RU2791894C2 - Multi-segment component with intumescent coating - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a multi-segment component for an aerosol generating product. Multi-segment component (50) for aerosol generating product (2) contains combustible heat source (4), aerosol forming substrate (10) located further along a flow relatively to combustible heat source (4), and wrapper (38) surrounding a rear section of combustible heat source (4) and at least a front section of aerosol forming substrate (10). A front section of combustible heat source (4) passes beyond wrapper (38), so that the specified front section of the combustible heat source is opened during the use. Intumescent coating (42) is provided on the entire front section of combustible heat source (4) or on its part, while intumescent coating (42) is made with the possibility of formation of a heat-insulating layer on the front section of combustible heat source (4) in response to heating performed with combustible heat source (4).

EFFECT: invention allows for reduction in the risk of heat damage to adjacent materials under the action of a combustible heat source.

12 cl, 11 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a multi-segment component for an aerosol generating article. In particular, the present invention relates to a multi-segment component having a combustible heat source for heating an aerosol-forming substrate located downstream of said combustible heat source, and a wrapper surrounding at least a rear portion of said combustible heat source. The present invention also relates to aerosol generating articles containing such multi-segment components.

A number of smoking articles have been proposed in the prior art in which tobacco is heated rather than burned. The purpose of such "heated" smoking articles is to reduce the known harmful smoke components produced by the combustion and pyrolytic decomposition of tobacco in conventional cigarettes. In one known type of heated smoking article, the aerosol is generated by heat transfer from a combustible heat source to a physically separated aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be located within, around, or downstream of the combustible heat source. During smoking, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the combustible heat source and are entrained in the air drawn through the smoking article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

For example, WO 2009/022232 A2 discloses a smoking article comprising a combustible heat source, an aerosol-forming substrate located downstream of the combustible heat source, and a heat-conducting member surrounding a rear portion of the combustible heat source and an adjacent forward portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and located in contact with them. The combustible heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate abut each other in coaxial alignment and, together with the heat transfer element, is wrapped in a low air permeability cigarette paper outer wrapper to hold the various components of the smoking article together. In use, the front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is heated mainly by heat transfer through the rear portion of the combustible heat source abutting against it and the heat-conducting element.

During use of aerosol-generating articles in which the aerosol-generating substrate, such as tobacco, is heated rather than combusted, the combustible heat source can reach temperatures well above those attained in the combustion zone of a combustible cigarette. For example, the average temperature of the combustible heat source of the heated aerosol generating article may reach about 500 degrees Celsius, and in some cases the temperature of the combustible heat source may reach about 800 degrees Celsius. In addition, even after the burning of the combustible heat source of the heated aerosol-generating article has stopped, it can remain at a high temperature for a long period of time after the user has finished using the aerosol-generating article. As a result, improper handling of the aerosol generating product can lead to thermal damage to adjacent materials.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide such a multi-segment component for an aerosol generating article containing a combustible heat source in which the risk of thermal damage to adjacent articles by the combustible heat source is reduced.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a multi-segment component for an aerosol generating article is provided, comprising: a combustible heat source; an aerosol-forming substrate located downstream of the combustible heat source; and a wrapper surrounding a rear portion of the combustible heat source and at least a front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate; wherein the front portion of the combustible heat source extends outside the wrapper such that said front portion of the combustible heat source is open during use, the multi-segment component also comprises an intumescent coating on all or part of the front portion of the combustible heat source, wherein said intumescent coating is configured to forming a heat-insulating layer at the front portion of the combustible heat source in response to heating provided by the combustible heat source.

In the multi-segment components of the present invention, the intumescent coating, in use, forms an insulating layer on the outer surface of the combustible heat source to reduce heat transfer from the combustible heat source to materials with which the front portion of the combustible heat source may come into contact. This reduces the temperature of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article containing the multi-segment component in the region of the front portion of the combustible heat source compared to arrangements in which the front portion of the combustible heat source does not contain an intumescent coating. This provides the advantage of helping to reduce the potential risk of thermal damage to adjacent materials due to improper handling of the aerosol generating article. For example, if an aerosol generating article is placed with a combustible heat source supported by a combustible material, then the intumescent coating makes it possible to reduce the likelihood of damage to the combustible material by heat from the combustible heat source. The insulating layer forms a thermal barrier at the front portion of the combustible heat source. The insulating layer may form a barrier against ignition propensity at the front portion of the combustible heat source. The insulating layer can thermally insulate the front portion of the combustible heat source when the combustible heat source is hot.

In the context of this document, the term "intumescent" describes a material that expands under the influence of elevated temperatures, not only due to its coefficient of thermal expansion.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the term "intumescent coating" describes a coating containing intumescent material.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" is used to describe a substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds when heated, which can form an aerosol. The aerosols generated from the aerosol-forming substrates of the multi-segment components of the present invention may be visible or invisible, and they may contain vapors (e.g., fine particles of substances that are in a gaseous state and are usually liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as gases. and drops of liquid condensed vapor.

The rear combustible heat source portion is that portion of the combustible heat source that is surrounded by the wrapper during use of the multi-segment component. The front portion of the combustible heat source is that portion of the combustible heat source that extends outside the wrapper so that it is exposed during use. The front section of the combustible heat source is located upstream relative to the rear section of the combustible heat source.

The combustible heat source may include a circumferential surface, a front end surface, and a rear end surface.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the term "circumferential surface" refers to the surface of the combustible heat source or any other component of the multi-segment component, which extends in the longitudinal direction. The circumferential surface does not contain the end surfaces of the components, such as the front end surface of the combustible heat source.

The intumescent coating may be provided on all or part of the circumferential surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source. If desired, an intumescent coating may also be provided on all or part of the front end face of the combustible heat source. Alternatively, if desired, the front end surface of the combustible heat source may not have any intumescent coating.

The intumescent coating may be provided on all or part of the front end surface of the combustible heat source. In this case, the intumescent coating can also be provided on all or part of the circumferential surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source. Alternatively, if desired, the circumferential surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source may not have any intumescent coating.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the terms "surround" and "surrounding" are given in their usual meaning, meaning "passing around the entire circumference". Thus, the wrapper "surrounding" the rear portion of the combustible heat source extends around the entire circumference of the combustible heat source at the rear portion of the combustible heat source. The combustible heat source may be of any shape, and does not necessarily have a circular cross section. The combustible heat source may have a circular cross section.

As used herein in connection with the present invention, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of the components or parts of the components of the multi-segment component and the aerosol generating article. The combustible heat source faces the upstream end of the multi-segment component, and the aerosol-forming substrate faces the downstream end of the multi-segment component.

During use of the multi-segment component, the front section of the combustible heat source extends beyond the front edge of the wrapper, so that the surface of the front section of the combustible heat source, or any intumescent coating provided on this front section of the combustible heat source, forms the outer surface of the aerosol generating article containing the specified multi-segment component . As described below, the multi-segment component may include a removable wrap or lid that covers the front portion of the combustible heat source and which is removed prior to use to expose the front portion of the combustible heat source.

As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "ignitability" refers to the property of aerosol-generating articles, such as smoking articles, to cause ignition of the material on which they are placed. Ignition propensity can be measured according to ISO 12863:2010(E).

In use, the temperature of the combustible heat source rises during ignition and combustion to an elevated temperature range. The intumescent coating provided on the front portion of the combustible heat source expands in response to the elevated temperature. The expanded intumescent coating forms a barrier between the combustible heat source and the material in which the front of the combustible heat source is in contact.

