JP2021506281A - Smoking alternative consumables - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a smoking alternative consumable. SOLUTION: A non-combustion / heating type consumable (1) is provided. The consumable has a tubular steam generating member (7) that defines a flow path that penetrates the interior. At least the active part of the steam generating member is configured to generate steam by being heated by a heater. The tubular steam generating member has an inlet to the flow path at the first end of the consumable, and the first end of the consumable is for cooperating with a heating device. The active portion of the steam generating member has a side wall having a thickness of more than 0.1 mm. This allows the steam generating member to be heated rapidly and consistently. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to consumables for smoking alternative devices. The present invention particularly relates to, but is not limited to, non-combustible and heated consumables including tobacco.

It is generally believed that "smoking" cigarettes exposes smokers to potentially harmful substances. It is generally believed that the heat generated by burning and / or burning tobacco and the components of tobacco flammable contained in the tobacco smoke itself produce significant amounts of potentially harmful substances.

It is known that when organic matter such as tobacco is burned, harmful by-products such as tar are produced. Various smoking alternatives have been proposed to avoid smoking cigarettes.

Such alternative devices can be part of nicotine replacement therapy for people who want to quit smoking and overcome their addiction to nicotine.

Alternative devices include electronic systems that allow the user to mimic smoking behavior by producing an aerosol that is inhaled (inhaled) into the lungs through the mouth and exhaled. Inhaled aerosols typically contain nicotine and / or flavors, but with little or no odor or health risk associated with conventional smoking.

In general, alternative devices and systems are intended to provide an alternative to smoking habits, while providing the user with something similar to the experience and satisfaction gained with traditional smoking and tobacco products.

The popularity and use of smoking alternatives has skyrocketed in recent years. Originally sold as an aid to help smoking addicts who want to quit smoking, consumers are increasingly seeing smoking alternatives as a desirable lifestyle product. .. Some alternative devices are cylindrical, designed to resemble conventional cigarettes and have a mouthpiece at one end. Other alternative devices generally do not resemble cigarettes (eg, the alternative device may be substantially box-shaped).

There are various categories of alternative systems, each adopting a smoking alternative. The alternative method corresponds to the mode in which the alternative system operates for the user.

One of the alternative system methods is the so-called "non-combustion-heated (HNB)" method, which heats or heats the tobacco, whether it is leaf tobacco or reconstituted tobacco, to release steam. The vapor may contain nicotine and / or flavor. The HNB method is intended that tobacco is not burned and does not burn.

Generally, the HNB system has a heating device and consumables. Consumables include tobacco material. The consumables are configured to engage the heating device. During use, heat is applied to the tobacco material from the heat source of the heating device. When air flows through the tobacco material, the water in the tobacco material is released as steam. Thus, the first vapor is formed of carriers in the tobacco material, such as polyglycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG). In addition, volatile compounds are also released from the tobacco as a second vapor. The vapor released from the cigarette is taken into the airflow passing through the cigarette.

As the vapor passes through the device from the inlet (taken into the airflow) to the mouthpiece (outlet), the vapor cools and condenses to form an aerosol, which the user inhales. Aerosols contain volatile compounds.

In the HNB system, it is believed that heating the tobacco material rather than burning it produces less or less harmful compounds that are normally produced during smoking. As a result, the HNB approach can reduce the odor and / or health risks caused by burning, burning, and pyrolyzing tobacco.

As an existing realization example of the HNB method, first, there is ^{an IQOS TM device manufactured by Philip Morris International.} The IQOS ^TM device uses consumables with reconstituted tobacco placed in the packaging. The consumable has a holder that incorporates the mouthpiece. Consumables can be inserted into the heating device. The thermal heating device has a thermal conductive heating knife that penetrates the reconstructed cigarette of the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the heating device. Activating the heating device heats the heating element, which heats the tobacco in the consumables. When the tobacco is heated, nicotine vapor and flavor are released from the tobacco, which are inhaled by the user and inhaled from the mouthpiece.

An existing implementation of the next HNB method is a device known as ^{"Glo TM" manufactured by British American Tobacco.} Glo ^TM has relatively thin consumables. Consumables include leaf tobacco that is heated by a heating device. When the consumables are placed in the heating device, the cigarette is surrounded by the heating element. Activating the heating device heats the heating element, which heats the tobacco in the consumables. When the tobacco is heated, the tobacco releases nicotine vapors and flavors that are inhaled by the user and inhaled from the consumables. Cigarettes are configured to generate steam when heated by a heating device, rather than when burning (as in a smoking device such as a cigarette). Tobacco may contain a high concentration of an aerosol-producing agent (carrier) such as vegetable glycerin (“VG”) or propylene glycol (“PG”).

Common to both IQOS ^TM and Glo ^TM devices is the uneven and incomplete heating of the tobacco, or the risk of burning a portion of the tobacco.

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been devised with the above in mind.

In the most general sense, the present invention provides the non-combustion / heating consumable according to claim 1. The non-combustion / heating type consumable has a tubular steam generating member that defines a flow path penetrating the inside, and at least an active part of the steam generating member is heated by a heater to generate steam. The tubular steam generating member is configured to generate, the tubular steam generating member has an inlet to the flow path at the first end of the consumable, and the first end of the consumable is made to cooperate with a heating device. Is for.

