JP7408565B2 - Aerosol-generating articles with heat indicators - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to heated aerosol generating articles incorporating thermal indicators comprising thermochromic materials, the use of such thermochromic materials in such heated aerosol generating articles, and aerosol generating systems comprising such heated aerosol generating articles having thermal indicators. .

Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than combusted are well known in the art. Typically, in such heated smoking articles, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-generating substrate or material that is in contact with the heat source; or may be located within, around, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and become entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

Numerous prior art documents disclose aerosol generating devices for consuming or smoking heated 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 heating elements of the aerosol generating device to an aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article. One advantage of such electrically heated aerosol generators is that they significantly reduce sidestream smoke.

In such aerosol generating devices, the heating element is typically configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate within a predetermined temperature range selected by the manufacturer to provide an optimal aerosol release profile from the aerosol generating article. Ru. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device are particularly adapted for use in conjunction with each other.

However, if an aerosol-generating article is inadvertently or intentionally used with an incompatible aerosol-generating device, it is highly unlikely that an optimal aerosol release profile will be provided to the consumer. The construction of the heating elements in non-compatible devices typically differs from the construction of compatible devices, and therefore the mode of heating of the aerosol-generating substrate is likely to be different. Furthermore, the heaters may not operate similarly within the same temperature range, so that the aerosol-generating substrate is not heated under the same temperature profile as a compatible device. As a result, the properties of the aerosol emitted from the substrate are not as intended by the manufacturer. Therefore, the consumer experience is likely to be adversely affected as a result of using an aerosol-generating article with incompatible equipment.

A particular problem can arise when an aerosol generating article is used in a device that heats an aerosol generating substrate to a higher temperature than intended, thereby causing at least a portion of the substrate to become overheated. This can occur, for example, when an aerosol-generating article adapted to be heated by an internal heating element is used in an aerosol-generating device that instead heats the aerosol-generating article externally. Such devices that heat the substrate externally during use typically require much higher operating temperatures, and therefore at least the outer parts of the substrate are heated to much higher temperatures than can be provided using internal heating elements. There is a high possibility that it will be done. Additionally, overheating of the substrate can also result from internal heating of the aerosol-generating article to a much higher operating temperature by a compatible or non-compatible aerosol-generating device that internally heats the aerosol-generating article.

Provide visual indications or warnings to the user of the use of an aerosol-generating article with an incompatible aerosol-generating device, particularly with any aerosol-generating device that heats an aerosol-generating substrate to a higher temperature than intended for the substrate. It would be desirable to provide a novel arrangement of aerosol-generating articles that provides It would further be desirable to provide such a novel arrangement of aerosol-generating articles that does not adversely affect the use of the aerosol-generating articles under normal heating conditions in compatible equipment. It would be particularly desirable to be able to easily provide such novel arrangements of aerosol-generating articles without significantly impacting the structure of the aerosol-generating article or the methods and equipment used to manufacture the aerosol-generating article.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a heated aerosol-generating article for use in an aerosol-generating device having a heating element, the heated aerosol-generating article comprising a rod of an aerosol-generating substrate and an outer wrapper. an outer wrapper wrapped around at least a portion of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the wrapper includes a thermal indicator. The thermal indicator includes a thermochromic material such that at least a portion of the thermochromic material has a temperature at least one portion of the thermochromic material such that the outer wrapper provides a visual indication that the temperature at the thermal indicator exceeds a threshold temperature. The device is adapted to undergo a visual change when the temperature exceeds a threshold temperature, the threshold temperature being at least about 175°C.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a heated aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating device having a heating element, the heated aerosol generating article comprising a rod of an aerosol generating substrate and an outer wrapper. , at least a portion of the outer surface of the wrapper includes a thermal indicator, the thermal indicator being located downstream of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. The thermal indicator includes a thermochromic material such that at least a portion of the thermochromic material has a temperature at least one portion of the thermochromic material such that the outer wrapper provides a visual indication that the temperature at the thermal indicator exceeds a threshold temperature. The device is adapted to undergo a visual change when the temperature exceeds a threshold temperature, the threshold temperature being at least about 115°C.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a thermochromic material in a thermal indicator located on the outer wrapper of a rod of an aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article, wherein the heated aerosol-generating article the outer wrapper is configured for use in an aerosol generating device having a heat indicator, the outer wrapper being wrapped around at least a portion of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, whereby at least a portion of the thermochromic material is adapted to undergo a visual change when the temperature in the portion of the thermochromic material exceeds the threshold temperature to provide a visual indication that the temperature in the portion exceeds the threshold temperature, the threshold temperature being at least about The temperature is 175°C.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a thermochromic material in a thermal indicator located on the outer wrapper of a heated aerosol generating article, the heated aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating device having a heating element. The heated aerosol-generating article is configured for use in a thermochromic material, wherein the heated aerosol-generating article includes a rod of an aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the thermal indicator is located downstream of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate and includes at least one of the thermochromic materials. The portion is adapted to undergo a visual change when the temperature in the portion of the thermochromic material exceeds the threshold temperature, such that the outer wrapper provides a visual indication that the temperature in the thermal indicator exceeds the threshold temperature. and the threshold temperature is at least about 115°C.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, an aerosol comprising a heated aerosol-generating article according to the first or second aspect of the invention as described above and an aerosol-generating device adapted to receive the heated aerosol-generating article. A generation system is provided. The aerosol generating device includes a heater element configured to heat the rod of aerosol generating material during use, the heater element being controlled to operate below a maximum operating temperature during use. The thermal indicator of the heated aerosol generating article is adapted such that the heater element does not exceed a threshold temperature during use of the aerosol generating system operating below a maximum operating temperature.

