JP6992008B2 - Aerosol-generating articles with adiabatic heat sources - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to aerosol-generating articles comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a flammable heat source, and methods for forming such aerosol-generating articles.

Many aerosol-generating articles that are heated rather than burned have also been proposed in the art. One purpose of such "heat-not-burn" aerosol-generating articles is to reduce known harmful smoke components of the type produced by tobacco combustion and pyrolysis in combustible cigarettes. In one known type of heated aerosol-generating article, an aerosol is produced by the transfer of heat from a flammable heat source to an aerosol-forming substrate located adjacent to the flammable heat source. During aerosol generation, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from a flammable heat source and mixed into the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

The combustion temperature of a flammable heat source for use in a heated aerosol-generating article should not be high enough to cause combustion or pyrolysis of the aerosol-forming substrate in use of the heated aerosol-generating article. However, the combustion temperature of a flammable heat source is high enough to release sufficient volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate to generate sufficient heat, especially to produce an acceptable aerosol at the beginning of suction. Should be.

Various flammable heat sources for use in heated aerosol-generating articles have been proposed in the art. The combustion temperature of a flammable heat source for use in heated aerosol-generating articles is generally from about 600 ° C to 800 ° C.

It is known to wrap the periphery of the flammable heat source of the heated aerosol-generating article with a heat insulating member in order to reduce the surface temperature of the heated aerosol-generating article. However, it has been found that such insulation can reduce the temperature of the flammable heat source during combustion of the flammable heat source and potentially reduce the effectiveness of the heat source in heating the aerosol-forming substrate to generate the aerosol. There is. This effect is particularly noticeable when the insulating member substantially extends the length of the flammable heat source. Such insulation also inhibits the sustained combustion of the flammable heat source, which can reduce the duration of combustion of the flammable heat source.

It is desirable to provide aerosol-generating articles that have a low surface temperature in the vicinity of a heat source, have an acceptable appearance, and can be assembled in a simple and reliable manner. It is also desirable to provide aerosol-generating articles that generate acceptable aerosols at both the beginning and end of sucking.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, a flammable heat source, and a layer of at least one fiber-reinforced airgel that surrounds at least a portion of the length of the flammable heat source. .. Aerosol-generating articles also have one or more airflow paths through which air can be drawn through the article for user inhalation and one or more non-combustible substance between the flammable heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate. It is equipped with a non-breathable barrier. One or more non-flammable, virtually non-breathable barriers between the flammable heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate allow the air drawn along one or more airflow paths through the aerosol-generating article to be flammable during use. Separate the flammable heat source from one or more airflow paths so that it does not come into direct contact with the sexual heat source.

At the time of use, the flammable heat source may be ignited by an external heat source such as a lighter and combustion may be initiated. The flammable heat source can heat the aerosol-forming substrate so that the volatile compounds in the aerosol-forming substrate are vaporized. When a user inhales with an aerosol-generating article, air can be drawn into the aerosol-generating article along one or more airflow paths and mixed with vapors from a heated aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. The aerosol can be drawn out of the aerosol-generating article and delivered to the user for inhalation by the user.

A layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel that surrounds at least a portion of the length of the flammable heat source may insulate the flammable heat source. This can reduce the surface temperature of the aerosol-generating article in the flammable heat source. A layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may also allow sufficient air to pass through the layer so that the combustion of the flammable heat source is substantially unimpeded.

As used herein, the terms "airgel" and "non-strengthened airgel" are used interchangeably to describe open cell foam. The airgel may be mesoporous. The term "mesoporous" means a material containing pores ranging in diameter from about 2 nanometers to about 50 nanometers. The airgel may include a network of interconnected structures, and the network of interconnected structures may be nanostructured. Airgel can exhibit porosity of about 50 percent or more. Airgel can exhibit porosity of about 90 percent or more. Airgels can be formed by removing liquid components from conventional gels. It will be appreciated that conventional gel means a solid of a semi-solid colloidal suspension dispersed in a liquid.

Airgel generally has a very low thermal conductivity. Without wishing to be bound by theory, conductive heat transfer is hindered in airgel by their high porosity, while conductive heat transfer is hindered in airgel by small diameter pores. The small diameter holes limit the movement of air through the airgel.

As used herein, the term "fiber-reinforced airgel" means a composite material that includes an aerogel matrix that is reinforced with fibrous materials. A fibrous material is understood to be a material containing fibers.

The unreinforced airgel may have an interconnected porosity, but the average width of the pores exhibited by the unreinforced airgel is similar to the mean free path of air molecules at room temperature. As a result, unreinforced airgel has low permeability to air. This is understood to be due to the Knusen effect.

The average width of the pores shown by the fiber reinforced airgel is larger than the mean free path of air molecules at room temperature. The larger pore width of the air passing through the fiber-reinforced airgel compared to the air passing through the unreinforced airgel reduces the effect of the Knusen effect. As a result, it can be seen that the fiber-reinforced airgel has higher permeability to air than the non-reinforced airgel.

It was also observed that fiber-reinforced airgels exhibited superior mechanical properties compared to non-reinforced airgels. For example, fiber reinforced airgels are more flexible than non-reinforced airgels and may be suitable for machining.

The at least one fiber reinforced layer surrounds at least a portion of the length of the flammable heat source. The layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel of the present invention may surround a substantially total length of the flammable heat source. This allows the aerosol-generating article to benefit from the adiabatic attributes of the fiber-reinforced airgel, thereby reducing the surface temperature proximal to the heat source of the aerosol-generating article in the flammable heat source and also the air in the fiber-reinforced airgel. It may be possible to obtain the benefit of permeability to the flammable heat source, thereby allowing sufficient ambient air to reach the flammable heat source without substantially interfering with the ignition and combustion of the flammable heat source. A flammable heat source substantially enclosed by a layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel ensures that the flammable heat source burns at high temperatures for a longer period of time compared to a flammable heat source that is not surrounded by a layer of some material. It was further observed that it could be facilitated.

The fiber reinforced airgel of the present invention may also have machinability that facilitates the formation of a layer of fiber reinforced airgel that surrounds at least a portion of the length of the heat source. As used herein, the term "layer" is used to describe the body of a material that is generally compatible with the shape of a flammable heat source. The layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel can be any suitable type of layer arranged so as to surround the heat source. Suitable types of layers include, among other things, wrappers and coatings. As used herein, the term "coating" is used to describe a layer of material that covers and adheres to a heat source.

At least one fiber reinforced airgel layer may be in direct contact with a flammable heat source. At least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel may be spaced away from the flammable heat source.

As used herein, the term "length" is used to describe the dimensions of a component or portion of an aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. A layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel surrounds at least a portion of the length of the flammable heat source. For example, at least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel may surround approximately half the length of the flammable heat source. At least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel may surround more than half the length of the flammable heat source. A layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may surround about 60 percent to about 100 percent of the length of the flammable heat source. A layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may surround at least about 70 percent of the length of the flammable heat source. A layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may surround at least about 80 percent of the length of the flammable heat source. A layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may surround at least about 90 percent of the length of the flammable heat source. A layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may surround the entire length of the flammable heat source. A layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may substantially enclose the length of the flammable heat source.

The layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel is sufficiently permeable, which may allow the air to substantially not interfere with the combustion of the flammable heat source.

A layer of at least one fiber-reinforced airgel may surround approximately half the length of the aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, the fiber-reinforced airgel surrounding the aerosol-forming substrate can be lower than the surface temperature of the aerosol-generating article in the aerosol-forming substrate.

A layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may surround the flammable heat source at the downstream end of the flammable heat source. This can advantageously reduce the surface temperature of the aerosol-generating article in a portion of the flammable heat source that is close to the user during normal operation of the aerosol-generating article.

A layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may surround the flammable heat source at the upstream end of the flammable heat source.

At least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel may surround the flammable heat source at the upstream and downstream ends.

The uncoated portion of the flammable heat source may be referred to herein as an "exposed" portion. A layer of at least one fiber-reinforced airgel of the present invention may be provided to cover or surround an "exposed" or uncoated portion of a flammable heat source.

In some embodiments, a portion of the flammable heat source may be surrounded by at least one additional layer at the upstream end. At least one additional layer can be a layer of cigarette paper. In those embodiments, the upstream portion of the flammable heat source is the exposed portion. In other words, the upstream portion of the flammable heat source is not covered by at least one additional layer. In those embodiments, a layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may surround the upstream portion of the flammable heat source. A layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel provides a flammable heat source from the upstream end of at least one additional layer surrounding the upstream portion of the flammable heat source to the downstream end of the flammable heat source or around its downstream end. Can be enclosed. Thus, in those embodiments, the flammable heat source is substantially along its length by a combination of at least one additional layer at the downstream end and at least one fiber reinforced airgel layer at the upstream end. sell. In some embodiments, the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel and at least one additional layer may partially overlap along the length of the flammable heat source.

At least one fiber-reinforced airgel layer is one or more airflows so that during use, air drawn through the aerosol-generating article along one or more airflow paths does not come into direct contact with at least one fiber-reinforced airgel layer. It may be separated from the pathway.

In some embodiments, the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel is one so that the air drawn through the aerosol generating article along one or more airflow paths does not come into direct contact with the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel. They may be spaced apart from one or more airflow paths.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel are covered, coated, or confined within a material that is substantially impermeable to fibers and particles. May be good. One or more portions of a layer of at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel covered, coated, or confined within a material that is substantially impermeable to fibers and particles are along one or more airflow paths. Can be located proximal to the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. Covering, covering or confining can separate air drawn through the aerosol-generating article along one or more airflow paths from the fibers and particles of at least one fiber-reinforced airgel layer.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel are covered with a layer of paper, thereby separating the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel from one or more airflow paths. It can be done. The paper layer may be provided on the inner surface of the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel and on at least one of the outer surfaces of the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel. The layer of paper may be provided on both the inner and outer surfaces of the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel. The layers of paper may include laminated paper. The layers of paper may be co-laminated with at least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel. The layer of paper may be provided only on a portion of at least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel adjacent to the airflow path.

The layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may be substantially combustible. As used herein, the term "combustibility" means a material that remains substantially intact during ignition and combustion of a flammable heat source. Providing at least one layer of combustible fiber reinforced airgel that surrounds at least a portion of the length of the flammable heat source can advantageously prevent flames or smoke emitted from the layers. This may substantially prevent or inhibit unwanted emissions or odors emitted from the layer during combustion of the flammable heat source.

A layer of the flammable heat source, aerosol-forming substrate and at least one fiber-reinforced airgel should substantially prevent or prevent the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate from exceeding about 375 ° C during combustion of the flammable heat source. Can be configured in. For example, a layer of a flammable heat source, an aerosol-forming substrate and at least one fiber-reinforced airgel substantially prevents or inhibits the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate from exceeding about 375 ° C during combustion of the flammable heat source. It can be formed, dimensioned, and placed as such. This can preserve the integrity of the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, if the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more aerosol-forming bodies, the aerosol-forming body can undergo thermal decomposition above temperatures of about 375 ° C. At higher temperatures, for example, if the aerosol-forming substrate contains tobacco, the tobacco can burn.

The layers of the flammable heat source, aerosol-forming substrate and at least one fiber-reinforced airgel allow the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate at 2 mm from the proximal surface of the flammable heat source to be at least about 6 minutes at least during combustion of the flammable heat source. It can be configured to be 100 ° C.

The fiber reinforced airgel may contain less than about 80 weight percent airgel. Fiber reinforced airgels may contain less than about 70 weight percent airgel. The fiber reinforced airgel may contain more than about 20 weight percent of airgel. The fiber reinforced airgel may contain more than about 30 weight percent of airgel. The fiber reinforced airgel may contain from about 20 weight percent to about 80 weight percent airgel, or from about 40 weight percent to about 60 weight percent aerosol. If the fiber reinforced airgel comprises silica aerogel, the fiber reinforced airgel may contain from about 30 weight percent to about 40 weight percent synthetic amorphous silica. If the fiber reinforced airgel comprises silica aerogel, the fiber reinforced airgel may contain from about 10 weight percent to about 20 weight percent methylsilylated silica.

The fiber reinforced airgel may contain at least about 20 weight percent fibrous material. The fiber reinforced airgel may contain at least about 30 weight percent fibrous material. Fiber reinforced airgels may contain less than about 70 weight percent fibrous material. Fiber reinforced airgels may contain less than about 60 weight percent fibrous material. Fiber-reinforced airgels can include from about 20 weight percent to about 70 weight percent fibrous material, or from about 40 weight percent to about 50 weight percent fibrous material.

Fiber-reinforced airgels are about 30 weight percent to about 40 weight percent synthetic amorphous silica, about 10 weight percent to about 80 weight percent methylsilylated silica, and about 40 weight percent to about 50 weight percent fibrous. May include material.

The fiber reinforced airgel of the present invention may contain any suitable airgel. Examples of suitable airgels include, among other things, silica airgels, metal oxide airgels, organic and carbon airgels, nanotube airgels, metal airgels, or combinations thereof. When the airgel is a silica airgel, the airgel may contain one or more of synthetic amorphous silica and methylsilylated silica.

The fiber reinforced airgel of the present invention may contain any suitable fibrous material. The fibrous material may include one or more suitable fibers. For example, suitable fibers may include, among other things, glass fibers, silica-based fibers, carbon fibers, polymer fibers, metal fibers and ceramic fibers. The fiber may contain at least one of an organic material and an inorganic material. The fiber may include a combination of organic and inorganic materials. The fibrous material may be a woven fabric. The fibrous material may be a non-woven fabric. The fibrous material may include fibrous raw cotton or fibrous stuffed cotton.

The fiber reinforced airgel may contain a binder.

The fibrous material may include a binder. Binders are used in some fibrous materials to hold the fibrous materials together. The provision of binders can also improve the mechanical properties of fibrous materials. For example, the binder may make the fibrous material less fragile and more flexible.

