RU2815858C2 - Aerosol generating article comprising aerosol cooling element with elongated projection - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an aerosol-generating article for producing an aerosol when heated. Article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate rod, an aerosol cooling element located downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate rod, a wrapper surrounding the aerosol-generating substrate rod, and an aerosol cooling element. Aerosol cooling element comprises a hollow tubular segment containing a peripheral wall. Hollow tubular segment extends along the longitudinal axis and has an end located downstream, which is in communication with the upstream end. Hollow tubular segment comprises at least one elongated protrusion extending from peripheral wall into hollow tubular segment, which extends in longitudinal direction from located earlier downstream of the position on the peripheral wall to a downstream position on the peripheral wall, located downstream relative to the upstream position. At least one elongated projection is a deflecting rib configured to change the direction of the aerosol flow passing from the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the downstream end of the hollow tubular segment of the hollow tubular segment. Deflecting rib is bent along the length of the hollow tubular segment.

EFFECT: possibility of optimizing cooling of aerosol delivered to the consumer and cooling of surfaces of the mouthpiece end of the article, which can contact with sensitive tissues of the consumer during use.

13 cl, 5 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol cooling element for use in an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol generating substrate and configured to produce a respirable aerosol when heated, and to an aerosol generating article containing such an aerosol cooling element.

Aerosol-generating products in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than burned are known in the art. Typically, in such heated smoking articles, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-generating substrate or material that may be located in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

A number of prior art documents disclose aerosol generating devices for consuming aerosol generating articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating devices in which the aerosol is generated by transferring heat from one or more electrical heating elements of the aerosol generating device to an aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article being heated.

In the past, substrates for heated aerosol generating products were typically prepared using randomly oriented cut pieces, strands, or strips of tobacco material. More recently, alternative substrates for aerosol generating articles that are heated rather than burned, such as rods formed from collected sheets of tobacco material, have been disclosed. As an example, the rods disclosed in international patent application WO-A-2012/164009 have a longitudinal porosity that allows air to be drawn through the rods. As a further alternative, international patent application WO-A-2011/101164 discloses rods for heated aerosol generating articles formed from strands of homogenized tobacco material, which can be formed by casting, rolling, calendering or extruding a mixture containing bulk tobacco and at least one aerosol-forming agent to form a sheet of homogenized tobacco material. In another embodiment, the rods of WO-A-2011/101164 may be formed from strands of homogenized tobacco material obtained by extruding a mixture containing bulk tobacco and at least one aerosol forming agent to form homogenized tobacco material of continuous lengths.

Substrates for heated aerosol generating articles typically further contain an aerosol generating agent, ie, a compound or mixture of compounds that, when used, facilitate aerosol generation and which is preferably substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol generating article. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming substances include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerin; polyhydric alcohol esters such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

It is also common for the production of a respirable aerosol by heating to include in the aerosol generating article one or more additional elements that are assembled in one wrapper with the substrate. Examples of such additional elements include a mouthpiece filter segment, a support element adapted to provide structural strength to the aerosol generating article.

It has also been proposed to include in the aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol when heated a cooling element designed to help cool the aerosol before it reaches the mouthpiece. For example, WO 2013/120565 discloses an aerosol generating article, an aerosol generating substrate, and an aerosol cooling element located downstream of the aerosol generating substrate within a rod. In one embodiment, the aerosol cooling element comprises a corrugated polylactic acid (PLA) sheet that has been assembled to form multiple longitudinally extending channels. When the aerosol stream is drawn through the aerosol cooling element, heat can be transferred from the aerosol to the PLA sheet.

If an aerosol-generating product of the type described above is used in particularly hot and humid weather conditions, such as those often found in tropical climates, the temperature to which the mouthpiece of the product is heated may range from 42 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius. For some users, these temperatures may cause a feeling of discomfort or mild pain as sensitive tissues such as the lips, mouth, tongue, and mucous membranes in general may come into direct contact with the surface of the mouthpiece during use. Without being limited by theory, it is understood that this is caused by the fact that heat-sensing thermoreceptors, which respond to increases in skin temperature, respond fastest at approximately 45 degrees Celsius. Conversely, if the skin temperature is between approximately 30 degrees Celsius and approximately 36 degrees Celsius, the heat-sensing thermoreceptors are spontaneously activated, but there is generally no heat perception (neutral thermal region). In addition, the skin also contains heat-sensitive receptors known as thermosensitive nociceptors, which create the sensation of pain when the skin temperature rises above 45 degrees Celsius. This is because temperature-sensing nociceptors must send a signal to the central nervous system that tissue damage may be imminent and that the affected body part must be promptly removed from the heat source.

Thus, it is necessary to provide a new and improved aerosol cooling element for an aerosol generating product that is configured to optimize cooling of the aerosol delivered to the consumer. It is also necessary to provide a new and improved aerosol cooling element for the aerosol generating product that is configured to optimize cooling of the mouthpiece end surfaces of the product that may come into contact with sensitive tissue of the consumer during use. At the same time, it is necessary to provide one such aerosol generating product that can be manufactured efficiently and very quickly without the need for significant changes to existing equipment and apparatus.

The present invention relates to an aerosol cooling element configured for use in an aerosol generating article. The aerosol cooling element may comprise a hollow tubular segment containing a peripheral wall. The hollow tubular segment may extend along a longitudinal axis and may have a downstream end in fluid communication with an upstream end. The hollow tubular segment may include at least one elongated protrusion extending from the peripheral wall into the interior of the hollow tubular segment. The at least one elongated protrusion may extend longitudinally from an upstream position on the peripheral wall to a downstream position on the peripheral wall downstream of the upstream position.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol cooling element configured for use in an aerosol generating article. The aerosol cooling element comprises a hollow tubular segment containing a peripheral wall. The hollow tubular segment extends along the longitudinal axis and has a downstream end in fluid communication with the upstream end. The hollow tubular segment contains at least one elongated protrusion extending from the peripheral wall into the hollow tubular segment. At least one elongated protrusion extends longitudinally from an upstream position on the peripheral wall to a downstream position on the peripheral wall, located downstream of the upstream position.

The term "aerosol generating product" is used herein in relation to the invention to describe an article in which an aerosol generating substrate is heated to produce and deliver an aerosol to a consumer. As used herein, the term "aerosol generating substrate" means a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds when heated to generate an aerosol.