As used herein, the term "heated aerosol-generating article" includes an aerosol-generating substrate that is intended to be heated rather than combusted to release volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. , means an aerosol-generating article for aerosol generation. Such articles are commonly referred to as "non-burn, heat" products.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" refers to a substrate that has the ability to release volatile compounds upon heating that can form an aerosol. Aerosols generated from the aerosol-generating substrates of the aerosol-generating articles described herein can be visible or invisible, and can also be vapors (e.g., gaseous forms of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature). (particulate matter) as well as droplets of gas and condensed vapor liquid.

The term "rod" as used herein refers to a generally cylindrical element of substantially polygonal cross-section, and preferably circular, oval or elliptical. The term "article" as used herein, unless otherwise specified, refers to an aerosol-generating article.

As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction that corresponds to the main longitudinal axis of an aerosol-generating article, extending between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article. During use, air is drawn longitudinally through the aerosol generating article. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The terms "upstream" and "downstream" as used herein refer to the relative position of an element (or portion of an element) of an aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction in which aerosol is conveyed through the aerosol-generating article during use. explain.

The aerosol-generating article according to the invention is suitable for use in an aerosol-generating system comprising an electrically heated aerosol-generating device having an internal heating element for heating an aerosol-generating substrate. For example, aerosol-generating articles according to the present invention find particular use in aerosol-generating systems that include electrically heated aerosol-generating devices having internal heater blades that are adapted to be inserted into rods of an aerosol-generating substrate. Aerosol-generating articles of this type are described in the prior art, for example in European Patent No. EP-A-0822670.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that includes a heating element that interacts with an aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.

As mentioned above, aerosol generating articles according to the present invention incorporate an outer wrapper that includes a thermal indicator. The thermal indicator provides an effective means for warning and preventing the use of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention in incompatible equipment that heats the aerosol-generating article excessively above the desired operating temperature. Upon overheating of the rods of the aerosol-generating substrate, the thermal indicator is a visual change visible to the user during or after use of the aerosol-generating article to alert the user of incorrect and/or potentially harmful use. generate. Thus, during use, the user may have used or is using an aerosol-generating article with incompatible equipment or with compatible equipment that malfunctions and overheats the aerosol-generating article. be warned of the fact that The thermal indicator thus provides a means to prevent overheating of the aerosol generating article.

As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "thermochromic material" is used to describe any material that undergoes a visual change at a predetermined threshold temperature or temperature range.

Thermochromic materials can undergo a visual change as the temperature increases above a threshold temperature or decreases below a threshold temperature. As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "threshold temperature" is used to describe the temperature after which the visual change in the thermochromic material is substantially complete.

Advantageously, the thermal indicator is adapted to undergo a visual change at excessive operating temperatures. Therefore, when an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is normally heated within a compatible aerosol-generating device, the presence of the heat indicator has no perceivable impact on the consumer experience. In particular, the presence of the thermal indicator does not adversely affect the resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of the aerosol-generating article.

An outer wrapper containing a thermal indicator can be conveniently incorporated into an aerosol-generating article without significantly affecting the disposition of other components of the article. Therefore, the inclusion of a thermal indicator does not significantly impact the manufacture of the aerosol generating article. Therefore, advantageously, aerosol generating articles according to the present invention can be made using existing high speed methods and equipment with only minor modifications.

The placement of the thermal indicator on the outer wrapper that surrounds the outside of the aerosol-generating article, and the material selected for the thermal indicator, may be affected by non-compatible devices, such as having a peripheral heater that externally heats the aerosol-generating substrate. Determine the responsiveness of the thermal indicator to overheating of the aerosol-generating article due to use.

If the aerosol-generating article is overheated, for example in an incompatible device, such that the thermal indicator reaches its threshold temperature, the thermal indicator is "activated" and undergoes a visual change. Activation of the thermal indicator thus alerts the use of an aerosol-generating article according to the invention in an incompatible device that heats the aerosol-generating article excessively above a set of desired operating temperatures and above a threshold temperature. and provide effective means for prevention.

The "threshold temperature" of a thermal indicator corresponds to the temperature at which the thermal indicator undergoes a visual change, as described above. This typically corresponds to the threshold temperature of the material used to form the thermal indicator. As discussed in more detail below, the threshold temperature of and in the thermal indicator is such that it is reached or exceeded only when the aerosol-generating article is superheated, i.e., heated above the intended operating temperature range. selected. Thus, the threshold temperature corresponds to the temperature reached at the thermal indicator when the aerosol-generating substrate is heated above the maximum desired temperature, as determined by the manufacturer.

There are several potential ways in which the thermal indicator may be adapted such that activation occurs at a desired threshold temperature and a visual change is generated in the thermal indicator to prevent further use of the aerosol-generating article. be.

Appropriate materials should be selected to form the thermal indicator, and the material should ensure that there is no risk that the thermal indicator will undergo visual changes when the aerosol-generating article is heated to within its normal operating temperature range. but have a suitable activation point or threshold temperature so that the aerosol-generating article effectively undergoes a visual change when heated to a temperature above this range. This avoids false indications of overheating when the aerosol generation indicator operates within its normal operating temperature range, and reliably indicates overheating when the aerosol generation indicator operates outside or above its normal operating temperature range. An indicator is provided.

Also, the appropriate location of the thermal indicator on the aerosol generating article needs to be selected. The appropriate location of the thermal indicator depends on the range of materials selected so that the threshold temperature can be properly defined. This avoids unintentional activation of the thermal indicator during normal use of the aerosol generating article.

Typically, during use, the aerosol-generating article is inserted into an aerosol-generating device such that the aerosol-generating substrate is heated either directly or indirectly by a heating element within the device. The temperature within the aerosol generating article is highest adjacent to the heating element and decreases longitudinally along the aerosol generating article as the distance from the heating element increases. Accordingly, an appropriate threshold temperature for a thermal indicator may vary depending on how downstream the thermal indicator is located from the aerosol-generating substrate. In particular, the further downstream the thermal indicator is located from the aerosol-generating substrate, the lower the threshold temperature for activation of the thermal indicator must be.

