Smoking devices containing particulate tobacco substitute ingredients

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smoking article (1) comprising an aerosol generator (2) and a flavoring device suitable for releasing a flavoring substance (4) into the aerosol stream generated by the aerosol generator (2), the flavoring device comprising an inert carrier material (6). The flavoring substance (4) is releasably attached to the carrier material (6) and has a mean particle size (SD) of <30 μm. 50 The present invention further relates to a replaceable cartridge (12) comprising a flavoring device suitable for delivering a flavoring substance (4) into the aerosol stream generated by the aerosol generator (2), the flavoring device comprising an inert carrier material (6) and the flavoring substance (4) releasably attached to the carrier material (6). The flavoring substance (4) has a mean particle size (SD) of <30 μm. 50 The present invention further relates to a method for producing a smoking article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a smoking device, comprising an aerosol generator and a flavoring device suitable for releasing a flavoring substance into the aerosol stream generated by the aerosol generator, the flavoring device containing an inert carrier material, and to a replaceable cartridge for such a smoking device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking devices comprising an aerosol generator and a flavoring device are known from the prior art and are used in various forms.

[0003] Electronic smoking devices typically include a power source such as a battery, a container for e-liquid such as a cartridge or tank, and an atomizer including a heating element for spraying the e-liquid. E-liquid usually contains propylene glycol and glycerin as main components. In most cases, less than 5% (weight / weight (w / w)) of the e-liquid is other additives such as nicotine and flavor. Since the e-liquid is heated to a temperature of generally 100 to 250 °C to generate aerosolized vapor, some flavors cannot be included in the e-liquid because the flavoring molecules tend to be decomposed by the heat treatment. Therefore, e-liquid containing tobacco extracts is usually not suitable for providing the vapor of the desired tobacco flavor.

[0004] In order to overcome this problem, attempts have been made to impart flavor to the aerosol / vapor after its generation.

[0005] For example, US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0045837 A1 discloses a flavor delivery device for adding flavor to an aerosol stream generated by a smoking device. This device includes an electric heating element and a flavor material providing means that can be heated by the heating element. However, also in this flavor delivery device, the flavor is heat-treated.

[0006] Furthermore, U.S. Patent No. 104 70 488 B2 discloses a flavor delivery material comprising a polymer matrix having regions in which a flavor compound is placed. This flavor compound comprises a flavoring material that is placed in or dispersed within pores or pockets of the polymer. The flavoring material of the flavor compound is released only when the polymer matrix is ​​broken. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] It would be desirable to provide a smoking device that allows consumers to conveniently and effectively incorporate their desired tobacco flavor into an aerosol before inhalation. It would be particularly desirable if such a smoking device were configured to allow consumers to choose from a variety of tobacco flavors. Furthermore, it would be desirable if the flavoring device were refillable or replaceable, allowing for the reuse of the smoking device (other parts). Preferably, such a smoking device can be manufactured using a general-purpose handling machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] These problems are solved by the smoking device described in claim 1, the replaceable cartridge for the smoking device described in claim 11, and the method described in claim 13.

[0009] The smoking device according to the present invention includes an aerosol generator and a flavoring device. The flavoring device is suitable for releasing a flavoring substance into the aerosol flow generated by the aerosol generator. The flavoring device includes an inert carrier material to which the flavoring substance is adhering in a releaseable manner. The flavoring substance has an average particle size (sD) of ≤30 μm. 50 Contains tobacco particles exhibiting laser diffraction.

[0010] Such small average particle size tobacco particles have a larger surface area that can come into contact with the passing aerosol. This allows flavoring molecules to be transferred from the particles to the aerosol stream. Particle sizes ≤30 μm have been found to be able to transfer multiple flavoring molecules, which contribute to the overall tobacco flavor. This particle size allows larger and smaller molecules to move from the internal volume of the particle to its surface, from where these molecules can be transferred to the aerosol stream.

[0011] The term "inert," particularly in combination with the word "carrier," means, in the context of this invention, that the first substance does not chemically interact with the second substance (e.g., the carrier). The inert carrier is preferably inert with respect to aerosols. Therefore, the carrier itself remains chemically unchanged even when in contact with aerosols. However, "inert" does not mean that no interaction can occur between the aerosol and the carrier. In particular, physical interactions such as energy transfer (e.g., heat) can occur. Such interactions may also change other properties of the inert material (e.g., the carrier). For example, its density or (specific) surface area may change due to thermal expansion. Since it is an important feature of preferred embodiments of this invention that flavoring substances and / or flavoring molecules adhere to the surface of the inert carrier and are released from that surface upon activation (e.g., contact with aerosols), this change in the surface properties of the inert carrier material can also occur and is not excluded from the term "inert."

[0012] In relation to the present invention, the term "tobacco product" refers to an average particle size (sD) of ≤30 μm. 50 This also refers to flavoring substances containing tobacco leaf particles that exhibit laser diffraction.