A regular cigarette is lit when the user brings a flame to one end of the cigarette and draws air through the other end. The localized heat provided by the flame and oxygen in the air drawn through the cigarette causes the end of the cigarette to ignite, and the resulting combustion generates inhaled smoke. By comparison, in heated aerosol-generating products, the aerosol is generated by heating a flavor-generating substrate such as tobacco. Known heated aerosol generating articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating articles in which the aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a combustible fuel element or heat source to a physically separate aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating articles of the present invention find particular use in aerosol generating systems comprising an electrically heated aerosol generating device having an internal heating plate that is adapted to be inserted into a rod of an aerosol generating substrate. Aerosol-generating products of this type are described in the prior art, for example in document EP 0822670.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” refers to a device comprising a heating element that interacts with an aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.

During use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer.

As used herein, the term "tubular member" means an elongated member containing a lumen or channel for air flow along its longitudinal axis. In the context of this description, the word "tubular" is considered to cover any tubular element having a substantially cylindrical cross-section, which contains at least one air flow path providing fluid communication between the upstream end of the tubular element and the located further along the flow with the end of the tubular element. In the context of this document regarding the present invention, the word "hollow" is used to describe a tubular element that contains an internal empty space, such as a chamber or cavity.

As used herein, the term “longitudinal” refers to the direction corresponding to the major longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article that extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol generating article. As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” describe the relative positions of elements or portions of elements of an aerosol generating article with respect to the direction in which the aerosol is transported during use through the aerosol generating article. During use, air is drawn longitudinally through the aerosol-generating product. The term "transverse" refers to a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Any reference to a “cross-section” of an aerosol-generating article or component of an aerosol-generating article refers to a cross-section unless otherwise noted.

The term "length" means the maximum dimension of the aerosol generating component of an article in the longitudinal direction. For example, it can be used to indicate the size of a rod or tubular element in the longitudinal direction. In particular, in the context of the present invention, the term "tubular element length" is used to denote the maximum distance between the upstream and downstream ends of the tubular element.

The term "peripheral wall" refers to the wall that forms the periphery of the hollow tubular segment. The word "peripheral" refers to elements or components located at such periphery.

The term "elongated protrusion" refers to a protrusion or projecting element that is long in relation to its width and thickness. For example, the elongated protrusion may have a flattened surface. The height, position in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction of the elongated protrusion are considered taking into account the base of the elongated protrusion. The elongated protrusion is connected at its base to the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment. The elongated protrusion base refers to a portion of the elongated protrusion that is connected to the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment. The base of the elongated protrusion determines the longitudinal or axial position, the circumferential position and the radial position of the elongated protrusion. For example, the radial position of the upstream position of the elongated protrusion is related to the radial position of the upstream position of the base of the elongated protrusion.

The term "position in the radial direction" refers to the direction along a radius from the center of the object, which, in this description, is a hollow tubular element, an aerosol cooling element, or an aerosol generating article. In other words, the specific radial position of the elongated protrusion, or part of the elongated protrusion, refers to the position and distance of the elongated protrusion, or part thereof, relative to the central axis of the hollow tubular segment.

The term “circumferential direction position” refers to a circumferential direction defined relative to the center (or central axis) of an object, which in this specification is a hollow tubular member, an aerosol cooling member, or an aerosol generating article. In other words, the specific position in the circumferential direction of the oblong protrusion, or part of the oblong protrusion, refers to the position and distance of the oblong protrusion, or part thereof, along a circle defined with respect to the central axis of the hollow tubular segment.

The term "tubular member peripheral wall thickness" in this specification is used to refer to the minimum distance measured between the outer surface and the inner surface of the tubular member wall. In practice, the distance at a given location is measured locally along a direction substantially perpendicular to the opposite sides of the wall of the tubular element. For a substantially cylindrical tubular member, that is, a tubular member having a substantially circular cross-section, the peripheral wall thickness is defined as the distance between the outer surface and the inner surface of the peripheral wall measured along the substantially radial direction of the tubular member.

The expression "airtight material" is used throughout this description to mean a material that does not allow fluids, particularly air and smoke, to pass through gaps or pores in the material. If the tubular member is formed from a material impermeable to air and aerosol particles, the air and aerosol particles drawn through the support member are forced to pass through the air flow passage but cannot pass through the wall of the support member.

Conversely, the term “porous” is used herein to refer to a material that has a plurality of pores or openings that allow air to pass through the material.

As used herein, the term “homogenized tobacco material” includes any tobacco material formed by agglomeration of particles of tobacco material. Sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material are formed by agglomeration of bulk tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise pulverizing one or both of tobacco leaf blades and tobacco leaf stalks. Additionally, the homogenized tobacco material may contain trace amounts of one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other bulk tobacco by-products generated during tobacco processing, handling, and shipping. Sheets of homogenized tobacco material can be produced by casting, extrusion, papermaking processes, or any other suitable methods known in the art.

In the aerosol generating products of the present invention, the aerosol cooling element is configured to reduce the temperature of the aerosol passing through the product while ensuring uniformity of the aerosol flow and precisely controlling how the aerosol flow is delivered to the consumer's mouth.

In particular, the design and components of the aerosol cooling element have been found to be such that the temperature of the gas stream in the product is consistently reduced below thresholds that may be associated with consumer discomfort or pain. Without being limited by theory, it is understood that in the aerosol cooling elements and aerosol generating articles of the invention, heat from the aerosol passing through the article is readily dissipated as the material of the aerosol cooling element is heated by conduction and convection. At the same time, at least one elongated protrusion extending into the interior of the aerosol cooling element increases the internal surface area of the aerosol cooling element. Increasing the internal surface area of the aerosol cooling element means that there is more surface area for heat transfer to occur between the aerosol flow and the material of the aerosol cooling element. In this way, the temperature of the flowing aerosol is reduced, and overheating of the external surfaces of the product, which may come into contact with the lips of the consumer during use, is successfully prevented, even if the product is used in particularly hot and humid weather conditions.

In addition to improving the heat transfer of the aerosol cooling element through the flowing aerosol, the at least one elongated protrusion partially blocks and redirects the heated aerosol entering and flowing through the aerosol cooling element. At least one elongated protrusion provides a vortex movement of the flowing aerosol, which promotes mixing of the aerosol with cooler air that is already in the aerosol cooling element. Therefore, such an effect further improves the cooling function of the aerosol cooling element.

In addition, the aerosol cooling elements and aerosol generating products according to the present invention can be manufactured in a continuous process, and their production can be easily and quickly carried out and incorporated into existing production lines for manufacturing heated aerosol generating products without the need for significant changes in production equipment.

The aerosol cooling element may be made of a material with a relatively high heat capacity such that the aerosol cooling element is capable of absorbing thermal energy generated by the aerosol passing through the article without causing a significant increase in the temperature of the aerosol cooling element. For example, the aerosol cooling element may be made from a cellulose-based compound, including a thermoplastic paper compound. As another example, the aerosol cooling element may be made from polylactic acid (PLA) or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA).

