CN116348003A - Smoking article comprising tobacco particle substitute - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a smoking article (1) comprising an aerosol generator (2) and a flavouring device adapted to release a flavouring substance (4) into an aerosol stream generated by the aerosol generator (2), wherein the flavouring device comprises an inert carrier material (6). The flavouring substance (4) is releasably attached to the carrier material (6) and comprises an average particle Size (SD) ₅₀ Laser diffraction<Tobacco particles (7) of 30 μm. Furthermore, the invention relates to a replaceable cartridge (12) comprising a flavouring device adapted to release a flavouring substance (4) to an aerosol stream generated by an aerosol generator (2), wherein the flavouring device comprises an inert carrier material (6) and a flavouring substance (4) releasably attached to the carrier material (6). The flavouring substance (4) comprises an average particle Size (SD) ₅₀ Laser diffraction)<Tobacco particles (7) of 30 μm. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a smoking article.

Description

Smoking article comprising tobacco particle substitute

The present invention relates to a smoking article comprising an aerosol generator and a flavouring device adapted to release flavouring substances into an aerosol stream generated by the aerosol generator, wherein the flavouring device comprises an inert carrier material, and to a replaceable cartridge for such a smoking article. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a smoking article.

Smoking articles comprising an aerosol generator and flavouring means are known in the art and are used in many different variations.

Electronic smoking articles typically include a power source (such as a battery), a container for the tobacco liquid (such as a cartridge or canister), and an atomizer (including a heating element that atomizes the tobacco liquid). Smoke liquor typically contains propylene glycol and glycerin as the major components. In most cases, only less than 5% (w/w) of the smoke fluid is other additives, such as nicotine and flavor. Since the smoke liquid is heated to a temperature in the range of about up to 100-250 ℃ to produce aerosolized vapors, some flavors cannot be contained in the smoke liquid because the flavor molecules are easily decomposed by this heat treatment. Thus, tobacco juice comprising tobacco extracts is generally not suitable for providing vapors having a desired tobacco taste.

To overcome this problem, attempts have been made to add flavor after aerosol/vapor generation.

For example, US 2019/0045837 A1 discloses a flavour delivery device for adding a flavour to an aerosol stream produced by a smoking article. The device includes an electrical heating element and a fragrance provider heatable by the heating element. However, also in this flavor delivery device, the flavor is heat treated.

Furthermore, US 104 70 488b2 discloses a flavour delivery material comprising a polymeric matrix having regions where flavour compositions are arranged. The flavor composition includes a fragrance disposed in or dispersed within the pores or cavities of the polymer. The perfume of the flavour composition is only released when the polymeric matrix breaks.

It is desirable to provide a smoking article that enables a consumer to conveniently and effectively incorporate a desired tobacco flavour into an aerosol prior to inhalation. It is particularly desirable that such smoking articles may be adapted to enable a consumer to select from a variety of different tobacco flavors. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the flavouring arrangement may be refillable or replaceable to allow the smoking article (other part) to be reused. Preferably, such smoking articles can be manufactured using conventional processing machinery.

These problems are solved by a smoking article according to claim 1, a replaceable cartridge for a smoking article according to claim 11 and a method according to claim 13.

A smoking article according to the invention comprises an aerosol generator and a flavouring arrangement. The flavouring device is adapted to release flavouring substances into an aerosol stream generated by an aerosol generator. The flavouring means comprises an inert carrier material to which the flavouring substance is releasably attached. The flavoring material comprises an average particle size (sD ₅₀ Laser diffraction) is less than or equal to 30 mu m.

Tobacco particles having such small average particle sizes provide a high surface area that can be contacted with the passing aerosol. This allows the transfer of flavour molecules from the particles into the aerosol stream. It has been found that a particle size of 30 μm or less allows the transfer of a variety of flavour molecules which constitute the complete tobacco flavour. The particle size allows larger and smaller molecules to migrate from the interior volume of the particle to its surface from where they can be transferred to the aerosol stream.

The term "inert", especially when combined with the word "carrier", in the context of the present invention means that the first substance does not chemically interact with the second substance (e.g. carrier). The inert carrier is preferably inert to the aerosol. Thus, the carrier itself remains chemically unchanged upon contact with the aerosol. However, "inert" does not mean that no interaction between the aerosol and the carrier is possible. In particular physical interactions like energy transfer (e.g. heat) are possible. Other physical properties of the inert material (e.g., carrier) may also change due to this interaction. For example, its density or (specific) surface area may change due to thermal expansion. Since an important feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the flavouring substance and/or flavouring molecule is attached to the surface of the inert carrier and released from its surface in the presence of an actuation signal (e.g. in contact with an aerosol), such a change in the surface characteristics of the inert carrier material is also possible and is not excluded by the term "inert".

In the context of the present invention, the term "tobacco product" is also meant to include an average particle size (sD ₅₀ Laser diffraction) is less than or equal to 30 mu m.