[0013] Nicotine can similarly transfer from tobacco particles to aerosols. Nicotine has a flavor and is typically a component of tobacco, so the term "flavoring molecule" includes nicotine.

[0014] This characteristic of the particles can also be explained by the rapid heating of the small particles after contact with a high-temperature aerosol stream, which initiates the migration of flavoring molecules within the tobacco particles. Furthermore, the flavoring molecules can reach the particle surface and from there rapidly transfer to the aerosol stream regardless of their position within the particle.

[0015] Preferably, the average size of the tobacco particles (sD 50 The laser diffraction is ≥1 μm, preferably ≥2.5 μm, more preferably ≥5 μm, and most preferably ≥8 μm. It is known that crushing tobacco particles to smaller particle sizes can affect the flavor. Some of the flavor-imparting molecules in tobacco leaves are thought to be broken down by high shear energy. Furthermore, some flavor-imparting molecules are released from very small tobacco particles during the crushing process or subsequent handling process. As a result, these flavor-imparting molecules in the tobacco particles are reduced, resulting in a different flavor composition for the overall tobacco flavor.

[0016] To avoid the decomposition of flavoring molecules during the crushing process, it has been found advantageous to reduce the viscosity of the crushed composition. This can be achieved by adding a solvent to the composition. Such a solvent (or "dispersion medium") is preferably selected from the group comprising water, monohydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, sugar alcohols, sugars, and polyhydric alcohol esters. By using such a dispersion medium, the average particle size of tobacco can be adjusted to a desired value without significantly altering the flavor.

[0017] More preferably, one or more dispersion media are selected from the group comprising water, monohydric alcohols, monohydric aliphatic alcohols, methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2,2-dimethylethanol, cyclohexanol, monohydric alcohols having aromatic substituents, benzyl alcohol, monohydric alcohols containing one or more halogen elements, monohydric alcohols having one or more ether links, polyhydric alcohols, glycerol, propylene glycol, sugar alcohols, sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, erythritol, lactitol, sorbitan, xylose, arabinose, mannose, trehalose, sugars, lactose, sucrose, coupling sugars, glucose, enzyme-fermented starch syrup, acid-fermented starch syrup, maltose syrup, maltose, isomerized sugar, fructose, reduced maltose, reduced starch syrup, honey, polyhydric alcohol esters, fatty acid polyhydric alcohol esters, and fatty acid triglycerides.

[0018] Preferably, the ratio of tobacco particles in the dispersion is ≥0.5% (w / w), preferably ≥1% (w / w), ≥2% (w / w), or ≥5% (w / w), more preferably ≥10% (w / w), most preferably ≥20% (w / w) and ≤95% (w / w), preferably ≤90% (w / w), ≤80% (w / w), or ≤70% (w / w), more preferably ≤60% (w / w), and most preferably ≤50% (w / w). It has been found that these ratios allow the tobacco to be crushed to the desired average particle size without significantly impairing the flavor in most solvents.

[0019] In addition to tobacco particles with an average particle size of 30 micrometers or less, the tobacco product preferably contains a liquid medium such as alcohol or water, in which the tobacco particles are dispersed.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, tobacco particles are dispersed in a liquid medium at a temperature of ≤30°C, preferably ≤20°C, more preferably ≤15°C, and most preferably ≤10°C, to prevent the decomposition and / or dissipation of tobacco flavor. Preferably, the temperature of the liquid medium of the dispersion is ≥-20°C, preferably ≥-10°C, more preferably ≥-5°C, and most preferably ≥0°C, for ease of handling. Low-temperature dispersions at the above temperature range have been shown to also prevent the decomposition of nicotine.

[0021] Preferably, the release of flavoring material from the carrier material can be initiated by an activation signal. This prevents a significant decrease in the flavoring material during storage. However, after the activation signal is applied to the flavoring material, the flavoring molecules can be efficiently transferred into the aerosol stream.

[0022] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the activation signal is selected from the group including temperature changes, humidity changes, moisture content changes, contact with water, contact with liquids, contact with aerosols, pressure changes, electrical signals, light, and electromagnetic radiation. Activation by applying high temperature or contact with aerosols is particularly preferred. Activation in this temperature range is preferred because the temperature of aerosols generated in a smoking device is typically ≥30°C, preferably ≥60°C, ≥80°C, or ≥100°C, more preferably ≥150°C, most preferably ≥180°C and ≤300°C, preferably ≤290°C, ≤280°C, or ≤270°C, more preferably ≤250°C, and most preferably ≤200°C when in contact with a flavoring substance.

