JP2019187423A - Smoking article, filter, and method of manufacturing smoking article - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a filter, a smoking article, and a method of manufacturing the same that are capable of optimizing resistance to draw of the smoking article.SOLUTION: A smoking article 20 includes a filter arrangement comprising a first filter section 12 and a second filter section, the second filter section being located downstream of the first filter, and a ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user controllable level of ventilation into the first filter. Resistance to a gaseous flow through a length of the second filter section is lower than resistance to a gaseous flow through a length of the first filter section 12, and the resistance to a gaseous flow through a length of the filter arrangement remains substantially constant as a level of ventilation is varied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a smoking article, a filter, and a method for manufacturing a smoking article.

  The suction resistance of a smoking article is a measure of the pressure required to pass the smoke through the smoking article at a certain rate. The smoking article can be configured by a manufacturing process to have a predetermined range of suction resistance. The suction resistance of smoking articles usually decreases with increased ventilation.

  An embodiment of the present invention includes, in the first aspect, a first filter section and a second filter section, the second filter section being a filter structure located downstream of the first filter, and ventilation into the first filter. A smoke structure including a ventilation structure configured to allow a user to adjust a level, wherein the resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the second filter section is less than the resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the first filter section, and the filter structure The resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the tube remains substantially constant as the ventilation level changes.

  The first filter section may have a first tow weight fibrous filter media, the second filter section may have a second tow weight fibrous filter media, and the first filter section of the fibrous filter media. The tow weight of 2 is less than the first tow weight of the fibrous filter media.

Pressure drop per unit length of the first filter section may be a 5mmH 2 O / _mm greater than the pressure drop per unit length of the second filter section may be less than 5mmH 2 O / _mm. The resistance to gas flow through the second filter section may be 15 times less than the resistance to gas flow through the first filter section.

  The first filter section can be formed from a first homogeneous filter medium and the second filter section can be formed from a second homogeneous filter medium.

  The second filter section may be separable from the first filter section and / or movable relative to the first filter section to regulate ventilation to the first filter section.

  The smoking article may further include a sleeve configured to move relative to the first filter section, the second filter section being secured within the sleeve, and the level of ventilation changing the position of the sleeve relative to the first filter section. Can be changed.

  The sleeve may be rotatable with respect to the first filter section, and the ventilation level is changed by changing the angular position of the sleeve relative to the first filter section.

  The length of the first filter section may be 5-25 mm, the length of the second filter section may be 5-25 mm, and / or the ventilation structure is 6 mm-35 mm from the mouth end of the smoking article. Ventilation air may be provided at the place.

  The first and second filter sections may include tow filaments, the first filter section being the second filter section is one of the tow weight, the number of tow filaments per unit volume, the cross-section of the tow filament and the degree of crimp. It may be different in two or more.

  The second filter section may include at least one air passage extending longitudinally through its length.

  The diameter of the air passage may be 1 to 7 mm.

  The second filter section may include a fibrous filter formed with an annular end surface.

  The second filter section may be a tube of fibrous filter media and the air passage may extend along a central longitudinal axis through the length of the second filter section.

  An embodiment of the present invention provides, in a second aspect, a method of manufacturing a smoking article, the method comprising forming a first filter section having a first resistance to a gas flowing through its entire length, Forming a separate second filter section having a second resistance to flowing gas and assembling the first and second filter sections with one or more additional members to form a smoking article. In addition, the second resistance to the gas flow is less than the first resistance to the gas flow, and the smoking article is configured to allow a selectively variable amount of air to enter.

  Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the various accompanying drawings.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a part of a smoking article according to a first embodiment of the invention. It is a perspective view of the smoking article shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a smoking article according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the smoking article shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the ventilation level and open cigarette pressure drop (PD) of the smoking article of a prior art example, and the smoking article by this invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a blank forming a wrapper for a smoking article according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6b is a plan view of a rod article with the blank of FIG. 6a attached to form a smoking article according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the blank for forming the wrapper of the smoking article by the 4th embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the smoking article by the 4th embodiment. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the manufacturing method of a smoking article.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a smoking article 10 according to a first embodiment. In this example, the smoking article 10 is a cigarette. However, other smoking materials can also be used, and the term smoking product is a cigar or cigarillo, regardless of whether it is based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, regenerated tobacco or tobacco substitutes, and generates heat but burns Used to mean products that do not burn (ie products that produce a flavor from the smoking material by applying heat without burning the smoking material), and aerosol-generating products such as electronic cigarettes. For convenience, these will be referred to herein as “smoking articles”.

  Smoking articles such as cigarettes and their formats are “regular” (usually in the range of 68-75 mm, eg about 68 mm to about 72 mm), “short” or “mini” (68 mm or less), depending on the length of the cigarette. , “King Size” (usually 75-91 mm, eg about 79 mm to about 88 mm), “Long” or “Super King” (usually 91-105 mm, eg about 94 mm to about 101 mm) and “Ultra Long” (usually About 110 mm to about 121 mm).

  Also, depending on the circumference of the cigarette, “Regular” (about 23-25 mm), “Wide” (over 25 mm), “Slim” (about 22-23 mm), “Demi Slim” (about 19-22 mm), “Super Slim” (About 16-19 mm) and “micro slim” (less than about 16 mm). Therefore, a king size and super slim format cigarette has, for example, a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm. Regular king size format cigarettes are preferred by many buyers, with a circumference of 23-25 mm and a total length of 75-91 mm.

