Smoking articles and methods for manufacturing smoking articles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smoking article (1) having a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis (L) passing through the base regions (2a, 2b) of the distal end (1a) and mouth end (1b) of the smoking article (1), the smoking article (1) comprising the following segments (3) arranged in the following order from the distal end (1a) to the mouth end (1b) and at least partially wrapped in a circumferential wrapper (4): a tobacco segment (5) comprising tobacco or tobacco-derived smokable material, b a cooling segment (6) comprising a cylindrical cooling material (7) having a first flow path (8) from the tobacco segment (6) to the filter segment (9), and c a filter segment (9) having a second flow path (10) from the cooling segment (6) to the mouth end (1b). The present invention is characterized in that the surface (11) of the cooling material (7) is at least partially coated with a tobacco product (12) comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 μm and a dispersion medium for dispersing the tobacco particles. The present invention also relates to a method for producing such a smoking article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a smoking article, preferably a non-combustion heating product, having an improved taste.

Background Art

[0002] Typically, the tobacco segment of such a non-combustion heating article comprises reconstituted tobacco (RTB) as a tobacco-derived smokable material. The smokable material inserted into the smoking article from its distal end is then heated by an electric heater. The smokable material usually consists of a tobacco material and a suitable binder. When this smokable material is heated to a temperature up to 250 °C by the electric heater, the binder evaporates, thereby generating an aerosol that can be inhaled. The inhalable aerosol also carries flavor substances and nicotine from the smokable material. Also, the inhalable aerosol of a non-combustion heating product derived from tobacco or a tobacco-derived smokable material still lacks taste compared to a regular off-the-shelf cigarette.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] [[ID=2l]] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved smoking article, particularly a non-combustion heating product, having an improved taste, being easy to manufacture, and further being economical.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] <00,OOO22>This object is achieved by a smoking article having a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis passing through the respective base regions of the distal end and the mouth end of the smoking article, the smoking article comprising the following segments arranged successively in the following order from the distal end to the mouth end and at least partially wrapped by a circumferential wrapper. a) A tobacco segment comprising tobacco or a tobacco-derived smokable material, b) A cooling segment comprising a cylindrical cooling material having a first flow path from the tobacco segment to the filter segment, c) A filter segment having a second flow path from the cooling segment to the mouth end.

[0005] The present invention is characterized in that the surface of a cooling material is at least partially coated with a tobacco product comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 micrometers and a dispersion medium for dispersing the tobacco particles.

[0006] After an aerosol is generated in the tobacco segment, it is guided from the tobacco segment to the cooling segment. The cooling segment cools the generated aerosol to a temperature that is safe for the consumer to inhale. Cooling is carried out by convection while guiding the aerosol along a first channel from the tobacco segment to the filter segment. The first channel through the cooling segment is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis. While passing through the cooling segment, the aerosol comes into contact with tobacco products placed on the surface of the cooling material. When the aerosol comes into contact with the tobacco products, the aerosol absorbs tobacco flavor from the tobacco particles contained in the tobacco products. In this way, the aerosol can be flavored in a very natural and effective manner. In this way, it is also possible to improve the taste of the smoking article without the need to modify the tobacco segment or its components. This makes the present invention very versatile and easy to combine with existing smoking articles, preferably non-combustion heated products. An average particle size of 30 micrometers has been found to optimize the flavor delivery to the aerosol. A large surface area provides effective interaction of the aerosol with the tobacco particles.

[0007] Tobacco particles are dispersed in a dispersion medium. The dispersion medium preferably comprises water, monohydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, sugar alcohols, sugars, and / or polyhydric alcohol esters. The term "polyhydric alcohol" includes (among others) glycerin and propylene glycol. Before the tobacco product is placed in the filter segment, the dispersion medium, together with the tobacco particles, forms a liquid or paste-like tobacco product. After the tobacco product is placed in the filter segment, the dispersion medium content of the tobacco product may decrease due to drying.

[0008] According to another embodiment, the tobacco segment also comprises a tobacco product. In this way, the tobacco segment provides the aerosol with a basic flavor derived from the tobacco product. Subsequently, the aerosol with the basic flavor enters a cooling section where the aerosol absorbs further flavor substances from the tobacco product located in the cooling section. By using a tobacco segment with or without the tobacco product of the present invention, the taste of a smoking article can be fine-tuned. Also, when a high-temperature aerosol is guided through the cooling segment for cooling with the cooling segment, the outside of the cooling segment is heated to a certain temperature, and the tobacco product coated on at least a portion of the outer area of ​​the cooling segment is heated to a certain range. The tobacco product on the outer area then releases tobacco flavor into the environment. This can provide consumers with an additional flavor perception and can mask any other unpleasant burnt odor of tobacco or tobacco-derived smoky material in the tobacco segment. By releasing flavor into the environment and masking the unpleasant burnt odor, the consumer's overall taste perception of the smoking article will also be improved. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco product located on the inner and / or outer areas of the cooling segment is applied to each area in a certain pattern.

