RU2802257C2 - Aerosol generating article with ventilated hollow segment - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol generating systems.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol generating substrate and adapted to produce an inhalable aerosol when heated. The product (10), generating an aerosol, for obtaining an inhaled aerosol when heated, contains: a rod of a substrate (12) that generates an aerosol; mouthpiece segment (18), containing an insert of filter material and located in the direction of flow and aligned in the longitudinal direction with the rod (12); and a hollow tubular segment (16) between the stem (12) and the mouthpiece segment (18). The hollow tubular segment (16) is longitudinally aligned with the stem (12) and the mouthpiece segment (18) and forms a cavity extending along its entire length to the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment (18). The product (10) further comprises a ventilation zone (26) at a location along the hollow tubular segment. The aerosol generating substrate rod has a length of less than 40 mm. The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment (16) at the location of the ventilation zone (26) is at least 5 mm. The rod (12) of the aerosol generating substrate contains at least an aerosol generating agent, wherein the content of the aerosol generating agent in the rod (12) is at least about 10% based on dry weight.

EFFECT: ensuring consistent satisfactory delivery of the aerosol to the consumer during use.

64 cl, 3 dwg, 1 tbl

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol generating substrate and adapted to produce an inhalable aerosol when heated.

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

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

In the past, substrates for heated aerosol generating articles have typically been made using randomly oriented cut pieces, strands or strips of tobacco material. Alternatively, for example, international patent application WO-A-2012/164009 proposes rods for heated aerosol generating articles formed from collected sheets of tobacco material. The rods disclosed in WO-A-2012/164009 have a longitudinal porosity which allows air to be drawn through the rods. As such, the folds in the assembled sheets of tobacco material define longitudinal channels through the stem.

Alternative rods for heated aerosol generating articles are known from international patent application WO-A-2011/101164. These rods are formed from filaments of homogenized tobacco material, which can be formed by casting, rolling, calendering or extruding a mixture containing loose tobacco and at least one aerosolizing agent to form a sheet of homogenized tobacco material. In alternative embodiments, the rods of WO-A-2011/101164 can also be formed from strands of homogenized tobacco material obtained by extruding a mixture containing loose tobacco and at least one aerosolizing agent to form homogenized tobacco material of continuous lengths.

Substrates for heated aerosol generating articles typically additionally contain an aerosol generating agent, i.e. a compound or mixture of compounds which, when used, facilitates aerosol generation and which preferably is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol generating article. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents include: polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

It is also common to produce an inhalable aerosol when heated to include in the aerosol generating article one or more additional elements which are assembled in the same wrapper with the substrate. Examples of such additional elements include a mouthpiece filter segment, a support element adapted to impart structural strength to an aerosol generating article, a cooling element adapted to provide cooling of the aerosol before reaching the mouthpiece, etc. However, while the inclusion of such additional elements has been proposed in view of their advantageous effects, they generally complicate the overall design of the aerosol generating article and make it more difficult and costly to manufacture. In fact, the manufacture of such multi-element aerosol generating articles typically requires fairly sophisticated manufacturing and assembly equipment.

KR 2018 0088770 A discloses an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating segment and a filter end segment wrapped with plain paper, wherein between the aerosol-generating segment and the filter end segment is a hollow segment wrapped with said plain paper. The aerosol generating segment is filled with plant fiber adsorbing the sprayed object. The end segment of the filter is filled with PLA. The total length of the end segment of the filter and the hollow segment is greater than 30 mm.

In an embodiment, said conventional hollow segment paper is provided with a plurality of first capillary pores; said conventional filter end segment paper is provided with a plurality of second capillary pores; the length of the end segment of the filter is 5mm-25mm, and the suction resistance of the end segment of the filter is 2000Pa-5000Pa. As a result of the first capillary pores provided in said conventional paper of the hollow segment, the cold air initially contained in the hollow segment is discharged through the first capillary pore while the volatile matter is retained in the hollow segment, so as to avoid the discomfort caused by sucking in cold air when the beginning of smoking. Due to the small size of the first capillary pores, it is guaranteed that the air flow can only be set under a certain pressure difference. During suction, cold air from outside can be sucked in to cool the sucked in high temperature air, and high temperature smoke is prevented from burning the respiratory mucosa.

EP3398460 A1 discloses an aerosol generating electric smoking article which comprises a cigarette comprising a tobacco segment surrounded by a wrapping material and containing tobacco material and an aerosol forming material. An elongate portion of the resistive heating element of the smoking article extends into the tobacco segment and, in use, the aerosol-forming material can volatilize to produce a visible main stream of aerosol comprising tobacco components or components of tobacco origin so that it can be sucked into the mouth of the user of the smoking article. Exemplary aerosol-forming materials include glycerin, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

In view of this, aerosol generating articles have also been proposed which have a simpler design. However, in the absence of certain additional components, such as, for example, an aerosol cooling element, it may become more difficult to manufacture aerosol generating articles that consistently provide the consumer with satisfactory aerosol delivery and RTD.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating article that provides consistent, satisfactory delivery of an aerosol to a user during use. In addition, it would be desirable to provide such an improved aerosol generating product that would have a satisfactory RTD. It would be equally desirable to provide an aerosol generating article that can be manufactured efficiently, at high speed, and preferably with low RTD variability from one article to another. The present invention is directed to providing a technical solution adapted to achieve at least one of the desired results described above.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating article is provided for producing an inhalable aerosol when heated, the aerosol generating article comprising:

an aerosol generating substrate rod; a mouthpiece segment containing an insert of filter material, the mouthpiece segment being located downstream of the rod and longitudinally aligned with the first segment; and a hollow tubular segment at a location between the shaft and the mouthpiece segment. The hollow tubular segment is longitudinally aligned with the shaft and the mouthpiece segment. Additionally, the hollow tubular segment forms a cavity extending along its entire length to the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment. The aerosol generating article further comprises a ventilation zone at a location along the hollow tubular segment. The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the ventilation zone location is at least about 5 millimeters. The aerosol generating substrate rod contains at least an aerosol generating agent, wherein the aerosol generating substrate content of the aerosol generating substrate rod is at least about 10 percent based on dry weight.

The term "aerosol generating article" is used herein to refer to an article in which an aerosol generating substrate is heated to produce and deliver an inhalable aerosol to a user. In the context of this document, the term "aerosol generating substrate" means a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds when heated to generate an aerosol.

A conventional cigarette is ignited when the user brings the flame to one end of the cigarette and draws in air through the other end. The localized heat provided by the flame and the oxygen in the air drawn through the cigarette causes the end of the cigarette to ignite and the resulting combustion generates inhaled smoke. By comparison, in aerosol-generating heated articles, aerosol is generated by heating a flavor-generating substrate such as tobacco. Known aerosol generating heated articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating articles in which an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a combustible fuel element or heat source to a physically separate aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating articles of the present invention find particular use in aerosol generating systems comprising an electrically heated aerosol generating device having an internal heating plate that is adapted to be inserted into an aerosol generating substrate rod. Aerosol generating articles of this type are described in the prior art, for example in EP 0 822 670.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device containing a heater element that interacts with an aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.

In this application, the term "tubular segment" is used to refer to an elongated element that forms a gap, or channel for air flow, along its longitudinal axis. In particular, the term "tubular" will hereinafter be used with reference to a tubular element having a substantially cylindrical cross section and defining at least one air flow channel establishing continuous fluid communication between the upstream end of the tubular element and located downstream the end of the tubular element. However, it should be understood that alternative cross-sectional geometries of the tubular element are possible.