The temperature profile within and surrounding the aerosol-generating article can be easily measured using thermocouples, whereby an appropriate threshold temperature can be determined to ensure that the substrate is not overheated above a predetermined maximum temperature. It may be ensured that the thermal indicator is activated only when deemed to be.

The thermal indicator may be suitably located anywhere on the outer surface of the outer wrapper. The thermal indicator may be at least adjacent to and/or around the rod of the aerosol generating substrate.

As mentioned above, the threshold temperature of the thermal indicator according to the present invention is selected depending on its location along the aerosol-generating article, which has a preferred operating temperature range.

Advantageously, the threshold temperature may be less than about 300°C.

Advantageously, the threshold temperature may be from about 115°C to about 300°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be about 120°C to about 300°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be about 155°C to about 300°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be about 160°C to about 300°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be about 170°C to about 300°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be about 175°C to about 300°C.

Advantageously, the threshold temperature may be less than about 275°C.

Advantageously, the threshold temperature may be between about 115°C and about 275°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be about 120°C to about 275°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be about 155°C to about 275°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be about 160°C to about 275°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be about 170°C to about 275°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be between about 175°C and about 275°C.

Advantageously, the threshold temperature may be less than about 250°C.

Advantageously, the threshold temperature may be between about 115°C and about 250°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be about 120°C to about 250°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be about 155°C to about 250°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be about 160°C to about 250°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be about 170°C to about 250°C. For example, the threshold temperature may be about 175°C to about 250°C.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the thermal indicator may be positioned around at least a portion of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. The thermal indicator may surround and cover the entire surface area of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the thermal indicator may surround at least a portion of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate and at least another downstream portion of the aerosol-generating article. Alternatively, the thermal indicator may surround only a portion of the perimeter or entire perimeter of the aerosol-generating article, preferably around the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a thermal indicator is provided on the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, and the threshold temperature is preferably at least about 175°C, more preferably about 180°C, and about 185°C. Most preferably it is .degree. Preferably, the threshold temperature is at least about 220°C. The threshold temperature may be about 300°C or less. This ensures that the thermal indicator is sufficient to sense heating of the aerosol-generating substrate above the maximum desired temperature. In such embodiments, the threshold temperature of the thermal indicator should be relatively high due to its likely proximity to the heating element of the aerosol generating device during use.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the thermal indicator may be located downstream of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate or the "substrate/distal end" of the aerosol-generating article. As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "substrate/distal end" refers to the upstream end of an aerosol-generating article that is also the end of the aerosol-generating substrate that is configured to be heated. Point. The "mouthpiece end" of an aerosol-generating article is the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article that is opposite the "base/distal end."

According to a second aspect of the invention, a thermal indicator, or a portion thereof, is provided downstream of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate, and the threshold temperature is preferably at least about 115°C, and preferably about 120°C. More preferably, it is about 125°C. The threshold temperature may be 200°C or less. This ensures that the thermal indicator is sufficient to sense heating of the aerosol-generating substrate above the maximum desired temperature. In such embodiments, the threshold temperature of the thermal indicator needs to be relatively low because the distance to the heating element of the aerosol generating device is likely to be large during use.

According to all aspects of the invention, the thermal indicator extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the aerosol generating article. For example, the length of the thermal indicator may be about 1 mm to 20 mm. Further, the length of the thermal indicator may be about 1 mm to 15 mm.

The thermal indicator may extend longitudinally along at least 20% of the length of the aerosol generating article, more preferably at least 25% of the length of the aerosol generating article. Preferably, the thermal indicator may extend longitudinally along at least 50% of the length of the aerosol generating article.

The length of the thermal indicator may be the same length as the aerosol generating article or the same length as the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. Preferably, the length of the thermal indicator is at least 75% of the length of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate, more preferably at least 50% of the length of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate.

The thermal indicator may extend at least partially circumferentially around the aerosol generating article. Preferably, the thermal indicator extends around the entire perimeter of the aerosol generating article.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the thermal indicator may be on at least 1 mm ² of the external surface area of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. The thermal indicator may be on at least 5 mm ² of the outer surface area of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the thermal indicator may be on at least 20% of the external surface area of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. Preferably, the thermal indicator is on at least 25% of the outer surface area of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. Preferably, the thermal indicator is on at least 50% of the outer surface area of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate.

In certain embodiments according to the first aspect of the invention, the thermochromic material may be arranged such that the visual change occurs only within the peripheral portion of the outer wrapper, the peripheral portion of the aerosol-generating article. It may extend at least partially only around the periphery. In such embodiments, the thermal indicator is adapted to provide a localized visual change at a particular circumferential location around the aerosol-generating article, preferably at a particular circumferential location around the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. It can be done. For example, a peripheral portion of the outer surface of the wrapper may include a thermal indicator, or a peripheral portion of the thermal indicator may be configured to undergo a visual change, or both. Preferably, the peripheral portion extends to at least 5% of the circumference of the article, more preferably to at least 10% of the circumference of the article, and most preferably to at least 20% of the circumference of the article. In such embodiments, the threshold temperature is preferably at least about 175°C, more preferably about 180°C, and most preferably about 185°C. Preferably, the threshold temperature is at least about 220°C. The threshold temperature may be about 300°C or less. This ensures that the thermal indicator is sufficient to sense overheating of the aerosol-generating substrate above the maximum desired temperature. The temperature distribution along and/or across the rod of the substrate when heated may not be uniform, such that localized portions of the outer surface of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate are overheated while other portions are not. There are cases. In such embodiments, the threshold temperature of the thermal indicator also needs to be relatively high because the thermal indicator will likely be in close proximity to the heating element of the aerosol generating device during use. The localized visual changes may also provide an indication of the alignment of the heating elements of the aerosol generating device relative to the outer wrapper and the rods of the aerosol generating substrate, in addition to an indication of localized overheating of the substrate. If the heating element is configured to internally heat the substrate, the threshold temperature is the probability that a localized visual change occurs and the area of the outer wrapper where the localized visual change occurs is closest to the heating element. It could be something that shows that there is.