Such non-combustion / heating consumables may be combined with one or more of the features disclosed below.

According to the first aspect, it is a non-combustion / heating type consumable having a tubular steam generating member that defines a flow path penetrating the inside, and at least an active portion of the steam generating member is heated by a heater. The tubular steam generating member is configured to generate steam by being generated, and the tubular steam generating member has an inlet to the flow path at the first end of the consumable, and the first end of the consumable is. A non-combustion / heating consumable is provided, which is intended to cooperate with a heating device and has a side wall having a thickness of more than 0.1 mm as an active portion of the steam generating member.

The consumable has an air flow path extending between the inlet opening and the outlet opening located at the second end of the consumable, and the flow path penetrating the active part is It is advantageous to form at least a part of the air flow.

It is convenient that the side wall thickness of the active portion is less than 1.5 mm.

The total length of the active portion is preferably more than 10 mm.

It is advantageous that the active portion has a total length of less than 35 mm.

It is convenient that the size and shape of the cross section of the flow path penetrating the active portion are substantially equal to the cross section of the inlet opening.

The total mass of the active base material contained in the active portion is preferably more than 100 mg and less than 1000 mg.

It is advantageous that the active substrate of the active portion contains 0.2 mg to 2.0 mg of the active substance.

It is convenient that the active base material of the active portion contains 0.0002 mg to 0.02 mg of the active substance per 1 mg of the active base material.

The consumables preferably have a total length of 100 mm or less.

It is advantageous that the above-mentioned consumable has a total length of 50 mm or more.

It is convenient that the total length of the flow path penetrating the active portion is 20% to 40% of the total length of the consumables.

It is preferable to further have a mixing zone located downstream of the active portion in the air flow path.

It is advantageous that the steam-producing member contains an active substance, and the active substance contains nicotine.

It is convenient for the steam generating member to have a reconstructed tobacco sheet.

The present invention includes a combination of embodiments and preferred features described, except where it is clearly unacceptable or apparently avoided.

In order to make the present invention easier to understand and to understand other features thereof, embodiments and experimental examples illustrating the principles of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings as examples.

Represents a partially assembled first consumable according to the present invention. A cross-sectional view of a second consumable according to the present invention is shown. A cross-sectional view of the second consumable according to the present invention is shown, and the principle of internal heating will be described. A cross-sectional view of the second consumable according to the present invention is shown, and the principle of external heating will be described. Represents a partially assembled third consumable according to the present invention. A cross-sectional view of a third consumable according to the present invention is shown. The end view of the consumables which concerns on this invention is shown. The end view of another consumable according to the present invention is shown. The end view of still another consumable according to this invention is shown.

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any document referred to herein is incorporated herein by reference.

In general, the present invention relates to HNB consumables. HNB consumables are a component of the HNB system. The HNB consumables according to the present invention are configured to be used with a heating device. When combined, HNB consumables and heating devices make up the HNB system. HNB consumables may be configured to engage the heating device.

As is understood, the concept of non-combustion and heating (HNB) is based on vaporization. Therefore, the HNB and HNB devices can be regarded as vaporizers.

FIG. 1 represents the HNB consumables 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Consumables 1 are represented in an open and partially formed form so that the components and their relationships can be clearly identified. It is understood that both the chip paper and the overwrap are wound in the manufacturing process to seal the consumables in the longitudinal direction.

The consumable item 1 has an elongated shape. That is, the longitudinal dimension of the consumable along the longitudinal axis is larger than the dimension of the consumable along the horizontal axis of the consumable.

The consumable item 1 has a substantially elongated outer shape. For example, the consumable item 1 has a substantially circular outer cross-sectional shape. However, consumables 1 may also have a different external cross-sectional shape. For example, it may be substantially square, approximately rectangular, or approximately elliptical. The outer cross-sectional shape is substantially constant along the length of the consumable item 1 in the longitudinal direction.

In the most general sense, the consumables 1 form an elongated airflow 2 extending from the first end 3 to the second end 4 of the consumables 1. The first end 3 of the consumables 1 may be configured to interact with the heating device. The second end 4 of the consumable item 1 may be configured to form a mouthpiece. The user may hold the second end 4 directly in the mouth, or the user may hold the mouthpiece member after attaching the mouthpiece member to the second end. Such a mouthpiece member does not form a part of the present invention. Therefore, as is understood, the first end 3 of the consumable 1 is the so-called "upstream" of the consumable 1 in the sense of a series of flows in the direction of the airflow passing through the consumable 1 along the air flow path 2 during use. It can be thought of as representing an end, and the second end 4 of the consumable 1 can be thought of as representing the so-called "downstream" end of the consumable 1.

The consumable has an inlet 5 at the first end 3 and an outlet 6 at the opposite second end 4. At the time of use, when the user sucks at the second end 4, the airflow is drawn into the consumables 1 at the inlet 5, passes through the consumables 1 along the air flow path 2, and goes to the outlet 6.

A steam generating member (VGM) 7 is arranged directly adjacent to the inlet 5. The VGM 7 defines a flow path that penetrates the inside thereof. The airflow that penetrates the VGM 7 forms part of the airflow 2 that penetrates the consumables 1.