The at least one elongated protrusion may be made of the same material as the rest of the aerosol cooling element. For example, the at least one elongated projection may be made from a cellulose-based compound, including a thermoplastic paper compound. As another example, the at least one elongated protrusion may be made of polylactic acid (PLA) or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The at least one elongated projection may be produced using injection molding or other extrusion technologies.

The length of the aerosol cooling element can range from about 5 millimeters to about 35 millimeters. In some embodiments, the length of the aerosol cooling element is from about 5 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, or from about 5 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, or from about 5 millimeters to about 19 millimeters.

Preferably, the length of the aerosol cooling element is at least about 8 millimeters. More preferably, the length of the aerosol cooling element is at least about 9 millimeters. The length of the aerosol cooling element is preferably less than or equal to about 30 millimeters, or from about 8 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, or from about 8 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, or from about 8 millimeters to about 19 millimeters. More preferably, the length of the aerosol cooling element is less than or equal to approximately 25 millimeters. Even more preferably, the length of the aerosol cooling element is less than or equal to about 20 millimeters. In particularly preferred embodiments, the length of the aerosol cooling element is less than or equal to 19 millimeters.

In preferred embodiments, the length of the aerosol cooling element is from about 8 millimeters to about 30 millimeters, or from about 8 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, or from about 8 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, or from about 8 millimeters to about 19 millimeters; more preferably from about 9 millimeters to about 30 millimeters, or from about 9 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, or from about 9 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, or from about 9 millimeters to about 19 millimeters.

Preferably, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 0.2 millimeters. More preferably, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 0.5 millimeters. Even more preferably, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 1 millimeter. The thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is preferably less than or equal to 3.5 millimeters. More preferably, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is preferably less than or equal to 3 millimeters. Even more preferably, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is less than or equal to about 2.5 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the peripheral wall thickness of the hollow tubular segment is from about 0.2 millimeters to about 3.5 millimeters, or from about 0.2 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, or from about 0.2 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters. In other embodiments, the peripheral wall thickness of the hollow tubular segment is from about 0.5 millimeters to about 3.5 millimeters, or from about 0.5 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, or from about 0.5 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters. In still other embodiments, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is from about 1 millimeter to about 3.5 millimeters, or from about 1 millimeter to about 3 millimeters, or from about 1 millimeter to about 2.5 millimeters.

In some preferred embodiments, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is from about 0.2 millimeter to about 3.5 millimeters, more preferably from about 0.5 millimeter to about 3 millimeters, even more preferably from about 1 millimeter to about 2.5 millimeter.

Preferably, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 3 millimeters. More preferably, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 4 millimeters. Even more preferably, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 5 millimeters. The outer diameter of the hollow tubular segment is preferably less than or equal to approximately 13 millimeters. More preferably, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular segment is less than or equal to approximately 10 millimeters. Even more preferably, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular segment is less than or equal to about 8 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular segment is from about 3 millimeters to about 13 millimeters, or from about 3 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 3 millimeters to about 8 millimeters. In other embodiments, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular segment is from about 4 millimeters to about 13 millimeters, or from about 4 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 4 millimeters to about 8 millimeters. In still other embodiments, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular segment is from about 5 millimeters to about 13 millimeters, or from about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 5 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

In preferred embodiments, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular segment is from about 3 millimeters to about 13 millimeters, more preferably from about 4 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, even more preferably from about 5 millimeters to about 8 millimeters. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular segment is from about 4 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

Preferably, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 2 millimeters. More preferably, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 3 millimeters. Even more preferably, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 4 millimeters. The inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is preferably less than or equal to approximately 10 millimeters. More preferably, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is less than or equal to approximately 7.5 millimeters. Even more preferably, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is less than or equal to about 6 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the internal diameter of the hollow tubular segment is from about 2 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 2 millimeters to about 7.5 millimeters, or from about 2 millimeters to about 6 millimeters. In other embodiments, the internal diameter of the hollow tubular segment is from about 3 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 3 millimeters to about 7.5 millimeters, or from about 3 millimeters to about 6 millimeters. In still other embodiments, the internal diameter of the hollow tubular segment is from about 4 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 4 millimeters to about 7.5 millimeters, or from about 4 millimeters to about 6 millimeters.

In preferred embodiments, the internal diameter of the hollow tubular segment is from about 2 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, more preferably from about 3 millimeters to about 7.5 millimeters, even more preferably from about 4 millimeters to about 6 millimeters. In some embodiments, the internal diameter of the hollow tubular segment is from about 3 millimeters to about 7.5 millimeters.

In some preferred embodiments, at least one elongated protrusion extends radially from the peripheral wall toward the central axis of the hollow tubular segment. By radially extending the hollow tubular segment of the aerosol cooling element, the at least one elongated protrusion maximally disrupts and blocks the incoming flowing aerosol to provide swirling motion of the flowing aerosol. As discussed above, the vortex motion contributes to the cooling effects provided by the aerosol cooling element.

In some preferred embodiments, the height of the at least one elongated protrusion varies between an upstream position and a downstream position. Such “height of at least one elongated protrusion” refers to the perpendicular distance from the inside of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment over which the elongated protrusion extends. In such embodiments, the at least one elongated protrusion may have any profile in which the protrusion in certain portions of the protrusion may extend further into the hollow tubular segment than other portions of the protrusions.

In some preferred embodiments, the height of the at least one elongated protrusion decreases between one of an upstream position and a downstream position and the other of them.

In some preferred embodiments, the ratio of the greatest height of the at least one elongated protrusion to the inner diameter of the aerosol cooling element is at least 0.1. More preferably, the ratio of the greatest height of the at least one elongated protrusion to the inner diameter of the aerosol cooling element is at least 0.25. Even more preferably, the ratio of the greatest height of the at least one elongated protrusion to the inner diameter of the aerosol cooling element is at least 0.33 (one third). The term “maximum height” refers to the height of a portion of at least one oblong protrusion with a height that is greater than any other portion of the at least one oblong protrusion.

In some preferred embodiments, the ratio of the greatest height of the at least one elongated protrusion to the inner diameter of the aerosol cooling element is less than or equal to 0.75. More preferably, the ratio of the greatest height of the at least one elongated protrusion to the inner diameter of the aerosol cooling element is less than or equal to 0.6. Even more preferably, the ratio of the greatest height of the at least one elongated protrusion to the inner diameter of the aerosol cooling element is less than or equal to 0.5.

In some preferred embodiments, the ratio of the greatest height of the at least one elongated protrusion to the inner diameter of the aerosol cooling element is from 0.1 to 0.75. More preferably, the ratio of the greatest height of the at least one elongated protrusion to the inner diameter of the aerosol cooling element is from 0.25 to 0.6. Even more preferably, the ratio of the greatest height of the at least one elongated protrusion to the inner diameter of the aerosol cooling element is from 0.33 (one third) to 0.5.