[0023] However, other activation signals may also be advantageous. In an alternative embodiment, the release of the flavoring substance from the carrier material is initiated separately from the aerosol. This allows the user to decide whether or not to add the flavor to the aerosol. By option, the strength of the flavor can also be adjusted to the user's personal preference. Thus, the activation signal may be applied by the user, for example, by an activation means of a smoking device. In a preferred embodiment, the activation means is a button that the user can touch and / or press when they wish to add flavor to the aerosol. Thus, the activation means applies the activation signal to the flavoring substance, for example, by imparting energy (e.g., heat, light, electromagnetic radiation). This signal then initiates the transfer of the flavoring substance to the aerosol.

[0024] Preferably, the flavoring device is positioned downstream of the aerosol generator in the smoking device. As previously mentioned, in this embodiment, the aerosol itself can be the activation signal. However, in an alternative embodiment, the flavoring substance is provided with the airflow, to which the aerosol is added at a later stage. In this embodiment, a different activation signal is required, and flavoring molecules may accumulate upstream of the aerosol generator in the smoking device, making this embodiment less preferable. Most preferably, the flavoring device is positioned at the downstream end of the smoking device, preferably adjacent to or within the mouthpiece. Since the mouthpiece is usually replaceable, unwanted mixing of different flavors can be easily prevented by replacing the mouthpiece.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the flavoring device includes an aerosol inlet and an aerosol outlet. According to this embodiment, the aerosol can continuously pass through the flavoring device. Depending on the flow rate of the aerosol, the amount of flavor uptake can be adjusted to suit an individual's preference. However, since smoking is usually a discontinuous operation, other embodiments of the flavoring device with only one opening are also suitable. In this embodiment, the aerosol is contacted with the flavoring substance in a first step and flavored with flavoring molecules, and in a second step, it is directed to the user when the user starts inhaling the aerosol. However, in this embodiment, a longer time is required to stabilize the aerosol, so this embodiment is less preferred.

[0026] In contrast, an embodiment in which the aerosol inlet and the aerosol outlet are arranged at opposite ends of the flavoring device is particularly preferred. According to this embodiment, the aerosol continuously flows through the flavoring device, and the contact time between the aerosol and the flavoring substance for controlling the flavor uptake of the aerosol can be accurately determined. The number of flavoring molecules taken up by the passing aerosol can be further adjusted by the contact area between the flavoring substance and the aerosol. Preferably, the contact area is increased, for example, by applying the flavoring substance to the inner surfaces of a plurality of tubes through which the aerosol is guided within the flavoring device. Alternatively or in addition, the contact area can also be increased by extending the flow path of the aerosol made possible by curving the flow path.

[0027] Preferably, the flavor imparting device includes an aerosol passage along which a carrier material carrying a flavoring substance is disposed. This aerosol passage preferably provides a large surface area where the aerosol can contact the flavoring substance and take up flavoring molecules. Preferably, such an aerosol passage is defined by a tube. A tube having a predetermined length and diameter (which may vary along the length of the tube optionally) has the advantage that the contact time between the aerosol and the flavoring substance can be easily controlled as compared to a non-determined geometry (e.g., statistically arranged small pores of a porous material). In contrast, the pore size and length of a porous material vary, resulting in different residence times and different flavor uptake. Condensation of the aerosol may also occur along its passage through a longer and smaller diameter.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the flavor imparting device is disposed within a replaceable cartridge. Such a replaceable cartridge may also include the mouthpiece of the smoking device. Whether or not the replaceable cartridge includes the mouthpiece, disposing the flavor imparting device within the replaceable cartridge makes it possible to easily adjust the flavor of the aerosol provided by the smoking device to a desired flavor. Other parts of the smoking device may still be used. Thereby, the cost for the user is reduced.

[0029] In this embodiment, since the entire cartridge (optionally including the mouthpiece) is replaceable, the number and area of the surfaces of the smoking device where remnants of the previously used flavor may remain are reduced or eliminated. Therefore, by replacing the cartridge, the flavor of this cartridge is provided without mixing with other flavors.

[0030] The carrier material is preferably selected from the group including fibers, filter media, cellulose acetate, fiber tow or staple fibers, randomly oriented staple fibers, sheets, paper sheets, folded sheets, rolled sheets, crimped sheets, labyrinths, matrix materials, sponge types, ceramic materials, fleece, multiple tubes, single tubes, granules, spherical particles, cubes, rectangular prisms, and parallelepipeds. These materials are well known in the tobacco industry and can be handled with common handling machines. The surface area of ​​these materials is usually large relative to their weight. This results in a large surface area with the aerosol passing through. Since the uptake of flavoring molecules by the aerosol depends on residence time and contact area, a large contact area is advantageous for delivering the flavored aerosol to the user as quickly as possible.

[0031] Preferably, the flavoring agent is attached to the surface of the carrier material. This embodiment has advantages over other less preferred methods, such as encapsulation or embedding in polymer materials. The main advantage is that the aerosol comes into immediate contact with the flavoring agent as it passes through the carrier material. Therefore, heat is immediately transferred from the aerosol to the flavoring agent and / or carrier. Since no energy is required to open the capsule or soften the polymer, energy is transferred to the flavoring agent with little loss, thereby allowing the flavoring molecules to move into the aerosol flow.