As mentioned above, for all aspects of the invention, the thermal indicator is configured to undergo a visual change when a threshold temperature is exceeded. As mentioned above, a visual change may occur on a portion or the entire thermal indicator depending on which portion of the thermal indicator exceeds its respective threshold temperature. The visual change may involve a change from a first color to a second color, or from substantially colorless to the first color, or from the first color to substantially colorless. The visual change may involve a change from a first color to a second color and then to a third color. The visual change may involve going from substantially no color through multiple different colors to the final color. A visual change may involve transitioning from an initial color through multiple different colors to a final color. Each color may provide a specific indication of the degree of overheating within the substrate. The visual change may include the thermal indicator going from not displaying a warning indicia or message to displaying a warning indicia or message. The warning indicia or message may include a logo or any form of graphical representation.

The visual change can be instantaneous or gradual over a wide transition range of colors.

Advantageously, the visual change may be irreversible or reversible, more preferably irreversible. The visual change in the thermal indicator is irreversible or substantially permanent, such that the thermal indicator adequately communicates a message of misuse of the aerosol-generating article to the user at a time after the visual change occurs. It becomes possible. The temperature of the thermal indicator may exceed the threshold temperature before the user or consumer has finished using the article. Therefore, an irreversible visual change is advantageous to ensure that the user knows about misuse after the user has finished using the article.

The visual change may include any combination of the above characteristics.

The thermal indicator may include a single thermochromic material with a specific threshold temperature and visual change. Alternatively, the thermal indicator may include a plurality of different thermochromic materials, and each of the different thermochromic materials may include a different threshold temperature and/or visual change from each other.

The thermal indicator may include a single thermochromic material and the threshold temperature is uniform across and along the thermal indicator. Alternatively, the thermal indicator may include a single thermochromic material, and the threshold temperature varies either along the longitudinal axis of the thermal indicator and/or along the thermal indicator. For example, the threshold temperature may decrease or increase in a downstream or upstream direction along the thermal indicator.

In all embodiments of the invention, the thermal indicator is formed of thermochromic material. The thermochromic material may be applied or applied onto the surface of the outer wrapper in the form of a paint, ink, dye or other layer of material having the thermochromic material applied thereon. Alternatively, the outer wrapper may include a temperature indicating sensor paper such that the thermochromic material is integrated with the temperature indicating sensor paper. The thermochromic material may further be integrated with at least any other components, layers or portions of the outer wrapper.

Sensor Products Inc. THERMEX® from ( http://www.sensorprod.com/thermex.php ) is one example of an irreversible thermochromic material suitable for use in providing a thermal indicator of the present invention. THERMEX® is a tactile surface temperature indicating material that is provided as a sheet material and configured to be placed between two contact surfaces, and when exposed to a certain threshold temperature or threshold temperature range, THERMEX ( (registered trademark) sheet changes color instantly and permanently. The color change is permanent or irreversible, and the threshold temperature operating range is 90-149°C. Other suitable irreversible thermochromic materials commonly known to those skilled in the art may be used.

The thermal indicator may include a combination of reversible and irreversible thermochromic materials. In such cases, the thermal indicator may undergo both reversible and irreversible visual changes. Any suitable reversible thermochromic material commonly known to those skilled in the art may be used.

As mentioned above, thermal indicators can be readily provided without significantly affecting the structure of the aerosol-generating article or the methods and equipment used to manufacture the aerosol-generating article. Accordingly, the thermal indicator may be readily placed or applied to the inner and/or outer surface of the outer wrapper, preferably to or on the outer surface of the outer wrapper. The thermal indicator may be placed between two layers of packaging material that may form the outer wrapper. The thermal indicator may be incorporated into the outer wrapper in a separate process so that the process of assembling the outer wrapper around the article is not affected.

Aerosol-generating articles according to the present invention can include multiple elements, including a rod of an aerosol-generating substrate and a thermal indicator located on the outer wrapper of the article. The outer wrapper may include cigarette paper.

Aerosol generating articles generally include a hollow acetate tube directly adjacent an aerosol generating substrate.

The rods of the aerosol-generating substrate are formed of an aerosol-forming material, which is particularly preferably a homogenized tobacco material.

As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" encompasses any tobacco material formed by agglomeration of particles of tobacco material. A sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material is formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise pulverizing tobacco leaf lamina and/or tobacco stalks. has been done. Additionally, the homogenized tobacco material may include one or more of small 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.

In a preferred embodiment, the rod includes one or more sheets of homogenized tobacco material brought together to form a plug and surrounded by an outer wrapper. The term "sheet" as used herein in connection with the present invention describes a laminar element having a width and length significantly greater than its thickness. As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "aggregate" refers to an aerosol-generating article that is rolled, folded, or otherwise compressed substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. Describe a sheet that has been shrunk or shrunk.

Advantageously, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a collection of textured sheets of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "textured sheet" means a sheet that has been crimped, embossed, debossed, perforated, or otherwise modified. Explain the sheet.

The use of textured sheets of homogenized tobacco material may advantageously facilitate assembly of the sheets of homogenized tobacco material to form an aerosol-generating substrate.

The aerosol-generating substrate may include a collection of textured sheets of homogenized tobacco material including a plurality of spaced apart indentations, protrusions, perforations, or any combination thereof.