Nicotine may also be transferred from tobacco particles into aerosols in a similar manner. Since nicotine has a flavor and is typically a constituent of tobacco, the term "flavoring molecule" also includes nicotine.

This characteristic of the particles can also be explained by the rapid warming of the small particles after contact with the hot aerosol stream, as a result of which the flavour molecules within the tobacco particles start to migrate. Furthermore, the flavouring molecules may reach the particle surface from which they may be rapidly transferred into the aerosol stream, irrespective of their position within the particle.

Preferably, the average size of the tobacco particles (sD ₅₀ Laser diffraction) is 1 μm or more, preferably 2.5 μm or more, more preferably 5 μm or more, most preferably 8 μm or more. It has been found that grinding tobacco particles to smaller particle sizes may affect flavor. It is believed that some of the flavoring molecules of tobacco leaf break down due to high shear energy. Furthermore, during the milling process or during a later processing process, some of the flavoring molecules may leave very small tobacco particles. This will result in depletion of these flavoring molecules in the tobacco particles and result in a flavor composition that is different from the flavor of whole tobacco.

In order to avoid decomposition of the flavouring molecules during milling, it has been found to be advantageous to reduce the viscosity of the milling composition. This can be achieved by adding a solvent to the composition. Such solvents (or "dispersion media") are preferably selected from the group consisting of water, monohydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, sugar alcohols, granulated sugar and polyol esters. By using such a dispersion medium, the average particle size of tobacco can be adjusted to a desired value without significantly changing the flavor.

More preferably, the one or more dispersing media are selected from the group comprising: water, monohydric alcohol, monohydric aliphatic alcohol, methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-dimethylethanol, cyclohexanol, monohydric alcohols having an aromatic substituent, benzyl alcohol, monohydric alcohols containing one or more halogen elements, monohydric alcohols having one or more ether linkages, polyhydric alcohols, glycerin, propylene glycol, sugar alcohols, sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, erythritol, lactitol, sorbitan, xylose, arabinose, mannose, trehalose, granulated sugar, lactose, sucrose, coupled sugar, glucose, enzymatically saccharified starch syrup, acid saccharified starch syrup, maltose, isomerized sugar, fructose, reduced maltose, reduced starch, honey, polyol esters, fatty acid polyol esters, and fatty acid triglycerides.

Preferably, the proportion of tobacco particles in the dispersion is ≡0.5% (w/w), preferably ≡1% (w/w),. Gtoreq.2% (w/w) or ≡5% (w/w), more preferably ≡10% (w/w), most preferably ≡20% (w/w) and ≡95% (w/w), preferably ≡90% (w/w), 80% (w/w) or 70% (w/w), more preferably 60% (w/w), most preferably 50% (w/w). It has been found that these proportions allow the tobacco to be ground to the desired average particle size in most solvents without significant loss of flavor.

In addition to tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 microns or less, the tobacco product preferably includes a liquid medium, such as ethanol or water, in which the tobacco particles are dispersed.

In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco particles are dispersed in a liquid medium having a temperature of 30 ℃ or less, preferably 20 ℃ or less, more preferably 15 ℃ or less, most preferably 10 ℃ or less, to prevent decomposition and/or dissipation of the tobacco flavoring. Preferably, the temperature of the liquid medium of the dispersion is not less than-20 ℃, preferably not less than-10 ℃, more preferably not less than-5 ℃, most preferably not less than 0 ℃, to facilitate its handling. It has been shown that cold dispersions having a temperature in the above range also prevent nicotine decomposition.

Preferably, the release of the flavouring substance from the carrier material may be initiated by an initiation signal. This prevents the flavouring substance from dissipating to a large extent during storage. However, upon application of an actuation signal to the flavouring substance, efficient transfer of flavouring molecules into the aerosol stream may be ensured.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the activation signal is selected from the group comprising: temperature changes, humidity changes, moisture changes, water contact, contact with liquids, contact with aerosols, pressure changes, electrical signals, light and electromagnetic radiation. Particularly preferred is start-up upon application of high temperature or contact with an aerosol. Since aerosols produced in smoking devices generally have a temperature of > 30 ℃, preferably > 60 ℃, > 80 ℃ or > 100 ℃, more preferably > 150 ℃, most preferably > 180 ℃ and < 300 ℃, preferably < 290 ℃, < 280 ℃ or < 270 ℃, more preferably < 250 ℃, most preferably < 200 ℃, it is preferable to start in this temperature range upon contact with a flavouring substance.

However, other activation signals may also be advantageous. In alternative embodiments, the release of the flavouring substance from the carrier material may be initiated independently of the aerosol. This allows the user to decide whether a flavour should be added to the aerosol. Optionally, the intensity of the flavor may also be adjusted according to the personal preference of the user. Thus, the activation signal may be given by a user, for example by an activation device of the smoking device. In a preferred embodiment, the actuation means is a button which can be touched and/or pressed by the user if additional flavouring of the aerosol is required. The activation means then applies an activation signal to the flavouring substance, for example by energy application (e.g. heat, light, electromagnetic radiation). The signal then initiates the transfer of the flavouring substance to the aerosol.