[0032] Depending on the carrier material, the bonding mechanism may differ. In a preferred embodiment, a binder is used to establish a bond between the tobacco particles and the carrier. Preferably, the binder is cleavable. Preferably, the binder is cleavable by the thermal energy of the aerosol flow.

[0033] Preferably, the aerosol generator is suitable for generating aerosols of propylene glycol and / or glycerin. Since the boiling points of these liquids are much higher than those of water, the aerosol generator requires a powerful heat source. The aerosol preferably contains propylene glycol and / or glycerin. Preferably, the aerosol does not contain nicotine at the time of generation in the aerosol generator. A nicotine-free composition is preferred, especially when combined with propylene glycol and / or glycerin, because nicotine has a self-ignition temperature of only 244°C. Nicotine residue can ignite upon contact with the powerful heat source of the aerosol generator. However, if an aerosol containing nicotine is desired, in this embodiment, the nicotine source must be downstream of the aerosol generator. In a preferred embodiment, the nicotine source is tobacco particles of a tobacco product and / or flavoring agent. Reducing or further eliminating nicotine from the liquid medium results in a product that can be handled more safely. This reduces not only the risk of self-ignition but also the risk of poisoning to the user through the operation of the e-liquid cartridge.

[0034] Another aspect of the present invention is a replaceable cartridge for a smoking device, which includes an aerosol generator, and the replaceable cartridge includes a flavoring device suitable for releasing a flavoring substance into the flow of aerosol generated by the aerosol generator, and having an average particle size (sD) of ≤30 μm. 50 The flavoring device differs from known cartridges in that it includes an inert carrier material to which a flavoring substance containing tobacco particles (with laser diffraction) is adhering in a releaseable manner.

[0035] Small tobacco particles with an average particle size of ≤30 μm have a large surface area, allowing aerosols passing over this surface to come into contact with them immediately. This not only allows flavoring molecules to rapidly transfer from the particles to the aerosol stream, but also transfers naturally occurring mixtures of multiple flavoring molecules, which together contribute to the overall tobacco flavor. Because the volume of these tobacco particles is small, the passing aerosol can heat the entire particle in less than 0.1 seconds. Therefore, flavoring molecules with different molecular weights and boiling points can escape from the particles and be taken up by the aerosol stream.

[0036] The advantages of the preferred embodiment of the smoking device are also obtained when applied to such replaceable cartridges for the smoking device. Therefore, the preferred variant of the smoking device described above is also a preferred variant of the replaceable cartridge.

[0037] Preferably, the carrier is located within a cartridge, more preferably within a flavoring device of the cartridge. Such cartridges may be sold to end users. Before use, the cartridge is set within a smoking device, preferably downstream of an e-liquid container and / or an aerosol generator. Preferably, the cartridge and / or flavoring device includes a housing having one or more openings through which the aerosol can enter and exit. Within the housing, the carrier is positioned so that it can come into contact with the aerosol as it passes through the housing. The flavoring substance / tobacco product is located on the surface of the carrier. As the aerosol passes across the surface (e.g., by moving within / around / along the carrier), it takes up flavoring molecules from the flavoring substance. The flavoring molecules may also include nichikon.

[0038] Preferably, the aerosol takes in flavoring molecules and exits the cartridge and / or flavoring device through one or more outlet openings. Preferably, the inlet and outlet are located at opposing ends of the housing. Preferably, the cartridge is elongated, thereby increasing the contact area between the aerosol and the flavoring substance. The elongated embodiment further provides a longer residence time for the aerosol within the flavoring device at a given flow rate.

[0039] Preferably, the cartridge includes a mouthpiece. In this embodiment, the cartridge includes coupling means, thereby being detachably coupled to the aerosol generator of the smoking device. In this embodiment, the cartridge is positioned at the mouth-side end of the smoking device, and the user can inhale the flavored aerosol directly from the downstream end of the cartridge. An optional mouthpiece at the downstream end of the cartridge may include means for cooling the flavored aerosol.

[0040] Along the aerosol pathway through the flavoring device, the carrier may be separate from or combined with another aerosol processing means.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the carrier (and the flavoring substance attached thereto) is the sole processing means within the flavoring device. In this embodiment, the inlet and outlet openings are preferably of a size and shape that prevents the carrier from passing through them. Preferably, the inlet and / or outlet openings include small holes with a diameter smaller than the size of the carrier. Preferably, the holes are part of a net. This is particularly important in embodiments in which the carrier includes (fine) fibers or granules. To ensure sufficient aerosol flow rate, the inlet and / or outlet openings preferably include multiple holes.