[0009] According to another embodiment, the cooling segment is equipped with vents, and the tobacco product is positioned only downstream of the vents. When a consumer inhales the smoking article, additional air from the surroundings of the smoking article can be drawn into the first flow path through the vents. Due to the tobacco product being positioned downstream of the vents, the tobacco product comes into contact with the already cooled aerosol. Depending on the composition of the tobacco product, this is advantageous for flavor transfer from the tobacco product to the aerosol. This embodiment is preferred for types of tobacco with inferior flavor that constitute the tobacco product. Also, the complete aerosol flow with additional air from the vents comes into contact with the tobacco product. This means that the complete aerosol can take in flavor from the tobacco product, which is then provided to the consumer for a complete taste experience.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the cooling segment is provided with vents, and the tobacco product is placed only upstream of the vents. By placing the tobacco product upstream of the vents, the tobacco product is placed in a region of the cooling segment where the aerosol still has a higher temperature. This ensures better flavor transfer from the tobacco product to the aerosol. It is also possible to place the tobacco product both upstream and downstream of the vents. Furthermore, the tobacco product may be placed downstream and / or upstream of the vents in a certain pattern.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the cooling segment further comprises a flow diverter positioned in a through-hole of the cooling segment, the flow diverter directly redirecting the first flow path toward the tobacco product coating surface. Depending on the diameter of the through-hole, only a portion of the aerosol comes into contact with the tobacco product positioned on the inner region of the cooling segment. In particular, a portion of the aerosol passing through the center of the through-hole may not come into direct contact with the tobacco product.

[0012] This problem can be prevented by a flow diverter. The flow diverter obstructs a specific cross-section of the first flow channel. Preferably, the flow diverter obstructs the central part of the cross-section of the first flow channel. In particular, this means that the flow diverter does not obstruct a portion of the cross-section of the first flow channel that is directly located in the inner region. By obstructing the central part of the first flow channel, the aerosol is forced to travel along the unobstructed portion of the cross-section of the first flow channel. In this way, the aerosol is directed directly to the tobacco product coating surface. This improves the interaction between the tobacco product and the aerosol and thus increases the transfer of flavor from the tobacco product to the aerosol.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the flow diverter is a projection of the filter segment that protrudes into a through-hole in the cooling segment. This embodiment demonstrates a very simple and reliable method for positioning the flow diverter in the through-hole of the cooling segment. The cooling segment is positioned directly adjacent to the filter segment of the smoking article. In this way, the projection of the filter segment can be easily positioned to protrude into the through-hole of the cooling segment. This not only reduces the number of parts of the smoking article and thus facilitates its assembly, but also secures the flow diverter to the center point of the first flow path in the through-hole of the cooling segment. In particular, when the flow diverter is an unfixed element with no means of fixing its position, the flow diverter does not come into contact with the inner area of ​​the cooling segment.

[0014] Preferably, the projection of the filter segment, which is the flow diverter, has a cylindrical or frustoconical shape. In the latter case, the larger base region of the frustoconical shape is preferably located on the filter segment, while the tip of the frustoconical shape is preferably located toward the tobacco segment. The flow diverter is preferably made of the same material as the filter segment. However, it is also conceivable to use a different material for the flow diverter than that of the filter segment.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the flow diverter is an unfixed element positioned inside the through-hole of the cooling segment and has a spherical or elongated spherical shape with its longest axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. Being an unfixed element, the material and shape of the flow diverter can be selected more freely compared to a flow diverter embodied as a projection of the filter segment. An unfixed element, the flow diverter positioned inside the through-hole of the cooling segment, may also have a cylindrical shape. Preferably, the maximum diameter of the flow diverter, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article, is smaller than the diameter of the through-hole of the cooling segment. Preferably, the diameter of the flow diverter is 5-10% smaller than the diameter of the through-hole of the cooling segment. This dimensional shape prevents excessive movement of the flow diverter within the through-hole, ensuring a high-quality feel of the smoking article.

[0016] The flow diverter, preferably in a spherical or elongated shape, can gradually redirect aerosols toward the inner region of the through-hole. The flow diverter may be made of a plastic material, preferably a plastic material capable of withstanding temperatures of 250°C or higher.

[0017] All of the aforementioned embodiments of the flow diverter may be combined with only partial coating of the inner region with a tobacco product. In particular, the tobacco product may be applied to the inner region in a certain pattern. All embodiments of the flow diverter also make it possible to control the inhalation resistance of the smoking article. In particular, it is possible to mimic the inhalation resistance of a conventional cigarette, along with the improvement of taste by placing the tobacco product in the cooling segment, so that the overall consumer experience becomes very similar to that of a conventional cigarette.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the cooling segment comprises a plurality of parallel first channels, each circumferentially surrounded by a respective portion of the cooling segment, and each portion of the surface is at least partially coated with tobacco product. Such a configuration may be realized, for example, by a rolled-up strip of material. This embodiment of the cooling segment, such as a rolled-up paper or rolled-up strip of corrugated cardboard or a bundle of parallel straw-like tubes with a smaller diameter than the cooling segment, provides further rigidity to the smoking article. It also provides further laminar flow along the first channels. The tobacco product may be placed on any surface located in any of the plurality of parallel first channels.

[0019] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a method for manufacturing a smoking article, wherein a tobacco segment comprising tobacco or a tobacco-derived smokeable material, a cooling segment comprising a cylindrical cooling material having a first channel, and a filter segment having a second channel are arranged in a predetermined order along the longitudinal axis and at least partially wrapped in a circumferential wrapper, thereby forming a smoking article having a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis penetrating each base region of the smoking article, which is the distal end where the tobacco segment is located and the mouth end where the filter segment is located, respectively, the first channel connecting the tobacco segment to the filter segment, and the second channel connecting the cooling segment to the mouth end. The method is characterized in that, before the cooling segment is placed between the tobacco segment and the filter segment, the surface of the cooling material is at least partially coated with a tobacco product comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 micrometers and a dispersion medium for dispersing the tobacco particles.

