KR20200044914A - Filter unit for smoking articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The filter unit for a smoking article includes a tube having a first portion and a second portion, and the inner diameter of the first portion is different from the inner diameter of the second portion. The filter unit also includes a sleeve at least partially surrounding the tube. Also described are smoking articles having a filter unit and kits comprising the smoking article and the filter unit.

Description

Filter unit for smoking articles

The present invention relates to a filter unit for a smoking article, a smoking article comprising such a filter unit, and a kit of parts comprising the smoking article and the filter unit.

Cigarettes and other smoking articles produce smoke in the case of aerosols, such as cigarettes, inhaled by the user. The filter can be provided as part of a smoking article, or can be provided as a separate component that can be attached or attached to a smoking article by a user. For example, by adding a flavor to the aerosol produced by the smoking article; Filters can be configured to alter the properties of the aerosol produced by the smoking article.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a filter unit for a smoking article is provided, wherein the filter unit includes a tube having a first part and a second part-the inner diameter of the first part is the inner diameter of the second part Is different-; And a sleeve at least partially surrounding the tube.

The second portion can be at the distal end of the filter unit.

The inner diameter of the second portion can be arranged to decrease as it moves away from the distal end of the filter unit.

The inner diameter of the second portion may be greater than the inner diameter of the first portion.

The outer diameter of the second portion may be greater than the outer diameter of the first portion.

The outer diameter of the first portion may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second portion.

Each of the first portion and the second portion can have a first end and a second end, the second end of the first portion can be adjacent to the first end of the second portion and substantially the first end of the second portion It can have the same inner diameter.

The tube can be formed from paper, card, cardboard or plastic.

The filter unit can include a cylindrical element, and the sleeve can at least partially surround the cylindrical element.

The cylindrical element can be formed of a filter material and can include a body having an end face adjacent the tube and a recess formed in the end face.

The urea can include a smoke modifying substance disposed within the urea's filter material. Smoke modifying materials may include encapsulated substances.

The filter unit can be arranged to be connected to the smoking article by the user.

According to embodiments of the present invention, there is also provided a smoking article comprising the filter unit presented above.

The second portion of the tube can be disposed at the mouth end of the smoking article.

According to embodiments of the present invention, there is also provided a kit comprising a smoking article and the filter unit presented above.

Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings:
1A is a side cross-sectional view of a first filter unit comprising a tube formed of filter material and forming part of a smoking article;
1B is a side cross-sectional view of an external chamfered tube for use as an alternative to the tube used in the first filter unit of FIG. 1A;
1C is a side cross-sectional view of a filter insert for use with the first filter unit of FIG. 1A;
2 is a cross-sectional side view of a second filter unit comprising a tube formed of filter material and provided as a separate unit for use with a separate smoking article;
3A is a side cross-sectional view of a third filter unit comprising a filter body including a recess and forming part of a smoking article;
3B is an end view of the third filter unit of FIG. 3A;
3C is an end view of another third filter unit design with a triangular shaped recess;
3D is an end view of another third filter unit design with hexagonal shaped recesses;
4 is a cross-sectional side view of a fourth filter unit comprising a tube formed of sheet material and serving as a separate component for use with a separate smoking article;
5A-5D are perspective views of an apparatus for molding a tobacco industry product;
6A-6C are side cross-sectional and end views of each of the first to third forming heads for use with the device of FIGS. 5A-5D;
7 is a flow chart illustrating a method of forming a tobacco industry product;
8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of molding a tobacco industry product.

As used herein, the term “tobacco industry product” refers to cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, pipes, or hand-only cigarettes. Tobacco for own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokeable materials) Combustible smoking articles such as and components thereof, electronic smoking articles such as e-cigarettes and components thereof, heating to release compounds from base materials without burning, such as tobacco heating products Devices, and hybrid systems for generating an aerosol from a combination of substrate materials, such as hybrid systems having a liquid or gel or solid substrate; And aerosol-free nicotine delivery articles and components thereof, such as lozenges, gums, patches, breathable powders and breathable powders and snooze ( It is intended to include smoking articles, including smokeless tobacco products such as snus and snuff. The components of the articles include filter units, filter plugs, filter inserts and tubes for use in products such as smoking articles.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a combustible smoking article selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, cigarettes, and cigars.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a non-combustible smoking article.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating but not burning the base material. The base material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device is a tobacco heating device.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol by heating but not burning a combination of substrate materials. Substrate materials can include, for example, solids, liquids, or gels that may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel base and tobacco.

The filter units described herein can be provided to users as an integral component of a smoking article or as a separate component separate from the smoking article. When provided separately, the filter units and smoking articles may be packaged separately or together as a kit of parts.

Smoking articles such as cigarettes and their formats are often named according to the cigarette length as follows: “regular” (typically in the range of 68 to 75 mm, eg about 68 mm to about 72 mm range), “short” or “mini” (68 mm or less), “king-size” (typically in the range of 75-91 mm, eg about 79 mm) To about 88 mm), “long” or “super-king” (typically in the range of 91 to 105 mm, eg in the range of about 94 mm to about 101 mm) and “ultra- "Ultra-long" (typically in the range of about 110 mm to about 121 mm).