A support structure tube 8 is arranged adjacent to the VGM 7. The support tube 8 defines a flow path that penetrates the inside thereof. The airflow that penetrates the support tube 8 constitutes a part of the airflow 2 that penetrates the consumables 1. The support tube 8 is located downstream of the VGM 7 (ie, in the sense of a series of flows) and thus between the VGM 7 and the outlet 6.

The support tube 8 may be made of a paper-based material such as a cardboard material. The paper-based material of the support tube 8 may have a density of more than 50 gsm (grams / square meter), for example about 100 gsm. Therefore, the support tube 8 is an inert member as long as it is configured not to generate steam even when heated.

The support tube 8 may define a mixing zone within its central flow path. Therefore, the mixing zone is located downstream of VGM7. That is, the mixing zone is arranged between the VGM 7 and the outlet 6. In the mixing zone, vapors from VGM7 are mixed with each other from VGM7 or from other sources. For example, the support tube 7 may have a perforation that penetrates its side wall. The perforations allow airflow to enter the mixing zone through the perforations.

Further, the support tube 8 may form a cooling zone in a flow path penetrating the inside of the support tube 8. The vapor from the VGM 7 is cooled in the cooling zone, resulting in the vapor being condensed into an aerosol, which the user inhales.

The flow path formed through the VGM 7 may be substantially continuous with the flow path penetrating the support tube 8. The internal cross-sectional shape of the support tube 8 may have the same size and shape as the internal cross-sectional shape of the VGM 7.

A filter 9 is arranged adjacent to and downstream of the support tube 8. The filter 9 comes into contact with the downstream end of the support tube 8 proximal to the second end 6 of the consumable 1. Alternatively, the filter 9 may be located proximal to the second end 6 of the consumable 1 and within the end of the support tube 8. That is, the filter 9 may be formed in the air flow path 2 penetrating the consumable item 1. Therefore, the filter 9 is arranged downstream of the VGM 7. Further, the filter 9 is located downstream of the support tube 8 (when the filter 9 is in contact with the end of the support tube 8) or at least a part downstream of the support tube 8 (filter 9). Is located within the end of the support tube 8).

The filter 9 can act as a cooling element and may be configured to cool the vapor or aerosol passing through it. In addition to or instead, the filter 9 may be configured to form an airflow resistance element to provide resistance to the airflow passing through it. In addition to or instead, the filter 9 may form a filter mixing element, within which the vapor from the VGM7 is mixed with other fluid components also from the VGM7 or from other sources. To. Alternatively, in some embodiments, it is believed that the filter 9 can be omitted.

Surrounding the VGM 7 is a chip paper 10. The chip paper 10 surrounds the VGM 7. The chip paper 10 may be made of a paper-based material. The paper-based material of the chip paper 10 may have a density of, for example, 45 to 80 gsm. The chip paper 10 may be held at a position surrounding the VGM 7 by, for example, an adhesive.

The chip paper 10 is longer than the VGM 7 in the longitudinal dimension of the consumable 1. Therefore, when the first (upstream) longitudinal edge portion 11 of the chip paper 10 is aligned with the edge portion of the inlet 5, the opposite (downstream) edge portion 12 of the chip paper 10 exceeds the longitudinal range of the VGM 7, and the support tube 8 It overlaps at least partly. Therefore, the chip paper 10 facilitates engagement between the VGM 7 and the support tube 8. The length of the portion overlapping with the support tube 8 may be, for example, 20 to 45 mm.

Further, by having the chip paper 10, the rigidity and strength of the consumable item 1 are improved around the VGM 7.

It is the overwrap 13 that surrounds the tip paper 10, the VGM 7, the support tube 8, and the filter 9. The overwrap 13 extends along the overall length of the consumable item 1. The overwrap 13 may be made of a paper-based material. The overwrapping paper-based material may have a density of 10 to 30 gsm, for example, 15 gsm. The overwrap 13 may be held in a position surrounding the VGM 7, the support tube 8 and the filter 9 by, for example, an adhesive.

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal sectional view of another HNB consumable item 1 according to the present invention.

The consumable item 1 has a tubular VGM 7 arranged substantially facing the first end 3 of the consumable item 1. There is an inlet 5 at the first end 3 of the consumables 1. The filter 9 is arranged at the second end 4 of the consumable item 1 and is formed on substantially the entire surface of the outlet 6 of the consumable item 1. In this embodiment, the filter 9 is separated from the VGM 7. The outer packaging 14 surrounds and connects the VGM 7 and the filter 9. In the consumables 1 of FIG. 2, the support tube 8 and the chip paper 10 are omitted as compared with the consumables 1 of FIG. 1, and the upper wrapping of FIG. 1 is the outer wrapping 14 of the consumables 1 in FIG. Has been replaced. The outer wrapping 14 may be made of a paper-based material. The paper-based material of the outer wrapping 14 may have a density of 20 to 100 gsm. If the paper of the outer wrapping 14 is heavier than the chip paper 10, the outer wrapping 14 can impart some rigidity to the consumable item 1 of FIG.

Further, by forming the consumable with fewer members, the consumable can be manufactured more simply and at a lower cost.

To avoid misunderstanding, a gap is shown between the VGM 7 and the outer packaging 14 in the radial direction so that the explanation in FIG. 2 becomes clear. Similarly, for clarity of explanation, a gap is shown between the filter 9 and the outer packaging 14 in the radial direction. The outer package 14 is in contact with the outer surface of the VGM 7 and the outer surface of the filter 9.