As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction corresponding to the major longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article, which extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol generating article. As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" describe the relative positions of elements or parts of elements of an aerosol generating article with respect to the direction in which the aerosol is transported during use through the aerosol generating article.

During use, air is drawn through the aerosol generating article in the longitudinal direction. The term "transverse" refers to a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Any reference to a "section" of an aerosol generating article or a component of an aerosol generating article refers to the cross section unless otherwise indicated.

The term "length" denotes the dimension of the aerosol-generating article component in the longitudinal direction. For example, it can be used to indicate the size of a rod or elongated tubular elements in the longitudinal direction.

The term "thickness of the peripheral wall of the tubular element" is used in the present description to refer to the minimum distance measured between the outer surface and the inner surface of the wall, limiting the tubular element around the periphery. In practice, the distance at a given location is measured along a direction substantially locally perpendicular to the outer surface and the inner surface of the tubular. For a tubular having a substantially circular cross section, the distance is measured in the substantially radial direction of the tubular.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the tubular element is constant. In alternative embodiments, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the tubular element varies along the length of the tubular element. The reason for this may be that the tubular member is formed from a material having an uneven surface finish (for example, the tubular member is provided in the form of a cellulose acetate tube). Alternatively, the reason for this may be that the tubular is designed to contain a tapered section or the like. calculated from several values measured as the minimum distance between the outer surface and the inner surface of the wall at different locations along the length of the tubular element.

In any embodiment, a particularly important parameter is the thickness of the peripheral wall of the tubular element at the location of the ventilation zone.

The term "air-tight material" is used throughout this specification to refer to a material that does not allow fluids, such as air and smoke, to pass through gaps or pores in the material. If the hollow tubular segment is formed from a material that is impervious to air and aerosol particles, the air and aerosol particles drawn through the hollow tubular segment are forced to flow through the air flow channel formed by the tubular hollow segment inside it, and cannot flow through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment. segment.

As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" encompasses any tobacco material formed by agglomeration of particles of tobacco material. Sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material are formed by agglomeration of loose tobacco obtained by grinding or any other pulverization of one or both of the tobacco leaf lamellae and tobacco leaf stems. Additionally, the homogenized tobacco material may contain a minor amount of one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other bulk tobacco by-products generated during tobacco processing, handling, and shipping. Sheets of homogenized tobacco material can be obtained by casting, extrusion, papermaking, or any other suitable methods known in the art.

The term "porous" is used herein to refer to a material that has multiple pores or holes that allow air to pass through the material.

The term "ventilation rate" is used throughout this specification to refer to the volumetric ratio between the airflow admitted into the aerosol generating article through the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) and the sum of the aerosol-containing airflow and ventilation airflow. The higher the degree of ventilation, the greater the dilution of the aerosol stream delivered to the consumer.

As briefly described above, the aerosol generating article of the present invention comprises an aerosol generating substrate rod; mouthpiece segment containing an insert of filter material; and a hollow tubular segment at a location between the shaft and the mouthpiece segment. All three elements are aligned in the longitudinal direction. The aerosol generating substrate rod contains at least an aerosol generating agent.

In contrast to known aerosol generating articles, the content of aerosol generating agent in the aerosol generating substrate rod is at least about 10 percent on a dry weight basis. Additionally, the hollow tubular segment forms a cavity that extends along its entire length to the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment, and the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment. Additionally, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 5 millimeters.

By providing an aerosol generating article in which a hollow tubular is positioned between a rod of aerosol generating substrate and a mouthpiece, and in which the hollow tubular forms a cavity extending its entire length to the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment, the the overall structural complexity of the product compared to existing aerosol generating products. This advantageously simplifies the manufacturing method and reduces the complexity of the manufacturing and assembly equipment required to implement the manufacturing method.

One such aerosol generating article optionally comprises an aerosol cooling element adapted to reduce the temperature of the aerosol stream drawn through the aerosol generating article, as is the case, for example, in the case of aerosol generating articles as described in international patent application WO 2013/ 120565.

The inventors have found that satisfactory cooling of an aerosol stream generated by heating an article and drawn through a hollow tubular member is achieved by providing a ventilation zone at a location along the hollow tubular segment. In addition, the inventors have surprisingly found that by using a hollow tubular segment having an equivalent inner diameter of at least about 5 millimeters, the effects of increased aerosol dilution caused by the introduction of ventilation air into the article can be counteracted.

Without being limited by theory, it is believed that since the temperature of the aerosol stream rapidly decreases with the introduction of vent air as the aerosol moves towards the mouthpiece segment, the vent air is admitted into the aerosol stream at a location relatively close to the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment (t i.e. close enough to the heat source and the aerosol-generating substrate rod), a sharp cooling of the aerosol stream is achieved, which has a beneficial effect on the condensation and nucleation of aerosol particles. Accordingly, the overall ratio of particulate aerosol phase to aerosol gas phase can be improved over existing non-ventilated aerosol generating articles.

At the same time, by using a hollow tubular element with an equivalent inner diameter of 5 millimeters or more, it is ensured that the total internal volume of the hollow tubular element that becomes available for the aerosol to begin the nucleation process immediately after the components the aerosol generating substrate rod leaves the aerosol generating substrate rod, and the cross-sectional area of the hollow tubular segment is effectively maximized, while at the same time ensuring that the hollow tubular segment has sufficient structural strength to prevent compression of the aerosol generating article and also to provide some supporting the aerosol generating substrate rod and minimizing the RTD of the hollow tubular segment. Large values of the surface area of the cross-sectional cavity of the hollow tubular segment are associated with a decrease in the speed of the aerosol flow moving along the aerosol generating product, which, of course, favors aerosol nucleation. In practice, without being limited by theory, by providing a cavity having a volume as large as in the case of the articles of the present invention, a cooling chamber is effectively provided which can assist in the condensation of aerosol particles upstream of the mouth end of the article, since nucleation phenomena are enhanced by deceleration of the aerosol flow.

It should be understood that providing a sufficiently wide tubular cavity downstream of the aerosol generating substrate rod facilitates the formation of a satisfactory amount of aerosol during use. In turn, a large proportion of the generated aerosol particles begin to condense before reaching the mouth end of the product.

In fact, the inventors have surprisingly discovered how the beneficial effect of improved nucleation can significantly counteract less desirable dilution effects such that satisfactory aerosol delivery values are consistently achieved by the aerosol generating articles of the present invention. This is particularly advantageous for "short" aerosol generating articles, such as articles in which the length of the aerosol generating substrate rod is less than about 40 millimeters, preferably less than 25 millimeters, even more preferably less than 20 millimeters, or in which the total the length of the aerosol generating article is less than about 70 millimeters, preferably less than about 60 millimeters, even more preferably less than 50 millimeters. It should be understood that in such aerosol generating articles there is little time and space for aerosol generation and for making the particulate aerosol phase available for delivery to the consumer.

In addition, since the hollow tubular member does not substantially affect the RTD of the aerosol generating article in the aerosol generating articles of the present invention, the overall RTD of the article can advantageously be precisely controlled by adjusting the length and density of the aerosol generating substrate rod or the length and density of the segment. from the filter material of the mouthpiece. This makes it possible to produce aerosol generating substrates that have a given RTD in a qualitative and more precise manner, and thus satisfactorily RTD levels can be provided to the consumer even in the presence of ventilation.