The at least one elongated protrusion may have a ridge-shaped profile, a tapered profile, a curved profile, or a wavy profile when viewed from the side.

In some preferred embodiments, the at least one elongated protrusion includes (or constitutes) a deflection rib configured to change the direction of aerosol flow passing from an upstream end to a downstream end of the hollow tubular segment. "Rib" refers to a flattened, thin, protruding surface.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one elongated protrusion includes a plurality of deflection ribs. In such preferred embodiments, the multiple deflection ribs include at least two deflection ribs. More preferably, the multiple deflection ribs include at least four deflection ribs. Even more preferably, the multiple deflection ribs provide at least six deflection ribs.

In some preferred embodiments, the deflection rib has first and second opposing surfaces, wherein an angle formed between a support plane, wherein the support plane is parallel to the longitudinal axis and bisects the internal volume of the hollow tubular segment, and the first surface of the deflection rib in the upstream flow position differs from the angle formed between the reference plane and the first surface of the deflecting rib in a position further downstream.

In some preferred embodiments, the deflection rib is curved along the length of the hollow tubular segment. The word "curved" refers to the fact that the profile of the deflector rib is bent or curved about an origin or line in the direction of the length of the deflection rib. The deflector rib may exhibit a helical or helical shape or profile as it extends along the length of the aerosol cooling element. Such a helical or spiral profile is optimal for imparting a vortex motion to the flowing aerosol, which in turn improves the cooling effect provided by the aerosol cooling element. The word "screw" refers to an element with the profile or shape of a screw or helix.

In some preferred embodiments, the radial position or circumferential position of at least one elongated protrusion, or portion thereof, varies between its upstream position and its downstream position. In such embodiments, the at least one elongated protrusion may not extend in a straight line when viewed from above or below. In such embodiments, the base of the at least one elongated protrusion may be characterized along the inner surface of the peripheral wall by a curved profile, a wave-like profile, or any other profile that deviates from and is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular segment of the aerosol cooling element.

In some preferred embodiments, the height of the at least one elongated protrusion is less than the radius of the hollow tubular segment. Such radius of the hollow tubular segment preferably refers to the inner radius of the hollow tubular segment, which is half the inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment discussed above.

In some preferred embodiments, the upstream position is between the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment and the middle of the hollow tubular segment, and the downstream position is between the middle of the hollow tubular segment and the downstream end hollow tubular segment. The middle of the hollow tubular segment refers to the middle of the hollow tubular segment, at a location midway between the upstream and downstream ends of the hollow tubular segment.

In some preferred embodiments, the upstream position is one-quarter the length of the aerosol cooling element from the upstream end. In some other preferred embodiments, the upstream position is one-third the length of the aerosol cooling element from the upstream end. In some other preferred embodiments, the upstream position is located half the length of the aerosol cooling element from the upstream end.

In some preferred embodiments, the downstream position is one-quarter the length of the aerosol cooling element from the downstream end. In some other preferred embodiments, the downstream position is one-third the length of the aerosol cooling element from the downstream end. In some other preferred embodiments, the downstream position is located half the length of the aerosol cooling element from the downstream end.

In some preferred embodiments, at least one elongated protrusion extends longitudinally from an upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the hollow tubular segment.

In some preferred embodiments, the length of the at least one elongated protrusion is from about 8 mm to about 30 mm. More preferably, the length of the at least one elongated protrusion is from about 9 mm to about 19 mm. Even more preferably, the at least one elongated projection is from about 10 mm to about 15 mm.

In some preferred embodiments, the ratio of the length of the at least one elongated protrusion to the length of the aerosol cooling element is at least 0.25. More preferably, the ratio of the length of the at least one elongated protrusion to the length of the aerosol cooling element is at least 0.33 (one third). Even more preferably, the ratio of the length of the at least one elongated protrusion to the length of the aerosol cooling element is at least 0.5.

In some preferred embodiments, the ratio of the length of the at least one elongated protrusion to the length of the aerosol cooling element is less than or equal to 1. More preferably, the ratio of the length of the at least one elongated protrusion to the length of the aerosol cooling element is less than or equal to 0.75. Even more preferably, the ratio of the length of the at least one elongated protrusion to the length of the aerosol cooling element is less than or equal to 0.5.

In some preferred embodiments, the ratio of the length of the at least one elongated protrusion to the length of the aerosol cooling element is from 0.25 to 1. More preferably, the ratio of the length of the at least one elongated protrusion to the length of the aerosol cooling element is from 0.25 up to 0.75.

In some preferred embodiments, the thickness of the at least one elongated protrusion is from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm. More preferably, the thickness of the at least one elongated protrusion is from about 0.25 mm to about 0.75 mm. Even more preferably, the thickness of the at least one elongated protrusion is from about 0.4 mm to about 0.6 mm.

In some preferred embodiments, the thickness of the at least one elongated protrusion is approximately 0.1 mm. More preferably, the thickness of the at least one elongated protrusion is approximately 0.25 mm. Even more preferably, the thickness of the at least one elongated protrusion is approximately 0.4 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the thickness of the at least one elongated protrusion is approximately 0.6 mm. More preferably, the thickness of the at least one elongated protrusion is approximately 0.75 mm. Even more preferably, the thickness of the at least one elongated protrusion is approximately 1 mm.

Preferably, the thickness of the at least one elongated protrusion is less than 20 percent of the length of the at least one elongated protrusion. More preferably, the thickness of the at least one elongated protrusion is less than 10 percent of the length of the at least one elongated protrusion. Even more preferably, the thickness of the at least one elongated protrusion is less than 5 percent of the length of the at least one elongated protrusion.

In some preferred embodiments, the at least one elongated protrusion includes a plurality of elongated protrusions distributed radially along the peripheral wall. In such preferred embodiments, a plurality of elongated projections are evenly (or equally) distributed along the peripheral wall such that the elongated projections are evenly spaced from each other.

In some preferred embodiments, the at least one elongated projection includes a plurality of elongated projections. Preferably, the plurality of elongated projections includes at least two elongated projections. More preferably, the plurality of elongated projections includes at least four elongated projections. Even more preferably, the plurality of elongated projections includes at least six elongated projections.

In some preferred embodiments, the at least one elongated protrusion includes a plurality of elongated protrusions axially distributed in the same position in the radial direction or position in the circumferential direction along the peripheral wall.

In some preferred embodiments, multiple elongated projections are evenly (or equally) distributed along the peripheral wall. This means that several elongated projections are evenly (or equally) spaced along the peripheral wall. In other embodiments, the plurality of elongated projections are spaced apart from each other at varying distances.

In some preferred embodiments, the elongated projections are generally of the same shape as each other.