They are also named according to the cigarette circumference as follows: "regular" (about 23-25 mm), "wide" (greater than 25 mm), "slim" (about 22-23 mm) ), "Demi-slim" (about 19 to 22 mm), "super-slim" (about 16 to 19 mm) and "micro-slim" (about Less than 16 mm). Thus, a king-sized, super-slim format cigarette will have, for example, a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm. Regular, king-size format cigarettes are preferred by many customers, ie having a circumference of 23-25 mm and an overall length of 75-91 mm.

Each format can be made to have filters of different lengths, and smaller filters are generally used for formats of smaller lengths and circumferences. Typically, the filter length will be from about 15 mm associated with short, regular formats to 30 mm associated with ultra-long, super-slim formats. The tipping paper has a longer length than the filter, for example 3 to 10 mm longer, so that the tipping paper covers the filter and overlaps the tobacco rod to connect the filter to the cigarette rod.

Smoking articles and filter units described herein can be manufactured in any of the above formats, but are not limited thereto.

The filter material forming any of the filter units or other filter components described herein can include cellulose acetate fiber tow. Filter materials also include polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly (1-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, paper, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers, or combinations thereof, can be formed using other materials used to form fibers. The filter material may or may not be plasticized with a plasticizer suitable for filter materials such as triacetin, which is a cellulose acetate tow. The tow used to make the filter unit or other filter component may have a 'Y' shape or other cross-section, filament denier values of 2.5 to 15 denier per filament, for example 3.0 to 9.0 denier per filament, and 10,000 to Any suitable specification can be used, such as fibers having a total denier value of 50,000, for example 15,000 to 45,000.

As used herein, the terms “flavour” and “flavourant” are used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers, where local regulations permit. Refers to materials that can be used. These include extracts (eg licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint) , Aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch ( scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood ), Bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia , Caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, bell pepper, ginger, anise, corriander,Mint oil from blood, or any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators ) Or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, Lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol, and charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals or mouth Other additives or substances such as breath freshening agents may be included. These can be artificial, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. These can be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid or powder.

In the drawings described herein, similar reference numbers are used to illustrate equivalent features, articles, or components.

1A is a cross-sectional side view of a first filter unit 1 comprising a tube 2 formed of filter material in this example and forming part of a smoking article 3. The smoking article 3 has a mouth end 3a arranged to be placed in the user's mouth when smoking and a lit end 3b arranged to ignite when smoking. The filter unit 1 is connected to the aerosol-generating material 4, in this case a rod-shaped cut tobacco, by means of a tipping paper 5. The aerosol-generating material 4 is wrapped with a wrapper 6, for example cigarette paper.

The tube 2 comprises walls having inner and outer surfaces, which in this example are substantially circular cross-sections, for sections taken along the longitudinal length of the tube. The inner diameter of the tube 2 is defined between two opposite points on the inner surface of the wall, while the outer diameter of the tube 2 is defined between two opposite points on the outer surface of the wall. The wall of the tube 2 can have a thickness in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. For example, the wall can have a thickness of about 1 mm to about 4 mm, about 1.0 mm to about 3 mm, or about 1.0 mm to about 2 mm, or about 1.3 mm.

The tube 2 has a first portion 2a and a second portion 2b. In FIG. 1, these parts 2a, 2b are arranged longitudinally along the length of the tube 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the first and second portions 2a, 2b are arranged on both sides of the longitudinal position on the tube indicated by the broken line X. The first part 2a of the tube 2 extends from the end of the tube 2 farthest from the mouth end 3a of the smoking article 3 to the broken line X, and the second part of the tube 2 ( 2b) extends from the broken line X to the mouth end 3a of the smoking article. The inner diameter of the first portion 2a of the tube 2 is different from the inner diameter of the second portion 2b of the tube 2. The second part 2b is at the distal end of the filter unit, in particular at the mouth end 3a of the smoking article 3 in this example.

In this example, the inner diameter of the second portion 2b illustrated by arrow B in FIG. 1 is greater than the inner diameter of the first portion 2a illustrated by arrow A. The inner diameter A of the first portion 2a may range from about 2 mm to about 6 mm, from about 3 mm to about 5 mm, or from about 3 mm to about 4 mm. For example, the inner diameter of the first portion 2a may be about 5 mm. The inner diameter B of the second portion 2b varies along the length of the second portion 2b in this example. The maximum inner diameter B of the second portion 2b may range from about 2.5 mm to about 8 mm, from about 3 mm to about 7 mm, or from about 4 mm to about 6 mm. For example, the maximum inner diameter B of the second portion 2b may be about 5 mm.

The overall length of the tube 2 can range from about 3 mm to about 25 mm, or from about 5 mm to about 12 mm. For example, the length of the tube 2 can be about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 mm.

The length of the first portion 2a may range from about 2 mm to about 25 mm, or from about 4 mm to about 10 mm. For example, the length of the first portion 2a may be about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 mm.

The length of the second portion 2b may range from about 0.5 mm to 8 mm. For example, the length of the second portion 2b may be about 1 mm to about 5 mm, about 1 mm to about 3 mm, and about 2 mm.

The second portion 2b can be formed by indenting the filter material at the end of the tube 2 closest to the mouth end 3a of the smoking article. Alternatively, the second portion 2b can be formed by cutting the end of the tube 2 to remove the filter material from the end of the tube 2.