The aerosol generating articles of the present invention can be manufactured in a continuous process that can be efficiently carried out at high speed, and can be conveniently manufactured on existing production lines for making heated aerosol generating articles without the need for extensive modifications to manufacturing equipment.

The aerosol generating substrate rod preferably has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article.

Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate rod has an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters. The aerosol generating substrate rod may have an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, such as from about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 6 millimeters to about 8 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate rod has an outside diameter of 7.2 millimeters to within 10 percent.

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

Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate rod has a substantially uniform section along the length of the rod. Particularly preferably, the aerosol generating substrate rod has a substantially circular cross section.

In preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate comprises one or more collected sheets of homogenized tobacco material. Preferably, one or more sheets of homogenized tobacco material are textured. As used herein, the term "textured sheet" means a sheet that has been corrugated, embossed, blind embossed, perforated, or otherwise deformed. Textured sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in the present invention may contain a plurality of spaced recesses, protrusions, perforations, or a combination thereof. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating substrate rod comprises an assembled corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material surrounded by a wrapper.

In this context, the term "corrugated sheet" is intended to be used essentially as a synonym for the term "creped sheet" and means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel pleats or corrugations. Preferably, the corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material comprises a plurality of folds or corrugations substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis of the rod of the present invention. This advantageously facilitates the collection of the corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material to form a rod. However, it should be understood that corrugated sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in the present invention may alternatively or additionally comprise a plurality of substantially parallel pleats or corrugations at an acute or obtuse angle to the cylindrical axis of the rod. In some embodiments, sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in the stem of an article of the present invention may be substantially uniformly textured over substantially their entire surface. For example, corrugated sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in making a rod used in an aerosol generating article of the present invention may comprise a plurality of substantially parallel folds or corrugations that are substantially evenly spaced across the width of the sheet.

Sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material for use in the invention may have a tobacco content of at least about 40 weight percent dry weight, more preferably at least about 60 weight percent dry weight, more preferably at least at least about 70 percent by weight, based on dry weight; and most preferably, at least about 90 percent by weight, based on dry weight.

Sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol generating substrate may contain one or more internal binders, i.e. endogenous tobacco binders, one or more external binders, i.e. exogenous tobacco binders, or a combination thereof to help agglomerate loose tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol generating substrate may contain other additives, including, but not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosolizers, humectants, plasticizers, flavorants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and their combinations.

Suitable external binders for incorporation into sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: gums such as, for example, guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, and locust bean gum. tree; cellulosic binders such as, for example, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose and ethylcellulose; polysaccharides such as, for example, starches, organic acids such as alginic acid, salts of bases conjugated with organic acids, such as sodium alginate, agar and pectins; and their combinations.

Suitable non-tobacco fibers for inclusion in sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: cellulose fibers; softwood fibers; hardwood fibers; jute fibers and their combinations. Prior to incorporation into sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol generating substrate, non-tobacco fibers may be processed by suitable methods known in the art, including, but not limited to: mechanical pulping; cleaning; chemical pulping; bleaching; sulphate pulping; and their combinations.

Preferably, the sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material contain an aerosol generating agent. As used herein, the term "aerosol generating agent" describes any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, when used, facilitates aerosol generation and which is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol generating article.

Suitable aerosol forming agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

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

Sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material may contain a single aerosol generating agent. Alternatively, sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material may contain a combination of two or more aerosol generating agents.

Sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material have an aerosolizing agent content of greater than 10 percent, based on dry weight. Preferably, the sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material have an aerosolizing agent content of greater than 12 percent, based on dry weight. More preferably, the sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material have an aerosolizing agent content of greater than 14 percent, based on dry weight. Even more preferably, the sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material have an aerosolizing agent content of greater than 16 percent, based on dry weight.

The aerosolizing agent content of the homogenized tobacco material sheets may be from about 10 percent to about 30 percent, based on dry weight. Preferably, the sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material have an aerosolizing agent content of less than 25 percent, based on dry weight.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosolizing agent content of the homogenized tobacco material sheets is about 20 percent based on dry weight.

Sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco for use in an aerosol generating article according to the present invention can be produced by methods known in the art, for example, by methods disclosed in international patent application WO-A-2012/164009 A2. In a preferred embodiment, sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in an aerosol generating article are formed from a slurry containing loose tobacco, guar gum, cellulose fibers and glycerin by a molding process.

Alternative arrangements of homogenized tobacco material in a rod for use in an aerosol generating article are known to those skilled in the art and may include a plurality of stacked sheets of homogenized tobacco material, a plurality of elongated tubular members formed by twisting strips of homogenized tobacco material around their longitudinal axes, etc.

As a further alternative, the aerosol generating substrate rod may comprise a non-tobacco-based nicotine-containing material, such as a sheet of sorbent non-tobacco material with nicotine (eg, in the form of a nicotine salt) and an aerosol generating agent incorporated therein. Examples of such rods are described in international application WO-A-2015/052652. In addition or alternatively, the aerosol generating substrate rod may contain non-tobacco plant material, such as aromatic non-tobacco plant material.

In the aerosol generating substrate rod of the articles of the present invention, the aerosol generating substrate is preferably surrounded by a wrapper. The wrapper may be formed from porous or non-porous sheet material. The wrapper may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably, the wrapper is a paper wrapper.

The mouthpiece segment contains an insert of filter material configured to remove particulate components, gaseous components, or a combination thereof. Suitable filter materials are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: fibrous filter materials such as, for example, cellulose acetate rods; viscose fibers, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibers, polylactic acid (PLA) fibers and paper; adsorbents such as, for example, activated alumina, zeolites, molecular sieves and silica gel; and their combinations. Additionally, the filter material insert may further comprise one or more aerosol modifying agents. Suitable aerosol modifying agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, flavorings such as, for example, menthol. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece may further comprise a recess at the mouthpiece end downstream of the filter material insert. For example, the mouthpiece may comprise a hollow tube longitudinally aligned with and directly downstream of the filter material insert, the hollow tube forming at the mouthpiece end a cavity open to the outside at the downstream end of the mouthpiece and article, generating aerosol.

The length of the mouthpiece is preferably at least about 4 millimeters, more preferably at least about 6 millimeters, even more preferably at least about 8 millimeters. In addition or alternatively, the length of the mouthpiece is preferably less than 25 millimeters, more preferably less than 20 millimeters, even more preferably less than 15 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the mouthpiece is from about 4 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, more preferably from about 6 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the mouthpiece is approximately 7 millimeters. In another exemplary embodiment, the length of the mouthpiece is approximately 12 millimeters.

The hollow tubular segment is preferably an annular tube defining and defining an air gap within the aerosol generating article. In practice, the hollow tubular segment provides a chamber for the vaporized aerosol components released when the aerosol generating substrate is heated to accumulate and inflow. As briefly described above, this chamber extends longitudinally along its entire length to the upstream end of the mouthpiece. This means that no intermediate member is provided between the hollow tubular segment and the mouthpiece, and that when the aerosol flowing through the aerosol generating article reaches the downstream end of the hollow tubular segment, the aerosol flowing through the aerosol generating article also effectively reaches located upstream of the end of the mouthpiece. In more detail, the aerosol flowing through the aerosol generating article typically reaches the upstream end of the mouthpiece filter material segment.