[0020] A standard placement process for positioning all segments of a smoking article can be used by coating the surface of the cooling material with tobacco product before placing the cooling segment between the tobacco segment and the filter segment. This allows for the highly economical use of existing manufacturing methods, modifying the manufacturing method only where necessary. This method also increases manufacturing flexibility because the cooling segment can be easily replaced with another cooling segment that has no tobacco product at all or has tobacco product distributed differently. In one embodiment of the present invention in which the tobacco segment also has tobacco product, the tobacco product is also placed on the tobacco segment before combining the cooling segment, tobacco segment, and filter segment. This again increases manufacturing efficiency and flexibility.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the method, the tobacco product is applied to the surface of the cooling material by spraying or printing. Preferably, the tobacco product is diluted for the spraying or printing process. Preferably, the dilution medium is the same as the dispersion medium. Preferably, the tobacco product is diluted with water, propylene glycol and / or glycerin.

[0022] For atomization, the tobacco product is sprayed from a nozzle over a desired area of ​​the surface of the cooling material. The pattern may be applied to the surface of the cooling material by masking a specific area of ​​the surface or by moving the spray nozzle over the surface in a specific pattern. The thickness of the tobacco product layer applied to the cooling material can be varied by returning to an area already sprayed by the nozzle and applying a second coating, or by increasing the flow of the spray nozzle.

[0023] For printing purposes, the tobacco product is preferably diluted as described below. A particularly preferred embodiment comprises tobacco particles making up 1-58% of the total tobacco product composition. Within this range, not only is the proper viscosity of the tobacco product guaranteed, but sufficient color intensity is also ensured. The latter is especially important when the tobacco product is used for decorating smoking articles. The viscosity of the tobacco product is preferably 50-350 dPas, measured with a drop rod viscometer at 25°C. This viscosity range is ensured by a given amount of tobacco particles in the tobacco product, which is 0.8-1.5 g / cm³. 3 This will result in the total density of the diluted tobacco product.

[0024] The printing process itself may be carried out using a conventional printing press for printing on a continuous material. Such a conventional printing mechanism may include a printing roller and an ink reservoir containing tobacco product. The printing roller is then coated with tobacco product from the reservoir and then rolled over the surface of the cooling material. Silkscreen printing or inkjet printing may also be used. The printing process may be carried out in conjunction with the manufacture of the cooling segment, or externally before the manufacture of the cooling segment.

[0025] For the printing process, the tobacco product may also contain solvents, pigment dyes, resins, lubricants, solubilizers, surfactants, particulate matter, and / or fluorescent agents. Preferably, all of these materials are safe for food. Preferably, the tobacco product also contains water and a wetting agent. The flow properties of the ink can be optimized with solvents, resins, lubricants and solubilizers, and / or surfactants. This further improves the printing result. When the tobacco product is preferably used for decorative purposes on the outer region of the cooling segment, dyes, resins, and / or particulate matter can be used to optimize the color intensity and hiding power of the tobacco product when printed on the surface of the cooling material. It is also possible to adapt the color intensity of the tobacco product by selecting the type and concentration of tobacco used as tobacco particles in the tobacco product when printed. For a darker printing result with the tobacco product, preferably, dark tobacco types such as Burley tobacco, dark fire-cured tobacco, and dark air-cured tobacco are used.

[0026] Further advantages, objects, and features of the present invention will be described by way of example only in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar components and different embodiments may be indicated by the same reference numerals.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a general schematic view of a smoking article 1 including a cooling segment 6. [Figure 2] It is a schematic view of a cooling segment 6 according to another embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a schematic view of a cooling segment 6 according to different embodiments. [Figure 4] It is a detailed view of a surface 11 coated with a tobacco product 12. [Figure 5] It is a different embodiment of a pattern 13. [Figure 6] It is a further embodiment of a pattern 13. [Figure 7]These are two different embodiments of a cooling segment 6 having multiple flow paths 8a to 8e. [Figure 8] The cooling material 7 comprises tobacco product 12. [Figure 9] Two embodiments of a cooling segment 6 equipped with ventilation holes 17. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of a cooling segment 6 equipped with a flow diverter 18 according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cooling segment 6 equipped with a flow diverter 18 according to a different embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a cooling segment 6 comprising another embodiment of the flow diverter 18. [Figure 13] This is a cooling segment 6 comprising a flow diverter 18 according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart of the method for manufacturing smoking article 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Figure 1 shows a general diagram of a smoking article 1. The smoking article 1 comprises three different segments 3 arranged consecutively along a longitudinal axis L. All three segments 3, like the smoking article 1 as a whole, have a cylindrical shape 2. The smoking article has a distal end 1a where a tobacco segment 5 is located. The tobacco segment 5 comprises tobacco or tobacco-derived smokeable material that can generate an inhalable aerosol when heated. The smoking article 1 also has a mouth end 1b where a filter segment 9 is directly located. A cooling segment 6 is located between the tobacco segment 5 and the filter segment 9. The aerosol generated in the tobacco segment 5 is transferred through the cooling segment 6 along a first channel 8 to the filter segment 9, and then through the filter segment 9 along a second channel 10 to the mouth end 1b which provides the aerosol to the consumer. The cooling segment 6 comprises a cylindrical cooling material 7. The cooling material 7 has at least one surface 11 on which tobacco products 12 are placed. The surface 11 is not necessarily completely coated with tobacco products 12. It is also conceivable that only a portion of the surface 11 is coated with the tobacco product 12. Preferably, the portion of the surface 11 coated with the tobacco product 12 is directly adjacent to the first channel 8. In this way, the tobacco product 12 comes into direct contact with the aerosol flow along the first channel 8. In this manner, the aerosol can take up flavor substances from the tobacco product 12. This is a very efficient and simple method for improving the flavor of the aerosol of the smoking article 1.

