Functional segment and aerosol generating article

Abstract

Disclosed is a functional segment. The functional segment is configured to be applied in an aerosol generating article. The functional segment extends along a longitudinal direction, the functional segment is formed into an integral structure, and the functional segment is formed with first air channels passing through at least one end of the functional segment. An aerosol generating article is also provided.

Description

FUNCTIONAL SEGMENT AND AEROSOL GENERATING ARTICLECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 384,021 filed on November 10, 2025, which is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 748,567 filed on January 23, 2025. The disclosures of the applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates to the technical field of aerosol generation, and in particular to a functional segment and an aerosol generating article.BACKGROUND

[0003] Aerosol generating articles may also be referred to as Heated Not Bum (HNB) cigarettes in some cases, and generate aerosols by an HNB manner. Specifically, the HNB technology is a technology by which an aerosol generating article is heated, while temperature of heating is not sufficient to bum the aerosol generating article, and aerosols are released.

[0004] In the related art, an HNB aerosol generating article includes a substrate segment and a functional segment, the substrate segment is heated to generate aerosols, and the functional segment is provided to cooperate with the substrate segment. Some functional segments are difficult to be manufactured and assembled due to their complicated structures. Therefore, the relevant art lacks an effective solution to address the difficulties in manufacturing and assembling the functional segment and improving performance of the functional segment.SUMMARY

[0005] In view of this, embodiments of the disclosure are desired to provide a functional segment and an aerosol generating article.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of disclosure, there is provided a functional segment, the functional segment is configured to be applied in an aerosol generating article. The functional segment is formed into an integral structure, and the functional segment is formed with first air channels passing through at least one end of the functional segment.

[0007] In some embodiments, the functional segment may extend along a longitudinal direction, and the functional segment may be formed into the integral structure by an extrusion process.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first air channel may include air holes arranged inside the functional segment.

[0009] In some embodiments, the functional segment may be provided with the air holes with at least two cross-sectional shapes.

[0010] In some embodiments, each of the air holes may have a cross-sectional area of 0.05 mm2to 1.96 mm2, by taking a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal direction as a cross section.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the air holes may have a diameter of 0.3 mm to 1.4 mm.

[0012] In some embodiments, a ratio of a sum of cross-sectional areas of all the air holes to a cross- sectional area of the functional segment may be 30% to 70%, by taking a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal direction as a cross section.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first air channel may include grooves arranged in an outer circumferential surface of the functional segment.

[0014] In some embodiments, the functional segment may have a porosity of 2% to 15%.

[0015] In some embodiments, the functional segment may include a support wall, the support wall encloses to form the first air channels, and the support wall has a wall thickness in a range of 0.04 mm to 0.4 mm.

[0016] In some embodiments, the functional segment may have a density of 1 g / cm 3 to 2.5 g / cm 3.

[0017] In some embodiments, the functional segment may have a length of 3 mm to 50 mm along a longitudinal direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, a cross-sectional shape of the functional segment may be a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a racetrack shape, a quadrilateral shape or a hexagonal shape, by taking a planeperpendicular to a longitudinal direction as a cross section.

[0019] In some embodiments, a cross-sectional shape of the functional segment may be a circular shape, the functional segment is provided with multiple air holes at interior thereof, and the multiple air holes are distributed in a mesh shape.

[0020] Or, the cross-sectional shape of the functional segment is a circular shape, the functional segment is divided into a middle portion and an edge portion, the edge portion surrounds the middle portion, the middle portion is provided with square-shaped air holes, the edge portion is provided with irregular shapes of air holes formed during extrusion.

[0021] Or, the cross-sectional shape of the functional segment is a circular shape, the functional segment has a radial-shaped structure at interior thereof, a cross-sectional shape of an air hole at the center of the functional segment is a circular shape, and cross-sectional shapes of other air holes are irregular shapes.

[0022] Or, the cross-sectional shape of the functional segment is a circular shape with grooves in an outer circumferential surface thereof, a cross-sectional shape of each of the air holes is a circular shape, and a cross-sectional shape of each of the grooves is a semicircular shape.

[0023] In some embodiments, the functional segment may include a base material and an adhesive component, the base material is in form of powders.

[0024] In some embodiments, the base material may include at least one of plant cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, or silicon dioxide, and a proportion of the base material in the functional segment is 10% to 80%; the adhesive component includes at least one of starch, cellulose, kudzu extraction, protein, gelatin, polylactic acid (PLA), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0025] In some embodiments, a proportion of the adhesive component in the functional segment may be 5% to 80%, the functional segment includes a liquid component, a proportion of the liquid component in the functional segment is 0% to 50%, the functional segment includes perfumes and spices, and a proportion of the perfumes and spices in the functional segment is 0.5% to 10%.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article includes a substrate segment and the functional segment as described in any one of the above paragraphs, the functional segment is arranged at an end of the substrate segment along a longitudinal direction.

[0027] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article may include a substrate segment, a cooling segment and a filter segment sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction, the substrate segment is formed into an integral structure provided with second air channels, the cooling segment forms the functional segment, and the filter segment is formed into a non-integral structure.

[0028] Or, the aerosol generating article includes a substrate segment, a cooling segment and a filter segment sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction, the substrate segment is formed into an integral structure provided with second air channels, each of the cooling segment and the filter segment forms the functional segment.

[0029] Or, the aerosol generating article includes a substrate segment, a cooling segment and a filter segment sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction, each of the cooling segment and the filter segment forms the functional segment, and the substrate segment is a sheet substrate.

[0030] Or, the aerosol generating article includes a substrate segment, a cooling segment and a filter segment sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction, the cooling segment forms the functional segment, the filter segment is formed into a non-integral structure, and the substrate segment is a sheet substrate.

[0031] Or, the aerosol generating article includes a substrate segment, a cooling segment and a filter segment sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction, each of the cooling segment and the filter segment forms the functional segment, and the substrate segment is a shredded substrate.

[0032] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article may include a front plug segment, a substrate segment, a cooling segment and a filter segment sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction, the substrate segment is formed into an integral structure provided with second air channels.

[0033] The front plug segment forms the functional segment, and each of the cooling segment and the filter segment is formed into a non-integral structure; or, each of the front plug segment, the cooling segment and the filter segment forms the functional segment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a secondembodiment of the disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a third embodiment of the disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a seventh embodiment of the disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to an eighth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a ninth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a tenth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to an eleventh embodiment of the disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a twelfth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a thirteenth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a fourteenth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a fifteenth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 16 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a sixteenth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 17 is a schematic structural diagram of a functional segment according to a seventeenth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to a second embodiment of the disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to a third embodiment of the disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to a seventh embodiment of the disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to an eighth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to a ninth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to a tenth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 28 is a schematic exploded view of an aerosol generating article according to an eleventh embodiment of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Embodiments of the disclosure and technical features in the embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict, and detailed descriptions in "DETAILED DESCRIPTION" should be understood as explanations of the purpose of the disclosure, and should not be considered as unduelimitation of the disclosure.

[0063] In the embodiments of the disclosure, "longitudinal direction Z" refers to a direction shown based on the drawings. It should be understood that these orientation terms are only intended to facilitate describing the disclosure and simplifying descriptions, rather than indicating or implying that a referred device or element must have a specific orientation or must be configured and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be understood as limitation of the disclosure. In the embodiments of the disclosure, "multiple" includes two or more, and in the embodiments of the disclosure, "diameter" refers to a ratio of four times of a cross-sectional area to a circumference, "cross-sectional area" refers to an area of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Taking an air hole of the embodiment of the disclosure as an example, when a cross-sectional shape of the air hole is a regular quadrilateral shape, the diameter is a ratio of four times of a cross-sectional area of the air hole with the regular quadrilateral shape to a circumference of the regular quadrilateral shape. For another example, when the cross-sectional shape of the air hole is a circular shape, the diameter is a diameter of the air hole with the circular shape.

[0064] A cigarette in related arts emits aerosols in a manner of igniting it to burn.

[0065] An aerosol generating article emits aerosols in a not-bum manner, and the aerosol generating article generates the aerosols mainly by heating a substrate segment. An example of using a Heated Not Burn (HNB) cigarette as the aerosol generating article is taken, the substrate segment is made of tobacco materials, and may also be referred to as a tobacco segment. The HNB cigarette is heated by using a heating element in an aerosol generating device, such that the tobacco segment is just heated to an extent where it is sufficient for the tobacco segment to emit aerosols, while the tobacco segment is not burned. The HNB cigarette is usually short in length, and the entire tobacco segment is heated in a sealed aerosol generating device.

[0066] In the related art, in some cases, a filter segment is used as a functional segment, and the filter segment is usually made of cellulose acetate, to play a role of filtering the aerosol; however, it intercepts the aerosols significantly, affecting a smoking experience. In some cases, a cooling segment is used as a functional segment, and some cooling segments are difficult to be assembled due to their complicated structures and thus are difficult to be applied in actual production; some cooling segments cannot be produced due to high cost of their raw materials; materials of some cooling segments themselves may absorb the aerosols, resulting in that tasting and smoking effects become worse, and may have large interception of the aerosols, affecting the user's smoking experience. Furthermore, the intercepted aerosols are condensed and then may be permeated from the cooling segment onto an external paper of the cigarette, creating stains on exterior of the smoked aerosol generating article, further contaminating the aerosol generating device, and affecting the user's usage and sensory experience. In some cases, a front plug segment is used as a functional segment, and the front plug segment in the related art is usually made of cellulose acetate or paper sheet materials, and have problems such as instability in shape (e.g., insufficient hardness), non-uniform pores and channels, poor consistency of resistance to draw (RTD), etc. Therefore, it needs to provide a functional segment capable of improving at least one of the above problems in the related art.