Decreasing the density of the intumescent coating can improve the thermal insulation properties of the intumescent coating, thereby reducing the outer surface temperature of the multi-segment component. This provides the advantage of being able to reduce the risk of potential thermal damage to adjacent materials during use of an aerosol generating article containing a multi-segment component.

The intumescent coating may be in direct contact with all or part of the front portion of the combustible heat source.

The intumescent coating may surround the front portion of the combustible heat source.

The intumescent coating may be applied to the front portion of the combustible heat source by any suitable method. For example, an intumescent coating may be applied to the front portion of a combustible heat source by one or more of the following: smearing, spray coating, dip coating, use of a glue gun, use of a brush or roller, use of a nozzle, or rotogravure or other printing technologies. . If the intumescent material is a powder, it may be adhered to the front portion of the combustible heat source with an adhesive or binder.

The intumescent coating may be provided on substantially the entire outer surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source.

As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "substantially the entire outer surface" is used to mean that the coating is provided on at least 80 percent of the circumferential surface area of the front portion of the combustible heat source. For example, the coating may be provided on at least 90 percent of the circumferential surface area of the front portion of the combustible heat source, at least 95 percent of the circumferential surface area of the front portion of the combustible heat source, or at least 99 percent of the circumferential surface area of the front portion of the combustible heat source. . The coating can be made on the entire circumferential surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source.

As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction between the upstream end of the multi-segment component and the downstream end of the multi-segment component.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the terms "transverse", "radial" or "in the radial direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-segment component.

Providing an intumescent coating on substantially the entire outer surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source provides the advantage of being able to promote the formation of an effective insulating layer. Thus, it is possible to support the minimization of heat transfer from the front portion of the combustible heat source.

A portion of the front portion of the combustible heat source may not have any intumescent coating. This provides the advantage of being able to promote the ignition of a combustible heat source. For example, at least about 15% of the surface area of the front portion of the combustible heat source may not have any intumescent coating, i. the intumescent coating may be provided on no more than about 85% of the surface area of the front portion of the combustible heat source.

The front end surface of the combustible heat source may not have any intumescent coating.

An intumescent coating may be provided on the front end surface of the combustible heat source. If the intumescent coating is provided on substantially the entire outer surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source, said intumescent coating may also be provided on all or part of the front end surface of the combustible heat source. For example, an intumescent coating may also be provided over substantially the entire front end surface of the combustible heat source. Alternatively, if the intumescent coating is provided on substantially the entire outer surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source, then the front end surface of the combustible heat source may not have any intumescent coating. This makes it possible for the user to facilitate ignition of the combustible heat source, in particular if the intumescent coating is made of a material that can prevent the combustible heat source from being easily ignited.

The intumescent coating may be provided as a discontinuous pattern on the front portion of the combustible heat source.

As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "discontinuous pattern" refers to the arrangement of lines or shapes of an intumescent coating, in which intervals or gaps in the coating are formed between adjacent areas of the pattern. For example, such a pattern may contain many individual lines or shapes that are completely separate from each other. Such a pattern may comprise a grid of lines or shapes that intersect, but which also form uncovered areas in the spaces between adjacent lines or shapes.

Providing the intumescent coating in a discontinuous pattern at the front portion of the combustible heat source provides the advantage of being able to expand the intumescent coating in a controlled manner when exposed to elevated temperatures. For example, said discontinuous pattern may provide space for the intumescent coating to expand such that the intumescent coating is able to at least partially fill gaps between adjacent portions of the discontinuous pattern as it expands rather than expand radially outward. This makes it possible to improve the appearance of aerosol-generating articles containing multi-segment components according to the present invention.

The use of said discontinuous pattern allows the user to be assisted in obtaining a simple visual indication of the expansion of the intumescent coating to form the thermal barrier layer. For example, if it can be seen that the gaps between adjacent areas of the broken pattern have decreased in size, or if the adjacent areas of the broken pattern have expanded and come into contact.

If the intumescent coating is provided in a discontinuous pattern on the front portion of the combustible heat source, said intumescent coating may also be provided on substantially the entire outer surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source. In this case, the discontinuous pattern, including any intervals or gaps, is provided in at least 80 percent of the circumferential surface area of the front portion of the combustible heat source, as described above.

If the intumescent coating is provided on substantially the entire outer surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source in a discontinuous pattern, said intumescent coating may also be provided on all or part of the front end surface of the combustible heat source. The intumescent coating provided on all or part of the front end surface of the combustible heat source may be provided in a discontinuous pattern. Alternatively, the intumescent coating provided on all or part of the front end surface of the combustible heat source may be provided as a continuous layer.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the term "continuous layer" refers to a continuous layout of the intumescent coating, in which the intumescent coating does not contain any intervals or gaps separating sections of the intumescent coating.

If the intumescent coating is provided on substantially the entire outer surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source in a discontinuous pattern, then the front end surface of the combustible heat source may not have any intumescent coating.

The intumescent coating may be provided on all or part of the front end surface of the combustible heat source in a discontinuous pattern. In this case, the intumescent coating can also be provided on all or part of the outer surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source. The intumescent coating provided on the entire circumferential surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source or part thereof may be provided in a discontinuous pattern. Alternatively, the intumescent coating provided on all or part of the circumferential surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source may be provided as a continuous layer.

If the intumescent coating is provided on all or part of the front end surface of the combustible heat source in a discontinuous pattern, then the circumferential surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source may not have any intumescent coating.

The intermittent pattern may be any intermittent pattern. The intermittent pattern may comprise one or more lines, rings, dots, or other discrete geometries of the intumescent material, or any combination thereof. The intermittent pattern may be a regular pattern. The intermittent pattern may be an irregular pattern.

The intumescent coating can only be provided in the front portion of the combustible heat source.

This provides the advantage of being able to optimize the configuration of the intumescent coating for the thermal characteristics of the intumescent coating without having to take into account in any way the effect of expansion of the intumescent coating on the wrapper. This makes it possible to simplify the manufacture of a multi-segment component.

Providing the intumescent coating only on the front portion of the combustible heat source makes it possible to reduce the risk that the intumescent coating interferes with the fixation of the combustible heat source within the wrapper.

The intumescent coating may be provided along substantially the entire length of the combustible heat source.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the expression "essentially the entire length of the combustible heat source" is used to indicate that the intumescent coating must be provided at least 80 percent of the length of the combustible heat source. For example, an intumescent coating may be provided over at least 90 percent of the length of the combustible heat source, at least 95 percent of the length of the combustible heat source, or at least 99 percent of the length of the combustible heat source. The coating may be provided along the entire length of the combustible heat source.

The intumescent coating may be provided along substantially the entire length of the combustible heat source, but not substantially the entire outer surface of the combustible heat source. For example, the intumescent coating may be provided as a single longitudinal strip extending the entire length of the combustible heat source, but not having a thickness sufficient to cover substantially the entire outer surface of the combustible heat source.

The intumescent coating may be provided along substantially the entire length of the combustible heat source and substantially the entire outer surface of the combustible heat source.

Providing an intumescent coating over substantially the entire length of the combustible source provides the advantage of being able to assist in coating the heat source. The intumescent coating enables improved retention of the combustible heat source within the wrapper during or after combustion of the combustible heat source. This makes it possible to facilitate correct positioning of the heat source relative to the aerosol-forming substrate. The expanded intumescent coating allows the expansion of the wrapper to be compensated for by the coefficient of thermal expansion of the wrapper and the surface roughness of the combustible heat source. This makes it possible to help reduce the passage of combustion gases around the heat source, and further makes it possible to improve the retention of the combustible heat source within the wrapper.