In this example, the outer diameter of the second portion 2b is the same as the outer diameter of the first portion 2a.

In this example, each of the first portion 2a and the second portion 2b has a first end and a second end. The second end of the first portion 2a is adjacent to the first end of the second portion 2b and has an inner diameter substantially the same as the first end of the second portion 2b.

The tube 2 has a longitudinal axis (not shown). The inner surface of the first portion 2a is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube 2. The inner surface of the second portion 2b is chamfered to be at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube 2 in this example. The inner diameter of the second portion 2b decreases with the distance from the distal end of the filter unit, for example the mouth end 3a. The angle of intersection between the straight line along the inner surface of the second portion 2b of the tube 2 and the longitudinal axis of the tube 2 is about 10 ° to about 80 °, or about 20 to about 70 °, or about 30 to It may range from about 60 °. For example, the angle can be about 45 °.

Although a tube 2 with a uniformly chamfered inner edge has been described with reference to FIG. 1, other tube shapes can be used. For example, the second portion 2b of the tube 2 can have a uniform inner diameter B along the length of the second portion 2b, so the first portion 2a and the second portion 2b ) To form a step at the position shown by the line X between them. Alternatively or additionally, a chamfer or step as described in relation to the inner diameter of the second portion 2b of the tube 2 can be provided on the outer diameter of the second portion 2b of the tube 2. 1B illustrates an outer chamfered tube 2 'that can be used in place of the tube 2 used in the smoking article 3 of FIG. 1A, where a chamfer is provided on the outer edge of the tube 2', Accordingly, the outer diameter of the second portion 2b 'illustrated by arrow D in FIG. 1B is smaller than the outer diameter of the first portion 2a' illustrated by arrow C. The tube 2 'has a longitudinal axis (not shown). The outer surface of the first portion 2a 'is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube 2'. The outer surface of the second portion 2b 'is chamfered to be at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube 2' in this example. The angle of intersection between the straight line along the outer surface of the second portion 2b 'of the tube 2' and the longitudinal axis of the tube 2 'is about 10 ° to about 80 °, or about 20 ° to about 70 °, Or about 30 ° to about 60 °. For example, the angle can be about 45 °.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, in this example, the first filter unit 1 further comprises a sleeve 7. The sleeve 7 is formed of a sheet material, such as a plug wrap. In alternative examples, the sleeve 7 can be formed in other ways, for example, plastic or other materials.

The first filter unit 1 also comprises an upstream filter segment 8 arranged upstream of the tube 2 in the direction of mainstream smoke when the smoking article is aspirated by the user. The upstream filter segment 8 has a longitudinal axis (not shown). The upstream filter segment 8 comprises a curved outer surface 8a surrounding the segment 8, a first longitudinal end surface 8a closest to the lit end 3a of the smoking article 3 and It has a second longitudinal end face 8b closest to the mouth end 3a of the smoking article 3. The longitudinal end faces 8a, 8b are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the upstream filter segment 8. In this example, the tube 2 and the upstream filter segment 8 have a common longitudinal axis.

The sleeve 7 is wrapped around the tube 2 and the upstream filter segment 8. In this example, an adhesive is provided between the sleeve 7 and the tube 2 and the upstream filter segment 8, in this way the sleeve 7 connects the tube 2 to the upstream filter segment 8.

In this example, the end of the tube 2 closest to the mouth end 3a of the smoking article 3 is coplanar with the end of the sleeve 7 closest to the mouth end 3a of the smoking article 3 Flush with. However, in alternative examples, the tube 2 may extend beyond the end of the sleeve 7 closest to the mouth end 3a of the smoking article 3, or the mouth end 3a of the smoking article 3 It may not reach to the end of the sleeve 7 closest to. For example, when the outer chamfered tube 2 'of FIG. 1B is used instead of the tube 2 of FIG. 1A, the sleeve 7 can only surround the first portion 2a' of the tube 2 '. The tipping 5 can also extend to the edge of the sleeve 7 closest to the mouth end 3a of the smoking article 3. In this way, the smoking article 3 is provided with an outer chamfered edge at the mouth end 3a to provide a smooth surface on which the lips of the user can be placed, facilitating the user to keep the smoking article in his mouth. . In this example, the sleeve 7 completely surrounds the outer surface of the upstream filter segment 8.

The length of the upstream filter segment 8 can be selected depending on the desired filtration performance of the filter unit 1 and can range from 5 mm to 25 mm, or from 10 mm to 15 mm. For example, the length of the upstream filter segment 8 can be about 12 mm.

The outer diameter of the upstream filter segment 8 can be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tube 2. Either or both of the tube 2 and upstream filter segments may include separate plug wraps (not shown) in which the sleeve 7 is wrapped.

The tube 2 and the upstream filter segment 8 can be formed of a filter material, in particular a fibrous filter material. The tube 2 and / or the upstream filter segment 8 can hold substances such as aerosols generated by the smoking article 3, in this case additives or agents for modifying smoke. For example, a fragile capsule (not shown) that holds a flavoring agent or other additive or substance such as water can be placed in the upstream filter segment 8. The capsule can be positioned in the longitudinal center position in the upstream filter segment 8 or can be offset from the longitudinal center position.