[0029] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the cooling segment 6. In this embodiment, the cooling segment 6 consists of a sheet of cooling material 7 that is rolled up to form a tube. Preferably, the cooling material 7 is paper or cardboard. A first flow path 8 is located inside the tube. The tobacco product 12 is placed on at least a portion of the surface 11 of the sheet cooling material 7. Preferably, the tobacco product 12 is placed on a portion of the surface 11a that is located inside the tube. However, it is also conceivable to place the tobacco product 12 on the surface portion 11b, forming the outer region of the tube. It is also conceivable to place the tobacco product 12 on both the inner surface 11a and the outer surface 11b. Of course, it is conceivable to coat all of these surfaces only partially with the tobacco product 12. In the embodiment shown, the tobacco product 12 is coated on the surfaces 11 of the circumferential rings 13a to 13c. The circumferential rings 13a to 13c have their respective ranges e in the longitudinal direction L. The circumferential rings 13a to 13c are separated from each other by their respective distances d. The distance d is also measured along the longitudinal direction L. It is conceivable that all circumferential rings 13a to 13c have the same distance d relative to each of their adjacent rings. However, it is also conceivable that circumferential rings 13a to 13c have different distances d relative to each of their adjacent rings. It is also conceivable that all circumferential rings 13a to 13c have the same range e. However, it is also conceivable that each circumferential ring 13a to 13c has its own individual range e, or that certain circumferential rings 13a to 13c have the same range, while other circumferential rings 13a to 13c have different ranges.

[0030] Figure 3 shows a cooling segment 6 according to a different embodiment. In this embodiment, the cooling segment 6 has the shape of a hollow cylinder. The hollow cylinder has a through hole 15 having an inner region 14 surrounding the through hole 15. The hollow cylinder also has an outer region 16, which is the outermost surface of the hollow cylinder. In this embodiment, the inner region 14 corresponds to the inner surface 11a of the cooling material 7, and the outer region 16 corresponds to the outer surface 11b of the cooling material 7. The first flow path 8 is located in the through hole 15 of the hollow cylinder. In this embodiment, the cooling material 7 is preferably monoacetate and / or plastic material. The tobacco product 12 is preferably placed on at least a portion of the inner region 14 and / or at least a portion of the outer region 16. The tobacco product 12 may be arranged in a pattern 13 on the inner region 14 and / or the outer region 16.

[0031] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of a cooling material 7 having a surface 11 on which tobacco product 12 is placed. In this embodiment, the tobacco product 12 is placed on the surface 11 with varying layer thicknesses. In this embodiment, the thickness of the layer of tobacco product 12 increases along the first channel 8. In particular, at position A shown in Figure 4, the thickness of the layer of tobacco product 12 is smaller than at position B similarly shown in Figure 4. An embodiment in which the thickness of the layer of tobacco product 12 increases along the first channel 8 is preferred. In other words, the thickness of the layer of tobacco product is smaller at position A, which is closer to the tobacco segment 5, than at position B, which is closer to the filter segment 9. This embodiment is advantageous because the aerosol generated from the tobacco segment 5 has a relatively high temperature, which is then cooled along the first channel 8 as the aerosol moves through the cooling segment 6. This means that at position A, the aerosol has a higher temperature than at position B. The higher temperature at position A will make flavor transfer from the tobacco product 12 to the aerosol more efficient than flavor transfer at the lower temperature at position B. As the thickness of the tobacco product layer along the first channel 8 increases, the decrease in flavor transfer efficiency due to the decrease in aerosol temperature is compensated for by increasing the thickness of the tobacco product layer 12, thereby providing more tobacco product 12 per region unit. In this way, although the efficiency of flavor transfer to the aerosol decreases due to the decrease in temperature along the first channel 8, a certain amount of flavor transfer from the tobacco product 12 to the aerosol is possible.

[0032] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a pattern on which tobacco products 12 can be placed on the surface 11. In Figure 5, the black lines represent tobacco products 12, and the white background represents the surface 11. The pattern may include hexagons, concentric squares, rectangles, or circles, zigzag or winding lines, and / or parallel straight or curved lines. In alternative forms, or in addition to the different layer thicknesses shown in Figure 4, the amount of tobacco products placed per unit area of ​​the surface 11 may also be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the density of the pattern 13. Figure 5 shows different patterns 13, each shown at a different density. In particular, the density of the pattern 13 increases from left to right in Figure 5. This results in more tobacco products 12 per unit area of ​​the surface 11 for higher pattern densities. Consequently, this results in less tobacco products 12 per unit area of ​​the surface 11 for lower pattern densities.

[0033] Figure 6 shows three different embodiments of further possible patterns 13. Three different possible patterns 13 are shown in Figure 6. The top pattern 13 features a checkerboard pattern. The bottom pattern 13 shown in Figure 6 also features a checkerboard pattern. The pattern 13 shown in the middle of Figure 6 features a disordered distribution of squares or pixels. Here again, black represents tobacco product 12 and white represents the uncoated surface 11. In all three patterns 13 shown in Figure 6, the density of tobacco product 12 per unit area of ​​the surface 11 decreases from left to right. In contrast to Figure 5, where pattern 13 shows a distinct grid of density from left to right, the patterns 13 in Figure 6 show a gradual change in the density of tobacco product 12 per unit area of ​​the surface 11. This is done by gradually decreasing the size of the squares coated with tobacco product 12 in the checkerboard pattern, or, in the case of a disordered arrangement of squares coated with tobacco product 12, by gradually decreasing the density of pixels coated with tobacco product 12. These patterns 13 not only allow for the creation of decreasing or increasing density patterns 13 along the first flow path 8, but also allow for the creation of alternating densities of tobacco products 12 on the surface 11 by decreasing the density and then increasing it, repeating this cycle for a desired number of times. In this way, the amount of tobacco products 12 placed per unit area of ​​the surface 11 can be very precisely matched to the cooling profile of the cooling segment 6.