[0042] In other preferred embodiments, the carrier (and flavoring material attached thereto) is combined with at least one other processing means within the flavoring device. In preferred embodiments, the carrier is preferably combined with cellulose acetate filter segments positioned upstream and / or downstream of the carrier. Such filter segments prevent carrier particles from escaping from the flavoring device and / or cartridge. Such filters are preferably positioned at the downstream end of the flavoring device and are preferably thin filters such as fleece or mesh. Alternatively or in addition, tobacco components may be positioned upstream and / or downstream of the carrier. Such additional tobacco components can enhance the flavor of the aerosol.

[0043] The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing smoking accessories. This method is - Steps to provide an aerosol generator, - A step of providing a flavoring device suitable for releasing a flavoring substance into an aerosol flow, wherein the flavoring device comprises an inert carrier material, and the flavoring substance is adhering to the carrier material in a releaseable manner, - A step of placing a flavoring device downstream of the aerosol generator to allow the release of flavoring material into the aerosol flow. Includes.

[0044] The flavoring device may be a separate cartridge, which is supplied (sold to the user) separately from the aerosol generator. This allows for the selection of the desired flavor from a group of various flavors. Thus, such a cartridge can be coupled to the aerosol generator, and the flow of the generated aerosol can take in flavor from the flavoring device. The inert carrier of the flavoring device preferably does not chemically interact with the aerosol. However, energy can usually be transferred from the aerosol to the carrier.

[0045] The step of placing a flavoring device downstream of the aerosol generator can be performed by the end user. In a preferred embodiment, the flavoring device is part of a cartridge, which can be combined with the aerosol generator to provide a usable smoking device. Once an aerosol is generated in such a smoking device, the aerosol is guided from the flavoring device, and the flavoring substance is released into the aerosol stream.

[0046] The embodiments described above should be understood to be merely first embodiments of the method and / or system of the present invention. In this regard, the disclosure of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0047] All features disclosed in this application are claimed to be essential to the present invention, insofar as they are novel to the prior art, either individually or in combination.

[0048] In the following description, other advantages, purposes, and features of the present invention will be mentioned with reference to the accompanying drawings, which may be examples only. In the drawings, the same reference numerals may be shown for similar components in different embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] [Figure 1] This is a smoking device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a carrier material 6 and a flavoring substance 4 attached thereto. [Figure 3] This is a different embodiment of the flavoring device 3. [Figure 4] This is another embodiment of smoking device 1. [Figure 5] This is a magnified view of cartridge 12. [Figure 6] This is a series of steps for manufacturing smoking device 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] Figure 1 shows a smoking device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The smoking device 1 includes an aerosol generator 2. The aerosol generator 2 generates an aerosol, which is taken into the aerosol stream 5. The aerosol generator 2 preferably includes a liquid storage section 2a, a liquid transport means, and a heating unit 2b. The liquid transport means may be integrated with the liquid storage section 2a (e.g., a plurality of small openings on the surface of the liquid storage section 2a that direct the liquid to the heating unit 2b in a controllable amount) and / or integrated with the heating unit (e.g., the heating unit 2b includes a porous body that draws liquid from the liquid storage section 2a). The liquid transport means may be a different element. For example, the liquid transport means may be a wick having one or more sections that are in fluid communication with the liquid inside the liquid storage section 2a and one or more sections that are in contact with the heating unit 2b. A capillary tube may also be used instead of a wick. The heating unit 2b preferably includes a heater which can be used to aerosolize the liquid from the liquid storage section 2a. In this embodiment, the liquid storage unit 2a is an annular liquid storage unit located downstream of the heating unit 2b. The annular liquid storage unit 2a includes an inner channel through which the aerosol flow 5 can flow. The heating unit 2b may be located within the inner channel of the annular liquid storage unit 2a or, in an alternative embodiment, further downstream of the liquid storage unit 2a. In other embodiments, the liquid storage unit 2a may not be annular, thereby allowing the aerosol flow 5 to circulate around the liquid storage unit in embodiments where the liquid storage unit is located within the aerosol flow 5. The liquid may be enclosed within a housing, thereby making the liquid storage unit 2a a replaceable container. Alternatively, the liquid may be held within the smoking device 1, typically in one or more porous elements, such as packing cotton, attached against the inner wall of the outer housing of the smoking device 1. In such a case, the liquid storage unit is a porous element immersed in the liquid. The porous element may be rolled into a cylindrical shape to provide a passage for airflow or aerosols.

[0051] The aerosolized liquid, or aerosol, moves from the aerosol generator 2 to the flavoring device 3 in the aerosol flow 5. The flavoring device 3 includes an aerosol inlet 9 through which the aerosol flow 5 enters the flavoring device 3, and an aerosol outlet 10 through which the aerosol flow 5 exits the flavoring device 3. An aerosol passage 11 is located between the aerosol inlet 9 and the aerosol outlet 10, and the aerosol flow 5 moves along it within the flavoring device 3.

