Articles for use in or for use as a non-combustible aerosol supply system

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an article (1) for use in or as a non-combustible aerosol supply system, the article (1) comprising an aerosol generating material rod and an end cap (9) having a first portion (9a) configured to extend at least partially over the end face (8) of the aerosol generating material rod. A method for manufacturing the article (1) is also provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system, or for use as a non-combustible aerosol supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] Certain products generate aerosols during use, which are inhaled by the user. For example, a cigarette heating device heats a substrate, such as a cigarette, to form an aerosol by heating the substrate rather than burning it. Such products typically include a mouthpiece, through which the aerosol passes to the user's mouth. [Overview of the project]

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an article is provided for use in or for use as a non-combustible aerosol supply system, the article comprising an aerosol generating material rod and an end cap having a first portion configured to extend at least partially over the end face of the aerosol generating material rod.

[0004] In some embodiments, the end cap is configured to at least reduce the amount of aerosol-generating material that detaches from the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap partially covers the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod such that at least a portion of the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod defines the outer surface of the article.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap extends at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first portion of the end cap partially covers the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod so as to form an aperture in the first portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the aperture diameter is at least about 0.5 mm, at least about 1 mm or at least about 2 mm, optionally up to about 8 mm, optionally at least about 1 mm or 2 mm and up to 5 mm.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first portion covers an area ranging from approximately 13% to approximately 84% of the end face area of ​​the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first portion covers an area ranging from approximately 26% to approximately 84% of the end face area of ​​the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first portion covers an area ranging from approximately 49% to approximately 84% of the end face area of ​​the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap forms a substantially annular cap that covers the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0014] In some embodiments, the aperture is an annulus of an annular cap, with the width of the annulus ranging from approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 4 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the aperture is an annular cap ring, with the width of the ring ranging from approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm.

[0016] In some embodiments, the aperture is an annular ring of the annular cap, and the width of the annular ring ranges from about 2 mm to about 3 mm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the aperture is centrally arranged in the first portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the aperture and the aerosol-generating material rod are concentrically aligned.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap forms a continuous annular ring on the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap comprises an iris-fold such that segments of the first portion are folded over one another.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first portion comprises a plurality of segments.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first portion comprises a plurality of segments such that the end cap forms a discontinuous annular ring covering the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap completely covers the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap overlaps itself at the center of the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0025] In some embodiments, the end cap further comprises a second portion extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0026] In some embodiments, the end cap is formed by the wrapper of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0027] In some embodiments, the end cap extends over the downstream end of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0028] In some embodiments, the end cap is formed by the filter tip wrapper of the article.

[0029] In some embodiments, the end cap extends over the upstream end of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0030] In some embodiments, the end cap further comprises a second portion formed from two arms attached to the outer peripheral surface of the article.

[0031] In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from a porous material.

[0032] In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from a material provided with small pores.

[0033] In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from a material having a porosity of more than 3000 CU, or more than 6000 CU, or more than 12000 CU, or more than 24000 CU.

[0034] In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from a material having a weight in the range of about 20 gsm to about 60 gsm.

[0035] In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from a plug wrap.

[0036] In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from tipping paper.

[0037] In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from aluminum foil.

[0038] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material rod comprises a plurality of elongated strips of aerosol-generating material.

[0039] In some embodiments, multiple elongated strips extend substantially over the length of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0040] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is bonded to a wrapper that surrounds the aerosol-generating material.

[0041] In some embodiments, the adhesive adheres the aerosol-generating material to the wrapper, and the adhesive is applied to the wrapper in a spiral pattern.

[0042] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is configured to receive an aerosol generator in a non-combustible aerosol supply device, and the aerosol generating material is configured to be compressed when the aerosol generator is inserted.

[0043] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an article, the method comprising the steps of: preparing an aerosol-generating material rod having a plurality of elongated strips; preparing a wrapper around the aerosol-generating material rod such that a first portion of the wrapper extends from the ends of the aerosol-generating material rod; and folding the first portion of the wrapper that extends from the ends of the aerosol-generating material rod so as to at least partially cover the end faces of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0044] In some embodiments, the step of folding the first portion includes rotating the aerosol-generating material rod on a drum through at least one folding device.

[0045] In some embodiments, the step of folding the first portion includes rolling the aerosol-generating material rod on a drum through at least one folding device.

[0046] In some embodiments, the step of folding the first portion includes moving the die longitudinally with respect to the aerosol-generating material rod to bend the first portion inward onto the end of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0047] In some embodiments, the folding step further includes a step of compressing a first portion of the wrapper.

[0048] In some embodiments, compression is performed during the article packaging step.

[0049] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, an article is provided for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device, manufactured by a method according to the third aspect.

[0050] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a non-combustible aerosol supply system comprising an article according to the first or third aspect and a non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0051] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply device comprises an aerosol generator, which extends into the aerosol-generating section of the article and is in direct contact with the aerosol-generating material.

[0052] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a pin heater or a blade heater.

[0053] A fifth aspect of this disclosure provides a method comprising the step of inserting an aerosol generator of a non-combustible aerosol supply device into an aerosol generating material of an article according to the first or third aspect.

[0054] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is compressed during the insertion of the aerosol generator into the aerosol-generating material.

[0055] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, the use of an article in a non-combustible aerosol supply device according to the first or third aspect is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0056] [Figure 1a] A side cross-sectional view of an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device, showing it inserted into the aerosol supply device. [Figure 1b] A side cross-sectional view of an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device, showing it inserted into the aerosol supply device. [Figure 1c] This is a perspective view of an end cap for an article intended for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. [Figure 2] A side cross-sectional view of an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device, showing the state when inserted into the aerosol supply device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an end view of the upstream end of the article shown. [Figure 4] A side cross-sectional view of an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device, showing it inserted into the aerosol supply device. [Figure 5] A side cross-sectional view of an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device, showing it inserted into the aerosol supply device. [Figure 6a] This is a perspective view of an unfolded end plug for an article intended for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. [Figure 6b] This figure shows the end plug shown in Figure 6a when it has been partially folded. [Figure 6c] Figure 6a is a side cross-sectional view of the end plug, showing the state after it has been completely folded to form the end plug. [Figure 7] This is a side cross-sectional view of the downstream end of an article intended for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. [Figure 8a] This is a perspective view of the die for folding and the end plug that has not been folded. [Figure 8b]This is a perspective view of the die for folding and the end plug that has not been folded. [Figure 9] This is a schematic side view of a device for folding unfolded end plugs in order to form folded end plugs. [Figure 10] This is a schematic side view of a device for folding unfolded end plugs in order to form folded end plugs. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is an end view of an end plug that has been folded using the apparatus shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a non-combustion aerosol supply device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0057] In the figures described herein, the same reference numerals are used to indicate equivalent features, articles, or components. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” as used herein are relative terms defined with respect to the direction of the mainstream aerosol drawn through the article or device during use. This specification discloses articles for use in or for use as non-combustible aerosol supply systems, which are articles that The first end and the second end, An aerosol generating section comprising an aerosol generating material and positioned between a first end and a second end, An end cap comprising a first portion configured to extend at least partially over the end face of the first end, It is equipped with.

[0058] Figure 1a is a side cross-sectional view of article 1 for use in or as an aerosol delivery system, inserted into the receiving portion 2, in this case the recess, of a non-combustible aerosol supply device 3. Article 1 comprises a first end 1a and a second end 1b downstream of the first end 1a. An aerosol generating section 4 is provided between the first end 1a and the second end 1b. A downstream section 5 is located downstream of the aerosol generating section 4. The downstream section 5, also referred to herein as the downstream portion, may be or include a mouthpiece designed to be inserted into the user's mouth when in use, or may be configured to cooperate with a separate mouthpiece, such as as a separate attachment to the downstream section 5 or provided as part of the device 3. Article 1 comprises a longitudinal axis X-X'.

[0059] The downstream section 5 may comprise filter material and / or other components, at least some of which are described herein but omitted from some figures for clarity. For example, in some embodiments, the article comprises one or more filter segments. One or more filter segments may be located downstream of the aerosol generation section, for example, in the downstream section.

[0060] In this example, the aerosol generation section 4 comprises a source of aerosol-generating material in the form of a cylindrical rod of the aerosol-generating material. In other examples, the aerosol generation section 4 may comprise a cavity for receiving the source of aerosol-generating material. The aerosol generation section comprises an end face 8. In this example, the end face comprises a continuous flat surface with a substantially circular periphery. In some embodiments, including this example, the end face does not contain any significant depressions or voids. In other words, the entire surface of the end face may be flat.

[0061] In some embodiments, including this example, the aerosol generating section comprises or consists of an aerosol generating material rod, the aerosol generating material having a substantially uniform distribution throughout the aerosol generating section. In some embodiments, the entire volume of the aerosol generating section comprises the aerosol generating material. In this example, the cross-section of article 1, indicated by the dotted line A, defines the outer periphery of the aerosol generating material rod. The rod contains a substantially uniform distribution of the aerosol generating material within its periphery. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating section does not include a cavity or void configured to receive an aerosol generator of an aerosol supply device.

[0062] Aerosol-generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols when energy is supplied, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. Aerosol-generating materials can be in the form of, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a semi-solid (such as a gel), and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0063] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials. The aerosol-generating material may comprise multiple strands or strips of the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material can comprise multiple elongated strands or strips. For example, the aerosol-generating material may comprise multiple strands or strips of aerosolizable material and / or multiple strands or strips of amorphous solid, as described below. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material consists of multiple strands or strips of aerosolizable material. In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating material consists of a single strand, strip, or sheet of aerosolizable material. The strands or strips of the aerosol-generating material may be arranged such that the longitudinal dimension of the strand or strip is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the article. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a reconstituted sheet plant material, such as tobacco material, or other plant material, such as rooibos. In some embodiments, the sheet is band-cast reconstituted tobacco. In some embodiments, the sheet is band-cast reconstituted rooibos. In some embodiments, the sheet is reconstituted tobacco or rooibos, and the sheet is manufactured using a papermaking process.