  Each format is manufactured with a different length filter, and short filters are usually used for short and small circumferential formats. Usually, the length of the filter is from 15 mm in the short regular format, and up to 30 mm in the ultra long super slim format. The chipping paper is longer than the filter, for example 3-10 mm longer.

  The smoking articles and filters described below can be manufactured in any of the above formats. For example, the smoking article has a length of 70 to 100 mm and a circumference of 14 to 25 mm.

  As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are relative terms defined with respect to the direction of mainstream smoke (or other aerosol) drawn into the smoking article during use.

  The smoking article 10 of the example of FIG. 1 includes a source of smoking material such as tobacco attached to a filter structure that includes a first filter section 12 and a second filter section 14. The source of smoking material is in the form of a tobacco rod 11 and is attached to the first filter section 12. The second filter section 14 is located downstream of the first filter section 12 and the tobacco rod 11. The ventilation structure 17 allows the user to adjust the ventilation level into the first filter section 12 as described in detail below.

  The resistance to the gas flowing over the entire length of the second filter section is smaller than the resistance to the gas flowing over the entire length of the first filter section, and the resistance to the gas flowing over the entire length of the filter structure is changed by changing the ventilation level. Also remain substantially constant. The small resistance of the second filter section 14 causes the first filter section 12 to have a greater impact on the overall resistance to gas flow in the filter structure. As ventilation increases in the second filter section 14, a low resistance path is created for the flow through the filter structure, thus significantly reducing the suction resistance experienced by consumers when compared to low bell ventilation. . When compared to the first filter section, the low resistance of the second filter section 14 thus increases the change in suction resistance experienced by the consumer when changing ventilation, which greatly increases the sensory perception that the consumer has changed ventilation. Give signs.

  The smoking article 10 includes a first portion that includes a tobacco rod 11 and a first filter section. The tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 are connected by a cover layer formed of a tipping paper that secures the first filter section to the tobacco rod. The tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 are referred to as a tobacco unit. The elongated tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 define the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.

  The second part of the smoking article includes a second filter section 14 and a sleeve 13 movable relative to the first part of the smoking article. The sleeve is in the form of a tube extending around the tobacco rod 11 and / or the first filter section 12. The tube may be cylindrical. The sleeve 13 is made of paper. The second filter section 14 is securely mounted and secured within the sleeve. The first and second filter sections 12, 14 each include a filter medium packaged in a sheet material that may be paper, for example, a plug wrapper. The first and second filter sections form a filter structure. The first filter section 12 is upstream of the second filter section 14. The second filter section 14 is at the mouth end of the sleeve 13 adjacent to and away from the first filter section 12. Apart from this, the first and second filter sections are connected.

  The tobacco rod 11 and the attached first filter section 12 are described as being connected by a tipping paper (not shown). The chipping paper is standard chipping paper or a relatively thick and recessed chipping paper or paperboard type chipping.

  The smoking article 10 is provided with a ventilation structure 17 configured so that the ventilation of the smoking article 10 can be adjusted. The ventilation structure 17 includes one or more second ventilation regions 15 in the sleeve 13 upstream of the second filter section 14. The smoking article further includes one or more first ventilation regions 16 around the first filter section 12. For example, the one or more first ventilation regions 16 are defined by a layer of sheet material around the first filter section or around the filter material of the first filter section. Ventilation structure 17 allows ventilation air to enter the first filter section. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” are relative to the direction in which smoke passes along the longitudinal axis of the smoking article 10, ie “downstream” refers to the direction of the smoking article 10 toward the mouth end. To express.

  The ventilation areas 15, 16 are formed as ventilation openings or air permeable materials. In some embodiments, air can flow into the body of the smoking article 10 when the ventilation region 15 of the sleeve 13 is exposed. When the second ventilation region 15 of the sleeve 13 and the corresponding first ventilation region 16 around the first filter section 12 are aligned, air can flow into the body of the smoking article 10. The ventilation areas 15, 16 are aligned by rotating the first part of the smoking article relative to the second part. In particular, the ventilation is adjusted by rotating the sleeve 13 relative to the first filter section 12. The ventilation structure 17 can selectively change the ventilation level by adjusting the overlapping degree of the second ventilation region 15 and the first ventilation region 16. The amount of ventilation depends on the effective ventilation area determined by the overlapping area of the first and second ventilation areas. The ventilation level can be selected, for example, by selecting the position of the second part relative to the first part by rotating the second part relative to the first part. Therefore, the ventilation structure 17 can change the size of the effective ventilation region, and can substantially change the air intake amount upstream of the second filter section.

  The first filter section 12 and the second filter section 14 are made of a known filter medium. The filter medium of both filter sections may be tow, for example, cellulose acetate tow. The filter medium of the first filter section is homogeneous and, separately, the filter medium of the second filter section is homogeneous. The term “homogeneous” means that the filter medium is substantially uniform throughout each filter section, in particular longitudinally and / or radially uniform through each of the first and second filter sections 12, 14. Used for. At least one physical property of the homogeneous first filter section is different from the homogeneous second filter section.

The first filter section 12 provides a first resistance to the gas flowing through its entire length. The resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the first filter section is determined by the filter medium of the first filter section. The resistance to gas flow represents the pressure required to draw smoke through the length of the filter section 12 at a specific rate. The term “pressure drop” can be used in place of “gas flow resistance”. The pressure drop is expressed in units of distance height of water (mmH ₂ O). The first filter section has a first pressure drop per unit length or gas flow resistance per unit length, which is constant in the longitudinal direction through the first filter section 12. Unit pressure drop per length per millimeter, i.e. expressed in units of _mmH 2 O / mm. The first pressure drop per unit length is determined by the filter material of the first filter section.