The VGM 7 has a total length of 15 (L_vgm) and an inner diameter of 16 (D_vgm). The consumable has a total length of 17 (L_cons).

L_vgm / L_cons may be 0.25 to 0.5, for example, 0.25 to 0.333. Alternatively, 0.50 or more, 0.55 or more, 0.60 or more, 0.65 or more, 0.70 or more, 0.75 or more, 0.80 or more, 0.85 or more, 0.90 or more, or 0. It may be 95 or more. See FIG. 5 as an example.

The consumable item 1 may have a total length 17 (L_cons) of 30 mm to 100 mm.

The total length 17 (L_cons) may be at least 30 mm, preferably at least 40 mm, more preferably at least 50 mm, more preferably at least 60 mm, more preferably at least 60 mm, more preferably at least 70 mm, more preferably at least 80 mm. More preferably, it may be at least 90 mm.

The total length 17 (L_cons) may be 100 mm or less, preferably 90 mm or less, more preferably 80 mm or less, more preferably 70 mm or less, more preferably 60 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or less, and more preferably 40 mm or less. There may be.

The upper limit and the lower limit of the total length 17 (L_cons) of the consumable item 1 can be independently selected from the above values, and may be, for example, 30 mm to 50 mm and 80 mm to 100 mm in length.

For example, the consumable item 1 may have a total length of 17 (L_cons) substantially the same as that of a conventional cigarette, for example, 83 mm. Alternatively, the consumable item 1 may have a total length 17 (L_cons) of 40 to 60 mm, for example, about 50 mm.

The inner diameter 16 (D_vgm) of the flow path penetrating the VGM 7 may be 3 mm to 12 mm. For example, the inner diameter 16 (D_vgm) of the flow path penetrating the VGM 7 may be about 7.0 mm. Consumables 1 have an outer diameter in a substantially similar diameter range, taking into account additional members (eg, chip paper 10 and overwrap 13 or outer wrap 14) located radially outside the VGM 7. May be good.

The inner diameter 16 (D_vgm) may be at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, more preferably at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 6 mm, more preferably at least 7 mm, more preferably at least 8 mm, more preferably at least 9 mm. It may be more preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 11 mm.

The inner diameter 16 (D_vgm) may be 12 mm or less, preferably 11 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 9 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or less, more preferably 7 mm or less, and more preferably 6 mm or less. It may be more preferably 5 mm or less, and more preferably 4 mm or less.

The upper limit and the lower limit of the inner diameter 16 (D_vgm) can be independently selected from the above values, and may be, for example, an inner diameter 16 (D_vgm) of 4 mm to 11 mm and 8 mm to 10 mm.

The total radial distance between the inner surface of the VGM 7 and the outer surface of the consumables 1 immediately adjacent to the VGM 7 may be preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.6 to 1.4 mm, preferably 0.6 to 1.4 mm. May be 0.7 to 1.3 mm, preferably 0.6 to 1.2 mm, preferably 0.9 to 1.1 mm.

The thickness of VGM7 may be preferably 0.2 to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.3 to 0.9, preferably 0.4 to 0.8 mm, preferably 0.4 to 0.7 mm. It may be preferably 0.4 to 0.6 mm, preferably about 0.5 mm.

The thickness of VGM7 may be at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm, more preferably at least 0.4 mm, more preferably at least 0.5 mm, more preferably at least 0.6 mm, more preferably. It may be at least 0.7 mm, more preferably at least 0.8 mm, more preferably at least 0.9 mm.

The thickness of VGM7 may be 1.0 mm or less, preferably 0.9 mm or less, more preferably 0.8 mm or less, more preferably 0.7 mm or less, more preferably 0.6 mm or less, and more preferably. It may be 0.5 mm or less, more preferably 0.4 mm or less, and more preferably 0.2 mm or less.

The thickness of the VGM 7 may correspond to the thickness of the side wall of the VGM 7.

The upper limit and the lower limit of the thickness of the VGM 7 can be independently selected from the above values, and may be, for example, 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm and 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm.

3 and 4 describe the principle of internal and external heating of the active portion of VGM7 of the consumable item 1 according to the present invention, respectively.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the direction in which heat is applied by the heater of the heating device is indicated by an arrow. The active part of the VGM 7 may be a part of the VGM 7 configured to be heated by the heating element of the heating device. The particular heating device may be configured to perform internal heating and external heating.
The active part may be longer than the distance at which heat is directly applied to VGM7. For example, some VGM7 may be heated downstream of the region where heat is directly applied to the VGM7.

Further, the active part may constitute the entire VGM7. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the lengths of the support tube 8 and the VGM7 may be selected so that the entire VGM7 is included in the active part.

In addition, the active portion of VGM7 may contain an active substance and / carrier. Alternatively, the active portion may contain additional active substance and / or carrier (compared to the inert downstream portion of VGM7).

The active part of VGM7 has an active length of 18 (L_act). The active length 18 (L_act) may be shorter than the total length 17 (L_cons) of the consumable item 1. L_act / L_cons may be 0.25 to 0.5, preferably 0.3 to 0.45, preferably about 0.3333 (ie, 1/3).