[0064] For example, multiple elongated strips of aerosol-generating material can extend substantially along the length of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0065] In some embodiments, the plant material may comprise one or more of expanded plant material, reconstituted plant material, or plant substitutes. The plant material may comprise one or more of crushed plant material, plant fibers, cut plant material (e.g., cut leaves), extruded plant material, plant stems, leaf lamina, reconstituted plants, and / or plant extracts. In any embodiment, the plant material may be rooibos or tobacco in any of these forms.

[0066] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material includes shredded rag tobacco.

[0067] The aerosol-generating material is configured to generate an aerosol when heated, which can be inhaled by the user. The aerosol-generating material may also be configured to generate an inhalable aerosol when heated to a temperature of about 150°C to about 500°C. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is configured to generate an aerosol when heated to a temperature of about 200°C to about 500°C or about 200°C to about 450°C.

[0068] The aerosol-generating material includes an aerosol-forming agent material. The aerosol-forming agent material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent material may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetin, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. In particular, the aerosol-forming agent material includes glycerol.

[0069] The aerosol-generating material may contain at least 5% of the aerosol-forming agent material by weight, calculated on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-forming agent material is, for example, one of the aerosol-forming agent materials described herein. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material contains about 5% to about 80% of the aerosol-forming agent material. The aerosol-generating material may also contain about 10% to about 30% of the aerosol-forming agent material.

[0070] The aerosol-generating section of the article may contain at least 5% aerosol-forming agent material based on the total weight of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating section, calculated on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating section of the article contains about 5% to about 80% aerosol-forming agent material based on the total weight of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating section. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating section of the article contains about 10% to about 30% aerosol-forming agent material based on the total weight of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating section.

[0071] As described above, the aerosol-generating material may comprise a plurality of elongated strips of the aerosol-generating material that can extend substantially along the length of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0072] Referring to Figure 1b, in this example, multiple strands or strips of the aerosol-generating material 4a are aligned within the aerosol-generating section 4 such that their longitudinal dimensions are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X' of article 1. Alternatively, the strands or strips may be arranged such that their aligned longitudinal dimensions are generally transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of article 1, and optionally perpendicular.

[0073] The majority of the strands or strips may be arranged such that the longitudinal dimensions of the majority of the strands or strips are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of article 1. In some embodiments, about 95% to about 100% of the strands or strips are arranged such that the longitudinal dimensions of about 95% to about 100% of the strands or strips are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of article 1. In some embodiments, all of the strands or strips are arranged within the aerosol-generating section such that all of the longitudinal dimensions of the strands or strips are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating section of article 1.

[0074] If the majority of the strands or strips are positioned within the aerosol-generating section 4 such that the longitudinal axis of the majority of the strands or strips is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating section 4 of article 1, then the force required to insert an aerosol generator, such as a heating element 2a, into the aerosol-generating material may be relatively low. This can result in a more user-friendly article 1.

[0075] In this example, the tip paper 6, a wrapper, covers the entire length of the aerosol-generating material. The tip paper 6 also covers the entire length of the downstream section 5 and has adhesive on its inner surface to connect the downstream section 5 to the rod. For example, the downstream section 5 may include at least one filter segment (not shown). The filter segment may contain filter material, and the tip paper 6 may cover the filter material.

[0076] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material rod is covered within a wrapper (not shown) that forms a first covering material, and the tip paper 6 forms an outer covering material that extends at least partially over the aerosol-generating material rod to connect the downstream portion 5 with the rod. In some examples, the tip paper can extend entirely over the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0077] In this example, the chip paper 6 comprises a water-impermeable wrapper containing aluminum foil. In other embodiments, the chip paper 6 comprises a paper wrapper, which optionally comprises a barrier coating to make the wrapper material substantially water-impermeable. If the wrapper contains paper or paper backing, i.e., a cellulose-based material, the wrapper may have a basis weight greater than about 30 gsm. For example, the wrapper may have a basis weight in the range of about 40 gsm to about 70 gsm.

[0078] In this example, the moisture-impermeable chip paper 6 is also substantially impermeable to air. The chip paper 6 preferably has an air permeability of less than 100 cholesta units, more preferably less than 60 cholesta units. For example, it has been found that a low-air permeability wrapper having an air permeability of less than 100 cholesta units, more preferably less than 60 cholesta units, results in improved aerosol formation in aerosol-generating materials. The air permeability of the chip paper 6 can be measured according to ISO 2965:2009 for determining the air permeability of materials used as cigarette paper, filter plug wraps and filter bonding paper.

[0079] In this example, the chip paper 6 extends 5 mm on the aerosol-generating material rod, but alternatively, it may be extended 3 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 4 mm to 6 mm, on the rod to ensure secure attachment. The chip paper may have a basis weight greater than 20 gsm, for example greater than 25 gsm, or preferably greater than 30 gsm, for example greater than 37 gsm. It has been found that basis weights in this range provide a chip paper that has acceptable tensile strength while also being flexible enough to cover the article 1 and adhere to the chip paper itself along the longitudinal wrap seam of the paper.

[0080] Article 1 includes an end cap 9 having a first portion 9a configured to extend at least partially over the end face 8 of a first end 1a. In some embodiments, such as this embodiment, the end cap 9 does not completely cover the end face 8. In other words, at least a portion of the end face 8 of the end cap 9 may be visible from outside Article 1. In such embodiments, the end cap 9 includes an opening 10. The opening 10 may be configured to receive an aerosol generator, such as a heater. The end cap extends over the upstream end of an aerosol generating material rod.

[0081] In this example, the end cap 9 comprises an end cap wrapper surrounding the first end 1a of article 1A, a portion of which is bent to provide a first portion 9a that partially extends over the end face 8 of the aerosol-generating material rod. A second portion 9b of the end cap extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X' of article 1.

[0082] In this example, the end cap 9 comprises a second portion 9b that extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material rod. The second portion 9b may be attached to the tip paper 6 by any suitable means. For example, the second portion 9b may be glued to the tip paper 6, or the second portion 9b may be held in place by friction between the tip paper 6 and the second portion 9b.

[0083] In some embodiments, the second portion does not extend continuously around the entire circumference of the aerosol-generating material rod. In some embodiments, the second portion comprises two arms attached to the outer surface of the article. The two arms may be attached to the outer surface of the wrapper. This reduces the mass of the end cap, and thereby reduces the mass of the article.

[0084] For example, referring to Figure 1c, the end cap 9 comprises a first portion 9a, an aperture 10, and a second portion 9b. The second portion 9b is in the form of two arms extending substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the first portion 9a. As previously stated, the two arms may be bonded to the outer surface of the article wrapper such that the end cap 9 is attached to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating material rod and the first portion extends at least partially over the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0085] The aperture can take various forms. For example, it can be circular, square, or cross-shaped. In some embodiments, the end cap does not have an aperture, but instead has a plurality of small holes in the central portion of the end cap, which are configured to form an aperture when the aerosol generator of a non-combustible aerosol supply device is inserted into the aerosol generation section through a first portion of the end cap. In such embodiments, when the aerosol generator is withdrawn from the aerosol generation section, the aperture formed in the end cap due to the insertion of the aerosol generator remains.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap partially covers the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod such that at least a portion of the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod defines the outer surface of the article. This outer surface is therefore visible from outside the article. In some embodiments, the portion of the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod defining the outer surface of the article is flat and / or extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of article 1.

[0087] Referring again to Figure 1a, the first portion 9a of the end cap 9 extends at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating material rod. In this example, the first portion 9a crosses the longitudinal axis X-X' of article 1 and the aerosol-generating material rod. In this example, the first portion 9a is at approximately 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X' of article 1 and the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0088] The first portion can extend at an angle of about 1° to about 120° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the article. In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap extends at an angle of about 80° to about 100°. In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap extends at an angle of about 90°. An angle of about 90° helps ensure that the article has a length suitable for use in non-combustible aerosol supply devices. For example, if the first portion of the end cap has an angle of less than about 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the article, the first portion substantially extends the length of the article. As a result, when the article is inserted into a non-combustible aerosol supply device, the article may not be precisely aligned with the feature parts of the device, such as an aerosol generator. In contrast, if the first portion has an angle greater than about 90°, the material of the first portion of the end cap can extend into the aerosol-generating material of the rod, which means that there is less volume in the aerosol-generating section for the aerosol-generating material to be contained.

[0089] Therefore, it may be preferable that the first portion of the end cap extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0090] Referring again to Figure 1a, the end cap comprises an aperture 10, also referred to herein as an opening or ring. The first portion of the end cap may partially cover the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod to form an aperture in the first portion. The aperture may be configured to receive an aerosol generator, such as a pin heater of an aerosol supply device. For example, the aperture may have a total area that is larger than or approximately the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol generator. This allows the aerosol generator of the aerosol supply device to be inserted into the aerosol-generating material with minimal resistance.

[0091] In this example, aperture 10 is positioned in the center of the first section.

[0092] The aperture can be circular, elliptical, or any other shape. The aperture may have the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of at least a portion of the aerosol generator. In this example, the first portion of the end cap forms a substantially annular cap that covers the end face of the aerosol generating material rod, and therefore the aperture is substantially circular.

[0093] The aperture and aerosol-generating material rod may be aligned concentrically. For example, the center of the aperture (for example, the aperture can be circular, and the center point of the circle is the center of the aperture) may be aligned with the longitudinal axis X-X' of the center of the article.