Thus, in the aerosol-generating articles of the present invention, the hollow tubular segment holds the aerosol-generating substrate rod at a predetermined distance from the mouthpiece and provides an elongated airflow path for aerosol generation and flow to the mouthpiece. During use, a temperature difference occurs along this airflow channel. In practice, the temperature difference is maintained such that the temperature of the vaporized aerosol components entering the hollow tubular segment at the upstream end is greater than the temperature of the vaporized aerosol components leaving the hollow tubular segment at the downstream end (i.e., at the upstream end of the mouthpiece).

On the other hand, the hollow tubular segment is required to withstand any axial compressive load or bending moment that may be applied to the hollow tubular segment during manufacture of the aerosol generating article. In addition, the hollow tubular segment is required to provide structural strength to the aerosol generating article so that it can be easily handled by the user and introduced into the aerosol generating device for use. On the other hand, it is desirable that the total volume of the chamber formed by the hollow tubular segment within it be as large as possible in order to facilitate the generation of the aerosol and to facilitate the delivery of the aerosol to the consumer.

To meet these requirements, as briefly described above, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is at least 5 millimeters. The term "equivalent inside diameter" is used herein to refer to the diameter of a circle that has the same surface area as the cross section of the airflow channel formed by the hollow tubular segment within it. The cross section of the air flow channel may be of any suitable shape. However, as briefly described above, a circular cross section is preferred, i.e. the hollow tubular segment is in fact a cylindrical tube. In this case, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is effectively the same as the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube.

More preferably, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 5.25 millimeters, even more preferably at least about 5.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 6 millimeters, or at least about 6.5 millimeters, or at least about 7 millimeters.

Additionally, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is preferably less than about 10 millimeters. More preferably, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is less than about 9.5 millimeters, even more preferably less than 9 millimeters.

The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is measured at the location of the ventilation zone.

In preferred embodiments, the equivalent inside diameter of the hollow tubular segment is substantially constant along the length of the hollow tubular segment. In other embodiments, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment may vary along the length of the hollow tubular segment.

The inventors have surprisingly found that the aerosol generating articles of the present invention, which comprise a hollow tubular segment having an equivalent inner diameter within the ranges described above, can provide particularly satisfactory aerosol delivery values. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that an aerosol stream flowing along a hollow tubular segment that has an equivalent internal diameter within the ranges described above is forced to flow at a relatively low velocity when the incoming cooling ventilation air stream is received into the aerosol stream and mixed with the aerosol stream. Since the aerosol flow moves along the hollow tubular segment relatively slowly, the beneficial effect of cooling on aerosol nucleation is expected to be maximized under these conditions.

Preferably, the equivalent inside diameter of the hollow tubular segment is substantially constant along the length of the hollow tubular segment. However, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional surface area of the hollow tubular segment may vary along the length of the hollow tubular segment. In such embodiments, the equivalent inside diameter is measured at the location of the ventilation zone.

In preferred embodiments, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is less than 1.5 millimeters. More preferably, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is less than 1250 micrometers, even more preferably less than 1000 micrometers, most preferably less than 900 micrometers. In particularly preferred embodiments, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is less than 800 micrometers.

In addition or alternatively, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 100 micrometers. Preferably, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 200 micrometers.

Without being limited by theory, it has turned out that by using a hollow tubular segment containing a peripheral wall with a thickness within the ranges described above, it is advantageously possible to limit or even substantially prevent the diffusion of ventilation air before it comes into contact and mixes with the aerosol stream. This, as is clear, further promotes nucleation phenomena. In practice, by providing more controlled localized cooling of the stream of vaporized compounds drawn through the hollow tubular segment, the effect of cooling on the formation of new aerosol particles can be enhanced.

As briefly described above, the aerosol generating articles of the present invention comprise a ventilation zone located at a location along the hollow tubular segment. Preferably, the vent zone is provided at a location less than about 18 millimeters from the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment. Preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment is less than about 15 millimeters. Even more preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment is less than about 10 millimeters.

In addition or alternatively, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment is preferably at least 2 millimeters. More preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 4 millimeters. Even more preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 6 millimeters.

Preferably, a ventilation zone is provided at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of at least 2 millimeters from the upstream end of the mouthpiece. Preferably, the vent zone is provided at a location along the hollow tubular segment at least 4 millimeters from the upstream end of the mouthpiece. Even more preferably, the vent zone is provided at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of at least 6 millimeters from the upstream end of the mouthpiece.

When the mixture of air and aerosol particles flowing through the aerosol generating article reaches the ventilation zone, outside air drawn into the hollow tubular segment through the ventilation zone mixes with the aerosol. This rapidly lowers the temperature of the aerosol mixture and at the same time partially dilutes the mixture of air and aerosol particles. However, as will be described in more detail below, by providing a ventilation zone relative to the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment at a distance within the ranges described above, a cooling chamber is effectively provided directly upstream of the mouthpiece, which advantageously promotes nucleation and growth of aerosol particles. . Thus, the dilution effect of ventilation air admitted into the hollow tubular segment is at least partially counteracted, which advantageously provides satisfactory levels of aerosol delivery to the user.

In some embodiments, the ratio between the distance from the vent zone to the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment and the equivalent inside diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the vent zone location is less than 4. Preferably, the ratio between the distance from the vent zone to the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment and the equivalent internal diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 3.5. More preferably, the ratio between the distance from the vent zone to the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment and the equivalent internal diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the vent zone location is less than 3. Even more preferably, the ratio between the distance from the vent zone to the upstream end the end of the hollow tubular segment and the equivalent internal diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 2.5.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the ratio between the distance from the ventilation zone to the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment and the equivalent inside diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 2, more preferably less than 1.5, even more preferably less than 1 ,2.

Preferably, a ventilation zone is provided at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of at least 10 millimeters from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. More preferably, a ventilation zone is provided at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of at least 12 millimeters from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. Even more preferably, the ventilation zone is provided at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of at least 15 millimeters from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. This is advantageous in that it ensures that the user's lips do not overlap the ventilation area during use.

In addition or alternatively, the ventilation zone is preferably at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of less than 25 millimeters from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. More preferably, the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of less than 20 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. This advantageously ensures that during use, when the aerosol generating article is placed in the heating chamber of the electrically heated aerosol generating device, the ventilation zone is actually at a location along the hollow tubular segment protruding outward from the heating chamber so that external cooling air can easy to retract into the hollow tubular segment.

In some preferred embodiments, a ventilation zone is provided at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of from about 10 millimeters to about 25 millimeters from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment, more preferably from about 12 millimeters to about 20 millimeters from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. flow at the end of the mouthpiece segment. In an exemplary embodiment, a vent zone is provided at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of 18 millimeters from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. In another exemplary embodiment, a vent zone is provided at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of 13 millimeters from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment.

The degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article may typically be at least about 10 percent, preferably at least about 20 percent.

In preferred embodiments, the degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article is at least about 30 percent. More preferably, the degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article is at least about 35 percent. In addition or alternatively, the degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article is less than about 60 percent. More preferably, the degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article is less than about 50 percent. In particularly preferred embodiments, the degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article is from about 30 percent to about 60 percent. More preferably, the degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article is from about 35 percent to about 50 percent. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article is about 40 percent.