  The second filter section 14 provides a second resistance to the gas flowing through its entire length. The resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the second filter section is determined by the filter medium of the second filter section. The resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the second filter section defines the second pressure drop. The resistance to the second pressure drop or gas flow represents the pressure required to draw smoke through the length of the filter section 14 at a particular rate. The second gas flow resistance (or pressure drop) per unit length is substantially constant in the longitudinal direction through the second filter section 14. The second filter section 14 may be considered to include a filter medium having a second pressure drop per unit length.

In aspects of the invention, the resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the first filter section 12 is greater than the resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the second filter section 14. In another aspect, the tow weight of the second filter section 14 is less than the tow weight of the first filter section 12. The second density provided by the second filter section 14 is less than the first density provided by the first filter section 12. Optionally, the first pressure drop across the first filter section 12 is greater than the second pressure drop across the second filter section 14.

  One or more ventilation regions 15, 16 that allow selective ventilation are upstream of the second filter section 14. The relatively low suction resistance over the entire length of the filter structure downstream of the ventilation region 15 will provide greater ventilation to the overall suction resistance from the mouth end of the smoking article 10 when ventilation is changed.

  The ventilation structure 17 is located substantially upstream of the second filter section 14. Ventilation of the smoking article 10 reduces the suction resistance from the mouth end of the smoking article 10. Ventilation air entry reduces the volume of air drawn through the length of the smoking article upstream of the ventilation area and reduces the amount of air that feels gas flow resistance upstream of the ventilation area. Ventilation air enters directly without substantial resistance, thus reducing the overall suction resistance. In particular, the air entering through the ventilation area 15 reduces the influence of resistance to the gas flowing through the section of the smoking article upstream of the ventilation area 15. The effect of resistance to gas flowing through the smoking article 10 downstream of the ventilation region 15 is not altered by changes in ventilation.

  The relatively low gas flow resistance provided by the low density of the second filter section 14 downstream of the ventilation region 15 (relative to the first filter section 12) defines most of the resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the filter structure. Apart from this, the second filter section 14 has a relatively small contribution to the overall suction resistance from the mouth end of the smoking article 10. In contrast, the contribution of one or more sections upstream of the ventilation region 15 to the overall suction resistance is significant. The entry of air reduces the effect of pressure drop or resistance on the gas flow flowing only in the upstream section, and the downstream section of low gas flow resistance or pressure drop is not affected by ventilation. Accordingly, the overall suction resistance from the mouth end of a relatively large portion of the smoking article 10 is not affected by changes in ventilation of the smoking article 10. The small density of the second filter section 14 downstream of the ventilation region 15 increases the rate of suction resistance that is affected by changes in ventilation of the smoking article 10. The small density of the second filter section 15 increases the effect of increased ventilation on the overall suction resistance from the mouth end of the smoking article 10.

  When the ventilation level is changed, the suction resistance from the mouth end of the smoking article 10 also changes. As the amount of ventilation air entering the smoking article 10 increases, the overall suction resistance decreases. A relatively low pressure drop or resistance to the gas flowing through the second filter section 14 (e.g., obtained by a relatively low density filter material) will change the overall suction resistance by increasing ventilation levels relatively large. . Accordingly, when the level of ventilation is changed in a range selectable by the user, the suction resistance from the mouth end of the smoking article 10 varies over a relatively wide range due to the low density of the second filter section 14. Therefore, the change in suction resistance from the mouth end of the smoking article is doubled when ventilation is changed. This makes it easier for the user to perceive that the ventilation level has been changed.

In some examples of the invention, the second filter section has a unit length pressure drop of less than 5 mm H ₂ O / mm. Separately second filter section and this _{4mmH 2 O / mm, 3mmH 2} O / mm, 2mmH 2 O / mm, unit length of less than a value selected from 1.5mmH ₂ O / mm and 1mmH ₂ O / mm Has a per unit pressure drop.

In some examples of the invention, the first filter section has a pressure drop per unit length greater than 5 mm H ₂ O / mm. Separately first filter section 6mmH ₂ O _/ mm to _{this, 7mmH 2 O / mm, 8mmH} 2 O / mm, 9mmH 2 O / mm, 10mmH 2 O / mm, 11mmH 2 O / mm and 12mmH ₂ O / mm Having a pressure drop per unit length greater than a value selected from

In some embodiments, the pressure drop per unit length of the second filter section is 1-5 mm H ₂ O / mm and the pressure drop per unit length of the first filter section is 5-15 mm H ₂ O / mm. . In some embodiments, the pressure drop per unit length of the second filter section is less than 5 mm H ₂ O / mm and the pressure drop per unit length of the first filter section is greater than 5 mm H ₂ O / mm. The upstream filter section has a pressure drop per unit length that is lower than the pressure drop per unit length of the downstream filter section. The upstream filter section has a pressure drop per unit length that is higher than any of the specific values illustrated, and the pressure drop per unit length of the downstream filter section is lower than any of the specific values illustrated.

  In some examples, the resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the second filter section is at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 times the first filter Smaller than section.

  For example, the resistance to gas flowing over the entire length of the second filter section is 2-15 times less than the resistance to gas flowing over the entire length of the first filter section. Optionally, the second pressure drop per unit length of the second filter section is 5 to 12 times less than the first pressure drop per unit length of the first filter section.