If an intumescent coating is provided along substantially the entire length of the combustible heat source, then the portion of the intumescent coating provided on the front portion of the combustible heat source may be provided in a discontinuous pattern, while the portion of said intumescent coating provided on the rear portion of the combustible heat source heat, can be provided as a continuous layer. Alternatively, the intumescent coating portion provided on the back portion of the combustible heat source may be provided in a discontinuous pattern. The intumescent coating portion provided on the rear combustible heat source portion may be provided in the same discontinuous pattern as that of the intumescent coating portion provided on the front combustible heat source portion. The intumescent coating portion provided in the rear combustible heat source portion may be provided in a discontinuous pattern different from that in the intumescent coating portion provided in the front combustible heat source portion.

If the intumescent coating is provided along substantially the entire length of the combustible heat source, then the intumescent coating portion provided on the front portion of the combustible heat source may be applied as a continuous layer, while the intumescent coating portion provided on the rear portion of the combustible heat source may be provided as a discontinuous pattern.

The intumescent coating portion provided on the rear portion of the combustible heat source may be provided directly on the combustible heat source so that the intumescent coating is in direct contact with the combustible heat source. In this case, the intumescent coating provides the advantage of being able to hold the wrapper on the rear portion of the combustible heat source.

The intumescent coating portion provided on the rear portion of the combustible heat source may not be in direct contact with the rear portion of the combustible heat source. The intumescent coating portion provided on the rear portion of the combustible heat source may be radially separated from the rear portion of the combustible heat source by one or more intermediate components. For example, the intumescent coating portion provided on the rear portion of the combustible heat source may be separated in the radial direction from the rear portion of the combustible heat source by means of a wrap. The intumescent coating portion provided on the rear combustible heat source portion can be radially separated from the rear combustible heat source portion by another component.

If the intumescent coating is provided over substantially the entire length of the combustible heat source, then said intumescent coating may be in contact with the rear portion of the combustible heat source indirectly via one or more intermediate components. The intumescent coating may be in direct contact with the rear portion of the combustible heat source.

If the intumescent coating is made in the form of a discontinuous pattern on the front section or the rear section of the combustible heat source, then the specified intumescent coating can also be provided along essentially the entire length of the front section of the combustible heat source. In this case, a discontinuous pattern containing any intervals or gaps is provided for at least 80 percent of the length of the combustible heat source, as described above. For example, if an intumescent coating is provided in a discontinuous pattern of a series of transverse lines around a combustible heat source, then said intumescent coating may still be considered to be provided over substantially the entire length of the combustible heat source, provided that said discontinuous pattern, including the indicated intervals or gaps provided for at least 80 percent of the length of the combustible heat source.

The intumescent coating may comprise a first intumescent coating located at the front portion of the combustible heat source and a second intumescent coating located at the rear portion of the combustible heat source, said first and second intumescent coatings being made from different intumescent materials.

This provides the advantage of being able to select the materials used for the intumescent coatings on both of the front combustible heat source section and the rear combustible heat source section as desired based on their particular functions. For example, these materials may be selected to optimize the thermal insulating properties of the thermal insulating layer formed on the front portion of the combustible heat source by the first intumescent coating and to optimize the adhesion or retention properties of the second intumescent coating to the wrapper in the rear portion of the combustible heat source.

The intumescent coating may comprise any intumescent material. The intumescent coating may contain one or more of the following: hard carbon, soft carbon, expandable paper, intumescent paint, expandable binder, intumescent adhesive, sodium silicate adhesive, and an inflating agent containing a plurality of thermally insulating particles or fibers.

Examples of suitable hard carbons include, but are not limited to, graphite, mixtures of sugar and bicarbonate, Charmor®, and a melamine polyimide composite intumescent material. Examples of suitable soft carbons include, but are not limited to, ammonium polyphosphate and styrene acrylate. When soft coals expand at elevated temperatures, they form light coal, which usually consists of a microporous carbon-containing foam formed as a result of a chemical reaction. Said light carbon is a poor conductor of heat, which contributes to the insulating effect of the intumescent coating. In addition, the soft coal may contain hydrates which provide an additional cooling effect when the soft coal is heated.

The expandable paper may be a ceramic fiber paper containing an expandable binder. An example of such a suitable expandable paper is Firemaster Expanding ISW30 (available from Morgan Advanced Materials).

Inflating agents can be materials that are gaseous at the temperature provided for expansion of the intumescent coating, but solid at room temperature, or which thermally decompose at the temperature provided for the expansion of the intumescent coating to form a gas, such as gaseous carbon dioxide. Examples of blowing agents of this type include, but are not limited to, pentane and chlorofluorocarbons. Alternatively, intumescent agents may be materials that generate gas as a result of chemical reactions initiated at a temperature intended to expand the intumescent coating. Examples of blowing agents of this type include, but are not limited to, disintegrant, azodicarbonamide, titanium hydride, and isocyanates.

If the intumescent coating is made of a sodium silicate adhesive, then the sodium silicate adhesive may have a molar ratio of from about 2 to about 3.5 parts SiO ₂ to 1 part Na ₂ O.

The expansion of an intumescent material generally results in a corresponding decrease in the density of the material. One or more of a number of mechanisms may explain the expansion of an intumescent material when exposed to elevated temperatures. For example, an intumescent material may expand due to the expansion of gas trapped within the material. The intumescent material may expand under the action of a gas generated within the material as a result of elevated temperature, such as, for example, water vapor released from a hydrate.

The intumescent coating may have an expansion ratio of at least about 1.5:1. Preferably, from about 1.5:1 to about 8:1 when heated to a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius to 700 degrees Celsius at a pressure of 1 atmosphere (101 kPa).

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the term "expansion ratio" refers to the ratio of the thickness of the intumescent coating before expansion to the thickness of the intumescent coating after expansion.

By providing an intumescent coating having an expansion ratio of less than about 1.5:1, it is possible to have minimal effect on lowering the temperature of the outer surface of an aerosol-generating article containing a multi-segment component. Conversely, the use of an intumescent coating having an expansion ratio greater than about 8:1 may result in an unacceptable change in appearance of the multi-segment component when exposed to elevated temperatures.

The intumescent coating may have a thickness of from about 100 micrometers to about 2 millimeters. For example, the intumescent coating may have a thickness of from about 200 micrometers to about 1 millimeter, or from about 100 micrometers to about 0.6 millimeters.

The term "thickness" in relation to an intumescent coating refers to the size of the layer in the transverse direction. The thickness of the intumescent coating is the dimension of the layer in the transverse direction before the expansion of the intumescent material under the influence of elevated temperatures to form a heat-insulating layer.

An intumescent coating having a thickness of less than about 100 micrometers allows minimal impact on the temperature reduction of the outer surface of an aerosol generating article containing a multi-segment component. Conversely, the use of an intumescent coating having a thickness of more than about 2 millimeters may result in an unacceptable change in appearance of the multi-segment component when exposed to elevated temperatures.

The thicker the intumescent coating, the more energy from the combustible heat source can be dissipated as the intumescent material expands, resulting in a reduction in the amount of thermal energy transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate. Therefore, the use of an intumescent coating having a thickness greater than about 2 millimeters makes it possible to reduce heat transfer from the combustible heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate.