Preferably, the flavouring means is arranged downstream in the smoking article with respect to the aerosol generator. As mentioned above, this embodiment allows the aerosol itself to be the actuation signal. However, in an alternative embodiment, the flavouring substance is provided with the air stream, the aerosol being added to the air stream at a later stage. This embodiment is less preferred as it requires a separate actuation signal and deposition of flavour molecules in the smoking device upstream of the aerosol generator may occur. Most preferably, the flavouring means is arranged at the downstream end of the smoking device, preferably next to or within the mouthpiece. Since the mouthpiece is typically replaceable, undesired mixing of different flavors can be easily prevented by replacing the mouthpiece.

In a preferred embodiment, the flavouring arrangement comprises an aerosol inlet and an aerosol outlet. This embodiment allows the aerosol to pass continuously through the flavouring arrangement. The amount of flavor inhaled can be adjusted according to individual preference depending on the flow rate of the aerosol. However, since smoking is typically a discontinuous process, other embodiments of flavoring devices having only a single opening are also suitable. In this embodiment, when the user starts inhaling the aerosol, the aerosol may be contacted with the flavoring substance enriched in flavoring molecules in a first step and guided to the user in a second step. However, this embodiment is less preferred because it requires the aerosol to stabilize for longer periods of time.

In contrast, a particularly preferred embodiment is that the aerosol inlet and aerosol outlet are arranged at opposite ends of the flavouring arrangement. This embodiment allows a continuous flow of aerosol through the flavouring arrangement and allows a well-defined contact time between aerosol and flavouring substance to control the flavour absorption of the aerosol. The amount of flavouring molecules absorbed by the passing aerosol may be further adjusted by the contact area between the flavouring substance and the aerosol. Preferably, the contact area is widened, for example by applying a flavouring substance onto the inner surfaces of a plurality of tubes through which the aerosol is guided in the flavouring arrangement. Alternatively or in addition, the contact area may be increased by an elongated flow path of the aerosol, which may be achieved by a curved flow path.

Preferably, the flavouring means comprises an aerosol passage along which the carrier material carrying the flavouring substance is arranged. The aerosol passage preferably provides a large surface area in which the aerosol can contact the flavouring substance and become enriched in flavouring molecules. Preferably, such an aerosol passage is defined by a tube. A tube having a defined length and (optionally different along the tube length) diameter has the advantage over undefined geometries (e.g. statistically distributed pores of the porous material) that the contact time of the aerosol with the flavouring substance can be controlled in a simple manner. In contrast, porous materials provide different pore sizes and lengths, which will result in different residence times and different flavor absorption. Furthermore, condensation of the aerosol may occur as it passes through longer pores.

In a preferred embodiment, the flavouring means are arranged in the replaceable cartridge. Such a replaceable cartridge may also include a mouthpiece for the smoking article. Regardless of whether the replaceable cartridge includes a mouthpiece, the arrangement of the flavouring means in the replaceable cartridge provides the possibility of easily adjusting the flavour of the aerosol provided by the smoking article to a desired flavour. Other portions of the smoking article may be further used. This will reduce the cost to the user.

Since in this embodiment the entire cartridge (and optionally also the mouthpiece) is replaced, the number and area of surfaces of the smoking article retaining the remainder of the previously applied flavour will be reduced or even absent. Thus, replacement of the cartridge provides the flavor of the cartridge without being contaminated with other flavors.

It has been found that the carrier material is preferably selected from the group comprising: fibers, filter materials, cellulose acetate, fiber bundles, or staple fibers, randomly oriented staple fibers, sheets, paper sheets, folded sheets, rolled sheets, curled sheets, mazes, matrix materials, sponges, ceramic materials, wool, multiple tubes, individual tubes, particulates, spherical particles, cubes, cuboid, and parallelepiped. These materials are well known in the tobacco industry and can be processed with common processing machinery. The surface area of these materials is generally high relative to their weight. This allows a larger contact area with the passing aerosol. Since the absorption of the flavoring molecules by the aerosol depends on the residence time and the contact area, a large contact area is advantageous for providing the flavoring aerosol to the user as soon as possible.

Preferably, the flavouring substance is attached to the surface of the carrier material. This embodiment provides advantages over other less preferred techniques, such as encapsulation or embedding into a polymeric material. The main advantage is that the aerosol immediately contacts the flavouring substance as it passes through the carrier material. Thus, heat can be immediately transferred from the aerosol to the flavouring substance and/or carrier. Because no energy is required to open the capsule or soften the polymer, energy can be transferred to the flavouring substance without significant loss and allow the transfer of flavouring molecules into the aerosol stream.

Depending on the support material, the attachment mechanism may be different. In a preferred embodiment, an adhesive is used to establish a bond between the tobacco particles and the carrier. Preferably, the adhesive is cleavable. Preferably, the adhesive is cleavable by thermal energy of the aerosol stream.

