JP2023517068A - Aerosol-generating article with multiple air entry zones - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (1) is provided for generating an aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating article comprises a rod of aerosol-forming substrate (12) and a filter positioned downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate rod and filter are assembled in a wrapper (22). The aerosol-generating article comprises first and second air entry zones (15, 115) located on the wrapper. The first and second air entry zones are each configured to allow entry of air into the interior of the aerosol-generating article. The first air entry zone is located at a first location along the aerosol generating article and the second air entry zone is located at a second location along the aerosol generating article. Also provided is an aerosol-generating system (100) comprising an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device (10).
[Selection drawing] Fig. 2

Description

The present invention relates to aerosol-generating articles for generating an aerosol upon heating. Also described herein are aerosol-generating systems comprising an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device.

Aerosol-generating articles are known in the art in which an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than combusted. Typically, in such heated aerosol-generating articles, the aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-forming substrate or material, which is in contact with the heat source. on or in or around the heat source or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, the volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. The released compound condenses to form an aerosol as it cools.

Numerous prior art documents disclose aerosol-generating devices for consuming aerosol-generating articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating devices in which the aerosol is generated by heat transfer from one or more electrical heater elements of the aerosol generating device to the aerosol-forming substrate of the heated aerosol-generating article.

Typically, the aerosol-generating article is specifically adapted for use with a particular aerosol-generating device, or the aerosol-generating device is specifically adapted for use with a particular aerosol-generating article. specifically adapted for In particular, it may be necessary to avoid using certain aerosol-generating articles with certain aerosol-generating devices. This is because such devices may heat certain aerosol-generating articles or not heat other aerosol-generating articles, so that certain articles may be heated by heating elements of certain aerosol-generating devices. It can be because it is suitable.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article adapted for use in an aerosol-generating system that prevents the use of aerosol-generating articles that are incompatible with the aerosol-generating device.

Provided herein are aerosol-generating articles for generating an aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating article comprises a rod of aerosol-forming substrate and a filter positioned downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate rod and filter are assembled in a wrapper. The aerosol-generating article comprises first and second air entry zones located on the wrapper. The first and second air entry zones are each configured to allow entry of air into the interior of the aerosol-generating article.

Provided herein are aerosol-generating articles for generating an aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter positioned downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate rod and filter may be assembled into a wrapper. The aerosol-generating article may comprise first and second air entry zones located on the wrapper. The first and second air entry zones may each be configured to allow entry of air into the interior of the aerosol-generating article. The first air entry zone may be located at a first location along the aerosol-generating article. A second air entry zone may be located at a second location along the aerosol-generating article. The second air entry zone may be located downstream of the first air entry zone. One of the first and second air entry zones may be located along the hollow tubular segment.

The first air entry zone may be located at a first position along the rod of aerosol-forming substrate and the second air entry zone is located at a second position downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. You may

Provided herein are aerosol-generating articles for generating an aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a downstream positioned downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The rod and downstream section of the aerosol-forming substrate can be assembled into a wrapper. The aerosol-generating article may comprise first and second air entry zones located on the wrapper. The first and second air entry zones may each be configured to allow entry of air into the interior of the aerosol-generating article. The first air entry zone may be located at a first location along the aerosol-generating article. A second air entry zone may be located at a second location along the aerosol-generating article. The second air entry zone may be located downstream of the first air entry zone.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol former. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of greater than about 10 percent on a dry weight basis.

Providing such a relatively high aerosol former content facilitates aerosol formation, particularly in the context of heated aerosol-generating articles. Along with providing first and second air entry zones spaced apart from each other, the content of the aerosol former improves nucleation of the aerosol, thereby producing an aerosol upon heating rather than burning the aerosol. In an aerosol-generating article configured to provide a satisfactory amount of aerosol delivered to a user at a relatively low temperature. Moreover, despite the lower operating temperatures, cooling may still be required downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. Providing a second downstream air entry zone aids this cooling effect by providing ventilation, and providing an aerosol former enhances aerosol nucleation during use. These improved aerosol delivery benefits (due to improved cooling and aerosol nucleation) are achieved when at least one of the air entry zones is relatively wide (e.g., by including a substantially porous portion of the wrapper), or It is further enhanced when the aerosol-forming substrate comprises homogenized tobacco material.

The filter, or downstream section, may include a hollow tubular segment. A hollow tubular segment may be located downstream of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. A hollow tubular segment may be located immediately downstream of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate.

A first air entry zone or a second air entry zone may be located along the hollow tubular segment. A second air entry zone may be located along the hollow tubular segment. A first air entry zone may be located at a first location along the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate and a second air entry zone may be located along the hollow tubular segment.

Aerosol-generating articles may be configured for use with certain aerosol-generating devices to form an aerosol-generating system. The present disclosure also relates to aerosol generation systems. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device comprising a heating element that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

The aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system may have a distal end and a mouth end. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing. The housing may define a device cavity for removably receiving an aerosol-generating article at the mouth end of the device. The aerosol-generating device may include a heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity. The aerosol generating device may comprise an airflow channel extending between a channel inlet and a channel outlet. The airflow channel may be configured to establish fluid communication between the interior of the device cavity and the exterior of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol-generating system, or device, is an aerosol-generating device in which fluid communication between the interior of the aerosol-generating article and the exterior of the aerosol-generating device is received within the device cavity when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity. It can be configured to be established by fluid communication established between the first air entry zone of the article and the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device.

In order to consume the aerosol-generating articles of the present invention and generate an aerosol within the aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system, fluid communication must be established between the interior of the aerosol-generating article and the exterior of the aerosol-generating device. be. During consumption, a user may draw on the aerosol-generating article such that the user can experience and consume the aerosol being generated within the aerosol-generating article. Through such a withdrawal action, air may flow from outside the aerosol-generating device, through the aerosol-generating device, into the aerosol-generating article, and through the aerosol-generating article to carry the aerosol generated in the article to the mouth of the user.

Fluid communication between the interior of the aerosol-generating article and the exterior of the aerosol-generating device is established between the first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article received within the device cavity and the airflow channel of the aerosol-generating device. By configuring the aerosol-generating system to be established by fluid communication, it is ensured that compatible aerosol-generating articles are used with the aerosol-generating device. For use in the aerosol-generating system of the present invention, a compatible aerosol-generating article will have an airflow channel between the first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article and the airflow channel of the aerosol-generating device when received within the device cavity. should have a first air entry zone configured to establish fluid communication with the air entry zone. Additionally, a compatible aerosol-generating device should have an airflow channel configured to establish fluid communication with the first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article received within the device.

Fluid communication between the interior of the aerosol-generating article and the exterior of the aerosol-generating device provides airflow of the aerosol-generating device overlying or overlapping the first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article received within the device cavity. It can be established by channel outlets. Accordingly, a compatible aerosol-generating article is configured such that the airflow channel exit of the aerosol-generating device covers or overlaps the first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article when received within the device cavity. It must have a configured first air entry zone. Additionally, a compatible aerosol-generating device should have an airflow channel configured such that the outlet covers or overlaps the first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article when received within the device. There is

When an incompatible aerosol-generating article is used with the aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system of the present disclosure, the user is unable to use the aerosol-generating system and consumes, or at least completely eliminates, the incompatible aerosol-generating article. You may not be able to experience it. Furthermore, if the compatible aerosol-generating article is used with a different aerosol-generating device that does not belong to the aerosol-generating system of the present disclosure, the user cannot use the aerosol-generating system and the compatible aerosol-generating article. You may not be able to consume, or at least fully experience, the item. This is because if alignment of the airflow channel exit of the aerosol-generating device and the first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article does not occur, there is adequate or complete fluid communication between the interior of the aerosol-generating article and the exterior of the aerosol-generating device. because it may not be established at

Fluid communication between the exterior of the aerosol-generating device and the interior of the aerosol-generating article is established by partial or complete overlap or alignment between the outlet of the airflow channel of the device and the first air entry zone of the article. good too.

Fluid communication between the exterior of the aerosol-generating device and the interior of the aerosol-generating article may be established by partial or complete overlap or alignment between the airflow channel of the device and the first air entry zone of the article. .

The first air entry zone is located at a first position along the rod of aerosol-forming substrate and the second air entry zone is located at a second position downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

By providing a first air entry zone located at a first location along the rod of aerosol-forming substrate and a second air entry zone located at a second location downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating articles of the present invention can provide both a primary air entrainment zone along the rod of aerosol-forming substrate and a ventilation zone downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. During use with a compatible aerosol-generating device, the first air entry zone may allow most of the air to enter the aerosol-generating article, while the second air entry zone may allow the aerosol to be generated. can provide ventilation to the flow of water and cool the flow to improve the consumer experience.

As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to the major longitudinal axis of an aerosol-generating article or device that extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating device. Point to the corresponding direction.

As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to elements or portions of elements of an aerosol-generating article or device relative to the direction in which aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article during use. Describe the location.

The term "mouth end" refers to the portion of an element or component that is configured to be in or near the mouth of a user during normal use of the element or component. The mouth end of a component can also correspond to the downstream end of the same component. For example, the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article may also be the downstream end of the article. The mouth end of the aerosol-generating article or device is configured to be placed in or near the mouth of a consumer during normal use. The mouth end of the aerosol generator may also be referred to as the proximal end of the aerosol generator.

During use, air is primarily drawn longitudinally through the aerosol-generating article. Outside the device, air can be drawn through the article via the upstream end.

The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Any reference to a "cross-section" of an aerosol-generating article or component of an aerosol-generating article refers to a transverse cross-section, unless stated otherwise.

The term "length" refers to the dimension of a component of an aerosol-generating article or device relative to its longitudinal axis.

The device cavity may be referred to as the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. The device cavity can extend between a distal end and a mouth end or a proximal end. The distal end of the device cavity may be a closed end and the mouth end or proximal end of the device cavity may be an open end. The aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the device cavity or heating chamber via the open end of the device cavity. The device cavity may be cylindrical in shape to match the same shape of the aerosol-generating article.

The phrase "receiving within" may refer to the fact that a component or element is wholly or partially contained within another component or element. For example, the phrase "the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity" refers to the aerosol-generating article being fully or partially received within the device cavity of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may abut the distal end of the device cavity when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially proximate the distal end of the device cavity when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity. A distal end of the device cavity may be defined by an end wall.

The length of the device cavity may be from about 10mm to about 50mm. The length of the device cavity may be from about 20mm to about 40mm. The length of the device cavity may be from about 25mm to about 30mm. The length of the device cavity may be the same as or longer than the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The diameter of the device cavity may be from about 4 mm to about 50 mm. The diameter of the device cavity may be from about 4 mm to about 30 mm. The diameter of the device cavity may be from about 5 mm to about 15 mm. The diameter of the device cavity may be from about 6mm to about 12mm. The diameter of the device cavity may be from about 7 mm to about 10 mm. The diameter of the device cavity may be from about 7 mm to about 8 mm.

The diameter of the device cavity may be the same as or larger than the diameter of the aerosol-generating article. The diameter of the device cavity may be the same as the diameter of the aerosol-generating article to establish a tight fit with the aerosol-generating article.

The device cavity can be configured to establish a tight fit with an aerosol-generating article received within the device cavity. A tight fit may refer to a slip fit. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a peripheral wall. Such peripheral walls may define device cavities, or heating chambers. The peripheral wall defining the device cavity is positioned within the device cavity such that there is substantially no gap or empty space between the peripheral wall defining the device cavity and the aerosol-generating article when received within the device. It can be configured to engage a received aerosol-generating article in a tight fit.