[0094] The aperture may be configured to receive an aerosol generator of an aerosol supply device, and when the aerosol generator is received, the aerosol generator is also positioned at the center of the aperture and aligned with the central longitudinal axis X-X' of the article. This allows the heat generated by the aerosol generator during use to be uniformly distributed radially throughout the aerosol-generating material.

[0095] In some embodiments, including this example, the first portion 9a partially extends over the face 8 of the aerosol-generating material rod. That is, the end face 8 of the aerosol-generating material rod is not completely covered by the first portion 9a of the end cap 9. In some embodiments, the face 8 of the aerosol-generating material rod is completely covered by the first portion 9a of the end cap 9. As described below, the end cap 9 is configured to at least reduce the amount of aerosol-generating material that falls out of the aerosol-generating section via the first end 1a. In some embodiments, the end cap 9 is configured to prevent the aerosol-generating material from falling out of the aerosol-generating section. In other words, it can be prevented that the aerosol-generating material falls out of the first end 1a of article 1.

[0096] The aperture diameter is at least about 0.5 mm and may be up to about 8 mm. In some embodiments, the aperture diameter is at least about 1 mm or 2 mm and may be up to 5 mm. In this example, the aperture has a diameter of about 2 mm, which is approximately the same as the diameter of the aerosol generator of the aerosol supply device. The diameter of the aerosol generator is defined as the longest straight line passing through the cross-section of the aerosol generator between the two outer edges of the aerosol generator. In some embodiments, the diameter of the aerosol generator of the aerosol supply device is about 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, or 3 mm, and the aperture is the same diameter as or slightly larger than the diameter of the aerosol generator. In some embodiments, the diameter of the aerosol generator is 5% to 20% larger than the diameter of the aerosol generator, for example, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% larger than the diameter of the aerosol generator. Having an aperture with a larger diameter than the aerosol generator may be beneficial in avoiding interaction between the aerosol generator and the material forming the aperture when the aerosol generator is in use (for example, when heating the material forming the end cap).

[0097] Referring to Figure 2, in this example, article 1 is inserted into the receiving portion 2 of the non-combustible aerosol supply device 3 by moving article 1 in the direction indicated by D. The receiving portion 2 is a recess in the device 3 that contains the aerosol generator, which in this example is a pin heater 2a. The pin heater 2a penetrates the opening 10 of the end cap 9 and through the aerosol generating section 4. In this example, the pin heater 2a is resistance heated, but alternatively, it may be formed of a heating material described herein that can be induction heated, such as a susceptor. In other examples, the aerosol generating section 4 of article 1 may include a heating material that can be induction heated, such as a susceptor.

[0098] In this example, the aerosol generation section 4 comprises a relatively tightly packed strand or strip of aerosol generation material 4a. Insertion of the pin heater 2a into the aerosol generation section 4 disturbs the strand or strip of aerosol generation material 4a. In this example, the strand or strip of aerosol generation material 4a moves outward toward the tip paper 6 when the pin heater 2a is inserted into the aerosol generation section. At that time, the pin heater 2a occupies the space previously occupied by the aerosol generation material.

[0099] To generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material, a pin heater is activated to supply heat to the aerosol-generating material, and as a result, when the aerosol-generating material reaches the aerosol-generating temperature, it generates aerosols.

[0100] Article 1 is removable from the aerosol supply device 3 (for example, at the end of a session) by moving article 1 relative to the device in the direction opposite to the direction of the mark D. To remove article 1 from the aerosol supply device 3, article 1 is pulled out from the receiving portion 2. Once article 1 is pulled out from the receiving portion 2, the pin heater 2a is pulled out from the aerosol generation section 4 through the opening 10 of the end plug.

[0101] The aerosol-generating material is relatively strong and tightly packed within the aerosol-generating section 4 (especially when the aerosol-generating material is in the form of strands or strips), but the force exerted on the aerosol-generating material by the pin heater, along with heating the material to the aerosol-generating temperature, can reduce the structural integrity of the aerosol-generating material and cause it to break. For example, inserting the pin heater into the aerosol-generating section can cause damage (e.g., tearing) to the aerosol-generating material. When the pin heater is withdrawn from the aerosol-generating section 4, the aerosol-generating material tends to become disturbed again, displaced, and move relative to the wrapper.

[0102] The first portion 9a of the end plug 9 at least partially covers the end face 8 of the aerosol generating section, thereby preventing the aerosol generating material from falling out of the article 1, especially when the pin heater 9a is withdrawn from the aerosol generating section 4. This improves the overall hygiene of the system by preventing fragments of the aerosol generating material (e.g., particles or flakes) from leaving the article and entering other components of the system, such as the aerosol supply device.

[0103] If the first part is a ring, the aperture is the ring provided by the first part. In other words, the first part may comprise a ring.

[0104] Referring to Figure 3, the first annular portion 9a comprises an inner circumference 9c and an outer circumference 9d. The inner circumference 9c is smaller than the outer circumference 9d. In this example, the outer circumference 9d is slightly larger than the outer circumference of the aerosol-generating section of article 1. In some embodiments, the outer circumference is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the outer circumference of the aerosol-generating section of article 1.

[0105] The diameter of an annule, also referred to herein as the width of the annule, is the longest straight-line distance between a first point on the inner circumference 9c and a second point on the inner circumference 9c. The diameter is defined by the radial distance r between the inner circumference 9c and the outer circumference 9d of the first portion 9a. For example, a larger radial distance r provides an annule with a smaller diameter w. A smaller radial distance r provides an annule with a larger width w. The diameter w of the annule may range from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter w of the annule is in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. In some specific embodiments, the diameter w of the annule is in the range of about 2 mm to about 3 mm.

[0106] The width of the ring is proportional to the area of ​​the end face covered by the first part. In other words, increasing the width of the ring increases the proportion of the end face area covered by the first part.

[0107] The first portion of the end cap may cover at least about 1% to a maximum of about 90% of the end face. In some embodiments, the first portion covers at least about 1%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% to a maximum of about 85%, 75%, 65%, or 55% of the end face. In preferred embodiments, the first portion covers about 5% to about 50% of the end face.

[0108] Increasing the coverage of the end face by the first portion can reduce the tendency for the aerosol-generating material to be pulled out of the aerosol-generating section. However, complete coverage of the end face may increase the resistance (also referred to herein as pressure drop) to draw gas through the article during use. Completely covering the end face with the first portion can also make it difficult to insert and remove the aerosol generator of the aerosol supply device.

[0109] In contrast to complete coverage of the end face by the first part, partial coverage of the end face by the first part reduces the increase in inhalation resistance and allows the aerosol generator to be inserted into the aerosol-generating material relatively easily. However, if the first part does not adequately cover the end face, the aerosol-generating material is more likely to be unintentionally pulled out of the aerosol-generating section during use of the article. Therefore, by controlling the area ratio of the end face covered by the first part, the resistance to pulling out the article can also be controlled, at least partially.

[0110] By covering at least about 5% to a maximum of about 50% of the end face, it is possible to sufficiently suppress unintended withdrawal of aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating section while minimizing the impact on inhalation resistance.

[0111] In particular, it was found that a good balance can be achieved between these factors when the first portion covers approximately 13% to approximately 84% of the end face area of ​​the aerosol-generating material rod. This is especially true when the first portion covers a range of approximately 26% to approximately 84% of the end face area of ​​the aerosol-generating material rod. It is particularly preferable that the first portion covers approximately 49% to approximately 84% of the end face area of ​​the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap forms a continuous ring on the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod. For example, the entire surface of the first portion does not need to have any irregularities such as folds or wrinkles. In such embodiments, the end cap may be formed, for example, by molding a paper pulp material and then drying it to form a continuous ring.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap is made by folding a sheet of material to form the end cap. This may involve folding the sheet to form segments that are folded over each other. Thus, in some embodiments, the first portion comprises multiple segments. Each segment of the multiple segments may be folded over an adjacent segment. Such an arrangement can be described as an iris fold, and the technique of folding the sheet to form an iris fold is known as the "iris folding" technique. In such embodiments, the first portion forms a discontinuous annulus that covers the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0114] In some embodiments, the end cap comprises a second portion extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material rod. Referring again to Figure 1, the end cap comprises a second portion 9b extending around at least a portion of the tip paper 6 of article 1. In this example, the second portion is formed at least partially separately from the tip paper 6 of article 1 and is attached to the tip paper 6 during the manufacturing process. The second portion 9b may be attached to the tip paper 6 by any suitable means. For example, the second portion 9b may be glued to the tip paper 6, or the second portion 9b may be held in place by friction between the tip paper 6 and the second portion 9b.

[0115] In some embodiments, the end cap comprises a second portion that extends around the aerosol-generating material rod but not around the wrapper. The second portion of the end cap may extend around the aerosol-generating material and be positioned between the aerosol-generating material and the wrapper.

[0116] For example, referring to Figure 4, article 1 includes an end cap 9 with a wrapper that extends beyond the end face 8 of the first end 1a. The portion of the wrapper extending from the end face 8 is folded inward to form the first portion 9a of the end cap 9. The end cap 9 includes a second portion 9b between the aerosol-generating material and the tip paper 6. The tip paper 6 surrounds the second portion 9b of the end cap 9. The second portion 9b is sandwiched between the tip paper 6 and the aerosol-generating material. This may improve the secure attachment between the end cap 9 and the rest of article 1. Furthermore, this improved secure attachment eliminates the need to glue the end cap 9 to the tip paper 6.

[0117] In some embodiments, the end cap is attached to the wrapper during the manufacturing process. The second portion 9b may be attached to the tip paper 6 by any suitable means. For example, the second portion 9b may be glued to the tip paper 6, or the second portion 9b may be held in place by friction between the tip paper 6 and the second portion 9b.