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating article for producing an aerosol when heated. The aerosol generating article contains an aerosol generating substrate rod. The aerosol generating article may include a first aerosol cooling element according to the first aspect of the present invention described above, which is located downstream of the aerosol generating substrate rod.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating article for producing an aerosol by heating. The aerosol generating article contains an aerosol generating substrate rod. The aerosol generating article includes a first aerosol cooling element according to the first aspect of the invention described above, which is located downstream of the aerosol generating substrate rod.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article may further comprise a hollow tubular support member located immediately downstream of the aerosol generating substrate rod.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article may further comprise a second aerosol cooling element located downstream of the hollow tubular support element, wherein the first aerosol cooling element is located downstream of the second aerosol cooling element, and reaches the downstream end of the aerosol-generating product.

In preferred embodiments, the cavity defined by the first aerosol cooling element defines a mouthpiece end cavity at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

As briefly described above, the aerosol generating article may include an additional component between the hollow tubular support member and the aerosol cooling member. In some embodiments, the additional component may be an additional aerosol cooling element (also referred to herein as a "secondary" or "second" aerosol cooling element) configured to initiate cooling of the gas stream coming from the aerosol generating substrate to facilitate condensation compounds released from the substrate, as a result of which they condense to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling auxiliary element may be in the form of an assembled, optionally corrugated sheet of polymeric material such as polylactic acid (PLA) that contains a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. In practice, a sheet of PLA can be made "corrugated" to produce generally parallel ridges or grooves. The corrugated PLA sheet may then be assembled, twisted, bent or folded, or otherwise compressed or compressed generally in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis such that generally parallel ridges or grooves extend in the longitudinal direction. Without being limited by theory, it is understood that one such assembled, corrugated sheet of polymeric material can generally serve as a heat exchanger.

Preferably, the length of the additional aerosol cooling element is at least about 4 millimeters. More preferably, the length of the additional aerosol cooling element is at least about 6 millimeters. Even more preferably, the length of the additional aerosol cooling element is at least about 9 millimeters. The length of the additional aerosol cooling element is preferably less than or equal to approximately 25 millimeters. More preferably, the length of the additional aerosol cooling element is preferably less than or equal to approximately 20 millimeters. Even more preferably, the length of the additional aerosol cooling element is preferably less than or equal to about 15 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the length of the additional aerosol cooling element is from about 4 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, or from about 4 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, or from about 4 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. In other embodiments, the length of the additional aerosol cooling element is from about 6 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, or from about 6 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, or from about 6 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. In still other embodiments, the length of the additional aerosol cooling element is from about 9 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, or from about 9 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, or from about 9 millimeters to about 15 millimeters.

In some preferred embodiments, the length of the additional aerosol cooling element is from about 4 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, more preferably from about 6 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, from about 9 millimeters to about 15 millimeters.

As briefly described above, the aerosol generating article of the present invention comprises an aerosol generating substrate rod and a hollow tubular support member located immediately downstream of the aerosol generating substrate rod. In addition, the aerosol generating article according to the invention may include an aerosol cooling element located downstream of the hollow tubular support element.

Unlike existing aerosol generating articles, in the articles of the present invention the aerosol cooling element can extend all the way to the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. In other words, the aerosol cooling member may define a portion of the mouthpiece end of the article and, during use, may be puffed through by the user.

The overall length of the aerosol generating article is preferably at least about 35 millimeters. More preferably, the overall length of the aerosol generating article is at least about 40 millimeters. Even more preferably, the overall length of the aerosol generating article is at least about 45 millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, the overall length of the aerosol generating article is preferably less than or equal to approximately 100 millimeters. More preferably, the overall length of the aerosol generating article is less than or equal to approximately 80 millimeters. Even more preferably, the overall length of the aerosol generating article is less than or equal to about 75 millimeters. Most preferably, the overall length of the aerosol generating article is less than or equal to approximately 70 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the overall length of the aerosol generating article is from about 35 millimeters to about 100 millimeters, or from about 35 millimeters to about 80 millimeters, or from about 35 millimeters to about 75 millimeters, or from about 35 millimeters to about 70 millimeters . In other embodiments, the overall length of the aerosol generating article is from about 40 millimeters to about 100 millimeters, or from about 40 millimeters to about 80 millimeters, or from about 40 millimeters to about 75 millimeters, or from about 40 millimeters to about 70 millimeters . In yet other embodiments, the overall length of the aerosol generating article is from about 45 millimeters to about 100 millimeters, or from about 45 millimeters to about 80 millimeters, or from about 45 millimeters to about 75 millimeters, or from about 45 millimeters to about 70 millimeters.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the overall length of the aerosol generating article is from about 35 millimeters to about 80 millimeters, more preferably from about 40 millimeters to about 75 millimeters, even more preferably from about 45 millimeters to about 70 millimeters.

The aerosol generating articles of the present invention comprise an aerosol generating substrate which may be in the form of a rod surrounded by a wrapper.

The aerosol generating substrate rod preferably has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article.

Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate rod has an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters. The aerosol generating substrate rod may have an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, such as from about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 5 millimeters to about 8 millimeters, or from about 6 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, or from about 6 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 6 millimeters to about 8 millimeters. In one preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate rod has an outer diameter of 7.2 millimeters.

The aerosol generating substrate rod may have a length of from about 5 millimeters to about 100 mm. Preferably, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate has a length of at least about 5 millimeters, more preferably at least about 7 millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate preferably has a length that is less than about 100 millimeters, more preferably less than about 80 millimeters, even more preferably less than about 65 millimeters, most preferably less than or equal to about 50 millimeters. In particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate rod has a length that is less than or equal to about 35 millimeters, more preferably less than or equal to 25 millimeters, even more preferably less than or equal to about 20 millimeters. In one embodiment, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate may be approximately 10 millimeters in length. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate rod is approximately 12 millimeters in length.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate rod has a length of from about 5 millimeters to about 80 millimeters, or from about 5 millimeters to about 65 millimeters, or from about 5 millimeters to about 50 millimeters. In other embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate rod has a length of from about 7 millimeters to about 100 millimeters, or from about 7 millimeters to about 80 millimeters, or from about 7 millimeters to about 65 millimeters, or from about 7 millimeters to about 50 millimeters . In still other embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate rod has a length of from about 10 millimeters to about 100 millimeters, or from about 10 millimeters to about 80 millimeters, or from about 10 millimeters to about 65 millimeters, or from about 10 millimeters to about 50 millimeters. millimeters.

Preferably, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate has a substantially uniform cross-section along the length of the rod. Particularly preferably, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate has a substantially circular cross-section.

In preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate comprises one or more assembled sheets of homogenized tobacco material. Preferably, one or more sheets of homogenized tobacco material are textured. As used herein, the term “textured sheet” means a sheet that has been corrugated, embossed, blind embossed, perforated, or otherwise deformed. Textured sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in the present invention may contain a plurality of spaced apart indentations, projections, perforations, or a combination thereof. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating substrate rod comprises an assembled corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material surrounded by a wrapper.

As used herein, the term "corrugated sheet" is intended to be used synonymously with the term "creped sheet" and means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel folds or corrugations. Preferably, the corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material contains a plurality of folds or corrugations substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis of the rod according to the present invention. This advantageously facilitates the assembly of the corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material to form a rod. However, it should be understood that the corrugated sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in the present invention may alternatively or additionally comprise a plurality of substantially parallel folds or corrugations located at an acute or obtuse angle to the cylindrical axis of the rod. In some embodiments, sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in the core of an article according to the present invention may be substantially uniformly textured over substantially their entire surface. For example, corrugated sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in making a rod used in an aerosol generating article of the present invention may comprise a plurality of substantially parallel folds or corrugations that are substantially evenly spaced across the width of the sheet.

Sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material for use in the invention may have a tobacco content of at least about 40 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 60 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably or at least about 70 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, and most preferably at least about 90 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.

Sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol generating substrate may contain one or more internal binders, i.e., endogenous tobacco binders, one or more external binders, i.e., exogenous tobacco binders, or a combination thereof to help agglomerate the bulk tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in the aerosol generating substrate may contain other additives, including, but not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, humectants, plasticizers, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents and the same. combinations.

Suitable external binders for inclusion in sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: gums such as, for example, guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic and locust bean gum wood; cellulose binders such as, for example, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose and ethylcellulose; polysaccharides, such as, for example, starches, organic acids, such as alginic acid, salts of bases conjugate with organic acids, such as sodium alginate, agar and pectins; and their combinations.

Suitable non-tobacco fibers for inclusion in sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: cellulose fibers; softwood fibers; hardwood fibers; jute fibers and their combinations. Prior to inclusion in sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol generating substrate, non-tobacco fibers may be subjected to suitable methods known in the art, including, but not limited to: mechanical pulping; cleaning; chemical pulp production; bleaching; sulfate pulp production; and their combinations.

Preferably, the sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material contain an aerosol-forming agent. As used herein, the term "aerosol generating agent" describes any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, when used, facilitates the formation of an aerosol and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol generating article.

Suitable aerosol-forming agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; polyhydric alcohol esters such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol.

Sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material may contain a single aerosol-forming agent. Alternatively, sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material may contain a combination of two or more substances to form an aerosol.

Sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material have an aerosol forming agent content of more than 10 percent on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material have an aerosol forming agent content of greater than 12 percent on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material have an aerosol forming agent content of greater than 14 percent on a dry weight basis. Even more preferably, the sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material have an aerosol forming agent content of greater than 16 percent on a dry weight basis.

The aerosol-forming agent content of the sheets of homogenized tobacco material may range from about 10 percent to about 30 percent on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material have an aerosol forming agent content of less than 25 percent on a dry weight basis.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol forming agent content of the sheets of homogenized tobacco material is approximately 20 percent on a dry weight basis.

Sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco for use in the aerosol generating product of the present invention can be manufactured by methods known in the art, for example by methods disclosed in international patent application WO-A-2012/164009 A2. In a preferred embodiment, sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol generating product are formed from a slurry containing bulk tobacco, guar gum, cellulose fibers and glycerin by an injection molding process.

Alternative arrangements of homogenized tobacco material in a rod for use in an aerosol generating article are known to those skilled in the art and may include a plurality of stacked sheets of homogenized tobacco material, a plurality of elongated tubular members formed by twisting strips of homogenized tobacco material about their longitudinal axes, etc.

As a further alternative, the aerosol generating substrate rod may comprise a non-tobacco based nicotine-containing material, such as a sheet of non-tobacco sorbent material incorporated with nicotine (eg, in the form of a nicotine salt) and an aerosol generating agent. Examples of such rods are described in international application WO-A-2015/052652. In addition or alternatively, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate may comprise a non-tobacco plant material, such as an aromatic non-tobacco plant material.

In the aerosol generating substrate rod of the articles of the present invention, the aerosol generating substrate is preferably surrounded by a wrapper. The wrapper may be formed from porous or non-porous sheet material. The wrapper may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably the wrapper is a paper wrapper.

As discussed above, a tubular support member may be provided at a location downstream of the aerosol generating substrate rod. The tubular support member comprises a cylindrical peripheral wall and includes an air flow path extending in the longitudinal direction from an upstream end of the tubular support member to a downstream end of the tubular support member. Thus, the tubular support member provides fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate rod and one or more downstream components of the article.

In particular, the tubular support element is longitudinally aligned with the rod and located immediately downstream of the rod. In the context of the present invention, the expression "immediately downstream of the rod" means that the tubular support member and the rod are in contact with each other or very close to each other so that when the article is placed for use in an aerosol generating device made with the ability to heat the aerosol generating substrate (e.g., comprising a heating element that is inserted into the substrate), the tubular support member effectively provides support for the rod, with little or no deformation of the aerosol generating article or little or no displacement of the rod, or both with them and without them. Thus, in essence, in the context of this document regarding the present invention, the expression "immediately downstream of the rod" is used to indicate that the minimum longitudinal distance between the surface of the downstream end of the rod and the surface of the upstream end the peripheral wall of the tubular support element is less than 1 millimeter, preferably less than 0.5 millimeters, even more preferably less than 0.25 millimeters. In particularly preferred embodiments, the surface of the upstream end of the peripheral wall of the tubular support member directly contacts the surface of the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate rod.

Thus, the tubular support member can effectively hold the rod of the aerosol generating substrate at a predetermined distance from the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. In addition, the tubular support member imparts structural strength to the aerosol generating article so that it can be easily handled by the user and can be freely inserted into the aerosol generating device for use.

The tubular support element may be made of a porous material or an airtight material. Suitable examples of porous material include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate, as well as a number of other porous polymeric materials known to those skilled in the art. Suitable examples of airtight materials include, but are not limited to, non-porous polymeric materials, especially preferably bioplastics.

In one preferred embodiment, the tubular support element is a hollow tube of cellulose acetate.

When the tubular support member is used along the air flow path, a temperature difference occurs. Essentially, a temperature difference is provided such that the temperature of the vaporized aerosol components entering the tubular support member at the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate rod is greater than the temperature of the vaporized aerosol components exiting the tubular support member at the downstream end tubular support element. However, this is generally not enough to sufficiently cool the evaporated components of the aerosol.