In certain preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a collection of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material. The term "crimped sheet" as used herein in connection with the present invention describes a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Advantageously, the substantially parallel ridges or corrugations extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is assembled. This facilitates assembly of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material to form an aerosol-generating substrate.

However, a crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material for inclusion in the aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article according to the invention may alternatively or additionally be used to form a crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material when the aerosol-generating article is assembled. It is recognized that it may have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations disposed at acute or obtuse angles to the longitudinal axis.

The sheets 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 may have a tobacco content of at least about 50 weight percent on a dry weight basis. more preferably have a tobacco content of at least about 70 weight percent on a dry weight basis, and most preferably have a tobacco content of at least about 90 weight percent on a dry weight basis.

Preferably, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material includes an aerosol former. A sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include a single aerosol former. Alternatively, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include a combination of two or more aerosol formers.

Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include, for example, monohydric alcohols (such as menthol), polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin); esters (such as glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate, or glycerol triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids (dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, erythritol, 1,3-butylene) Glycol, tetraethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, propylene carbonate, ethyl laurate, triactin, meso-erythritol, diacetin mixture, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, ethyl vanillate, tributyrin , lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene glycol).

Preferably, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material has an aerosol former content of greater than 5 percent on a dry mass basis.

The homogenized sheet of tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of about 5 percent to about 30 percent on a dry weight basis.

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

The sheet of homogenized tobacco material used in the present invention may contain one or more endogenous binders that are tobacco endogenous binders and one or more tobacco exogenous binders to assist in agglomeration of the particulate tobacco. The above exogenous binding agents, or combinations thereof, may also be included. Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized sheet of tobacco material used in the aerosol-generating substrate includes tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, wetting agents, plasticizers, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous and Other additives may also be included, including but not limited to aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof.

Suitable extrinsic binders for inclusion in the sheets of homogenized tobacco material used in the present invention are well known in the art and include gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, e.g. hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc. , cellulose binders such as hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, including starch, organic acids (such as alginic acid), conjugated base salts of organic acids (such as sodium alginate), polysaccharides such as agar, pectin, and combinations thereof. , but not limited to.

Suitable non-tobacco fibers for inclusion in sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in aerosol-generating substrates are well known in the art and include cellulose fibers, soft wood fibers, hard wood fibers, jute fibers, and combinations thereof. but not limited to. Prior to inclusion into a homogenized sheet of tobacco material for use in an aerosol-generating substrate, the non-tobacco fibers may be processed by any suitable process known in the art, including: mechanical pulping; refining; chemical pulping. bleaching; sulfate pulping; and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the homogenized tobacco sheet used in the present invention has a width of about 70 mm to about 250 mm, such as about 120 mm to about 160 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the sheet of homogenized tobacco material is from about 50 micrometers to 300 micrometers, more preferably from about 150 micrometers to about 250 micrometers.

Homogenized tobacco sheets for use in the aerosol-generating articles of the invention may be made by methods well known in the art, such as those disclosed in International Patent Application No. WO 2012/164009A2.

In one preferred embodiment, the homogenized sheet of tobacco material used in the aerosol-generating article is formed from a slurry comprising particulate tobacco, guar gum, cellulose fibers, and glycerin by a casting process.

As mentioned above, as an alternative to using a mass of sheets of homogenized tobacco material, the aerosol-generating substrate can be formed of a plurality of strips or pieces of sheets of homogenized tobacco material. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be formed of multiple pieces of homogenized tobacco material that are longitudinally aligned and wrapped together to form a rod of the aerosol-generating substrate.

Preferably, the pieces of homogenized tobacco material have a length of about 10 mm to about 20 mm, more preferably about 12 mm to about 18 mm, and more preferably about 14 mm to about 16 mm. More preferably, it has a length of about 15 millimeters. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred that the pieces of homogenized tobacco material have a width of about 0.4 millimeters to about 0.8 millimeters.

Preferably, the density of the homogenized sheet of tobacco material from which the pieces are formed is from about 500 to about 1500 milligrams per cubic centimeter, more preferably from about 800 to about 1200 milligrams per cubic centimeter, and more preferably from about 900 to about 1100 milligrams per cubic centimeter. More preferably, it is milligrams per cubic centimeter, and most preferably from about 900 to about 970 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

Preferably, the bulk density of the homogenized tobacco material fragments within the aerosol-generating substrate is from about 0.4 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.8 grams per cubic centimeter, and from about 0.5 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.7 grams per cubic centimeter. Grams per cubic centimeter is preferred, and from about 0.65 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.67 grams per cubic centimeter is most preferred.

As mentioned above, homogenized tobacco material may be formed by casting a slurry. Alternatively, the homogenized tobacco material may be formed by another suitable method, such as, for example, an extrusion method.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a rod of homogenized tobacco material surrounded by a wrapper, wherein the wrapper is provided around and in contact with the homogenized tobacco material. The wrapper may be formed from any suitable sheet material capable of being wrapped around homogenized tobacco material to form an aerosol-generating substrate. The wrapper may be porous or non-porous. Preferably, the wrapper is a paper wrapper, but alternatively the wrapper may be other than paper.

Preferably, the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

Preferably, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate has an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters. The rod of the aerosol generating substrate can have an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 12 mm, such as about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or about 6 mm to about 8 mm. In one preferred embodiment, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate has an outer diameter of 7.2 millimeters ± 10 percent.

The rod of the aerosol generating substrate can have a length of about 7 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. In one embodiment, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate may have a length of about 10 millimeters. In one preferred embodiment, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate has a length of about 12 millimeters.

Preferably, the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially uniform cross-section along the length of the rod. It is particularly preferred that the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially circular cross-section.