Preferably, the aerosol generator is adapted to generate an aerosol of propylene glycol and/or glycerin. Since the boiling point of these liquids is much higher than that of water, the aerosol generator requires a strong heat source.

The aerosol preferably comprises propylene glycol and/or glycerin. Preferably, the aerosol is free of nicotine when generated in the aerosol generator. Especially in combination with propylene glycol and/or glycerin, nicotine-free compositions are preferred because the autoignition temperature of nicotine is only 244 ℃. The nicotine residue may burn when exposed to the intense heat source of the aerosol generator. However, if a nicotine-containing aerosol is desired, this embodiment requires a nicotine source downstream of the aerosol generator. In a preferred embodiment, the nicotine source is tobacco particles of a tobacco product and/or flavoring substance. Reducing or even avoiding nicotine in the liquid medium may result in a safer product to handle. Not only the risk of spontaneous combustion but also the risk of poisoning of the user by handling the liquid cartridge can be reduced.

Another aspect of the invention is a replaceable cartridge for a smoking article comprising an aerosol generator, wherein the replaceable cartridge comprises a flavouring arrangement (the flavouring arrangement being adapted toReleasing flavouring substances into the aerosol stream produced by the aerosol generator) and differs from known cartridges in a flavouring device comprising an inert carrier material comprising an average particle size (sD ₅₀ A flavoring material of tobacco particles laser diffraction) of less than or equal to 30 μm is releasably attached to the inert carrier material.

Small tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 μm or less provide a high surface area that can be immediately contacted with aerosol passing through the surface. This allows not only the rapid transfer of flavour molecules from the particles into the aerosol stream, but also the transfer of a mixture of naturally occurring flavour molecules which together constitute the complete tobacco flavour. Due to the small volume of these tobacco particles, all particles can be heated by the passing aerosol in less than 0.1 seconds. Thus, flavoring molecules of different molecular weights and boiling points may leave the particles and be absorbed by the aerosol stream.

Advantages of the preferred embodiment of the smoking article are also obtained when applied to such a replaceable cartridge for a smoking article. Thus, the preferred variants of the above-described smoking articles are also preferred variants of the replaceable cartridge.

Preferably, the carrier is located in the cartridge, more preferably in the flavouring means of the cartridge. Such cartridges may be sold to end users. Prior to use, the cartridge is placed in the smoking article, preferably downstream of the smoke liquid container and/or the aerosol generator. Preferably, the cartridge and/or flavouring means comprises a housing having one or more openings to allow aerosol to enter and leave the housing. Inside the housing, the carrier is located in a position that the aerosol may come into contact with as it passes through the housing. The flavouring substance/tobacco product is arranged on the surface of the carrier. As the aerosol passes over the surface (e.g., by traveling through/around/along the carrier), it absorbs the flavoring molecules from the flavoring substance. The flavoring molecules may also include nicotine.

Preferably, the aerosol becomes enriched with flavour molecules and leaves the cartridge and/or flavouring device through one or more outlet openings. Preferably, the inlet and outlet are provided at opposite ends of the housing. Preferably, the cartridge is elongate to enlarge the contact surface between the aerosol and the flavouring substance. The elongated embodiments further provide for a longer residence time of the aerosol within the flavoring device at a given flow rate.

Preferably, the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece. In this embodiment, the cartridge comprises coupling means which allow for detachable coupling to an aerosol generator of the smoking article. In this embodiment, the cartridge is arranged at the mouth end of the smoking article and the user can draw the flavour-enriched aerosol directly from the downstream end of the cartridge. An optional mouthpiece at the downstream end of the cartridge may comprise means for cooling the flavour-enriched aerosol.

Along the flow path of the aerosol through the flavouring means, the carrier may be alone or in combination with further aerosol treatment means.

In a preferred embodiment, the carrier (and the flavouring substance attached thereto) is the only processing means within the flavouring means. In this embodiment, the inlet opening and the outlet opening are preferably sized and shaped to prevent the carrier from passing through them. Preferably, the inlet opening and/or the outlet opening comprise small holes with a diameter smaller than the size of the carrier. Preferably, the apertures are part of a mesh. This is particularly important in embodiments where the carrier comprises (small) fibres or particles. To ensure a sufficient aerosol flow rate, the inlet opening and/or the outlet opening preferably comprises a plurality of holes.

In another preferred embodiment, the carrier (and flavouring substance attached thereto) is combined with at least one other processing device within the flavouring device. In a preferred embodiment, the support is combined with a cellulose acetate filter stage, which is preferably arranged upstream and/or downstream of the support. Such a filter segment may prevent carrier particles from leaving the flavouring arrangement and/or cartridge. Such a filter is preferably arranged at the downstream end of the flavouring arrangement and is preferably a thin filter like a fleece or a net. Alternatively or in addition, the tobacco component may be disposed upstream and/or downstream of the carrier. Such additional tobacco components may increase the flavor of the aerosol.