The thickness of the cylindrical peripheral wall of the hollow tubular support element is preferably less than or equal to 2 millimeters. More preferably, the thickness of the cylindrical peripheral wall is less than or equal to 1.5 millimeters. Even more preferably, the thickness of the cylindrical peripheral walls is less than or equal to 1 millimeter.

The thickness of the cylindrical peripheral wall of the hollow tubular support element is at least 0.2 millimeters. More preferably, the thickness of the cylindrical peripheral wall is at least 0.4 millimeters. Even more preferably, the thickness of the cylindrical peripheral wall is at least 0.6 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the cylindrical peripheral wall of the hollow tubular support member is preferably from about 0.2 millimeters to about 2 millimeters, more preferably from about 0.4 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters, even more preferably from about 0.6 millimeters to approximately 1 millimeter.

Thus, at the upstream end, the cylindrical peripheral wall contains an end surface configured to abut the peripheral portion of the aerosol-generating substrate rod. In some embodiments, the surface of the upstream end of the peripheral wall may have a generally flat profile. Thus, it can generally be in complete contact with the surface of the downstream end of the rod. In alternative embodiments, the surface of the upstream end of the peripheral wall has a non-planar profile, such as a beveled profile or a curved profile, such that the peripheral wall contacts the rod only at its outermost peripheral edge, with a small space between the downstream surface the end of the rod and the end surface of the peripheral wall on the inner periphery of the peripheral wall.

Preferably, the length of the hollow tubular support element is at least about 10 millimeters. More preferably, the length of the hollow tubular support element is at least about 15 millimeters. Even more preferably, the length of the hollow tubular support element is at least about 20 millimeters.

The length of the hollow tubular support element is preferably less than or equal to approximately 60 millimeters. More preferably, the length of the hollow tubular support element is less than or equal to approximately 50 millimeters. Even more preferably, the length of the hollow tubular support element is less than or equal to approximately 40 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular support member is from about 10 millimeters to about 60 millimeters, or from about 10 millimeters to about 50 millimeters, or from about 10 millimeters to about 40 millimeters. In other embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular support member is from about 15 millimeters to about 60 millimeters, or from about 15 millimeters to about 50 millimeters, or from about 15 millimeters to about 40 millimeters. In yet other embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular support member is from about 20 millimeters to about 60 millimeters, or from about 20 millimeters to about 50 millimeters, or from about 20 millimeters to about 40 millimeters.

In some preferred embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular support member is from about 10 millimeters to about 60 millimeters, more preferably from about 15 millimeters to about 50, even more preferably from about 20 millimeters to about 40 millimeters.

As briefly described above, the aerosol generating article of the present invention includes an aerosol cooling element that is longitudinally aligned with the rod and the hollow tubular support member and located downstream of the hollow tubular support member.

In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element is located immediately downstream of the hollow tubular support element. The expression "immediately downstream of the hollow tubular support member" as used herein in relation to the invention means that the aerosol cooling member is in contact with or very close to it. Essentially, the expression "immediately downstream of the hollow tubular support member" is used to indicate that the minimum longitudinal distance between the surface of the downstream end of the hollow tubular support member and the surface of the upstream end of the peripheral wall of the member, cooling aerosol is less than 1 millimeter, preferably less than 0.5 millimeters, even more preferably less than 0.25 millimeters. In particularly preferred embodiments, the surface of the upstream end of the aerosol cooling element is in direct contact with the surface of the downstream end of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular support element.

In other embodiments, the aerosol generating article between the hollow tubular support member and the aerosol cooling member may include one or more additional components.

For example, the aerosol generating article may include a filter material rod configured to remove particulate components, gaseous components, or a combination thereof. Suitable filter materials are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: fibrous filter materials, such as, for example, cellulose acetate rod; viscose fibers, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibers, polylactic acid (PLA) fibers and paper; adsorbents such as, for example, activated alumina, zeolites, molecular sieves and silica gel; and their combinations. Additionally, the filter material rod may further contain one or more aerosol modifying agents. Suitable aerosol modifying agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, flavoring agents such as, for example, menthol. The length of the filter material rod can range from about 4 millimeters to about 25 millimeters. Preferably, the length of the filter material rod is at least about 6 millimeters, more preferably at least about 8 millimeters. The length of the filter material rod is preferably less than or equal to about 25 millimeters, more preferably less than or equal to about 20 millimeters, even more preferably less than or equal to about 15 millimeters. In particularly preferred embodiments, the length of the filter material rod is less than or equal to approximately 10 millimeters. In one exemplary embodiment, the length of the filter material rod is approximately 5 millimeters. In another exemplary embodiment, the length of the mouthpiece is approximately 7 millimeters.

The components of the aerosol generating article according to the invention can be individually surrounded, for example by a wrapper. The wrapper may be formed from porous or non-porous sheet material. The wrapper may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably the wrapper is a paper wrapper. However, two or more components can also be surrounded by the same wrapper. In addition, the aerosol generating substrate rod and other components are usually assembled in one wrapper. For example, in one embodiment, an aerosol generating article includes a linearly and sequentially arranged aerosol generating substrate rod, a tubular support member, an aerosol cooling member described above, and an outer wrap surrounding the rod, support member, and aerosol cooling member. In another embodiment, an aerosol generating article comprises a linearly and sequentially arranged aerosol generating substrate rod, a tubular support member, an auxiliary aerosol cooling member, an aerosol cooling member described above, and an outer wrap surrounding the rod, support member, and members, cooling aerosol.

In some embodiments, aerosol generating articles include a ventilation zone at a location along the aerosol cooling element. Preferably, the aerosol generating article includes a ventilation zone at a location along the length of the aerosol cooling element.

In some embodiments, a ventilation zone is provided at a location along the cavity of the hollow tubular segment. Thus, fluid communication is provided between the external environment and the cavity such that when a consumer takes a puff through the aerosol generating article, ambient air is drawn into the cavity through vents formed through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment. This has the advantage that mixing ambient air with the incoming aerosol stream can reduce the temperature of the aerosol and promote condensation or growth of aerosol particles, or both. At the same time, the flow of ambient air through the peripheral wall of the aerosol cooling element may further help maintain the peripheral wall temperature below a desired threshold.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the ventilation zone comprises a plurality of openings extending through the peripheral wall such that inclined air flow channels are formed which provide communication with the external environment into the cavity of the hollow tubular segment. This may in particular help to maintain the temperature of the peripheral wall of the aerosol cooling element below a required threshold value.

The aerosol generating articles described above may be used in an electrical aerosol generating device as part of an aerosol generating system according to another aspect of this disclosure or invention. One such aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating article as described above, and an electrical aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and an elongated heating chamber configured to accommodate the aerosol generating article such that a rod of the aerosol generating substrate heated in the heating chamber. Preferably, the heating element includes a heating plate or heating pin configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating substrate rod when the aerosol generating article is placed in the heating chamber.

