EP4626263A1

EP4626263A1 - An aerosol-generating article with tobacco fine particles and a cooling element and a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article

Info

Publication number: EP4626263A1
Application number: EP23817098.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Daniel Lickefeld
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2022-12-01
Filing date: 2023-11-30
Publication date: 2025-10-08
Also published as: CN120035386A; KR20250094742A; WO2024115650A1; JP2025537379A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article (1) for a non-combustion heating aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article (1) is extending in a longitudinal direction and comprises an aerosol-generating substrate (2), a mouthpiece end segment (4) downstream the aerosol-generating substrate (2) with respect to the flow path of the aerosol and a cooling element (3), arranged between the aerosol-generating substrate (2) and the mouth end segment (4). The aerosol-generating substrate (2) comprises tobacco fine particles. The cooling element (3) comprises a plurality of channels (5) extending at least in parts essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article (1).

Description

An aerosol-generating article with tobacco fine particles and a cooling element and a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article for a non-combustion heating aerosol-generating device (heat-not-burn device). The aerosol-generating article is extending in a longitudinal direction and comprises an aerosol-generating substrate, a mouthpiece end segment downstream the aerosol-generating substrate with respect to the flow path of the aerosol and a cooling element, arranged between the aerosol-generating substrate and the mouth end segment. The aerosol-generating substrate comprises tobacco fine particles. The cooling element comprises a plurality of channels extending at least in parts essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article.

Non-combustion heating aerosol-generating devices are items that reduce harmful substances that would be produced by combustion, as the flavors are not burnt but heated. The customer only inhales aerosols generated under controlled conditions. In order to offer the customer high pleasure right from the start, which does not drop off during inhaling, it is important to offer a constant aerosol vapor with the desired composition right from the start. This can be influenced by both the design of the aerosol-generating article and the composition of the aerosol-generating substrate. Additionally, to the flavor, the nicotine content in the aerosol plays a major role, as it has an effect desired by the customer.

US20220175034A1 discloses an aerosol-generating article, which comprises an aerosolforming substrate, a hollow tubular support element and a filter. The aerosol-forming substrate is located at an upstream end of the article. Downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate the hollow tubular support element is located, which extends along a longitudinal direction. Downstream of the hollow tubular support element the filter element is arranged. The hardness of the hollow tubular support element is defined and at least about 80% by means of the DD60A test wherein the hollow tubular support element is facilitated with optimized heat capacity and structural properties. It also defines an opening extending in the longitudinal direction and is configured for aerosols to flow towards the downstream end. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a tobacco-containing substrate and may have a hollow tubular shape to receive a heating element without piercing the tobacco-containing substrate.

KR2268663B1 discloses an aerosol-generating article in combination with an aerosolgenerating device to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article comprises a tobacco rod and a cooling structure which is manufactured by weaving at least one fiber bundle. The tobacco rod comprises an aerosol-generating material, e.g. glycerin, propylene glycol or ethylene glycol. Additionally, the tobacco rod may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and/or organic acids.

US20210015170A1 relates to an aerosol-generating article, comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, a support element immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol-cooling element downstream of the support element. Furthermore, a mouthpiece filter can be arranged at the extreme downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate comprises a gathered sheet of crimped homogenized tobacco material circumscribed by a wrapper.

From W02017041920A1 an aerosol-generating article is known, which comprises homogenized tobacco. The homogenized tobacco may be a blend of different tobacco types and specified particle sizes. The blend may contain several flavoring agents. The method for forming the homogenized tobacco comprises heating and forming a homogenized slurry comprising tobacco powder with a specified particle size.

WO 2021/170650 A1 discloses an aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol-generating article comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a homogenized plant material comprising tobacco particles and nontobacco plant flavor particles. The non-tobacco plant favor particles comprise particles of eucalyptus, anise, clove, ginger, rosemary, or combinations thereof. This invention therefore has no plurality of channels. Consequently, there is also no optimization of the flavor and temperature provision to the customer. In an article with this arragement, the flavor will change over the use of the aerosol-generating article, as will the temperature of the aerosol.