The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a smoking article. The method comprises the following steps:

-providing a generator of an aerosol-gas,

providing a flavouring device adapted to release a flavouring substance into the aerosol stream, wherein the flavouring device comprises an inert carrier material and the flavouring substance is releasably attached to the carrier material,

-arranging a flavouring means downstream of the aerosol generator to allow the flavouring substance to be released into the aerosol stream.

The flavouring means may be a separate cartridge which is provided separately from the aerosol generator (or sold to the user). This allows selection of a desired flavor from a set of different flavors. Such cartridges may then be coupled to an aerosol generator, and the generated aerosol stream may absorb flavor from the flavoring device. The inert carrier of the flavouring device preferably does not chemically interact with the aerosol. However, energy transfer from the aerosol to the carrier is generally possible.

The step of arranging the flavouring means downstream of the aerosol generator may be performed by the end user. In a preferred embodiment, the flavouring means is part of a cartridge which may be combined with an aerosol generator to provide a usable smoking article. When an aerosol is generated in such a smoking article, the aerosol is directed through the flavouring arrangement and flavouring substances are released into the aerosol stream.

It should be understood that the above-explained embodiments are merely first embodiments of the method and/or system of the present invention. The disclosure of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments in this regard.

All of the features disclosed in the application documents are considered essential to the invention as long as they are novel with respect to the prior art, either alone or in combination.

Further advantages, objects and features of the invention will be described in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of example only. In the drawings, like elements in different embodiments may have the same reference numerals.

The drawings show:

figure 1 is a smoking article 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the carrier material 6 and the flavouring substance 4 attached thereto;

figures 3a to 3f show different embodiments of the flavouring arrangement 3;

figure 4 shows another embodiment of a smoking article 1;

fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the cartridge 12;

fig. 6 shows a series of steps of a method for manufacturing a smoking article 1.

In fig. 1, a smoking article 1 according to one embodiment of the invention is depicted. The smoking article 1 comprises an aerosol generator 2. The aerosol generator 2 generates an aerosol which is entrained in an aerosol stream 5. The aerosol generator 2 preferably comprises a liquid reservoir 2a, a liquid delivery device, and a heating unit 2b. The liquid delivery means may be integrated into the liquid reservoir 2a (e.g. a plurality of small holes on the surface of the liquid reservoir 2a for guiding a controlled amount of liquid to the heating unit 2 b) and/or into the heating unit (e.g. the heating unit 2b comprises a porous body that sucks liquid from the liquid reservoir 2 a). The liquid delivery device may also be a separate element. For example, the liquid delivery device may be a wick having one or more sections in fluid communication with the liquid within the liquid reservoir 2a and one or more sections in contact with the heating unit 2b. Instead of a wick, a capillary tube may be used. The heating unit 2b preferably includes a heater with which the liquid from the liquid reservoir 2a can be aerosolized. In the present embodiment, the liquid reservoir 2a is an annular liquid reservoir arranged downstream of the heating unit 2b. The annular liquid reservoir 2a comprises an internal passage through which the aerosol stream 5 can flow. In alternative embodiments, the heating unit 2b may be arranged within the internal channel of the annular liquid reservoir 2a or even downstream of the liquid reservoir 2 a. In other embodiments, the liquid reservoir 2a may not be annular, which may cause the aerosol flow 5 to move around the liquid reservoir in embodiments where the liquid reservoir is located in the aerosol flow 5. The liquid may be enclosed within a housing such that the liquid reservoir 2a is a replaceable container. Alternatively, the liquid may be entrapped in one or more porous elements, such as a cotton wool that is typically fitted within the smoking article 1 against the inner wall of the outer housing of the smoking article 1. In this case, the liquid reservoir is a porous element immersed in liquid. The porous element may be rolled into a cylinder to provide an airflow or aerosol passage therethrough.

The aerosolized liquid (i.e., aerosol) is transferred from the aerosol generator 2 into the flavoring device 3 in an aerosol stream 5. The flavouring arrangement 3 comprises an aerosol inlet 9 through which the aerosol stream 5 enters the flavouring arrangement 3 and an aerosol outlet 10 through which the aerosol stream 5 exits the flavouring arrangement 3. An aerosol passage 11 is arranged between the aerosol inlet 9 and the aerosol outlet 10 along which the aerosol stream 5 travels through the flavouring arrangement 3.

Preferably, the aerosol inlet 9 and the aerosol outlet 10 are arranged on opposite ends 3a,3b of the flavouring arrangement 3. Preferably, the aerosol inlet 9 is arranged towards the aerosol generator 2, preferably directly facing the aerosol outlet of the aerosol generator 2. Preferably, the aerosol outlet 10 is arranged at the downstream end 8 of the smoking article 1. Preferably, the downstream end 8 of the smoking article 1 is located in the mouthpiece 14. The downstream end 8 of the smoking article 1 defines the point at which the aerosol exits the smoking article 1.