[0118] In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from the wrapper of the article. In other words, in such embodiments, the end cap is not formed from a component separate from the wrapper.

[0119] For example, referring to Figure 5, article 1 includes a wrapper that extends beyond the end face 8 of the first end 1a. The portion of the wrapper extending from the end face 8 is bent inward to form the first portion 9a of the end cap 9.

[0120] By forming the end cap from the same material as the wrapper, manufacturing costs and complexity can be reduced, for example, because it is not necessary to manufacture a completely separate end cap and then attach the end cap to the end face of the rod. The first portion of the end cap partially covers the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod such that at least a portion of the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod defines the outer surface of the article.

[0121] Figure 6a shows how some or all of the end plugs in the example and embodiment may be manufactured. Other features of Article 1 are omitted for clarity. An unfolded end plug 9 is provided. In this example, the unfolded end plug 9 is the upstream end of a wrapper (not shown) of Article 1, the wrapper extending beyond the end face of the first end. The unfolded wrapper comprises an unfolded first portion 9a extending beyond the end face of the first end and a second portion 9b enclosing the aerosol-generating material. The dashed line 9c indicates the portion of the wrapper aligned in the cross-sectional direction with the end face of the first end of the article. The unfolded first portion 9a becomes the first portion 9a of the end plug.

[0122] Referring to Figure 6b, the first unfolded portion 9a is folded inward from line 9c toward the central longitudinal axis of the article according to crease 9d. The first portion 9a comprises segments defined by crease line 9d that overlap each other when folded.

[0123] Referring to Figure 6c, the first portion 9a is bent until it is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating material rod in order to form an end plug 9 comprising the first portion 9a and aperture 10.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap completely covers the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod. Thus, in such embodiments, unintended removal of the aerosol-generating material from the article can be prevented.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first portion of the end cap is superimposed on the center of the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod. This reduces manufacturing costs, complexity, and efficiency because it eliminates the need to precisely fold the first portion of the end cap to form a ring.

[0126] The end cap can be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from a porous material. By forming the end cap from a porous material, the effect of the end plug on the aspiration resistance of the article during use can be reduced. By forming the end cap from a material with relatively high porosity, the end cap can cover a larger surface area of ​​the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod while minimizing its impact on the aspiration resistance.

[0127] In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from a porous material. Forming the end cap from a porous material can also reduce the effect of the end plug on the suction resistance of the article during use. In some embodiments, the end cap is porous and formed from a porous material. The pores may be suitable for receiving the aerosol generator of a non-combustible aerosol supply device, while the porous nature of the material allows fluids such as gases to pass through the end plug, thereby minimizing the increase in pressure drop.

[0128] In some embodiments, the end caps are formed from materials having a porosity greater than 3000 CU, greater than 6000 CU, greater than 12000 CU, or greater than 24000 CU. In some embodiments, it is preferable to form the end caps from materials having a relatively low porosity, such as less than 3000 CU. Using materials with lower porosity, such as those with a porosity of less than 3000 CU, may help to suppress the increase in pressure drop observed when the end caps are used.

[0129] The end cap may be formed from a material having a surface density that allows the end cap to be formed by folding a sheet of the material to form the end cap. In particular, the surface density may be selected to allow the first portion of the end cap to be folded inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the article with minimal force. The surface density may also be selected to reduce the tendency of the folded first portion to unfold outward from the central longitudinal axis of the article and return to its pre-folded shape.

[0130] The material on which the end cap is formed may have a surface density of about 20 gsm to about 100 gsm. In a preferred embodiment, the material on which the end cap is formed has a surface density of about 20 gsm to about 60 gsm. In some embodiments, the material on which the end cap is formed has a surface density of about 25 gsm to about 50 gsm, for example, about 30 to about 45 gsm. If the material on which the end cap is formed has a GSM greater than 60 gsm, it may be further folded to form the first part. However, it may have a tendency to return to its unfolded state over time. Therefore, if the folded first part contains a material with a surface density within this range, the folded first part is unlikely to return to its pre-folded shape.

[0131] In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from paper. The paper may be the same as filter tip paper or paper used to coat aerosol-generating material. The end cap may be formed by molding pulp containing cellulose material and water, and then drying the molded pulp. In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from plug wrap or tip paper. In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from cigarette paper.

[0132] In some embodiments, the end caps may be formed from a non-combustible material or a material treated to reduce flammability or tendency to burn.

[0133] In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from a metal sheet and / or a laminated sheet containing metal and cellulose material. In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from a sheet containing aluminum and optionally paper. According to some embodiments, the end cap is formed from aluminum foil.

[0134] By forming the end cap from an aluminum sheet, for example, it is possible to prevent the end cap from being ignited by the user, thus preventing the article from being used like a conventional combustible article. Aluminum is also particularly suitable because it is relatively flexible and can form a first part that can be easily folded. Furthermore, it has been found that aluminum is less likely to unfold from a folded state, and therefore, if the part is made from an aluminum sheet or contains an aluminum sheet, the folded first part is less likely to return to its pre-folded shape.

[0135] To further reduce the possibility of unintentional extraction of aerosol-generating material from the article, a portion of the aerosol-generating material may be bonded to a wrapper surrounding it. The wrapper may have an adhesive on its inward-facing surface (the surface of the wrapper closest to and facing the aerosol-generating material) to bond the aerosol-generating material to it. For example, the inward-facing surface of the wrapper may have a continuous coating of adhesive on its inner surface. Alternatively, to reduce manufacturing costs and the overall weight of the article, the wrapper may have a discontinuous coating of adhesive on its inner surface. The discontinuous coating of adhesive may have a helical pattern of adhesive on the inward-facing surface of the wrapper.

[0136] In some embodiments, such as those described above, the aerosol-generating material rod has a circumference of about 22.1 mm. In alternative embodiments, the aerosol-generating material rod may have any suitable circumference, for example, about 15 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material rod has a circumference of about 20 to about 24 mm.

[0137] The items may be "regular" (approximately 23-25mm), "wide" (over 25mm), "slim" (approximately 22-23mm), "demi-slim" (approximately 19-22mm), "super-slim" (approximately 16-19mm), or "micro-slim" (less than approximately 16mm).

[0138] As described above, in some embodiments, including the examples described herein, the downstream portion or intake may comprise several components. For example, the downstream portion may comprise one or more chambers in the form of one or more hollow tubes. The hollow tubes may help to facilitate aerosol formation when the aerosol-generating material is heated. To further assist aerosol formation, the downstream portion may comprise one or more ventilation apertures that draw fresh air into the downstream portion during use. The downstream portion may also comprise filter material. Thus, in some embodiments, the article comprises chambers of voids configured to facilitate aerosol formation in the downstream portion of the article.

[0139] Here, with reference to Figure 7, which shows the downstream portion or mouthpiece of the article described herein, various components of the downstream portion of the article will be described in more detail. For clarity, the features of the upstream end of the rod, including features such as the end cap, have been omitted.

[0140] Referring to Figure 7, the downstream section 5 includes a first tubular element 12a immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating material section 4, the first tubular element 12a defining a first hollow cavity. In this example, the first tubular element 12a is in contact with the aerosol-generating material. The first tubular element 12a has a first tubular wall. The intake or downstream section 5 also includes a second tubular element 12b immediately downstream of the first tubular element 12a. In this example, the second tubular element 12b is in contact with the first tubular element 12a. The second tubular element 12b has a second tubular wall having a wall thickness of less than about 320 μm. The second tubular element 12b has an axial length greater than about 15 mm, for example, about 15 mm to about 25 mm. In this example, the material body 13 is provided at the downstream end 5b of the downstream section 5. In this example, the first and second tubular elements 12a, 12b and the material body 13 each define a cylindrical shape and are arranged so that their ends are in contact with each other on a common axis. The first and second tubular elements 12a, 12b, the aerosol-generating material section 4 and the material body 13 have substantially the same outer diameter.

[0141] The first and second tubular elements 12a and 12b together define a chamber into which the aerosol formed in the aerosol generation section is drawn, expanded, and cooled. By providing separate first and second tubular elements 12a and 12b, it becomes possible to design these components to achieve different functional effects. For example, the first tubular element 12a may be configured to provide a function such as helping to reduce the movement of the aerosol generation material during use when the article 1 is inserted into the recess and the pin heater penetrates the aerosol generation material section 4 (as described above).

[0142] For this purpose, the first tubular element 12a may have a wall thickness of, for example, 1 mm to 3.5 mm, or 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the first tubular element 12a may be configured to help provide rigidity to article 1. Alternatively or additionally, the first tubular element 12a may be configured to facilitate the flow of aerosols mainly through the axial region of the second tubular element 12b, for example, to aid in aerosol formation. The second tubular element 12b may be designed to define a relatively larger chamber compared to the first tubular element 12a, providing a larger space into which aerosols formed in the aerosol generation section 4 can be drawn, expanded, and cooled. Furthermore, by providing a relatively thin wall thickness of less than 320 μm for a second tubular element 12b of a given weight, it is possible to concentrate the material in the outer region of the second tubular element 12b, which can provide higher bending rigidity compared to components with thicker walls and the same weight.

[0143] For example, the article described with reference to Figure 1a has the specific characteristics listed in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0144] In this case, the material body 13 is provided at the mouth or downstream end 1b of the article 1, but in other examples, further components may be provided downstream of the material body 13. For example, additional material bodies may be provided.

[0145] In this example, the first tubular element has an axial length of approximately 7 mm, but in other examples, the first tubular element can have an axial length of approximately 5 mm to approximately 14 mm. In this example, the first tubular element 12a has a wall thickness of approximately 1.6 mm, and the inner radius of the hollow cavity defined by the first tubular element 12a is approximately 1.95 mm. As a result, the ratio of the thickness of the first tubular wall to the inner radius of the first hollow cavity is approximately 0.82. In other examples, the ratio of the thickness of the first tubular wall to the inner radius of the first hollow cavity may be approximately 0.6 to approximately 1.1, or approximately 0.7 to approximately 0.9.