[0067] The disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0068] With reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 18, an embodiment of the disclosure provides a functional segment 10, the functional segment 10 is configured to be applied in an aerosol generating article 100. The functional segment 10 is formed into an integral structure, and the functional segment 10 is formed with first air channels 11 passing through at least one end of the functional segment 10.

[0069] With reference to FIG. 18 to FIG. 28, an aerosol generating article 100 provided in an embodiment of the disclosure includes a substrate segment 101 and the functional segment 10 as described in any one of the embodiments of the disclosure, the functional segment 10 is arranged at an end of the substrate segment 101 along a longitudinal direction Z.

[0070] In some embodiments, the substrate segment 101 may be made of tobacco materials, and the substrate segment 101 may also be referred to as a tobacco segment. Of course, the substrate segment 101 may also be made of other herbal materials. The substrate segment 101 is heated and then generates aerosol to be inhaled by the user. In some embodiments, the aerosols may also be referred to as tobacco smoke.

[0071] Exemplarily, the aerosol generating article 100 is used in cooperation with an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device includes a housing and a heating element, the housing is provided with an accommodation cavity, and the heating element generates heat in case that a portion of the aerosol generating article 100 corresponding to the substrate segment 101 is inserted into the accommodation cavity, thereby heating the substrate segment 101 to generate the aerosols.

[0072] Each of a direction in which the aerosol generating article 100 is inserted into theaccommodation cavity and a direction in which the aerosol generating article 100 is taken out from the accommodation cavity is parallel to the longitudinal direction Z.

[0073] In the embodiment of the disclosure, the functional segment 10 may have a substantially columnar shape extending along the longitudinal direction Z. The columnar shape may be a cylinder shape (that is, a cross-sectional shape thereof is a circular shape), a prismatic shape (that is, a cross- sectional shape thereof is a polygonal shape), an elliptical cylinder shape (that is, a cross-sectional shape thereof is an elliptical shape) or the like, which is not limited here.

[0074] In the embodiment of the disclosure, a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z is taken as a cross section, unless otherwise stated.

[0075] Functions which may be provided by the functional segment 10 are not limited. Exemplarily, the functional segment 10 may be configured to provide at least one of functions of cooling aerosol, filtration, blocking the substrate segment 101, etc. In a process of using the aerosol generating article 100, the user may take the functional segment 10 in his mouth for smoking. Of course, the user may not take the functional segment 10 in his mouth.

[0076] The functional segment 10 is formed into an integral structure, which means that the functional segment 10 is obtained by extruding or molding a substantially uniform slurry in one step, without further applying processes of changing external shapes such as folding, gathering together or the like to the functional segment 10, and the functional segment 10 is a single, indivisible and physically integral part, and its integral state may be maintained without help of external elements. For example, a functional segment 10 monomer obtained by slurry extrusion is formed into an integral structure; however, a functional segment 10 obtained by acquiring filamentous cellulose acetate monomers and then gathering multiple cellulose acetate monomers together is not formed into an integral structure.

[0077] The functional segment 10 is formed into an integral structure, which may reduce assembly steps and improve production efficiency.

[0078] The functional segment 10 is formed with first air channels 11 passing through at least one end of the functional segment 10. The first air channel 11 may be provided for the aerosols to circulate through it, or may temporarily store the aerosols to play a role of slowing release thereof. In this way, the first air channel 11 may achieve functions of cooling aerosol, filtration, adjusting RTD, etc.

[0079] The first air channel 11 is a macroscopic passage, that is, the first air channel 11 is formed mainly by processing, and sizes of the first air channel 11 such as a cross-sectional area, a length or the like may be changed according to design requirements.

[0080] As an example, the first air channel 11 may pass through one or two ends of the functional segment 10, etc.

[0081] As an example, the first air channel 11 may also pass through an outer circumferential surface of the functional segment 10.

[0082] In some embodiments, a number of first air channels 11 of a single functional segment 10 may be one or more.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first air channel 11 may extend along the longitudinal direction Z.Preferably, the first air channel 11 passes through two ends of the functional segment 10 along the longitudinal direction Z.

[0084] According to the functional segment 10 provided in the embodiment of the disclosure, the functional segment 10 is formed into an integral structure, which may reduce difficulty of assembling the functional segment 10 and improve production efficiency. The functional segment 10 is formed with first air channels 11 passing through at least one end of the functional segment 10, the first air channels 11 of the functional segment 10 may be provided for the aerosols to circulate through it, or may temporarily store the aerosols to play a role of slowing release thereof; may also significantly increase a specific surface area, which helps to reduce temperature of the aerosols; and may also play a role of adjusting RTD, to provide the user with a good smoking experience.

[0085] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 18 to FIG. 28, the aerosol generating article 100 may include a wrapping layer 105, the wrapping layer 105 may wrap around outer circumferences of the substrate segment 101 and the functional segment 10. The wrapping layer 105 includes but is not limited to paper or other materials. The wrapping layer 105 fixes the substrate segment 101 and the functional segment 10 as an integral body, to facilitate access to the aerosol generating article 100.

[0086] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article 100 may include one or more functional segments 10.

[0087] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 18 to FIG. 28, the functional segment 10 is used as one of a cooling segment 102, a filter segment 103, and a front plug segment 104.

[0088] The cooling segment 102 is configured to cool the aerosols generated by the substrate segment 101, and the cooling segment 102 is arranged at an end of the substrate segment 101 along thelongitudinal direction Z.

[0089] The filter segment 103 is configured to filter the aerosols, and the filter segment 103 may be configured to remove impurities such as particles, water-soluble compounds or the like from the aerosols during smoking, to provide a consumer with a smooth and comfortable tasting experience. The filter segment 103 may be arranged at an end of the cooling segment 102 away from the substrate segment 101.

[0090] The front plug segment 104 is arranged at an end of the substrate segment 101 away from the filter segment 103 or the cooling segment 102. The front plug segment 104 may block the substrate segment 101, and the front plug segment 104 is arranged upstream of the substrate segment 101 along the longitudinal direction Z, that is, at a distal lip end away from the user's mouth along the longitudinal direction Z. In case that the aerosol generating article 100 is heated, the front plug segment 104 may absorb condensate liquid formed by backflow of the aerosols, to prevent occurrence of a problem of the condensate liquid flowing in the device to result in that it is difficult to clean the condensate liquid.

[0091] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 23, the aerosol generating article 100 includes two functional segments 10, the two functional segments 10 are used as the filter segment 103 and the cooling segment 102 respectively, and the filter segment 103, the cooling segment 102 and the substrate segment 101 are sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction Z.

[0092] In this embodiment, the filter segment 103, the cooling segment 102 and the substrate segment 101 are sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction Z, to form a three -element structure.

[0093] In some embodiments, each of the cooling segment 102 and the filter segment 103 is provided with first air channels 11, and a cross-sectional area of the first air channel 11 of the cooling segment 102 is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of the first air channel 11 of the filter segment 103. The cross-sectional area of the first air channel 11 of the cooling segment 102 is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first air channel 11 of the filter segment 103, to provide a better cooling function. The cross-sectional area of the first air channel 11 of the cooling segment 102 is equal to the cross-sectional area of the first air channel 11 of the filter segment 103, such that RTDs of the two segments may tend to be consistent.

[0094] In some embodiments, each of the cooling segment 102 and the filter segment 103 is provided with first air channels 11, and a number of first air channels 11 of the filter segment 103 is equal to or greater than a number of first air channels 11 of the cooling segment 102. The number of first air channels 11 of the filter segment 103 is greater than the number of first air channels 11 of the cooling segment 102, such that a specific surface area of the filter segment 103 may be increased appropriately, and the filter segment 103 may provide a better filtration effect. The number of first air channels 11 of the filter segment 103 is equal to the number of first air channels 11 of the cooling segment 102, such that RTDs of the two segments may tend to be consistent.

[0095] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article 100 includes two functional segments 10, the two functional segments 10 are used as the filter segment 103 and the front plug segment 104 respectively, the filter segment 103 is arranged at an end of the substrate segment 101 along the longitudinal direction Z, and the front plug segment 104 is arranged at an end of the substrate segment 101 away from the filter segment 103.

[0096] In this embodiment, the filter segment 103, the substrate segment 101 and the front plug segment 104 are sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction Z, to form a three -element structure.

[0097] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article 100 includes two functional segments 10, the two functional segments 10 are used as the cooling segment 102 and the front plug segment 104 respectively, the cooling segment 102 is arranged at an end of the substrate segment 101 along the longitudinal direction Z, and the front plug segment 104 is arranged at an end of the substrate segment 101 away from the cooling segment 102.