[0034] Figures 7a and 7b show two different embodiments of a cooling segment 6 having a plurality of channels 8a to e. Figure 7a shows an embodiment in which the cooling segment 6 comprises a cooling material 7, forming the cooling segment 6. The cooling material 7 is wound up and arranged as the cooling segment 6. The cooling material 7 is preferably wound up in multiple turns, similar to a coil. The cooling material 7 can be either a linear material wound up into a cylindrical shape, or a corrugated material also wound up into a cylindrical shape 2. The wound cooling material 7 is preferably wrapped in a second wrapper 4a. The cooling material 7 wound up with the second wrapper 4a is maintained in a cylindrical shape 2. The surface 11 of the cooling material 7 is at least partially coated with a tobacco product 12. Preferably, the cooling material 7 is loosely wound into a cylindrical shape 2. In this way, the plurality of channels 8a to c are formed between individual directly adjacent layers of the wound cooling material 7.

[0035] Figure 7b shows a different embodiment of the cooling segment 6 having a plurality of channels 8a-e. In this embodiment, the cooling material 7 consists of a plurality of tubes arranged parallel to each other. The tubes, i.e., the cooling material 7, are shaped like straws arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis L. One of the plurality of channels 8a-e is arranged through each of the tubes. Preferably, the channels 8a-e are also arranged between adjacent tubes. In this way, the plurality of channels 8a-e are arranged in each of the tubes or between the tubes. Each tube of the cooling material 7 has an inner surface 11a and an outer surface 11b, at least in part, on which the tobacco product 12 is preferably arranged. It is also conceivable that the tobacco product 12 is arranged not only on the inner surface 11a of the tube of the cooling material 7, but also only on the outer surface 11b of the tube of the cooling material 7, or on both the inner surface 11a and the outer surface 11b.

[0036] Figure 8 shows a sheet-like cooling material 7 on which tobacco product 12 is placed on its surface 11. The sheet cooling material 7 is rolled up by a winding movement R indicated by the arrow in Figure 8 to form a cylindrical shape 2. In this way, a cooling segment 6 similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, and 7a can be realized. The cooling material 7 shown in Figure 8 has tobacco product 12 on both the inner surface 11 and the outer surface 11b. However, it is also conceivable that the tobacco product 12 is placed only on the inner surface 11a or only on the outer surface 11b. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the tobacco product is placed only on parts of the inner surface 11a and the outer surface 11b. However, it is also conceivable that the tobacco product 12 is placed on the entire inner surface 11a, the entire outer surface 11b, or both surfaces 11a and 11b. To realize the embodiment of the cooling segment 6 shown in Figure 7a, the cooling material 7 would have a corrugated shape, rather than being flat, as shown in Figure 8.

[0037] Figures 9a and 9b show an embodiment of the cooling segment 6 equipped with a vent 17. The vent 17 is a through-hole through which the cooling material 7 passes. This means that the vent 17 connects the inner surface 11a and the outer surface 11b of the cooling material 7. In particular, fluid flow can pass through the vent 17 from the periphery of the cooling segment 6 to the inside of the cooling segment 6 where the first flow path 8 is located. When a consumer inhales the mouthpiece 1b of the smoking article 1, not only is an aerosol transported from the tobacco segment 5 to the mouthpiece 1b of the smoking article 1, but there is also an inflow of air from the outside of the smoking article 1 through the vent 17 to the first flow path 8. The airflow into the cooling segment 6 through the vent 17 merges there with the aerosol along the first flow path 8 and subsequently is supplied to the mouthpiece 1b of the smoking article 1 along the first flow path 8 and the second flow path 10.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the tobacco product 12 is located downstream of the vent 17. This means that the air flowing through the vent 17 to the cooling segment 6 passes through the tobacco product 12 as it flows along the first channel 8 with the aerosol. Figure 9b shows an embodiment in which the tobacco product 12 is located upstream of the vent 17. This means that the aerosol first passes through the tobacco product 12, taking in the tobacco flavor, and then passes through the vent 17, where the aerosol merges with the air flowing from outside the smoking article 1 to the cooling segment 6. In this embodiment, the air flowing through the vent 17 to the cooling segment 6 does not pass through the tobacco product 12.

[0039] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of segment 3 of the smoking article 1. In the shown embodiment of the cooling section 6, a flow diverter 18 is included. The flow diverter 18 is implemented as a projection 19 of the filter segment 9 projecting from the filter segment 9 into a through-hole 15 of the cooling segment 6. The flow diverter 18 positioned in the through-hole 15 of the cooling segment 6 forces the first flow path 8 to flow around the flow diverter 18. The flow diverter 18 preferably has a cylindrical shape. This cylindrical shape is shown as a rectangle due to the cross-sectional nature of Figure 10. The first flow path 8, which must flow around the flow diverter 18, is redirected toward the surface 11 of the cooling material 7. This places the first flow path 8 closer to the surface 11 which is at least partially coated with the tobacco product 12. This means that the first flow path 8 is directed toward the tobacco product 12 and can therefore interact with the tobacco product 12 more effectively. As a result, the aerosols flowing along the first channel 8 more effectively capture flavor substances from the tobacco product 12. The first channel 8 extends around the flow diverter 18. In the cross-sectional view of Figure 10, this is illustrated by two parallel channels 8a and 8b. When the aerosols are transferred to the filter segment 9, they flow along the second channel 10. In the filter segment 9, the previously separated first channels 8, 8a, and 8b are preferably combined into a single second channel 10, as before.