EP 2 625 975 A1 relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol cooling element for cooling an aerosol formed from the substrate. It does not show a composition of the aerosol consisting of tobacco and particles of a nicotine source.

The known aerosol-generating articles are based on different designs to optimize the flavor delivery to the user. Hereby it is important that the flavor is there from the start and remains essentially constant until the end of inhalation. Besides the flavor, the nicotine content in the aerosol is an important criterion for the customer. Also, the nicotine content should be essentially constant during inhalation. However, the known aerosol-generating articles of current designs cannot provide essentially constant flavor and/or nicotine content during inhalation.

Therefore, it is the object of the invention to improve the flavor delivery to the user, namely by bringing the nicotine content in the aerosol quickly to the optimum at the beginning of inhalation, and to keep it essentially constant during inhalation. This should be done while also the flavor stays constant during inhalation. While it is also important to maintain a high nicotine level in the aerosol produced all over a vaping session, it is also an object of the present invention to provide an aerosol with appropriate inhalation parameters for sensory purpose. With an aerosol-generating article having an enhanced tobacco flavor content and an enhanced nicotine content in the aerosol it is necessary to well control the inhalation temperature to avoid an irritation of the lining of the throat and airways to the lungs which would cause potential discomfort during the vaping session.

It has been found that these problems could be overcome by an aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 14.

An aerosol-generating article for a non-combustion heating aerosol-generating device extends along a longitudinal direction and has preferably an approximately cylindrical shape. It comprises an aerosol-generating substrate, a mouth end segment arranged downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate with respect to the flow path of the aerosol and a cooling element arranged between the aerosol-generating substrate and the mouth end segment.

The mouth end segment according to the present invention is the end piece at which the user preferably inhales the aerosols. For a pleasant feeling on the lips while inhaling, it is usually wrapped in paper or has another pleasant surface structure. The cooling element according to the present invention comprises a plurality of channels at least in parts essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. The cooling element is an important feature for delivering the desired flavored aerosol to a user at an appropriate inhalation temperature. During a vaping session, the aerosolgenerating substrate can be heated to a high temperature, i.e. a vaporization temperature, in a vaporization chamber of heat-not-burn device, preferably above 150°C and up to 380°C, most preferably between 200°C and 350°C. This aerosol would be too hot for the user to inhale and the desired temperature range for inhaling the aerosol should be lower than the best temperature for producing the aerosol with the desired flavor. Therefore, at such a vaporization temperature, vaporization of the aerosol-generating substrate can be produced quickly in the vaporization chamber and aerosol droplets are then provided to the user at an appropriate inhalation temperature thanks to the cooling element that cools down the aerosol formed. The appropriate inhalation temperature is below 50°C, preferably between 25°C and 45°C, most preferably between 30°C and 42°C. In order to achieve the best possible cooling, both geometric and material dimensions should be taken into account. In addition, the cooling preferably has no negative effect on the composition of the aerosol and/or the process of inhaling the aerosol.

A cooling effect is generally caused by the heat transfer from the hotter medium, in this case the aerosol, to the colder medium, in this case the cooling element. The surface area between the two media, the temperature difference between the media and the heat transfer coefficient are the important variables. Therefore, they must be utilized in a clever way to be able to provide the customer with the aerosol at the desired temperature.

As mentioned above, the surface area is one variable to influence the heat transfer and therefore the cooling of the aerosol. In general, the larger the surface area between the aerosol and the cooling element the cooler the aerosol is when it reaches the mouth end segment downstream of the cooling element.