A carrier material 6 is arranged in the flavouring arrangement 3. The carrier material 6 itself is an inert material. The flavouring substance 4 is releasably attached to the carrier material 6. The flavouring substance 4 comprises tobacco particles 7. The carrier material 6 comprising the flavouring substance 4 is arranged along an aerosol passage 11 of the flavouring arrangement 3. This means that the aerosol stream 5 flowing along the aerosol passage 11 is in contact with the carrier material 6 and the flavouring substance 4. The flavouring substance 4 flavours the aerosol stream 5 as the aerosol stream 5 passes the carrier material 6 with the flavouring substance 4. The flavoured aerosol stream 5 then exits the flavouring arrangement 3 through the aerosol outlet 10 and preferably also exits the smoking article 1 at the downstream end 8, preferably through the mouthpiece 14.

Fig. 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the carrier material 6 and the flavouring substance 4 attached thereto. In this embodiment, the carrier material 6 is a sheet comprising a surface 6a. The flavouring substance 4 adheres to the surface 6a. In particular, the flavouring substance 4 is tobacco particles 7 attached to the surface 6a of the carrier material 6.

Fig. 3a to 3f show different embodiments of the flavouring arrangement 3. Fig. 3a shows an embodiment of a seasoning device 3 comprising a sheet carrier material 6 from the embodiment of fig. 2. The carrier material 6 comprising the flavouring substance 4 is folded in an accordion-like manner, i.e. like a notepad (leporello) crease, and then rolled up 15 into a cylindrical shape and placed in a cartridge 12 comprising an aerosol inlet 9 and an aerosol outlet 10. In this way, aerosol passages 11 are formed not only in the centre of the rolled up carrier material 6 but also between the notepad folds, the individual layers of the rolled up carrier material 6 being spaced apart from one another by the notepad folds. In this way, the aerosol stream 5 is in contact with the surface 6a of the carrier material 6 and thus in very effective contact with the flavouring substance 4.

Fig. 3b shows a different embodiment of the flavouring arrangement 3. In this embodiment, the carrier material 6 is a filter, similar to a conventional cigarette filter, in which the flavouring substance 4 is uniformly distributed in the filter material. Preferably, the filter is a conventional cigarette filter. Preferably, the filter material is cellulose acetate. Other materials including porous or fibrous structures are also possible. Preferably, the flavouring substance 4 is mixed with the filter material before the filter material is formed into a filter. Alternatively, an off-the-shelf filter is soaked in the flavouring material 4, thereby absorbing the flavouring material 4 into the porous structure of the filter until the filter is saturated with flavouring material 4. The filter may then be dried to prevent dripping, but it is also conceivable to use the filter in the flavouring arrangement 3 in a wet state. The porous and/or fibrous nature of the filter material forms aerosol passages 11 through the filter material. Since the inner surface of the filter is very large, the interaction of the aerosol flow with the flavouring substance 4 is very efficient.

Fig. 3c shows another embodiment of the flavouring arrangement 3. In this embodiment, the carrier material 6 has the shape of a hollow cylinder or (in other words) a tube. In this way, the carrier material 6 comprises a through hole 16 in which the aerosol passage 11 is arranged. The through-holes 16 are defined by inner lateral areas 17 of the carrier material 6. The flavouring substance 4 is preferably arranged on at least a portion of the inner lateral region 17. Preferably, the flavouring substance 4 is arranged over the entire inner lateral region 17. However, it is also conceivable that the flavouring substance 4 is arranged on the entire surface 6a of the carrier material 6.

Fig. 3d shows an embodiment similar to the flavouring arrangement 3 shown in fig. 3 c. However, in this embodiment, the inner lateral region 17 comprises protrusions 18 protruding radially inwards from the inner lateral region 17 to a central axis 19, wherein the central axis 19 is the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical shape. The protrusions 18 increase the surface area of the inner lateral region 17. Preferably, the projections 18 are coated with the flavouring substance 4. Preferably, the protrusions 18 are arranged to protrude alternately from opposite sides 20, 21 of the inner lateral region 17, thereby forming a labyrinth-like arrangement with a tortuous aerosol passage 11. In this way, the surface area 6a may be increased, which in turn allows more flavouring substances 4 to be arranged in the flavouring arrangement 3. In addition, the tortuous aerosol passage 11 increases the residence time of the aerosol in the flavouring arrangement 3, which may allow better transfer of flavour from the flavouring substance 4 to the aerosol stream 5.

Fig. 3e shows another embodiment of the flavouring arrangement 3. In this embodiment, the carrier material 6 is in the form of particles. The particle surface 6a is coated with a flavouring material 4 comprising tobacco particles 7. The coated particles are included in a cartridge 12 having an aerosol inlet 9 and an aerosol outlet 10. The aerosol flow 5 circulates around the coated particles along a multi-branched aerosol passage 11. In this embodiment, the total surface area 6a of all particles is large, which promotes interaction between the aerosol stream 5 and the flavouring material 4 arranged on the surface area 6a of the particles. The multi-branched aerosol passage 11 further enhances this.