[0040] Figure 11 shows another embodiment of the flow diverter 18. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 10. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the shape of the flow diverter 18 is frustoconical. The frustoconical shape of the flow diverter 18 enables highly efficient flow deflection of the first flow channel 8. The frustoconical shape of the flow diverter 18 includes a tip 18a that widens along the first flow channel 8 toward the base 18b of the flow diverter 18. The sharp tip 18a of the flow diverter 18 in this embodiment allows the first flow channel 8 to be easily redirected toward the surface 11 of the cooling material 7 without generating turbulence.

[0041] Figure 12 shows another embodiment of the flow diverter 18. In this embodiment, the flow diverter is an unfixed element 20 configured in the through-hole 15 of the cooling section 6. The unfixed element 20 has a spherical shape. The diameter d1 of the through-hole 15 is greater than the diameter d2 of the flow diverter 18. Thus, the flow diverter 18 fits into the through-hole 15 of the cooling segment 6. Also, the smaller diameter d2 allows the first flow path 8 to pass between the flow diverter 18 and the inner area 14 or inner surface 11a of the cooling segment 6. Preferably, the diameter d2 of the flow diverter 18 is 5% smaller than the diameter d1 of the through-hole 15. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the diameter d2 of the flow diverter 18 is 10% smaller than the diameter d1 of the through-hole.

[0042] Figure 13 shows another embodiment of the flow diverter 18, which is implemented as an unfixed element 20. In this embodiment, the flow diverter has the shape of an elongated sphere. The elongated sphere has a longest axis A1. The elongated sphere is positioned at its longest axis A1, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The diameter d2 of the elongated sphere, measured perpendicular to its longest axis A1, is smaller than the diameter d1 of the through-hole 15 in the cooling segment 6. Preferably, the diameter d2 of the elongated sphere is 5%, and more preferably 10%, smaller than the diameter d1 of the through-hole 15 in the cooling segment 6. In both embodiments of Figures 12 and 13, the first flow channel 8 completely surrounds the flow diverter 18. By surrounding the flow diverter 18, the first flow channel 8 is close to the surface 11 of the cooling segment 6. The surface 11 is at least partially coated with tobacco product 12. In this way, the aerosol travels along the first flow channel 8, approaching the surface 11 coated with tobacco product 12. This allows for very effective flavor transfer from the tobacco product 12 to the aerosol flowing along the first channel 8.

[0043] Figure 14 shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a smoking article 1. The method may begin with an optional step 101 of diluting the tobacco product 12. Dilution 101 may be necessary to achieve the required viscosity of the tobacco product 12 for the subsequent process 12. The tobacco product 12 after dilution 101, or the tobacco product 12 if dilution is not performed directly as the first step, is coated onto the cooling segment 6 (102). In particular, the tobacco product 12 is coated onto the surface 11 of the cooling material 7 (102). This can be done by either spraying 103 or printing 104. For spraying 103, the tobacco product 12 is applied to the surface 11 with a spray nozzle. If the tobacco product 12 is arranged on the surface 11 in a pattern 13 (102), the pattern 13 is achieved by placing a mask between the spray nozzle and the surface 11, or by moving the spray nozzle relative to the surface 11 to conform to the desired pattern 13. When the tobacco product 12 is coated onto the surface 11 by printing 104 (102), the tobacco product 12 is applied to the surface 11 of the cooling material 7, preferably by a printing roller. The printing roller may have a concave surface portion. Preferably, the concave surface portion forms a mold for the desired pattern 13 on which the tobacco product 12 is coated (102) onto the surface 11. After the tobacco product 12 has been coated (102) onto the surface 11 of the cooling material 7, the cooling segment 6 may be formed from the cooling material 7 (105). This step 105 of forming the cooling segment 6 is also optional and is performed only when embodiments such as those shown in Figures 7a and b or Figure 8 are used. For example, after the surface 11 has been at least partially coated with the tobacco product 12, the cooling material 7 may be rolled up during this forming step 105 to form the cylindrical shape 2 of the cooling segment 6, as shown in Figure 8. Subsequently, all segments 3, namely the tobacco segment 5, the cooling segment 6, and the filter segment 9, are arranged in the correct order along the common longitudinal axis L (106). After the segments 3 are arranged (106), they are wrapped in the circumferential wrapper 4 (107).The wrapper does not necessarily completely enclose all segments 3. In fact, it is possible that the wrapper 4 only partially encloses some segments 3. At this stage, the smoking article 1 is completely manufactured.

[0044] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the specification of this application as essential features of the invention, insofar as they are novel individually or in combination in light of the prior art. Furthermore, it should be noted that the figures depict features that may be individually advantageous. A person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that certain features disclosed in the figures may be advantageous without incorporating any further features in the figures. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may develop from a combination of various features disclosed in one or more figures. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1. Smoking items 1a Distal end 1b End of mouth 2. Cylindrical shape 2a, 2b Base region 3 segments 4 Rappers 4a The second rapper 5. Tobacco Segment 6 Cooling Segments 7 Cooling material 8. First channel 8a~e Multiple channels 9 filter segments 10 Second channel 11 Surface 11a Inner Self 11b External surface 12 Tobacco products 13 patterns 13a~c Circumferential ring 14 medial zone 15 Through holes 16 Outer area 17 Ventilation holes 18 Flow Diverter 18a Tip 18b Bass 19 Protrusion 20 Unfixed elements 101 Dilute the tobacco product. 102 Coat the surface with tobacco product. 103 Spray 104 Print 105 Forms a cooling segment Place 106 segments. Encloses 107 segments Position A B position B e range d distance d1 diameter d2 diameter A1 longest axis L Longitudinal axis, longitudinal direction R Winding Movement