With an elongated design of the cooling element, a cylindrical shape of the channels is a simple to produce and effective way to cool the aerosol down. A branched structure would increase the surface area, but aerosols would also be deposited. This would lead to an increased condensation in the cooling element, which is not favorable. Another consideration is the flow resistance. This should also be set in a way, that the customer does not have to suck too hard to inhale the aerosol. Therefore, a compromise between cooling area and flow resistance needs to be preserved. Also, the length of the cooling element can be adapted. As the aerosol flows through a plurality of channels, the temperature of the aerosol decreases, and the wall temperature of the channels increases. Here the heat capacity of the cooling element is also important, as it determines, how much energy can be handled over from the aerosol to the cooling-element. In a final stage, the temperature of the element would be equal to that of the aerosol. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling element has a conductive connection to the aerosol-generating device, so that the heat can also continue to dissipate from the cooling element to the aerosol-generating device, so that the cooling of the aerosol is always maintained. In another preferred embodiment a cooling surface on the outer side of the cooling element or the aerosol-generating device is fitted to further dissipate the heat.

The heat transfer coefficient can be influenced by the aerosol velocity and the type of flow, i.e. laminar or turbulent, and the texture of the cannel walls. Nevertheless, as the quality of the aerosol is optimized to get the best flavor and experience for the customer, this variable sets itself.

In a preferred embodiment, the channels are straight, parallel to each other, and have the same diameter. In another preferred embodiment, the channels are straight, parallel to each other, and may have a different diameter between each other. In another preferred embodiment, the channels are conic or taper and are either identical or different between each other. In such a case, each channel has a diameter that varies all along the length of said channel. In certain embodiment where tapered channels are contemplated, the diameter of the channels at the upstream end of the cooling element is higher than the diameter of the channels at the downstream end of the cooling element. In certain other embodiment where tapered channels are contemplated, the diameter of the channels at the downstream end of the cooling element is higher than the diameter of the channels at the upstream end of the cooling element. In a preferred embodiment, the channels are formed by extruder technology.

The aerosol-generating substrate according to the present invention, comprises tobacco fine particles. The size of the particles is one of a plurality of variables, by which it can be determined how fast the flavor sets in, when the aerosol-generating device is started. By size of the particles, it can also be determined, how strong the tobacco taste is. To get the preferred flavor, tobacco fine particles of different tobacco sorts can be blended. It also can be a useful measure to use different sizes of tobacco fine particles of one sort and/or to use different particle sizes for different tobacco sorts, to get the most beneficial flavor for the customer. This is another important step besides the cooling segment to reach the aim of providing the customer the best experience right from the start. As mentioned above, not only the flavor but also the nicotine content is crucial to give the customer the best possible experience direct after starting the aerosol-generating device. The fine tobacco promotes the provision of an aerosol which has a sufficient nicotine level. Fine particles are heated faster, and the surface area is larger for the same mass. Therefore, the amount of nicotine that is released right after starting the device is higher than with aerosol-generating articles of common art. Thus, in a preferred embodiment the size of the tobacco fine particles (sDso Sedigraph) is in a range of 10 - 200 pm, preferably 15 - 100 pm. More preferably is a size of the fine particles of 20 - 50 pm. Even more preferably is a size of 30 pm, optionally ± < 5 pm, preferably with an even smaller deviation of ± < 2 pm.

In another preferable embodiment, particles of a nicotine source can be added to the aerosol-generating substrate. As used herein, “particles of nicotine source” are different from “tobacco particles” and refer to nicotine powder where the powder has a defined and optimum particle size. Powdered nicotine or “particles of nicotine source” is more stable than liquid nicotine bases and offers the same benefits as liquid nicotine salt bases dissolved in propylene glycol or glycerin. Powdered nicotine or “particles of nicotine source” vaporizes at lower temperatures, have a low pH that provides a smoother vaping experience, and better nicotine absorption. For example, the “particles of nicotine source” could be a powder of nicotine salt, microcrystalline cellulose-supported nicotine or a nicotine bound to an ionexchange resin to facilitate controlled release. Depending on the wanted nicotine level in the aerosol, the particle size (sDso Sedigraph) of the nicotine source is in a range of 10 - 300 pm, preferably 20 - 200 pm, more preferably 30 - 100 pm. Most preferably a particle size of the nicotine source is about 50 pm with a range of preferably ± < 5 pm. In order to be able to adjust the nicotine content in the aerosol even more precisely, a range of ± < 2 pm is preferred.