[0098] In this embodiment, the cooling segment 102, the substrate segment 101 and the front plug segment 104 are sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction Z, to form a three -element structure.

[0099] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 22, the aerosol generating article 100 includes three functional segments 10, the three functional segments 10 are used as the filter segment 103, the cooling segment 102 and the front plug segment 104 respectively, and the filter segment 103, the cooling segment 102, the substrate segment 101 and the front plug segment 104 are sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction Z, to form a four-element structure.

[0100] In some embodiments, a cross-sectional shape of the functional segment 10 may be a regular shape or an irregular shape by taking a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z as a cross section, and the irregular shape is a special-shaped structure except the regular shape.

[0101] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 13, a cross-sectional shape of the functional segment 10 is a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a racetrack shape, a quadrilateral shape, a hexagonal shape or the like, by taking a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z as a cross section.

[0102] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 17, the cross-sectional shape of the functional segment 10 may be an irregular shape such as a vortex shape, a snowflake shape or the like, by taking the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z as a cross section.

[0103] In some embodiments, the functional segment 10 extends along the longitudinal direction Z, and the functional segment 10 is formed into an integral structure by an extrusion process.

[0104] In some embodiments, the functional segment 10 is formed into an integral structure by the extrusion process or a die-casting process. The functional segment 10 molded by extrusion or die-casting has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0105] As an example, the functional segment 10 has an integrally formed porous structure manufactured by the extrusion process or the die-casting process. That is, the first air channel 11 may be molded by extrusion or die-casting.

[0106] The cooling segment 102 may be formed into an integral structure by an extrusion process or a die-casting process.

[0107] The filter segment 103 may be formed into an integral structure by an extrusion process or a die-casting process.

[0108] The front plug segment 104 may be formed into an integral structure by an extrusion process or a die-casting process.

[0109] Exemplarily, the functional segment 10 is formed into an integral structure by the extrusion process, and during extrusion, different raw materials may be mixed into a slurry in one step or multiple steps, and then the slurry may be extruded into a desired shape by an extruder. Based on different functions of structures to be extruded, different raw materials may be mixed to obtain different slurries, or the slurry may be extruded into different shapes of structures by using different shapes of molds. The first air channel 11 may be formed on the functional segment 10 by extrusion.

[0110] The cooling segment 102, the filter segment 103 and the front plug segment 104 may be integrally formed by using the same or different processes. An example of molding the cooling segment 102, the filter segment 103 and the front plug segment 104 by the extrusion process is taken, different raw materials may be mixed to obtain different slurries according to different functions of the cooling segment 102, the filter segment 103 and the front plug segment 104, or the cooling segment 102, the filter segment 103 and the front plug segment 104 may achieve different functions by extruding into different shapes of structures.

[0111] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 13, the first air channel 11 includes air holes Ila arranged inside the functional segment 10. The air holes Ila may pass through one or two ends of the functional segment 10 along the longitudinal direction Z. The air holes Ila may effectively increase the specific surface area, which is beneficial to cool the aerosols, and may also effectively adjust the RTD.

[0112] A number of air holes Ila in a single functional segment 10 is not limited, and the number of air holes Ila may be one or more.

[0113] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 13, a cross-sectional shape of the air hole Ila includes but is not limited to a regular shape or an irregular shape by taking a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z as a cross section, and the cross-sectional shape of the air hole Ila includes but is not limited to a regular shape such as a circular shape, a regular triangular shape, a square shape, a regular pentagonal shape, a regular hexagonal shape or the like, or the cross-sectional shape of the air hole Ila may be another irregular shape except the above regular shape.

[0114] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 13, the functional segment 10 is provided with air holes Ila with at least two cross-sectional shapes. In case that a size of the functional segment 10 is limited, flexibly designing a cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape of each air hole Ila not only facilitates adjusting flow resistance of the aerosols, but also facilitates improving uniformity of heat dissipation.

[0115] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 10, a cross-sectional shape of one type of the air holes 11 a is a portion of a cross-sectional shape of another type of the air holes Ila.

[0116] For example, the cross-sectional shape of one type of the air holes Ila is a square shape, and the cross-sectional shape of another type of the air holes 1 la is a portion of the square shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of one type of the air holes Ila is a diamond shape, and the cross-sectional shape of another type of the air holes Ila is a portion of the diamond shape.

[0117] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 10, the functional segment10 is divided into a middle portion and an edge portion, the edge portion surrounds the middle portion, the middle portion is provided with air holes Ila with a first cross-sectional shape, and the edge portion is provided with air holes Ila with a second cross-sectional shape. In this way, the air holes Ila with different cross-sectional shapes are distributed in regions in a concentrated manner, to facilitate manufacturing them.

[0118] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 10, the second cross- sectional shape is a portion of the first cross-sectional shape. In this way, taking the extrusion process applied to the functional segment 10 as an example, the second cross-sectional shape may be a shape formed by an outer circumferential edge of the functional segment 10 cutting air holes Ila close to the outer circumferential edge during extrusion.

[0119] For example, the first cross-sectional shape is a diamond shape and is located at the middle portion, and the second cross-sectional shape is a portion of the diamond shape and is located at the edge portion.

[0120] In other embodiments, the second cross-sectional shape may not be a portion of the first cross-sectional shape, for example, the first cross-sectional shape is a circular shape, and the second cross- sectional shape is a square shape.

[0121] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 9, the functional segment 10 is provided with air holes Ila with two cross-sectional shapes, the air holes Ila with two cross-sectional shapes are alternately arranged at intervals in a first direction, and the air holes Ila with two cross-sectional shapes are alternately arranged at intervals in a second direction, the first direction intersects with the second direction. In this way, consistency of smoking may be improved by cooperation of the air holes Ila with two cross-sectional shapes.

[0122] Exemplarily, the air holes Ila with circular and square shapes are alternately arranged at intervals in the first direction and are alternately arranged at intervals in the second direction.

[0123] In some embodiments, each air hole Ila has a cross-sectional area of 0.05 mm2to 1.96 mm2, by taking a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z as a cross section. Preferably, each air hole Ila has a cross-sectional area of 0.09 mm2to 1.96 mm2. Exemplarily, the cross-sectional area of each air hole Ila may be any one of values of 0.05 mm , 0.09 mm , 1.1 mm and 1.96 mm , or a value between any two of the values.

[0124] Based on simulation and experimental validation, a large variation range of the RTD is present in case that the cross-sectional area of the air hole Ila is in a range of 0.27 mm2to 0.67 mm2. Considering provision of a feature "specific surface area", a range of 0.05 mm2to 1.96 mm2may effectively cover a RTD range required by the designed functional segment 10. RTD when the cross- sectional area is less than 0.05 mm2may be too large and thus may affect the smoking experience, while RTD when the cross-sectional area is greater than 1.96 mm2may not be reduced any more with increase of the area of the air hole Ila. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the air hole Ila may be 0.05 mm2to 1.96 mm2, which may meet requirements of the RTD.

[0125] In some embodiments, each air hole Ila has a diameter of 0.3 mm to 1.4 mm. Exemplarily, the diameter of each air hole Ila may be any one of values of 0.3 mm, 1 mm, 1.2 mm and 1.4 mm, or a value between any two of the values. With such design, the cross-sectional area of the air hole Ila may be controlled to be between 0.05 mm2and 1.96 mm2, which may effectively cover a RTD range required by the designed functional segment 10.

[0126] In some embodiments, a ratio of a sum of cross-sectional areas of all the air holes Ila to a cross-sectional area of the functional segment 10 is 30% to 70%, by taking a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z as a cross section.

[0127] As an example, the ratio of the sum of cross-sectional areas of all the air holes Ila to the cross-sectional area of the functional segment 10 is any one of values of 30%, 50% and 70%, or a value between any two of the values.

[0128] The sum of cross-sectional areas of all the air holes Ila refers to a sum of cross-sectional areas of all the air holes Ila of the functional segment 10 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z.

[0129] The cross-sectional area of the functional segment 10 refers to an area of an outer contour shape of the functional segment 10 in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z.

[0130] The ratio of the sum of cross-sectional areas of all the air holes Ila to the cross-sectional area of the functional segment 10 refers to a percentage of the sum of cross-sectional areas of all the air holes Ila to the cross-sectional area of the functional segment 10.

[0131] In this embodiment, in case that the sum of cross-sectional areas of all the air holes Ila is too large, negative effects such as a poor interception effect, the aerosols scalding the mouth or the like may occur. In case that the sum of cross-sectional areas of all the air holes Ila is too small, phenomena such asa strong interception effect, a small amount of aerosols, reduced satisfaction or the like may occur. Therefore, the ratio of the sum of cross-sectional areas of all the air holes Ila to the cross-sectional area of the functional segment 10 is 30% to 70%, which may achieve balance between the amount of aerosols and temperature of the aerosols.

[0132] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 14 to FIG. 17, the first air channel 11 includes grooves 11b arranged in an outer circumferential surface of the functional segment 10. The grooves 11b may pass through one or two ends of the functional segment 10 along the longitudinal direction Z. The grooves 11b are formed in the outer circumferential surface of the functional segment 10, that is, the grooves 11b are open outward. The grooves 11b may increase an outer surface area of the functional segment 10, improve an aerosol transmission efficiency, which is beneficial for the user to acquire active ingredients and is more beneficial for extraction of the active ingredients.