  In some embodiments, the ventilation structure 17 is located at the downstream end of the first filter section 12. In some examples, the ventilation structure is located less than 10 mm from the downstream end of the first filter section 12.

  The pressure drop per unit length of the first and second filter sections is determined (at least in part) by the physical structure of the filter media forming these filter sections. Both the first and second filter sections may comprise a fibrous material comprising tow filaments. For filter media containing tow filaments, the pressure drop per unit length can be measured by the amount or number of tow filaments at a particular volume or length. Tow weight is a measure of the amount of tow fiber in a particular volume. The pressure drop per unit length can also be determined by the cross section of the tow filament. For example, the tow filament may have an X-shaped cross section or a Y-shaped cross section. The cross section also affects the pressure drop per unit length. Tow weight can represent the density of the fibrous material in the filter section. The pressure drop per unit length can be determined by the amount or degree of filament crimping (ie, bending) during the manufacturing process. These factors that affect the pressure drop per unit length of the filter section are known and should be selected to obtain the pressure drop per unit length required for each of the first and second filter sections individually Is possible. Accordingly, the first and second filter sections include filter media having physical properties determined by any one or more different selections of the above characteristics. The first and second filter sections use filter media formed or treated to have the required properties to provide different pressure drops per unit length to the first and second filter sections, for example as described above Manufactured.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the smoking article 10 illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12 are dimensioned to rotate as a unit around the longitudinal axis within the sleeve 13. Limiting means (not shown) maintain the first and second portions in a longitudinally fixed configuration and prevent the smoking article 10 from stretching. Thus, the first part cannot slide longitudinally relative to the second part, i.e. the sleeve cannot move longitudinally relative to the tobacco unit.

  The ventilation level can be selected by selecting the angular position of the sleeve 13 relative to the first filter section 12.

  In some examples, the ventilation region 15 is configured to increase in size nonlinearly with respect to the angular position. The ventilation region 15 is configured such that the ventilation level has a substantially linear dependence on the angular position of the sleeve 13 relative to the first filter section 12.

  In some embodiments, the one or more ventilation regions 15 maintain a fixed longitudinal position relative to the first and second filter sections when the sleeve 13 is rotated relative to the first filter section 12.

  In this embodiment, the second filter section 14 is securely mounted and secured within the sleeve 13. The rotation of the second filter section 14 causes a corresponding rotation of the sleeve 13 relative to the first filter section 12.

  By selecting different angular positions of the second filter section 14 relative to the first filter section 12, alignment between the ventilation region 15 of the sleeve 13 and the ventilation region 16 of the sheet material or plug wrapper of the first filter section 12 is achieved. It can be selectively increased or decreased. Therefore, the ventilation level of the smoking article 10 can be increased or decreased.

  FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of a smoking article according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The overall layout is similar to the example of FIGS. 1 and 2 described above, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and components other than the components described below are not changed.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the second filter section 24 is formed with an air passage 28 that passes longitudinally through its center. The second filter section 24 and the air passage 28 form a tubular filter section that extends along the longitudinal axis of the smoking article 20. The second filter section 24 is formed from a fibrous filter medium having an annular cross section. Alternatively, the air passage 28 may pass longitudinally through the second filter section along a non-central path. Optionally, the second filter section may be formed with a plurality of air passages passing longitudinally therethrough.

  The air passage 28 reduces resistance to gas flowing over the entire length of the second filter section 24. The resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the second filter section 24 is less than the resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the first filter section 12.

  The dimensions of the second filter section 24 depend on various factors such as the desired suction resistance of the second filter section 24 relative to the first filter section 12, the characteristics of the filter tow and the amount of plasticizer such as triacetin added to the filter tow. To do. However, in the example herein, the outer periphery of the second filter section is 15-25 mm, for example, 22-25 mm or 23.95 mm. The inner diameter of the air passage 28 is preferably 1 mm to 7 mm, for example, 3 mm to 6 mm or 4.8 mm.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the smoking article illustrated in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the air passage 28 is positioned so as to pass through the center of the second filter section 24 in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the air passage 28 may run longitudinally along a path in a non-central position through the second filter section 25. Optionally, the second filter section 24 may be formed with a plurality of air passages extending longitudinally therethrough.

Table 1 below shows the calculated suction resistance from the mouth end of a conventional “smoking article 1” compared to the calculated suction resistance from the mouth end of an exemplary “smoking article 2” according to an example of the present invention. ing. Each smoking article has a 27 mm long filter and a variable ventilation system allows air to enter at a distance of 16.5 mm from the filter mouth end. The filter is formed from first and second filter sections that are axially aligned. The length of the mouth end filter section (second filter section) is 8 mm, and the length of the tobacco end filter section (first filter section) is 19 mm. Both smoking articles have the same tobacco rod with a suction resistance (pressure drop) of 43.43 mmH ₂ O.

The conventional filter of smoking article 1 provides a substantially uniform pressure drop per unit length of about 5 mm H ₂ O / mm in both the first and second filter sections. In the first filter section 19 mm long, the pressure drop is 85 mm H ₂ O, and in the second filter section 8 mm long, the pressure drop is 40 mm H ₂ O.

In the example of the smoking article 2 according to the invention, the second filter is an 8 mm filter section at the mouth of the filter and has a pressure drop of 8 mm H ₂ O. This provides a relatively low pressure drop per unit length of 1 mm H ₂ O / mm. The upstream first filter section has a length of 19 mm adjacent to the tobacco rod and has a relatively high pressure drop per unit length. This provides a pressure drop per unit length of 7.11 mmH ₂ O / mm.