In another preferred embodiment the mean size of the fine particles of the nicotine source (sDso Sedigraph) exceeds the mean size of the tobacco fine particles. This can be done to influence the flavor and the nicotine content in the aerosol. Preferably the fine particles of the nicotine source are at least higher by a factor in a range of 1 ,2 - 4, more preferably at least higher by a factor in a range of 1 ,4 - 2 than the size of the tobacco fine particles, even more preferably at least higher by a factor in a range of 1 ,6 - 1 ,8 than the size of the tobacco fine particles. Preferably the fine particles of the nicotine source are higher by a factor in a range of 1 ,2 - 4, more preferably higher by a factor in a range of 1 ,4 - 2 than the size of the tobacco fine particles. Most preferred is a factor in a range of 1,6 - 1,8. As mentioned above, tobacco fine particles and fine particles of the nicotine source are important to control the flavor and nicotine content of the aerosol. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment both particle types are mixed together and are preferably homogeneous distributed in the aerosol-generating substrate. It can also be preferable to arrange more stacks of a homogenous aerosol-generating substrate together to get a stacked aerosolgenerating substrate. In a favorable embodiment, this stacking is used to provide in the beginning some nicotine content very fast, even when the heater of the aerosol-generating device has not reached the optimum temperature. When the heater has reached the optimum operating temperature, the first stack is used up and the stack for generating the best flavor and nicotine content under steady temperature conditions is in use.

In a preferred embodiment the tobacco fine particles are in a liquid suspension. This liquid suspension comprises glycerol (vegetable glycerine (VG)), propylene glycol (PG), water or a mixture thereof. The liquid suspension offers particularly good conditions for producing an aerosol with best possible taste and constant nicotine content. The suspension can also contain other flavorings in solid or liquid form. Fine nicotine particles can also be included in a preferred embodiment. Preferably all ingredients of the liquid suspension are homogeneously distributed.

In another preferred embodiment the weight fraction of tobacco fine particles to a weight fraction of the particles of the nicotine source in the aerosol generating substrate is in a range of 95:5 - 40:60. Preferably in a range of 90:10 - 50:50, more preferably in a range of 80:20 - 60:40. In the most preferred embodiment the relation of the weight fraction of tobacco fine particles to the weight fraction of the fine particles of the nicotine source is preferable in a range of 70:30, optionally with a deviation of ± < 5 %, preferably only ± < 2 %.

Preferably the amount of tobacco fine particles and/or the fine particles of the nicotine source in the aerosol-generating substrate is in a range that provides best flavor and nicotine content for the consumer while inhaling the aerosol. This range is at 0,5 - 30 % by weight of tobacco fine particles and/or the fine particles of the nicotine source in relation to the total weight of the aerosol-generating substrate. Preferably this range is 1 - 15 % by weight and more preferably 1 - 10 % by weight, most preferably 1 - 8 % by weight of tobacco fine particles and/or the fine particles of the nicotine source in relation to the total weight of the aerosol-generating substrate.

In another preferred embodiment the aerosol-generating substrate according to the present invention further comprises a tobacco sheet material and/or a binder. The tobacco sheet material is also called reconstituted tobacco sheet and can be obtained by a paper making process or by a casting process. The binder can be one or more compounds selected from the group comprising alginates, pectins, saccharose, starches (and derivatives), celluloses (and derivatives), gums, silica or silicones compounds, clays, polyvinyl alcohol and combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the binder comprises one or more of alginates, pectins, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, acacia gum, fumed silica, sodium silicate, kaolin and polyvinyl alcohol. The binder is preferably selected from a group comprising saccharose, starch and combinations thereof. The binder can allow binding of the tobacco sheet material with tobacco fine particles and/or the fine particles of the nicotine source in the aerosol-generating substrate.