[0052] Preferably, the aerosol inlet 9 and aerosol outlet 10 are located at the respective ends 3a and 3b of the flavoring device 3. Preferably, the aerosol inlet 9 is positioned facing the aerosol generator 2, preferably facing the aerosol outlet of the aerosol generator 2. Preferably, the aerosol outlet 10 is located at the downstream end 8 of the smoking device 1. Preferably, the downstream end 8 of the smoking device 1 is located inside the mouthpiece 14. The downstream end 8 of the smoking device 1 defines the point where the aerosol exits the smoking device 1.

[0053] A carrier material 6 is placed inside the flavoring device 3. The carrier material 6 itself is an inert material. A flavoring substance 4 is discharged onto the carrier material 6. The flavoring substance 4 contains tobacco particles 7. The carrier material 6 containing the flavoring substance 4 is placed along the aerosol passage 11 of the flavoring device 3. This means that the aerosol flow 5 flowing along the aerosol passage 11 comes into contact with the carrier material 6 and the flavoring substance 4. As the aerosol flow 5 passes through the carrier material 6 with the flavoring substance 4, the flavoring substance 4 imparts flavor to the aerosol flow 5. Thus, the flavored aerosol flow 5 exits the flavoring device 3 through the aerosol outlet 10 and preferably also exits the smoking device 1 through the mouthpiece 14.

[0054] Figure 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a carrier material 6 and a flavoring substance 4 attached thereto. In this embodiment, the carrier material 6 is a sheet including a surface 6a. The flavoring substance 4 is attached to the surface 6a. In particular, the flavoring substance 4 is tobacco particles 7 attached to the surface 6a of the carrier material 6.

[0055] Figures 3a to 3f show various embodiments of the flavoring device 3. Figure 3a shows an embodiment of the flavoring device 3 including a sheet-like carrier material 6 of the embodiment in Figure 2. The carrier material 6 containing the flavoring substance 4 is folded in an accordion-like manner, i.e., in a bellows-like manner, and then rolled into a cylindrical shape 15 and set in a cartridge 12 including an aerosol inlet 9 and an aerosol outlet 10. In this way, an aerosol passage 11 is created not only in the center of the rolled carrier material 6 but also between the folds of the bellows-like fold, through which each layer of the rolled carrier material 6 is separated from one another. In this way, the aerosol flow 5 comes into contact with the surface 6a of the carrier material 6 and therefore comes into very effective contact with the flavoring substance 4.

[0056] Figure 3b shows a different embodiment of the flavoring device 3. In this embodiment, the carrier material 6 is a filter similar to a conventional cigarette filter, and the flavoring substance 4 is uniformly dispersed in the filter media. Preferably, the filter is a conventional cigarette filter. Preferably, the filter media is cellulose acetate. However, other materials containing pores or fibrous structures are also possible. Preferably, the flavoring substance 4 is mixed with the filter media, and then the filter media is formed into a filter. Alternatively, a ready-made filter is immersed in the flavoring material 4, thereby allowing the flavoring material 4 to permeate the porous structure of the filter until the filter is saturated with the flavoring material 4. The filter is then dried to prevent dripping, although it is also conceivable that the filter may be used in the flavoring device 3 while wet. Due to the pore and / or fibrous properties of the filter media, a passage 11 for aerosols through the filter media is formed. Because the inner surface of the filter is very large, the interaction between the aerosol flow and the flavoring substance 4 is very effective.

[0057] Figure 3c shows another embodiment of the flavoring device 3. In this embodiment, the carrier material 6 has a hollow cylindrical shape, in other words, a tube shape. Thus, the carrier material 6 includes a through hole 16 in which the aerosol passage 11 is located. The through hole 16 is defined by an inner surface region 17 of the carrier material 6. The flavoring substance 4 is preferably located in at least a portion of the inner surface region 17. Preferably, the flavoring substance 4 is located throughout the entire inner surface region 17. However, it is also conceivable that the flavoring substance 4 is located throughout the entire surface 6a of the carrier material 6.

[0058] Figure 3d shows an embodiment similar to the flavoring device 3 shown in Figure 3c. However, in this embodiment, the inner surface region 17 includes protrusions 18 which project radially inward from the inner surface region 17 toward a central axis 19, the central axis 19 being the longitudinal axis of a hollow cylindrical shape. The protrusions 18 increase the surface area of ​​the inner surface region 17. Preferably, the protrusions 18 are covered with the flavoring material 4. Preferably, the protrusions 18 are arranged to project alternately from opposite sides 20, 21 of the inner surface region 17, thereby forming a labyrinthine arrangement with winding aerosol passages 11. In this way, the surface area 6a can be increased, thereby allowing more flavoring material 4 to be placed in the flavoring device 3. In addition, the winding aerosol passages 11 extend the residence time of the aerosol in the flavoring device 3, which leads to better transfer of the flavor from the flavoring material 4 by the aerosol flow 5.