The capsule has a liquid central portion and a fragile outer shell, the outer shell being destroyed by the user by squeezing the filter unit 1, thereby releasing the flavoring agent. The flavoring agent is delivered to the aerosol generated by the smoking article 3 when the smoking article 3 is smoked by the user.

In alternative examples, the first filter unit 1 comprises additives or agents for altering the aerosol generated by the smoking article 3, such as granules of activated carbon or other adsorbents, wetting agents, diluents, etc. The same alternatives may be included.

Smoking article 3 may be a cigarette in any of the smoking article formats described herein.

1C is a side cross-sectional view of the filter insert 10 for use with the filter unit of FIG. 1A. The filter insert 10 comprises a sleeve 12, in this case a cylindrical element 11 formed of cellulose acetate tow wrapped in a plug wrap. The filter insert 10 is, for example, into the hollow central portion of the tube 2 of the smoking article 3 such that the insert 10 abuts the second longitudinal end face 8b of the upstream filter segment 8. It can be inserted by the user. The filter insert 10 is a smoke modification that allows the user to change the properties of the aerosol passing through the smoking article 3 when the filter insert 10 is inserted into the tube 2 and the smoking article 3 is smoked ( modifying) substances. The inner chamfer of the second portion 2b of the tube 2 can facilitate the insertion of the filter insert 10 into the tube 2, for example, the outer diameter of the filter insert 10 is the tube 2 ) To be substantially the same as the inner diameter (A), otherwise insertion of the insert 10 into the tube may be difficult.

2 is a cross-sectional side view of an individual second filter unit 15 that includes a tube 16 formed of filter material and serves as a separate unit 15 for use with the smoking article 17. The second filter unit 15 can be attached by the user on the mouth end 17a of the smoking article 17. The second filter unit 15 is configured to change one or more properties of the aerosol, such as smoke generated by the smoking article 17. The second filter unit 15 has a mouse end 16a arranged to be inserted into the user's mouth when the second filter unit 15 is attached to the smoking article 17.

The tube 16 of the second filter unit 15 is generally similar in design to the tube 2 of the first filter unit 1 illustrated in FIG. 1A, except as described alternatively below. Corresponding features and dimensions apply.

The tube 16 has a first portion 16a and a second portion 15b. These parts 16a, 16b are parts on both sides of the tube 16 in the longitudinal position on the tube indicated by the broken line X in FIG. 2. The first portion 16a of the tube 16 extends from the end of the tube 16 closest to the mouth end 16a of the second filter unit 15 to the broken line X, the second part of the tube 16 The portion 16b extends from the broken line X to the edge of the tube 16 furthest from the mouth end 16a of the filter unit. The inner diameter of the first portion 16a of the tube 16 is different from the inner diameter of the second portion 16b of the tube 16.

In this example, the inner diameter of the second portion 16b illustrated by arrow B in FIG. 2 is greater than the inner diameter of the first portion 16a illustrated by arrow A. The inner diameter A of the first portion 16a may range from about 5 mm to about 10 mm, from about 6 mm to about 9 mm, or from about 6 mm to about 9 mm. For example, the inner diameter of the first portion 16a may be about 8 mm. The inner diameter of the first portion can be selected to correspond to the outer diameter of the mouth end 17a of the smoking article 17. The inner diameter B of the second portion 16b varies along the length of the second portion 16b in this example. The maximum inner diameter B of the second portion 16b may range from about 6 mm to about 12 mm, from about 6 mm to about 10 mm, or from about 8 mm to about 10 mm. For example, the maximum inner diameter B of the second portion 2b may be about 9 mm.

In this example, the outer diameter of the second portion 16b is the same as the outer diameter of the first portion 16a.

In this example, the second filter unit 15 further includes a sleeve 18. The sleeve 18 is formed from a sheet material such as a plug wrap. In alternative examples, sleeve 18 may be formed in other ways, eg, plastic or other materials.

The second filter unit 15 is also downstream of the tube 16 in the direction of mainstream smoke when the smoking article 17 is inhaled by the user with the second filter unit 15 attached to the smoking article 17. It includes an arranged downstream filter segment 19. The downstream filter segment 19 has a longitudinal axis (not shown). The downstream filter segment 19 has a longitudinal end face 19a furthest from the mouth end 16a of the second filter unit 15. In this example, the tube 16 and downstream filter segment 19 have a common longitudinal axis.

Sleeve 18 is wrapped around tube 16 and downstream filter segment 19. In this example, an adhesive is provided between the sleeve 18 and the tube 16 and the downstream filter segment 19, in this way the sleeve 18 connects the tube 16 to the downstream filter segment 19.

In this example, the end of the tube 16 furthest from the mouth end 16a of the second filter unit 15 is the end of the sleeve 18 furthest from the mouth end 16a of the second filter unit 15. Extends beyond. In this example, tube 16 extends beyond sleeve 18 by 0.5 mm. However, in alternative examples, the tube 16 is about 0.5 mm to 10 mm beyond the end of the sleeve 18 furthest from the mouth end 16a of the second filter unit 15, for example about 0.5 mm. It may extend by 3 mm, or may be coplanar with the edge of the sleeve 18 or may not extend to the end of the sleeve 18 farthest from the mouth end 16a of the filter element 15. In this example, the sleeve 18 completely surrounds the outer surface of the downstream filter segment 19.