Such a tight fit may establish a tight fit or configuration between the device cavity and the aerosol-generating article received therein. Such an airtight configuration can mean that air can only be drawn into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the alignment or overlap of the airflow channel outlet and the first air entry zone. In such an airtight configuration, there is substantially no gap or empty space between the peripheral walls defining the device cavity and the aerosol-generating article through which air flows. Thus, when incompatible aerosol-generating articles are used with an aerosol-generating device, such alignment may not occur and thus air may not be drawn through the incompatible aerosol-generating article.

A tight fit with the aerosol-generating article can be established along the entire length of the device cavity or along a portion of the length of the device cavity. A tight fit may be established at a location downstream of the first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article. A portion of the peripheral wall configured to establish such a tight fit may be referred to as a sealing portion of the peripheral wall. Such a tight fit can be established when the airflow channels are defined within the thickness of the peripheral wall of the aerosol generating device. A sealing portion of the peripheral wall may be defined along the entire length of the device cavity.

If the airflow channel is defined on the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the device housing, a portion of the peripheral wall between the airflow channel and the distal end of the device cavity may define a sealing portion of the peripheral wall. This ensures that air does not flow past the airflow channel towards the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. A portion of the peripheral wall between the airflow channel and the distal end of the device cavity can form an airtight configuration with the upstream portion of the aerosol-generating article when received within the device.

A sealing portion of the peripheral wall may be configured to establish an airtight fit with a portion of the aerosol-generating article at a location downstream of the first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article. A sealing portion of the peripheral wall may be configured to establish an airtight fit with a portion of the aerosol-generating article at a location downstream of the second air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article.

The diameter of the device cavity can vary along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. The diameter of the device cavity may decrease from the distal end of the device cavity to the sealing portion of the peripheral wall.

The diameter of the device cavity may increase in a direction from the sealing portion of the peripheral wall toward the distal end of the device cavity. The diameter of the device cavity between the distal end of the device cavity and the sealing portion of the peripheral wall may be greater than the diameter of the rest of the device cavity. The diameter of the device cavity may increase away from the sealing portion of the peripheral wall and away from the mouth end of the device.

By providing a portion of the device cavity with a larger diameter, or a plurality of larger diameters, than other portions of the device cavity, the device cavity is positioned around the upstream portion of the aerosol-generating article ( perimeter) may define a gap or chamber. In such embodiments, alignment or overlap between the first air entry zone and the first exit of the airflow channel of the device is not necessary to ensure fluid communication between the exterior of the device and the interior of the article. sometimes not. There is still a need for air to enter the article through the first air entry zone. Air entering the device cavity through the first outlet of the airflow channel may enter such a gap or chamber and then be drawn into the article through the first air entry zone. Such a gap or chamber provides a cushion of air around that upstream portion of the article, which is either heated by the heater of the device or acts as a cushion of cooling air surrounding the article. obtain.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a peripheral wall defining a device cavity, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a peripheral protrusion extending from the peripheral wall into the device cavity, the peripheral protrusion extending into the aerosol-generating device. is configured to establish an air-tight fit with a portion of the aerosol-generating article at a location downstream of the first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article when received in the aerosol-generating article.

The diameter of the device cavity may be greater than the diameter of the aerosol-generating article, and the inner diameter of the outer perimeter projection is such that there is a tight fit between the article and the outer perimeter projection after the article is received within the aerosol-generating device. It may be the same as the diameter of the aerosol-generating article, as established. The inner diameter of the outer peripheral projection may be smaller than the diameter of the aerosol-generating article. This may ensure that a tight fit is established more reliably.

By establishing an airtight fit with the aerosol-generating article downstream of the first air entry zone, air can enter the interior of the aerosol-generating article only through the alignment of the airflow channel exit with the first air entry zone. More is ensured. This can be accomplished by either a sealing portion of the peripheral wall or a peripheral projection, both of which are described above.

When the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity, the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be blocked such that air is substantially prevented from entering the aerosol-generating article through the upstream end. However, when the aerosol-generating article is not received within the aerosol-generating device, air may flow through the aerosol-generating article through its upstream end. When the article is received or inserted into the device, the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be around the distal end of the device cavity such that air can no longer flow through the upstream end of the article. . As such, air flowing through the airflow channel may be drawn through the article only via the first air entry zone. The upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be defined by the upstream end of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol generating device may comprise an airflow channel extending between a channel inlet and a channel outlet. The airflow channel may be configured to establish fluid communication between the interior of the device cavity and the exterior of the aerosol generating device. An airflow channel of the aerosol generating device may be defined within the housing of the aerosol generating device to allow fluid communication between the interior of the device cavity and the exterior of the aerosol generating device. When an aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity, the airflow channel can be configured to provide air flowing into the article to deliver the generated aerosol to a user who withdraws from the mouth end of the article. .

The airflow channel of the aerosol generator may be defined in or by the peripheral wall of the housing of the aerosol generator. In other words, the airflow channels of the aerosol generating device may be defined within the thickness of the peripheral wall, or by the inner surface of the peripheral wall, or by a combination of both. The airflow channel may be partially defined by the inner surface of the peripheral wall and may be partially defined within the thickness of the peripheral wall. The inner surface of the peripheral wall defines the perimeter of the device cavity.

The airflow channel of the aerosol generating device can extend from an inlet located at the mouth end or proximal end of the aerosol generating device to an outlet located away from the mouth end of the device. The airflow channel may extend along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. The outlet of the airflow channel is configured such that when a compatible aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity, the outlet covers the first air entry zone of the article.

The airflow channel may be provided with two or more outlets, one for each air entry zone provided in an article configured to be used with an aerosol generating device. For example, if the aerosol-generating article comprises a first air entry zone and a second air entry zone, the corresponding airflow channels of the aerosol-generating device will, when the aerosol-generating article is fully received within the aerosol-generating device, It may have at least one first outlet for covering the first air entry zone and at least one second outlet for covering the second air entry zone. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating article received within the device cavity, wherein fluid communication between the interior of the aerosol-generating article and the exterior of the aerosol-generating device is established when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity. can be configured to be established by fluid communication established between the first and second air entry zones of the aerosol generator and the airflow channel of the aerosol generator.

When the airflow channel is defined in the peripheral wall of the device, the airflow channel extends in a first portion axially of the device from the channel inlet and from the end of the first portion transversely to the direction of the channel outlet. A radially extending second portion may be included. As a result, the airflow channel may include bends or elbows to connect the inlet and outlet of the airflow channel. If the airflow channel includes more than one outlet along its length, the airflow channel may include additional channel portions extending transversely from the first portion to each of the additional outlets. If the airflow channel includes a single outlet, the airflow channel may include an L-shaped bend or elbow.

If the airflow channel is defined by the inner surface of the peripheral wall, the length of the airflow channel may be directly exposed to the device cavity, i.e. the longitudinal sides of the airflow channel are open to the device cavity. good too. The thickness of the portion of the peripheral wall defining the airflow channel may be less than the thickness of the remaining portion of the peripheral wall. The diameter of the portion of the peripheral wall defining the airflow channel may be greater than the diameter of the remainder of the peripheral wall. In such embodiments, the airflow channel may be annular in shape such that the airflow channel surrounds the device cavity and the aerosol-generating article received within the device cavity.

In embodiments in which the airflow channel is defined by the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the housing, the entire length of the airflow channel may be exposed or open to the device cavity, and thus the aerosol-generating article received within the device. In such embodiments, the airflow channel is configured to cover all air entry zones of the compatible aerosol-generating article to establish fluid communication between the exterior of the aerosol-generating device and the interior of the aerosol-generating article. It is In such embodiments, the outlet of the airflow channel may be considered the open side of the airflow channel, ie, the side of the airflow channel that is exposed or open to the device cavity.

The length of the airflow channel may be less than the length of the device cavity. The length of an airflow channel refers to the longitudinal or axial distance that the airflow channel extends.

The airflow channel is configured such that a first outlet of the airflow channel is arranged to align with or cover a first air entry zone of an aerosol-generating article received within the device cavity. good too. The airflow channel may extend from a first inlet located at a mouth end of the housing of the aerosol generating device to a first outlet. A first, or optional, outlet of the airflow channel may be provided between the distal end and the mouth end of the device cavity.

The first outlet may be located at least about 2 mm away from the distal end of the device cavity. The first outlet may be located at least about 3 mm from the distal end of the device cavity. The first outlet may be located at least about 5 mm from the distal end of the device cavity. The first outlet may be located at least about 7 mm away from the distal end of the device cavity.

Is the distance of the first outlet from the distal end of the device cavity similar to the distance of the first air entry zone from the distal end of the device cavity when the article is received in the device cavity? , can be the same. the distance of the further outlet of the airflow channel from the distal end of the device cavity and the distance of the further air entry zone from the distal end of the device cavity when the article is received in the device cavity are similar; can be the same. the distance of the distal end of the airflow channel from the distal end of the device cavity and the distance of the air entry zone from the distal end of the device cavity when an article is received in the device cavity, or can be the same.

The first outlet may be located no more than about 25 mm from the distal end of the device cavity. The first outlet may be located about 3 mm to about 20 mm away from the distal end of the device cavity. The first outlet may be located about 5 mm to about 18 mm away from the distal end of the device cavity. The first outlet may be located about 7 mm to about 16 mm away from the distal end of the device cavity. The airflow channel may not extend beyond the distal end of the device cavity.

The length of the airflow channel may be about 23mm. The length of the airflow channel may be from about 3 mm to about 100 mm. The length of the airflow channel may be from about 8mm to about 70mm. The length of the airflow channel may be from about 10mm to about 50mm. The length of the airflow channel may be from about 12mm to about 40mm. The length of the airflow channel may be from about 12mm to about 40mm. The length of the airflow channel may be from about 15mm to about 30mm. The length of the airflow channel may be from about 20mm to about 25mm.

When the compatible aerosol-generating article comprises a first air entry zone located downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate, the length of the airflow channel may be from about 8 mm to about 25 mm. The length of the airflow channel may be from about 10mm to about 15mm. The length of the airflow channel may be about 11 mm to about 13 mm.

The diameter of the airflow channel may be from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm. The diameter of the airflow channel may be from about 0.5mm to about 4mm. The diameter of the airflow channel may be from about 1 mm to about 3 mm. The diameter of the airflow channel may be from about 1.5mm to about 2.5mm. The airflow channels and their outlet and inlet diameters may be the same or different.

The "length" of an airflow channel may refer to how far the airflow channel extends longitudinally.

A plurality of airflow channels each having at least one inlet and at least one outlet may be provided within the aerosol generating device. Such multiple airflow channels may be evenly and circumferentially distributed around the device cavity.

The airflow channel, or each airflow channel, may include a single inlet and multiple outlets. In such embodiments, there may be one outlet corresponding to each air entry zone provided on the aerosol-generating article configured to be received within the aerosol-generating device.

As noted above, the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention comprises a rod of aerosol-forming substrate and a filter, or a downstream section located downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating article may further comprise an upstream section at a position upstream of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. An upstream section may comprise one or more upstream elements. In some embodiments, the upstream section may include an upstream element disposed immediately upstream of the aerosol-generating element. The upstream element may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The upstream element may abut the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. An upstream element may be referred to as an upstream section. The aerosol-generating article may include an air inlet at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. If the aerosol-generating article comprises an upstream element, the air inlet may be provided through the upstream element. Air entering through the air inlet may pass through the aerosol-generating substrate to generate a mainstream aerosol.