The insulating layer formed by the intumescent coating may be porous.

This provides the advantage of being able to further insulate and reduce heat transfer between the combustible heat source and the outer surface of the multi-segment component by reducing conductive heat transfer. The pores may be open or closed.

As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "closed cells" means that the pores in the insulating layer are not connected to each other, so that they do not allow air to pass from one side of the layer to the other side of the layer.

As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "open pores" means that the pores in the insulating layer are connected to each other, so that air can pass from one side of the layer to the other side of the layer.

If the insulating layer contains open pores, then these pores may allow oxygen to pass through the insulating layer to the combustible heat source. This provides the advantage of being able to promote combustion of the combustible heat source, maintain proper combustion temperatures, and improve heat transfer to the aerosol-forming substrate.

The front portion of the combustible heat source may be of any length.

The front portion of the combustible heat source may be at least 25 percent of the total length of the combustible heat source, for example, the front portion of the combustible heat source may be at least 35 percent or at least 45 percent of the total length of the combustible heat source.

The front portion of the combustible heat source may have a length of no more than 60 percent of the total length of the combustible heat source, or no more than 55 percent, or no more than 50 percent of the total length of the combustible heat source.

For example, the front portion of the combustible heat source may be from about 25 percent to about 60 percent of the total length of the combustible heat source.

The multi-segment component comprises a wrapper surrounding the rear portion of the combustible heat source and at least the front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. A wrapper can be made up of one or more elements. For example, the wrapper may be made from a single sheet of material.

The wrapper may contain one or more layers of thermally conductive material. Preferably, said one or more layers of thermally conductive material are located around at least the rear portion of the combustible heat source and at least the front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. In such embodiments, the thermally conductive material provides thermal communication between the combustible heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate and provides the advantage of helping to achieve sufficient heat transfer from the combustible heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate to form an acceptable aerosol. The thermally conductive material may be in direct contact with one or both of the combustible heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate. The layer of thermally conductive material may be spaced apart from one or both of the combustible heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate so that there is no direct contact between the thermally conductive material and one or both of the combustible heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "thermal conductive material" is used to describe a material having a bulk thermal conductivity of at least about 10 watts per meter kelvin (W/(m K)) at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. , when measured using the modified transient flat source (MTPS) method.

Said one or more layers of thermally conductive material are preferably non-combustible. In some embodiments, said one or more layers of thermally conductive material may restrict the supply of oxygen. In other words, said one or more layers of thermally conductive material can weaken or prevent the passage of oxygen through the wrapper.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the term "non-combustible" is used to describe a material that is essentially non-combustible at the temperatures reached by a combustible heat source during its combustion and ignition.

Suitable thermal materials for use in the multi-segment components of the present invention include, but are not limited to: metal foil wraps such as aluminum foil wraps, steel wraps, iron foil wraps, and copper foil wraps; and metal alloy foil wrappers.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the wrap contains one or more layers of thermal insulation material. Due to this arrangement, the thermal barrier material reduces heat transfer from the combustible heat source to the outer surface of the wrapper, which makes it possible to lower the surface temperature of the aerosol generating article. Preferably, the thermal insulation material is non-combustible. The inclusion of a non-combustible thermal insulation layer provides the advantage of helping to reduce the ignition propensity of aerosol-generating articles containing the multi-segment components of the present invention by lowering the surface temperature of the aerosol-generating article.

As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "thermal insulation material" is used to describe a material having a bulk thermal conductivity of less than about 50 milliwatts per meter-kelvin (mW/(m K)) at a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 50% , when measured using the modified transient flat source (MTPS) method.

The wrapper may be a layered wrapper made up of multiple layers.

The wrapper may comprise a radially outer layer of thermally conductive material and a radially inner layer of thermally insulating material. In some embodiments, the wrapper comprises a radially inner layer of thermally conductive material and a radially outer layer of thermally insulating material. Other arrangements are possible. In preferred arrangements, the wrapper provides the advantage of being able to conduct heat from the combustible heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate while controlling radiative heat loss from the combustible heat source and the combustible heat source.

The combustible heat source may be a combustible carbonaceous heat source.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the term "carbonaceous" is used to describe a combustible heat source containing carbon. Preferably, the combustible heat source is a solid combustible heat source.

The combustible heat source is preferably a continuous combustible heat source. As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "solid" describes a heat source that does not contain any channels for air flow extending from the front end surface to the rear end surface of the combustible heat source. As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "solid" is also used to describe a combustible heat source containing one or more air flow channels extending from the front end surface of the combustible heat source to the rear end surface of the combustible heat source, and the combustible is essentially airtight the barrier between the rear end surface of the combustible heat source and the barrier of the aerosol-forming substrate prevents air from being drawn along the length of the combustible heat source through said one or more air flow channels.

If the combustible heat source is a continuous combustible heat source and an intumescent coating is provided along essentially the entire length of the combustible heat source, then said intumescent coating provides the advantage of being able to compensate for surface roughness or geometrical defects of the combustible heat source and being able to reduce transmission gaseous products of combustion around the circumference of a combustible heat source.

This, in turn, can provide the advantage that the intumescent coating prevents the passage of combustion gases around the circumference of the heat source. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the retraction resistance, or "RTD", of the aerosol generating article. If the multi-segment component includes one or more air inlets through which air can be drawn into the aerosol-forming substrate, then this arrangement ensures that during use substantially all of the air flow enters the aerosol-forming substrate through the air inlets to provide the desired properties. aerosol.

The multi-segment components of the present invention may include one or more air inlets located downstream of the rear end face of the combustible heat source to draw air into said one or more air flow passages.

The combustible heat source may comprise at least one ignition promoter.

In the context of this document, the term "ignition promoter" is used to refer to a material that releases one or both of energy and oxygen during the ignition of a combustible heat source.

As used herein, the term "ignitant" is used to describe a material that releases energy and/or oxygen during ignition of a combustible heat source, wherein the rate of energy and/or oxygen release by the material is not limited by the diffusion of oxygen contained in the surrounding air. In other words, the rate of release of one or both of energy and oxygen by said material during the ignition of a combustible heat source is largely independent of the rate of supply of ambient air oxygen to said material. In the context of this document, the term "ignition promoter" is also used to describe an elemental metal that releases energy into, during ignition of a combustible heat source, wherein the ignition temperature of said elemental metal is below about 500° C. and said elemental metal has a heating value of at least about 5 kJ/g.

In the context of this document, the term "ignition promoter" does not include alkali metal salts of carboxylic acids (such as alkali metal citrate salts, alkali metal acetic salts and alkali metal succinic salts), alkali metal halide salts (such as alkali metal chloride salts), carbonate salts alkali metal or alkali metal phosphate salts which are thought to modify the combustion of carbon. Even when present in large amounts relative to the total weight of the combustible heat source, such alkali metal salts do not release enough energy during the ignition of the combustible heat source to create an acceptable aerosol during the first puffs.

Examples of suitable ignition promoters include, but are not limited to: nitrates; chlorates; perchlorates; bromates; bromites; borates; ferrates; ferrites; manganates; permanganates; organic peroxides; inorganic peroxides; superoxides; carbonates; iodates; periodates; iodites; sulfates; sulfites; other sulfoxides; phosphates; phosphinates; and phosphonites. Said at least one ignition promoter may contain calcium peroxide.