The active length 18 (L_act) may be shorter than the total length 15 (L_vgm) of the VGM7. Alternatively, the active length 18 (L_act) may be substantially the same as the total length 15 (L_vgm) of the VGM7.

The active length 18 (L_act) may be, for example, 10 to 35 mm.

In all the embodiments described in the present specification, when heating by the heating device occurs, the active part of VGM7 can be quickly heated by the flow path penetrating the VGM7. It is also possible to consistently heat the active part up to a single temperature or within a narrow temperature range. This is an improvement over the prior art, where the tobacco heats up slowly and the temperature range inside the tobacco increases. For example, in the prior art, some parts of the cigarette burn, while others remain cold enough to produce virtually no aerosol.

The total active internal surface area of VGM7 is equal to pi × D_vgm × L_act. This is the total active internal surface area of VGM7 configured to be heated by internal heating by a heating device. In the case of external heating, the total active outer surface area of VGM7 usually corresponds to the total active inner surface area of VGM7.

Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the formula for the internal surface area is different for VGM7s having different cross-sectional shapes.

As mentioned above, the active internal surface area of VGM7 is equal to pi × D_vgm × L_act. If L_vgm is equal to L_act, the active internal surface area may be approximately equal to the total internal surface area of VGM7.

The total activity in the surface area of VGM7 may be at least 100 mm2 (mm ^2), preferably at least 200 mm ^2, more preferably at least 300 mm ^2, more preferably at least 400 mm ^2, more preferably at least 500 mm ^2, more Preferably at least 600 mm ² , more preferably at least 700 mm ² , more preferably at least 800 mm ² , more preferably at least 900 mm ² , more preferably at least 1000 mm ² , more preferably at least 1100 mm ² , more preferably at least 1200 mm ² , more preferably. Is at least 1300 mm ² , more preferably at least 1400 mm ² , more preferably at least 1500 mm ² , more preferably at least 1600 mm ² , more preferably at least 1700 mm ² , more preferably at least 1800 mm ² , and more preferably at least 1900 mm ^2. Good.

The total activity in the surface area of VGM7 may also be 2000 mm2 (mm ²⁾ or less, preferably 1900 mm ² or less, more preferably 1800 mm ² or less, more preferably 1700 mm ² or less, more preferably 1600 mm ² or less, more It is preferably 1500 mm ² or less, more preferably 1400 mm ² or less, more preferably 1300 mm ² or less, more preferably 1200 mm ² or less, more preferably 1100 mm ² or less, more preferably 1000 mm ² or less, more preferably 900 mm ² or less, more preferably. Is 800 mm ² or less, more preferably 700 mm ² or less, more preferably 600 mm ² or less, more preferably 500 mm ² or less, more preferably 400 mm ² or less, more preferably 300 mm ² or less, more preferably 200 mm ² or less, more preferably. It may be 100 mm ² or less.

The total activity in the surface area of VGM7 can be selected from the value independently, for example, total activity in the area of VGM7 may be ^{300mm 2 ~1300mm 2, 500mm 2 ~600mm} 2.

VGM7 has a vapor-producing substrate. The vapor-producing substrate is a member of VGM7 in which at least one active substance is arranged, from which the active substance is vaporized. The total mass of the vapor-producing substrate in a single consumable may be 100-1000 milligrams (mg).

The total mass of the steam-producing substrate may be at least 100 milligrams, preferably at least 200 milligrams, more preferably at least 300 milligrams, more preferably at least 400 milligrams, more preferably at least 500 milligrams, more preferably at least 600 milligrams. It may be in milligrams, more preferably at least 700 milligrams, more preferably at least 800 milligrams, more preferably at least 900 milligrams.

The total mass of the steam-producing substrate may be 1000 milligrams or less, preferably 900 milligrams or less, more preferably 800 milligrams or less, more preferably 700 milligrams or less, more preferably 600 milligrams or less, more preferably 500 milligrams. Hereinafter, it may be more preferably 400 mg or less, more preferably 300 mg or less, more preferably 200 mg or less, and even more preferably 100 mg or less.

The total mass of the vapor-producing substrate can be independently selected from the above values, and for example, the total mass of the vapor-producing substrate may be 300 mg to 900 mg and 200 mg to 600 mg.

The total mass of the steam-producing base material in the active portion can be selected from the same values as the above-mentioned steam-producing base material.

As mentioned above, the vapor-producing substrate may contain at least one active substance. The total amount of the particular active substance contained in the particular vapor-producing substrate may be 0.2-2.0 mg. One such active substance is, for example, nicotine.

The parameter display of the present invention includes the amount of active substance per unit active inner surface area of VGM7. Wherein 0.2~2.0mg an active substance (such as nicotine), when the active portion in the surface of the expendable 1 is 100 to 2000 mm ^2, the consumable 1, the active substance surface density of 0.0001 mg / mm ² ~ 0.02 mg / mm ² . Active substance surface density of consumables ^{1, 0.0005mg / mm 2 ~0.015mg / mm} 2, 0.001mg / mm 2 ~0.03mg / mm 2, 0.0015mg / mm 2 ~0.025mg / mm It is preferably ^2.

An example of the VGM7 according to the present invention is the use of tobacco. VGM7 may contain reconstituted tobacco. For example, the VGM7 may have one or more reconstructed tobacco sheets (see, eg, FIGS. 7-9). Methods of using tobacco material in the preparation of reconstituted tobacco (or "recon") can usually be carried out as follows.