The porosity or permeability of the upstream section can be advantageously varied to provide the desired overall withdrawal resistance of the aerosol-generating article.

In some embodiments, the upstream section may be formed from a material that is impermeable to air. In such embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may be configured to allow air to flow into the rods of the aerosol-generating substrate via suitable venting means provided within the wrapper.

The upstream section may be made of any material suitable for use in aerosol-generating articles. For example, the upstream element can include a plug of material. Suitable materials for forming the upstream section include filter materials, ceramics, polymeric materials, cellulose acetate, cardboard, zeolites, or aerosol-generating substrates. The upstream section preferably includes a plug containing cellulose acetate.

If the upstream section includes a plug of material, the downstream end of the plug of material may be around the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the upstream section can include a plug comprising cellulose acetate that abuts the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. This can advantageously help hold the aerosol-generating substrate in place.

Where the upstream section includes a plug of material, the downstream end of the plug of material may be spaced from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. The upstream element may include a plug containing fibrous filtration material.

The upstream section can have a length of at least about 1 millimeter. For example, the upstream section may have a length of at least about 2 millimeters, at least about 4 millimeters, or at least about 6 millimeters.

The upstream section may have a length of about 15 millimeters or less. For example, the upstream section may have a length of about 12 millimeters or less, about 10 millimeters or less, or about 8 millimeters or less.

The upstream section may have a length of about 1 millimeter to about 15 millimeters. For example, the upstream section may have a length of about 2 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, about 4 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or about 6 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

The upstream section or element may comprise a hollow tubular segment.

The filter or downstream section may include a mouthpiece segment containing a plug of filtering material and a hollow tubular segment located between the rod of aerosol-forming substrate and the mouthpiece segment. All three elements may be longitudinally aligned. The rod of aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least an aerosol former. A hollow tubular segment may be a support segment or a cooling segment. The hollow tubular segment may or may be positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The filter or downstream section may include a mouthpiece segment containing a plug of filtering material and an aerosol cooling segment (or element) located between the rod of aerosol-forming substrate and the mouthpiece segment. All three elements may be longitudinally aligned.

The mouthpiece segment may include a hollow tubular segment. The mouthpiece segment may be a hollow tubular segment. The mouthpiece segment may be a plug of filtering material.

As used herein, an "aerosol cooling element" means that an aerosol formed by a volatile compound released from an aerosol-forming substrate during use passes through the aerosol cooling element prior to inhalation by a user, and the aerosol It can refer to a component of an aerosol-generating article located downstream of an aerosol-forming substrate, as cooled by a cooling element. Aerosol cooling elements have a large surface area but produce a low pressure drop. Aerosol cooling elements may act to cool the temperature of an aerosol stream drawn through the element by heat transfer. The components of the aerosol will interact with the aerosol cooling element and loose thermal energy.

The aerosol cooling element may comprise a sheet material selected from the group consisting of metal foil, polymer sheet, and substantially non-porous paper or cardboard. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element is polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA) and aluminum foil. A sheet material selected from the group consisting of:

After consumption, aerosol-generating articles are typically discarded. It may be advantageous to make the elements forming the aerosol-generating article biodegradable. Thus, the aerosol cooling element may be made of biodegradable materials such as, for example, non-porous paper, or highly biodegradable materials such as polylactic acid or Mater-Bi® grades (commercial families of starch-based copolyesters). It may be advantageous to be formed from molecules. In some embodiments, the entire aerosol-generating article is biodegradable or compostable.

In some embodiments, an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is disposed between and longitudinally aligned with a rod of an aerosol-forming substrate and a hollow tubular segment or aerosol cooling segment (or element). Additional support elements (or support segments) may be provided. More particularly, support elements (or support segments) may be provided immediately downstream of the rods and immediately upstream of the hollow tubular segments or aerosol cooling elements. Additional support elements or segments may be tubular.

The aerosol-generating article wrapper may comprise an air impermeable material. The aerosol-generating article wrapper may comprise an air impermeable material. By providing the aerosol-generating article with an air-impermeable or air-impermeable material, when the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article is blocked upon insertion into the device cavity or heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device, air is trapped. to enter the aerosol-generating article requires that air be drawn through the first air entry zone. In other words, the first air entry zone may define the main and only air intake portion of the article from which air can be drawn into the article.

The expression "air-impermeable material" or "air-impermeable material" is used throughout this specification to mean a material that does not substantially allow the passage of fluids, particularly air and smoke, through interstices or pores in the material. used to For example, if the wrapper is made of a material that is impermeable to air and aerosol particles, air and aerosol particles that are drawn through the article cannot flow across the material of the wrapper. In contrast, the term "porous" is used herein to refer to materials that provide a plurality of pores or openings that allow the passage of air through the material.

By providing the wrapper with an air impermeable material, air can enter the aerosol-generating article only through the first air entry zone provided within the wrapper when the article is received within the aerosol-generating device. have access to the interior.

The first air entry zone may be located at a (first) location along the aerosol-generating article.

The first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article may be located along the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located around the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article may be located at a position along the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The first air entry zone may be located at a position downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located at least 1 mm downstream of or from the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate.

A first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article may be located along the hollow tubular segment. The first air entry zone may be located around the hollow tubular segment. The first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article may be located along the hollow tubular segment.

A first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article may be located along the support segment. The first air entry zone may be located around the support segment. The first air entry zone of the aerosol-generating article may be located along the support segment. The support segment may be a hollow support segment.

The aerosol-generating article may extend between the upstream end and the downstream end. The downstream end of the article may coincide with the downstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. In other words, the downstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate may define the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

The first air entry zone may be located at least about 2 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located at least about 3 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located at least about 4 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located at least about 5 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located at least about 6 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located at least about 7 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located at least about 8 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located at least about 9 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located at least about 10 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located at least about 12 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The first air entry zone may be located no more than about 20 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located no more than about 15 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located no more than about 14 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located no more than about 13 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located no more than about 12 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located no more than about 10 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located no more than about 9 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located no more than about 8 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located no more than about 6 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located no more than about 5 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The first air entry zone may be located from about 2 mm to about 20 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located from about 3 mm to about 15 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located from about 4 mm to about 12 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The first air entry zone may be located from about 2 mm to about 15 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located from about 3 mm to about 12 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located about 5 mm to about 10 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The first air entry zone may be located from about 2 mm to about 12 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located from about 3 mm to about 10 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located about 5 mm to about 8 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The first air entry zone may be located from about 2 mm to about 10 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located from about 3 mm to about 9 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located about 5 mm to about 8 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The first air entry zone may be located from about 2 mm to about 8 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located from about 2 mm to about 6 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located about 2 mm to about 5 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The first air entry zone may be located about 10 mm to about 20 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The first air entry zone may be located about 12 mm to about 15 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

A first air entry zone may be located along the upstream half of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. By positioning the first air entry zone along the upstream half of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate, the air drawn through the first air entry zone is optimized for aerosol generation and efficient use of the aerosol-forming substrate. can be drawn through a substantial length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate.

A first air entry zone may be located along the downstream half of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. A first air entry zone may be located along the upstream half of the hollow tubular segment. A first air entry zone may be located along the upstream half of the support segment. A first air entry zone may be located along the downstream half of the hollow tubular segment. A first air entry zone may be located along the downstream half of the support segment.

Throughout this specification, when an air entry zone is or may be located along a particular component of an aerosol-generating article, this means that the air entry zone is located along such configuration of the aerosol-generating article. Refers to the fact that it sits on part of the wrapper that covers the element. For example, if the air entry zone is located along a rod of aerosol-forming substrate, this refers to the fact that the air entry zone is located on a portion of the wrapper covering the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The term "upstream half" refers to the area or portion of an element between the upstream end of the element and the midpoint of the element. The term "downstream half" refers to the area or portion of an element between the downstream end of the element and the midpoint of the element.

Additional air entry zones may be provided in the aerosol-generating article to provide additional functionality to the first air entry zone. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a second air entry zone located on the wrapper. Such a second air entry zone may be configured to provide ventilation to the aerosol-generating article within the device during use as a ventilation zone, with the first air entry zone functioning as an air intake zone for the article. . Additionally, an air entry zone may be provided to provide additional ventilation to the article during normal and conforming use.

A second air entry zone may be located at a (second) location along the aerosol-generating article.

A second air entry zone may be located on the wrapper at a location downstream of the first air entry zone. A second air entry zone may be provided at the same location along the component of the aerosol-generating article as the first air entry zone. For example, if a first air ingress zone is provided along a rod of aerosol-forming substrate, a second air ingress zone is provided along the rod of aerosol-forming substrate at a location downstream of the first air ingress zone. may be

A second air entry zone may be located downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. A second air entry zone may be located downstream of the downstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. A second air entry zone may be located along the filter or downstream section of the aerosol-generating article. A second air entry zone may be located along the hollow tubular segment. A second air entry zone may be located along the support segment.

The second air entry zone may be located at least about 1 mm downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. That is, the second air entry zone may be located at least 1 mm downstream of the downstream end of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone may be located at least about 2 mm downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone may be located at least about 3 mm downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 8 mm downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 7 mm downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 6 mm downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The second air entry zone may be located from about 1 mm to about 8 mm downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone may be located from about 2 mm to about 7 mm downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone may be located about 2 mm to about 6 mm downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone may be located about 3 mm to about 6 mm downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The second air entry zone may be located at least about 1 mm downstream of the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment. The second air entry zone may be located at least about 2 mm downstream of the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment. The second air entry zone may be located at least about 3 mm downstream of the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment.

The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 8 mm downstream of the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment. The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 7 mm downstream of the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment. The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 6 mm downstream of the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment.

The second air entry zone may be located about 1 mm to about 8 mm downstream of the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment. The second air entry zone may be located about 2 mm to about 7 mm downstream of the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment. The second air entry zone may be located about 2 mm to about 6 mm downstream of the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment. The second air entry zone may be located about 3 mm to about 6 mm downstream of the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment.

The second air entry zone may be located at least about 1 mm downstream of the upstream end of the support segment. The second air entry zone may be located at least about 2 mm downstream of the upstream end of the support segment. The second air entry zone may be located at least about 3 mm downstream of the upstream end of the support segment.

The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 8 mm downstream of the upstream end of the support segment. The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 7 mm downstream of the upstream end of the support segment. The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 6 mm downstream of the upstream end of the support segment.

The second air entry zone may be located about 1 mm to about 8 mm downstream of the upstream end of the support segment. The second air entry zone may be located about 2 mm to about 7 mm downstream of the upstream end of the support segment. The second air entry zone may be located about 2 mm to about 6 mm downstream of the upstream end of the support segment. The second air entry zone may be located about 3 mm to about 6 mm downstream of the upstream end of the support segment.

As noted above, the second air entry zone may be located along the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone may be located at least about 3.5 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone may be located at least about 4 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone may be located at least about 6.5 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 20 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 16 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 12 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

A second air entry zone may be located from about 3.5 mm to about 20 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone may be located from about 4 mm to about 16 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone may be located from about 6.5 mm to about 12 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The second air entry zone may be located at least about 1.5 mm downstream of the first air entry zone. The second air entry zone may be located at least about 2 mm downstream of the first air entry zone. The second air entry zone may be located at least about 3 mm downstream of the first air entry zone.