The invention will now be further described with reference to the drawings, in which:

in fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an aerosol cooling element according to the invention;

in fig. 2 is a schematic side sectional view of an aerosol cooling element according to the invention;

in fig. 3 is a schematic cross-section of the aerosol cooling element of FIG. 2, taken in the T-T plane, which passes through the middle of the aerosol cooling element;

in fig. 4 is a side sectional view of an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol cooling element according to the invention; And

in fig. 5 is a schematic side sectional view of an aerosol generating system comprising an electrical aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article shown in FIG. 4.

The aerosol cooling element 16 shown in FIG. 1, includes a hollow tubular segment 8 containing a peripheral wall 24 approximately 0.5 millimeters thick defining a cavity 28. In addition, the hollow tubular segment 8 includes a number of elongated projections 26 extending from the peripheral wall 24 into the hollow tubular segment 22. Each of the elongated The projections 26 extend from the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment 8 to the downstream end of the hollow tubular segment 8 and into the hollow tubular segment 23.

As shown in FIG. 1, several elongated projections 26 contain four deflection ribs. Four deflection ribs 26 are uniformly distributed in the radial direction within the aerosol cooling element. This means that the deflection ribs 26 are evenly spaced from each other in the radial direction. The deflection ribs 26 bend between the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment 8 and the downstream end of the hollow tubular segment 8, as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the circumferential direction positions of the elongated projections 26 vary in the length direction of the aerosol cooling member. As shown in FIG. 2, the circumferential positions of the elongated projections at the middle of the aerosol cooling element are different from the circumferential positions of the elongated projections at the downstream end of the aerosol cooling element, as shown by the dotted cut lines of the deflection fins.

The aerosol generating article 10 shown in FIG. 4 includes an aerosol generating substrate rod 12, a tubular support member 14 and an aerosol cooling member 16 according to the first embodiment of the invention. These three elements are arranged in series in coaxial alignment and surrounded by a wrapper 18 to form an aerosol generating article 10. The aerosol generating article 10 has a mouthpiece end or downstream end 20 and an upstream end 22 located at the end of the article opposite the mouthpiece end 20. The aerosol generating article 10 shown in FIG. 4 is particularly suitable for use with an electrical aerosol generating device comprising a heater for heating the aerosol generating substrate rod.

The rod of the aerosol generating substrate 12 has a length of approximately 12 millimeters and a diameter of approximately 7 millimeters. The rod 12 is cylindrical in shape and has a substantially circular cross-section.

The tubular support element 14 is made in the form of a hollow tube made of cellulose acetate. It is approximately 8 millimeters long. The outer diameter of the tubular support member 14 is approximately 7 millimeters. The peripheral wall of the tubular support member 14 has a thickness of approximately 1.85 millimeters.

In fig. 5 shows a portion of an electrical aerosol generating system 200 that uses a heating plate 210 to heat the aerosol generating substrate rod 12 of the aerosol generating article 10 shown in FIG. 4. The heating plate 210 is installed inside the chamber of the aerosol generating article in the housing of the electrical aerosol generating device 212. The aerosol generating device 212 includes a plurality of air holes 214 allowing air to enter the aerosol generating article 10, as shown by arrows in FIG. 5. The aerosol generating device 212 includes a power supply and electronics, which are shown in FIG. 5 are not shown.

The aerosol generating article 10 shown in FIG. 4 is configured to engage the aerosol generating device 212 shown in FIG. 5, for the purpose of use.

The user inserts the aerosol generating article 10 into the aerosol generating device 212 such that the heating plate 210 is inserted into the rod of the aerosol generating substrate 12. The aerosol cooling member 16 extends beyond the mouthpiece end of the device 212. When the aerosol generating article 10 is engaged with the aerosol generating device 212, the user takes a puff through the aerosol cooling member 16 defining the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating article 10, and the aerosol generating substrate rod 12 is heated by the heating plate 210 to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating substrate rod 12. The aerosol is drawn through the aerosol cooling element 16 into the user's mouth.

It should be understood that the aerosol generating article 10 shown in FIG. 4 may also be suitable for use with other types of aerosol generating devices.

Claims (17)

1. An aerosol-generating product for producing an aerosol when heated, wherein the aerosol-generating product contains: an aerosol-generating substrate rod; an aerosol cooling element located downstream of the aerosol generating substrate rod, wherein the aerosol cooling element comprises a hollow tubular segment comprising a peripheral wall, wherein the hollow tubular segment extends along a longitudinal axis and has a downstream end , in fluid communication with an upstream end, wherein the hollow tubular segment comprises at least one elongated protrusion extending from a peripheral wall into the interior of the hollow tubular segment, wherein at least one elongated protrusion extends longitudinally from an upstream position on the peripheral wall to a downstream position on the peripheral wall located downstream relative to the upstream position; And a wrapper surrounding the aerosol generating substrate rod, an aerosol cooling element, wherein the at least one elongated protrusion is a deflecting rib configured to change the direction of aerosol flow passing from an upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the hollow tubular segment of the hollow tubular segment, and wherein the deflecting rib is curved along the length of the hollow tubular segment. 2. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one elongated protrusion extends radially from the peripheral wall to the central axis of the hollow tubular segment. 3. The aerosol generating product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the height of the at least one elongated protrusion varies between an upstream position and a downstream position. 4. The aerosol generating product according to claim 3, characterized in that the height of the at least one elongated protrusion decreases between one of an upstream position and a downstream position. 5. An aerosol-generating product according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the deflecting rib has first and second opposite surfaces, the angle formed between the reference plane, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis and bisects the internal volume of the hollow tubular element, and the first the surface of the deflecting rib in the upstream position is different from the angle formed between the reference plane and the first surface of the deflection rib in the downstream position. 6. The aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the at least one elongated protrusion in the circumferential direction changes between its upstream position and its downstream position. 7. An aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height of at least one elongated protrusion is less than the radius of the hollow tubular segment. 8. The aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upstream position is between the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment and the middle of the hollow tubular segment, and the downstream position is between the middle of the hollow tubular segment and the downstream end of the hollow tubular segment. 9. An aerosol-generating product according to any one of claims. 1-7, characterized in that at least one elongated protrusion extends in the longitudinal direction from an upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the hollow tubular segment. 10. An aerosol-generating product according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the length of the aerosol-generating product is from 8 mm to 30 mm. 11. An aerosol-generating product according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the thickness of at least one elongated protrusion is from 0.1 mm to 1 mm. 12. The aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one elongated projection comprises a plurality of elongated projections distributed radially along the peripheral wall. 13. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one elongated protrusion has a free end portion, wherein the at least one elongated protrusion extends into the hollow tubular segment from the peripheral wall to said free end portion.