The length of the downstream filter segment 19 can be selected depending on the desired filtration performance of the second filter unit 15, and can range from 5 mm to 25 mm, or from 10 mm to 15 mm. For example, the length of the downstream filter segment 19 can be about 12 mm.

The outer diameter of the downstream filter segment 19 can be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tube 16. Either or both of the tube 16 and the downstream filter segment 19 may include separate plug wraps (not shown) in which the sleeve 18 is wrapped.

Tube 16 and downstream segment 19 can be formed of a filter material, particularly a fibrous filter material, as described herein. The tube 16 and / or the downstream segment 19 may contain materials such as aerosols, in this case additives or agents for modifying smoke generated by the smoking article 17. For example, a vulnerable capsule (not shown) described elsewhere herein and carrying a flavoring agent or other additive can be located within the downstream filter segment 19. The capsule can be positioned at the longitudinal center position in the downstream filter segment 19, or can be offset from the longitudinal center position.

In alternative examples, the second filter unit 15 is provided with additives or agents to alter the aerosol generated by the smoking article 17, such as granules or other adsorbents, wetting agents, diluents, etc. of activated carbon. The same alternatives may be included.

Smoking article 17 may be a conventional cigarette in any of the smoking article formats described herein.

The individual second filter units 15 may be attached or attached to the smoking article 17 by the user. In this example, the tube 16 of the second filter unit 15 is arranged to receive the mouth end portion 17a of the smoking article 17 so that the second filter unit 15 and the smoking article 17 are user It can be attached or combined together. In this example, the mouth end 17a of the smoking article 17 abuts the longitudinal end face 19a when the second filter unit 15 is connected to the smoking article 17. The user can choose whether to attach the second filter unit 15 to the smoking article 17 before smoking the smoking article 17, in this way the filter length of the smoking article 17 and thus the smoking article 17 ), As well as any other alteration of the aerosol performed by the second filter unit 15, as well as the filtration level of the aerosol generated by.

The second filter unit 15 can be attached to the smoking article 17 in any suitable way. This may include forming an interference fit between the inner surface of the tube 16 and the outer surface of the smoking article 17. In this case, the interference fit is formed at the interface between the inner surface of the tube 16 and the outer surface of the smoking article 17, typically the outer surface of the smoking article 17 and the interior of the tube 16 Try to prevent the ingress of gases (eg, air) entering the smoking article 17 through the gap between the sides. The amount of air entering the smoking article between two neighboring surfaces may be variable and / or undesirable. Thus, limiting the inflow of air provides a degree of control of airflow into and / or through the smoking article 17.

The tube 16 has a longitudinal axis (not shown). The inner surface of the first portion 16a is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube 16. The inner surface of the second portion 16b is chamfered to be at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube 16 in this example. The angle of intersection between the straight line along the inner surface of the second portion 16b of the tube 16 and the longitudinal axis of the tube 16 is about 10 ° to about 80 °, or about 20 ° to about 70 °, or about 30 ° To about 60 °. For example, the angle can be about 45 °.

In this example, the inner portion of the edge of the tube 16 furthest from the mouth end 16a of the second filter unit 16 is the inner diameter arrow A of the second portion 16b illustrated by the arrow B. It is chamfered to be larger than the inner diameter of the first portion 16a exemplified as. This arrangement makes it easier for the user to insert the end 17a of the smoking article 17 into the tube 16 to couple the second filter unit 15 to the smoking article 17.

3A is a side cross-sectional view of the third filter unit 20 forming part of the smoking article 21. The third filter unit 20 includes a body 22 formed of filter material. The smoking article 21 comprises a sheet material 24, in this case an aerosol-generating material wrapped in cigarette paper, in this case a rod 23 of cut tobacco. The rod 23 and the third filter unit 20 are connected by a tipping 25 surrounding the third filter unit 20 and partially surrounding the rod 23. The smoking article 21 has a mouth end 21a to be inserted into the user's mouth when smoking. The body 22 of the third filter unit 20 comprises an end face 26 at the end of the body 22 closest to the mouth end 21a of the smoking article 21 farthest from the rod 23, and a stage It has a recess 27 formed on the side 26. The recess 27 is a hollow depression of the body 22. The recess 27 extends into the body 22 but does not extend completely through the body 22. In this example, the body 22 is cylindrical, and the end face 26 is the longitudinal end face of the body 22.

In this example, the recess 27 has the shape of a conical frustum, and has an inner base surface 27a and an inner side surface 27b. In other examples, the recess 27 can have the shape of different frustums and can have multiple sides. Alternatively, the recess may be cylindrical, conical or hemispherical in shape.

The recess 27 may be formed in the filter material of the body 22 by press fitting. In this case, the filter material of the body 22 can be compressed during the formation of the recess 27. In other words, the filter material at or near the inner surface of the recess 27 is denser than the filter material at other regions of the body 22, such as at the end of the body 22 furthest from the longitudinal end face 26. . Alternatively, the recess 27 can be formed by removing filter material from the body 22 at the end face 26. The recess 27 can direct smoke to a corresponding portion of the body 22 by reducing the volume of material from a specific portion of the body 22 where the recess 27 is located, and of the smoking article 21 It is possible to enable the formation of specific smoke from the mouth end 21a.