Claims

1. A smoking article (1) having a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis (L) that penetrates the base regions (2a, 2b) of the distal end (1a) and the mouth end (1b) of the smoking article (1), from the distal end (1a) to the mouth end (1b), a. Tobacco segment (5) comprising tobacco or tobacco-derived smoking material, b. A cooling segment (6) comprising a cylindrical cooling material (7) having a first flow path (8) from the tobacco segment (5) to the filter segment (9), c. The filter segment (9) having a second flow path (10) from the cooling segment (6) to the opening end (1b). In a smoking article (1), the following are arranged in succession and the smoker (1) comprises a segment (3) that is at least partially wrapped by a circumferential wrapper (4), The surface (11) of the cooling material (7) is at least partially coated with a tobacco product (12) comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 μm and a dispersion medium for dispersing the tobacco particles. The tobacco product (12) is applied to the surface (11) in a pattern (13). A smoking article (1) comprising circumferential rings (13a to d) having a longitudinal range (e) in the longitudinal direction (L) and separated from each other by a distance (d) along the longitudinal direction (L).

2. A smoking article (1) having a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis (L) that penetrates the base regions (2a, 2b) of the distal end (1a) and the mouth end (1b), from the distal end (1a) to the mouth end (1b), a. Tobacco segment (5) comprising tobacco or tobacco-derived smoking material, b. A cooling segment (6) comprising a cylindrical cooling material (7) having a first flow path (8) from the tobacco segment (5) to the filter segment (9), c. The filter segment (9) having a second flow path (10) from the cooling segment (6) to the opening end (1b). In a smoking article (1), the following are arranged in succession and the smoker (1) comprises a segment (3) that is at least partially wrapped by a circumferential wrapper (4), The surface (11) of the cooling material (7) is at least partially coated with a tobacco product (12) comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 μm and a dispersion medium for dispersing the tobacco particles. The tobacco product (12) is applied to the surface (11) in a pattern (13). A smoking article (1) wherein the pattern (13) comprises the tobacco product (12) on the surface (11) with varying layer thickness.

3. The smoking article (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tobacco segment (5) also comprises the tobacco product (12).

4. The smoking article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cooling segment (6) has the shape of a hollow cylinder having an inner region (14) surrounding a through hole (15) in which the first flow path (8) is located, the first flow path (8) is also parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), and the inner region (14) is at least partially coated with the tobacco product (12).

5. The smoking article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cooling segment (6) has the shape of a hollow cylinder having an inner region (14) surrounding a through hole (15) in which the first flow path (8) is located, the first flow path (8) is also parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), and the outer region (16) of the cooling segment (6) is at least partially coated with the tobacco product (12).

6. The smoking article (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the cooling segment (6) is provided with a vent (17), and the tobacco product (12) is located only downstream of the vent (17).

7. The smoking article (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the cooling segment (6) is provided with a vent (17), and the tobacco product (12) is positioned only upstream of the vent (17).

8. The smoking article (1) according to claim 4, wherein the cooling segment (6) further comprises a flow diverter (18) disposed in the through hole (15) of the cooling segment (6), and the flow diverter (18) directly changes the direction of the first flow path (8) toward the surface (11) covered with the tobacco product.

9. The smoking article (1) according to claim 8, wherein the flow diverter (18) is a projection (19) of the filter segment (9) that protrudes into the through hole (15) of the cooling segment (6).

10. The smoking article (1) according to claim 8, wherein the flow diverter (18) is an unfixed element (20) positioned inside the through hole (15) of the cooling segment (6), and has the shape of a sphere or elongated sphere having its longest axis (A1) parallel to the longitudinal axis (L).

11. The smoking article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cooling segment (6) comprises a plurality of parallel first channels (8a to e), each of which is circumferentially surrounded by the respective portion of the surface (11) of the cooling segment (5), and the respective portion of the surface (11) is at least partially coated with the tobacco product (12).

12. A smoking article (1) having a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis (L) that penetrates the base regions (2a, 2b) of the distal end (1a) and the mouth end (1b), from the distal end (1a) to the mouth end (1b), a. Tobacco segment (5) comprising tobacco or tobacco-derived smoking material, b. A cooling segment (6) comprising a cylindrical cooling material (7) having a first flow path (8) from the tobacco segment (5) to the filter segment (9), c. The filter segment (9) having a second flow path (10) from the cooling segment (6) to the opening end (1b). In a smoking article (1), the following are arranged in succession and the smoker (1) comprises a segment (3) that is at least partially wrapped by a circumferential wrapper (4), The surface (11) of the cooling material (7) is at least partially coated with a tobacco product (12) comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 μm and a dispersion medium for dispersing the tobacco particles. The tobacco product (12) is applied to the surface (11) in a pattern (13). A smoking article (1) wherein the cooling segment (6) comprises a plurality of parallel first channels (8a to e), each of which is circumferentially surrounded by the respective portion of the surface (11) of the cooling segment (5), and the respective portion of the surface (11) is at least partially coated with the tobacco product (12).

13. A smoking article (1) having a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis (L) that penetrates the base regions (2a, 2b) of the distal end (1a) and the mouth end (1b) of the smoking article (1), from the distal end (1a) to the mouth end (1b), a. Tobacco segment (5) comprising tobacco or tobacco-derived smoking material, b. A cooling segment (6) comprising a cylindrical cooling material (7) having a first flow path (8) from the tobacco segment (5) to the filter segment (9), c. The filter segment (9) having a second flow path (10) from the cooling segment (6) to the opening end (1b). In a smoking article (1), the following are arranged in succession and the smoker (1) comprises a segment (3) that is at least partially wrapped by a circumferential wrapper (4), The surface (11) of the cooling material (7) is at least partially coated with a tobacco product (12) comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 μm and a dispersion medium for dispersing the tobacco particles. A smoking article (1) wherein the cooling segment (6) has the shape of a hollow cylinder having an inner region (14) surrounding a through hole (15) in which the first flow path (8) is located, the first flow path (8) is also parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), and the outer region (16) of the cooling segment (6) is at least partially coated with the tobacco product (12).