The pressure drop across the smoking article (including the tobacco rod) is determined for ventilation values with ventilation levels between 40% and 80%. For conventional smoking article 1, the pressure drop varies 132.27~96.11mmH ₂ O ventilation as ventilation increases. However, the pressure drop in the same ventilation range in smoking article 2 according to the present invention changes to 92MmH ₂ O from 139.22mmH ₂ O. Thus, the 47.22 mm H ₂ O drop provided by the present invention, compared to only 36.16 mm H ₂ O for conventional smoking articles, increases the change in pressure drop when changing the ventilation of the smoking article (ie, from the mouth end). The suction resistance changes more). These results are shown in FIG. 5, where the y-axis shows the pressure drop and the x-axis shows the ventilation rate.

  In some embodiments, the pressure drop downstream of the ventilation structure 17 is further reduced by reducing the distance between the smoking article's mouth end and one or more ventilation areas.

  In some examples of the invention, the ventilation region allows air to enter at a distance of less than 15 mm from the mouth end. Apart from this, the distance from the mouth end of the ventilation region is less than a value selected from 14 mm, 13 mm, 12 mm, 11 mm and 10 mm.

  FIG. 6a is a plan view of a blank 30 forming a wrapper for a smoking article according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 6b is a plan view of a rod article 32 on which the blank 30 of FIG. 6a is applied to form a smoking article. The smoking article including the blank 30 has substantially the same function as described above. Unless otherwise stated, the features have the same structure and function.

  The blank 30 is configured to be wound only twice around the entire circumference of the rod article 32. Blank 30 is configured to define two complete layers extending around roller article 32 and includes a region defining an inner layer and an outer layer.

  The blank 30 includes an adjustment member 34 that is movable within a groove 36 configured to regulate ventilation and limit movement.

  The adjustment member 34 is movable in the circumferential direction within a limited range. The adjustment member 34 is movable between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. The first engagement surface and the second engagement surface define a circumferentially extending groove 36 through which the adjustment member 34 can move.

  The adjustment member 34 defines first and second restriction surfaces 34 a and 34 b at the edge of the adjustment member in the moving direction, that is, the circumferential edge of the adjustment member 34. Contact of the first and second restriction surfaces 34a, 34b of the adjustment member 34 between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface limits relative rotation between the first and second portions of the smoking article. .

  The first and second restriction surfaces 34a, 34b extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The first and second engagement surfaces also extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article and / or at an angle relative to the axis of movement of the adjustment component. The first and second engagement surfaces extend at the same angle and / or have a complementary shape to the first and second restriction surfaces 34a, 34b.

  The blank 30 includes first and second spacer sections 38a, 38b. The first and second spacer sections 38a, 38b are directly attached to the rod article and are configured to surround it. The first and second spacer sections 38a, 38b have the function of spacing any of the indexing surfaces with the correct radial distance so that they can be indexed. The first and second spacer sections 38a, 38b are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction.

  The adjustment member 34 is configured to directly overlap one of the spacer sections 38a, 38b. The adjustment member is movable over the spacer section 38a, and the spacer section provides a substantially smooth outer surface to facilitate movement of the adjustment member.

  Referring to FIG. 6 b, the rod article 32 includes a tobacco rod 11 similar to that described above and first and second filter sections 40, 42 downstream of the tobacco rod 11. The second filter section 42 is provided as a tubular section substantially similar to the second filter section 24 described in the second embodiment downstream of the first filter section 40 and the tobacco rod 11 at the mouth end of the smoking article. The The first filter section 40 is provided between the second filter section 42 and the tobacco rod 11. When the blank 30 is wound on the rod article 32, the adjustment member 34 is spaced from the first filter section 40 by the spacer section. The first filter section 40 optionally defines a first indexing surface 40a and thus does not provide a smooth surface for the adjustment member.

  The first and second spacer sections 38a, 38b are optionally connected to the spacer connection 44. The first and second spacer sections 38 a, 38 b extend circumferentially over the two layers of the blank 30. The spacer connection 44 is adjacent to the leading edge of the first blank 30, that is, the location on the blank 30 that is initially wound on the rod article 32.

  The longitudinally adjacent regions of the spacer connection 44 and the spacer sections 38a, 38b are first secured to the rod article 50 with, for example, an adhesive to begin winding the first blank 30. The spacer connection 44 has a single initial attachment area to the blank 30 rod article 32. The spacer sections 38a, 38b are not secured as separate, elongated sheet material sections that require a separate attachment to the rod article 32. Thus, the attachment of the initial blank 30 to the rod article is improved by the connection of the leading edges of the spacer sections 38a, 38.

  The spacer connection portion 44 has a rear edge portion 44 a at the opposite end portion in the circumferential direction of the spacer connection portion 44 with respect to the leading edge portion. A trailing edge 44a of the spacer connection extends between the first and second spacer sections 38a, 38b. The trailing edge 44a of the spacer connection extends at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.

  The adjustment member 34 is formed in the support section 46 of the blank 1401. The adjustment member 34 defines the farthest longitudinal region of the section to which the adjustment member is attached. Accordingly, the first and second restriction surfaces 34a, 34b of the adjustment member 34 extend longitudinally beyond the section to which the adjustment member is attached. Support section 44 is attached to the first and second spacer sections by a frangible connection. The fragile connection is a perforation extending in the circumferential direction. The support section 46 extends once around the entire circumference of the smoking article, for example to form a tube. The adjustment member is curved as part of the tube.