As mentioned above, the cannels of the cooling element influence the cooling of the aerosol and its flow resistance during suction. To optimize both parameters, a diameter of the plurality of channels is in the range of 50 - 1000 pm, preferably 75 - 750 pm, more preferably 100 - 500 pm. In the most preferred embodiment, the mean diameter is 150 - 400 pm.

Also, the number of channels influences cooling and flow resistance of the aerosol. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the number of channels is optimized. The number of channels is about 50, preferably about 20, more preferably less or equal 10 channels. In the most preferred embodiment, the number of channels in the cooling section is less or equal 6.

Beside the cooling element, the filter element in the mouth end segment is another part of the aerosol-generating article which has a large share in the flow resistance. Therefore, this embodiment is also optimized to give the customer the best experience. The flow resistance can be characterized by the pressure drop. The pressure drop is defined by the pressure difference before and after an object, which is flowed through. In this case it is the pressure drop of the filter element of the mouth end segment. Therefore, the pressure difference of the flow before and after the filter is observed. The pressure drop can be optimized by the material density and composition of the filter. In a preferred embodiment the pressure drop is smaller or equal 200 mm WG, preferably equal or less than 150 mm WG, more preferably less or equal 100 mm WG.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter element is selected from a group of components which comprises a hollow filter, a cavity filter having a cavity embedded in the filter material, a filter plug and combinations thereof. To further optimize the aerosol-generating device, the mouth end segment and/or the cooling element comprises an adsorbent to positively influence the aerosol while inhaling. This adsorbent is preferably selected from a group comprising activated carbon, charcoal, silica gel, zeolith and combinations thereof.

In another preferred embodiment the mouth end segment, such as hollow filter, a cavity filter having a cavity embedded in the filter material, a filter plug and combinations thereof, and/or the cooling element is made of a material composition comprising a cellulose derivate, such as cellulose acetate, and/or a polymer, a polysaccharide and a polylactide and combinations thereof. The polymer is preferably selected from a group comprising a polyester, preferably polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), more preferably polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly-4- hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV), polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH), polyhydroxyoctanoate (PHO) and their copolymers. The polysaccharide is preferably starch, more preferably thermoplastic starch (TPS).

Aerosol-generating articles are consumer goods produced in large quantities. Therefore, the method of production must be simple and process-secure to keep raw material consumption and costs low. Furthermore, it is desired to keep process reliability in production high.

Therefore, the method for manufacturing the aerosol generating article according to the embodiments described, comprises different structured steps.

The method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to the preceding embodiments comprises at least four steps.

First, tobacco needs to be provided and grinded to obtain tobacco fine particles.

Second, an aerosol generating substrate needs to be formed. This aerosol generating substrate includes the tobacco fine particles, produced in step one.

Third, providing the mouth end segment and the cooling element. The cooling element comprises a plurality of channels extending at least in parts essential parallel with respect to each other. Previous process steps to produce the mouth end segment and the cooling element are not described further here.

Fourth, forming an aerosol-generating article by arranging the mouth end segment and/or cooling element downstream the aerosol-generating substrate with respect to a flow path of the aerosol. Hereby the plurality of the channels extends at least in parts essentially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. As mentioned above, not only tobacco fine particles can be processed during production. Also, fine particles of a nicotine source can be introduced in the first process step and can be further processed in the second step. The same applies to other natural and artificial flavorings.