The binder may be a binder of a cellulose derivative. As used herein, the term "cellulose derivative binder" is used to describe a binder that comprises a cellulose derivative. In particular, a cellulose derivative binder may include a cellulose derivative formed by the addition of a particular side group to cellulose.

Suitable cellulose derivatives include, but are not limited to, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxyethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose esters, and cellulose ethers. The binder of the cellulose derivative preferably contains carboxymethyl cellulose.

Binders can include one or more organic binders such as bitumen, animal and vegetable adhesives and polymers. The binder may include one or more inorganic binder materials such as lime, cement, gypsum and liquid glass. If the binder comprises one or more polymers, the polymers may include acrylic resins, phenolic resins, polyesters, epoxys, polyethers, PVOH, styrene-based, polycarboxylic ethers and polyurethanes. The binder may include one or more of CMC and bentonite. The binder may be an acrylic binder.

Fiber reinforced airgels may include ceramic fibrous materials. The ceramic fibrous material may include ceramic fibers.

If the fiber reinforced aerogel comprises a ceramic fibrous material, the ceramic fibrous material may include a crystalline ceramic material. The ceramic fibrous material may include an amorphous ceramic material. The ceramic fibrous material may be amorphous. The ceramic fibrous material may be semi-crystalline. The ceramic fibrous material may be crystalline.

As used herein, the term "ceramic fibrous material" includes glass. As used herein, the term "glass" is used to describe a material that exhibits a glass transition at a glass transition temperature. In general, the term "glass" is used herein to describe amorphous or amorphous solid materials. However, the term "glass" also includes materials containing crystalline and amorphous components. Glass materials containing both crystalline and amorphous components can be referred to as "glass-ceramic" materials.

The attributes of the glass material of the present invention can be determined by the method of forming the glass. As used herein, the term "glass" includes glass formed by any suitable method. Suitable methods for forming glass include melt quenching, physical vapor deposition, solid state reactions including thermochemical and mechanical chemical reactions, liquid state reactions such as the Zolgel method, emission of crystalline solids such as radioactive amorphization, and pressure. Amorphization (ie, formation based on the action of high pressure) is included.

In some embodiments, the ceramic fibrous material may include glass. The ceramic fibrous material may include glass fiber. The glass fiber may include a glass ceramic material. The ceramic fibrous material may include continuous filament glass fibers.

In some embodiments, the ceramic fibrous material may be glass-free. In other words, the ceramic fibrous material may include any ceramic material other than glass. The ceramic fibrous material does not have to be a glass material. The ceramic fibrous material does not have to contain glass fiber. In those embodiments, the ceramic fibrous material generally comprises a crystalline ceramic material.

In some embodiments, the fibrous material may include biosoluble fibers. As used herein, the term "biosoluble" is used to describe a material that is soluble in a biological system, such as the biological system of the human body. The biosolubility of a material in a particular biological system can differ significantly from the solubility of the material in water. As used herein, a substance can be considered biosoluble if at least 0.1 g of the substance is dissolved in 100 ml of a biological system solvent. Similarly, a substance can be considered bioinsoluble if less than 0.1 g of material is dissolved in 100 ml of biological system solvent. In general, the biosoluble fibers of the invention are soluble in the user's respiratory system based on the inhalation of the fibers. In other words, the biosoluble fibers of the invention are generally dissolved in the user's respiratory system based on the inhalation of the fibers. The biosoluble fibers of the present invention may be soluble in the human alveolar environment.

The biosoluble material can be any suitable biosoluble material. Suitable biosoluble materials include alkaline earth silicate wool and high alumina low silica wool.

In some embodiments of the invention, the fiber reinforced airgel may contain about 100 weight percent alkaline earth silicate wool.

The fiber reinforced airgel may contain any other suitable reinforcing material. For example, fiber reinforced airgel can include polymer fibers such as polyamide and polyimide. The fiber reinforced airgel may be further reinforced by additional means such as particulate reinforcement. For example, the fiber reinforced airgel may be reinforced with carbon black particles. The fiber reinforced airgel may further contain any other suitable component including, but not limited to, titanium dioxide, aluminum trihydrate, which may contain iron and manganese, and pigments.

Suitable fiber reinforced airgels include Pyrogel® XT-E and Pyrogel® XT-F, both manufactured by Aspen Aerogels®.

The layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel can have any suitable thickness. Generally, the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel is a thin layer. The thickness of the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel can be at least about 0.25 mm or at least about 0.5 mm. The thickness of the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel can be less than about 10 millimeters or less than about 5 millimeters. The layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel can have a thickness of about 0.25 mm to about 10 mm, or about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention includes an aerosol-forming substrate. As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" is used to describe a substrate with the ability to release volatile compounds based on heating that can form an aerosol. The aerosol produced from the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article according to the invention may or may not be visible, and vapors (eg, fine powders of vaporizable substances are usually liquids or solids at room temperature. ), As well as liquid droplets of gas and condensed vapors.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid at room temperature.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol-forming body and at least one material capable of emitting volatile compounds in response to heating.

The at least one aerosol-forming body facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol during use, resulting in any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that is substantially heat-degradable at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article. sell. Suitable aerosol forming agents are well known in the art, such as polyvalent alcohols, esters of polyvalent alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids. Includes aliphatic esters (such as dimethyl dodecane diate and dimethyl tetradecane diate). Exemplary aerosol-forming bodies for use in aerosol-generating articles according to the invention are polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin, or mixtures thereof.

The material capable of emitting volatile compounds in response to heating may be loading of plant-derived materials (eg, loading of homogenized plant-derived materials). For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more plant-derived materials including, but not limited to, tobacco, tea (eg, green tea), hacka, laurel, eucalyptus, basil, sage, bijozakura, and tarragon. .. Plant-based materials may include additives including, but not limited to, wetting agents, flavoring agents, binders and mixtures thereof. Plant-derived materials can consist essentially of tobacco material, optionally homogenized tobacco material.

The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may include an aerosol-forming substrate containing nicotine. For example, the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention comprises an aerosol-forming substrate containing tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate can be surrounded by a filter plug wrap.

The aerosol-generating article according to the invention comprises a flammable heat source that is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate and is separated from one or more airflow paths.

The flammable heat source may include the body of the flammable material. The body of the flammable material can have a substantially constant diameter. The body of a flammable material can have a constant diameter along its length. This can advantageously simplify the processes involved in the manufacture of flammable heat sources and aerosol-generating articles. In some embodiments, the body of the flammable material may form a substantially annular cylindrical body having a substantially constant diameter along its length.

The flammable heat source may be a carbonaceous heat source. As used herein, the term "carbonaceous" is used to describe a flammable heat source containing carbon. The carbon content of the flammable carbonaceous heat source for use in the aerosol-generating articles according to the invention is preferably at least about 35 percent, more preferably at least about 40 percent, at least in the dry mass of the 30 flammable heat sources. Most preferably about 45 percent.