[0133] A number of grooves 11b in a single functional segment 10 is not limited, and the number of grooves 11b may be one or more. Multiple grooves 11b may be arranged at intervals along a circumferential direction of the functional segment 10.

[0134] It may be understood that the circumferential direction is a direction around the longitudinal direction Z.

[0135] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 14 to FIG. 17, a cross-sectional shape of the groove 11b includes but is not limited to a regular shape or an irregular shape by taking a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z as a cross section. Exemplarily, the cross-sectional shape of the groove 1 lb includes but is not limited to a regular shape such as a semicircular shape, a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, etc. Or, the cross-sectional shape of the groove 11b may be another irregular shape except the above regular shape.

[0136] In some embodiments, the functional segment 10 has a porosity of 2% to 15%.

[0137] Exemplarily, the porosity of the functional segment 10 is any one of values of 2%, 10% and 15%, or a value between any two of the values.

[0138] In case that the porosity of the functional segment 10 is less than 2%, a spice-adding function of the functional segment 10 may be affected, and spice components carried by perfumes and spices of the functional segment 10 are not released easily. In case that the porosity of the functional segment 10 is greater than 15%, it may result in that the functional segment 10 has a large shrinkage rate during smoking and is not stable in structure, thereby affecting the smoking experience such as the RTD, the amount of aerosols, etc. Therefore, the functional segment 10 has a porosity of 2% to 15%, to achieve balance between spice release and structural stability of the functional segment 10.

[0139] The porosity of the functional segment 10 refers to a ratio of a sum of volumes of all first air channels 11 of the functional segment 10 to a total volume of the functional segment 10.

[0140] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 14, the functional segment 10 includes a support wall 12, the support wall 12 encloses to form the first air channels 11, and the support wall 12 has a wall thickness in a range of 0.04 mm to 0.4 mm.

[0141] Exemplarily, the wall thickness of the support wall 12 is any one of values of 0.04 mm, 0.1 mm and 0.4 mm, or a value between any two of the values.

[0142] The support wall 12 is a solid structure of the functional segment 10, and design of the wall thickness is related to cross-sectional area and size of the first air channel 11. When the wall thickness of the support wall 12 is too thick or too thin, the cross-sectional area of the first air channel 11 may be compressed, thereby affecting an adjustable range of the RTD and interception efficiency. When the wall thickness of the support wall 12 is 0.04 mm to 0.4 mm, the support wall 12 has a good structural strength, and the support wall 12 does not deform substantially during heating of the aerosol generating article 100, which may maintain shape of the first air channel 11, may also balance adjustment of the RTD, and meet requirements of the interception efficiency.

[0143] In some embodiments, the number of air holes Ila is multiple, and the support wall 12 is divided into an internal support wall 12 and an external support wall 12. Gaps between multiple internal support walls 12 form multiple air holes Ila. The internal support wall 12 refers to a solid material of the functional segment 10 between the air holes Ila. The external support wall 12 refers to a solid material of the functional segment 10 between an air hole Ila closest to the outer circumferential surface of the functional segment 10 and the outer circumferential surface, and the external support wall 12 and the internal support wall 12 may form the grooves 11b together.

[0144] A wall thickness of the internal support wall 12 may be equal or unequal to a wall thickness of the external support wall 12. Wall thicknesses of multiple internal support walls 12 may be equal or unequal.

[0145] In some embodiments, the functional segment 10 has a density of 1 g / cm 3 to 2.5 g / cm 3.Preferably, the functional segment 10 has a density of 1 g / cm3to 1.5 g / cm3.

[0146] Exemplarily, the density of the functional segment 10 is any one of values of 1 g / cm , 1.5 g / cm3, 2 g / cm3and 2.5 g / cm3, or a value between any two of the values.

[0147] The density of the functional segment 10 depends on composite materials forming the functional segment 10. When the density of the functional segment 10 is less than 1 g / cm3, it easily results in a low strength of the functional segment 10, it is difficult to mold the functional segment 10 during extrusion, and it is difficult to store the functional segment 10 after extrusion, with a risk of structural collapse; furthermore, low-density polymer materials usually have a large coefficient of thermal expansion, and may exhibit significant deformation in a high-temperature environment, resulting in poor consistency of smoking; furthermore, non-smooth surfaces and non-uniform textures or defects easily occur, which affects appearance quality of the product. When the density of the functional segment 10 is greater than 2.5 g / cm3, molecular chains of high-density materials are more tight there -between, resulting in a high viscosity and poor fluidity, which may result in blockage of extrusion or non-smooth extrusion, and may also result in increase of energy consumption for production and significant increase of production cost. Therefore, when the density of the functional segment 10 is 1 g / cm3to 2.5 g / cm3, the functional segment 10 has a good molding effect, a good structural stability and relatively low energy consumption for production.

[0148] The density of the functional segment 10 refers to an actual mass of the functional segment 10 per unit volume in an absolutely dense state, that is, a density obtained by removing the first air channels 11 and micropores, that is, the volume here does not include volumes of the first air channels 11 and micropores.

[0149] In some embodiments, the functional segment 10 has a length of 3 mm to 50 mm along the longitudinal direction Z.

[0150] Exemplarily, the length of the functional segment 10 along the longitudinal direction Z is any one of values of 3 mm, 20 mm and 50 mm, or a value between any two of the values.

[0151] In case that the length of the functional segment 10 along the longitudinal direction Z is less than 3 mm, its cooling effect is limited; in case that the length of the functional segment 10 along the longitudinal direction Z is greater than 50 mm, it may result in too high interception, and it may easily cause an overall weight of the aerosol generating article 100 to be too heavy. Therefore, the length of the functional segment 10 along the longitudinal direction Z is 3 mm to 50 mm, which may meet cooling requirements, avoid too high interception, and make the overall weight of the aerosol generating article 100 suitable.

[0152] In some embodiments, the functional segment 10 forms the cooling segment 102, and the cooling segment 102 has a length of 3 mm to 50 mm along the longitudinal direction Z.

[0153] Exemplarily, the length of the cooling segment 102 along the longitudinal direction Z is any one of values of 3 mm, 10 mm, 25 mm and 50 mm, or a value between any two of the values.

[0154] In this embodiment, in case that the length of the cooling segment 102 along the longitudinal direction Z is less than 3 mm, its cooling effect is relatively poor; in case that the length of the cooling segment 102 along the longitudinal direction Z is greater than 50 mm, it may result in negative effects such as too high interception, a too heavy overall weight of the aerosol generating article 100, etc. When the length of cooling segment 102 along the longitudinal direction Z is 3 mm to 50 mm, the cooling segment 102 may achieve a good cooling effect and may also reduce influence of interception.

[0155] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 21, the functional segment 10 forms the front plug segment 104, and the front plug segment 104 has a length of 3 mm to 10 mm along the longitudinal direction Z. Preferably, the front plug segment 104 has a length of 3 mm to 8 mm along the longitudinal direction Z.

[0156] The length of the front plug segment 104 along the longitudinal direction Z is 3 mm to 10 mm, which may achieve a good function of blocking the substrate segment 101 and blocking the condensate liquid, and meet requirements of adjusting the RTD.

[0157] In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of the first air channel 11 of the front plug segment 104 is 0.94 mm2to 1.5 mm2. With such design, the first air channel 11 of the front plug segment 104 may meet requirements of the RTD and structural strength.

[0158] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 20, the functional segment 10 forms the filter segment 103, and the filter segment 103 has a length of 3 mm to 8 mm along the longitudinal direction Z. Exemplarily, the length of the filter segment 103 along the longitudinal direction Z is any one of values of 3 mm, 5 mm and 8 mm, or a value between any two of the values. With such design, the filter segment 103 may achieve balance between filtration and requirements of the RTD.

[0159] In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of the first air channel 11 of the filter segment 103 is 0.94 mm 2 to 1.2 mm 2. Exemplarily, the cross-sectional area of the first air channel 11 of the filter segment 103 is any one of values of 0.94 mm2, 1 mm2and 1.2 mm2, or a value between any two of thevalues. With such design, the filter segment 103 may achieve balance between filtration and requirements of the RTD.

[0160] In some embodiments, the filter segment 103 has a porosity of 50% to 70%. Exemplarily, the porosity of the filter segment 103 is any one of values of 50%, 60% and 70%, or a value between any two of the values. With such design, the filter segment 103 has a relatively small RTD.

[0161] In some embodiments, the functional segment 10 has a shrinkage rate of 0% to 15% after usage of the aerosol generating article 100. Preferably, the functional segment 10 has a shrinkage rate of 0% to 5%.

[0162] Exemplarily, the shrinkage rate of the functional segment 10 is any one of values of 0%, 5% and 15%, or a value between any two of the values.

[0163] after usage of the aerosol generating article 100” means after the aerosol generating article 100 is smoked, that is, after the substrate segment 101 is heated.

[0164] The shrinkage rate is a percentage ratio of an amount of shrinkage to a size before shrinkage, and the amount of shrinkage is a difference between sizes before and after shrinkage.