In another embodiment, the method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to the preceding embodiments comprises the following steps: i) providing tobacco sheet material; ii) providing tobacco fine particles; iii) providing fine particles of a nicotine source; iv) adding the tobacco fine particles, the fine particles of a nicotine source and a binder to the tobacco sheet material provided at step i) and forming an aerosol-generating substrate; iii) wrapping the aerosol generating substrate in a paper wrapper and forming an aerosolgenerating substrate rod; iv) providing a mouth end segment and a cooling element, wherein the cooling element comprises a plurality of channels extending at least in parts essential parallel with respect to each other; v) wrapping the aerosol generating substrate rod, the mouth end segment and the cooling element in a tipping paper and forming an aerosol-generating article according to the invention.

In another preferred embodiment of the method the tobacco fine particles and/or nicotine source fine particles and/or natural and artificial flavorings are mixed with a liquid to provide a suspension.

Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the appended figures. In the figures, like components in different embodiments can exhibit the same reference symbol.

The figures show:

Fig. 1 Schematic side view of an embodiment of an aerosols-generating article. Fig. 2 Schematic transversal intersection of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.

Fig. 3 Schematic transversal intersection of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.

Fig. 4 Schematic transversal intersection of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.

Fig. 5 Schematic transversal intersection of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.

Fig. 6 Schematic transversal intersection of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.

Fig. 7 Schematic longitudinal intersection of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.

Fig. 8 Schematic longitudinal intersection of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.

Fig. 9 Schematic longitudinal intersection of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article.

Figure 1 shows the side view of an embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 1. It comprises the aerosol-generating substrate 2, the cooling element 3 arranged downstream the aerosol-generating substrate 2 with respect to the flow path of the aerosol and further downstream the mouth end segment 4. As described before, the mouth end segment 4 can comprise a filter, to filter the aerosol before it is inhaled by the customer. Preferably the aerosol-generating article 1 has a cylindrical shape, extending in a longitudinal direction. The length of the mentioned components can vary depending on the design.

Figure 2 shows an intersectional view in sectional level A-A of the cooling element 3 which is an element of the aerosol-generating article 1. This section shows the channels 5 for cooling the aerosol. When the customer inhales the aerosol, the aerosol flows through the channels 5 and transfers heat to the cooling element 3. Thus, the cooling element 3 functions as a heat sink. The cooling channels 5 can be arranged in different ways. The following illustrations show further preferred embodiments thereof. It is important that the channels 5 extend approximately along the length of the cooling element 3 and thus create a passageway between the aerosol-generating substrate 2 and the mouth end segment 4. The arrangement of the channels 5 in relation to each other can vary, also the number of channels can vary. In the shown embodiment of Figure 2, 14 channels 5 are arranged randomly in the cooling element 3. Figure 3 shows another intersectional view in sectional level A-A of the embodiment of the cooling element 3. Here the channels 5 are arranged symmetrically. Four channels 5 are located on a radius and one channel is in the centre of the cylindrical cooling element 3. The channels 5 can be of the same size, as shown in Figure 3. However, it is also possible that the diameters of the channels vary, as can be seen in Figure 4.

Figure 4 shows another intersectional view in sectional level A-A of the embodiment of the cooling element 3. Also, here the channels 5 are arranged radially symmetrical. In this embodiment the diameter of the channels 5 varies. In this example, it is the channel located in the centre, which shows a larger diameter. However, it is also possible that other channels are different in size. This is a possible measure to optimize the cooling of the aerosol and the flow resistance.

Figure 5 shows another intersectional view in sectional level A-A of the embodiment of the cooling element 3. Here the channels are arranged in horizontal levels. The size can also vary. This arrangement of the channels 5 can be favourable in production, as the needles to make the holes can be arranged in levels.

Figure 6 shows another intersectional view in sectional level A-A of the embodiment of the cooling element 3. In this example, the channels for cooling the aerosol are oval. This may be an intended shape, but it may also be the result of production, as the material of the cooling element is compressed during machining. Other not ideally round shapes of the channels are also possible. These shapes do not cause noticeable disadvantages compared to an exactly round shape of the channels in terms of cooling effect or flow resistance.