In some preferred embodiments, the multi-segment components of the present invention comprising continuous combustible heat sources comprise one or more air inlets located near the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

In use, air drawn in by the user for inhalation through one or more airflow passages in aerosol-generating articles comprising multi-segment components of the present invention comprising a continuous combustible heat source does not pass through any airflow channels along the continuous combustible heat source. The absence of any airflow passages through the solid combustible heat source provides the advantage of substantially preventing or reducing the activation of combustion of the solid combustible heat source during a user puff. This essentially prevents or attenuates sudden changes in the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate during a puff performed by the user.

By preventing or reducing the activation of combustion of the continuous combustible heat source and thus preventing or reducing excessive temperature rises of the aerosol-forming substrate, there is an advantage of being able to prevent combustion or pyrolysis of the aerosol-forming substrate in heavy puffing modes. Provides the advantage of minimizing or reducing the influence of the mode of implementation of puffs by the user on the composition of the main stream of aerosol.

The inclusion of a continuous combustible heat source provides the advantage of being able to substantially prevent or reduce combustion and decomposition products and other materials generated during the ignition and combustion of a continuous combustible heat source into the air drawn through the multi-segment components of the present invention in use. This is particularly useful where the continuous combustible heat source contains one or more ignition promoters.

In the multi-segment components of the present invention comprising a continuous combustible heat source, heat transfer from the continuous combustible heat source to the aerosol-generating substrate occurs primarily by conduction, and heating of the aerosol-generating substrate by forced convection is minimized or reduced. This provides the advantage of being able to help minimize or reduce the impact of the user's puffing pattern on the composition of the main aerosol stream in the aerosol generating articles of the present invention.

In multi-segment components according to the present invention, containing a continuous combustible heat source, it is especially important to optimize the conductive heat transfer between the combustible heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate. As further described below, the addition of one or more thermal conductive elements around at least the rear portion of the combustible carbonaceous heat source and at least the front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is particularly preferred in multi-segment components of the present invention that comprise continuous heat sources and in which heating of the aerosol-forming substrate is substrate aerosol due to forced convection is negligible or absent.

It should be understood that the multi-segment components of the present invention may comprise continuous combustible heat sources containing one or more closed or locked passages through which air cannot be drawn in by the user for inhalation.

For example, the multi-segment components of the present invention may comprise continuous combustible heat sources comprising one or more closed passages that extend from the front end surface at the upstream end of the continuous combustible carbonaceous heat source along only a portion of the length of the continuous combustible carbonaceous heat source.

The inclusion of one or more closed air passages increases the surface area of the continuous combustible heat source exposed to oxygen from the air and provides the advantage of being able to promote ignition and sustained combustion of the continuous combustible heat source.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the combustible heat source comprises at least one longitudinal air flow passage providing one or more air flow passages through the heat source.

As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "airflow duct" is used to describe a duct that extends along the length of the heat source and through which air can be drawn through the aerosol generating article for inhalation by the user.

The diameter of said at least one longitudinal airflow passage may be from about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm, more preferably from about 2 mm to about 2.5 mm. The inner surface of said at least one longitudinal air flow channel may be partially or completely covered, as described in more detail in WO 2009/022232 A1.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may also contain one or more aerosol-forming agents. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents include, but are not limited to, glycerin and propylene glycol.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is a rod containing tobacco-containing material.

If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, then the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, pellets, grains, thin tubes, strips, or sheets containing one or more of the following: grass leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be in loose form, or it may be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. For example, the aerosol-forming material of the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be enclosed within a paper or other wrapper and in the form of a plug. If the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a plug, then the entire plug, including any wrapper, may be considered an aerosol-forming substrate.

Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile aroma compounds released when the solid aerosol-forming substrate is heated. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain capsules that contain, for example, additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile aroma compounds, and such capsules may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

If desired, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermostable support. The carrier may be in the form of a powder, granules, beads, grains, thin tubes, strips or sheets. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be applied to the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel, or suspension. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be applied to the entire surface of the carrier or, alternatively, it may be applied in a pattern to allow uneven flavor delivery during use.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be present in the form of a plug or segment that contains a material capable of releasing volatile compounds when heated and is surrounded by a paper or other wrapper. As stated above, if the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of such a plug or segment, then the entire plug or segment, including any wrapper, is considered to be an aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate preferably has a length of from about 5 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may be about 6 mm to about 15 mm long, or about 7 mm to about 12 mm long.

In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a plug of tobacco-based material wrapped in ficelle. In particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a plug of homogenized tobacco-based material wrapped in ficellus.

In any of the above embodiments, the combustible heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate may abut each other in coaxial alignment. If an intumescent coating is provided on the rear portion of the combustible heat source, then said intumescent coating is capable of keeping the combustible heat source in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate during use to ensure good thermal bonding between said two components and to maintain the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate within the desired range. range.

If the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a ficell-wrapped tobacco-based material plug, then an intumescent coating can be provided on at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, an intumescent coating may be provided on the front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. The intumescent coating provided on at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate may be the same as the intumescent coating provided on all or part of the front portion of the combustible heat source. The intumescent coating provided on at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate may be different from the intumescent coating provided on all or part of the front portion of the combustible heat source. The intumescent coating provided on at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in a discontinuous pattern. The intumescent coating may be provided along substantially the entire length of the aerosol-forming substrate.

If an intumescent coating is provided on the front portion of the combustible heat source, on the rear portion of the combustible heat source, and at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate, said intumescent coating may comprise first, second, and third intumescent coatings. Said first, second and third intumescent coatings may contain different intumescent materials. Said first, second and third intumescent coatings may contain the same intumescent material.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the terms "butt" and "butt" are used to describe a component or part of a component that is in direct contact with another component or part of a component.

The multi-segmented components of the present invention may include a heat transfer element positioned around both at least the rear portion of the combustible heat source and at least the front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate in direct contact therewith. The heat transfer element is separated from the wrapper surrounding the rear portion of the combustible heat source and at least the front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate, and is provided in addition to the wrapper. In such embodiments, the heat transfer element provides thermal communication between the combustible heat source and the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating articles of the present invention, and it provides the advantage of helping to achieve sufficient heat transfer from the combustible heat source to the aerosol-generating substrate to form an acceptable aerosol.

Alternatively or additionally, the multi-segment components of the present invention may comprise a heat transfer element spaced apart from one or both of the combustible heat source and the aerosol forming substrate such that there is no direct contact between the heat transfer element and one or both of the combustible heat source and aerosol-forming substrate.

Said one or more heat-conducting elements are preferably non-combustible. In some embodiments, said one or more heat transfer elements may restrict the supply of oxygen. In other words, said one or more heat-conducting elements may impede or prevent the passage of oxygen through the heat-conducting element.

Suitable thermal conductive elements for use in the multi-segment components of the present invention include, but are not limited to: metal foil wraps such as aluminum foil wraps, steel wraps, iron foil wraps, and copper foil wraps; and metal alloy foil wrappers.

The multi-segment components of the present invention may also include a lid configured to at least partially cover the front end surface of the combustible heat source, said lid being removable to expose the front end surface of the combustible heat source prior to use of the aerosol generating article.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the term "cover" refers to the protective cover, which essentially surrounds the distal end of the multi-segment component, including the front end surface. Providing a lid that is removed before ignition of the combustible heat source provides the advantage of protecting the combustible heat source before use.