The flammable heat source according to the present invention can be a flammable carbon-based heat source. As used herein, the term "carbon-based heat source" is used to describe a heat source that consists primarily of carbon.

The carbon content of the flammable carbon-based heat source for use in the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is at least about 50 percent, preferably at least about 60 percent, in terms of dry mass of the flammable carbon-based heat source. It is more preferably at least about 70 percent and most preferably at least about 80 percent.

The flammable heat source of the present invention is separated from one or more airflow paths through an aerosol-generating article. As used herein, the term "air flow path" is used to describe the path of air that can be drawn through an aerosol-generating article along it for inhalation by the user. As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are relative to the components of an aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction in which air flows through one or more airflow paths when inhaled by the user with the aerosol-generating article. Used to describe orientation and position.

Separation of the flammable heat source from one or more airflow paths of the aerosol-generating article may substantially prevent or inhibit the activation of combustion of the flammable heat source while the user smokes. This can substantially prevent or inhibit spikes in the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate while the user smokes with the aerosol-generating article. This can substantially prevent or inhibit the combustion or thermal decomposition of the aerosol-forming substrate under severe smoke absorption conditions. This can substantially prevent or impede changes in the composition of the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article depending on the smoke-absorbing conditions of the user.

Separation of flammable heat sources from one or more airflow paths also means that combustion and decomposition products and other materials formed during ignition and combustion of the flammable heat sources are aerosols along one or more airflow paths. It can substantially prevent or prevent entry into the air sucked through the generated article.

The isolated flammable heat source of the present invention may include a blind heat source. As used herein, the term "blind" describes a flammable heat source in which the air drawn through an aerosol-generating article for inhalation by the user does not pass through any airflow channel along the flammable heat source. Used for. Therefore, heat transfer between the blind flammable heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate is mainly caused by conductive heat transfer.

Conductive heat transfer between the flammable heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate is reduced or minimized because no airflow channel is provided through the flammable heat source. Reducing the conductive heat transfer between the flammable heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate can substantially prevent or inhibit spikes in the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate while the user smokes. This can substantially prevent or inhibit the combustion or thermal decomposition of the aerosol-forming substrate under severe smoke absorption conditions. This can substantially prevent or impede changes in the composition of the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article depending on the smoke-absorbing conditions of the user. It also effectively allows combustion and decomposition products and other materials formed during ignition and combustion of the flammable heat source to enter the air sucked through the aerosol-generating article along one or more airflow paths. Can be prevented or inhibited.

The isolated flammable heat source of the present invention may include a non-blind heat source. As used herein, the term "non-blind" refers to a heat source through which air for inhalation by a user drawn through an aerosol-generating article passes through one or more airflow channels along a heat source. Used to describe. As such, heat transfer between a non-blind flammable heat source and an aerosol forming substrate can occur by both conductive and convective heat transfer along one or more air flow channels.

As used herein, the term "airflow channel" is used to describe a flow path that extends along the length of a flammable heat source through which air can be drawn downstream for inhalation by the user. used. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article of the present invention does not have to include one or more airflow channels.

One or more nonflammable, substantially non-breathable barriers between the flammable heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate hit one or both of the proximal end of the flammable heat source and the distal end of the aerosol-forming substrate. It may include a first barrier in contact. The first barrier can facilitate the separation of flammable heat sources from one or more airflow paths of aerosol-generating articles. The first barrier can reduce the maximum temperature at which the aerosol-forming substrate is exposed during ignition and combustion of the flammable heat source, effectively preventing or burning the aerosol-forming substrate during use of the aerosol-generating article. Can inhibit.

As used herein, the term "nonflammable" is used to describe a material that is substantially nonflammable at the temperature reached by a flammable heat source during its combustion or ignition.

As used herein, the term "non-breathable" is used to describe a material that substantially prevents or blocks the passage of air through it.

The first barrier may be adhered or separately attached to one or both of the proximal end of the flammable heat source and the distal end of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The first barrier may include a first barrier coating provided on the proximal surface of the flammable heat source. In such embodiments, the first barrier may include a first barrier coating provided at least substantially the entire proximal surface of the flammable heat source. The first barrier may include a first barrier coating provided over the entire proximal surface of the flammable heat source. The first barrier coating can be formed and applied to the proximal surface of the flammable heat source by any suitable method, such as the method described in WO-A1-2013120855.

Depending on the desired characteristics and performance of the aerosol-generating article, the first barrier may have low or high thermal conductivity. In certain embodiments, the first barrier is about 0.1 W / m. K ~ about 200 W / m. It may have a thermal conductivity of K.

The thickness of the first barrier may be adjusted appropriately to achieve good aerosol generation performance. In certain embodiments, the first barrier can have a thickness of about 10 microns to about 500 microns.

The first barrier may be formed from one or more suitable materials that are substantially thermally stable and nonflammable at the temperature achieved by the flammable heat source during ignition and combustion. Suitable materials are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, clays (eg, bentonite and kaolinite, etc.), glass, minerals, ceramic materials, resins, metals, and combinations thereof.

Materials from which the first barrier can be formed include clay and glass. Other materials from which the first barrier can be formed include copper, aluminum, stainless steel, alloys, alumina (Al2O3), resins and mineral adhesives.

If the first barrier contains a metal or alloy such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, the first barrier coating advantageously serves as a thermal link between the flammable heat source and the aerosol forming substrate. sell. This can improve conductive heat transfer from the flammable heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating article may further include one or more air inlets downstream from the proximal end of the flammable heat source. In some embodiments, one or more air inlets are located between the proximal end of the flammable heat source and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The one or more air inlets may be arranged such that air can be drawn into one or more airflow paths of the aerosol-generating article through the one or more air inlets without being drawn out through the flammable heat source. This can substantially prevent or inhibit spikes in the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate while the user smokes.

The one or more air inlets may include any suitable air inlet through which air can be drawn into the aerosol-generating article. For example, suitable air inlets include holes, slits, groove holes or other openings. The number, shape, size and arrangement of air inlets may be adjusted appropriately to achieve excellent aerosol generation performance.

One or more air inlets may be located at any location between the proximal end of the flammable heat source and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. One or more air inlets may be located on the aerosol forming substrate. One or more air inlets may be located between the distal end of the aerosol-forming substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-forming substrate. If one or more air inlets are located in the aerosol forming substrate and the aerosol forming substrate comprises a filter plug wrap, the filter plug wrap provides one or more openings to allow air into the aerosol forming substrate. Can be done. The one or more openings can be slits, grooves or other suitable openings through which air can be drawn into the aerosol-forming substrate. The number, shape, size and arrangement of openings may be adjusted appropriately to achieve excellent aerosol generation performance.

A flammable heat source may include one or more airflow channels. In other words, the flammable heat source may be a non-blind heat source. One or more airflow channels can extend along the length of the flammable heat source. The one or more airflow channels can form part of one or more airflow paths in the aerosol-generating article.