Fig. 3f shows another embodiment of the flavouring arrangement 3. In this embodiment, the carrier material 6 is constituted by a plurality of tubes arranged parallel to each other. The inner surface of the tube is coated with a flavouring substance 4. Each tube comprises a separate aerosol passage 22, wherein all separate aerosol passages 22 together form the aerosol passage 11 of the flavouring arrangement 3. The whole tube may be wrapped in a wrapper 23 to provide a stable shape for all tubes of the flavouring arrangement 3 in order to ensure correct machine handling.

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of a smoking article 1. The smoking article 1 comprises an aerosol generator 2 identical to that of the embodiment shown in figure 1. In the present embodiment, however, the flavouring arrangement 3 is comprised in the cartridge 12 and comprises a mouthpiece 14. The flavouring means 3 may be arranged in a cartridge support 13 of the smoking article 1. A flavouring device 3 is arranged downstream of the aerosol generator 2. This means that the aerosol stream 5 originating from the aerosol generator 2 flows from the aerosol generator 2 through the flavouring arrangement 3 to the consumer. In other words, the term "downstream" refers to a corresponding position arranged closer to the downstream end 8 of the smoking article 1 and further from the aerosol generator 2 than the reference position. Preferably, the cartridge support 13 firmly disposes the aerosol inlet 9 of the flavouring arrangement 3 on the aerosol outlet of the aerosol generator 2. Preferably, only the cartridges 12 are arranged in the cartridge support 13, wherein the mouthpiece 14 protrudes from the cartridge support 13.

Fig. 5 shows the cartridge 12 of the previous embodiment in an enlarged form. In this embodiment, the aerosol outlet 10 of the flavouring arrangement 3 is arranged in the mouthpiece 14.

A carrier material 6 comprising a flavouring substance 4 is arranged in the cartridge 12. In this embodiment of the cartridge 12, any of the previously described embodiments of the carrier material 6 with the flavouring substance 4 may be used. Preferably, the carrier material 6 does not occupy the entire interior space of the cartridge 12. Preferably, the carrier material 6 occupies only the upstream section 23 of the cartridge 12, while the downstream section 24 is occupied by the filter material 25 which does not comprise the flavouring substance 4. This prevents tobacco particles 7 from leaving the flavouring arrangement 3 and being accidentally inhaled by the consumer. Preferably, the aerosol inlet 9 and outlet 10 of the flavouring arrangement 3 are covered by an aerosol permeable but solid particle impermeable sheet. This may be achieved, for example, by a tissue material or a mesh material comprising a correspondingly small mesh size. Preferably, the second filter material is arranged in the cartridge 12 upstream of the carrier material 6.

Figure 6 shows a series of steps of a method for manufacturing a smoking article 1. First, a 100 aerosol generator 2 is provided. Subsequently, a flavouring device 3 is provided 101. The flavouring device 3 comprises a carrier material 6 and a flavouring substance 4. The flavouring device 3 may be a flavouring device 3 according to any of the previously described embodiments. The flavouring means 3 is then arranged 102 at the aerosol generator 2, thereby forming the smoking article 1. A flavouring device 3 is positioned downstream of the aerosol generator 2. In this way, the aerosol stream 5 may flow from the aerosol generator 2 along the aerosol passage 11 through the flavouring means 3 (in which the aerosol stream is flavoured by the flavouring material 4) to the downstream end 8 of the smoking article 1, where the aerosol stream 5 exits the smoking article 1. Preferably, the arrangement 102 is a releasable arrangement, which means that the flavouring device 3 can be removed from the smoking article 1 if required. In other words, the flavouring arrangement 3 is exchangeable. The flavouring means 3 are preferably arranged in the cartridge support 13.

In view of the prior art, the applicant reserves the right to protect all features disclosed in this application document, which are essential features of the invention, as long as these features are new, whether taken alone or in combination. Furthermore, it should be noted that features are depicted in the drawings, which may be advantageous alone. Those skilled in the art will directly recognize that certain features disclosed in the figures may also be advantageous without employing other features in the figures. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may be derived from combinations of various features disclosed in one or more of the figures.

List of reference numerals

1. Smoking article

2. Aerosol generator

2a liquid reservoir

2b heating unit

3. Seasoning device

3a,3b end

4. Flavoring material

5. Aerosol flow

6. Carrier material

6a surface

7. Tobacco particles

8. Downstream end

9. Aerosol inlet

10. Aerosol outlet

11. Aerosol passageway

12. Cartridge for cigarettes

13. Cartridge support

14. Suction nozzle

15. Rolling up

16. Through hole

17. Inner lateral region

18. Protrusions

19. Central axis

20. Opposite side

21. Opposite side

22. Independent aerosol passage

23. Upstream section

24. Downstream section

25. Filter material

100. Providing an aerosol generator

101. Providing a flavouring device

102. Arranging seasoning device

Claims (15)

1. A smoking article (1) comprising an aerosol generator (2) and flavouring means (3) adapted to release flavouring substances (4) into an aerosol stream (5) generated by the aerosol generator (2), wherein the flavouring means (3) comprises an inert carrier material (6),

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the flavouring substance (4) is releasably attached to the carrier material (6) and comprises an average particle size (sD ₅₀ Laser diffraction) is less than or equal to 30 mu m of tobacco particles (7).