The body 22 may include smoke modifying materials or additives (not shown) disposed within the filter material of the body 22. The smoke modifying material / additive can be any smoke modifying material / additive such as flavors or other additives as described herein.

The third filter unit 20 may further include a sleeve 28 such as a plug wrap wrapped around the body 22. In this example, the body 22 is coplanar with the edge of the sleeve 28 at the mouth end 21a of the smoking article. In other examples, the sleeve 28 and / or tipping 25 may extend beyond the end of the body 22. Accordingly, the space formed by the sleeve 28 and / or tipping 25 extending beyond the end of the body 22, such as the longitudinal end face 26, accommodates the filter insert as illustrated in FIG. 1C. Can be arranged.

3B is an end view of the third filter unit 20.

3C is an end view of another design for the third filter unit 20 ', which in this case is a triangular shaped recess having an inner base surface 27a' and an inner side surface 27b ', and a bell It has a directional end face 26 '.

Figure 3d is an end view of another design for the third filter unit 20 '', which in this case is a hexagon-shaped recess having an inner base surface 27a "and an inner side surface 27b", and It has a longitudinal end face 26 ".

The third filter units 20, 20 ', 20' 'described herein with a recess formed in the end face can be used to form components of other filter units and filter inserts described herein. For example, the third filter units 20, 20 ', 20' 'described herein with a recess formed in the end face are upstream filter segments of the first filter unit 1 described with reference to FIG. 1A. (8), as a filter insert 10 as described with reference to FIG. 1C, or as a downstream filter segment 19 of the second filter unit 15 described with reference to FIG. 2. In each case, the recesses will be arranged to face the mouth end of the product.

FIG. 4 is a side of the fourth filter unit 30 that includes a tube 31 formed of sheet material and serves as a separate component for use with a separate smoking article 17 as described with reference to FIG. 2. It is a cross section. The fourth filter unit 30 has a mouth end 30a, and includes a tube 31 having a first portion 31a and a second portion 31b. The inner diameter of the first portion 31a is different from the inner diameter of the second portion 31b. The fourth filter unit 30 also includes a downstream filter plug 32 arranged closer to the mouth end 30a of the filter unit 30 than the tube 31 and formed of filter material. The fourth filter unit 30 further includes a sleeve 33 partially surrounding the tube 31 and surrounding the downstream filter plug 32. The tube 31 of this example can be formed from a sheet material, such as paper, card, cardboard, plastic, or similar materials.

The fourth filter unit 30 may be attached or attached to other tobacco industry products such as smoking articles 17 by the user. The tube 31 is arranged to receive a portion of the smoking article 17, for example the mouth end 17a of the smoking article 17, so that the filter unit 30 and the smoking article 17 are brought together by the user It can be attached or combined. The fourth filter unit 30 is configured to change one or more properties of the aerosol, such as smoke generated by the smoking article 17.

In this example, the tube 31 is formed of a sheet material separate from the sleeve 33 so that the tube 31 can be formed of a material that is more rigid than it may be possible to use to wrap the downstream filter plug 32. Have it. The inner diameter B of the second portion 31b is larger than the inner diameter A of the first portion 31a. This arrangement makes it easier for the user to couple the fourth filter unit 30 to the smoking article 17. In this example, the outer diameter B of the second portion 31b is larger than the outer diameter of the first portion 31a. This arrangement can be referred to as a tube 31 having an 'extended end'. The dimensions of the tube 31 in FIG. 4 can correspond to the dimensions of the tube 16 described with reference to FIG. 2.

The tube 31 formed of the sheet material described with reference to FIG. 4 can be used instead of the tube 2 at the mouth end of the smoking article 3 described with reference to FIG. 1A.

5A-5D are perspective views of a device 40 for forming a tobacco industry product 41. The tobacco industry product 41 can be (eg) a smoking article, filter or tube, or other components described herein. The filter can be an individual filter unit, or it can be part of a smoking article. The tube may be part of another tobacco industry product, for example, a filter unit or a smoking article. Any of these tobacco industry products 41 may have a longitudinal axis. Any of these tobacco industry products can have a longitudinal end face. The tubular components can also have an inner surface around the inside of the tube. The apparatus 40 can be any of the tubes 2, 2 ', 16, 31 of the first, second and fourth filter units 1, 15, 30 described herein, or It can be used to form a recess 27 formed in the filter body 22 of the third filter unit 20 described herein.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the device 40 includes a forming head 42 configured to change the shape of the first end of the tobacco industry product 41 (not shown in this figure). The device 40 further comprises an actuator arrangement 43 configured to move the forming head 42 and / or the tobacco industry product 41. The actuator arrangement 43 is such that the forming head 42 comes into contact with the first end 41a of the tobacco industry product 41 to change the shape of the first end 41a, the tobacco industry product 41 It is configured to move the forming head 42 and / or the tobacco industry product 41 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of.

Alternatively or in addition to the above, the actuator arrangement 43 is provided with a first head of the tobacco industry product 41 by the forming head 42 to change the shape of the first longitudinal end face and / or inner face. It may be configured to move the forming head 42 and / or the tobacco industry product 41 so as to come into contact with the directional end face and / or inner surface.