If the flammable heat source contains one or more airflow channels in the aerosol-generating article, one or more non-flammable, substantially non-breathable barriers between the flammable heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate are with the flammable heat source. A second barrier may be further included between the flammable aerosol and one or more airflow channels.

The second barrier can facilitate the separation of flammable heat sources from one or more airflow paths of aerosol-generating articles. The second barrier can reduce the maximum temperature at which the aerosol-forming substrate is exposed during ignition and combustion of the flammable heat source, thus avoiding or reducing thermal decomposition or combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate during use of the aerosol-generating article. Useful for.

The second barrier may be adhered to or separately attached to a flammable heat source.

The second barrier may include a second barrier coating provided on the inner surface of one or more airflow channels. The second barrier may include a second barrier coating provided over at least substantially the entire inner surface of one or more airflow channels. The second barrier may include a second barrier coating provided over the entire inner surface of one or more airflow channels.

The second barrier coating may be provided by inserting a liner into one or more airflow channels. For example, if one or more airflow paths include one or more airflow channels that extend through the interior of a flammable heat source, then a nonflammable, substantially impermeable hollow tube is one or more airflow. It may be inserted into each of the channels.

A second barrier is the entry of combustion or decomposition products formed during ignition and combustion of the flammable heat source of the aerosol-generating article according to the invention into the air drawn downstream along one or more airflow channels. Can be advantageously substantially prevented or inhibited.

Depending on the desired characteristics and performance of the aerosol-generating article, the second barrier may have low or high thermal conductivity. The second barrier may have low thermal conductivity.

The thickness of the second barrier may be adjusted appropriately to achieve good aerosol generation performance. In certain embodiments, the second barrier may have a thickness of about 30 microns to about 200 microns. In one embodiment, the second barrier has a thickness of about 30 microns to about 100 microns.

The second barrier may be formed from one or more suitable materials that are substantially thermally stable and nonflammable at the temperature achieved by the flammable heat source during ignition and combustion. Suitable materials are known in the art such as clay, metal oxides (such as iron oxide, alumina, titania, silica, silica-alumina, zirconia and ceria), zeolites, zirconium phosphate, and other ceramic materials or Including, but not limited to, combinations of these.

Materials from which a second barrier can be formed include clay, glass, aluminum, iron oxide and combinations thereof. If necessary, a catalyst raw material component such as a raw material component that promotes the oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide may be incorporated into the second barrier. Suitable catalyst raw material components include, but are not limited to, for example platinum, palladium, transition metals and oxides thereof.

The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is a first barrier between the downstream end of the flammable heat source and the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate, and one or more airflow channels along the flammable heat source and the flammable heat source. When including a second barrier between and, the second barrier may be formed from the same or different material as the first barrier.

If the second barrier comprises a second barrier coating provided on the inner surface of one or more airflow channels, any of the methods described in US-A-5,040,551 and WO-A1-2013120855. The second barrier coating may be applied to the inner surface of one or more airflow channels by the appropriate method of.

The aerosol-generating article may further comprise one or more additional layers surrounding at least the proximal portion of the flammable heat source and the distal portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. The one or more additional layers may include at least one of a heat conductive element that transfers heat from a flammable heat source to the aerosol forming substrate, and a layer of cigarette paper.

The thermally conductive element may surround only the distal portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. The length of the aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially surrounded by a thermally conductive element. The thermally conductive element may be in direct contact with at least one of the flammable heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate. The thermally conductive element may not be in direct contact with both the flammable heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate.

The thermally conductive element may provide a thermal link between the flammable heat source and the aerosol forming substrate. The thermally conductive element can be substantially combustion resistant.

Suitable thermally conductive elements may include metal leaf wrappers or alloy foil wrappers. The metal foil wrapper may include an aluminum foil wrapper, a steel foil wrapper, an iron foil wrapper and a copper foil wrapper. The thermally conductive element may include an aluminum tube.

The proximal portion of the flammable heat source surrounded by the heat conductive element can be about 2 mm to about 8 mm in length, or about 3 mm to about 5 mm in length.

The distal portion of the flammable heat source that is not surrounded by a heat conductive element can be about 4 mm to about 15 mm in length, or about 4 mm to about 8 mm in length.

A layer of cigarette paper can surround at least the proximal portion of the flammable heat source, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate, and some other component of the aerosol-generating article located proximal to the aerosol-forming substrate. A layer of cigarette paper can substantially enclose the length of the flammable heat source. If a layer of cigarette paper substantially surrounds the length of the flammable heat source, the layer of cigarette paper may be provided with ventilation such as perforations, holes or slits in the flammable heat source, thereby air. Allows to pass through a layer of cigarette paper to a flammable heat source. The number, shape, size and location of the openings may be adjusted appropriately to achieve excellent aerosol generation performance. Just as the layer of cigarette paper grips and secures the flammable heat source and aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is assembled, the layer of cigarette paper is tightly wrapped around the flammable heat source and aerosol-forming substrate. Can be done.

The layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel can be a radial outer layer. If the aerosol-generating article comprises one or more additional layers, the radial outer layer of the fiber-reinforced airgel may cover at least a portion of the one or more additional layers. In other words, one or more additional layers may be placed between the flammable heat source and the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel. For example, if the aerosol-generating article comprises an additional layer that includes a thermally conductive element, the thermally conductive element may be a radial inner layer, and at least one layer of fiber-reinforced airgel is thermally conductive. It may be a radial outer layer that surrounds at least a portion of the element.

As used herein, the terms "radial outside" and "radial inside" are used to indicate the relative distance of an aerosol-generating article component from the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. The radius. As used herein, the term "radial" is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, extending in the direction between the proximal and distal ends of the aerosol-generating article. Used to describe the direction.

The one or more additional layers can be radial outer layers. One or more additional layers may cover at least a portion of the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel.

At least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel can be anchored or attached to one or more other components or components of the aerosol-generating article. At least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel can be secured to any suitable component of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel can be immobilized on at least one of a flammable heat source, an aerosol-forming substrate and one or more additional layers. The layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel can be secured to one or more components of the aerosol-generating article by any suitable means. The layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel can be fixed using an adhesive. Suitable adhesives can exhibit high temperature resistance such as silicate adhesives. If the one or more additional layers are radial outer layers, the one or more additional layers may be tightly wrapped around at least a portion of the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel.

In some embodiments, at least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel may form part of a flammable heat source. As used herein, the term "integral" is in direct contact with a flammable heat source and adheres to the flammable heat source without the assistance of an extrinsic adhesive or other intermediate binding material. Used to depict layers.

In some embodiments, the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel can be formed from pieces of fiber reinforced airgel with opposite ends. The fiber-reinforced airgel strips can be wrapped around a flammable heat source such that the opposing ends of the strips partially overlap. The overlapping opposing ends of the pieces can be fixed together using glue or any other suitable means. This may fix a layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel on the flammable heat source.

In some embodiments, an intermediate layer may be provided between the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel and at least one of a flammable heat source, an aerosol-forming substrate and one or more additional layers. The intermediate layer may be adjacent to at least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel. The intermediate layer may be in contact with at least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel. The intermediate layer may be arranged radially inward of at least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel.