  Support section 46 optionally supports second indexing surface 48. In particular, the second indexing surface includes pawls 48 formed in pawl units 50 that are selectively attached to the support section 46. The pawl 48 extends between the first and second spacer sections 38a, 38b and is configured to engage an optional first indexing surface 40a.

  Support section 46 includes a support section leading edge 46a. The support section leading edge 46 a defines the first location of the support section 46 that is initially wound around the rod article 32. The support section leading edge 46a extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.

  The trailing edge 46b of the support section 46 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.

  The trailing edge 44 a of the spacer connection, the leading edge 46 a of the support section and the first and second spacer sections 38 a, 38 b define the opening 52 of the blank 30. The opening 52 provides a space in which the support section 46 can move.

  In some examples, the opening 52 has a circumferential range that is greater than the circumferential range of movement of the adjustment member 34. Therefore, the trailing edge portion 44a of the spacer connection portion does not define the movement range of the adjustment member 34.

  For example, the area of the blank 30 that forms the inner layer of the first spacer section 38 a includes a ventilation area 54. In some examples, the ventilation region 54 includes one opening. Alternatively, the ventilation region 54 includes a plurality of discrete permeable regions or openings. For example, the opening is formed by electroporation (EP).

  The adjusting member 34 has an additional function in adjusting the ventilation of the smoking article. In particular, the adjustment member 34 directly adjusts the ventilation of the smoking article by selectively covering one or more ventilation areas. The adjustment member 34 is configured to be movable over one or more ventilation regions adjacent to each other in the radial direction and integrally formed with the smoking article. The adjustment member 34 is formed of a material that is substantially air impermeable, in particular air impermeable paper. The adjustment member 34 is configured to cover one or more ventilations of the smoking article so that ventilation air cannot enter the smoking article through an area covered by the adjustment member 34. The adjustment member is impermeable to air between the first and second restriction surfaces 34a, 34b. The first and second restriction surfaces 34a, 34b define rotation restrictions and define the amount of ventilation area that is covered or not covered.

  Thus, the adjustment member 34 directly adjusts the ventilation level by covering a portion of the ventilation area and limits the relative movement of the first and second parts of the smoking article between the maximum and minimum levels of ventilation. It has a function.

  In some embodiments, the smoking article includes another ventilation region 56. For example, the first filter section 40 includes its other ventilation region 56. The ventilation area 54 is arranged to at least partially coincide with this other ventilation area 56. This further ventilation region 56 includes a plurality of discrete ventilation regions or openings, for example in a circumferentially extending line. This further ventilation region 56 can be formed by a laser. Typically, one or more of the ventilation areas 54, 56 include a plurality of discrete ventilation areas or openings.

  FIG. 7a is a plan view of a blank 60 forming a wrapper for a smoking article according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the smoking article 62 with the blank 60 of FIG. 7a attached thereto. The smoking article 62 including the blank 60 has substantially the same function as described above. Unless otherwise stated, the features have the same structure and function.

  Referring to FIG. 7b, the rod article 62 includes a tobacco rod 11 similar to that described above and first and second filter sections 12, 14 downstream of the tobacco rod 11. The second filter section 14 is provided downstream of the first filter section 12 and the tobacco rod 11 at the mouth end of the smoking article. The first filter section 12 is provided between the second filter section 14 and the tobacco rod 11. The first filter section 12 is divided into a first part 12 ′ and a second part 12 ″ by a notch 12 ′ ″, the first part 12 ′ of the first filter section 12 moving relative to the second part 12 ″. It can be done.

  The blank 60 is configured so that the entire circumference of the rod article 62 is wound twice, in this example, only twice. The blank 60 has a first section 60a that first winds the rod article 62 that forms the inner layer and a second section 60b that then winds the first section 60a that forms the outer layer. The blank 60 is thus configured to define two complete layers extending around the rod article 62 and includes regions 60a, 60b that define an inner layer and an outer layer.

  The first section 60a of the blank 60 is connected to the second filter section 14 and the first portion 12 'of the first filter section 12, and thus connects the second filter section 14 and the first portion 12' of the first filter section 12. A first end 60a ′ is included. The first section 60 a of the blank 60 also includes a second end 60 a ″ connected to the second portion 12 ″ of the first filter section 12. The second section 60 b of the blank 60 is divided into a first portion 60 b ′ and a second portion 60 b ″ by a notch 61.

  The blank 60 includes an adjustment member 64 in the first section 60a that is movable within a circumferentially extending groove 66 that is configured to regulate ventilation and limit movement.

  The adjustment member 64 is movable in the circumferential direction within a limited range. The adjustment member 64 is movable between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. The first engagement surface and the second engagement surface define a circumferentially extending groove 66 in which the adjustment member can move.

  The adjusting member 64 defines first and second limiting surfaces 64a and 64b at the edge of the adjusting member in the moving direction, that is, at the peripheral edge of the adjusting member 64. The first and second engaging surfaces of the groove 66 extending in the circumferential direction and the first and second restricting surfaces 64a and 64b of the adjusting member 64 are brought into contact with each other between the first and second parts of the smoking article. Limit the relative rotation of.

  The first and second restriction surfaces 64a, 64b extend at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The first and second engagement surfaces also extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article and / or at an angle relative to the axis of movement of the adjustment component. The first and second engagement surfaces extend at the same angle and have a shape complementary to the first and second restriction surfaces 64a and 64b.