Without being limited by theory, the inventors have found that the temperature difference caused by the inlet of coolant, external air, into the hollow tubular segment through the ventilation zone, can have a preferential effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

The formation of an aerosol from a gaseous mixture containing various chemical compounds depends on the subtle interplay of nucleation, evaporation and condensation, as well as droplet coalescence, while taking into account changes in vapor concentration, temperature, and velocity fields. The so-called classical theory of nucleation is based on the assumption that the proportion of molecules in the gas phase is large enough for them to remain linked for a long time with sufficient probability (eg, fifty-fifty probability). These molecules represent some kind of critical threshold molecular clusters among short-lived molecular aggregates, which means that, in general, smaller molecular clusters in the gas phase are more likely to decay fairly quickly, while larger clusters are, in general, more likely to grow. . Such a critical cluster is identified with the key nucleation nucleus, from which drops are expected to grow due to the condensation of molecules from vapor. It is assumed that the primary drops, which have just formed, appear with a certain initial diameter, and then can grow by several orders of magnitude. This is facilitated and can be accelerated by rapid cooling of the surrounding vapor, which causes condensation. Thus, it helps to take into account that evaporation and condensation are two sides of the same mechanism, namely mass transfer between gas and liquid. Whereas evaporation refers to the net mass transfer from liquid droplets to the gas phase, condensation refers to net mass transfer from the gas phase to the droplet phase. Evaporation (or condensation) will cause the volume of droplets to decrease (or grow) but will not change the number of droplets.

In this scenario, which can be further complicated by droplet coalescence phenomena, temperature and cooling rate can play an important role in determining the response of the system. In general, different cooling rates can lead to significantly different time behavior with regard to the formation of the liquid phase (droplets), since the nucleation process is usually non-linear. Without being limited by theory, it is assumed that cooling can cause a rapid decrease in the number concentration of droplets, followed by a strong short-term increase in their growth (nucleation burst). This burst of nucleation may be more significant at lower temperatures. In addition, it may turn out that higher cooling rates may contribute to an earlier onset of nucleation. By comparison, reducing the cooling rate can have a beneficial effect on the final size that the aerosol droplets eventually reach.

Thus, the rapid cooling caused by the admission of external air into the hollow tubular segment through the ventilation zone can be used to advantage to promote nucleation and growth of aerosol droplets. However, at the same time, the immediate disadvantage of introducing external air into the hollow tubular segment is the dilution of the aerosol stream delivered to the consumer.

The inventors have unexpectedly found that the effect of dilution on the aerosol, which can be assessed by measuring, in particular, the effect on the delivery of glycerol contained in the aerosol generating substrate as an aerosol generating agent, is advantageously minimized when the degree of ventilation is between 30 percent to 50 percent. In particular, ventilation rates of 35 percent to 42 percent have been found to result in particularly satisfactory glycerol delivery values.

Additionally, the inventors have found that in the aerosol generating articles of the present invention, the effect of cooling and dilution caused by the intake of ventilation air at a location along the channel formed by the above-described hollow tubular segment has an unexpected diminishing effect on the generation and delivery of phenol-containing compounds.

The ventilation zone may include one or more rows of perforations formed through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment. Preferably, the ventilation zone contains only one row of perforations. It should be understood that this is advantageous in that by concentrating the cooling effect due to ventilation on a short portion of the cavity formed by the hollow tubular segment, aerosol nucleation can be further improved. The reason for this is that faster and more rapid cooling of the stream of vaporized compounds is expected to especially promote the formation of new nuclei of aerosol particles.

Preferably, one or more rows of perforations are located around the circumference of the wall of the hollow tube. If the ventilation zone contains two or more rows of perforations formed through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment, these rows are spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction along the hollow tubular segment. For example, adjacent rows of perforations may be spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction by a distance of from about 0.25 millimeters to 0.75 millimeters.

The equivalent diameter of at least one of the ventilation perforations is preferably at least about 100 micrometers. Preferably, the equivalent diameter of at least one of the ventilation perforations is at least about 150 micrometers. Even more preferably, the equivalent diameter of at least one of the ventilation perforations is at least about 200 micrometers. Additionally or alternatively, the equivalent diameter of at least one of the ventilation perforations is preferably less than about 500 micrometers. More preferably, the equivalent diameter of at least one of the ventilation perforations is less than about 450 micrometers. Even more preferably, the equivalent diameter of at least one of the ventilation perforations is less than about 400 micrometers. The term "equivalent diameter" is used herein to refer to the diameter of a circle having the same surface area as the cross section of the vent perforation. The cross section of the ventilation perforations may be of any suitable shape. However, round perforations are preferred.

The ventilation perforations may be of the same size. Alternatively, the ventilation perforations may vary in size. By changing the number and size of the ventilation perforations, it is possible to adjust the amount of outside air admitted into the hollow tubular segment when the user puffs on the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating article during use. In particular, the degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article can be advantageously controlled.

Ventilation perforations may be formed using any suitable technique, such as laser technology, mechanical perforation of a hollow tubular segment as part of an aerosol generating article, or pre-perforation of a hollow tubular segment before it is combined with other elements to form an aerosol generating article. Preferably, the ventilation perforations are formed by in-line laser perforation.

The length of the hollow tubular segment is preferably at least about 10 millimeters. More preferably, the length of the hollow tubular segment is at least about 15 millimeters. In addition or alternatively, the length of the hollow tubular segment is preferably less than about 30 millimeters. More preferably, the length of the hollow tubular segment is less than about 25 millimeters. More preferably, the length of the hollow tubular segment is less than about 20 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular segment is from about 10 millimeters to about 30 millimeters, more preferably from about 12 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, even more preferably from about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. For example, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the length of the hollow tubular segment is approximately 18 millimeters. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the length of the hollow tubular segment is approximately 13 millimeters.

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

The hollow tubular segment is preferably formed from a substantially airtight material. Accordingly, air and aerosol particles drawn through the hollow tubular segment are forced to flow through the hollow tubular segment from its upstream end to its downstream end, but cannot flow through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the hollow tubular segment contains a wrapper, and the wrapper also surrounds the rod and the mouthpiece segment. In practice, a wrapper having a thickness within the ranges described above is used to surround and connect the aerosol generating substrate rod and the mouthpiece segment, the wrapper effectively forming the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular member.

For example, one such unifying wrap that connects the stem and mouthpiece segment may have a basis weight of less than about 70 grams/square meter (g/m ² ). Preferably, one such unifying wrap that connects the stem and mouth end has a basis weight of at least about 80 grams/square meter, more preferably at least about 90 grams/square meter. In particularly preferred embodiments, the unifying wrap connecting the stem and mouthpiece segment has a basis weight of at least about 110 grams/square meter, more preferably at least about 130 grams/square meter.

In other embodiments, the implementation of the hollow tubular segment contains a tube formed from a polymeric material or cellulosic material, while the heated article that generates an aerosol, further comprises a wrapper surrounding the rod, tube and mouthpiece segment. For example, the cellulosic material may contain paper or paperboard, or a mixture thereof.

For example, the hollow tubular segment may comprise a tube formed from an extruded plastic tube. Alternatively, the hollow tubular segment may comprise a tube formed from multiple overlapping paper layers, such as multiple parallel-twisted paper layers or multiple helically-twisted paper layers. The formation of a tube of several overlapping paper layers can further increase the resistance to compression or deformation. Preferably, the tube contains two or more paper layers. Alternatively or additionally, the tube preferably contains less than eleven paper layers.