The second air entry zone may be located at least about 10 mm downstream of the first air entry zone. The second air entry zone may be located at least about 12 mm downstream of the first air entry zone. In such embodiments, the second air entry zone may be located downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 20 mm downstream of the first air entry zone. The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 18 mm downstream of the first air entry zone. The second air entry zone may be located no more than about 16 mm downstream of the first air entry zone.

The second air entry zone may be located about 1.5 mm to about 20 mm downstream of the first air entry zone. The second air entry zone may be located from about 2 mm to about 18 mm downstream of the first air entry zone. The second air entry zone may be located from about 3 mm to about 16 mm downstream of the first air entry zone.

A second air entry zone may be located along the upstream half of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. A second air entry zone may be located along the downstream half of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. A second air entry zone may be located along the upstream half of the hollow tubular segment. A second air entry zone may be located along the upstream half of the support segment. A second air entry zone may be located along the downstream half of the hollow tubular segment. A second air entry zone may be located along the downstream half of the support segment.

The air entry zone may include one or more rows of openings or perforations through the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article. The air entry zone openings or perforations may extend through the filter or downstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The air entry zone openings or perforations may extend through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment of the article. The air entry zone openings or perforations may extend through the peripheral wall of the support segment of the article, particularly if the support segment is hollow.

The air entry zone may contain only one row of openings or perforations. A row of apertures or perforations may comprise 8 to 30 apertures or perforations. A row of openings or perforations may comprise 10 to 20 openings or perforations. The air entry zone may surround the aerosol-generating article. The air entry zone may surround the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. An air entry zone may surround the hollow tubular segment. An air entry zone may surround the support segment.

The air entry zone perforations may be of uniform size. Alternatively, the perforations may vary in size. By varying the number and size of the perforations, it is possible to adjust the amount of ambient air entering the hollow tubular segment as the consumer sucks on the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating article during use. As such, it is advantageously possible to adjust the ventilation level or air intake level of the aerosol-generating article. The perforations are preferably circular.

Air entry perforation may be performed using any suitable technique, such as laser technology, mechanical perforation of hollow tubular segments or support segments as part of the aerosol-generating article, or in combination with other factors to perforate the aerosol-generating article. It can be formed by pre-drilling the hollow tubular segment or support segment prior to forming. The perforations are preferably formed by on-line laser perforation.

In addition, the inventors have found that in aerosol-generating articles according to the present invention, the cooling and dilution effect produced by admitting vent air at locations along the conduits defined by the hollow tubular segments described above includes the generation of phenol-containing species. and found to have a surprising reduction effect on delivery.

The air entry zone or ventilation zone may comprise one or more rows of perforations formed through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment. As mentioned above, the second air entry zone can be a ventilation zone. Preferably, the ventilation zone contains only one row of perforations. This has been found to be advantageous in that aerosol nucleation can be further enhanced by condensing the cooling effect provided by venting over a short portion of the cavity defined by the hollow tube segments. be done. This is because faster and more dramatic cooling of the volatilized species stream is expected to particularly favor the formation of new nuclei of aerosol particles.

Preferably, the row or rows of perforations are circumferentially arranged around the wall of the hollow tube. When the ventilation zone comprises two or more rows of perforations formed through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment, the rows are longitudinally spaced from each other along the hollow tubular segment.

The air entry perforations or openings may have a radius of at least about 0.05 mm. The air entry perforations or openings may have a radius of at least about 0.06 mm. The air entry perforations or openings may have a radius of at least about 0.1 mm. The air entry perforations may have a radius of about 0.06 mm to about 0.1 mm.

The equivalent diameter of at least one of the vent perforations or air entry perforations is preferably at least about 100 micrometers. Preferably, the equivalent diameter of at least one of the vent holes is at least about 150 micrometers. Even more preferably, the equivalent diameter of at least one of the vent perforations is at least about 200 micrometers. Additionally or alternatively, it is preferred that the equivalent diameter of at least one of the vent perforations is less than about 500 micrometers. More preferably, the equivalent diameter of at least one of the vent perforations is less than about 450 microns. Even more preferably, the equivalent diameter of at least one of the vent perforations is less than about 400 microns. The term "equivalent diameter" is used herein to mean the diameter of a circle having the same surface area as the cross-section of the vent hole. The cross-section of the ventilation perforations may have any suitable shape. However, circular vent perforations are preferred.

The ventilation or air entry perforations may be of uniform size. Alternatively, the vent perforations may vary in size. By varying the number and size of the ventilation perforations, it is possible to adjust the amount of ambient air entering the hollow tubular segment as the consumer sucks on the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating article during use. As such, it is advantageously possible to adjust the ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article.

The air entry zone may comprise a substantially porous portion of the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article. Such porous portions may be defined in the air-impermeable or air-impermeable wrapper of the aerosol-generating article, or may be defined by a different material forming part of the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article. Such porous portions may be defined by a porosity pattern defined in the wrapper. Such porous portions may define first or second air entry zones. Thus, the first or second air entry zone can have the porosity characteristics of such porous portions.

Such porous portions of the wrapper may have a relatively high porosity relative to the remainder of the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article. The porosity of such porous portions may be at least about 3000 Coresta units (CU). The porosity of such porous portions may be at least about 5000 Coresta units (CU). The porosity of such porous portions may be less than about 25000 Coresta units (CU). The porosity of such porous portions may be less than about 20,000 Coresta units (CU). The porosity of such porous portions may be from about 3000 CU to about 25000 CU. The porosity of such porous portions may be from about 5000 CU to about 20000 CU.

The width of the air entry zone (first, second, or any air entry zone) may be at least about 1 mm. The width of the air entry zone may be at least about 3 mm. The width of the air entry zone may be at least about 5 mm. The "width" of the air entry zone refers to the sizing of the air entry zone in the axial or longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. The "width" of this air entry zone may be referred to as the "length" of the air entry zone.

The width of the first air entry zone may be greater than the width of the second air entry zone. Thereby, the first air entry zone serves its function as the primary air intake of the aerosol-generating article when received in a compatible aerosol-generating device, and the second or subsequent air entry zone: It may function as a secondary air intake zone or ventilation zone.

Such relatively wide air entry zones may be formed from a porous portion of the wrapper having relatively high porosity, multiple rows of perforations, or relatively wide perforations (as described above).

By providing a wide air entry zone, such as the first air entry zone, there will be more surface area of the first air entry that overlaps or aligns with the exit of the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device. This therefore ensures that fluid communication is established between the exterior of the aerosol-generating device and the interior of the aerosol-generating article received within the device so that the consumer can properly consume the article. do. Having a relatively wide air entry zone can be a major source of inaccuracy in manufacturing the air entry zone, which can affect the positional relationship between the exit of the airflow channel of the device and the air entry zone.

The air entry zone may completely or partially surround the aerosol-generating article. The air entry zone may be located around the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first air entry zone and a second air entry zone located along the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first air entry zone located along the rod of aerosol-forming substrate and a second air entry zone located downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first air entry zone located along the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate and a second air entry zone located along the hollow tubular segment. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first air entry zone located along the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate and a second air entry zone located along the support segment.

Each air entry zone may provide or allow a certain level of air entry into the interior of the aerosol-generating article. The level of air ingress can refer to the amount of fluid that can enter through the air ingress zone to enter the interior of the aerosol-generating article. The level of air ingress may be expressed in terms of the volume of air (in cubic millimeters) that can enter through the air ingress zone over a period of time (expressed in seconds). The level of air ingress can be expressed in mass flow rate (grams or kilograms/second) or volumetric flow rate (milliliters or liters/second).

A level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air ingress zone may be configured to be greater than a level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air ingress zone. . This ensures that an appropriate amount of air flows through the first air entry zone during use to act as a primary air intake zone for the aerosol-generating article when received within the aerosol-generating device; A second air entry zone ensures that the article can be provided with ventilation.

The level of air ingress through the air ingress zone can be defined as volumetric flow rate. The level of air ingress, i.e., the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air ingress zone, is the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air ingress zone ( at least about 10 percent greater than the volumetric flow rate). The level of air ingress, i.e., the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air ingress zone, is the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air ingress zone ( at least about 20 percent greater than the volumetric flow rate). The level of air ingress, i.e., the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air ingress zone, is the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air ingress zone ( at least about 30 percent greater than the volumetric flow rate).

The level of air ingress, i.e., the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air ingress zone, is the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air ingress zone ( volumetric flow rate) by less than about 300 percent. The level of air ingress, i.e., the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air ingress zone, is the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air ingress zone ( volumetric flow rate) by less than about 200 percent. The level of air ingress, i.e., the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air ingress zone, is the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air ingress zone ( volumetric flow rate) by less than about 100 percent. The level of air ingress, i.e., the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air ingress zone, is the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air ingress zone ( volumetric flow rate) by less than about 90 percent. The level of air ingress, i.e., the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air ingress zone, is the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air ingress zone ( volumetric flow rate) by less than about 75 percent. The level of air ingress, i.e., the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air ingress zone, is the level of air ingress into the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air ingress zone ( volumetric flow rate) by less than about 60 percent.

Over a period of time, from a certain volume of air entering the aerosol-generating device through the airflow channel, or plurality of airflow channels, a first proportion of such air entrainment enters the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air entry zone, A second rate of air entrainment may enter the interior of the aerosol-generating article through a second air entry zone. For example, during a period of time T, a volume V of air enters the aerosol-generating device, and then a first fraction of V (expressed as a percentage of V) passes through the first air entry zone and into the aerosol-generating article. and a second fraction of V may enter the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air entry zone.

Over a period of time, for the total volume of air entrainment entering the aerosol-generating device, at least about 50 percent of such total volume may enter the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air entry zone. Over a period of time, for the total volume of air entrainment entering the aerosol-generating device, at least about 55 percent of such total volume may enter the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air entry zone. Over a period of time, for the total volume of air entrainment entering the aerosol-generating device, at least about 60 percent of such total volume may enter the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air entry zone. Over a period of time, for the total volume of air entrainment entering the aerosol-generating device, at least about 70 percent of such total volume may enter the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air entry zone. Over a period of time, for the total volume of air entrainment entering the aerosol-generating device, at least about 75 percent of such total volume may enter the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air entry zone.

For a period of time, less than about 50 percent of the total volume of air entrained entering the aerosol-generating device may enter the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air entry zone. Over a period of time, less than about 45 percent of the total volume of air entrained entering the aerosol-generating device may enter the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air entry zone. For a period of time, less than about 40 percent of the total volume of air entrained entering the aerosol-generating device may enter the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air entry zone. For a period of time, less than about 30 percent of the total volume of air entrained entering the aerosol-generating device may enter the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air entry zone. Over a period of time, less than about 25 percent of the total volume of air entrained entering the aerosol-generating device may enter the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the second air entry zone.

Over a period of time, for the total volume of air entrainment entering the aerosol-generating device, about 50 percent of such total volume enters the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air entry zone, and about 50 percent of such total volume enters the second. The interior of the aerosol-generating article may be entered through two air entry zones.

Over a period of time, for the total volume of air entrainment entering the aerosol-generating device, about 55 percent of such total volume enters the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air entry zone, and about 45 percent of such total volume enters the second. The interior of the aerosol-generating article may be entered through two air entry zones.

Over a period of time, for the total volume of air entrainment entering the aerosol-generating device, about 60 percent of such total volume enters the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air entry zone, and about 40 percent of such total volume enters the second. The interior of the aerosol-generating article may be entered through two air entry zones.