The intermediate layer may be an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may contain any suitable adhesive. Suitable adhesives can exhibit high temperature resistance such as silicate adhesives. The adhesive layer may be disposed between the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel and the flammable heat source, and the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may be attached to the flammable heat source. The adhesive layer may be disposed between the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel and one or more additional layers, and the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may be attached to the one or more additional layers. sell. The adhesive layer may be disposed between the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel and the aerosol forming substrate, and the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may be attached to the aerosol forming substrate.

In some embodiments, the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel can be formed from pieces of fiber reinforced airgel with opposite ends. The fiber-reinforced airgel strips can be wound around a flammable heat source so that the opposing ends of the strips abut and do not partially overlap. The adhesive layer can be provided on the sides of the strip facing the flammable heat source, at least at the opposite ends of the strip. The adhesive layer may secure the fiber-reinforced airgel strips to a flammable heat source, at least at the opposite ends of the strips.

The aerosol-generating article may include a thermally conductive member disposed between the flammable heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate. The thermally conductive member may be the first barrier described above. Aerosol-generating articles may include a thermally conductive member and a first barrier. The thermally conductive member may contain the same material as the thermally conductive element. Aerosol-generating articles may include a thermally conductive member and a thermally conductive element. The provision of at least one of the thermally conductive element and the thermally conductive member may facilitate the conductive heat transfer between the flammable heat source and the aerosol forming substrate.

Aerosol-generating articles may further comprise any other suitable component. For example, the aerosol-generating article may include at least one of a moving element, an aerosol cooling element, a spacer element and a mouthpiece. One or more additional components may be coaxial with the flammable heat source and aerosol-forming substrate. One or more additional components may be located proximal to the aerosol-forming substrate. One or more additional components may be placed in any suitable order. Aerosol-generating articles include moving elements adjacent to the proximal end of the aerosol-forming substrate, aerosol cooling elements adjacent to the proximal end of the moving element, spacer elements adjacent to the proximal end of the aerosol cooling element, and spacer elements. Further may be provided with a mouthpiece adjacent to the proximal end.

As used herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol-generating article according to the invention. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article component is the end of the component near the oral end of the aerosol-generating article, and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article component is the oral-side of the aerosol-generating article. It is the end of its component far from the end of. Generally, the flammable heat source is located at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention. The method is to place a flammable heat source to heat the aerosol-forming substrate and to provide one or more air flow paths through which air can be drawn through the aerosol-generating article for user inhalation. Separating the flammable heat source from one or more air passages and at least one so that during use, the air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article along one or more air passages that do not come into direct contact with the flammable heat source. Enclosing at least a portion of the length of the flammable heat source with a layer of fiber reinforced aerosol.

In some embodiments, the step of enclosing at least a portion of the length of the flammable heat source with at least one layer of fiber-reinforced airgel provides flammable pieces of fiber-reinforced airgel with opposite ends. Wrapping the flammable heat source with strips, overlapping the opposing ends of the strips, and fixing the overlapping ends together so that the sex heat source is surrounded by at least one layer of fiber-reinforced airgel, the fiber It may include fixing at least one layer of reinforced airgel to a flammable heat source.

The overlapping ends of the fiber-reinforced airgel strips can be fixed together using any suitable means. For example, the overlapping ends of the fiber-reinforced airgel strips can be fixed together using an adhesive. Suitable adhesives should be high temperature resistant and contain silica adhesives.

In some embodiments, the step of enclosing at least a portion of the length of the flammable heat source with at least one layer of fiber reinforced aerogel provides a piece of fiber reinforced aerogel with opposite ends and at least. Attaching an adhesive layer to one side of the strip at each of the opposing ends, placing the strip so that the adhesive layer faces the flammable heat source, and at least a portion of the length of the flammable heat source is fiber. Wrap the pieces around a flammable heat source so that they are surrounded by at least one layer of reinforced aerogel, abut the opposite ends of the pieces without overlapping the opposite ends, and use an adhesive layer. It may include fixing the pieces to a flammable heat source.

In some embodiments, the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may be laminated with an additional layer, such as a layer of cigarette paper. The layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel may be laminated with an additional layer before the layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel is attached to the flammable heat source. Co-laminated pieces of paper containing at least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel and additional layers can be wrapped around a flammable heat source in a manner similar to the pieces of fiber reinforced airgel. In some embodiments, the co-laminated paper may be arranged such that at least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel faces the flammable heat source. In other words, at least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel can be located radially inward of the additional layer. In some embodiments, the co-laminated paper may be arranged such that an additional layer faces the flammable heat source.
The present invention will be further described, but only as an example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the invention, comprising a blind flammable heat source. FIG. 2 shows the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 1 at the first position. FIG. 3 shows the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 1 at the second position. FIG. 4 shows the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 1 at the third position. FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the invention, comprising a non-blind flammable heat source.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol-generating article 2. The aerosol-generating article 2 includes a flammable heat source 3. The flammable heat source 3 includes a substantially annular columnar body of carbonaceous material having a length of about 10 millimeters. The flammable heat source 3 is a blind heat source. In other words, the flammable heat source 3 does not include any air channels extending through it.

The aerosol-generating article 2 further includes an aerosol-forming substrate 4. The aerosol-forming substrate 4 is located at the proximal end of the flammable heat source 3. The aerosol-forming substrate 4 comprises a substantially annular cylindrical plug 18 of tobacco material surrounded by a filter plug wrap 19.

The first barrier 6, which is nonflammable and substantially non-breathable, is located between the proximal end of the flammable heat source 3 and the distal end of the aerosol forming substrate 4. The first barrier 6 comprises an aluminum foil disc. The first barrier 6 is also a heat conductive member between the flammable heat source 3 and the aerosol forming substrate 4 in order to conduct heat from the proximal surface of the flammable heat source 3 to the distal surface of the aerosol forming substrate 4. To form.

The thermally conductive element 9 surrounds a proximal portion of the flammable heat source 3 and a distal portion of the aerosol forming substrate 4. The thermally conductive element 9 includes a tube of aluminum foil. The thermally conductive element 9 comes into direct contact with the proximal portion of the flammable heat source 3 and the filter plug wrap 19 of the aerosol forming substrate 4.

The aerosol-generating article 2 is arranged at a moving element 11 arranged at the proximal end of the aerosol forming substrate 4, an aerosol cooling element 12 arranged at the proximal end of the moving element 11, and a proximal end of the aerosol cooling element 11. It further comprises various other components located proximal to the aerosol forming substrate 4, including the spacer element 13, the mouthpiece 10 located at the proximal end of the spacer element 13.

The components of the aerosol-generating article 2 are packaged in a layer 7 of cigarette paper. The layer 7 of the cigarette paper surrounds the heat conductive element 9, but does not extend beyond the distal end of the heat conductive element 9 and over the distal portion of the flammable heat source 3.