[0165] Exemplarily, a diameter before shrinkage refers to an initial diameter of the functional segment 10 before usage of the aerosol generating article 100 and is defined as Da; a diameter after shrinkage refers to a remaining diameter of the functional segment 10 after usage of the aerosol generating article 100 and is defined as Db; the shrinkage rate is defined as S, then S = (Da - Db) / Da * 100%.

[0166] The functional segment 10 has a shrinkage rate of 0%, which means that the functional segment 10 does not shrink and deform after the aerosol generating article 100 is heated.

[0167] In this embodiment, in case that the shrinkage rate of the functional segment 10 is greater than 15% after usage of the aerosol generating article 100, it may result in that the first air channel 11 is changed during smoking, affecting the smoking experience. Therefore, the functional segment 10 has a shrinkage rate of 0% to 15%, such that the functional segment 10 maintains its initial shape to be unchanged substantially or changed very little, achieving good consistency of smoking.

[0168] In some embodiments, the functional segment 10 has a diameter of 3.6 mm to 15 mm.Exemplarily, the diameter of the functional segment 10 is any one of values of 3.6 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm and 15 mm, or a value between any two of the values.

[0169] In some embodiments, a content of aldehyde and ketone in the aerosols is 0% to 50% after passing through the functional segment 10.

[0170] That is, the content of aldehyde and ketone in the aerosols may be reduced by 50% to 100% after filtration of the functional segment 10.

[0171] Based on experimental validation, it was found that the functional segment 10 provided in the embodiment of the disclosure has an effect of reducing aldehyde and ketone compounds harmful to human bodies.

[0172] In some embodiments, the functional segment 10 includes a base material and an adhesive component, the base material is in form of powders.

[0173] Here, the adhesive component is configured to bond the base material in form of powders.The adhesive component bonds the base material as an integral body, forming main structure of the functional segment 10. The functional segment 10 is made of a mixed material formed of the base material and the adhesive component, which has at least one characteristic such as good strength, good cooling effect, less interception of tobacco smoke, easy addition of spices, etc.

[0174] The base material in form of powders and the adhesive component are bonded to form a particle bonding body, with micropores between particles of the particle bonding body. For example, sizes of the micropore such as an area of a flowing cross section, a length or the like are naturally formed by components of the material, and the components of the material expand to a certain extent to form the micropores. The aerosols may flow through the micropores.

[0175] The micropore described in the disclosure is different from the first air channel 11, the micropore is disordered, "disordered" means that it is difficult to generate the micropore in an orderly manner according to design, that is, the micropore is randomly generated. The first air channel 11 is ordered, that is, it is formed mainly by design and processing, and has predictability. The first air channel 11 described in the disclosure belongs to a hole or groove in a macroscopic sense, the micropore belongs to a hole in a microscopic sense, and sizes of the first air channel 11 such as an area of a flowing cross section, a length or the like are much greater than those of the micropore. The first air channel 11 is formed mainly by design and processing, and exemplarily, the first air channel 11 is formed by processing with a mold. Therefore, sizes of the first air channel 11 such as the cross-sectional area of the flowing cross section, the length or the like may be changed according to design requirements; however, the size of the micropore is determined by gaps between the particles. For example, the base material is in form of particles, the functional segment 10 molded by extruding from the material is provided with micropores,sizes of the micropore such as the area of the flowing cross section, the length or the like are naturally formed by the extrusion process and components of the material, and the material flows out of mouth of the mold and then expands to a certain extent to form the micropores.

[0176] The base material may include one or more organic materials, and the base material may also include one or more inorganic materials.

[0177] In some embodiments, the base material includes at least one of plant cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, or silicon dioxide.

[0178] Exemplarily, the base material includes one of plant cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, and silicon dioxide.

[0179] Exemplarily, the base material includes multiple of plant cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, and silicon dioxide.

[0180] In this embodiment, materials such as plant cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, silicon dioxide or the like are not easily stuck into a lump when they are in contact with water, and the materials have characteristics such as low cost, easy to obtain, etc.

[0181] In some embodiments, a proportion of the base material in the functional segment 10 is 10% to 80%.

[0182] Exemplarily, the proportion of the base material in the functional segment 10 is any one of values of 10%, 50% and 80%, or a value between any two of the values.

[0183] In this embodiment, the proportion of the base material in the functional segment 10 is 10% to 80%, and the base material forms a skeleton body of the functional segment 10 and has characteristics of good strength.

[0184] In some embodiments, the adhesive component includes at least one of starch, cellulose, kudzu extraction, protein, gelatin, polylactic acid (PLA), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0185] Exemplarily, the adhesive component includes one of starch, cellulose, kudzu extraction, protein, gelatin, PLA, and PET.

[0186] Exemplarily, the adhesive component includes multiple of starch, cellulose, kudzu extraction, protein, gelatin, PLA, and PET.

[0187] The protein may be gluten protein.

[0188] In this embodiment, materials such as starch, cellulose, kudzu extraction, protein, gelatin, PLA, PET or the like have low cost; cellulose, kudzu extraction, gluten protein and gelatin may be viscous when they are in contact with water; PLA and PET may be melted at a high temperature.

[0189] In some embodiments, a proportion of the adhesive component in the functional segment 10 is 5% to 80%.

[0190] Exemplarily, the proportion of the adhesive component in the functional segment 10 is any one of values of 5%, 50% and 80%, or a value between any two of the values.

[0191] In this embodiment, the proportion of the adhesive component in the functional segment 10 is 5% to 80%, then the base material may be adhered such that the base material in form of powders and the adhesive component are mixed into slurry in form of fluid, thereby facilitating forming a specific shape of functional segment 10 by extrusion or die-casting.

[0192] In some embodiments, the functional segment 10 includes a liquid component, and a proportion of the liquid component in the functional segment 10 is 0% to 50%.

[0193] The proportion of the liquid component in the functional segment 10 is 0%, that is, there may be no liquid component in the functional segment 10.

[0194] The proportion of the liquid component in the functional segment 10 is any one of values of 5%, 50% and 80%, or a value between any two of the values.

[0195] Preferably, the functional segment 10 includes 3% to 8% of aqueous liquid.

[0196] The functional segment 10 includes 0% to 50% of other liquids besides the aqueous liquid.

[0197] In this embodiment, the liquid component includes water and other liquids. The liquid component may be used in cooperation with the adhesive component; cellulose, kudzu extraction, gluten protein, gelatin or the like may be viscous when they are in contact with water, the functional segment 10 may have water, for example, PLA and PET may be melted at a high temperature, and the mixed material of the functional segment 10 may have no water.

[0198] In some embodiments, the functional segment 10 includes perfumes and spices. In case that the functional segment 10 needs to provide a spice substance, the perfumes and spices may be added to the functional segment 10. In a process of heating the substrate segment 101 to generate aerosols, heat of the aerosols is absorbed by the perfumes and spices in the functional segment 10, and the perfumes and spices are stimulated to emit the spice substance, such that the functional segment 10 releases the supplementary spice substance, which may not only increase spices of the aerosols, but also achieve an effect of further reducing temperature of the aerosols. With such design, for an embodiment in which thefunctional segment 10 is used as the cooling segment 102 or the filter segment 103, it is unnecessary to punch side holes in the wrapping layer 105 to access to the cooling segment 102 or the filter segment 103, that is, it is unnecessary to punch side holes in the wrapping layer 105 corresponding to the cooling segment 102 or the filter segment 103, to introduce external air to cool the aerosols.

[0199] In other embodiments, it is unnecessary to supplement the functional segment 10 with the spice substance, then the functional segment 10 may also have no perfumes and spices.

[0200] In some embodiments, the perfumes and spices include terpene class, grape concentrates, peppermint perfumes, etc. The peppermint perfumes include but are not limited to menthol.

[0201] In some embodiments, a proportion of the perfumes and spices in the functional segment 10 is 0.5% to 10%. In this way, the perfumes and spices may release an appropriate amount of spice substance to meet spice requirements.

[0202] Exemplarily, an example of the functional segment 10 adopting the extrusion process is taken, the base material in form of powders, the adhesive component or the like may be proportionally fed to a shear type high-speed mixer to be mixed uniformly. In case that the liquid component needs to be added, the liquid component may be metered and fed in batches and mixed uniformly. The prepared slurry is fed into a screw extruder, where it is extruded through specially designed molds with different hole sizes and porosities. After drying, the extruded part is cut into different lengths of functional segments 10, and finally, the functional segment 10 may be assembled into the aerosol generating article 100.

[0203] In some embodiments, the perfumes and spices may be added to the functional segment 10 by co-extrusion or externally adding them after molding the segment.

[0204] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 18 to FIG. 22, the substrate segment 101 is formed into an integral structure, and the substrate segment 101 is formed with second air channels 1011 passing through at least one end of the substrate segment 101.

[0205] The substrate segment 101 is formed into an integral structure, which means that the substrate segment 101 is a single, indivisible and physically integral part, and its integral state may be maintained without help of external elements. For example, the substrate segment 101 may be formed into an integral structure by processes such as extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, etc.

[0206] The second air channel 1011 is a macroscopic passage, that is, the second air channel 1011 is formed mainly by processing, and sizes of the second air channel 1011 such as a cross-sectional area, a length or the like may be changed according to design requirements.