First, collect tobacco in the form of dust, granules, or shredded plant leaf or stem material (hereinafter, "plant material"). The plant material may be a by-product of tobacco processing. The plant material is uniformly mixed with the binding material (as the term implies, the one that binds and aggregates the plant material). Binders that can be used in this method include materials that bind and aggregate plant material particles themselves, as well as naturally occurring binders contained in the plant material itself (then, the plant material is actually bonded and aggregated). Examples thereof include materials that indirectly cause such binding / aggregation by having an effect of releasing.

Examples of the bonding material that binds and aggregates the plant material by itself include a film forming material and a cross-linking agent. Film-forming materials and methods for converting the materials into water-insoluble fibers, sheets and the like are well known in the art.

Once the plant material has been added to the binder in the form of a dispersion or solution (or the plant material has been dry mixed with the binder and then added to the solvent), the resulting mixture is well blended to create a homogeneous and homogeneous mixture. To get. The mixture is then treated with one of many methods known in the art to insolubilize or crosslink the film-forming material added to or released from the plant material. If is added, crosslink.

It should be understood that the resulting plant material conjugates can be produced in different shapes and forms with different dimensions. Therefore, as described above, the mixture of the binder and the dusty tobacco may be spun into fibers, rolled into sheets, cast into a frame, or extruded into other shapes.

It is preferable to mix plant material by-products such as stems and microstructures with water to prepare a slurry and then purify it. Once the agglomerated plant material particles are added to the slurry, the slurry is mixed so that the components are completely blended by conventional methods in the art to obtain a uniform and homogeneous mixture. A reconstituted plant material sheet is formed from the slurry by either a papermaking step, a step of layering the slurry on a paper substrate, a step of casting the slurry into a mold, or a step of extruding.

Methods of preparing reconstituted plant materials by a papermaking process are well known in the art, as exemplified by Canadian Patent No. 862,497 (incorporated herein by reference). The steps described in this document are particularly advantageous in the papermaking process for preparing reconstituted tobacco material (“recon”) sheets.

Usually, a material sheet containing agglomerated plant material particles is formed by a papermaking process, and then the sheet is dried, cut or pressed to the desired physical form.

In the present specification, VGM7 may include a plant product or may be formed of a plant product. By "plant product" is meant a plant from which the active substance is aerosolized into a stream of fluid suitable for breathing that is inhaled by the user. For the avoidance of doubt, as the preferred plant products, Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (bearberry), Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galea zacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Hamanatamame), Cannabis, Cecropia mexicana (Guamura), Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisus scoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia califomica (California poppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica (Humulus japonicus), Humulus lupulus (hop), Lactuca virosa (opium lettuce), Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort), Leonurus sibiricus (Honey Weed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco), Lobelia inflata, Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (catnip), Nicotiana species (tobacco ), Nymphaea alba (white lily), Nymphaea caerulea (blue lily), Opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (passion flower), Pedicularis densiflora (Indian warrior), Pedia sevilar (Indian warrior) Salvia species (sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellaria lateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (skullcap) , Sida acuta (wire weed), Sida rhombifolia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum (clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus, Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (maleic), Zamia latifolia (Maconha Brava), these Combinations, functional equivalents thereof, and / or alternative compounds thereof.

As used herein, an "active substance" is a chemically and / or physiologically active species, or a combination or mixture of such chemically and / or physiologically active species, intended to be aerosolized. This means that when the user inhales a flow of a breathable fluid containing the aerosol, the user is given a distraction effect and / or a medicinal effect. For the avoidance of doubt, suitable chemically and / or physiologically active species include nicotine, cocaine, THC, CBD, caffeine, cannabinoids, opiates and opioids, cathin and Examples include the group consisting of cathinone, kavalactone, mysticin, β-carbolin alkanoids, salvinorin A, combinations thereof, functionally equivalents thereof, and / or alternative compounds thereof.

The remaining figures represent another consumable 1 and principle according to the present invention, which will be described below. The above considerations for the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 apply similarly to the remaining embodiments of the figure. The following considerations for the remaining figures apply similarly to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 shows another consumable item 1 according to the present invention. Consumable 1 has a tubular VGM7. The VGM 7 substantially extends between the first (upstream) end 3 and the second (downstream) end 4 of the consumables 1. The VGM7 is rigid enough to support its own weight without collapsing. For example, the VGM 7 may be made of a reconstructed tobacco sheet member (see, eg, FIGS. 7-9). The sheet member may have a density of 80 gsm to 145 gsm.

There is an entrance 5 at the first end 3. The filter 9 is arranged at the second end 4 of the consumable item 1 and is formed on the entire surface of the outlet 6 of the consumable item 1. The outer wrap 19 surrounds the VGM 7 and the filter 9 and connects them to each other. In the consumable item 1 of FIG. 5, the support tube 8, the chip paper 10, and the overwrap 13 are omitted as compared with the consumable item 1 of FIG.

The filter 9 may be arranged in contact with the end of the VGM 7 and adjacent to the second end 4 of the consumable 1, or the filter 9 may be arranged in the VGM 7 and of the consumable 1. It may be arranged adjacent to the second end 4.