Over a period of time, for the total volume of air entrainment entering the aerosol-generating device, about 70 percent of such total volume enters the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air entry zone, and about 30 percent of such total volume enters the second. The interior of the aerosol-generating article may be entered through two air entry zones.

Over a period of time, for the total volume of air entrainment entering the aerosol-generating device, about 75 percent of such total volume enters the interior of the aerosol-generating article through the first air entry zone, and about 25 percent of such total volume enters the second. The interior of the aerosol-generating article may be entered through two air entry zones.

Similarly, a certain volumetric flow rate may flow through the airflow channel or channels of the aerosol generating device before the air exits the airflow channel toward the aerosol-generating article. From such intake volume flow (or airflow channel volume flow present in the airflow channel prior to the exit), a first proportion of such intake volume flow may flow through the first air entry zone; A proportion of two may flow through the second air entry zone. For example, a volumetric flow rate VF may flow through an airflow channel, then a first fraction of VF (expressed as a fraction of VF) flows through a first air entry zone and a second fraction of VF flows through a second air entry zone. It may flow through two air entry zones.

At least about 50 percent of such intake volume flow may flow through the first air entry zone, relative to the intake volume flow that flows through the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device. At least about fifty-five percent of such intake volume flow may flow through the first air entry zone, relative to the intake volume flow flowing through the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device. At least about 60 percent of such intake volume flow may flow through the first air entry zone, relative to the intake volume flow flowing through the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device. At least about 70 percent of such intake volume flow may flow through the first air entry zone, relative to the intake volume flow flowing through the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device. At least about 75 percent of such intake volume flow may flow through the first air entry zone, relative to the intake volume flow flowing through the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device.

Relative to the intake volumetric flow rate that flows through the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device, less than about 50 percent of such intake volumetric flow rate may flow through the second air entry zone. Less than about 45 percent of such intake volume flow may flow through the second air entry zone, relative to the intake volume flow through the airflow channel of the aerosol generator. Less than about 40 percent of such intake volume flow may flow through the second air entry zone, relative to the intake volume flow through the airflow channel of the aerosol generator. Less than about 30 percent of such intake volume flow may flow through the second air entry zone, relative to the intake volume flow through the airflow channel of the aerosol generator. Less than about 25 percent of such intake volumetric flow rate may flow through the second air entry zone, relative to the intake volumetric flow rate flowing through the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device.

About fifty percent of such intake volume flow flows through the first air entry zone and approximately fifty percent of such intake volume flow flows through the second air entry zone, relative to the intake volume flow flowing through the airflow channel of the aerosol generator. may

About 55 percent of such intake volume flow flows through the first air entry zone and approximately 45 percent of such intake volume flow flows through the second air entry zone, relative to the intake volume flow flowing through the airflow channel of the aerosol generator. may

About 60 percent of such intake volume flow flows through the first air entry zone and approximately 40 percent of such intake volume flow flows through the second air entry zone, relative to the intake volume flow through the airflow channel of the aerosol generator. may

About 70 percent of such intake volume flow flows through the first air entry zone and approximately 30 percent of such intake volume flow flows through the second air entry zone, relative to the intake volume flow through the airflow channel of the aerosol generator. may

About 75 percent of such intake volume flow flows through the first air entry zone and approximately 25 percent of such intake volume flow flows through the second air entry zone, relative to the intake volume flow through the airflow channel of the aerosol generator. may

The term "ventilation level" refers to the volumetric ratio between the airflow entering the aerosol-generating article via the air entry zone (air-entrance airflow) and the airflow exiting the aerosol-generating article via the mouth or downstream end. may be used throughout the specification to indicate. The greater the ventilation level, the higher the dilution of the aerosol stream delivered to the consumer. Ventilation levels are measured on the aerosol-generating article by itself, that is, without inserting the aerosol-generating article into a suitable aerosol-generating device adapted to heat the aerosol-forming substrate.

The level of ventilation provided by the first air entry zone shields all other air entry zones, if present, to allow air to pass through the forward or upstream end of the aerosol-generating article and the first air entry zone. It can be measured by withdrawing air from the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article so that it flows into the generating article. The level of ventilation provided by the first air entry zone is between the flow rate of air (airflow) entering the aerosol-generating article through the first air entry zone and the flow rate of air exiting the aerosol-generating article at the mouth end. can be defined as a ratio.

The level of ventilation provided by the second air entry zone shields all other air entry zones, if present, to allow air to pass through the forward or upstream end of the aerosol-generating article and the second air entry zone. It can be measured by withdrawing air from the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article so that it flows into the generating article. The level of ventilation provided by the second air entry zone is between the flow rate of air (airflow) entering the aerosol-generating article through the second air entry zone and the flow rate of air exiting the aerosol-generating article at the mouth end. can be defined as a ratio.

The total ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article is such that it does not block any air entry zones present in the aerosol-generating article, and air enters the aerosol-generating article through the forward or upstream edge of the aerosol-generating article and the air entry zone, It can be measured by withdrawing air from the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. The total ventilation level of an aerosol-generating article can be defined as the ratio between the total flow rate of air entering the aerosol-generating article through each of the air entry zones and the flow rate of air exiting the aerosol-generating article at the mouth end.

The ventilation level provided to the aerosol-generating article by the first air entry zone may be at least about 10 percent. A ventilation level provided by the first air entry zone may be at least about 20 percent. A ventilation level provided by the first air entry zone may be at least about 25 percent. A ventilation level provided by the first air entry zone may be at least about 50 percent. A ventilation level provided by the first air entry zone may be at least about 75 percent.

The level of ventilation provided to the aerosol-generating article by the second air entry zone may be at least about 10 percent. A ventilation level provided by the second air entry zone may be at least about 20 percent. A ventilation level provided by the second air entry zone may be at least about 25 percent. A ventilation level provided by the second air entry zone may be at least about 50 percent. A ventilation level provided by the second air entry zone may be at least about 75 percent.

A ventilation level provided by the first air entry zone or by the second air entry zone may be about 75 percent or less. A ventilation level provided by the first air entry zone or by the second air entry zone may be about 60 percent or less. A ventilation level provided by the first air entry zone or by the second air entry zone may be about 50 percent or less.

A ventilation level provided by the first air entry zone or by the second air entry zone may be from about 10 percent to about 75 percent. A ventilation level provided by the first air entry zone or by the second air entry zone may be from about 30 percent to about 60 percent.

Aerosol-generating articles typically may have a total ventilation level of at least about 10 percent, preferably at least about 20 percent.

The aerosol-generating article may have a total ventilation level of at least about 20 percent, or about 25 percent, or about 30. The aerosol-generating article may have a total ventilation level of at least about 35 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a total ventilation level of less than about 60 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a total ventilation level of less than about 50 percent, or less than about 40 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a total ventilation level of between about 25 percent and about 60 percent.

The aerosol-generating article may have a total ventilation level of about 10 percent to about 90 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a total ventilation level of about 20 percent to about 80 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a total ventilation level of about 25 percent to about 60 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a total ventilation level of about 30 percent to about 50 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a total ventilation level of about 30 percent to about 40 percent.

The aerosol-generating article may have a total ventilation level of about 28 percent to about 42 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of about 35 percent. The inventors have surprisingly found that the dilution effect on the aerosol (which can be evaluated in particular by measuring its effect on the delivery of glycerin contained in the aerosol-forming substrate as an aerosol former) is It has been found to be advantageously minimized when levels are between about 30 percent and about 50 percent. In particular, it has been found that aeration levels of about 35 percent to about 42 percent lead to particularly satisfactory glycerin delivery values. At the same time, the degree of nucleation and, as a result, the delivery of nicotine and aerosol formers (eg glycerol) is enhanced.

The first air entry zone may serve as the first or primary air intake zone and the second air entry zone may serve as the ventilation zone for the aerosol-generating article. This is because the first entry zone is configured to be the primary intake point for air when the aerosol-generating article is positioned within the device cavity, and any other air entry zone provided on the wrapper of the article. This is because it can be configured to let the highest level of air in compared to the zone.

The first air entry zone ensures compatibility between the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device by defining the article's primary air intake zone, as described above, and the second air entry zone: Provides ventilation to the aerosol-generating article during normal use when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device. All air entry zones may be located within the device cavity or heating chamber of the aerosol generating device during normal use. This prevents inadvertent blocking of either the air entry zone with a hand or lips during normal use, which can adversely affect the user's experience because the article cannot be well ventilated. can be

There are advantages to providing ventilation for aerosol-generating articles during normal use. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the temperature reduction caused by admitting cooler ambient air into the hollow tubular segment through the ventilation zone has a beneficial effect on aerosol particle nucleation and growth. It has been found that there are cases.

In this scenario (where the scenario is further complicated by fusion phenomena), the temperature and rate of cooling may play an important role in determining how the system will respond. In general, since the nucleation process is typically non-linear, different cooling rates may lead to significantly different temperature behavior with respect to liquid phase (droplet) formation. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that cooling can cause a rapid increase in the number of droplets to condense, followed by a brief but strong increase in this growth (nucleation burst). assumed. This nucleation burst appears to be more pronounced at lower temperatures. Furthermore, it is believed that faster cooling rates may favor early initiation of nucleation. In contrast, decreasing the cooling rate appears to have a beneficial effect on the final size that the aerosol droplets ultimately reach.

Therefore, the rapid cooling induced by admitting ambient air into the hollow tubular segment via the ventilation zone can be used to advantage for advantageous nucleation and growth of aerosol droplets. At the same time, however, admitting ambient air into the hollow tubular segment has the immediate drawback of diluting the aerosol stream delivered to the consumer.

In addition, in aerosol-generating articles according to the present invention, the cooling and dilution effect produced by admitting vent air at locations along the conduits defined by the hollow tubular segments described above is surprising for the generation and delivery of phenol-containing species. It was found to have a reducing effect.

This is advantageous in that aerosol nucleation could potentially be further enhanced by condensing the cooling effect provided by venting over a short portion of the cavity defined by the hollow tubular segment. understood. This is because faster and more dramatic cooling of the stream of volatilized species from the aerosol-forming substrate is expected to particularly favor the formation of new nuclei of aerosol particles.

The rods of the aerosol-forming substrate preferably have an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-forming substrate rod preferably has an outer diameter of at least about 4 millimeters (mm). The rod of aerosol-forming substrate may have an outer diameter of at least about 5 millimeters. The rod of aerosol-forming substrate may have an outer diameter of about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, such as an outer diameter of about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or an outer diameter of about 6 millimeters to about 8 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the rod of aerosol-forming substrate has an outer diameter of 7.2 millimeters plus or minus 10 percent.

A rod of aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of about 5 millimeters to about 100 mm. The rods of aerosol-forming substrate preferably have a length of at least about 5 millimeters, and more preferably have a length of at least about 7 millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, the rods of aerosol-forming substrate preferably have a length of less than about 80 millimeters, more preferably less than about 65 millimeters, and less than about 50 millimeters. is even more preferred. In particularly preferred embodiments, the rods of aerosol-forming substrate have a length of less than about 35 millimeters, more preferably less than 25 millimeters, and even more preferably less than about 20 millimeters. preferable. In one embodiment, a rod of aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of about 10 millimeters. In one preferred embodiment, the rod of aerosol-forming substrate has a length of about 12 millimeters.

The rod of aerosol-forming substrate preferably has a substantially uniform cross-section along the length of the rod. It is particularly preferred that the rods of the aerosol-forming substrate have a substantially circular cross-section.

