has a different texture from that of the downstream end surface of the mouthpiece segment.

14. An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a susceptor element.

15. an aerosol generation system, an aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device including an aerosol generating device and an electric heater for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

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