For example, the multi-segment components of the present invention may comprise a removable cap attached in a line of weakness to the distal end of the smoking article, said cap comprising a cylindrical plug of material surrounded by a wrapper as described in WO 2014/086998 A1.

The multi-segment components of the present invention may also include a transfer element or spacer element located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. Such an element may be in the form of a hollow tube that is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The transfer element may abut against an aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the transfer element may be located at a distance from the aerosol-forming substrate. The transfer element may be coaxially aligned with one or both of the combustible heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate.

The inclusion of a transfer element provides the advantage of being able to cool the aerosol generated by heat transfer from the combustible heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate. The inclusion of a transfer element also provides the advantage of being able to adjust the overall length of an aerosol generating article containing the multi-segment component of the present invention to a desired length, such as a length close to that of a conventional cigarette, by appropriate selection of the length of the transfer element.

The transfer element may have a length of from about 7 mm to about 50 mm, such as a length of from about 10 mm to about 45 mm, or from about 15 mm to about 30 mm. The transfer element may have other lengths depending on the desired overall length of the aerosol generating article and the presence and length of other components in the multi-segment component or the aerosol-generating article containing the multi-segment component.

Preferably, the transfer element comprises at least one tubular hollow body with an open end. In such embodiments, in use, air drawn into the aerosol-generating article passes through at least one open-ended tubular hollow body as it passes downstream through the aerosol-generating article.

The transfer element may comprise at least one open-ended tubular hollow body made of one or more suitable materials that are substantially thermally stable at the temperature of the aerosol generated by heat transfer from the combustible heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, paper, cardboard, plastics such as cellulose acetate, ceramics, and combinations thereof.

The multi-segment components of the present invention may also include an aerosol cooling element or heat exchanger located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol cooling element may comprise a plurality of channels extending in the longitudinal direction.

The aerosol cooling element may comprise an assembled sheet of material selected from the group consisting of metal foil, polymeric material, and substantially non-porous paper or paperboard. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may comprise an assembled sheet of material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PMA), cellulose acetate (AC), and aluminum foil.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may comprise an assembled sheet of biodegradable polymeric material such as polylactic acid (PLA) or a Mater- ^Bi® brand product (a commercially available family of starch-based copolyesters).

The wrapper may be made from any suitable material or combination of materials. Suitable materials are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, cigarette paper.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating article comprising a multi-segment component according to the first aspect of the present invention and a mouthpiece located downstream of the multi-segment component.

The combustible heat source is located at or near the distal end of the aerosol generating article. The mouth end of the aerosol generating article is located downstream of the distal end of the aerosol generating article.

Preferably, the mouthpiece has a low filtration efficiency, more preferably a very low filtration efficiency. The mouthpiece may be a one-segment or one-piece mouthpiece. Alternatively, the mouthpiece may be a multi-segment or multi-piece mouthpiece.

The mouthpiece may contain a filter containing one or more segments containing suitable known filter materials. Suitable filter materials are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate and paper. The mouthpiece may contain one or more segments containing absorbents, adsorbents, flavors and other aerosol modifiers and additives, or combinations thereof.

The aerosol generating articles of the present invention may comprise a multi-segment component according to any of the embodiments described above and a mouthpiece segment at the downstream end of the multi-segment component.

Aerosol generating articles according to the present invention may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating article may be substantially elongated. The aerosol generating article has a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially oblong. The aerosol-forming substrate also has a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-generating substrate may be positioned in the aerosol-generating article such that the length of the aerosol-generating substrate is substantially parallel to the direction of air flow in the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol generating articles of the present invention may be of any desired length. For example, aerosol generating articles of the present invention may have an overall length of from about 65 mm to about 100 mm.

The aerosol generating articles of the present invention may have any desired outside diameter. For example, aerosol generating articles of the present invention may have an outside diameter of from about 5 mm to about 12 mm.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the term "diameter" refers to the maximum transverse dimension of generating aerosol products, multi-segment components or parts of aerosol generating products or multi-segment components according to the present invention.

Assembly generating aerosol products according to the present invention can be carried out using known methods and equipment.

A method for manufacturing a multi-segment component for an aerosol-generating article is also proposed, comprising the steps of: providing a combustible heat source; an intumescent coating is applied to all or part of the combustible heat source, wherein said intumescent coating is configured to form a heat-insulating layer on the entire or part of the combustible heat source in response to heating provided by the combustible heat source.

The method may also include the steps of: providing an aerosol-forming substrate downstream of a combustible heat source; wrapping the rear portion of the combustible heat source and at least the front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate such that the front portion of the combustible heat source extends beyond the wrapper so that the front portion of the combustible heat source is exposed during use; and provide an intumescent coating on all or part of the front portion of the combustible heat source.

The step of applying the intumescent coating to all or part of the combustible heat source may be carried out after the step of wrapping the rear portion of the combustible heat source and at least the front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the step of applying the intumescent coating to all or part of the combustible heat source may be carried out prior to the step of wrapping the back portion of the combustible heat source and at least the front portion of the aerosol generating substrate.

The step of applying an intumescent coating to all or part of the combustible heat source may be carried out by one or more of the following: smearing, spray coating, dip coating, use of a glue gun, use of a brush or roller, use of a nozzle, or rotary gravure printing, or other printing methods. If the intumescent material is a powder, it may be adhered to the front portion of the combustible heat source with an adhesive or binder.

The combustible heat source may contain an ignition promoter.

A method for manufacturing a multi-segment component for an aerosol-generating article is also proposed, comprising the steps of: providing a combustible heat source; providing an aerosol-forming substrate downstream of the combustible heat source; applying an intumescent coating to all or part of the combustible heat source; wrapping at least the rear portion of the combustible heat source and at least the front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate, wherein said intumescent coating is configured to form a heat-insulating layer on the front portion of the combustible heat source in response to heating provided by the combustible heat source.

A method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article is also provided, comprising the steps of: providing a multi-segment component manufactured according to any of the methods described above; and providing a mouthpiece downstream of said multi-segment component. Preferably, the mouthpiece has a low filtration efficiency, more preferably a very low filtration efficiency. The mouthpiece may be a one-segment or one-piece mouthpiece. Alternatively, the mouthpiece may be a multi-segment or multi-piece mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may contain a filter containing one or more segments containing suitable known filter materials. Suitable filter materials are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate and paper. The mouthpiece may contain one or more segments containing absorbents, adsorbents, flavors and other aerosol modifiers and additives, or combinations thereof.

All scientific and technical terms used in this document have the meanings commonly used in the art, unless otherwise indicated. The definitions provided in this document are intended to facilitate understanding of certain terms commonly used in this document.

The features described in relation to one or more aspects can be equally applied to other aspects of the present invention. In particular, the features described with respect to the multi-segment component of the first aspect can be equally applied to the aerosol-generating article of the second aspect, and vice versa. Additionally, the features described with respect to the multi-segment component of the first aspect or the aerosol-generating article of the second aspect can be equally applied to the manufacturing method.

The present invention will now be described solely by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

in FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an aerosol generating article having a multi-segment component according to a first embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an aerosol generating article having a multi-segment component according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

in FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an aerosol generating article having a multi-segment component according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

in FIG. 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an aerosol generating article having a multi-segment component according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

in FIG. 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an aerosol generating article having a multi-segment component according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; And

in FIG. 6-9 are schematic longitudinal views of combustible heat sources comprising an intumescent coating on at least a front portion of the combustible heat source for use in a multi-segment component according to the present invention.