Preferably, an aerosol generating article according to the invention includes one or more elements in addition to the rod of the aerosol generating substrate and the thermal indicator. For example, an aerosol generating article according to the invention may further include at least one of a mouthpiece, an aerosol cooling element, and a support element such as a hollow acetate tube. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article is in a linear, continuous arrangement, including a rod of aerosol-generating substrate as described above, a support element located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, and a rod of an aerosol-generating substrate as described above; and an outer wrapper surrounding the rod, the support element and the aerosol cooling element. Thermal indicators may be provided at predetermined locations around the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate and/or at any other location around the article, as described above.

An aerosol-generating system according to the present invention includes an aerosol-generating article in combination with an aerosol-generating device adapted to receive an upstream end of the aerosol-generating article during smoking, as described in detail above. The aerosol generating device includes a heating element configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol during use. Preferably, the heating element is adapted to penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device. For example, the heating element is preferably in the form of a heater blade.

During use, the heating element is controlled to operate within a predetermined operating temperature range that is less than a maximum operating temperature. The thermal indicator of the aerosol generating article is adapted such that the heating element does not reach a threshold temperature during normal use of the aerosol generating article in an aerosol generating device operating below a maximum operating temperature. This ensures that the thermal indicator is not activated during normal use when the aerosol generating article and aerosol generating device are used together.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device additionally includes a housing, a power supply connected to the heating element, and a control element configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the heating element.

A suitable aerosol generation device for use in the aerosol generation system of the present invention is described in International Patent Publication No. 2013/098405.

The invention will now be further explained with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating article according to the invention. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating article with an "activated" thermal indicator according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating article with an "activated" thermal indicator according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating article having an "activated" thermal indicator according to a third embodiment of the invention. Figures 5a and 5b show schematic cross-sectional views of an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation article according to the invention.

The aerosol-generating article 10 shown in the drawings includes four elements arranged in coaxial alignment: a rod of an aerosol-generating substrate 20, a support element 30, an aerosol cooling element 40, and a mouthpiece 50 (Figs. 5a and 5b). ). Each of the four elements is surrounded by a corresponding plug wrap (not shown). These four elements are arranged in series and surrounded by an outer wrapper 60 to form the aerosol generating article 10. The aerosol generating article 10 has a proximal or oral end 70 that a user inserts into his or her mouth during use, and a distal end located at the opposite end of the aerosol generating article 10 with respect to the oral end 70. and an end 80.

In use, air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article from the distal end 80 to the buccal end 70 by a user. The distal end 80 of the aerosol-generating article may also be described as the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10 and the mouth end 70 of the aerosol-generating article 10 may also be described as the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10. . Elements of aerosol generating article 10 that are located between oral end 70 and distal end 80 can be described as being upstream of oral end 70, or alternatively, downstream of distal end 80. It can be stated that there is.

The support element 30 is in place and the aerosol generating substrate 20 is pushed downstream within the aerosol generating article 10 towards the aerosol cooling element 40 when the heating element of the aerosol generating device is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 20. Prevent from being exposed. The support element 30 also acts as a spacer for spacing the aerosol cooling element 40 of the aerosol generating article 10 from the aerosol generating substrate 20.

Aerosol cooling element 40 is located immediately downstream of support element 30. In use, volatile substances emitted from the aerosol-generating substrate 20 pass along the aerosol cooling element 40 toward the mouth end 70 of the aerosol-generating article 10 . The volatile substances may be cooled within the aerosol cooling element 40 to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The aerosol cooling element includes a collection of crimped sheets of polylactic acid surrounded by a wrapper 60. The collection of crimped sheets of polylactic acid defines a plurality of longitudinal paths extending along the length of the aerosol cooling element 40.

Mouthpiece 50 is located immediately downstream of and adjacent to aerosol cooling element 40 . Mouthpiece 50 includes a conventional cellulose acetate tow filter with low filtration efficiency.

To assemble the aerosol generating article 10, the four elements described above are aligned and tightly rolled within the outer wrapper 60. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, outer wrapper 60 comprises conventional cigarette paper. The distal end portion of the outer wrapper 60 of the aerosol generating article 10 is surrounded by a band of tipping paper (not shown).

Aerosol generating substrate 20 is located at the farthest distal or upstream end of aerosol generating article 10 . As illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b, the aerosol generating substrate 20 comprises a collection of crimped homogenized sheets of tobacco material surrounded by a wrapper. The crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material contains glycerin as an aerosol former.

A thermal indicator 100 is provided at a location on the outer surface of the outer wrapper 60. Thermal indicator 100 includes a thermochromic material configured to undergo a visual change when the temperature of thermal indicator 100 exceeds a threshold temperature.

FIG. 1 shows the outer wrapper 60 of the aerosol-generating article prior to activation of the thermal indicator 100. In the following embodiments described herein, thermal indicator 100 is invisible until it "wakes up" or begins to undergo a visual change when the temperature exceeds a threshold temperature.

FIG. 2 shows the article 10 after activation of the thermal indicator 101 according to the first embodiment, when the temperature of the thermal indicator 101 exceeds the threshold temperature of the thermochromic material. In this first embodiment, the thermal indicator is located around the rod of the aerosol generating substrate 20 and the threshold temperature is at least about 175°C. In the first embodiment article 10, the thermal indicator 101 extends longitudinally along the entire length of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate 20. However, in other arrangements according to the first embodiment, the thermal indicator 101 may extend partially longitudinally along the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, thermal indicator 101 may extend at least 50% of the total length of the rods of aerosol generating substrate 20.