In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a collection of one or more sheets of homogenized tobacco material. The one or more sheets of homogenized tobacco material may be textured. As used herein, the term "textured sheet" means a sheet that has been crimped, embossed, debossed, perforated, or otherwise deformed. Textured sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in the present invention may include a plurality of spaced apart indentations, protrusions, perforations, or a combination thereof. The rod of aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an assembly of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material surrounded by a wrapper.

In certain preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises homogenized plant material, preferably homogenized tobacco material.

As used herein, the term "homogenized plant material" includes any plant material formed by agglomeration of plant particles. For example, homogenized sheets or webs of tobacco material for the aerosol-forming substrates of the present invention are made by grinding, crushing, or comminuting the plant material and, optionally, one or more of the tobacco lamina and tobacco stem. may be formed by agglomerating particles of tobacco material obtained by Homogenized plant material may be produced by casting, extrusion, papermaking processes, or any other suitable process known in the art.

The homogenized plant material may be provided in any suitable form. For example, the homogenized plant material can be in the form of one or more sheets. The term "sheet" as used herein with respect to the present invention describes a laminar element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness.

Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized plant material may be in the form of multiple pellets or granules.

Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized plant material may be in the form of multiple strands, strips, or pieces. As used herein, the term "strand" describes an elongated element of material having a length substantially greater than its width and thickness. The term "strand" is considered to include pieces, pieces and any other homogenized plant material having a similar morphology. Strands of homogenized plant material may be formed from sheets of homogenized plant material, for example, by cutting or chopping, or by other methods, such as extrusion methods.

As used herein, the term "crimped sheet" is intended to be synonymous with the term "crinkled sheet" and means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. do. The crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material preferably has a plurality of ridges or corrugations substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis of the rod according to the invention. This advantageously facilitates assembly of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material to form rods. However, the crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material used in the present invention may alternatively or additionally comprise a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations arranged at an acute or obtuse angle to the cylindrical axis of the rod. It will be understood to have In certain embodiments, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material used in the rods of the articles of the present invention may be textured substantially evenly over substantially its entire surface. For example, a crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material for use in making rods for use in aerosol-generating articles according to the present invention may have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations spaced substantially uniformly across the width of the sheet. may include

The sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material used in the present invention may have a tobacco content of at least about 40 weight percent on a dry weight basis and have a tobacco content of at least about 60 weight percent on a dry weight basis. More preferably, it has a tobacco content of at least about 70 weight percent on a dry weight basis, and most preferably has a tobacco content of at least about 90 weight percent on a dry weight basis.

A sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more endogenous binders, i.e., tobacco endogenous binders, one or more exogenous binders, ie tobacco exogenous binders, or combinations thereof. Alternatively or additionally, homogenized tobacco material sheets for use in aerosol-forming substrates may include tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, humectants, plasticizers, flavorants, fillers, aqueous and non-tobacco Other additives may be included including, but not limited to, aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof.

Homogenized plant or tobacco material comprises tobacco particles or tobacco material in combination with non-tobacco plant flavor particles. The non-tobacco plant flavor particles may be selected from one or more of ginger particles, rosemary particles, eucalyptus particles, clove particles, and star anise particles.

Suitable extrinsic binders for inclusion in sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material for use in aerosol-forming substrates are known in the art and include gums (e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, etc.), cellulosic binders, and the like. Binders (e.g. hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, etc.), polysaccharides (e.g. starch, organic acids (such as alginic acid), conjugate base salts of organic acids (such as sodium alginate), agar, pectin, etc.) , and combinations thereof.

Suitable non-tobacco fibers for inclusion in sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material for use in aerosol-forming substrates are known in the art and include cellulose fibers, softwood fibers, hardwood fibers, jute fibers, and combinations thereof. Including but not limited to. Non-tobacco fibers, prior to inclusion in sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in aerosol-forming substrates, may be treated by any suitable process known in the art, including mechanical pulping, refining, chemical pulping, including, but not limited to, bleaching, bleaching, sulfate pulping, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gel composition comprising alkaloid compounds, or cannabinoid compounds, or both alkaloid and cannabinoid compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gel composition comprising nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine-free gel composition.

Preferably, the gel composition comprises an alkaloid compound, or cannabinoid compound, or both alkaloid and cannabinoid compounds, an aerosol former, and at least one gelling agent. Preferably, the at least one gelling agent forms a solid medium, glycerol is dispersed in the solid medium and the alkaloid or cannabinoid is dispersed in the glycerol. Preferably, the gel composition is in a stable gel phase.

Advantageously, a stable gel composition comprising nicotine provides a predictable composition form during storage or transition from manufacture to consumer. A stable gel composition comprising nicotine substantially maintains its shape. A stable gel composition comprising nicotine does not substantially release a liquid phase upon storage or transit from manufacture to consumer. A stable gel composition containing nicotine may offer a simple consumable design. The consumable may not need to be designed to contain liquids, so a wider range of materials and container constructions may be contemplated.

The gel compositions described herein may be combined with an aerosol generating device to provide nicotine aerosol to the lungs at inhalation or airflow velocities within the inhalation or airflow velocities of conventional smoking methods. . An aerosol generator may continuously heat the gel composition. A consumer can take multiple inhalations or "puffs", each "puff" delivering a quantity of nicotine aerosol. The gel composition is capable of delivering a high nicotine/total particulate matter (TPM) aerosol to the consumer upon heating, preferably in a continuous manner.

The phrase "stable gel phase" or "stable gel" refers to a gel that substantially maintains its shape and mass when exposed to various environmental conditions. A stable gel is substantially incapable of releasing or absorbing water (sweat) when exposed to standard temperatures and pressures while varying relative humidity from about 10 percent to about 60 percent. For example, a stable gel can substantially maintain its shape and mass when exposed to standard temperatures and pressures while varying relative humidity from about 10 percent to about 60 percent.

A gel composition includes an alkaloid compound, or a cannabinoid compound, or both an alkaloid compound and a cannabinoid compound. A gel composition may include one or more alkaloids. A gel composition may contain one or more cannabinoids. A gel composition may include a combination of one or more alkaloids and one or more cannabinoids.

The term "alkaloid compound" means any one or more classes of naturally occurring organic compounds containing one or more basic nitrogen atoms. Generally, alkaloids contain at least one nitrogen atom that is in an amine-type structure. This nitrogen atom or another nitrogen atom within the molecule of the alkaloid compound can be active as a base in acid-base reactions. Most alkaloid compounds have one or more of their nitrogen atoms as part of a cyclic system such as a heterocycle. In nature, alkaloid compounds are found primarily in plants, and are particularly common in certain families of flowering plants. However, some alkaloid compounds are found in animal species and fungi. In this disclosure, the term "alkaloid compound" refers to both naturally occurring and synthetically produced alkaloid compounds.

The gel composition preferably comprises an alkaloid compound selected from the group consisting of nicotine, anatabine, and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the gel composition contains nicotine.

The term "nicotine" refers to nicotine and nicotine derivatives such as free base nicotine, nicotine salts, and the like.

The term "cannabinoid compound" means any one class of naturally occurring compounds found in parts of the cannabis plant Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. means Cannabinoid compounds are particularly concentrated in female flower heads. Cannabinoid compounds that occur naturally in cannabis plants include cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In this disclosure, the term "cannabinoid compound" is used to describe both naturally occurring and synthetically produced cannabinoid compounds.

The gel contains cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidivarin (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), Cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of cannabinoid (CBE), cannabicitran (CBT), and combinations thereof may be included.

The gel composition may preferably comprise a cannabinoid compound selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD), THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and combinations thereof.

The gel preferably contains cannabidiol (CBD).

The gel composition may contain nicotine and cannabidiol (CBD).

Gel compositions may include nicotine, cannabidiol (CBD), and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

The gel composition preferably contains an aerosol former. Ideally, the aerosol former is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperatures of the associated aerosol generator. Suitable aerosol formers include polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and monocarboxylic acids, Dicarboxylic acids, or aliphatic esters of polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc., include, but are not limited to. The polyhydric alcohol or mixtures thereof can be triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and one or more of glycerin (glycerol or propane-1,2,3-triol) or polyethylene glycol. The aerosol former is preferably glycerol.

Preferably, as described above, in embodiments in which the rod of aerosol-forming substrate comprises a gel composition, the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-cooling element having a length of less than about 10 millimeters. It has been found that the use of a relatively short aerosol cooling element in combination with the gel composition optimizes delivery of the aerosol to the consumer.

Embodiments of the invention in which the rod of aerosol-forming substrate comprises a gel composition as described above preferably comprise an upstream element (or upstream section) upstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. In this case, the upstream element or section advantageously prevents physical contact with the gel composition. The upstream element or section can also advantageously compensate for any potential reduction in RTD due to, for example, evaporation of the gel composition when the rod of aerosol-forming substrate is heated during use.

The sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material may contain one aerosol former. As used herein, the term "aerosol former" means any material that facilitates the formation of an aerosol in use and that is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperatures of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable known compounds or mixtures of compounds are described.

Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include polyhydric alcohols (propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, triacetate, etc.), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic acids (dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.).

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

A sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material may comprise a single aerosol former. Alternatively, the sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol formers.

The sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material has an aerosol former content greater than 10 percent on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material has an aerosol former content of greater than 12 percent on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material has an aerosol former content greater than 14 percent on a dry weight basis. Even more preferably, the sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material has an aerosol former content greater than 16 percent on a dry weight basis.

The sheet of homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of approximately 10 percent to approximately 30 percent on a dry weight basis. The sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material preferably has an aerosol former content of less than 25 percent on a dry weight basis.

In one preferred embodiment, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material has an aerosol former content of approximately 20 percent on a dry weight basis.

Homogenized tobacco sheets or webs for use in the aerosol-generating articles of the present invention may be prepared by methods known in the art, such as those disclosed in International Patent Application No. WO-A-2012/164009(A2). may be made by In one preferred embodiment, a sheet of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol-generating article is formed by a casting process from a slurry comprising tobacco particulate, guar gum, cellulosic fibers, and glycerin.

Alternative arrangements of homogenized tobacco material within rods for use in aerosol-generating articles are known in the art, comprising multiple stacked sheets of homogenized tobacco material, longitudinal axis It may include a plurality of elongated tubular elements formed by winding strips of homogenized tobacco material therearound, or the like.

As a further alternative, the aerosol-forming substrate rod may comprise a material having non-tobacco-derived nicotine, such as a sheet of absorbent non-tobacco material loaded with nicotine (e.g., in the form of a nicotine salt) and an aerosol former. . Examples of such rods are described in International Application No. WO-A-2015/052652. Additionally or alternatively, the rod of aerosol-forming substrate may comprise non-tobacco plant material, such as fragrant non-tobacco plant material.

The aerosol-forming substrate is surrounded by a wrapper. The wrapper may be formed of porous or non-porous sheet material. The wrapper may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably the wrapper is a paper wrapper.