  Structure 65 for restricting longitudinal movement includes a slide member 67 configured to move between first and second restricting members 68a and 68b. The slide member 67 is attached to the first and second restricting members 68a and 68b by a fragile connection. The fragile connection is a perforation extending in the circumferential direction. The portion of the blank including the slide member 67, the adjustment member 64, the first and second restricting members 68a and 68b and the circumferentially extending groove 66 extends all around the smoking article, for example to form a tube. The slide member 67 is attached to the first portion 60b 'of the second section 60b of the blank 60 together with the first portion 60a' of the first section 60a of the blank, and thus the second portion 60a '' of the first section 60a of the blank 60 and so on. It moves with the first portion 60a ′ of the first section 60a, the second filter section 14 and the first portion 12 ′ of the first filter section 12 relative to the second portion 12 ″ of the first filter section 12.

  The second section 60b of the blank 60 forming the outer layer includes a ventilation region 69 'at the blank location 69. In some examples, the ventilation region 69 'includes one opening. Alternatively, the ventilation region 69 'includes a plurality of discrete permeable regions or openings. For example, the opening is formed by electroporation (EP). Ventilation area 69 ′ is positioned to align with groove 66 when blank 60 is wound on rod article 62.

  The adjustment member 64 has an additional function in adjusting the ventilation of the smoking article. In particular, the adjustment member 64 directly adjusts the ventilation of the smoking article by selectively covering one or more ventilation areas. The adjustment member 64 is configured to be movable across one or more ventilation regions adjacent to each other in the radial direction and integrally formed with the smoking article. The adjustment member 64 is formed of a material that is substantially air impermeable, in particular air impermeable paper. The adjustment member 64 is configured to move between the smoking article ventilation region 69 ′ and the rod article 62 below it to prevent ventilation air from entering the smoking article through the groove 66 blocked by the adjustment member 64. Has been. The adjustment member is impermeable to air between the first and second restriction surfaces 64a, 64b. The first and second restriction surfaces 64a, 64b define rotation restrictions and define the amount of ventilation area that is covered or not covered.

  Thus, the adjustment member 64 directly adjusts the ventilation level by covering a portion of the ventilation area and limits the relative movement of the first and second parts of the smoking article between the maximum and minimum levels of ventilation. It has a function.

  In some embodiments, the first filter section 12 includes a plant particulate flavor. However, the first filter section 12 is made of tobacco, such as one or more capsules, a filament filled with flavor, a flavor dispersed in a filter tow, a particle impregnated with the flavor, or a sheet material containing the flavor. Flavors in the form of the following: these are located upstream of the ventilation region 69 '. The ventilation level of the smoking article 10 regulates dilution by the air entering the smoking article 10 via the smoke ventilation area 69 ′ passing through the first part of the smoking article 10. Thus, the ventilation level controls the dilution of the flavored smoke that has passed through the flavorant by the unflavored air entering the smoking article via the ventilation area 69 '. Therefore, the amount of flavor of the smoking article can be increased or decreased.

In some embodiments, the blank 60 includes another ventilation region (not shown) at the blank location 63 downstream of the variable ventilation structure 69 '. This separate ventilation region includes a plurality of discrete ventilation regions or openings, for example in a circumferentially extending line. This separate ventilation region can be formed by a laser. Generally, one or more of the ventilation areas includes a plurality of discrete ventilation areas or openings. This separate ventilation region provides a certain minimum ventilation level that is not affected by a variable amount of ventilation from the ventilation region 69 '. The amount of ventilation provided by this separate ventilation region can be predetermined during manufacture of the smoking article 10, for example smoke emitted by the smoking article passing through the filter section when the variable ventilation is at a minimum level and / or 5% to 50% of the amount of other aerosols. Variable ventilation structure 69 ', 66 is a partial range within the range of 0% to 90% of the amount of smoke and / or other aerosols emitted by the smoking article passing through the filter section with 0% to 50% ventilation, for example. It can be arranged to provide ventilation adjustable by the user within.

  FIG. 8 schematically shows a method 100 for manufacturing a smoking article according to the present invention. The manufacturing method method 100 includes forming a first filter section having a first resistance or pressure drop to the gas flow (step 110). The first filter section is formed of a known filter medium, such as cellulose acetate tow. A second filter section is created separately (step 120). The second filter section is also formed from cellulose acetate tow. The resistance to gas flowing along the entire length of the second filter section is less than the suction resistance through the entire length of the first filter section. Optionally, the pressure drop in the second filter section is less than the pressure drop in the first filter section.

  Different pressure drop characteristics of the first and second filter sections can be determined during manufacture of the first and second filter sections. In some embodiments, the fibrous filter media, or tow element, is configured differently in the first and second filter sections. For example, the second filter section is compressed to be different from the first filter section to obtain different properties (ie, low density) and is formed to have a different cross-section with different radius tows. The pressure drop characteristics of the first and second filter sections are not substantially changed or modified during use of the smoking article.

  In some embodiments, the second filter section is formed with an annular cross section to achieve low density. The first and second filter sections are formed of the same fibrous filter and are formed with different cross sections to obtain different properties. In some examples, the filter structure is formed from a single piece that includes a first filter section and a second filter section.