In some examples, the receiving unit is arranged to receive and grip the tobacco industry product 41 to hold the tobacco industry product 41 in place while the tobacco industry product 41 is being molded. This can be achieved by mechanical means such as clamps or alternatively by means such as vacuum suction, as described in more detail below.

In use, when the forming head 42 comes into contact with the first end 41a of the tobacco industry product 41, the forming head 42 is applied to the end 41a of the tobacco industry product 41. The pressure deforms the material of the tobacco industry product 41, thereby changing the shape of the end of the tobacco industry product 41. Changing the shape of the end of the tobacco industry product 41 may include, for example, changing the inner and / or outer diameter of the tobacco industry product 41, as well as forming an indentation at the end 41a. You can.

The actuator arrangement 43 can be configured to move the forming head 42 and / or the tobacco industry product 41 in a reciprocating manner. In other words, the actuator arrangement 43 can be configured to move the forming head 42 and / or the tobacco industry product 41 first to contact each other and then to move away from each other.

The forming head 42 may be cylindrical in shape. In this example, the forming head 42 is substantially cylindrical in shape, and the end of the forming head 42 has a chamfered profile. In other words, the forming head 42 includes a surface inclined to its side and longitudinal end faces.

In other exemplary arrangements, forming head 42 may be conical in shape. The forming head 42 may have a shape of a frustum such as a conical frustum. The forming head 42 may have a hemispherical shape, or may have a shape having relatively low degree of rotational symmetry or no rotational symmetry. For example, when forming the third filter units 20 'and 20 "of FIGS. 3C and 3D herein, the ends of the forming head 42 have a triangular frustum shape with a third rotational symmetry or a sixth rotational symmetry It will have a hexagonal frustum shape with the forming head 42, for example, primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth or infinite / continuous rotational symmetry. Can have

In this example, the forming head 42 has a longitudinal axis (not shown). The device 40 is configured to rotate the forming head 42 about its longitudinal axis, for example in the case of a forming head 42 with infinite / continuous rotational symmetry. Rotating the shaping head 42 when the shaping head 42 comes into contact with the end of the tobacco industry product 41 provides a more even change in the shape of the end of the tobacco industry product 41, thereby being fixed It is possible to create a uniform end profile compared to the forming head 42.

However, the device 40 is characterized in that the forming head 42 has a degree of symmetry of less than infinity, for example, rotation of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th order The molding head 42 may be configured to be fixed in the case of having symmetry. A known method of applying a shape to a filter visible from the mouth end of the filter is to create a tube filter with the corresponding shape passing through the center as a bore. However, in such cases, the standard cigarette manufacturing process requires a shape with at least secondary rotational symmetry, otherwise the shape will not be the same if the tube is used in different orientations. The use of a shaping head 42 that can be applied directly to the filter body solves this problem, which means that shapes with primary rotational symmetry can be uniformly applied to cigarette filters.

6A-6C are side cross-sectional and end views of each of the first to third forming heads 42, 42 'and 42' 'for use with the device of FIGS. 5A-5D. The first forming head 42 illustrated in FIG. 6A includes a conical frustum shape and can be used to form the third filter unit 20 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. The second forming head 42 'illustrated in FIG. 6B includes a three-sided pyramid frustum shape and can be used to form the third filter unit 20' of FIG. 3C. The third forming head 42 '' illustrated in FIG. 6C includes a hexagonal based pyramidal frustum shape and can be used to form the third filter unit 20 '' of FIG. 3D.

The device 40 may be configured to align the longitudinal axis of the forming head 42 with the longitudinal axis of the tobacco industry product 41 in use. In such an arrangement, it can be said that the forming head 42 and the tobacco industry product 41 have a common longitudinal axis.

In this example, the device 40 is a drum arranged to move the tobacco industry product 41 relative to the forming head 42 to bring the forming head 42 into contact with the end 41 of the tobacco industry product. (43).

In this example, the drum 43 is used in cigarette manufacturing to separate the first and second tobacco rods so that a filter can be placed between the tobacco rods and then the rods and filter can be wrapped with tipping paper. Is provided as a modification to the known separator drum. The drum 43 is deformed to include a head support unit 44 supporting a plurality of forming heads 42 arranged to be spaced circumferentially around the drum 43. The longitudinal axis of each of the forming heads 42 is parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum 43. The drum 43 includes a plurality of moving plates 45, each of the moving plates 45, the first and second product receiving units in the form of flutes 46 in this example or Areas 46 are provided. Each flute 46 is arranged to receive the tobacco industry product 41, and is generally shaped as an elongate groove formed in the plate 45, into which the tobacco industry product 41 can rest. do. Tobacco industry products 41 are retained in the flutes 46 by suction through openings formed in the base of the flutes 46, as is known in conventional separators and similar drums.