[0207] As an example, the second air channel 1011 may pass through one or two ends of the substrate segment 101 along the longitudinal direction Z.

[0208] In some embodiments, the second air channel 1011 may extend along the longitudinal direction Z. Preferably, the second air channel 1011 passes through two ends of the substrate segment 101 along the longitudinal direction Z.

[0209] As an example, the second air channel 1011 may also pass through an outer circumferential surface of the substrate segment 101.

[0210] In some embodiments, a number of second air channels 1011 may be one or more.

[0211] In some embodiments, the second air channel 1011 may be arranged inside the substrate segment 101.

[0212] In some embodiments, the second air channel 1011 may be arranged in the outer circumferential surface of the substrate segment 101.

[0213] In this embodiment, the substrate segment 101 is formed into an integral structure, and presents an integral substrate after the substrate segment 101 is heated for smoking it or heating is stopped, therefore an phenomenon of disintegration and falling down does not easily occur. The second air channel 1011 may increase a specific surface area of the substrate segment 101, to improve extraction efficiency of the aerosols.

[0214] In the embodiment of the disclosure, the substrate segment 101 formed into an integral structure may have a substantially columnar shape. The columnar shape may be a cylinder shape (that is, a cross-sectional shape thereof is a circular shape), a prismatic shape (that is, a cross-sectional shape thereof is a polygonal shape), an elliptical cylinder shape (that is, a cross-sectional shape thereof is an elliptical shape) or the like, which is not limited here. A cross-sectional shape of the substrate segment 101 formed into an integral structure may be the same as or different from the cross-sectional shape of the functional segment 10, for example, the cross-sectional shape of the substrate segment 101 formed into an integral structure may also be an irregular shape such as a vortex shape, a snowflake shape, etc.

[0215] In some embodiments, the substrate segment 101 is formed into an integral structure by an extrusion process or a die-casting process.

[0216] As an example, the substrate segment 101 has an integrally formed porous structure manufactured by the extrusion process or the die-casting process. That is, the second air channel 1011may be molded by extrusion or die-casting.

[0217] molded by extrusion” refers to a processing method by which a mixture of raw materials is fed into an extruder, the materials pass through a barrel of the extruder, are pushed forward by screws with an action of the screws, and continuously pass through a head piece of the extruder to form articles or semi-finished articles with various cross-sectional shapes.

[0218] The substrate segment 101 is a particle bonding body, with microchannels between particles of the particle bonding body. For example, sizes of the microchannel such as an area of a flowing cross section, a length or the like are naturally formed by components of the material, and the components of the material expand to a certain extent to form the microchannels. The aerosols may flow through the microchannels.

[0219] The microchannel described in the disclosure is different from the second air channel 1011, the microchannel is disordered, "disordered" means that it is difficult to generate the microchannel in an orderly manner according to design, that is, the microchannel is randomly generated. The second air channel 1011 is ordered, that is, it is formed mainly by design and processing, and has predictability. The second air channel 1011 described in the disclosure belongs to a hole in a macroscopic sense, the microchannel belongs to a hole in a microscopic sense, and sizes of the second air channel 1011 such as an area of a flowing cross section, a length or the like are much larger than those of the microchannel. The second air channel 1011 is formed mainly by design and processing, and exemplarily, the second air channel 1011 is formed by processing with a mold. Therefore, sizes of the second air channel 1011 such as the cross-sectional area of the flowing cross section, the length or the like may be changed according to design requirements; however, the size of the microchannel is determined by gaps between the particles. For example, the material is in form of particles, the substrate segment 101 molded by extruding from the material are provided with microchannels, sizes of the microchannel such as the area of the flowing cross section, the length or the like are naturally formed by the extrusion process and components of the material, and the material flows out of mouth of the mold and then expands to a certain extent to form the microchannel.

[0220] In some embodiments, the substrate segment 101 has a length of 10 mm to 40 mm along the longitudinal direction Z. In this way, the substrate segment 101 may release a more sufficient amount of aerosols.

[0221] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 23 to FIG. 27, the substrate segment 101 includes at least one of a sheet substrate, a shredded substrate, or a granular substrate.

[0222] Thickness of the sheet substrate is less than its sizes along other directions, the sheet substrate may be further folded to form multiple strips parallel to the longitudinal direction Z, or may be further cut and then gathered together to form strips parallel to the longitudinal direction Z.

[0223] Exemplarily, the sheet substrate may be formed by using methods such as thick slurry, papermaking, tape casting, etc.

[0224] The shredded substrate is filamentous, and the shredded substrate may be formed by directly cutting leaves and / or stems of plants such as tobacco into shreds. Taking tobacco raw materials as an example, leaves of the tobacco may be cut into disordered filaments, and multiple filamentous structures are filled to the wrapping layer 105.

[0225] The granular substrate is in a dispersed state. Taking tobacco raw materials as an example, the tobacco raw materials may form particles by a granulation process, and then particle matrices are filled into the wrapping layer 105.

[0226] In this embodiment, each of the sheet substrate, the shredded substrate and the granular substrate has a substantially loose, non-integral structure.

[0227] In some embodiments, the substrate segment 101 may include one of the sheet substrate, the shredded substrate, and the granular substrate.

[0228] In some embodiments, the substrate segment 101 may include two of the sheet substrate, the shredded substrate, and the granular substrate. Exemplarily, the sheet substrate and the shredded substrate may be combined together to form the substrate segment 101. The sheet substrate and the granular substrate may be combined together to form the substrate segment 101. The shredded substrate and the granular substrate may be combined together to form the substrate segment 101.

[0229] In some embodiments, the substrate segment 101 may include three of the sheet substrate, the shredded substrate, and the granular substrate. That is, the sheet substrate, the shredded substrate and the granular substrate are combined together to form the substrate segment 101.

[0230] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 10, a cross-sectional shape of the functional segment 10 is a circular shape, the functional segment 10 is provided with multiple air holes Ila at interior thereof, and the multiple air holes Ila are distributed in a mesh shape.

[0231] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 2, the cross-sectional shape of the functionalsegment 10 is a circular shape, the functional segment 10 is divided into a middle portion and an edge portion, the edge portion surrounds the middle portion, the middle portion is provided with square-shaped air holes Ila, the edge portion is provided with irregular shapes of air holes Ila formed during extrusion.

[0232] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 13, the cross-sectional shape of the functional segment 10 is a circular shape, the functional segment 10 has a radial-shaped structure at interior thereof, a cross-sectional shape of an air hole Ila at the center of the functional segment 10 is a circular shape, and cross-sectional shapes of other air holes Ila are irregular shapes.

[0233] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 14, the cross-sectional shape of the functional segment 10 is a circular shape with grooves 11b in an outer circumferential surface thereof, a cross- sectional shape of each of the air holes Ila is a circular shape, and a cross-sectional shape of each of the grooves 11b is a semicircular shape. The functional segment 10 provided in the embodiment of the disclosure will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0234] First specific embodiment

[0235] With reference to FIG. 10, the cross-sectional shape of the functional segment 10 is a circular shape, the functional segment 10 is provided with multiple air holes Ila at interior thereof, and the multiple air holes Ila are distributed in a mesh shape. The cross-sectional shape of the air hole Ila at the middle portion is a square shape, and the air hole Ila has a diameter of 0.3 mm to 1.4 mm. The air hole Ila at the edge portion has an irregular shape naturally formed when the extrusion mold is used, and the air hole Ila has a cross-sectional area of 0.09 mm2to 1.96 mm2.

[0236] Second specific embodiment

[0237] With reference to FIG. 11, the cross-sectional shape of the functional segment 10 is a square shape, the functional segment 10 is provided with multiple air holes Ila regularly arranged at interior thereof, the cross-sectional shape of the air hole Ila is a triangular shape, and the air hole Ila has a diameter of 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0238] Third specific embodiment

[0239] With reference to FIG. 12, the cross-sectional shape of the functional segment 10 is a hexagonal shape, the functional segment 10 is provided with multiple air holes Ila regularly arranged at interior thereof, the cross-sectional shape of the air hole Ila is a circular shape, and the air hole Ila has a diameter of 0.3 mm to 1.4 mm.

[0240] Fourth specific embodiment

[0241] With reference to FIG. 13, the functional segment 10 has a radial-shaped structure at interior thereof, the radial-shaped structure is naturally formed during extrusion according to a specific mold core design, an air hole Ila of which the cross-sectional shape is a circular shape is present at the center of the functional segment 10, the circular shape of air hole Ila has a cross-sectional area of 0.1 mm2to 0.4 mm2, and other irregular shapes of air holes Ila have a cross-sectional area of 0.1 mm2to 0.4 mm2.

[0242] Fifth specific embodiment

[0243] With reference to FIG. 14, the cross-sectional shape of the functional segment 10 is a circular shape with grooves 11b in an outer circumferential surface thereof, the cross-sectional shape of the air hole Ila is a circular shape, and the air hole Ila has a cross-sectional area of 0.09 mm2to 1.96 mm2. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 1 lb is a semicircular shape, and the groove 1 lb has a radius of 0.1 mm to 0. 6 mm.