  The first filter section and the second filter section are assembled with one or more additional members to form a filter structure for the smoking article (step 130). The first and second filter sections may be longitudinally aligned with the smoking material source. Any known filter blank can be added to the smoking article. Examples of further filter members include a third filter section, such as a filter section containing particulate material (eg carbon, activated charcoal) or an additional hollow section. Each of the first and / or second filter sections may be considered as including one or more discontinuous filter sections. These filter sections may normally be considered upstream and downstream of the variable ventilation region. These one or more upstream filter sections have a higher resistance to gas flow than the one or more downstream filter sections.

  A wrapping material is affixed to the smoking article assembly to attach the components. The paper wrapping material is chipping paper. Furthermore, the sleeve is wound around the smoking article. The sleeve is configured to move relative to the first filter section and is selectively secured to the second filter section.

  The smoking article is configured to allow a selectively variable amount of air to enter upstream of the second filter section. For example, the ventilation openings are formed in the outermost layer of the paper wrapper and / or the paper sleeve. The ventilation opening is formed by a mechanical cutting tool or a laser. Ventilation openings are formed in the packaging prior to assembling the smoking article (ie, a pre-drilled opening) or optionally assembling the smoking article.

  Ventilation was explained by entering the smoking article, in particular the first filter section, upstream of the second filter section. Alternatively, ventilation may at least partially enter the second filter section adjacent to the upstream end of the second filter section, for example. The ventilation position for ingress of air, including both upstream of the second filter section and optionally upstream of the second filter section (eg, 1/4 upstream) shall be located substantially upstream of the second filter section. .

  The characteristics of the filter section are defined in terms of pressure drop per unit length, resistance to gas flow per unit length, pressure drop, resistance to gas flow, tow weight or density. The filter section can be defined in terms of a filter medium having resistance to gas flow that can be considered as independent of the length of the filter section.

  The smoking article may include one or more ventilation areas that provide a reference level of ventilation. Such a ventilation area (not shown) cannot be resized.

  In order to address various issues and technical developments, the entire disclosure exemplifies various embodiments in which the claimed invention may be practiced and provide excellent smoking articles. Can do. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments, and are not exhaustive or exclusive. These are provided merely as an aid to understanding and teaching the claimed features. Naturally, the advantages, embodiments, specific examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the disclosure limit the disclosure as defined in the claims, or equivalents of the claims. Should not be construed as limiting, but should be considered as other embodiments may be utilized or modified without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may appropriately comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the disclosed components, components, features, parts, processes, means, and other combinations. This disclosure also includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (16)

A filter structure including a first filter section and a second filter section, wherein the second filter section is located downstream of the first filter;
A ventilation structure configured to allow a user to adjust a ventilation level into the first filter;
The resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the second filter section is less than the resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the first filter section,
The resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the filter structure is a smoking product that remains substantially constant even when the ventilation level changes. The first filter section has a first tow weight fibrous filter material, the second filter section has a second tow weight fibrous filter material,
The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the second tow weight of the fibrous filter medium is smaller than the first tow weight of the fibrous filter medium. Pressure drop per unit length of the first filter section is 5mmH 2 O / _mm greater, claim pressure drop per unit length of the second filter section, characterized in that it is less than 5mmH 2 O / _mm The smoking article according to 1 or 2.   A smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the resistance to gas flow through the second filter section is 15 times less than the resistance to gas flow through the first filter section.   The smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first filter section is formed from a first homogeneous filter medium and the second filter section is formed from a second homogeneous filter medium. .   6. The second filter section is separable from the first filter section and / or movable relative to the first filter section to regulate ventilation to the first filter section. Smoking goods.   A sleeve configured to move relative to the first filter section, wherein the second filter section is secured within the sleeve and the level of ventilation is changed by changing the position of the sleeve relative to the first filter section. The smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   8. The smoking according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve is rotatable with respect to the first filter section, and the ventilation level is changed by changing the angular position of the sleeve with respect to the first filter section. Goods.   The length of the first filter section is 5 to 25 mm, the length of the second filter section is 5 to 25 mm, and / or the ventilation structure ventilates the ventilation air at 6 mm to 35 mm from the mouth end of the smoking article. The smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the smoking article is provided.   The first and second filter sections include tow filaments, the first filter section being the second filter section is one or more of tow weight, number of tow filaments per unit volume, tow filament cross-section and degree of crimp The smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the smoking article is different from each other.   11. A smoking article according to any preceding claim, wherein the second filter section includes at least one air passage extending longitudinally through its length.   12. The smoking article according to claim 11, wherein the diameter of the air passage is 1 to 7 mm.   The smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second filter section includes a fibrous filter formed with an annular end face.   14. The second filter section is a tube of fibrous filter material, and the air passage extends along a central longitudinal axis through the length of the second filter section. 1. A smoking article according to item 1. A filter structure including a first filter section and a second filter section, wherein the second filter section is located downstream of the first filter;
A ventilation structure configured to allow a user to adjust a ventilation level into the first filter;
The resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the second filter section is less than the resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the first filter section,
A filter for smoking articles in which the resistance to gas flowing through the entire length of the filter structure remains substantially constant as the ventilation level changes. A method for manufacturing a smoking article, the method comprising:
Forming a first filter section having a first resistance to gas flowing through the entire length;
Forming a separate second filter section having a second resistance to gas flowing through the entire length;
Assembling the first filter section and the second filter section with one or more additional members to form a smoking article, wherein the second resistance to gas flow is less than the first resistance to gas flow; A method of manufacturing a smoking article, wherein the article is configured to selectively allow a variable amount of air to enter.

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