[0146] In this example, the volume of the second hollow cavity defined by the second tubular element 12b is approximately 588 mm³. 3 The volume of the first hollow cavity defined by the first tubular element 12a is approximately 84 mm³. 3 Therefore, the ratio of the volume of the second hollow cavity to the volume of the first hollow cavity is approximately 7 times. Alternatively, the ratio of the volume of the second hollow cavity to the volume of the first hollow cavity can be approximately 6.5 to approximately 8. This provides a configuration in which the aerosol can expand from a relatively small cavity in the first tubular element 12a to a much larger cavity in the second tubular element 12b. The second tubular element 12b is at least approximately 520 mm 3 A second hollow cavity having a volume of can be defined. The total volume of the first and second hollow cavities is, for example, at least about 580 mm³. 3 , or at least about 620mm 3 , or at least about 650mm 3 It is possible.

[0147] The second tubular wall may comprise at least first and second overlapping paper layers extending substantially around the entire circumference of the second tubular element 12b. Each of the at least first and second overlapping paper layers may have a thickness of 30 to 150 μm. Alternatively or additionally, each of the at least first and second overlapping paper layers may have a basis weight of 25 to 130 gsm. The at least first and second overlapping paper layers may be connected to each other by a layer of adhesive. Each of the first and second overlapping paper layers may be non-porous.

[0148] The aerosol-generating section 4 may be in the form of a rod having an axial length less than or equal to the axial length of the second tubular element 12b. For example, the aerosol-generating material section 4 may be in the form of a rod having an axial length of 50% to 80% of the axial length of the second tubular element 12b. These configurations result in an article having a relatively large cavity size defined by the second tubular element 12b compared to the volume occupied by the aerosol-generating material. Such a cavity can allow for improved expansion of the volume of aerosol passing through article 1 and better aerosol formation. Preferably, a ventilation aperture is provided in the wall of the second tubular element 12b so that cold air enters the cavity defined by the second tubular element 12b during use, further enhancing aerosol formation by condensation of aerosol components within the cavity. The second tubular element 12b may have an axial length of about 16 mm or about 16.5 mm. For example, in some cases, the second tubular element 12b may have an axial length at least 1.5 times or at least 2 times greater than the axial length of the first tubular element 12a.

[0149] By using a second tubular element 12b immediately downstream of the first tubular element 12a, having a wall thickness of less than approximately 320 μm and an axial length greater than approximately 15 mm, an article with a relatively low total weight can be obtained. In this example, the aerosol-generating material section 4 has a weight of approximately 304 mg, and the non-aerosol-generating material component of article 1 has a total weight of approximately 320 mg. Therefore, the total weight of article 1 with a total length of 48 mm is 624 grams, resulting in an average weight of 13 mg / mm. In some examples, the average weight per 1 mm of the axial length of the article may be less than approximately 14.5 mg / mm or less than approximately 14 mg / mm. The weight of the non-aerosol-generating material of the article may be 45% to 55%, for example 48% to 53%, of the total weight of the article.

[0150] In this example, the tubular wall of the second tubular element 12b is formed from the first and second overlapping paper sheets, with an overall thickness of approximately 200 μm. In an alternative example, the second tubular wall may have a thickness of approximately 160 μm to 250 μm.

[0151] Article 1 includes one or more ventilation apertures 12 extending through the second tubular element 8b at a location within the second tubular element 8b outside the housing 9 when Article 1 is fully inserted into the non-combustible aerosol supply device 3. The one or more ventilation apertures 12 may be provided as one or more rows of apertures, such as laser- or mechanically formed holes, surrounding Article 1. In some examples, the level of ventilation is about 10% to about 60% of the mainstream aerosol, for example, about 20% to about 55%.

[0152] The first tubular element 12a is formed from a filamentous tow, in this example, plasticized cellulose acetate tow. Other structures can be used, such as a tubular element 12a formed to have inner and outer paper tubes sandwiching a crimped paper sheet material. The walls of the first tubular element may be relatively non-porous so that at least 80% of the aerosols generated by the aerosol-generating material pass longitudinally through a hollow channel running through the tube rather than through the wall material itself. For example, at least 92% or at least 95% of the aerosols generated by the aerosol-generating material can pass longitudinally through the first hollow cavity.

[0153] The filamentous tow forming the first tubular element 12a preferably has a total denier of 25,000 to 45,000, more preferably 35,000 to 45,000. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the tow filament is "Y" shaped, but in other embodiments, other shapes such as "X" shaped filaments can be used.

[0154] The filamentous tow forming the first tubular element 12a preferably has 4 to 10, more preferably 4 to 9 denier per filament. In one example, the filamentous tow forming the first tubular element 8a has 8Y40000 tow, which is formed from cellulose acetate and contains 18% plasticizer, such as triacetin.

[0155] Preferably, the density of the material forming the first tubular element 12a is at least about 0.20 grams / cm³ (g / cc), more preferably at least about 0.25 g / cc. Preferably, the density of the material forming the first tubular element 8a is less than about 0.80 grams / cm³ (g / cc), more preferably less than 0.6 g / cc. In some embodiments, the density of the material forming the first tubular element 12a is 0.20 to 0.8 g / cc, more preferably 0.3 to 0.6 g / cc, or 0.4 g / cc to 0.6 g / cc, or about 0.5 g / cc. These densities have been found to achieve a good balance between the improved hardness provided by the higher density material and the minimization of the total weight of the article. For the purposes of the present invention, “density” of the material forming the first tubular element 12a refers to the density of any filamentous tow or other material forming an element into which any plasticizer is incorporated. The density may also be determined by dividing the total weight of the material forming the first tubular element 12a by the total volume of the material forming the first tubular element 12a, the total volume of which can be calculated using appropriate measurements of the material forming the first tubular element 8a, for example, using a caliper. If necessary, appropriate dimensions may be measured using a microscope.

[0156] The first and second tubular elements 12a, 12b may be configured to produce a temperature difference of at least 40°C between the heated volatile components entering the first upstream end of the first and second tubular elements 12a, 12b and the heated volatile components exiting the second downstream end of the first and second tubular elements 12a, 12b. The first and second tubular elements 12a, 12b are preferably configured to produce a temperature difference of at least 60°C, preferably at least 80°C, more preferably at least 100°C between the heated volatile components entering the first upstream end of the first and second tubular elements 12a, 12b and the heated volatile components exiting the second downstream end of the first and second tubular elements 12a, 12b. This temperature difference over the length of the first and second tubular elements 12a, 12b protects the temperature-sensitive material body 13 from the high temperature of the aerosol-generating material when heated.

[0157] The aerosol-generating section 4 may exhibit a pressure drop of from about 15 to about 40 mmH2O. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating section 4 exhibits a pressure drop across the aerosol-generating section 4 of from about 15 to about 30 mmH2O.

[0158] The aerosol-generating material may have a packing density or bulk density of from about 400 mg / cm 3 to about 900 mg / cm 3 Higher packing densities than this may make it difficult to insert an aerosol generator of an aerosol supply device into the aerosol-generating material, and may increase the pressure drop. If the packing density is less than 400 mg / cm 3 , the rigidity of the article may be reduced. Furthermore, if the packing density is too low, the aerosol-generating material may not effectively grip the aerosol generator of the aerosol supply device.

[0159] At least about 70% of the volume of the aerosol-generating section is filled with the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, from about 75% to about 85% of the volume of the cavity is filled with the aerosol-generating material.

[0160] In this embodiment, the water-impermeable chip paper 6 surrounding the aerosol-generating material rod includes aluminum foil. In other embodiments, the chip paper 6 comprises a paper wrapper, which optionally includes a barrier coating to make the wrapper material substantially water-impermeable. If the wrapper includes paper or paper backing, i.e., a cellulose-based material, the wrapper may have a basis weight greater than about 30 gsm. For example, the wrapper may have a basis weight in the range of about 40 gsm to about 70 gsm.

[0161] In this example, the moisture-impermeable chip paper 6 is also substantially impermeable to air. The chip paper 6 preferably has an air permeability of less than 100 cholesta units, more preferably less than 60 cholesta units. For example, it has been found that a low-air permeability wrapper having an air permeability of less than 100 cholesta units, more preferably less than 60 cholesta units, results in improved aerosol formation in aerosol-generating materials. The air permeability of the chip paper 6 can be measured according to ISO 2965:2009 for determining the air permeability of materials used as cigarette paper, filter plug wraps and filter bonding paper.

[0162] In this example, the material body 13 is covered within the first plug wrap 14. The second plug wrap 15 is provided to connect the material body 13 with the first tubular element 12a and the second tubular element 12b. Preferably, the first and second plug wraps 14 and 15 each have a basis weight of less than 50 gsm, more preferably about 20 gsm to 40 gsm. Preferably, the first and second plug wraps 14 and 15 each have a thickness of 30 μm to 60 μm, more preferably 35 μm to 45 μm. Preferably, the first and second plug wraps 14 and 15 are non-porous plug wraps having an air permeability of, for example, less than 100 cholesta units, for example less than 50 cholesta units. However, in other embodiments, the first and / or second plug wraps 14 and 15 may be porous plug wraps having an air permeability of, for example, more than 200 cholesta units.

[0163] Preferably, the length of the material body 13 is less than about 15 mm. More preferably, the length of the material body 13 is less than about 14 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the length of the material body 13 is at least about 5 mm. Preferably, the length of the material body 13 is at least about 8 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the material body 13 is about 5 mm to about 15 mm, more preferably about 8 mm to about 14 mm, even more preferably about 10 mm to about 14 mm, most preferably about 10 mm, 11 mm, or 12 mm. In this example, the length of the material body 13 is 12 mm.