The outer wrapping 19 may be made of a paper-based material. The paper-based material of the outer wrapping 19 may have a density of 20 to 100 gsm.

The outer packaging 19 may be omitted. In addition to or instead, the filter 9 may be omitted. If the VGM 7 has sufficient rigidity, the consumable item 1 may be substantially composed of only the VGM 7. For the avoidance of doubt, the filter 9 may be included within the end of such a VGM 7. Again, by reducing the number of components included in the consumable 1 in this way, the consumable 1 can be manufactured more simply and more cost-effectively.

FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the consumable item 1 according to the present invention shown in FIG. VGM7 has an active part having an active length of 18 (L_act). The total length 15 (L_vgm) of VGM7 is also shown. The internal heating of the active part of VGM7 is represented by a double-headed arrow. The outer wrap 19 that wraps the VGM 7 and the filter 9 is shown.

In FIG. 6, a gap is shown between the VGM 7 and the outer packaging 19 in the radial direction only for the purpose of clarifying the explanation. Similarly, a gap is shown in the radial direction between the filter 9 and the outer packaging 19 for the sole purpose of clarifying the description. The outer package 19 is in contact with the outer surface of the VGM 7 and the outer surface of the filter 9.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the ratio (L_vgm / L_cons) of the total length 15 (L_vgm) of the VGM7 to the total length (L_cons) of the consumable item 1 may be 0.5 or more, preferably 0.55. Above, preferably 0.6 or more, preferably 0.65 or more, preferably 0.7 or more, preferably 0.75 or more, preferably 0.8 or more, preferably 0.85 or more, preferably 0.9 or more. , It may be preferably 0.95 or more.

The active portion 18 (L_act) of the active portion of VGM7 may be the active portion having a total length of 15 (L_vgm) of VGM7. That is, L_act / L_vgm may be 1 or less.

As a result, the inactive portion 20 of the VGM 7 is arranged downstream of the active portion 21. The inactive portion 20 is the same as the inactive support tube 8 of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. The inert portion 20 may form a mixing zone in the flow path penetrating the inside thereof. In the mixing zone, vapors from VGM7 are mixed with other fluid components from VGM7 or from other sources (eg, perforations formed in VGM7). Further, the inert portion 20 may form a cooling zone in a flow path penetrating the inside thereof. The vapor from the VGM 7 is cooled in the cooling zone, resulting in the vapor being condensed into an aerosol.

FIG. 7 shows an end view of the consumable item 1 according to the present invention. The consumable item 1 has a VGM 7 and an outer package 19. There is no chip paper between the consumables 1 in FIG. 7, however, it is conceivable that they are included between the VGM 7 and the outer packaging 19. Therefore, the form of VGM7 of FIG. 7 can be applied to any of the consumables of FIGS. 1 to 6.

The VGM 7 is formed of a seat member 22 (which is also an option for the consumables of FIGS. 1 to 6). The sheet member 22 is formed into a tubular VGM 7 by winding it exactly once. That is, the opposing edges of the seat member 22 are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal seam 23 of the seat member 22. In other words, the opposing portions of the seat member 22 do not overlap each other. The opposing edges of the sheet members 22 adjacent to each other may not be adhered to each other, or may only be held adjacent to each other so that the VGM 7 is tubular. The opposing edges may be held adjacent to each other using the outer packaging 19 or by utilizing the rigidity of the seat member 22.

In FIG. 7, the entrance 5 of the tubular consumable item 1 is visible. The size and shape of the inlet 5 is defined by the inner surface of the VGM7. The inner diameter 16 of the VGM 7 is shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows an end view of another consumable item 1 according to the present invention. Consumables 1 in FIG. 8 are similar to the consumables in FIG. 7, and similar members are assigned the same reference numbers. The consumable VGM 7 of FIG. 8 has two substantially concentric seat members 22. In each seat member 22, opposite edges are adjacent to each other at their respective longitudinal seams 23. The positions of the two longitudinal seams 23 are offset from each other. That is, the two longitudinal seams 23 are not in line with each other. As a result, the rigidity of the VGM 7 and the consumable item 1 can be improved.

The VGM 7 may have more than the two sheet members 22 of FIG. The longitudinal seams 23 of the respective sheet members 22 may be at different angles from each other. Alternatively, each pair immediately adjacent to the seat member 22 may have a different angle at the position of the longitudinal seam 23 of each pair.

FIG. 9 shows an end view of the consumable item 1 according to the present invention. The consumable item 1 has a VGM 7 and an outer package 19. The chip paper 10 is not present in the consumable item 1 of FIG. 9, however, it is possible that the chip paper 10 is included between the VGM 7 and the outer packaging 19.

In the consumables of FIG. 9, the VGM 7 is formed of the seat member 22. The sheet member 22 is formed into a tubular VGM 7 by winding it a plurality of times. That is, both opposing portions of the seat member 22 overlap each other. FIG. 9 shows a seat member 22 that overlaps exactly three times. By overlapping an integer number of times, the wall thickness of VGM7 can be made more uniform. The rolled sheet member 22 may be held in a rolled form using the outer packaging 19 or using the material of VGM7. For example, the seat member 22 may be configured to have rigidity, which means that the seat member remains in a substantially rolled form. Alternatively, the sheet member 22 may be held in a form wrapped with an adhesive. The number of times the sheet members 22 overlap each other may be less than 3 times or more than 3 times. The number of times the sheet members 22 overlap may be 5 times or less.