One such tube may be made airtight using a substantially airtight paper. The term "substantially airtight paper" is used herein to refer to paper having an air permeability of less than about 20 CORESTA units, more preferably less than about 10 CORESTA units, most preferably less than about 5 CORESTA units, measured according to ISO 2965:2009. Alternatively, adjacent paper layers in the tube may be held together by an adhesive to impart sealing properties to the tube.

Suitable tube forming materials are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate, rigid paper (i.e., paper having a basis weight of at least 90 grams/square meter), polymeric films such as cellulose films, and paperboard.

In some embodiments, the ratio between the weight of the hollow tubular segment and the volume of the internal cavity formed by the hollow tubular segment is preferably less than 1 milligram/cubic millimeter. More preferably, the ratio between the weight of the hollow tubular segment and the volume of the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular segment is less than 0.5 milligrams/cubic millimeter.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the ratio between the weight of the hollow tubular segment and the volume of the internal cavity formed by the hollow tubular segment is less than 0.25 milligrams/cubic millimeter. More preferably, the ratio between the weight of the hollow tubular segment and the volume of the internal cavity formed by the hollow tubular segment is less than 0.2 milligrams/cubic millimeter. Even more preferably, the ratio between the weight of the hollow tubular segment and the volume of the internal cavity formed by the hollow tubular segment is less than 0.1 milligram/cubic millimeter.

In the hollow tubular segments having a relationship between the weight of the hollow tubular segment and the volume of the internal cavity formed by the hollow tubular segment, which is within the above-described ranges, the volume of the cavity is advantageously maximized, and at the same time, it is ensured that the hollow tubular segment contributes to the overall structural strength of the aerosol generating article and effectively keeps the aerosol generating substrate rod away from the mouthpiece.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hollow tubular segment has an inner equivalent diameter of 7 millimeters and is formed from a wrapper having a basis weight of 110 g/m ² and has a weight of 2.5 milligrams/mm. For one such hollow tubular segment, the ratio between the weight of the hollow tubular segment and the volume of the internal cavity formed by the hollow tubular segment is approximately 0.065 milligrams/cubic millimeter.

In another exemplary embodiment, the hollow tubular segment has an internal equivalent diameter of 5.3 millimeters and can be provided as a 9.5 milligram/mm weight cellulose acetate tube. For one such hollow tubular segment, the ratio between the weight of the hollow tubular segment and the volume of the internal cavity formed by the hollow tubular segment is approximately 0.43 milligrams/cubic millimeter.

In the aerosol generating article of the present invention, the overall RTD of the article depends essentially on the RTD of the rod and on the RTD of the mouthpiece, since the hollow tubular segment is essentially empty and as such, essentially only slightly affects the overall RTD. In practice, the hollow tubular segment can be adapted to generate an RTD in the range of approximately 0 mm H2O. Art. (approximately 00 Pa) to approximately 20 millimeters of water. Art. (approximately 200 Pa). Preferably, the hollow tubular segment is adapted to generate an RTD from about 0 millimeters of water. Art. (approximately 00 Pa) to approximately 10 millimeters of water. Art. (approximately 100 Pa).

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

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

The RTD of an aerosol generating device can be defined as the negative pressure that must be applied, under the test conditions specified in ISO 3402, to the downstream end of the mouthpiece to maintain a uniform air volume flow of 17.5 ml/s through the mouthpiece. The RTD values listed above are intended to be measured on the aerosol generating device itself (i.e. before the product is introduced into the aerosol generating device) without blocking the perforations of the ventilation area.

The length and density (in denier per thread) of the mouthpiece filter material can be adjusted as desired or as needed, for example to achieve a sufficiently high RTD of an aerosol generating article. In addition or alternatively, an additional filter section may be included in the aerosol generating article. For example, such an additional filter section may be included between the aerosol generating substrate rod and the hollow tubular segment. Preferably. such an additional filter section contains a filter material such as, for example, cellulose acetate. Preferably, the length of the additional filter section is from about 4 millimeters to about 8 millimeters, preferably from about 5 millimeters to about 7 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article of the present invention may comprise an additional support member positioned between and longitudinally aligned with the aerosol generating substrate rod and the hollow tubular segment. In more detail, the support element is preferably provided immediately upstream of the rod and immediately upstream of the hollow tubular element.

The support element is provided as a tubular element. The support element may be made from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the support member may be made from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate; cardboard; corrugated paper such as corrugated heat-resistant paper or corrugated parchment paper; and polymeric materials such as low density polyethylene (LDPE). In a preferred embodiment, the support element is provided in the form of a hollow cellulose acetate tube.

The support element preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article. The support member may have an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, for example, from about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 6 millimeters to about 8 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the support member has an outside diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

The peripheral wall of the support member may have a thickness of at least 1 millimeter, preferably at least about 1.5 millimeters, more preferably at least about 2 millimeters.

The support member may have a length of from about 5 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the support member is approximately 8 millimeters long.

When inserting the heating element of the aerosol generating device into the substrate of the aerosol generating aerosol generating article, some force may be required on the user to overcome the resistance of the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article to insert the heating element of the aerosol generating device. This may damage the aerosol generating product and/or the heating element of the aerosol generating device. Additionally, applying force when inserting the heating element of the aerosol generating device into the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article may dislodge the aerosol generating substrate within the aerosol generating article. This may result in incomplete insertion of the heating element of the aerosol generating device into the aerosol generating substrate, which may result in uneven and inefficient heating of the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article. The support member is advantageously configured to resist movement of the aerosol generating substrate downstream when the heating element of the aerosol generating device is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

Preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating article is less than about 50 millimeters. More preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating article is less than about 45 millimeters. Even more preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating article is less than about 40 millimeters.

In addition or alternatively, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating article is preferably at least about 12 millimeters. More preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating article is at least about 15 millimeters. Even more preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating article is preferably at least about 20 millimeters. In particularly preferred embodiments, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating article is preferably at least about 25 millimeters.

Preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate rod is at least about 2 millimeters. More preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate rod is at least about 5 millimeters. Even more preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate rod is at least about 10 millimeters. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate rod may be at least about 15 millimeters.

Additionally or alternatively, the distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate rod is preferably less than about 35 millimeters. More preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate rod is less than about 30 millimeters. Even more preferably, the distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate rod is less than about 25 millimeters.

In practice, the ventilation zone divides the cavity formed by the hollow tubular segment within it into an upstream subcavity that extends longitudinally from the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the location of the ventilation zone, and a further downstream subcavity, which extends in the longitudinal direction from the location of the ventilation zone to the downstream end of the hollow tubular segment. Without being limited by theory, it should be understood that in the upstream subcavity, the vaporized compounds from the aerosol stream move along the hollow tubular segment and slowly cool, releasing some heat into the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment, and thus aerosol particles begin to nucleate. On the other hand, in the downstream subcavity, the aerosol stream and vent air mix rapidly, causing rapid cooling of the vaporized compounds from the aerosol stream and thus promoting the nucleation of new aerosol particles and the growth of pre-existing aerosol particles as the aerosol moves towards the mouthpiece. .

Preferably, the ratio between the upstream length of the cavity and the downstream length of the cavity is less than 1.5. More preferably, the ratio between the upstream length of the cavity and the downstream length of the cavity is less than 1. Even more preferably, the ratio between the upstream length and the downstream length of the cavity , is less than 0.67.