[0244] Sixth specific embodiment

[0245] With reference to FIG. 16, the cross-sectional shape of the functional segment 10 is a square shape with grooves 11b in an outer circumferential surface thereof, the cross-sectional shape of the air hole Ila is a circular shape, and the air hole Ila has a cross-sectional area of 0.12 mm2to 1.80 mm2. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 11b is a trapezoidal shape, an upper base of the groove 11b is 0.2 mm to 0. 5 mm, a lower base of the groove 11b is 0.1 mm to 0. 4 mm, and a height of the groove 11b is 0.02 mm to 0. 1 mm.

[0246] Seventh specific embodiment

[0247] With reference to FIG. 17, the cross-sectional shape of the functional segment 10 is a regular hexagonal shape with grooves 11b in an outer circumferential surface thereof, the cross-sectional shape of the air hole Ila is a square shape, and the air hole Ila has a cross-sectional area of 0.10 mm2to 1.90 mm2. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 11b is a regular triangular shape, and a side of the groove 11b has a length of 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0248] The aerosol generating article 100 provided in the embodiment of the disclosure will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0249] Eighth specific embodiment

[0250] With reference to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the aerosol generating article 100 includes a substrate segment 101, a cooling segment 102 and a filter segment 103 sequentially arranged along the longitudinaldirection Z, the substrate segment 101 is formed into an integral structure provided with second air channels 1011, the cooling segment 102 forms the functional segment 10, and the filter segment 103 is formed into a non-integral structure.

[0251] The non-integral structure refers to a structure formed by filling at least one of cellulose acetate, paper materials, porous silica gel, or paper tubes.

[0252] In some embodiments, the filter segment 103 has a structure formed by filling at least one of cellulose acetate, paper materials, porous silica gel, or paper tubes. Specifically, taking the cellulose acetate as an example, the cellulose acetate may be manufactured first, and then fill to form the filter segment 103.

[0253] The cellulose acetate has a structure formed by side-by-side arranging tows at intervals along a circumferential direction. Exemplarily, the cellulose acetate may be prepared into sheets, the sheets are folded and gathered together to form a cylindrical shape, and then the cylindrical shape is rolled and connected to form the structure by using a cigarette maker. The filter segment 103 may have a non- integral structure made of solid cellulose acetate, the solid cellulose acetate refers to having only gaps between tows, without designed and formed air channels 11. The filter segment 103 may have a non- integral structure made of hollow cellulose acetate, the hollow cellulose acetate refers to having both gaps between tows and designed and formed first air channels 11.

[0254] Specifically, with reference to FIG. 18, the cooling segment 102 is formed into an integral structure and is formed with air holes Ila, and there is no gap between the cooling segment 102 and the substrate segment 101, that is, the cooling segment 102 is in contact with the substrate segment 101. The cross-sectional shape of the air hole Ila of the cooling segment 102 is a square shape.

[0255] Exemplarily, with reference to FIG. 18, the filter segment 103 has a non-integral structure made of hollow cellulose acetate, and a gap between the filter segment 103 and the cooling segment 102 may be provided.

[0256] Exemplarily, with reference to FIG. 19, the filter segment 103 has a non-integral structure made of solid cellulose acetate, and the filter segment 103 is in direct contact with the cooling segment 102 without providing a gap there -between.

[0257] The substrate segment 101 has a length of 10 mm to 40 mm along the longitudinal direction Z, and each segment has a diameter of 3.6 mm to 10 mm.

[0258] In this specific embodiment, the cooling segment 102 may achieve balance between temperature drop and interception. The RTD of the substrate segment 101 is greater than the RTD of the filter segment 103, and the RTD of the filter segment 103 is greater than the RTD of the cooling segment 102. During heating, air enters the substrate segment 101 and takes the aerosols out, the aerosols are cooled by the cooling segment 102 to form aerosols at a suitable temperature. Since the substrate segment 101 is formed into an integral structure, it has an advantage of efficient heat transfer and may fully release the aerosols; besides, the air holes Ila of the cooling segment 102 may take the aerosols out efficiently, which may ensure a significant smoke volume of the aerosol generating article 100. Furthermore, if the functional segment 10 carries spices, the spices may be heated and released during smoking, and mixed with main components of the aerosols, to obtain aerosols with harmonious spices.

[0259] In other embodiments, the substrate segment 101 may also be a homogenized sheet substrate, shredded substrate, or granular substrate.

[0260] Ninth specific embodiment

[0261] With reference to FIG. 20, the aerosol generating article 100 includes a substrate segment 101, a cooling segment 102 and a filter segment 103 sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction Z, the substrate segment 101 is formed into an integral structure provided with second air channels 1011, each of the cooling segment 102 and the filter segment 103 forms the functional segment 10.

[0262] Specifically, with reference to FIG. 20, each of the cooling segment 102 and the filter segment 103 is formed into an integral structure and is formed with first air channels 11. The cooling segment 102 is in contact with the substrate segment 101, and the filter segment 103 is in contact with the cooling segment 102.

[0263] The substrate segment 101 has a length of 10 mm to 40 mm along the longitudinal direction Z. Each segment has a diameter of 3.6 mm to 10 mm. The cooling segment 102 has a length of 5 mm to 40 mm along the longitudinal direction Z, and the filter segment 103 has a length of 3 mm to 20 mm along the longitudinal direction Z. The cross-sectional shape of the air hole Ila of each of the cooling segment 102 and the filter segment is a circular shape. In order to achieve balance between the amount of aerosols and the filtration effect, the cross-sectional area of the air hole Ila of the cooling segment 102 should be significantly greater than the cross-sectional area of the air hole Ila of the filter segment 103; preferably, the cross-sectional area of the air hole Ila of the cooling segment 102 is 1.5 mm2to 1.96 mm2, the cross- sectional area of the air hole Ila of the filter segment 103 is 0.1 mm2to 0.5 mm2. The RTD of thesubstrate segment 101 is greater than the RTD of the cooling segment 102, and the RTD of the cooling segment 102 is greater than the RTD of the filter segment 103.

[0264] In this specific embodiment, during heating, air enters the substrate segment 101 and takes the aerosols out, the aerosols are cooled by the cooling segment 102 and are filtered by the filter segment 103 finally. In such design, due to regular structures of the air hole Ila and the second air channel 1011, the RTD, holes and channels of the aerosol generating article 100 may be finely adjusted, such that the amount of aerosols may be higher, and the amount of aerosols per puff may be more consistent.

[0265] In other embodiments, the substrate segment 101 may also be a homogenized sheet substrate, shredded substrate, or granular substrate.

[0266] Tenth Embodiment

[0267] With reference to FIG. 21, the aerosol generating article 100 includes a front plug segment 104, a substrate segment 101, a cooling segment 102 and a filter segment 103 sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction Z, the substrate segment 101 is formed into an integral structure provided with second air channels 1011, the front plug segment 104 forms the functional segment 10, and each of the cooling segment 102 and the filter segment 103 is formed into a non-integral structure.

[0268] That is, each of the cooling segment 102 and the filter segment 103 may have a structure formed by filling at least one of cellulose acetate, paper materials, porous silica gel, or paper tubes.

[0269] Exemplarily, the cross-sectional shape of the second air channel 1011 of the substrate segment 101 is a square shape, and the second air channel 1011 has a cross-sectional area of 0.2 mm2to 0.3 mm2.

[0270] The front plug segment 104 is formed into an integral structure and is provided with air holes Ila. The cross-sectional shape of the air hole Ila of the front plug segment 104 is a square shape, the air hole Ila of the front plug segment 104 has a cross-sectional area of 0.1 mm2to 0.2 mm2, and the front plug segment 104 has a length of 8 mm to 10 mm along the longitudinal direction Z.

[0271] The cooling segment 102 has a non-integral structure made of cellulose acetate or paper tubes.

[0272] The filter segment 103 has a non-integral structure made of cellulose acetate.

[0273] The substrate segment 101 has a length of 10 mm to 40 mm along the longitudinal direction Z, and each segment has a diameter of 3.6 mm to 10 mm.

[0274] The cooling segment 102 has a length of 5 mm to 40 mm along the longitudinal direction Z, and the filter segment 103 has a length of 3 mm to 20 mm along the longitudinal direction Z.

[0275] In this specific embodiment, during heating, air enters the substrate segment 101 and takes the aerosols out, the aerosols are cooled by the cooling segment 102 made of cellulose acetate, and are filtered by the filter segment 103 made of cellulose acetate. Compared to the eighth and ninth specific embodiments, an advantage of a large amount of aerosols of the substrate segment 101 is weakened since each of the cooling segment 102 and the filter segment 103 does not have an ability of reducing interception.

[0276] Eleventh specific embodiment

[0277] With reference to FIG. 22, the aerosol generating article 100 includes a front plug segment 104, a substrate segment 101, a cooling segment 102 and a filter segment 103 sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction Z, the substrate segment 101 is formed into an integral structure provided with second air channels 1011, and each of the front plug segment 104, the cooling segment 102 and the filter segment 103 forms the functional segment 10.

[0278] Exemplarily, each of the front plug segment 104, the cooling segment 102 and the filter segment 103 is formed into an integral structure and is formed with air holes Ila. The cross-sectional shape of the air hole Ila is a regular hexagonal shape.