The aerosol generating article 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 1 comprises a multi-segment component 50 and a mouthpiece 18 located downstream of the multi-segment component 50. The multi-segment component 50 comprises a continuous combustible heat source 4 having a front end surface 6 and an opposite rear end surface 8, an aerosol-forming substrate 10, and a transfer element 12. The multi-segment component 50 also includes an aerosol cooling element 14 and a separating element 16 located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate 10.

The continuous combustible heat source 4 is a continuous carbonaceous combustible heat source and is located at the distal end of the aerosol generating article 2. As shown in FIG. 1, a non-combustible and substantially airtight barrier 22 in the form of an aluminum foil disc is provided between the rear end surface 8 of the solid combustible heat source 4 and the aerosol-forming substrate 10. The barrier 22 is applied to the rear end surface 8 of the solid combustible heat source 4 by pressing an aluminum disc foil on the rear end surface 8 of the continuous combustible heat source 4 and abuts against the rear end surface 8 of the combustible carbon-containing heat source 4 and the aerosol-forming substrate 10.

In other embodiments of the present invention (not shown), the non-combustible and substantially airtight barrier 22 between the rear surface 8 of the continuous combustible heat source 4 and the aerosol-forming substrate 10 may be omitted.

The aerosol-forming substrate 10 is located downstream immediately after the barrier 22 deposited on the rear end surface 8 of the continuous combustible heat source 4 . The aerosol-forming substrate 10 comprises a cylindrical plug of homogenized tobacco-based material 24 containing an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin, for example, and wrapped in a ficell 26.

The transfer element 12 is located downstream immediately after the aerosol-forming substrate 10 and includes a cylindrical hollow cellulose acetate tube 28 with an open end.

The aerosol cooling element 14 is located downstream immediately after the transfer element 12 and contains an assembled sheet of biodegradable polymeric material, such as polylactic acid, for example.

The separating element 16 is located downstream immediately after the aerosol cooling element 14 and contains a cylindrical hollow paper or cardboard tube 30 with an open end.

The mouthpiece 18 is located downstream immediately after the separating element 16. As shown in FIG. 1, a mouthpiece 18 is located at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 2 and includes a cylindrical plug of suitable filter material 32, such as very low efficiency cellulose acetate fiber, for example, wrapped in a filter ficell 34.

As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating article 2 also includes a single thermal element 36 of a suitable thermally conductive material, such as aluminum foil, overlying the rear portion of the solid combustible heat source 4 and the front portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 10. In this embodiment, the single thermal element 36 does not lies on top of any section of the transfer element 12 .

In other embodiments of the invention (not shown), a single thermal element 36 may lie over the rear portion of a solid combustible heat source 4, the entire length of the aerosol-forming substrate 10, and the entire length of the transfer element 12.

In other embodiments of the present invention (not shown), the transfer element 12 may extend beyond said single thermal element 36 in a downstream direction. In other words, a single heat-conducting element 36 may lie on top of only the front section of the transfer element 12.

The single heat transfer element 36 is surrounded by a wrapper 38 of low air permeability heat insulating sheet material, such as cigarette paper, for example, which is wrapped around the aerosol-forming substrate 10, the transfer element 12, and the back portion of the continuous combustible heat source 4 to form the multi-segment component 50 of the smoking article 2 .

The aerosol cooling element 14 and the separation element 16 may be surrounded by an additional wrap (not shown). Alternatively, the aerosol cooling element 14, the separator element 16 and the mouthpiece 18 may be separate segments that are held together and connected to the multi-segment component 50 via the outer wrap 20.

In other embodiments (not shown), the wrapper 38 may extend downstream of the transfer element 12, surrounding other components of the aerosol generating article 2, such as the aerosol cooling element 14 and the separation element 16, which are thus included in the multi-segment component. The mouthpiece 18 may in this case be attached at the downstream end of the multi-segment component by means of an outer wrap 20, or an additional wrap, or a band of tipping paper (not shown).

In the aerosol generating article 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, the single thermal element 36 and the wrap 38 extend to approximately the same location on the solid fuel heat source 4 in an upstream direction such that the upstream ends of the single thermal element 36 and the wrap 38 are substantially aligned over the solid fuel source. 4 heat.

The portion of the solid combustible heat source 4 surrounded by the wrap 38 may be referred to as the rear portion of the combustible heat source 4 . The portion of the combustible heat source 4 that extends outside the wrapper 38 so that it is exposed during use may be referred to as the front portion of the combustible heat source 4

It should be understood that in other embodiments of the invention (not shown), the wrapper 38 may extend beyond the single thermal element 36 in an upstream direction.

The aerosol generating article 2 comprises one or more air inlets 38 around the periphery of the aerosol generating substrate 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, a circumferential arrangement of first air inlets 40 is provided in the ficell 26 of the aerosol-forming substrate 10, the wrapper 38, and the single heat-conducting member 36 to allow cold air (shown by dotted arrows in FIG. 1) to pass into the aerosol-forming substrate 10.

The aerosol generating article 2 also includes an intumescent coating 42 provided on the combustible heat source 4 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an intumescent coating 42 is provided along substantially the entire length of the combustible heat source 4. The intumescent coating 42 is provided on substantially the entire outer surface of the combustible heat source 4 . The intumescent coating 42 is not provided on the front end surface of the combustible heat source 4 . In this embodiment, in the rear portion of the combustible heat source 4, the intumescent coating 42 is located on the inner surface of the heat-conducting member 36 so that it is in direct contact with the combustible heat source 4. In other examples (not shown), the intumescent coating 42 may be in contact with the rear portion of the combustible heat source 4 indirectly, for example, through the heat conductive element 36. The intumescent coating 42 surrounds the combustible heat source 4 and is configured to expand under the influence of heat from the combustible heat source 4 heat. The intumescent layer 42 is made of an intumescent inorganic adhesive. Suitable intumescent inorganic adhesives include sodium silicate adhesives such as those available from PQ Corporation, Malvern, PA, USA.

The multi-segment component 50 may also include a removable cover (not shown) which is located at its distal end and directly adjacent to the heat source 4. For example, the release lid may comprise a core containing a desiccant such as glycerol for absorbing moisture, as opposed to a heat source, and is wrapped by portions of one or both of the outer wrap 20 and wrap 38 and connected to the rest of these wraps along a line of weakness. containing a plurality of perforations in the wrapper. In such examples, to use an aerosol generating article, the user removes said removable cover by lateral compression of the cover by pinching it between thumb and forefinger. When the lid is compressed, sufficient force is applied to said line of least resistance to locally tear the wrapper by which the lid is attached. The user then removes the lid by twisting it in a tear along the remaining section of the line of weakness. When the lid is removed, the heat source becomes partially open, whereby the user is able to ignite the smoking article.

In use, the user ignites the solid combustible heat source 4 of the smoking article 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and then puffs on the mouthpiece 18. When the user puffs on the mouthpiece 18, air (shown by dotted arrows in FIG. 1) is drawn into the aerosol-forming substrate 10 of the generating aerosol product 2 through the air inlets 40.

The front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 10 is heated by heat transfer through the rear end surface 8 of the continuous combustible heat source 4 and the barrier 22.