Additionally or alternatively, the ratio between the upstream length of the cavity and the length downstream of the cavity is preferably at least about 0.15. More preferably, the ratio between the upstream length of the cavity and the downstream length of the cavity is preferably at least about 0.2. Even more preferably, the ratio between the upstream length of the cavity and the downstream length of the cavity is preferably at least about 0.35.

Similarly, the ventilation zone divides the aerosol generating article into two sections, respectively, upstream and downstream of the location of the ventilation zone.

Preferably, the ratio between the length of the upstream section of the aerosol generating article and the length of the downstream section of the aerosol generating article is less than 2.5. More preferably, the ratio between the upstream length of the aerosol generating article section and the downstream length of the aerosol generating article section is less than 2. Even more preferably, the ratio between the upstream length of the aerosol generating article section flow, the aerosol-generating article section, and the downstream length of the aerosol-generating article section is less than 1.5. In particularly preferred embodiments, the ratio between the upstream length of the aerosol generating article section and the downstream length of the aerosol generating article section is less than 1.

Additionally or alternatively, the ratio between the length of the upstream section of the aerosol generating article and the length of the downstream section of the aerosol generating article is preferably at least about 0.25. More preferably, the ratio between the length of the upstream section of the aerosol generating article and the length of the downstream section of the aerosol generating article is at least about 0.33. Even more preferably, the ratio between the length of the upstream section of the aerosol generating article and the length of the downstream section of the aerosol generating article is at least about 0.5.

In the aerosol generating articles of the present invention, it is advantageously simple to adjust and control the overall RTD of the article. The reason for this is that the overall RTD of the product depends on the RTD of the resulting small number of components, and providing a ventilation zone also contributes to reducing the overall RTD of the product. Therefore, RTD variability between aerosol generating articles can be advantageously reduced.

Accordingly, the present invention can also provide a pack containing ten or more of the above-described aerosol generating articles, wherein the difference between the RTD of the aerosol generating article which has the highest RTD among at least ten aerosol generating articles and the RTD of the aerosol generating article which has the lowest RTD among at least ten aerosol generating articles of less than 10 mm of water. Art. (approximately 100 pascals). Preferably, in one such burst, the difference between the RTD of the aerosol generating article having the highest RTD among at least ten aerosol generating articles and the RTD of the aerosol generating article having the lowest RTD among at least ten aerosol generating articles is less than 9 mm w.c. Art. (approximately 90 pascals), more preferably, less than 8 mm of water. Art. (approximately 80 pascals), even more preferably, less than 7 mm of water. Art. (approximately 70 pascals).

In the following, the invention will be further described with reference to the drawings of the accompanying figures, in which:

figure 1 shows a schematic side view in section of an aerosol generating product according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic side sectional view of another example of an aerosol generating article according to the present invention; And

3 shows a schematic side sectional view of a further example of an aerosol generating article according to the present invention.

The aerosol generating article 10 shown in FIG. 1 comprises an aerosol generating substrate rod 12, a hollow cellulose acetate tube 14, a hollow tubular segment 16, and a mouthpiece segment 18. formation of an article 10 generating an aerosol. The aerosol generating article 10 has a mouth end 22 and an upstream distal end 24 located at the end of the article opposite the mouth end 22. The aerosol generating article 10 shown in FIG. 1 is particularly suitable for use with an electrical device, generating an aerosol containing a heater for heating the rod of the substrate that generates the aerosol.

The aerosol generating substrate rod 12 has a length of approximately 12 millimeters and a diameter of approximately 7 millimeters. Rod 12 is cylindrical in shape and has a substantially circular cross section. Rod 12 contains an assembled sheet of homogenized tobacco material. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material contains 10 percent by weight based on dry weight of glycerol. The hollow cellulose acetate tube 14 is approximately 8 millimeters long and approximately 1 millimeter thick.

The mouthpiece segment 18 contains an insert of 8 denier per fiber cellulose acetate rod and is approximately 7 millimeters long.

The hollow tubular segment 16 is provided as a cylindrical tube having a length of approximately 18 millimeters and a wall thickness of the tube of approximately 100 micrometers.

In more detail, the hollow tubular segment 16 may be formed, for example, from paper having a basis weight of 110 g/m ² and a weight of 45 milligrams (ie, 2.5 milligrams/mm length). The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment 16 is approximately 7 millimeters. Thus, the volume of the cavity formed by the hollow tubular segment 16 within it is approximately 693 cubic millimeters. Thus, the ratio between the weight of the hollow tubular segment and the volume of the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular segment 16 is approximately 0.065. The aerosol generating article 10 comprises a ventilation zone 26 at a distance of approximately 5 millimeters from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment 18. Thus, the ventilation zone 26 is located at a distance of approximately 12 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol generating article, and at a distance of approximately 13 millimeters from the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment.

Thus, the ventilation zone 26 is located at a distance of approximately 21 millimeters from the downstream end of the rod 12. Figure 2 shows another example of an aerosol generating article according to the present invention. The aerosol generating article 30 shown in Fig. 2 has the same structure as the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1 and differs from the aerosol generating article 10 essentially only in the length of some components, and it will be described below only as far as it differs from the aerosol generating article 10. In the following, the same reference numerals will be used to the extent possible for corresponding components having the same structural or functional function.

In the aerosol generating article 30 shown in FIG. 2, the rod 12 and the hollow cellulose acetate tube 14 have the same length as in the aerosol generating article 10 shown in FIG. However, the mouthpiece segment contains an insert of 11 denier per fiber cellulose acetate plug that is approximately 12 millimeters long and a hollow tubular segment 14 that is approximately 13 millimeters long. The ventilation zone 26 is provided at a distance of approximately 6 millimeters from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment 18 and approximately 7 millimeters from the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment. Thus, the ventilation zone 26 is located at a distance of approximately 15 millimeters from the downstream end of the rod 12.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the hollow tubular segment 16 may be provided, for example, as a cylindrical CA tube having a length of approximately 18 millimeters and a peripheral wall thickness of approximately 1 millimeter, with a weight of 171 milligrams (i.e., 9.5 milligram/millimeter length).

The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment 16 may be approximately 5.3 millimeters. Thus, the volume of the cavity formed by the hollow tubular segment 16 within it is approximately 397 cubic millimeters. Thus, the ratio between the weight of the hollow tubular segment and the volume of the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular segment 16 is approximately 0.43. Figure 3 shows another example of an aerosol generating article according to the present invention. The aerosol generating product 40 shown in FIG. 3 is structurally different from the aerosol generating product 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the aerosol generating product 30 shown in FIG. 2 in that it does not contain a hollow cellulose acetate tube as a support element. Accordingly, the lengths of the three main components also differ. In the following, the same reference numerals will be used to the extent possible for corresponding components having the same structural or functional function.

In the aerosol generating article 40 shown in FIG. 3, the stem 12 is approximately 12 millimeters long, the hollow tubular segment 14 is approximately 26 millimeters long, and the mouthpiece segment 18 containing the CA extrusion insert is approximately 12 millimeters long and has a density of 11 denier on fiber. The ventilation zone 26 is provided at a distance of approximately 5 millimeters from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment 18 and approximately 21 millimeters from the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment, which in this embodiment coincides with the downstream end of the stem 12.