FIG. 3 shows the article 10 after activation of the thermal indicator 102 according to the second embodiment, when the temperature of the thermal indicator 102 exceeds a threshold temperature. In this second embodiment, the thermal indicator is located partially around the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate 20, or the thermal indicator 102 does not completely surround the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article. The threshold temperature of thermal indicator 102 is at least about 175°C. However, the threshold temperature of the thermal indicator 102 according to the second embodiment is likely to be higher than the threshold temperature of the thermal indicator 101 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows the article 10 after activation of the thermal indicator 103 according to a third embodiment, when the temperature of the thermal indicator 103 exceeds a threshold temperature. In this third embodiment, the thermal indicator 103 is positioned around the article 10 at a location downstream of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate away from the distal end 80 of the article 10. Thermal indicator 103 may partially surround the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article and may surround a portion of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. The threshold temperature of thermal indicator 103 is at least about 115°C. The threshold temperature of the third embodiment may be lower than the threshold temperatures of the first and second embodiments due to the relative distance of the thermal indicator 103 from the aerosol generating substrate 20.

As explained in detail above, a visual change in the thermal indicator may indicate to a user of article 10 that the aerosol-generating substrate 20 of article 10 has been misused with an incompatible aerosol-generating device, or that article 10 has been Because it was used in an aerosol generation device that may have malfunctioned to overheat the aerosol generation substrate 20, it is configured to notify that the aerosol generation substrate 20 is being overheated. As a result, the visual changes in the thermal indicators 101, 102, 103 do not "disappear" upon removal of the article 10 from the aerosol generating device and as the substrate 20 cools, in order to convey information about misuse of such an article 10. Preferably, it is irreversible so that it remains visible to the user when it is used. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, irreversible visual changes include a color change from colorless to red and the appearance of a warning message or graphical representation.

The aerosol-generating article in the above figures is designed to engage an aerosol-generating device that includes a heating element for consumption by a user. In use, the heating element of the aerosol generator heats the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature sufficient to form an aerosol, which is drawn downstream through the aerosol-generating article and inhaled by the user. Ru.

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate an aerosol generation system 500 comprising an aerosol generation device 510 and an aerosol generation article 10 according to any of the embodiments described above and shown in the figures above. It will be appreciated that aerosol generating device 510 may be used in combination with alternative aerosol generating articles according to the present invention.

Aerosol generator 510 includes a heating element 520. As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, a heating element 520 is mounted within an aerosol-generating article receiving chamber 515 of an aerosol-generating device 510. In use, the user inserts an aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating article receiving chamber 515 of the aerosol-generating device 510 such that the heating element 520 is inserted directly into the aerosol-generating substrate 20 of the aerosol-generating article 10 as shown in FIG. 5b. Insert article 10. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the heating element 520 of the aerosol generator 510 is a heater blade.

Aerosol generator 510 includes a power source and electronics (not shown) that can operate heating element 520. Such activation may be performed manually or may occur automatically in response to a user's draw on the aerosol-generating article 10 inserted into the aerosol-generating article receiving chamber of the aerosol-generating device 510. A plurality of openings (not shown) may be provided in the aerosol generating device 510 to allow air to flow to the aerosol generating article 10.

When the internal heating element 520 is inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate 20 of the aerosol-generating article 10 and the heating element 520 is activated, the aerosol-generating substrate 20 of the aerosol-generating article 10 is heated to approximately 350° C. by the heating element 520 of the aerosol-generating device 510. heated to a temperature of At this temperature, volatile compounds are generated from the aerosol-generating substrate 20 of the aerosol-generating article 10. As the user inhales at the mouth end 70 of the aerosol-generating article 10, the volatile compounds generated from the aerosol-generating substrate 20 are drawn downstream through the aerosol-generating article 10 and condense, causing the mouth of the aerosol-generating article 10 to condense. An aerosol is formed which is drawn through the piece 50 and into the user's mouth.

As the aerosol passes downstream through the aerosol cooling element 40, the temperature of the aerosol decreases due to the transfer of thermal energy from the aerosol to the aerosol cooling element 40. When the aerosol enters the aerosol cooling element 40, its temperature is approximately 60°C. Due to the cooling within the aerosol cooling element 40, the temperature of the aerosol upon exiting the aerosol cooling element is approximately 40°C.

In Figures 5a and 5b, the heating element 520 of the aerosol generator 510 is shown in a simplified manner. In particular, the heating element 520 of the aerosol generator 510 is not shown to scale in Figures 5a and 5b. Figures 5a and 5b have been simplified by omitting components that are not relevant to understanding the embodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, aerosol generator 510 includes a housing 530. As shown in FIGS. Heating element 520 is mounted within an aerosol generating article receiving chamber within housing 530. Aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into aerosol generating article receiving chamber 515 within housing 530 of aerosol generating device 510 such that heating element 520 is inserted directly into aerosol generating substrate 20 of aerosol generating article 10 .

Within housing 530 is a source of electrical energy (not shown), such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery. A controller (not shown) is connected to the heating element 520, a source of electrical energy, and a user interface (not shown), such as buttons or a display. The controller of the aerosol generator controls the power supplied to the heating element 520 to regulate its temperature.

During normal use of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention having a compatible aerosol-generating device 510 as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the thermal indicator of the aerosol-generating article , so it remains "unactivated" due to no overheating occurring in the aerosol-generating substrate.

If an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is used in an incompatible device and is overheated above the preferred maximum operating temperature, the thermal indicator will "wake up" and upon reaching the predetermined threshold temperature of the thermal indicator; undergo visual changes. As the article is removed from the aerosol generating device, the user will know of misuse of the article when he sees the article's thermal indicator "turn on."

Thus, the incorporation of thermal indicators into the aerosol-generating articles of the present invention prevents the use of aerosol-generating articles in an unintended manner with incompatible devices and/or with faulty or malfunctioning devices. provide an effective means of protecting consumers from use with certain devices.