Heating the aerosol-forming substrate 10 by conduction results in the release of glycerol and other volatile and semi-volatile compounds from the plug of the homogenized tobacco-based material 24. The compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate 10 form an aerosol that is entrained in air drawn into the aerosol-forming substrate 10 of the aerosol-generating article 2 through the air inlets 40 as it flows through the aerosol-forming substrate 10. The drawn-in air and the aerosol entrained therein ( shown by dotted arrows in Fig. 1) pass downstream through the transfer element 12, the aerosol cooling element 14 and the separating element 16 where they are cooled and condensed. The cooled drawn air and entrained aerosol pass downstream through the mouthpiece 18 and are delivered to the user through the proximal end of the aerosol generating article 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The non-combustible and substantially airtight barrier 22 on the rear end surface 8 of the solid combustible heat source 4 isolates said solid combustible heat source 4 from the air drawn in through the aerosol generating article 2 so that in use the air drawn in through the aerosol generating article 2 does not enter the direct contact with said continuous combustible heat source 4 .

During heating of the intumescent coating 42 by the combustible heat source 4, the intumescent coating 42 expands. The expanded intumescent coating 42 provides a heat insulating layer on the outer surface of the combustible heat source 4 . This lowers the outer surface temperature of the aerosol generating article 2 and helps reduce the potential risk of thermal damage to adjacent materials due to mishandling of the aerosol generating article 2.

The intumescent coating 42 has an unexpanded thickness of about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm and an expansion ratio of about 1.5:1 to about 8:1.

Features of the further embodiments of the present invention described below that are identical to those described above with respect to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 are designated using common reference numbers.

On FIG. 2 shows an aerosol generating article according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the intumescent coating comprises a first intumescent coating 43 provided on the front portion of the combustible heat source 4 and a second intumescent coating 44 provided on the rear portion of the combustible heat source 4. Together, the first 43 and second 44 intumescent coatings are provided on substantially the entire outer surface of the combustible heat source 4 . As a result, essentially the entire outer surface of the combustible heat source 4 has an intumescent coating 43, 44. The first 43 and second 44 intumescent coatings are made of different intumescent materials. The material used in the first intumescent coating 43 is selected to optimize the thermal insulation properties of the first intumescent coating 43, while the material used in the second intumescent coating 44 is selected to optimize the adhesive or holding properties of the second intumescent coating in such a way as to securely fix the combustible source. warmth in place.

On FIG. 3 shows an aerosol generating article according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the intumescent coating comprises a first intumescent coating 43 provided on the front portion of the combustible heat source 4 and a second intumescent coating 44 provided on the rear portion of the combustible heat source 4. The first intumescent coating 43 is provided in a discontinuous pattern, such as a series of rings around the circumferential surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source 4. As in the second embodiment, the first 43 and second 44 intumescent coatings are made of different materials, and the second intumescent coating 44 is provided on essentially essentially the entire outer surface of the rear portion of the combustible heat source 4.

On FIG. 4 shows an aerosol generating article according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, the intumescent coating 42 is provided on both of the front portion of the combustible heat source 4 and the rear portion of the combustible heat source 4. The intumescent coating 42 is provided on substantially the entire outer surface of the rear portion of the combustible heat source 4 . The intumescent coating 42 is provided in a discontinuous pattern on the front portion of the combustible heat source 4 .

On FIG. 5 shows an aerosol generating article according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, the intumescent coating 42 is only provided on the front portion of the combustible heat source 4 . The intumescent coating 42 is provided on substantially the entire outer surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source 4 . The rear portion of the combustible heat source 4 does not have an intumescent coating. Instead, the single heat transfer element 36 is in direct contact with the rear portion of the combustible heat source 4 .

On FIG. 6-9 show combustible heat sources for use in a multi-segment component according to the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the intumescent coating 42 is only provided in the front portion of the combustible heat source 4. The intumescent coating 42 is provided on substantially the entire outer surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source 4 . The rear portion of the combustible heat source 4 does not have an intumescent coating. The intumescent coating 42 is provided as a continuous layer. The intumescent coating 42 is not provided substantially along the entire length of the combustible heat source 4 .

In the embodiments shown in FIG. 7-9, the intumescent coating 42 is provided in a discontinuous pattern over substantially the entire outer surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source 4.

In the embodiments shown in FIG. 7, the intumescent coating 42 is provided in a series of parallel strips. On FIG. 7a and 7b, the intumescent coating 42 is only provided in the front portion of the combustible heat source 4. The intumescent coating 42 is not provided substantially along the entire length of the combustible heat source 4 . On FIG. 7a, the intumescent coating 42 is provided as a series of longitudinal parallel strips. On FIG. 7b, the intumescent coating 42 is provided as a series of transverse parallel strips.

On FIG. 7c, the intumescent coating 42 is provided as a series of longitudinal stripes along the entire length of the combustible heat source 4. On FIG. 7c, the intumescent coating is provided in a discontinuous pattern over substantially the entire outer surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source and substantially along the entire length of the combustible heat source.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the intumescent coating 42 is provided as a series of dots on the front portion of the combustible heat source 4. The rear portion of the combustible heat source 4 does not have an intumescent coating. The intumescent coating 42 is not provided substantially along the entire length of the combustible heat source 4 .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, an intumescent coating 42 is provided on both of the front portion and the rear portion of the combustible heat source 4. The intumescent cover 42 is provided in the form of a grid. The intumescent coating 42 is provided along essentially the entire length of the combustible heat source 4 . The intumescent coating 42 is provided on substantially the entire outer surface of the combustible heat source 4 .

The specific embodiments and examples described above illustrate but do not limit the present invention. It should be understood that other embodiments of the present invention are possible, and the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.

Claims (16)

1. A multi-segment component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising: combustible heat source; an aerosol-forming substrate located downstream of the combustible heat source; And a wrapper surrounding a rear portion of the combustible heat source and at least a front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate; moreover, the front section of the combustible heat source extends beyond the wrapper, so that the specified front section of the combustible heat source is open during use, and the multi-segment component also contains an intumescent coating on the entire front section of the combustible heat source or on a part thereof, while the specified intumescent coating is made with the possibility of forming a heat-insulating layer on the front portion of the combustible heat source in response to heating provided by the combustible heat source. 2. The multi-segment component of claim 1 wherein the intumescent coating is provided on the entire outer surface of the front portion of the combustible heat source. 3. A multi-segment component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intumescent coating is provided as a discontinuous pattern on the front portion of the combustible heat source. 4. The multi-segment component of claim 3, wherein the intermittent pattern comprises one or more lines, rings, or dots, or any combination thereof. 5. Multi-segment component according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, wherein the intumescent coating is provided along the entire length of the combustible heat source. 6. The multi-segment component of claim 5, wherein the intumescent coating comprises a first intumescent coating on the front portion of the combustible heat source and a second intumescent coating on the rear portion of the combustible heat source, wherein the intumescent material of the first intumescent coating is different from the intumescent material of the second intumescent coating. 7. A multi-segment component according to any preceding claim, wherein the intumescent coating has an expansion ratio of at least 1.5:1, preferably from 1.5:1 to 8:1, when heated from 20 to 700°C at a pressure of 1 atm . 8. A multi-segment component according to any preceding claim, wherein the intumescent coating has a thickness of 100 micrometers to 2 millimeters, preferably 200 micrometers to 1 millimeter. 9. The multi-segment component of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal barrier layer formed by the intumescent coating is porous. 10. The multi-segment component of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front portion of the combustible heat source has a length of at least 25% of the total length of the combustible heat source. 11. The multi-segment component of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper comprises one or more layers of thermally conductive material. 12. Generating an aerosol product containing a multi-segment component according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11 and a mouthpiece located downstream of said multi-segment component.

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