According to the present invention, the aerosol-generating article 2 further comprises a layer 5 of fiber-reinforced airgel. The layer 5 of the fiber-reinforced airgel surrounds the substantial length of the flammable heat source 3 as well as the layer 7 of the cigarette paper, the heat conductive element 9 and the distal portion of the aerosol forming substrate 4. In other words, the layer 5 of the fiber-reinforced airgel is the outer layer in the radial direction at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 2.

Layer 5 of the fiber reinforced airgel contains silica aerogel and fibrous material, including continuous filament glass fibers. Fiber-reinforced airgel contains about 35 weight percent synthetic amorphous silica, about 15 weight percent methylsilylated silica, and about 45 weight percent continuous filament glass fiber.

A plurality of air suction ports 8 are arranged on the aerosol forming substrate 4, which allows ambient air to be drawn into the aerosol generating article 2. The air suction port 8 includes a plurality of perforations that surround the aerosol forming substrate 4 and pass through the layer 7 of the cigarette paper and the lower layer of the plug wrap 19. The air suction port 8 is arranged between the distal surface and the proximal surface of the aerosol forming substrate 4.

When the user sucks in with the mouthpiece 10 of the aerosol-generating article 2, ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol-generating article 2 through the air suction port 8. The air drawn into the aerosol-generating article 2 passes from the air suction port 8 through the aerosol-forming substrate 4, the moving element 11, the cooling element 12, and the spacer element 13 along the air flow path of the aerosol-generating article 2. It can flow to the piece 10 and then out of the mouthpiece 10 for inhalation and flow to the user. The overall direction of the airflow through the aerosol-generating article 2 is indicated by an arrow.

During use, the user may ignite the flammable heat source 3 by exposing the flammable heat source 3 to an external heat source such as a lighter. The flammable heat source 3 may be ignited and burned, and heat may be transferred from the flammable heat source 3 to the aerosol forming substrate 4 via conduction through the heat conductive member 6 and the heat conductive element 9. The volatile components of the heated aerosol-forming substrate 4 may be evaporated. When the user sucks in with the mouthpiece 10 of the aerosol-generating article 2, ambient air can be drawn into the airflow path of the aerosol-generating article 2 through the air suction port 8. The vapor from the heated aerosol forming substrate 4 may be mixed with the air drawn through the aerosol forming base 4, and may be drawn out together with the air toward the mouthpiece 10. As the vapor is drawn towards the mouthpiece 10, the vapor can be cooled to form an aerosol. The aerosol can be drawn out of the mouthpiece 10 and delivered to the user for inhalation.

Not surprisingly, the substantially impermeable first barrier 6 prevents air from being drawn into the aerosol-forming substrate 4 through the flammable heat source 3. Therefore, the first barrier 6 substantially separates the airflow path of the aerosol-generating article 2 from the flammable heat source 3.

In this embodiment, the layer 5 of the fiber reinforced airgel extends over a small portion of the distal end of the aerosol-forming substrate 4. Therefore, the layer 5 of the fiber-reinforced airgel is arranged at a distance from the air suction port 8. This spacing substantially separates the fiber reinforced airgel layer 5 from the air suction port 8, so that the air drawn through the airflow path of the aerosol generating article 2 does not come into contact with the fiber reinforced airgel layer 5.

Of course, in some embodiments, the layer of fiber reinforced airgel may be in close proximity to the air inlet. In those embodiments, the portion of the layer of fiber reinforced airgel in close proximity to the air inlet may be coated with a material that is substantially impermeable to fibers and particles. This allows substantially separating the portion of the fiber reinforced airgel layer in the vicinity of the air inlet so that the air drawn through the airflow path of the aerosol-generating article does not come into contact with the fiber reinforced airgel layer.

Experimental data were collected to determine the temperature of the flammable heat source and aerosol-forming substrate of various aerosol-generating articles similar to the aerosol-generating article 2 shown in FIG. 1 throughout the burning time of the flammable heat source. Each aerosol-generating article measured contained a different layer of material that substantially surrounded the length of the flammable heat source. In particular, the experimental data substantially correlates the length of the flammable heat source, a layer of non-enhanced airgel (AeroZero® manufactured by Bluesift International Materials, Inc.) that substantially surrounds the length of the flammable heat source. Airgel, including a layer of fiber-reinforced airgel (Pyrogel® XT-F manufactured by Aspen Aerogels, Inc.) that surrounds the airgel, but does not include a layer of material that substantially surrounds the length of the flammable heat source. Collected for outbreaks. 2-4 show graphs of experimentally measured values of temperature over time at three different positions of various aerosol-generating articles.

FIG. 2 shows the temperature measured at a position 2 millimeters from the distal end of the flammable heat source, corresponding to position T ₁ shown in FIG. In other words, FIG. 2 shows the temperature at the distal end of a flammable heat source.

FIG. 3 shows the temperature measured at a position 5 millimeters from the distal end of the flammable heat source, corresponding to position T ₂ shown in FIG. In other words, FIG. 3 shows the temperature at approximately the middle along the length of the flammable heat source.

FIG. 4 shows the temperature measured at a position 11 millimeters from the distal end of the flammable heat source, corresponding to position T ₃ shown in FIG. In other words, FIG. 4 shows the temperature at the distal end of the aerosol-forming substrate.

All temperature profiles were measured using electronic temperature probes inserted to a depth of approximately 2 mm within the relevant components of the aerosol-generating article.

In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the "AeroZero" line labeled as 20 shows the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating article with a layer of unreinforced airgel that substantially surrounds the length of the flammable heat source.

In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the "Pyrogel XTF" line labeled as 21 has a layer of fiber-reinforced airgel that substantially surrounds the length of the flammable heat source according to the invention, the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating article. Is shown.

In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the "SMAR" line labeled as 22 shows the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating article without a layer of material that substantially surrounds the length of the flammable heat source.

To exhibit a temperature profile that is substantially similar to or greater than the temperature profile of the aerosol-generated article, which does not have a layer of material that substantially surrounds the length of the flammable heat source labeled as 22. It is desirable to have a layer of material that substantially surrounds the length of the aerosol-generating article. This indicates that the layer of material does not substantially impede the combustion of the flammable heat source.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the temperature 20 of the aerosol-generating article having a layer of unreinforced airgel that substantially surrounds the length of the flammable heat source is the aerosol during the total combustion time of the flammable heat source. Below the temperature 22 of the aerosol generated article, which has virtually no layer of material surrounding the length of the flammable heat source at all three positions of the generated article.

Surprisingly, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the temperature 21 of the aerosol-generating article having a layer of fiber-reinforced airgel that substantially surrounds the length of the flammable heat source is the combustion time of the flammable heat source. Substantially similar to the temperature 22 of an aerosol-generating article having no layer of material substantially surrounding the length of the flammable heat source at all three positions of the aerosol-generating article during most of the time. Further, the temperature 21 of the aerosol-generating article having a layer of fiber-reinforced airgel substantially surrounding the length of the flammable heat source is the flammable heat source at all three positions of the aerosol-generating article at the end of the aerosol-generating state. It is substantially higher than the temperature 22 of the aerosol-generating article, which has no layer of material substantially surrounding the length of the aerosol.