Claims (18)

A heated aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating device having a heating element, the heated aerosol generating article comprising:
a rod of an aerosol-generating substrate, the rod of an aerosol-generating substrate comprising an aerosol-forming material having from 5 percent to 30 percent aerosol formers on a dry mass basis;
an outer wrapper, the outer wrapper being wrapped around at least a portion of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, at least a portion of the outer surface of the wrapper including a thermal indicator, the thermal indicator comprising:
a thermochromic material, such that at least a portion of the thermochromic material is such that the outer wrapper provides a visual indication that the temperature at the thermal indicator has exceeded a threshold temperature; an outer wrapper adapted to undergo a visual change when a temperature at the temperature exceeds the threshold temperature, and wherein the threshold temperature is at least about 175 degrees Celsius. A heated aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating device having a heating element, the heated aerosol generating article comprising:
an aerosol-generating base rod;
an outer wrapper, the outer wrapper being wrapped around at least a portion of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, at least a portion of the outer surface of the wrapper including a thermal indicator, the thermal indicator comprising:
a thermochromic material, such that at least a portion of the thermochromic material is such that the outer wrapper provides a visual indication that the temperature at the thermal indicator has exceeded a threshold temperature; an outer wrapper adapted to undergo a visual change when a temperature in the outer wrapper exceeds the threshold temperature, and the threshold temperature is at least about 175 degrees Celsius;
A heated aerosol-generating article, wherein the thermal indicator overlies at least 5 mm ² of the outer surface area of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. A heated aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating device having a heating element, the heated aerosol generating article comprising:
an aerosol-generating base rod;
an outer wrapper, the outer wrapper being wrapped around at least a portion of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, at least a portion of the outer surface of the wrapper including a thermal indicator, the thermal indicator comprising:
a thermochromic material, such that at least a portion of the thermochromic material is such that the outer wrapper provides a visual indication that the temperature at the thermal indicator has exceeded a threshold temperature; an outer wrapper adapted to undergo a visual change when a temperature at the temperature exceeds the threshold temperature, the outer wrapper being at least about 220 degrees Celsius. 3. The heated aerosol generating article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the threshold temperature is at least about 220 degrees Celsius. 4. The heated aerosol-generating article of claim 1 or 3, wherein the thermal indicator overlies at least 5 mm ^<2> of the outer surface area of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. A heated aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the thermal indicator extends longitudinally along at least 50 percent of the total length of the rods of the aerosol-generating substrate. The thermochromic material is arranged such that the visual change occurs only within a peripheral portion of the outer wrapper, the peripheral portion extending only partially around the periphery of the aerosol-generating article. 6. The heated aerosol generating article according to any one of 6. A heated aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating device having a heating element, the heated aerosol generating article comprising:
a rod of an aerosol-generating substrate, the rod of an aerosol-generating substrate comprising an aerosol-forming material having from 5 percent to 30 percent aerosol formers on a dry mass basis;
an outer wrapper, at least a portion of the outer surface of the wrapper including a thermal indicator, the thermal indicator being located downstream of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, the thermal indicator comprising:
a thermochromic material, such that at least a portion of the thermochromic material is such that the outer wrapper provides a visual indication that the temperature at the thermal indicator has exceeded a threshold temperature; an outer wrapper adapted to undergo a visual change when a temperature at the temperature exceeds the threshold temperature, the outer wrapper being at least about 115 degrees Celsius. The heated aerosol generating article according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the visual change is irreversible. A heated aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the thermal indicator extends longitudinally along at least 20 percent of the total length of the heated aerosol-generating article. The heated aerosol generating article according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the visual change comprises a color change. A heated aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the visual change comprises displaying a graphical representation and/or a warning indicia or message. A heated aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer wrapper comprises a temperature indicating sensor paper, whereby the thermochromic material is integrated with the temperature indicating sensor paper. A heated aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the thermochromic material comprises a thermochromic paint, ink or dye applied to the at least a portion of the outer surface of the wrapper. a mouthpiece located downstream of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate;
a support element located immediately downstream of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate;
The heated aerosol-generating article of any of claims 1 to 14, further comprising an aerosol cooling element located between the support element and the mouthpiece. Use of a thermochromic material in a thermal indicator located on the outer wrapper of a rod of an aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article, wherein the rod of aerosol-generating substrate forms an aerosol of 5 percent to 30 percent on a dry mass basis. the heated aerosol-generating article is configured for use in an aerosol-generating device having a heating element, and the outer wrapper covers at least a portion of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. at least a portion of the thermochromic material such that the outer wrapper provides a visual indication that the temperature at the thermal indicator has exceeded a threshold temperature. The use is adapted to undergo a visual change when the temperature exceeds the threshold temperature, the threshold temperature being at least about 175 degrees Celsius. Use of a thermochromic material in a thermal indicator located on the outer wrapper of a heated aerosol-generating article, wherein the rods of the aerosol-generating substrate have from 5 percent to 30 percent aerosol former material on a dry mass basis. wherein the heated aerosol-generating article is configured for use in an aerosol-generating device having a heating element, the heated aerosol-generating article including a rod of the aerosol-generating substrate, whereby: the thermal indicator is located downstream of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate, and at least a portion of the thermochromic material is such that the outer wrapper provides a visual indication that the temperature at the thermal indicator exceeds a threshold temperature. , adapted to undergo a visual change when the temperature in the portion of the thermochromic material exceeds the threshold temperature, the threshold temperature being at least about 115 degrees Celsius. An aerosol generation system,
The heated aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
an aerosol generating device adapted to receive the heated aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating device including a heater element configured to heat a rod of the aerosol generating substrate during use; an aerosol generator, the heating element being controlled to operate below a maximum operating temperature during use;
an aerosol generation system, wherein the thermal indicator of the heated aerosol generation article is adapted such that the heater element does not exceed the threshold temperature during use of the aerosol generation system operating below the maximum operating temperature.

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