Figure 7 shows the schematic longitudinal view in sectional level B-B of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article (intersection). It comprises the aerosol-generating substrate 2, the cooling element 3 arranged downstream the aerosol-generating substrate 2 with respect to the flow path of the aerosol and further downstream the mouth end segment 4. This intersectional view shows the channels 5 for cooling the aerosol. In this embodiment they are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the cooling element. The diameter D1 of all channels 5 is the same. There is neither a change over the length of the cooling channels 5 nor a change in the angle of the channels 5 to a centerline. All channels 5 preferably run straight.

Figure 8 shows the schematic longitudinal view in sectional level B-B of another embodiment of an aerosol-generating article (intersection). It comprises the aerosol-generating substrate 2, the cooling element 3 arranged downstream the aerosol-generating substrate 2 with respect to the flow path of the aerosol and further downstream the mouth end segment 4. The aerosol-generating substrate 2 shows a recess for a heat plate 6. When the aerosolgenerating article 1 is inserted in an aerosol-generating device, the heat plate is inserted into this recess 6. This recess 6 can be cylindrical, but can also have other shapes, such as a rectangular shape. In this embodiment, the channels 5 are largely straight to the centerline of the aerosol-generating article. However, they have different diameters D1 and D2, the diameter D1 is smaller than the diameter D2. As already described, the cooling channels 5 can have different diameters D1 and D2 in order to optimize flow resistance and cooling effect. The number of channels 5 and also the number of different diameters D can vary.

Figure 9 shows the schematic longitudinal view in sectional level B-B of another embodiment of an aerosol-generating article (intersection). Like the embodiments in Figure 7 and 8 it comprises the aerosol-generating substrate 2, the cooling element 3 arranged downstream the aerosol-generating substrate 2 with respect to the flow path of the aerosol and further downstream the mouth end segment 4. In this embodiment, the channels (5) are not arranged exactly along the length of the cooling element. The shape of the channels is also irregular and frayed. The diameters of the channels 5 differ. In the direction of the flow path of the aerosol, there may first be a larger diameter D5 that narrows to a diameter D6. The reverse can also occur; the diameter D3 increases in the direction of flow of the aerosol to a diameter D4 at the end of the channel 5. Each centerline II of the channels 5 can have different angles to a centerline of the aerosol-generating-article I. This may be due to the material used and/or the production method. However, it is important that the flow resistance remains within the required range. As mentioned above, the mouth end segment 4 can contain a filter segment and its material can vary, too. The shape of the filter can be cylindrical and closed or it can have a recess. As shown in this figure, the cylindrical filter may have a cylindrical recess, which extends in the longitudinal direction.

List of reference symbols

1. aerosol-generating article 2. aerosol-generating substrate

3. cooling element

4. mouth end segment

5. channel

6. recess for heat blade

I. centerline aerosol-generating article

II. centerline channel

D1 Diameter 1

D2 Diameter 2

D3 Diameter 3 D4 Diameter 4

D5 Diameter 5

D6 Diameter 6

Claims

Claims An aerosol-generating article (1) for a non-combustion heating aerosol-generating device, said aerosol-generating article (1) extending along a longitudinal direction and comprising an aerosol-generating substrate (2), said aerosol-generating substrate (2) comprises tobacco fine particles, a mouth end segment (4) arranged downstream the aerosol-generating substrate (2) with respect to a flow path of the aerosol, and a cooling element (3), arranged between the aerosol-generating substrate (2) and the mouth end segment (4), wherein the cooling element (4) comprises a plurality of channels (5) extending at least in parts essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article (1). wherein the aerosol-generating substrate (2) further comprises fine particles of the nicotine source, and wherein a size of the fine particles of the nicotine source (sDso Sedigraph) is in a range of 10 - 300 pm, preferably 20 - 200 pm, more preferably 30 - 100 pm, and most preferably 50 pm, optionally ± < 10 pm, preferably ± < 5 pm, more preferably ± < 2 pm, wherein the mean size of the fine particles of the nicotine source (sDso Sedigraph) exceeds the mean size of the tobacco fine particles (sDso Sedigraph), preferably by a factor in a range of 1.2 - 4, more preferably by a factor in a range of 1 .4 - 2, most preferably by a factor in a range of 1 .6 - 1.8 Aerosol-generating article (1) according to claim 1 , wherein a size of the tobacco fine particles (sDso Sedigraph) is in a range of 10 - 200 pm, preferably 15 - 100 pm, more preferably 20 - 50 pm, and most preferably 30 pm, optionally ± < 5 pm, preferably