This surprising result shows that providing a layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel that substantially surrounds the length of the flammable heat source does not substantially impede the combustion of the flammable heat source. .. In effect, providing a layer of fiber-reinforced airgel can increase the temperature of the flammable heat source towards the end of the burning time of the flammable heat source, and also of the time the aerosol is produced by the aerosol-generating article. The length can be extended, thereby extending the time of the user's aerosol generation experience.

Aerosol-generating articles according to the invention were measured by observing their effect of placing them on Whatman paper after ignition of the heat source. For example, aerosol-generating articles were inspected for 24 hours at approximately 23 ° C ± 3 ° C and 55% ± 5% relative humidity. The aerosol-generating article to be inspected was ignited using an electric lighter and burned for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, the aerosol-generating article was placed on stacked Whatman paper for 8 minutes. Eight minutes later, Whatman paper was inspected. Aerosol-generating articles with a layer of fiber-reinforced airgel that substantially surrounds the length of the flammable heat source did not create holes in any Whatman paper, but produced a small brown area on the top paper. Was observed. This result indicates that having a layer of fiber reinforced airgel that substantially surrounds the length of the flammable heat source reduces the surface temperature in the vicinity of the heat source.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 102 is substantially the same as the aerosol-generating article 2 shown in FIG. The aerosol-generating article 102 is a flammable heat source 103, an aerosol-forming substrate 104, a fiber-reinforced airgel layer 105, and a cigarette paper layer 107, which are arranged in the same manner as the corresponding components of the aerosol-generating article 102 shown in FIG. To prepare for. However, the flammable heat source 103 is a non-blind heat source. The non-blind heat source 103 comprises an annular body 115 of carbonaceous material with a passage 116 extending between the distal and proximal end faces. The passage 116 forms part of the airflow path through the aerosol-generating article 102 and also allows air to be drawn from the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 102 through the flammable heat source 103 to the aerosol-forming substrate 104. .. The fiber-reinforced airgel layer 105 is spaced from the airflow path through the aerosol-generating article 102 so that the air drawn through the airflow path does not come into contact with the fiber-reinforced airgel layer 105.

The non-flammable, substantially non-breathable first barrier 6 is located far from the proximal end of the flammable heat source 103 and the aerosol-forming substrate 104, similar to the first barrier 106 described above in connection with FIG. Placed between the ends. However, unlike the first barrier 6 described above, the first barrier 106 includes an opening 120 aligned with the passage 116, which allows air to pass from the passage 116 to the aerosol forming substrate 104.

A second barrier 117, which is nonflammable and substantially impermeable, is coated on the inner surface of the passage 116. The second barrier 117 separates the air passing through the passage 116 from the flammable heat source 103 and the combustion products of the flammable heat source.

Since the flammable heat source 103 is a non-blind heat source, the aerosol generating article 102 does not include an air suction port arranged on the aerosol forming substrate 104. When the user sucks in with the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating article 102, ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol-generating article 102 through the passage 116 through the heat source 103. The air drawn into the aerosol-generating article 102 passes through the passage 116, through the aerosol-forming substrate 104, moving elements, cooling elements and spacer elements, along the airflow path of the aerosol-generating article 102, to the mouthpiece. It can flow and then flow out of the mouthpiece for inhalation to the user. The overall direction of the airflow through the aerosol-generating article 102 is indicated by an arrow.

Of course, in some embodiments, other air inlets may also be provided within the aerosol-generating article in addition to the air passage through the flammable heat source.

The particular embodiments described above are intended to illustrate the invention. However, other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims, and of course the particular embodiments described above may be limiting. Not intended for.

Claims (15)

It is an aerosol-generating article.
Aerosol forming substrate and
With flammable heat sources,
A layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel that surrounds at least a portion of the length of the flammable heat source.
With one or more airflow paths along which air can be drawn through the aerosol-generating article for inhalation by the user.
An aerosol-generating article comprising one or more nonflammable, substantially non-breathable barriers between the flammable heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate. The layer of the at least one fiber-reinforced airgel is designed so that during use, the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article along the one or more airflow paths does not come into direct contact with the layer of the at least one fiber-reinforced airgel. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, separated from the one or more airflow paths. The flammable heat source, the aerosol-forming substrate and the layer of the at least one fiber-reinforced airgel are arranged so that the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate does not exceed 375 ° C during combustion of the flammable heat source. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fiber-reinforced airgel contains less than about 80 weight percent of airgel. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fiber-reinforced airgel contains about 20% by weight or more of a fibrous material. The aerosol-generating article of claim 5, wherein the fiber-reinforced airgel comprises from about 20 weight percent to about 70 weight percent fibrous material. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fiber-reinforced airgel contains at least one of a ceramic fibrous material and a glass fibrous material. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the layer of the at least one fiber-reinforced airgel has a thickness of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. The nonflammable, substantially non-breathable barrier between the flammable heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate is at one or both of the proximal end of the flammable heat source and the distal end of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article of any of claims 1-8, comprising a first barrier to abut. The one or more airflow paths so that air can be drawn through the one or more air inlets and into the one or more airflow paths of the aerosol-generating article without passing through the flammable heat source. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises one or more air suction ports arranged between the proximal end of the flammable heat source and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. .. The one or more airflow paths include one or more airflow channels along the flammable heat source and the nonflammable, substantially non-ventilated between the flammable heat source and the one or more airflow channels. The aerosol-generating article of any of claims 1-10, wherein the sexual barrier further comprises a second barrier between the flammable heat source and the one or more airflow channels of the flammable heat source. The aerosol-generating article further comprises one or more additional layers surrounding at least a proximal portion of the flammable heat source and a distal portion of the aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the one or more additional layers.
A heat conductive element that transfers heat from the flammable heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate.
The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a layer of cigarette paper and at least one of the following. 12. The aerosol-generating article of claim 12, wherein the layer of the at least one fiber reinforced airgel is a radial outer layer covering at least a portion of the one or more additional layers. Placing a flammable heat source to heat the aerosol-forming substrate,
To provide one or more airflow paths along which air can be drawn through the aerosol-generating article for inhalation by the user.
Separating the flammable heat source from the one or more airflow paths, so that during use, the air drawn along the one or more airflow paths through the aerosol-generating article is the flammable heat source. Do not come into direct contact with, separate and
The method of forming an aerosol-generating article according to claim 1-13, comprising using at least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel to enclose at least a portion of the length of the flammable heat source. It is possible to enclose at least a portion of the length of the flammable heat source with at least one layer of fiber reinforced airgel.
To provide a piece of fiber reinforced airgel with opposite ends, and
Wrapping the flammable heat source with the strips so that the flammable heat source is surrounded by a layer of at least one fiber reinforced airgel.
Overlapping the opposing ends of the strip and
14. The method of forming an aerosol-generating article of claim 14, comprising fixing the overlapping ends together and fixing a layer of the at least one fiber reinforced airgel to the flammable heat source.

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