The sheet member 22 may be spirally wound. By winding in a spiral shape, for example, the overlapping surface area for adhesive application can be increased.

In FIG. 9, the entrance 5 of the tubular consumable item 1 is visible. The size and shape of the inlet 5 is defined by the inner surface of the VGM7. The inner diameter 16 of the VGM 7 is shown in FIG.

In any of the above embodiments, the VGM 7 may be formed of a reconstructed tobacco sheet member 22 having a density of, for example, 80 to 145 gsm. By adopting an overlapping form (FIG. 9 or the like) or a multilayer form (FIG. 8 or the like), the density of the sheet members can be reduced.

Therefore, all the forms of VGM7 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 can be applied to any of the consumables according to the present invention.

Each of the embodiments described above may be configured to release an aerosol "puff" upon inhalation by the user. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a puff is one inhalation that the user inhales into the mouth, which is inhaled into the lungs. Traditional cigarette smoking typically smokes multiple puffs, such as 10 puffs.

Carriers are vaporized from the active part of VGM7. The active substance is also vaporized from VGM7. Both are taken in by the airflow from the inlet 5. Both vapors of the carrier and the active substance form an aerosol, which is inhaled to the user through outlet 6. Aerosols contain active substances and carriers.

Examples of the carrier include polyglycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), or a combination thereof.

During use, the user inhales at outlet 6 of consumables 1 and (eg) 1 puff of aerosol into the user's mouth, which is inhaled into the lungs. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, there are obvious differences in the puffs that each user sucks (due to physiological differences, user preferences, etc.).

When the user sucks the device, for example 0.5-5.0 seconds, the puff is released from the device. The volume of the puff may be 20 to 120 ml (ml), for example 50 to 60 ml. The puff may be released while the VGM7 is heated in a heater at the activation temperature. The activation temperature may be 170 ° C to 250 ° C. The heater may be kept at approximately activation temperature for the duration of the user's inhalation.

The above description, the following claims, or the features disclosed in the accompanying drawings are appropriately tableed in their particular form, as to the means by which the disclosed functions are performed, or the methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results. However, their features can be used individually or in combination to realize the present invention in its various forms.

Although the present invention has been described with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art who have referred to the present disclosure. Therefore, the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention are considered to be descriptive and non-limiting. Various modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For the avoidance of doubt, all theoretical explanations herein are provided for the purpose of improving the reader's understanding. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

All section headings herein are given for structural purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout the specification, including the claims below, the terms "include" and "have", as well as "include", "include", and "have", unless other interpretations are required in the context. Variations such as "are" are understood to mean including the referred integers or processes or integer groups or process groups, and do not exclude other integers or processes or integer groups or process groups. ..

It should be noted that, within the scope of this specification and the appended claims, the singular form (a, an, and the) also includes multiple referents, unless expressly other interpretations are required in the context. .. In the present specification, the range may be expressed as from one "approximate" specific value and / or from another "approximate" specific value. When such a range is represented, another embodiment includes from the one specific value and / or to another specific value. Similarly, when a number is represented as an approximation using the antecedent "about", it is understood that the particular value constitutes another embodiment. The word "about" for a numerical value is arbitrary, meaning, for example, ± 10%.

Claims (14)

A non-combustion / heating consumable with a tubular steam generating member that defines a flow path that penetrates the interior.
At least the active part of the steam generating member is configured to generate steam by being heated by a heater.
The tubular steam generating member has an inlet to the flow path at the first end of the consumable, and the first end of the consumable is for cooperating with a heating device.
The active portion of the steam generating member has a side wall having a thickness of 0.2 to 1.0 mm.
Non-combustion / heating consumables. The consumable has an air flow path extending between the inlet opening and the outlet opening located at the second end of the consumable, and the flow path penetrating the active portion is The non-combustion / heating type consumable according to claim 1, which constitutes at least a part of the air flow path. The non-combustion / heating type consumable according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the active portion has a total length of more than 10 mm. The non-combustion / heating type consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the active portion has a total length of less than 35 mm. The non-combustion / heating type consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flow path penetrating the active portion has a cross-sectional size and shape substantially equal to the cross-section of the inlet opening. .. The non-combustion / heating type consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the active base material contained in the active portion has a total mass of more than 100 mg and less than 1000 mg. The non-combustion / heating type consumable according to claim 6, wherein the active base material of the active portion contains 0.2 mg to 2.0 mg of the active substance. The non-combustion / heating consumable according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the active base material of the active portion contains 0.0002 mg to 0.02 mg of the active substance per 1 mg of the active base material. The non-combustion / heating type consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the consumable has a total length of 100 mm or less. The non-combustion / heating type consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the consumable has a total length of 50 mm or more. The non-combustion / heating type consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the total length of the flow path penetrating the active portion is 20% to 40% of the total length of the consumable. The non-combustion / heating type consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a mixing zone located downstream of the active portion in the air flow path. The non-combustion / heating consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the steam generating member contains an active substance, and the active substance contains nicotine. The non-combustion / heating consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the steam generating member has a reconstructed tobacco sheet.

Images