[0164] In this example, the material body 13 is formed from a filamentous tow. In this example, the tow used for the material body 13 has a denier (dpf) of 5 per filament and a total denier of 25,000. In this example, the tow contains plasticized cellulose acetate tow. The plasticizer used in the tow constitutes approximately 9% by weight of the tow. In this example, the plasticizer is triacetin. In other examples, different materials can be used to form the material body 13. For example, instead of tow, the body 13 may be formed from paper in a similar manner to paper filters known to be used in cigarettes, for example. For example, paper or other cellulosic material may be provided as one or more parts of a sheet material that is folded and / or crimped to form the body 13. The sheet material may have a basis weight of 15 gsm to 60 gsm, for example, 20 to 50 gsm. The sheet material may have a basis weight in one of the following ranges, for example: 15-25 gsm, 25-30 gsm, 30-40 gsm, 40-45 gsm, and 45-50 gsm. Additionally or alternatively, the sheet material may have a width of 50 mm to 200 mm, for example, 60 mm to 150 mm, or 80 mm to 150 mm. For example, the sheet material may have a basis weight of 20-50 gsm and a width of 80 mm to 150 mm. This allows, for example, the cellulose body to have a suitable pressure drop for articles having the dimensions described herein.

[0165] Alternatively, the body 13 may be formed from a tow other than cellulose acetate, such as polylactic acid (PLA), other materials described herein for filamentous tow, or similar materials. The tow is preferably formed from cellulose acetate. Whether or not the tow is formed from cellulose acetate or other materials, it preferably has a denier per filament of at least 5. Preferably, in order to obtain a sufficiently uniform material body 13, the tow has a denier per filament of 12 d.pf or less. Preferably 11 d.pf or less, and more preferably 10 d.pf or less.

[0166] The total denier of the tow forming the material body 13 is preferably up to 30,000, more preferably up to 28,000, and even more preferably up to 25,000. These total denier values ​​provide a tow with a reduced proportion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the mouthpiece 5, resulting in a lower pressure drop across the mouthpiece 5 than tows with higher total denier values. For adequate hardness of the material body 13, the tow preferably has a total denier of at least 8,000, more preferably at least 10,000. Preferably, the denier per filament is 5 to 12, while the total denier is 10,000 to 25,000. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the tow filaments is "Y" shaped, but in other embodiments, other shapes such as "X" shaped filaments having the same dpf and total denier values ​​as provided herein may be used. In some embodiments, it may be preferable to use filters with different filtration efficiencies to control the overall filtration efficiency. This may be beneficial, for example, for certain aerosol-generating materials that do not require high filtration efficiency. For example, "O"-shaped or "C"-shaped filaments can be used (alone, in combination with each other, or in combination with "X" and "Y"-shaped filaments), but filaments with these shapes may generally have lower filtration efficiency than, for example, "Y"-shaped filaments.

[0167] Regardless of the material used to form the body 13, the pressure drop across the body 13 may be, for example, 0.3 to 5 mmWG per 1 mm of length of the body 13, for example, 0.5 mmWG to 2.5 mmWG per 1 mm of length of the body 13. The pressure drop may be, for example, 1.5 to 2.5 mmWG on average per 1 mm of length. The total pressure drop across the body 13 may be, for example, 12 mmWG to 30 mmWG, or 15 mmWG to 25 mmWG. If the body 13 contains an additive-releasing component, the pressure drop refers to the average or total pressure drop of that component before any rupture. The material body 13 and / or tubes 12a and / or tubes 12b may contain or consist of paper. In some embodiments, the material body 13 and / or tubes 12a and / or tubes 12b may contain or consist of woven or nonwoven material. The use of paper and woven / nonwoven material may contribute to the biodegradability of article 1. In some embodiments, the woven or nonwoven material is crimped to have a basis weight of about 20-50 GSM, preferably 30-45 GSM, which can further improve biodegradability.

[0168] The chip paper 6 covers the entire length of the downstream portion 5 and a portion of the aerosol-generating material rod, and has an adhesive on its inner surface to connect the downstream portion 5 and the rod. In this example, the aerosol-generating material rod is covered within the chip paper 6' which forms a first covering material, and the chip paper 6 forms an outer covering material that extends at least partially over the aerosol-generating material rod to connect the downstream portion 5 and the rod. In some examples, the chip paper can extend entirely over the aerosol-generating material rod.

[0169] In this example, the chip paper 6 extends 5 mm on the aerosol-generating material rod, but alternatively, it may be extended 3 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 4 mm to 6 mm, on the rod to ensure secure attachment. The chip paper may have a basis weight greater than 20 gsm, for example greater than 25 gsm, or preferably greater than 30 gsm, for example greater than 37 gsm. It has been found that basis weights in this range provide a chip paper that has acceptable tensile strength while also being flexible enough to cover the article 1 and adhere to the chip paper itself along the longitudinal wrap seam of the paper.

[0170] Article 1 has a ventilation level through which approximately 25% of the aerosol is drawn in. Article 1 preferably includes a ventilation aperture provided within a second tubular element 12b. In an alternative embodiment, Article 1 may have a ventilation level through which 10% to 60%, for example 20% to 50%, of the aerosol is drawn in.

[0171] In this example, the aerosol modifier is provided within the material body 6, in this example in the form of an additive-releasing component, in this case in a capsule 16. However, the capsule 16 may be omitted in other embodiments. If a capsule 16 is provided, the first plug wrap 14 may be an oil-resistant first plug wrap 14. In other embodiments, the aerosol modifier may be provided in other forms, such as a material injected into the material body 13, or it may be provided on a thread supporting a flavoring or other aerosol modifier, which may be placed within the material body 13, for example.

[0172] The capsule 16 may include a destructible capsule, such as a capsule having a solid, fragile shell surrounding a liquid payload. In this example, a single capsule 16 is used. The capsule 16 is completely embedded within the material body 13. In other words, the capsule 16 is completely enclosed by the material forming the body 13. In other examples, multiple destructible capsules, such as two, three, or more destructible capsules, may be placed within the material body 13. The length of the material body 13 may be increased to accommodate the required number of capsules. In examples where multiple capsules are used, the individual capsules may be identical to each other, or they may differ from each other in size and / or capsule payload. In other examples, multiple material bodies 13 may be provided, each body containing one or more capsules.

[0173] The capsule 16 has a core-shell structure. In other words, the capsule 16 includes a shell that encloses a liquid agent, for example, a flavoring or other agent which may be one of the flavorings or aerosol modifiers described herein. The capsule shell can be broken by the user to release the flavoring or other agent into the material body 13.

[0174] In this example, capsule 16 is spherical and has a diameter of approximately 3 mm. In other examples, other shapes and sizes of capsules may be used. For example, capsules may have a diameter of less than 4 mm, or less than 3.5 mm, or less than 3.25 mm. In alternative embodiments, capsules may have a diameter greater than approximately 3.25 mm, for example greater than 3.5 mm, or greater than 4 mm. The total weight of capsule 16 may be approximately 10 mg to approximately 50 mg.

[0175] In this example, the capsule 16 is positioned not at the longitudinal center within the material body 13. In this example, the capsule 16 is positioned closer to the upstream end of the material body 13 than to the downstream end. That is, the capsule 16 is positioned so that its center is 5 mm from the upstream end and 7 mm from the downstream end of the material body 13, which helps to conceal the capsule from view of the downstream end of article 1.

[0176] Article 1 includes one or more ventilation apertures 17 extending through the second tubular element 12b at a position within the second tubular element 12b located outside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol supply device when Article 1 is fully inserted into the non-combustible aerosol supply device. The one or more ventilation apertures 17 may be provided as one or more rows of apertures, such as laser- or mechanically formed holes, surrounding Article 1. In some examples, the level of ventilation is about 10% to about 60% of the mainstream aerosol, for example, about 20% to about 55%.

[0177] Referring again to Figure 1a, the non-combustible aerosol supply device 3 and article 1 together form a non-combustible aerosol supply system. The non-combustible aerosol supply device 3 includes a heating element 2a configured to be inserted into the aerosol-generating material of article 1. In this example, the heating element is a pin-shaped heater 2a that penetrates the aerosol-generating material. The non-combustible aerosol supply device 3 includes a housing 11 and an aperture 12 of the housing 11 into which article 1 is inserted when in use. Articles disclosed herein can be manufactured using any suitable means. According to some embodiments, a method for manufacturing an article is: The steps include: preparing an aerosol-generating material rod having multiple elongated strips, The steps include: providing a wrapper around the aerosol-generating material rod such that the first portion of the wrapper protrudes from the end of the aerosol-generating material rod; The steps include folding a first portion of a wrapper that extends from the end of an aerosol-generating material rod so as to partially cover the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod, Includes.

[0178] As described herein, the first portion of the wrapper extending from the end of the rod, when folded, becomes the first portion of the end cap of the article. Thus, the first portion of the wrapper may be referred to as the unfolded first portion of the end cap.

[0179] In some embodiments, the step of folding a first portion of the wrapper includes moving a die longitudinally relative to an aerosol-generating material rod to bend the first portion inward on the end of the aerosol-generating material rod. The die applies a linear force to the first portion, moving it inward on the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod. The die may be provided with a series of ridges and grooves that facilitate the formation of a fold in the first portion and reduce the magnitude of the linear force required to bend the first portion inward.