[0279] The substrate segment 101 is formed into an integral structure provided with second air channels 1011, and the substrate segment 101 has a length of 10 mm to 40 mm. Each segment has a diameter of 3.6 mm to 10 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the second air channel 1011 is a regular hexagonal shape.

[0280] The cooling segment 102 has a length of 5 mm to 40 mm along the longitudinal direction Z, and the filter segment 103 has a length of 3 mm to 6 mm along the longitudinal direction Z. The RTD of the front plug segment 104 is equal to or greater than the RTD of the substrate segment 101, the RTD of the substrate segment 101 is equal to or greater than the RTD of the cooling segment 102, and the RTD of the substrate segment 101 is equal to or greater than the RTD of the filter segment 103. With such design, it may reduce flow of the aerosols into the heating element and improve self-cleaning ability.

[0281] In this specific embodiment, during heating, air enters the front plug segment 104 and then enters the substrate segment 101, and takes the aerosols of the substrate segment 101 out, the aerosols are cooled by the cooling segment 102 and are filtered by the filter segment 103 finally. In such design, due toregular structures of the air hole Ila and the second air channel 1011, the RTD, holes and channels of the aerosol generating article 100 may be finely adjusted, such that the amount of aerosols may be higher, and the amount of aerosols per puff may be more consistent; furthermore, since the front plug segment 104 is added, an amount of condensate liquid entering the heating element is reduced, and self-cleaning ability of the aerosol generating article 100 is improved; spices may also be added to the front plug segment 104, and the spices may be heated and released at a later stage of smoking during smoking, which is beneficial to ensure consistency of spices in the aerosols before and after smoking.

[0282] Twelfth specific embodiment

[0283] With reference to FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the aerosol generating article 100 includes a substrate segment 1401, a cooling segment 102 and a filter segment 103 sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction Z, each of the cooling segment 102 and the filter segment 103 forms the functional segment 10, and the substrate segment 101 is a sheet substrate.

[0284] Exemplarily, the cooling segment 102 is in contact with the substrate segment 101, and the filter segment 103 is in contact with the cooling segment 102. Each of the cooling segment 102 and the filter segment 103 is formed into an integral structure and is formed with air holes Ila.

[0285] The substrate segment 101 is a homogenized sheet substrate, and the sheet substrate may be formed by using methods such as thick slurry, papermaking, tape casting, etc. The sheet may be further cut into multiple strip-shaped thin strips or may be folded into multiple strip-shaped segments. These thin strips or strip-shaped segments are parallel to the longitudinal direction Z.

[0286] Thirteenth specific embodiment

[0287] With reference to FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, the aerosol generating article 100 includes a substrate segment 101, a cooling segment 102 and a filter segment 103 sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction Z, the cooling segment 102 forms the functional segment 10, the filter segment 103 is formed into a non-integral structure, and the substrate segment 101 is a sheet substrate.

[0288] The thirteenth specific embodiment differs from the twelfth specific embodiment in that the filter segment 103 has a non-integral structure made of cellulose acetate.

[0289] Fourteenth specific embodiment

[0290] With reference to FIG. 27, the aerosol generating article 100 includes a substrate segment 101, a cooling segment 102 and a filter segment 103 sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction Z, each of the cooling segment 102 and the filter segment 103 forms the functional segment 10, and the substrate segment 101 is a shredded substrate.

[0291] The fourteenth embodiment differs from the twelfth embodiment in that the substrate segment 101 is a shredded substrate, and the shredded substrate may be formed by directly cutting leaves and / or stems of plants such as tobacco into shreds.

[0292] In other embodiments, the filter segment 103 formed into an integral structure may be changed to a non-integral structure made of cellulose acetate.

[0293] In descriptions of the disclosure, descriptions made with reference to terms "in an embodiment’1, "in some embodiments", "in some other embodiments", "in still other embodiments", "exemplarily" or the like mean that specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described with reference to the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the disclosure. In the disclosure, schematic expressions of the above terms are not necessarily directed to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. Furthermore, those skilled in the art may combine different embodiments or examples described in the disclosure and features of different embodiments or examples without conflicting with each other.

[0294] It should be noted that the various aspects and features of the embodiments described herein can be combined with each other, provided that such combinations are technically compatible. For the sake of conciseness, not every possible combination is individually described in this specification.

[0295] The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of the disclosure, and are not intended to limit the disclosure, and various modifications and variations may be made to the disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement or the like made within the spirit and principle of the disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A functional segment, configured to be applied in an aerosol generating article, wherein the functional segment is formed into an integral structure, and is formed with at least one first air channel passing through at least one end of the functional segment.

2. The functional segment of claim 1, wherein the functional segment extends along a longitudinal direction, and the functional segment is formed into the integral structure by an extrusion process.

3. The functional segment of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first air channel comprises air holes arranged inside the functional segment.

4. The functional segment of claim 3, wherein the functional segment is provided with the air holes with at least two cross-sectional shapes.2 5. The functional segment of claim 3 or 4, wherein each of the air holes has a cross-sectional area of 0.05 mm to 1.96 mm2, by taking a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal direction as a cross section.

6. The functional segment of any one of claims 3-5, wherein each of the air holes has a diameter of 0.3 mm to 1.4 mm.

7. The functional segment of any one of claims 3-6, wherein a ratio of a sum of cross-sectional areas of all the air holes to a cross-sectional area of the functional segment is 30% to 70%, by taking a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal direction as a cross section.

8. The functional segment of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the first air channel comprise grooves arranged in an outer circumferential surface of the functional segment.

9. The functional segment of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the functional segment has a porosity of 2% to 15%.

10. The functional segment of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the functional segment comprises a support wall enclosing to form the first air channels, and the support wall has a wall thickness in a range of 0.04 mm to 0.4 mm.

11. The functional segment of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the functional segment has a density of 1 g / cm to 2.5 g / cm3.

12. The functional segment of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the functional segment has a length of 3 mm to 50 mm along a longitudinal direction.

13. The functional segment of any one of claims 1-12, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the functional segment is a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a racetrack shape, a quadrilateral shape or a hexagonal shape, by taking a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal direction as a cross section.

14. The functional segment of any one of claims 1-14, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the functional segment is a circular shape, the functional segment is provided with a plurality of air holes at interior thereof, and the plurality of air holes are distributed in a mesh shape; orthe cross-sectional shape of the functional segment is a circular shape, the functional segment is divided into a middle portion and an edge portion surrounding the middle portion, the middle portion is provided with square-shaped air holes, the edge portion is provided with irregular shapes of air holes formed during extrusion; orthe cross-sectional shape of the functional segment is a circular shape, the functional segment has a radial-shaped structure at interior thereof, a cross-sectional shape of an air hole at the center of the functional segment is a circular shape, and cross-sectional shapes of other air holes are irregular shapes; orthe cross-sectional shape of the functional segment is a circular shape with grooves in an outer circumferential surface thereof, a cross-sectional shape of each of the air holes is a circular shape, and a cross-sectional shape of each of the grooves is a semicircular shape.

15. The functional segment of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the functional segment comprises a base material and an adhesive component, the base material is in form of powders.

16. The functional segment of claim 15, wherein the base material comprises at least one of plant cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, or silicon dioxide, and a proportion of the base material in the functional segment is 10% to 80%,the adhesive component comprises at least one of starch, cellulose, kudzu extraction, protein, gelatin, polylactic acid (PLA), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

17. The functional segment of claim 15 or 16, wherein a proportion of the adhesive component in the functional segment is 5% to 80%, the functional segment comprises a liquid component, a proportion of the liquid component in the functional segment is 0% to 50%, the functional segment comprises perfumes and spices, and a proportion of the perfumes and spices in the functional segment is 0.5% to 10%.

18. An aerosol generating article, comprising:a substrate segment; andthe functional segment of any one of claims 1-17, arranged at an end of the substrate segment along a longitudinal direction.

19. The aerosol generating article of claim 18, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a substrate segment, a cooling segment and a filter segment sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction, the substrate segment is formed into an integral structure provided with second air channels, the cooling segment forms the functional segment, and the filter segment is formed into a non-integral structure; orthe aerosol generating article comprises a substrate segment, a cooling segment and a filter segment sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction, the substrate segment is formed into an integral structure provided with second air channels, each of the cooling segment and the filter segment forms the functional segment; orthe aerosol generating article comprises a substrate segment, a cooling segment and a filter segment sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction, each of the cooling segment and the filter segment forms the functional segment, and the substrate segment is a sheet substrate; orthe aerosol generating article comprises a substrate segment, a cooling segment and a filter segment sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction, the cooling segment forms the functional segment, the filter segment is formed into a non-integral structure, and the substrate segment is a sheet substrate; orthe aerosol generating article comprises a substrate segment, a cooling segment and a filter segment sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction, each of the cooling segment and the filter segment forms the functional segment, and the substrate segment is a shredded substrate.

20. The aerosol generating article of claim 18 or 19, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a front plug segment, a substrate segment, a cooling segment and a filter segment sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction, the substrate segment is formed into an integral structure provided with second air channels,the front plug segment forms the functional segment, and each of the cooling segment and the filter segment is formed into a non-integral structure; or, each of the front plug segment, the cooling segment and the filter segment forms the functional segment.

Images