In this example, the moving plates 45 are directed towards and into the forming heads 42 held by the head support member 44 to bring the tobacco industry product 41 into contact with the forming heads 42. Move away from the field 42 in a reciprocating manner. In an alternative exemplary arrangement, the device 40 is used by both the plates 45 and the head support unit 44 to bring the forming heads 42 into contact with the end of the tobacco industry product 41. It can be arranged to move at the time, or can be configured to move only the head support unit 44. If additional force is required to retain the tobacco industry products 41 within the product receiving areas 46 provided on the plates 45, they can be adapted to include an alternative gripping arrangement. have. Alternatively or additionally, a swash-plate type arrangement can be used to press the tobacco industry products 41 longitudinally from the end opposite the end to be molded.

The device 41 may further include a heating element 47 arranged to heat the forming heads 42. When the forming heads 42 are heated immediately before or during contact with the end of the tobacco industry product 41, heat may deform the material of the tobacco industry product 41, which is the tobacco industry product 41 Helps to change the shape of the end of the. The heating element can be an induction coil. Alternatively, the forming head 42 can be heated by a hot air system or a direct thermocouple.

5D, a gearing mechanism 48 can be used to rotate the forming heads 42 in the form of mandrels in this example. Each mandrel 42 extends into the head support unit 44 and into a base shaft 42a supported by the head support unit 44. In particular, the head support unit 44 includes first and second bearings 44a, 44b that support the base shaft 42a of each mandrel 42 so that the base shaft 42a can rotate. . Each mandrel base shaft 42a is also connected to a mandrel driving cog 48a and arranged to be turned through the mandrel driving cog 48a, and the mandrel driving cog 48a is eventually a drum ( It is engaged with a fixed cog 48b extending around the periphery of 43 and fixed relative to the head support unit 44. When the outer parts of the drum 43, including the head support unit 44, are rotated, this drives the mandrel for each mandrel 42 since the teeth of the mandrel drive cog 48a engage with the fixed cog 48b. The cog 48a causes the mandrel 42 to rotate. Other arrangements for rotating forming heads 42 may also be used, such as separate motor arrangements for rotating one or more heads 42. The mandrel drive cogs 48a can be removed from the mandrel base shafts 42a of the mandrels 42 to provide fixed mandrels 42 rather than rotating mandrels 42.

In an alternative exemplary arrangement, the device 40 is substantially the same as the aforementioned forming head 42 and a second forming head (not shown) arranged to change the shape of the second end of the tobacco industry product 41 Not included). In this arrangement, the device 40 can mold both ends of the tobacco industry product 41 simultaneously or sequentially.

Also provided herein is a method of molding a tobacco industry product. The method, shown in Figure 7, providing a tobacco industry product (S101); And changing the shape of the first end of the tobacco industry product by moving the forming head and / or tobacco industry product in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tobacco industry product such that the forming head contacts the first end of the tobacco industry product. Step S102 is included.

Further methods of molding tobacco industry products are also presented herein. The method, shown in Figure 8, providing a tobacco industry product (S201); And changing the shape of the first end of the tobacco industry product by moving the forming head and / or the tobacco industry product so that the forming head contacts the first longitudinal end face and / or inner surface of the tobacco industry product (S202). It includes.

In order to solve various issues and advance the art, the whole of the present disclosure shows by way of example various embodiments in which the claimed invention (s) can be practiced and provide superior smoking articles and filter units therefor. . The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative samples of the embodiments, and are not limited to and / or exclusive. These advantages and features are presented only to help understand and teach the claimed features. Advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure are limitations to the present disclosure as defined by the claims, or limitations to the equivalents of the claims. It should be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and variations can be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may appropriately include, consist of, or include various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, or the like, as required essentially. of). In addition, the present disclosure includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (16)

As a filter unit for smoking articles,
A tube having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the inner diameter of the first portion is different from the inner diameter of the second portion; And
A sleeve at least partially surrounding the tube,
Filter unit for smoking articles. According to claim 1,
The second portion is at the distal end of the filter unit,
Filter unit for smoking articles. According to claim 2,
The inner diameter of the second portion decreases as it moves away from the distal end of the filter unit,
Filter unit for smoking articles. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The inner diameter of the second portion is larger than the inner diameter of the first portion,
Filter unit for smoking articles. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The outer diameter of the second portion is larger than the outer diameter of the first portion,
Filter unit for smoking articles. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The outer diameter of the first portion is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second portion,
Filter unit for smoking articles. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Each of the first portion and the second portion has a first end and a second end,
The second end of the first portion is adjacent to the first end of the second portion and has an inner diameter substantially the same as the first end of the second portion,
Filter unit for smoking articles. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The tube is formed of paper, card, cardboard or plastic,
Filter unit for smoking articles. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Contains cylindrical elements,
The sleeve at least partially surrounds the cylindrical element,
Filter unit for smoking articles. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The cylindrical element is formed of a filter material and comprises a body having an end face adjacent the tube and a recess formed in the end face,
Filter unit for smoking articles. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The element comprises a smoke modifying substance disposed within the filter material of the element,
Filter unit for smoking articles. The method of claim 11,
The smoke-modifying material comprises an encapsulated substance,
Filter unit for smoking articles. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The filter unit is arranged to be connected to the smoking article by the user,
Filter unit for smoking articles. A smoking article comprising the filter unit according to claim 1. The method of claim 14,
The second portion of the tube is disposed at the mouth end of the smoking article,
Smoking goods. A kit comprising a smoking article and a filter unit according to claim 1.

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