[0180] Referring to Figure 8a, for example, the die 18 comprises a die head 19 having a recess within a solid material body. The recess comprises a series of raised portions 20a and grooves 20b that form a 10-sided inverted pyramidal die head pattern. In this example, there are five raised portions and five grooves. The die can be made from any hard material such as metal or plastic. In this example, the die 18 is made of aluminum. The die head pattern may differ in other embodiments. For example, the die head pattern may be a 4-sided inverted pyramidal die head having four grooves but no raised portions. The die head pattern may determine the number and position of fold lines on the first portion.

[0181] Referring again to Figure 8, in order to form the first portion of the end cap, the die 18 is aligned such that its central longitudinal axis is aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the distal end of the article 1. The die moves linearly in direction d1 and contacts the periphery of the first portion of the wrapper 9a'. As the die continues to move in direction d1, the first portion of the wrapper 9a' is folded inward from the fold 9b' that is aligned with the end face of the article as described above, forming the folded end plug. During the folding process, the first portion 9a takes on a configuration similar to that shown in Figure 6b before finally becoming flat in contact with the end face of the article. To facilitate the folding of the first portion of the wrapper 9a', the die 18 may rotate about its central longitudinal axis relative to the first portion of the wrapper 9a' as it moves in direction d1.

[0182] As shown in the embodiment in Figure 8b, the die head 19 protrudes from the main body of the solid material and forms a 10-sided pyramidal die head pattern comprising a series of raised portions 20a and grooves 20b. In this example, the die is rotatable about the central axis a. Alternatively, the die may be rotatable about the central axis in the opposite direction to the indicated direction. In this example, the die 18 is positioned at an angle to the longitudinal axis X-X' such that the central axis a extends at an offset angle to the longitudinal axis X-X' of the end cap 9. In some embodiments, the central axis is centrally aligned with the longitudinal axis X-X' of the end cap 9.

[0183] As the die 18 rotates, it moves linearly in direction d1 relative to the end cap 9. The end cap 9 (and therefore, in this embodiment, the entire article) also rotates about its central longitudinal axis X-X' in the same direction as the die 18 rotates. The die 18 eventually contacts the periphery of the first portion of the wrapper 9a'. As the die 18 continues to move in direction d1, the first portion of the wrapper 9a' is folded inward from the fold 9b' aligned with the end face of the article as described above, forming a folded end plug. In this example, both the die and the end cap rotate. In some embodiments, the die may rotate relative to the end cap, while the end cap remains stationary. In some embodiments, the die does not move linearly relative to the end cap. Instead, both the die and the end cap rotate in the same direction about their respective axes a and X-X' as described above, and the end cap moves laterally relative to the die. During this lateral movement, the die contacts the end cap and folds the first portion 9a.

[0184] In some embodiments, the folding step may include compressing the first portion of the wrapper. The unfolded first portion of the wrapper may be compressed by applying a lateral and / or linear force to the first portion of the wrapper while the wrapper is protruding from the end of the aerosol-generating material rod. This can push the first portion inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the article.

[0185] One or more of the articles disclosed herein may be packaged, for example, in a box. In some embodiments, a first portion of a wrapper extending from the end of an aerosol-generating material rod is folded inward when the article is placed in the box.

[0186] Therefore, the compression step may be performed during the packaging step of the article. In such embodiments, the article is inserted into the package such that the upstream end of the article abuts against an internal component of the box, such as the inner wall of the box. A linear force is applied to the downstream end of the article, and as a result, the first portion of the wrapper is compressed between the end face of the article and the internal component of the box. As a result, the first portion of the wrapper is folded so as to at least partially cover the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod. Folding the first portion in this way reduces manufacturing complexity and cost because it does not require the use of complex folding equipment.

[0187] In some embodiments, the step of folding the first portion may include rotating the aerosol-generating material rod on a drum through at least one folding device.

[0188] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a folding device. A rotating drum 21, which supports several articles 1 described herein in vacuum grooves on its surface, is used together with a static rolling plate 22. Each article 1 protrudes from the surface of the drum 21. In this embodiment, the first portion of the wrapper (as described above) protrudes from the surface of the drum 21.

[0189] The static rolling plate 22 is positioned adjacent to the rotating drum 21. The rolling plate 22 is provided with a plow folder 23. The plow folder 23 is fixed to the rolling plate 22 and has a surface extending from the curved surface of the rolling plate 22 in the plane of the first end of the article 1, so that the first portion of the wrapper of the article passes in contact with the surface as the article 1 rolls on the rolling plate 22.

[0190] The surface of the plow breaker 23 has edges that begin at the surface of the rolling plate and converge toward the surface of the drum, and the far end of the plow breaker extends at least to the middle across the space between the rolling plate 22 and the drum 21. As the article 1 is carried onto the rolling plate by the rotation of the drum 21, the front end of the plow breaker 23 engages with the first portion of the wrapper and gradually pushes it inward onto and into contact with the end face of the article 1.

[0191] As article 1 rolls on the rolling plate 22, the edge of the plow breaker 23 continuously engages with the new portion of the first portion, folding it over the end face. As article 1 moves across the plow breaker 23, the converging edge gradually extends over a wider area of ​​the end of article 1, thus folding the first portion along its entire length. In this embodiment, a continuous fold is formed around the entire circumference of a, and the first section is flattened in contact with the end face of the article. As article 1 emerges from the end of the plow breaker 23, the end face of article 1 is at least partially covered by the first portion.

[0192] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a further example of a folding apparatus. This is similar to that of Figure 9 in that it utilizes a rotating drum 21 for an article 1 on the surface of a static rolling plate 22. However, in this example, the plow folders are replaced by a series of teeth 24. Similar to the plow folders, the teeth 24 extend inward from the surface of the rolling plate 22 and have a surface coplanar with the end face of the article 1. Each tooth 24 has an edge that starts on the surface of the rolling plate 22 and converges toward the surface of the drum, so that the distal end of each tooth 24 extends at least to the middle across the space between the rolling plate 22 and the drum 21. Thus, each tooth 24 can be considered an individual plow folder. However, since the length of each tooth in the direction of movement of the article is shorter than the circumference of the article 1, each tooth 24 can only fold a portion of the unfolded end of the article 1. The next tooth 24 engages with the unfolded end where the previous tooth stopped folding, forming a new separate fold that overlaps with the previous fold. Each tooth 24 forms a separate bend that overlaps with the preceding bend. Therefore, there must be enough teeth to bend the entire unfolded end, and thus the total length of the teeth must be at least the circumference of article 1.

[0193] This results in an iridescent fold containing the same number of bends as the number of teeth present on the rolling plate 22. The number of teeth is not limited to five. The number of teeth can be increased or decreased depending on the number of bends required. For example, articles with a relatively small circumference may require fewer teeth to complete the folding process. Furthermore, the teeth may have any suitable shape. For example, they may be longitudinal rods.

[0194] Figure 11 is a schematic end view showing an article whose end is closed with an iris fold. The first portion of the end cap includes five overlapping folds formed in the order a to e using, for example, five teeth 24 on a rolling plate 22 as shown in Figure 10. In this example, a portion of the first portion overlaps with the end face of the article to provide an aperture 10.

[0195] In some embodiments, the step of folding the first portion may include rolling the article on a drum through at least one folding device. For example, instead of rotating the article relative to the drum as described in the previous example, the article may be fixed relative to the drum and the folding device may be moved relative to the article and the drum to fold the first portion of the wrapper.

[0196] As stated above, the articles described herein are suitable for use in non-combustible aerosol supply devices.

[0197] Figure 12 is a simplified schematic diagram of the components inside the housing 11 of the non-combustion aerosol supply device 3 shown in Figure 1a.

[0198] As shown in Figure 12, the housing 11 contains an electrical energy source 25, such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The controller 26 is connected to the heating element 2a, the electrical energy source 25, and the user interface 27, such as a touch-sensitive display. The controller 26 controls the power supplied to the heating element 2a to adjust its temperature. Typically, the aerosol-generating material is heated to a temperature of 250-450 degrees Celsius.

[0199] The heating element 2a is configured to be inserted into the aerosol-generating material of article 1. In this example, the heating element 2a is in the form of a pin heater, but in alternative examples, it may be formed in the form of a blade terminated at a point. That is, such a blade heater may have a length dimension greater than its width dimension, and a width dimension greater than its thickness dimension.

[0200] When the heater is activated, the aerosol-generating material of the article is heated, causing the generation or release of volatile substances. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece, air is drawn into the article, and the volatile substances condense to form an inhalable aerosol. This aerosol enters the user's mouth through the mouthpiece of the article.

[0201] As used herein, the term “non-combustion aerosol delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user by releasing a compound from an aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material, such as hybrid systems that generate an aerosol using a combination of an electronic cigarette, a tobacco heating product, and an aerosol-generating material.

[0202] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating materials (or their components) that make up the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0203] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol delivery system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0204] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustible heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0205] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables, such as Article 1 described herein, for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0206] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. These consumables are referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0207] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, for example, the non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat-transferring material adjacent to the heat-generating power source.

[0208] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system includes an area for receiving articles, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0209] In some embodiments, articles for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a suction nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0210] In some embodiments, the article includes a substance to be delivered. The substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Optionally, any of the materials may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0211] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes an active substance.

[0212] As used herein, the active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychotropic drugs. The active substance may be of natural origin or obtained synthetically. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or their components, derivatives, or combinations. The active substance may also include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or other plant substances.

[0213] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0214] As described herein, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more plant substances or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term “plant substance” includes, but is not limited to, any material derived from a plant, including, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, exoskeleton, or shell. Alternatively, the material may include naturally occurring active compounds in plant substances obtained by synthesis. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, flakes, strips, or sheets. Examples of plant-based substances include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (green or black), thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, and laurel. Vander, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, shiso, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damian, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, calvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties, namely, European mint, mentha arvensis, Egyptian mint, European mint, eau de cologne mint, candy mint, curly mint, Kentucky colonel mint, horse mint, pineapple mint, pennyroyal mint, green mint, and apple mint.