2. Smoking article (1) according to claim 1,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the release of the flavouring substance (4) from the carrier material (6) can be initiated by an initiation signal.

3. Smoking article (1) according to claim 1 or 2,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the activation signal is selected from the group comprising: temperature changes, humidity changes, moisture changes, water contact, contact with liquids, contact with aerosols, pressure changes, electrical signals, light and electromagnetic radiation.

4. A smoking article (1) according to any preceding claim,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the flavouring device (3) is arranged downstream of the aerosol generator (2), preferably at the downstream end (8) of the smoking article (1).

5. A smoking article (1) according to any preceding claim,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the flavouring device (3) comprises an aerosol inlet (9) and an aerosol outlet (10), which are preferably arranged at opposite ends (3 a,3 b) of the flavouring device (3).

6. A smoking article (1) according to any preceding claim,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the flavouring device (3) comprises an aerosol passage (11) along which the carrier material (6) carrying the flavouring substance (4) is arranged.

7. A smoking article (1) according to any preceding claim,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the flavouring device (3) is arranged in a replaceable cartridge (12).

8. A smoking article (1) according to any preceding claim,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the carrier material (6) is selected from the group comprising: fibers, filter materials, cellulose acetate, fiber bundles, or staple fibers, randomly oriented staple fibers, sheets, paper sheets, folded sheets, rolled sheets, curled sheets, mazes, matrix materials, sponges, ceramic materials, wool, multiple tubes, individual tubes, particulates, spherical particles, cubes, cuboid, and parallelepiped.

9. A smoking article (1) according to any preceding claim,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the flavouring substance (4) is attached to the surface (6 a) of the carrier material (6).

10. A smoking article (1) according to any preceding claim,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the flavouring substance (4) is a dispersion and comprises one or more dispersion media selected from the group comprising: water, monohydric alcohol, monohydric aliphatic alcohol, methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-dimethylethanol, cyclohexanol, monohydric alcohol having an aromatic substituent, benzyl alcohol, monohydric alcohol containing one or more halogen elements, monohydric alcohol having one or more ether linkages, polyhydric alcohol, glycerin, propylene glycol, sugar alcohol, sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, erythritol, lactitol, sorbitan, xylose, arabinose, mannose, trehalose, granulated sugar, lactose, sucrose, coupling sugar, glucose, enzymatically saccharified starch syrup, acid saccharified starch syrup, maltose, isomerized sugar, fructose, reduced maltose, reduced starch, honey, polyol ester, fatty acid polyol ester, and fatty acid triglyceride, wherein the ratio of these tobacco particles is preferably not less than 0.5% (w/w), preferably not less than 1% (w/w),. Gtoreq.2% (w/w), or more preferably not less than 5% (w/w), most preferably not less than 10% (w/w), most preferably not less than 60% (w/w), most preferably not less than 50% (w/w% (w), most preferably not less than 60% (w/w) (preferably not less than 80% (w/w).

11. A replaceable cartridge (12) for a smoking article comprising an aerosol generator (2),

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the cartridge (12) comprises a flavouring device (3) adapted to release a flavouring substance (4) into an aerosol stream (5) generated by the aerosol generator (2), wherein the flavouring device (3) comprises an inert carrier material (6) and comprises an average particle size (sD ₅₀ The flavouring substance (4) of tobacco particles (7) of less than or equal to 30 μm is releasably attached to the carrier material (6).

12. The replaceable cartridge (12) of claim 11,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the feature of any one of claims 2 to 10.

13. A method for manufacturing a smoking article (12), the method comprising the steps of:

-providing (100) an aerosol generator (2),

providing (101) a flavouring device (3) adapted to release a flavouring substance (4) into an aerosol stream (5), wherein the flavouring device (3) comprises an inert carrier material (6) and the flavouring substance (4) is releasably attached to the carrier material (6),

-arranging (102) the flavouring means (3) downstream of the aerosol generator (2) to allow the flavouring substance (4) to be released to the aerosol stream (5).

14. The method according to claim 13,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the flavouring device (3) is arranged in a cartridge (12) releasably held by a cartridge support (13) of the smoking article (1).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the release of the flavouring substance (4) into the aerosol stream (5) is initiated by application of an initiation signal selected from the group comprising: temperature changes, humidity changes, moisture changes, water contact, contact with liquids, contact with aerosols, pressure changes, electrical signals, light and electromagnetic radiation.

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