± < 2 pm. Aerosol-generating article (1) according to any preceding claim 1 or 2, wherein the fine particles of the nicotine source and the tobacco fine particles are mixed together and preferably homogeneously distributed in the aerosol generating substrate. Aerosol-generating article (1) according to claim 1 , wherein a relation of a weight fraction of the tobacco fine particles to a weight fraction of the fine particles of the nicotine source in the aerosol-generating substrate is in a range of 95:5 - 40:60, preferably in a range of 90:10 - 50:50, more preferably in a range of 80:20 - 60:40, most preferably in a range of 70:30 , optionally ± < 5 %, preferably ± < 2 %. Aerosol-generating article (1) according to claim 4, wherein the amount of the tobacco fine particles and/or the fine particles of the nicotine source in the aerosolgenerating substrate is in a range of 0,5 - 30 % by weight of the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, preferably 1 - 15 % by weight, more preferably 1 - 10 % by weight, most preferably 1 - 8 % by weight. Aerosol-generating article (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein a mean diameter of the plurality of channels is in a range of 50 pm - 1000 pm, preferably 75 pm - 750 pm, more preferably 100 pm - 500 pm, most preferably

150 pm - 400 pm. Aerosol-generating article (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the number of channels is < 50, preferably < 20, more preferably < 10, most preferably < 6. Aerosol-generating article (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the mouth end segment (4) and/or the cooling element (3) comprises a filter element, said filter element is selected from the group comprising a hollow filter, a cavity filter, filter plug and combinations thereof. Aerosol-generating article (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate (2) further comprises a sheet tobacco material and/or a binder, wherein the binder is preferably selected from a group comprising alginates, pectins, saccharose, starches and derivatives, celluloses and derivatives, gums, silica or silicones compounds, clays, polyvinyl alcohol and combinations thereof. Aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the mouth end segment (4) and/or cooling element (3) further comprises an adsorbent, wherein the adsorbent is preferably selected from a group comprising activated carbon, charcoal, silica gel, zeolith and combinations thereof. Aerosol-generating article (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the mouth end segment (4) and/or the cooling element (3) is made from a material or a material composition comprising cellulose derivatives, and/or a polymer, wherein the polymer is preferably selected from a group comprising a polyester, preferably polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), more preferably polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly-4- hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV), polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH), polyhydroxyoctanoate (PHO) and their copolymers, a polysaccharide, preferably starch, more preferably thermoplastic starch (TPS), a polylactide (PLA) and combination thereof. A method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article (1), preferably an aerosolgenerating article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: a1. providing tobacco and grinding the tobacco to obtain tobacco fine particles and providing fine particles of nicotine source and then combining the tobacco fine particles and the fine particles of a nicotine source, b1. forming an aerosol-generating substrate (2) including the tobacco fine particles c1. providing a mouth end segment (4) and a cooling element, said cooling element comprises a plurality of channels extending at least in parts essentially parallel with respect to each other, d1. forming an aerosol-generating article (1) by arranging the mouth end segment (4) and/or cooling element (3) downstream the aerosol-generating substrate (2) with respect to a flow path of the aerosol, in such a way that the plurality of channels extend at least in parts essentially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the aerosolgenerating article.