[0059] Figure 3e shows another embodiment of the flavoring device 3. In this embodiment, the carrier material 6 includes the shape of particles. The surface 6a of the particles is coated with a flavoring material 4 containing tobacco particles 7. The coated particles are contained in a cartridge 12 having an aerosol inlet and an aerosol outlet 10. The aerosol flow 5 circulates around the coated particles along branching aerosol passages 11. In this embodiment, the total surface area 6a of all particles is large, thereby promoting interaction between the aerosol flow 5 and the flavoring material 4 placed on the surface area 6a of the particles. This is further enhanced by the branching aerosol passages 11.

[0060] Figure 3f shows another embodiment of the flavoring device 3. In this embodiment, the carrier material 6 consists of a plurality of tubes arranged parallel to each other. The inner surfaces of the tubes are coated with the flavoring substance 4. Each tube contains an individual aerosol passage 22, and all of the individual aerosol passages 22 together form the aerosol passage 11 of the flavoring device 3. The entire set of tubes is enclosed in a trumpet 23, and all the tubes of the flavoring device 3 can be given a stable shape to ensure proper machine handling.

[0061] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the smoking device 1. The smoking device 1 includes the same aerosol generator 2 as in the embodiment shown in Figure 1. However, in this embodiment, the flavoring device 3 is included within the cartridge 12 and includes a mouthpiece 14. The flavoring device 3 can be located within the cartridge support 13 of the smoking device 1. The flavoring device 3 is located downstream of the aerosol generator. This means that the aerosol flow 5 originating from the aerosol generator 2 flows from the aerosol generator 2 through the flavoring device 3 to the consumer. In other words, the term “downstream” refers to each location that is closer to the downstream end 8 of the smoking device 1 and further from the aerosol generator 2 compared to the reference position. Preferably, the cartridge support 13 ensures that the aerosol inlet 9 of the flavoring device 3 is positioned above the aerosol outlet of the aerosol generator 2. Preferably, only the cartridge 12 is located within the cartridge support 13, and the mouthpiece 14 protrudes from the cartridge support 13.

[0062] Figure 5 shows a magnified view of the cartridge 12 of the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, the aerosol outlet 10 of the flavoring device 3 is located inside the mouthpiece 14. The carrier material 6 containing the flavoring substance 4 is located inside the cartridge 12. In this embodiment of the cartridge 12, any of the previously described embodiments of the carrier material 6 with the flavoring substance 4 can be used. Preferably, the carrier material 6 does not occupy the entire internal space of the cartridge 12. Preferably, the carrier material 6 occupies only the upstream section 23 of the cartridge 12, while the downstream section 24 is occupied by a filter material 25 that does not contain the flavoring substance 4. This prevents tobacco particles 7 from escaping the flavoring device 3 and from being accidentally inhaled by the consumer. Preferably, the aerosol inlet 9 and outlet 10 of the flavoring device 3 are covered with a sheet material that allows aerosols to pass through but not solid particles. This can be achieved, for example, using tissue material or mesh material with a reasonably small mesh size. Preferably, the second filter material is positioned upstream of the carrier material 6 in the cartridge 12.

[0063] Figure 6 shows a series of steps for manufacturing a smoking device 1. First, an aerosol generator 2 is provided 100. Next, a flavoring device 3 is provided 101. The flavoring device 3 comprises a carrier material 6 and a flavoring substance 4. The flavoring device 3 may be a flavoring device 3 according to any of the embodiments described above. Next, the flavoring device 3 is placed in the aerosol generator 2 102, thereby forming the smoking device 1. The flavoring device 3 is positioned downstream of the aerosol generator 2. In this way, the aerosol flow 5 can flow from the aerosol generator 2 along the aerosol passage 11 through the flavoring device 3, which is flavored by the flavoring material 4, to the downstream end 8 of the smoking device 1, where the aerosol flow 5 exits the smoking device 1. Preferably, the placement step 102 is a removable placement step, meaning that the flavoring device 3 can be removed from the smoking device 1 if necessary. In other words, the flavoring device 3 is interchangeable. Preferably, the flavoring device 3 is located within the cartridge support section 13.

[0064] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in this application as essential features of the present invention, insofar as they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art. Furthermore, note that the figures show features that may be advantageous individually. A person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that certain features disclosed in the figures may be advantageous even without employing other features shown in the figures. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will see that advantages can be obtained by combining various features disclosed in one or more figures. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1. Smoking accessories 2. Aerosol generator 2a Liquid storage section 2b Heating unit 3. Flavoring device 3a,b end 4. Flavoring substances 5. Aerosol flow 6. Carrier material 6a surface 7 Tobacco particles 8 Downstream end 9 Aerosol Inlet 10 Aerosol outlet 11 Aerosol passage 12 cartridges 13 Cartridge support section 14 mouthpiece 15. Can be rolled up 16 through holes 17 Medial area 18 Protrusion 19 Center axis 20 Opposite side 21 Opposite side 22 Individual aerosol passages 23 Upstream section 24 Downstream section 25 filter media 100 aerosol generators are provided. 101 Provides a flavoring device. 102 Arrange the flavoring device.