The mouthpiece segment comprises a plug of filtering material capable of removing particulate components, gaseous components, or a combination. Suitable filtration materials are well known in the art, for example fibrous filtration materials such as cellulose acetate tow, viscose fibers, polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA) fibers, polylactic acid (PLA) fibers and paper such as activated Adsorbents such as alumina, zeolites, molecular sieves and silica gels, and combinations thereof, without limitation. Additionally, the plug of filtration material may further comprise one or more aerosol modifiers. Suitable aerosol modifiers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, flavorants such as menthol. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece segment may further include a mouth end recess downstream of the plug of filtering material. As an example, the mouthpiece segment can comprise a hollow tube longitudinally aligned with the plug of filtration material and disposed immediately downstream of the plug of filtration material, the hollow tube being the mouthpiece segment. and a cavity at the mouth end that is open to the outside environment at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

Preferably, the length of the mouthpiece segment is at least about 4 millimeters, more preferably at least about 6 millimeters, and even more preferably at least about 8 millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, the length of the mouthpiece segments is preferably less than 25 millimeters, more preferably less than 20 millimeters, and even more preferably less than 15 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the mouthpiece segment is from about 4 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, more preferably from about 6 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. The length of the mouthpiece segment may be about 7 millimeters. The length of the mouthpiece segment may be about 12 millimeters.

Preferably, the length of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 10 millimeters. More preferably, the length of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 15 millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, the length of the hollow tubular segment is preferably less than about 30 millimeters. More preferably, the length of the hollow tubular segment is less than about 25 millimeters. Even more preferably, the length of the hollow tubular segment is less than about 20 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular segment is from about 10 millimeters to about 30 millimeters, more preferably from about 12 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, and from about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. is even more preferred. By way of example, in one particularly preferred embodiment, the length of the hollow tubular segment is approximately 18 millimeters. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the length of the hollow tubular segment is about 13 millimeters.

Preferably, the length of the aerosol cooling element is at least about 10 millimeters. More preferably, the length of the aerosol cooling element is at least about 15 millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, the length of the aerosol cooling element is preferably less than about 30 millimeters. More preferably, the length of the aerosol cooling element is less than about 25 millimeters. Even more preferably, the length of the aerosol cooling element is less than about 20 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the aerosol cooling element is from about 10 millimeters to about 30 millimeters, more preferably from about 12 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, and from about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. is even more preferred. As an example, in one particularly preferred embodiment, the length of the aerosol cooling element is about 18 millimeters. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the length of the aerosol cooling element is about 13 millimeters.

The overall length of an aerosol-generating article according to the invention is preferably at least about 40 millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, the overall length of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is preferably less than about 70 millimeters, more preferably less than 60 millimeters, and even more preferably less than 50 millimeters. In preferred embodiments, the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is from about 40 millimeters to about 70 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, the total length of the aerosol-generating article is about 45 millimeters.

A support element (or support segment) can have a length of about 5 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the support element has a length of approximately 8 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating article preferably has an overall RTD of less than about 90 millimeters H2O (about 900 Pa). More preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an overall RTD of less than about 80 millimeters H2O (about 800 Pa). Even more preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an overall RTD of less than about 70 millimeters H2O (about 700 Pa).

Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-generating article preferably has an overall RTD of at least about 30 millimeters H2O (about 300 Pa). More preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an overall RTD of at least about 40 millimeters H2O (about 400 Pa). Even more preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an overall RTD of at least about 50 millimeters H2O (about 500 Pa).

The RTD of the aerosol-generating article should be applied to the downstream end of the mouthpiece to maintain a steady volumetric air flow rate of 17.5 ml/s through the mouthpiece under test conditions as defined in ISO 3402. It may be evaluated as a certain negative pressure. The RTD values listed above can be measured on the aerosol-generating article against itself (i.e., prior to inserting the article into the aerosol-generating device) without sealing the ventilation zone perforations. intended.

As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" includes any tobacco material formed by agglomeration of tobacco material particles. Sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material are particulate tobacco obtained by crushing or otherwise pulverizing one or both of tobacco leaf blades and tobacco leaf stems. It is formed by agglomeration. In addition, the homogenized tobacco material may include one or more of minor amounts of tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during tobacco processing, handling, and shipping. . Sheets of homogenized tobacco material may be produced by casting, extrusion, papermaking processes, or any other suitable process known in the art.

The support element may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the support element is selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, cardboard, crimped paper (such as crimped heat resistant paper or crimped parchment paper), and polymeric materials (such as low density polyethylene (LDPE)). may be formed from one or more materials that In preferred embodiments, the support element is formed from cellulose acetate.

The aerosol-generating device can comprise an extractor for extracting an aerosol-generating article received within the aerosol-generating device, the extractor configured to be movable within the device cavity.

The extractor may be configured to expose the airflow channel when the extractor is in an operating position, the operating position defined by the heater contacting the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

The extractor comprises a container body configured to receive the aerosol-generating article. The container body of the extractor (extractor body) may comprise an end wall and a peripheral wall. The container body of the extractor has an open end opposite the end wall through which the aerosol-generating article can be received. The aerosol-generating article is configured to abut the end wall when received within the extractor body. A peripheral wall of the container body can surround the aerosol-generating article when received within the extractor. In those embodiments where an extractor is present, the peripheral wall of the extractor body may define the airflow channel. Alternatively, the peripheral wall of the device housing may define airflow channels.

The extractor may be sized such that, in the operative position, the container body extends between the first end of the airflow channel and the distal end of the device cavity. This allows direct exposure of the aerosol-generating article to the airflow channel without the extractor body obscuring the fluid communication between the airflow channel and the aerosol-generating article.

The extractor can be sized such that, in the operative position, the container body extends between the mouth end of the device cavity and the distal end of the device cavity. In such embodiments, the extractor body may have a cutout or cutouts to allow the airflow channels to be exposed to the aerosol-generating article when inserted. Together, the extractor body and device cavity may be configured to ensure alignment with the airflow channel or channels during use of the cutout or cutouts. For example, the extractor body may comprise protrusions arranged to cooperate with slots or grooves located in the housing of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an elongated heater arranged to be inserted into the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity. An elongated heater may be arranged with the device cavity. An elongated heater may extend into the device cavity. Alternative heating arrangements are discussed further below. However, in such embodiments where the heater extends into the device cavity, the extractor body comprises an opening in the end wall to allow the heater to extend into the aerosol-generating article. Such openings may allow air to enter the interior of the extractor cavity so that air can flow through the rods of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article during use. Alternatively, additional openings can be provided to allow air to enter the interior of the extractor cavity.

In some embodiments, the length of the extractor body may be less than the length of the device cavity. In such embodiments, when the extractor is in the operating position (when the extractor abuts the distal end of the device cavity), the airflow channel may be defined by the portion of the peripheral wall of the device housing that does not surround the extractor. . Such portions of the peripheral wall may define airflow channels when the extractor is in the operating position. Advantageously, that portion of the peripheral wall of the device housing may extend longitudinally beyond the extractor so as to define an airflow channel. A space or gap between the aerosol-generating article and the peripheral wall of the device housing defines an airflow channel.

In embodiments in which an extractor is provided, an airflow channel may be defined between the peripheral wall of the aerosol generator housing and the exterior surface of the extractor. Alternatively, the airflow channel may be defined within the extractor body. An airflow channel may be defined in the peripheral wall of the extractor body. The airflow channel may be defined within the thickness of the peripheral wall of the extractor body. The airflow channel may extend along the length of the extractor body. The airflow channel may extend from a longitudinal position remote from the end wall of the extractor body to a longitudinal position near or at the open end of the extractor body.

In embodiments in which no extractor is provided, the airflow channel may be defined within the thickness of the peripheral wall of the aerosol generator housing.

The heater may comprise an elongated heating element configured to pass through the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received within the aerosol-generating device.

The heater may be any suitable type of heater. The heater may first heat the aerosol-generating article. Alternatively, the heater may heat the aerosol-generating article externally. Such an external heater can surround the aerosol-generating article when inserted or received within the aerosol-generating device.

In some embodiments, the heater is arranged to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the heater is arranged to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the cavity. A heater may be positioned within the cavity. A heater may extend into the cavity. The heater may be an elongated heater. The elongated heater may be blade-shaped. The elongated heater may be pin-shaped. The elongated heater may be conical in shape. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device comprises an elongated heater arranged to be inserted into the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity.

The heater may comprise at least one heating element. The at least one heating element can be any suitable type of heating element. In some embodiments, the device comprises only one heating element. In some embodiments, the device comprises multiple heating elements. The heater may include at least one resistive heating element. The heater preferably includes a plurality of resistive heating elements. The resistive heating elements are preferably electrically connected in a parallel arrangement. Advantageously, providing multiple resistive heating elements electrically connected in a parallel arrangement reduces or minimizes the voltage required to provide the desired electrical power to the heater. can facilitate delivery of the desired power of the Advantageously, reducing or minimizing the voltage required to operate the heater can facilitate reducing or minimizing the physical size of the power supply.

Suitable materials for forming the at least one resistive heating element include semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (such as molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and Composite materials made of ceramic materials and metallic materials include, but are not limited to. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing , manganese-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum based alloys.

In some embodiments, the at least one resistive heating element comprises one or more stamped sections of electrically resistive material (such as stainless steel). Alternatively, the at least one resistive heating element may comprise a heating wire or filament (eg, Ni--Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire).

In some embodiments, the at least one heating element comprises an electrically insulating substrate and the at least one resistive heating element is provided on the electrically insulating substrate.

An electrically insulating substrate may comprise any suitable material. For example, electrically insulating substrates can include one or more of paper, glass, ceramic, anodized metal, coated metal, and polyimide. Ceramics may include mica, alumina (Al2O3) or zirconia (ZrO2). The electrically insulating substrate preferably has a thermal conductivity of about 40 Watts/meter Kelvin or less, preferably about 20 Watts/meter Kelvin or less, ideally about 2 Watts/meter Kelvin or less.

A heater may comprise a heating element comprising a rigid electrically insulated substrate having one or more conductive tracks or wires arranged on its surface. The size and shape of the electrically insulating substrate may allow the heater to be inserted directly into the aerosol-forming substrate. If the electrically insulated substrate is not rigid enough, the heating element may comprise further stiffening means. An electric current can be passed through one or more conductive tracks to heat the heating element and the aerosol-forming substrate.

In some embodiments, the heater comprises an induction heating arrangement. The induction heating arrangement may comprise an inductor coil and a power supply configured to provide a high frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil. A high frequency oscillating current, as used herein, means an oscillating current having a frequency between 500 kHz and 30 MHz. The heater may advantageously include a DC/AC inverter for converting the DC current supplied by the DC power supply into alternating current. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high frequency oscillating electromagnetic field upon receiving a high frequency oscillating current from the power supply. An inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high frequency oscillating electromagnetic field within the device cavity. In some embodiments, the inductor coil can substantially surround the device cavity. The inductor coil may extend at least partially along the length of the device cavity.

The heater may include an induction heating element. The induction heating element may be a susceptor element. As used herein, the term "susceptor element" refers to an element containing material that has the ability to convert electromagnetic energy into heat. The susceptor heats up when the susceptor element is placed in an alternating electromagnetic field. Heating of the susceptor element can be the result of at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced within the susceptor, depending on the electrical properties and magnetism of the susceptor material.

The susceptor element may be arranged such that when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, an oscillating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor coil induces a current in the susceptor element, heating the susceptor element. In these embodiments, the aerosol generator has a magnetic field strength (H-field strength) of 1-5 kiloamperes/meter (kA/m), preferably 2-3 kA/m, such as about 2.5 kA/m. The ability to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field is preferred. The electrically operated aerosol generator is preferably capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field with a frequency between 1 and 30 MHz, such as between 1 and 10 MHz, such as between 5 and 7 MHz.

In some embodiments, the susceptor element is located within the aerosol-generating article. In these embodiments, the susceptor element is preferably positioned in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. A susceptor element may be located within the aerosol-forming substrate.