In the following example, experimental results obtained from tests carried out on a particular embodiment of an aerosol generating article according to the present invention are recorded. Smoking conditions and technical characteristics of the smoking machine are set out in ISO 3308 (ISO 3308:2000). Atmospheric conditions for preparation and testing are set out in ISO 3402.

EXAMPLE 1 This experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of a hollow tubular segment, while a ventilation zone is provided at a location along the hollow tubular segment according to the present invention. In the experiment, the influence of the degree of ventilation on the delivery of nicotine and an aerosol-forming substance (glycerol) was investigated. A comparative measurement with an aerosol generating reference product without ventilation is also presented.

Materials and methods

Article A is an aerosol-generating article that is formed from: an aerosol-generating substrate rod that contains an assembled sheet of homogenized tobacco material and about 18 percent dry weight glycerol, the rod having a length of 12 millimeters; a support element in the form of a hollow cellulose acetate tube aligned with the rod and located immediately downstream of the rod, while the support element has a length of 8 millimeters; a hollow tubular segment in the form of a cardboard tube aligned with the rod and located directly in the direction of flow relative to the rod, while the hollow tubular segment has a length of 13 millimeters; and a mouthpiece segment of filter material aligned with the hollow tubular segment and positioned directly downstream of the hollow tubular segment, the mouthpiece segment having a length of 12 millimeters. A ventilation zone is provided at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of 18 millimeters from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. The degree of ventilation of aerosol-generating article A is 30 percent.

Product B is a reference aerosol generating product that has the same design as product A, but without the ventilation zone. Thus, the degree of ventilation of the aerosol-generating article B is 0 percent.

Nicotine and glycerol delivery values were measured by gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC/MS-TOF) against nicotine and glycerol collected on a Cambridge filter pad. Cycles were performed as described in example 1

Results. Average delivery values for nicotine and glycerin from product A and product B are shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1. Effect of degree of ventilation on nicotine and glycerol delivery values.

Ventilation Delivery of nicotine Glycerol [%] (mg) (mg) Product A thirty 1.41 5.6 Product B 0 1.17 3.5

Claims (72)

1. An aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol when heated, comprising: an aerosol generating substrate rod; a mouthpiece segment containing an insert of filter material, the mouthpiece segment being located downstream of the stem and longitudinally aligned with the stem; a hollow tubular segment at a location between the stem and the mouthpiece segment, the hollow tubular segment being longitudinally aligned with the stem and the mouthpiece segment, the hollow tubular segment defining a cavity extending its entire length to the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment; And a ventilation zone at a location along the hollow tubular segment, different in that the aerosol generating substrate rod has a length of less than 40 mm; the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is at least 5 mm; And the aerosol generating substrate rod contains at least an aerosol generating agent, wherein the aerosol generating substrate content of the aerosol generating substrate rod is at least 10% by dry weight. 2. The aerosol generating article of claim 1, wherein the hollow tubular segment comprises a wrapper, the wrapper also surrounding the stem and mouthpiece segment. 3. An aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the hollow tubular segment comprises a tube formed from cellulosic material. 4. The aerosol generating article of claim 3, wherein the heated aerosol generating article further comprises a wrapper surrounding the stem, tube, and mouthpiece segment. 5. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is constant along the length of the hollow tubular segment. 6. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of at least 2 mm from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment. 7. The aerosol generating article of claim 6, wherein the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of at least 4 mm from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment. 8. The aerosol generating article of claim 6, wherein the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment at least 6 mm from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment. 9. The aerosol generating article of claim 6, wherein the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment less than 18 mm from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment. 10. The aerosol generating article of claim 6, wherein the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment less than 15 mm from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment. 11. The aerosol-generating article of claim 6, wherein the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment less than 10 mm from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment. 12. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating article is at least 25 mm. 13. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of at least 10 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. 14. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment at least 12 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. 15. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of at least 15 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. 16. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation zone is located at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of less than 25 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. 17. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment less than 20 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. 18. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the distance from the ventilation zone to the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 4. 19. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the distance from the ventilation zone to the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 3.5. 20. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the distance from the ventilation zone to the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 3. 21. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the distance from the ventilation zone to the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 2.5. 22. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the distance from the ventilation zone to the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 2. 23. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the distance from the ventilation zone to the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 1.5. 24. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the distance from the ventilation zone to the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 1.2. 25. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of at least 10 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. 26. The aerosol generating article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of at least 12 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. 27. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation zone is at a location along the hollow tubular segment at a distance of at least 15 mm from the downstream end of the mouthpiece segment. 28. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article is at least 10%. 29. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article is at least 20%. 30. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article is at least 30%. 31. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article is at least 35%. 32. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article is less than 60%. 33. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the degree of ventilation of the aerosol generating article is less than 50%. 34. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow tubular segment has a length of 10 to 30 mm. 35. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow tubular segment has a length of at least 12 mm. 36. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow tubular segment has a length of at least 15 mm. 37. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow tubular segment has a length of at least 20 mm. 38. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow tubular segment has a length of 25 mm. 39. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 1.5 mm. 40. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 1250 microns. 41. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 1000 microns. 42. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 900 microns. 43. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 800 microns. 44. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the hollow tubular segment is at least 100 microns. 45. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is at least 200 microns. 46. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal equivalent diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the ventilation zone location is at least 6 mm. 47. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal equivalent diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the ventilation zone location is at least 6.5 mm. 48. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal equivalent diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 9.5 mm. 49. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal equivalent diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the ventilation zone location is less than 9 mm. 50. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the content of the aerosol generating agent in the aerosol generating substrate rod is at least 12% by dry weight. 51. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the content of the aerosol generating agent in the aerosol generating substrate rod is at least 14% by dry weight. 52. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the content of the aerosol generating agent in the aerosol generating substrate rod is at least 16% by dry weight. 53. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the distance from the ventilation zone to the upstream end of the hollow tubular segment to the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment at the location of the ventilation zone is less than 4. 54. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation zone comprises only one row of perforations formed through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment. 55. An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 54, wherein the ventilation zone comprises two or more rows of perforations formed through a peripheral wall of the hollow tubular segment, the rows being longitudinally spaced apart along the hollow tubular segment. 56. An aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating substrate rod has a length of at least 10 mm. 57. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating substrate rod contains tobacco material. 58. The aerosol generating article of claim 57, wherein the aerosol generating substrate rod contains pieces, strands or strips of tobacco material. 59. The aerosol generating article of claim 57, wherein the aerosol generating substrate rod comprises one or more collected sheets of tobacco material. 60. The aerosol generating article of claim 57, wherein the aerosol generating substrate rod comprises filaments of homogenized tobacco material formed by casting, rolling, calendering, or extruding a mixture containing loose tobacco and at least one aerosol generating agent, to form a sheet of homogenized tobacco material. 61. The aerosol generating article of claim 57, wherein the aerosol generating substrate rod comprises strands of homogenized tobacco material formed by extruding a mixture containing loose tobacco and at least one aerosol generating agent to form continuous homogenized tobacco material. length 62. An aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating substrate rod contains a non-tobacco-based nicotine-containing material. 63. An aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a recess at the mouthpiece end downstream of the filter material insert. 64. The aerosol generating article of claim 63, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a hollow tube longitudinally aligned with and immediately downstream of the filter material insert, the hollow tube forming at the mouthpiece end a cavity open to the outside medium, at the downstream end of the mouthpiece and the aerosol generating article.

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