Claims

1. Aerosol generator (2), A flavoring device (3) suitable for releasing a flavoring substance (4) into the aerosol flow (5) generated by the aerosol generator (2), and Includes, The flavoring device (3) includes an inert carrier material (6), The flavoring substance (4) is adhering to the carrier material (6) in a releaseable manner and has an average particle size (sD) of ≤ 30 μm. ５０ It contains tobacco particles (7) having laser diffraction, The carrier material (6) is selected from the group including sheets, paper sheets, folded sheets, rolled sheets, and crimped sheets. A smoking apparatus (1) characterized by the following.

2. The release of the flavoring substance (4) from the carrier material (6) can be initiated by an activation signal. A smoking device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a smoking device (1).

3. The activation signal is selected from the group including temperature changes, humidity changes, moisture content changes, contact with water, contact with liquids, contact with aerosols, pressure changes, electrical signals, light, and electromagnetic radiation. The smoking device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that...

4. The flavoring device (3) is located downstream of the aerosol generator (2). A smoking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

5. The flavoring device (3) includes an aerosol inlet (9) and an aerosol outlet (10) located at opposing ends (3a, 3b) of the flavoring device (3). A smoking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

6. The flavoring device (3) includes an aerosol passage (11), along which a carrier material (6) supporting the flavoring substance (4) is arranged. A smoking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that

7. The flavoring device (3) is located inside the replaceable cartridge (12). A smoking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that

8. The flavoring substance (4) is attached to the surface (6a) of the carrier material (6). A smoking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that

9. The flavoring substance (4) is It is a dispersion, The dispersion medium comprises water, monohydric alcohols, monohydric aliphatic alcohols, methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2,2-dimethylethanol, cyclohexanol, monohydric alcohols having aromatic substituents, benzyl alcohol, monohydric alcohols containing one or more halogen elements, monohydric alcohols having one or more ether links, polyhydric alcohols, glycerol, propylene glycol, sugar alcohols, sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, erythritol, lactitol, sorbitan, xylose, arabinose, mannose, trehalose, sugars, lactose, sucrose, coupling sugar, glucose, enzyme-fermented starch syrup, acid-fermented starch syrup, maltose syrup, maltose, isomerized sugar, fructose, reduced maltose, reduced starch syrup, honey, polyhydric alcohol esters, fatty acid polyhydric alcohol esters, and fatty acid triglycerides, and one or more dispersion media selected from the group. The ratio of tobacco particles in the dispersion is ≥ 0.5% (w / w). A smoking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that

10. In a replaceable cartridge (12) for a smoking device, including an aerosol generator (2), The system includes a flavoring device (3) suitable for releasing a flavoring substance (4) into the aerosol flow (5) generated by the aerosol generator (2), The flavoring device (3) includes an inert carrier material (6) and an average particle size (sD) of ≤ 30 μm. ５０ The flavoring substance (4), which contains tobacco particles (7) having laser diffraction, is releasably attached to the carrier material (6), The carrier material (6) is selected from the group including sheets, paper sheets, folded sheets, rolled sheets, and crimped sheets. A replaceable cartridge (12) characterized by the following:

11. A replaceable cartridge (12) according to claim 10, used in a smoking device according to any one of claims 2 to 9.

12. A method for manufacturing a smoking device (12), The steps include providing an aerosol generator (2) (100), Step (101) provides a flavoring device (3) suitable for releasing a flavoring substance (4) into an aerosol flow (5), wherein the flavoring device (3) includes an inert carrier material (6), and the flavoring substance (4) is dischargeably attached to the carrier material (6), Step (102) involves arranging the flavoring device (3) downstream of the aerosol generator (2) to enable the release of the flavoring substance (4) into the aerosol flow (5), and Includes, The flavoring substance (4) is adhering to the carrier material (6) in a releaseable manner and contains tobacco particles (7) having an average particle size of ≤30 μm (sD 50 laser diffraction). The carrier material (6) is selected from the group including sheets, paper sheets, folded sheets, rolled sheets, and crimped sheets.

13. The flavoring device (3) is located inside a cartridge (12) which is releasably held by the cartridge support portion (13) of the smoking device (1). The method according to claim 12, characterized in that

14. The release of the flavoring substance (4) into the aerosol flow (5) is initiated by the application of an activation signal selected from the group including temperature changes, humidity changes, moisture content changes, contact with water, contact with liquids, contact with aerosols, pressure changes, electrical signals, light, and electromagnetic radiation. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that

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