14. A smoking article (1) having a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis (L) that penetrates the base regions (2a, 2b) of the distal end (1a) and the mouth end (1b) of the smoking article (1), from the distal end (1a) to the mouth end (1b), a. Tobacco segment (5) comprising tobacco or tobacco-derived smoking material, b. A cooling segment (6) comprising a cylindrical cooling material (7) having a first flow path (8) from the tobacco segment (5) to the filter segment (9), c. The filter segment (9) having a second flow path (10) from the cooling segment (6) to the opening end (1b). In a smoking article (1), the following are arranged in succession and the smoker (1) comprises a segment (3) that is at least partially wrapped by a circumferential wrapper (4), The surface (11) of the cooling material (7) is at least partially coated with a tobacco product (12) comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 μm and a dispersion medium for dispersing the tobacco particles. The cooling segment (6) has the shape of a hollow cylinder having an inner region (14) surrounding a through hole (15) in which the first flow path (8) is located, the first flow path (8) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), and the inner region (14) or the outer region (16) of the cooling segment (6) is at least partially coated with the tobacco product (12). A smoking article (1) wherein the cooling segment (6) is provided with a vent (17), and the tobacco product (12) is positioned only downstream of the vent (17).

15. A smoking article (1) having a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis (L) that penetrates the base regions (2a, 2b) of the distal end (1a) and the mouth end (1b) of the smoking article (1), from the distal end (1a) to the mouth end (1b), a. Tobacco segment (5) comprising tobacco or tobacco-derived smoking material, b. A cooling segment (6) comprising a cylindrical cooling material (7) having a first flow path (8) from the tobacco segment (5) to the filter segment (9), c. The filter segment (9) having a second flow path (10) from the cooling segment (6) to the opening end (1b). In a smoking article (1), the following are arranged in succession and the smoker (1) comprises a segment (3) that is at least partially wrapped by a circumferential wrapper (4), The surface (11) of the cooling material (7) is at least partially coated with a tobacco product (12) comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 μm and a dispersion medium for dispersing the tobacco particles. The cooling segment (6) has the shape of a hollow cylinder having an inner region (14) surrounding a through hole (15) in which the first flow path (8) is located, the first flow path (8) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), and the inner region (14) or the outer region (16) of the cooling segment (6) is at least partially coated with the tobacco product (12). A smoking article (1) wherein the cooling segment (6) is provided with a vent (17), and the tobacco product (12) is positioned only upstream of the vent (17).

16. A smoking article (1) having a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis (L) that penetrates the base regions (2a, 2b) of the distal end (1a) and the mouth end (1b) of the smoking article (1), from the distal end (1a) to the mouth end (1b), a. Tobacco segment (5) comprising tobacco or tobacco-derived smoking material, b. A cooling segment (6) comprising a cylindrical cooling material (7) having a first flow path (8) from the tobacco segment (5) to the filter segment (9), c. The filter segment (9) having a second flow path (10) from the cooling segment (6) to the opening end (1b). In a smoking article (1), the following are arranged in succession and the smoker (1) comprises a segment (3) that is at least partially wrapped by a circumferential wrapper (4), The surface (11) of the cooling material (7) is at least partially coated with a tobacco product (12) comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 μm and a dispersion medium for dispersing the tobacco particles. The cooling segment (6) has the shape of a hollow cylinder having an inner region (14) surrounding a through hole (15) in which the first flow path (8) is located, the first flow path (8) is also parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), and the inner region (14) is at least partially coated with the tobacco product (12). The cooling segment (6) further comprises a flow diverter (18) positioned in the through hole (15) of the cooling segment (6), the flow diverter (18) directly changes the direction of the first flow path (8) toward the surface (11) covered with tobacco products, A smoking article (1) wherein the flow diverter (18) is a projection (19) of the filter segment (9) that protrudes into the through hole (15) of the cooling segment (6).

17. A method for manufacturing a smoking article (1), wherein a tobacco segment (5) comprising tobacco or tobacco-derived smokeable material, a cooling segment (6) comprising a cylindrical cooling material (7) having a first flow path (8), and a filter segment (9) comprising a second flow path (10) are arranged in a predetermined order along a longitudinal axis (L) and are at least partially wrapped by a circumferential wrapper (4), thereby forming a cylindrical smoking article having a longitudinal axis (L) that penetrates each base region (2a, 2b) of the smoking article (1), which is the distal end (1a) where the tobacco segment (5) is located and the mouth end (1b) where the filter segment (9) is located, the first flow path (6) connects the tobacco segment (5) to the filter segment (9), and the second flow path (10) connects the cooling segment (6) to the mouth end (1b), in a method, Before placing the cooling segment (6) between the tobacco segment (5) and the filter segment (9) (106), the surface (11) of the cooling material (7) is at least partially coated (102) with a tobacco product (12) comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 μm and a dispersion medium for dispersing the tobacco particles, and the tobacco product (12) is applied to the surface (11) in a pattern (13). A method wherein the pattern (13) comprises circumferential rings (13a to d) having a longitudinal range (e) in the longitudinal direction (L) and being separated from each other by a distance (d) along the longitudinal direction (L).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the tobacco product (12) is applied to the surface (11) of the cooling material (7) by spraying (103) or printing (104).

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