[0215] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances, or their components, derivatives, or extracts, the plant substance being tobacco.

[0216] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances, or their components, derivatives, or extracts, the plant substances being selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0217] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances, or their components, derivatives, or extracts, the plant substances being selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0218] In some embodiments, including the examples described herein, the aerosol-generating material may include plant material. As used herein, the terms “plant-derived” or “plant material” include, but are not limited to, any material derived from a plant, including extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, exoskeletons, husks, etc. In some embodiments, the plant material is preferably the leaves of a plant.

[0219] In some embodiments, the plant material is derived from tobacco plants. For example, this method is particularly well suited for processing tobacco leaves from which the stems have been removed. In some embodiments, the tobacco is one or more of any tobacco types, including common tobacco types such as Virginia, Burley, and Oriental.

[0220] In other embodiments, plant materials include eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, laurel, licorice, macha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, anise, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, Saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, flowers, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, calvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint may be selected from the following mint varieties, namely, European mint, mentha arvensis, Egyptian mint, European mint, eau de cologne mint, candy mint, curly mint, Kentucky colonel mint, horse mint, pineapple mint, pennyroyal mint, green mint, and apple mint.

[0221] In some embodiments, the plant material is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp. In some embodiments, the plant material is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0222] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes flavorings.

[0223] As used herein, the terms “flavoring” and “flavoring agent” refer to materials that may be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory effect in products intended for adult consumers, where permitted by local regulations.These are naturally derived flavorings, plant substances, plant substance extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, etc.). Tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-yi Orchid, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any of the Mentha species, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, majolica It may also contain other additives such as lamb, olives, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, calvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant matter, or breath fresheners.They may be imitations, synthetics, or natural raw materials, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as a liquid like an oil, a solid like a powder, or a gas.

[0224] In some embodiments, the flavor includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor includes cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavor includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0225] In some embodiments, the flavor may include a sensory stimulant, which is intended to achieve somatosensory effects that are normally chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of the aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents that produce heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. A preferred thermal agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a preferred cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol or WS-3.

[0226] Aerosol-generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols when energy is supplied, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of solids, liquids, or gels, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-generating materials may be incorporated into articles for use in aerosol-generating systems.

[0227] As used herein, the term “tobacco material” refers to any material including tobacco or its derivatives or substitutes. Tobacco material may be any preferred form. The term “tobacco material” may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, extended tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Tobacco material may include one or more of crushed tobacco, tobacco fibers, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, and / or tobacco extracts.

[0228] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating materials, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may also include one or more other components such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol. The heater may include, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0229] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by introducing a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, thereby inducing heating of the heating material by introducing a fluctuating magnetic field into the susceptor. The heating material may also be a magnetic material, resulting in the penetration of the magnetic material by the fluctuating magnetic field causing magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0230] Aerosol modifiers are typically substances located downstream of an aerosol-generating region, configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example, by altering the taste, flavor, acidity, or other properties of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be contained within an aerosol modifier release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0231] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may contain, for example, one or more of flavorings, colorings, water, and carbon adsorbents. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, thread, or granules. The aerosol modifier does not need to contain a filter material.

[0232] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material so that it releases one or more volatile substances from the material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to supply one or more of the aerosol-generating material to vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy.

[0233] The filamentous tow materials described herein may include cellulose acetate fiber tow. Filamentous tow can also be formed using other materials used to form fibers, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(1-4-butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials, and polysaccharide polymers, or combinations thereof. If the material is cellulose acetate tow, the filamentous tow may be plasticized with a tow-suitable plasticizer such as triacetin, or the tow may not be plasticized. The tow can have any preferred specifications, such as having a cross-section that is "Y"-shaped or "X"-shaped, and a filament denier value of 2.5 to 15 denier per filament, for example 8.0 to 11.0 denier per filament, and a total denier value of 5000 to 50000, for example 10000 to 40000.

[0234] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized or modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may appropriately include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, processes, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. Articles for use in or for use as a non-combustible aerosol supply system, Aerosol generating material rod, An end cap comprising a first portion configured to extend at least partially onto the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod, An article that is equipped with [something].

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the end cap is configured to at least reduce the amount of aerosol-generating material that falls off the aerosol-generating material rod.

3. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first portion of the end cap partially covers the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod such that at least a portion of the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod defines the outer surface of the article.

4. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first portion of the end cap extends at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating material rod.

5. The article according to claim 4, wherein the first portion of the end cap extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating material rod.

6. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first portion of the end cap partially covers the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod such that it forms an aperture in the first portion.

7. The article according to claim 6, wherein the diameter of the aperture is at least about 0.5 mm, at least about 1 mm or at least about 2 mm, optionally up to about 8 mm, optionally at least about 1 mm or 2 mm and up to 5 mm.

8. The article according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first portion covers an area from about 13% to about 84% of the area of ​​the end face of the aerosol generating material rod.

9. The article according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first portion covers an area from about 26% to about 84% of the area of ​​the end face of the aerosol generating material rod.

10. The article according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the first portion covers an area from about 49% to about 84% of the area of ​​the end face of the aerosol generating material rod.

11. The article according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the first portion of the end cap forms a substantially annular cap that covers the end face of the aerosol generating material rod.

12. The article according to claim 11, wherein the aperture is the ring of the annular cap, and the width of the ring is in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm.

13. The article according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the aperture is the ring of the annular cap, and the width of the ring is in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

14. The article according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the aperture is the ring of the annular cap, and the width of the ring is in the range of about 2 mm to about 3 mm.

15. The article according to any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein the aperture is located in the center of the first portion.

16. The article according to claim 15, wherein the aperture and the aerosol generating material rod are aligned concentrically.

17. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first portion of the end cap forms a continuous ring on the end face of the aerosol generating material rod.

18. The article according to claim 17, wherein the first portion of the end cap is provided with an iris fold so that the segments of the first portion overlap each other.

19. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first portion comprises a plurality of segments.

20. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first portion comprises a plurality of segments such that the end cap forms a discontinuous ring covering the end face of the aerosol-generating material rod.

21. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first portion of the end cap completely covers the end face of the aerosol generating material rod.

22. The article according to claim 21, wherein the first portion of the end cap itself overlaps the center of the end face of the aerosol generating material rod.

23. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the end cap further comprises a second portion extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material rod.

24. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the end cap is formed by the wrapper of the aerosol generating material rod.

25. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the end cap extends over the downstream end of the aerosol-generating material rod.

26. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the end cap is formed by a filter tip wrapper of the article.

27. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the end cap extends over the upstream end of the aerosol generating material rod.

28. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the end cap further comprises a second portion formed from two arms attached to the outer circumferential surface of the article.

29. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the end cap is formed from a porous material.

30. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the end cap is formed from a material having small holes.

31. The article according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the end cap is formed from a material having a porosity of more than 3,000 CU, more than 6,000 CU, more than 12,000 CU, or more than 24,000 CU.

32. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the end cap is formed from a material having a weight in the range of about 20 gsm to about 60 gsm.

33. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the end cap is formed from a plug wrap.

34. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the end cap is formed from chip paper.

35. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the end cap is formed from aluminum foil.

36. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the aerosol generating material rod comprises a plurality of elongated strips of aerosol generating material.

37. The article according to claim 36, wherein the plurality of elongated strips extend substantially over the length of the aerosol-generating material rod.

38. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the aerosol generating material is adhered to a wrapper surrounding the aerosol generating material.

39. The article according to claim 38, wherein the adhesive adheres the aerosol-generating material to the wrapper, and the adhesive is applied to the wrapper in a spiral pattern.

40. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the aerosol generating material is configured to receive an aerosol generator of a non-combustible aerosol supply device, and the aerosol generating material is configured to be compressed when the aerosol generator is inserted.

41. A method for manufacturing articles, The steps include: preparing an aerosol-generating material rod having multiple elongated strips, The steps include: providing a wrapper around the aerosol generating material rod such that a first portion of the wrapper protrudes from the end of the aerosol generating material rod; The steps include folding the first portion of the wrapper that extends from the end of the aerosol generating material rod so as to partially cover the end face of the aerosol generating material rod, A method that includes this.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein the step of folding the first portion includes the step of rotating the aerosol-generating material rod on a drum through at least one folding device.

43. The method according to claim 41 or 42, wherein the step of folding the first portion includes the step of rolling the aerosol-generating material rod on a drum through at least one folding device.

44. The method according to claim 41, wherein the step of folding the first portion includes moving a die longitudinally with respect to the aerosol generating material rod to fold the first portion inward onto the end of the aerosol generating material rod.

45. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the folding step further includes a step of compressing the first portion of the wrapper.

46. The method according to claim 45, wherein the compression is performed during the packaging step of the article.

47. An article for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device, manufactured by the method described in any one of claims 41 to 46.

48. A non-combustible aerosol supply system comprising an article according to any one of claims 1 to 40 or 47, and a non-combustible aerosol supply device.

49. The non-combustible aerosol supply system according to claim 48, wherein the non-combustible aerosol supply device comprises an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator extending into the aerosol-generating section of the article and in direct contact with the aerosol-generating material.

50. The non-combustion aerosol supply system according to claim 49, wherein the aerosol generator is a pin heater or a blade heater.

51. A method comprising the step of inserting an aerosol generator of a non-combustible aerosol supply device into an aerosol generating material of an article according to any one of claims 1 to 40 or 47.

52. The method according to claim 51, wherein the aerosol generating material is compressed during the insertion of the aerosol generator into the aerosol generating material.

53. Use of the article according to any one of claims 1 to 40 or 47 in a non-combustion aerosol supply device.

Images