In some embodiments, the susceptor element is located within the aerosol generator. In these embodiments, the susceptor element may be located within the cavity. The aerosol generator may contain only one susceptor element. The aerosol generator may comprise multiple susceptor elements.

In some embodiments, the susceptor element is arranged to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the susceptor element is arranged to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the cavity.

The susceptor element may comprise any suitable material. The susceptor element may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for the elongated susceptor element include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Some susceptor elements contain metal or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor element may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, for example ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles and ferrite. A suitable susceptor element may be or include aluminum. The susceptor element preferably comprises greater than about 5 percent, preferably greater than about 20 percent, more preferably greater than about 50 percent or greater than about 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material. Some elongated susceptor elements may be heated to temperatures in excess of about 250 degrees Celsius.

The susceptor element may comprise a non-metallic core having a metallic layer arranged on the non-metallic core. For example, the susceptor element may comprise a ceramic core or metal tracks formed on the outer surface of the substrate.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device can comprise at least one resistive heating element and at least one induction heating element. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may comprise a combination of resistive and inductive heating elements.

The aerosol generator may comprise a power source. The power supply may be a DC power supply. In some embodiments, the power source is a battery. The power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (eg, lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, or lithium polymer battery). However, in some embodiments, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity to allow storage of sufficient energy for one or more user operations, eg, one or more aerosol generation experiences. For example, the power supply may be used to enable continuous heating of the aerosol-forming substrate for a period of about six minutes, or multiples of six minutes, corresponding to the typical time taken to smoke a conventional cigarette. It may have sufficient capacity. In another embodiment, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heater.

Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure; FIG. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a comparative example of an aerosol generation system.

FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol-generating system 100 comprising an aerosol-generating device 10 and an aerosol-generating article 1 . The aerosol generating device 10 comprises a housing 4 extending between a mouth end 2 and a distal end (not shown). Housing 4 comprises a peripheral wall 6 . A peripheral wall 6 defines a device cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article 1 . The device cavity is defined by a closed distal end and an open mouth end. The mouth end of the device cavity is located at the mouth end of the aerosol generating device 10 . The aerosol-generating article 1 is configured to be received through the mouth end of the device cavity and configured to abut the closed end of the device cavity. The length of the device cavity is approximately 25 mm.

An airflow channel 5 is defined in the peripheral wall 6 . The airflow channel 5 extends between an inlet 7 located at the mouth end of the aerosol generating device 10 and an outlet 9 located at a distal position along the peripheral wall 6 .

The aerosol generator 10 further comprises a heater (not shown) and a power supply (not shown) for powering the heater. A controller (not shown) is also provided to control such power supply to the heater. The heater is configured to heat the aerosol-generating article 1 during use when the aerosol-generating article 1 is received within the device 10 .

Aerosol-generating article 1 comprises first air entry zone 15 and second air entry zone 115 located along wrapper 22 .

A first air entry zone 15 is located approximately 2 mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod 12 of aerosol-forming substrate. The second air entry zone 115 is approximately 2 mm downstream of the upstream end of the hollow support segment 14 and of the rod 12 of the aerosol-forming substrate, considering that the rod 12 of the aerosol-forming substrate and the hollow support segment 14 are in direct abutment. It is located approximately 2 mm downstream of the downstream end. Thus, two air entry zones 15 , 115 are located along and around two different components of the aerosol-generating article 1 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , first and second air entry zones 15 , 115 each include a row of perforations extending around article 1 and through wrapper 22 . A second air entry zone 115 extends through the peripheral wall of the hollow support segment 14 .

The outlet 9 is configured to align with or cover the first air entry zone 15 when the aerosol-generating article 1 is received within the device cavity. After being received within the device cavity, the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1 abuts the closed end of the device cavity such that air drawn through the aerosol-generating device 10 does not flow past the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1. are arranged as follows. Air drawn through the aerosol-generating device 10 may enter the aerosol-generating article 1 only through the first and second air entry zones 15, 115, as shown in FIG.

Airflow channels 5 are defined along the inner surface of peripheral wall 6 . In such embodiments, a portion of airflow channel 5 is configured to cover first and second air entry zones 15 , 115 of aerosol-generating article 1 . Airflow channel 5 has a length of about 23 millimeters. In such an embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, the entire length of airflow channel 5 is configured to cover aerosol-generating article 1 when received within device 10 .

FIG. 2 shows an aerosol-generating article 1 configured for use with the aerosol-generating system 100 shown in FIG.

The aerosol-generating article 1 comprises a rod 12 of aerosol-forming substrate, a hollow support segment 14 , an aerosol cooling element (or segment) 16 and a mouthpiece segment 18 . The downstream components of rod 12 of aerosol-forming substrate (in this case hollow support segment 14 , aerosol cooling element 16 and mouthpiece segment 18 ) form the downstream section of aerosol-generating article 1 . These four elements are arranged in longitudinal alignment end-to-end and surrounded by a wrapper 22 to form the aerosol-generating article 1 . The aerosol-generating article 1 shown in FIG. 1 is particularly suitable for use with an electrically operated aerosol-generating device 1 that includes a heater for heating the rod 12 of aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate rod 12 has a length of about 12 millimeters and a diameter of about 7 millimeters. Rod 12 is cylindrical in shape and has a substantially circular cross-section. Rod 12 comprises a collection of sheets of homogenized tobacco material. The hollow cellulose acetate tube (hollow support segment) 14 has a length of about 8 millimeters and its peripheral wall has a thickness of 1 millimeter.

Mouthpiece segment 18 comprises a plug of 8 denier cellulose acetate tow per filament and has a length of approximately 7 millimeters. Mouthpiece segment 18 has a diameter of approximately 7 millimeters. Aerosol cooling element 16 has a length of about 18 mm and a diameter of about 7 mm.

As described above, the aerosol-generating article 1 comprises a first air entry zone 15 provided along the rod of aerosol-forming substrate at least about 2 millimeters from the upstream end of the rod 12 of aerosol-forming substrate. A first air entry zone 15 is located less than 10 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate rod 12 or the upstream end of the hollow support segment 14 . First and second air entry zones 15 , 115 surround the aerosol-generating article 1 . That is, the first and second air entry zones 15 , 115 surround the entire perimeter of the aerosol-generating article 1 .

FIG. 3 shows an aerosol generation system 200 similar to aerosol generation system 100 . The aerosol-generating system 200 comprises an aerosol-generating device 20 and an aerosol-generating article 1, both configured to be used in conjunction with each other. The aerosol generating device 20 is similar to the aerosol generating device 10 except that the device 20 comprises an airflow channel 205 containing one inlet 7 and two outlets 9,19. First outlet 9 of airflow channel 205 is configured to provide fluid communication between the exterior of aerosol-generating device 20 and first air entry zone 15 of aerosol-generating article 1 . Second outlet 19 of airflow channel 205 is configured to provide fluid communication between the exterior of aerosol-generating device 20 and second air entry zone 115 of aerosol-generating article 1 . The first outlet 9 is configured to cover (or overlap) the first air entry zone 15 when the article 1 is received within the apparatus 20, and the second outlet 19 is configured to allow the article 1 to enter the apparatus. It is configured to cover (or overlap) the second air entry zone 115 when received within 20 . The spacing or distance between first outlet 9 and second outlet 19 may be equal to the distance between first air entry zone 15 and second air entry zone 115 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, fluid communication between the exterior of the aerosol-generating device 10,20 and the interior of the aerosol-generating article 1 is established via two distinct air entry zones 15,115. However, the first air entry zone 15 is configured to allow more air to pass through than the second air entry zone 115 . In other words, first air ingress zone 15 is configured to provide a higher level of air ingress than second air ingress zone 115 .

The first air entry zone 15 is the primary air entry zone for the aerosol-generating article 1 when the article 1 is received within the device 10, 20 when abutment of the upstream end of the article 1 and the distal end of the device cavity occurs. It is configured to be an air intake zone. The second air entry zone 115 is configured to provide ventilation to the article 1, i.e., to aerosol flowing through the hollow support segment 14 from the rod 12 of aerosol-forming substrate toward the mouth end of the article 1. there is

When received within the aerosol-generating device 10, 20, the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1 abuts the distal end of the device cavity to prevent air from flowing through the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1. Therefore, in use, most of the air flowing through the airflow channels 5, 205 will flow through the first air entry zone 15 due to the overlap between the airflow channel outlet 9 and the first air entry zone 15. It is configured.

FIG. 4 shows a comparative example of an incompatible aerosol-generating article 103 for use with the aerosol-generating device 10 that does not have a first air entry zone located around the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. Air is not drawn through article 103 because article 103 has no air entry zone and the upstream end of article 103 abuts the distal end of the device cavity.

The aerosol generator 10 comprises an annular airflow channel 5 as shown in FIG. The aerosol generating device 20 shown in FIG. 3 comprises at least two elongated airflow channels 205 .

Claims (15)

An aerosol-generating article for generating an aerosol upon heating, said aerosol-generating article comprising:
a rod of aerosol-forming substrate;
a filter located downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate, the filter comprising a hollow tubular segment;
The rod of aerosol-forming substrate and the filter are assembled within a wrapper, the aerosol-generating article comprising first and second air entry zones located on the wrapper, the first and second air entry zones zones each configured to allow entry of air into the interior of said aerosol-generating article;
Further, the first air entry zone is located at a first location along the aerosol generating article, the second air entry zone is located at a second location along the aerosol generating article, and the second air entry zone is located at a second location along the aerosol generating article; An aerosol-generating article, wherein one of the first and second air entry zones is located along said hollow tubular segment. The filter of the aerosol-generating article comprises a mouthpiece segment comprising a plug of filtering material positioned downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate, the hollow tubular segment being connected to the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate by the mouthpiece segment. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, located between 3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 2, wherein the filter of the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-cooling element located between the mouthpiece segment and the hollow tubular segment. The aerosol-generating article of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first air entry zone is located along the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article of claims 1-4, wherein the second air entry zone is located along the hollow tubular element. The aerosol-generating article of any of claims 1-5, wherein the second air entry zone is located at least 2 mm downstream of the first air entry zone. The aerosol-generating article of any preceding claim, wherein the second air entry zone is located at least 12 mm downstream of the first air entry zone. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first air entry zone is located at least 2mm downstream of the upstream end of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article of any of claims 2-8, wherein the second air entry zone is located at least 2 mm downstream of the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment. The aerosol-generating article of any of claims 1-9, wherein the first air entry zone or the second air entry zone comprises a substantially porous portion of the wrapper. 10. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the first air entry zone or the second air entry zone comprises a plurality of openings through the wrapper. 11. The aerosol-generating article of claim 10, wherein said first air entry zone has a porosity of at least 3000 Coresta units. 11. The aerosol-generating article of claim 10, wherein the first air entry zone has a porosity of less than 25000 Coresta units. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article comprises an air impermeable material. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and an aerosol generating device comprising a distal end and a mouth end,
a housing defining a device cavity for removably receiving said aerosol-generating article at said mouth end of said device;
a heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity; and
an airflow channel extending between a channel inlet and a channel outlet, the airflow channel configured to establish fluid communication between an interior of the device cavity and an exterior of the aerosol generating device;
the aerosol-generating system wherein when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity, fluid communication between the interior of the aerosol-generating article and the exterior of the aerosol-generating device is established within the device cavity; An aerosol-generating system configured to be established by fluid communication established between the first air entry zone of the received aerosol-generating article and the airflow channel of the aerosol-generating device.

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