WO2023144334A1

WO2023144334A1 - An aerosol generating article comprising a filter with a hollow inner tube

Info

Publication number: WO2023144334A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/052063
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takuya OTOKAWA; Ahmad LISAN; Paul Black
Original assignee: Jt International S.A.
Priority date: 2022-01-28
Filing date: 2023-01-27
Publication date: 2023-08-03
Also published as: CN118613180A; KR20240138543A

Abstract

An aerosol generating article comprising a filter (45), the filter extending along a filter axis (F) between an upstream end (55) and a mouth end (60), the upstream end being configured to be in fluid communication with a downstream end of an aerosol generating substrate, the filter comprising a mouth end filter portion (65), an upstream end filter portion (70) adjacent to the mouth end filter portion, wherein the mouth end filter portion and the upstream end filter portion comprise filter paper or non-woven sheet and a hollow inner tube (75) inserted in the mouth end filter portion to extend through this portion and being open at the mouth end of the filter.

Description

An aerosol generating article comprising a filter with a hollow inner tube

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an aerosol generating article comprising a filter with a hollow inner tube.

Particularly, the aerosol generating article according to the invention is configured to operate with an aerosol generating device, also known as a heat-not-burn device or HNB device. Such type of aerosol generating devices is adapted to heat, rather than burn, an aerosol generating substrate comprised in the article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The popularity and use of reduced-risk or modified-risk devices (also known as vaporizers or aerosol generating devices) has grown rapidly in the past few years as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolling tobacco. Various devices and systems are available that heat or warm vaporizable substances as opposed to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products.

A commonly available reduced-risk or modified-risk device is the heated substrate aerosol generation device or heat-not-burn device, also known as HNB device. Devices of this type generate aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol generating substrate that typically comprises moist leaf tobacco or other suitable vaporizable material to a temperature typically below the temperature of combustion of tobacco but sufficient to produce vapour and/or release volatiles that condense to form an aerosol. Heating an aerosol generating substrate, but not combusting or burning it, releases aerosol that comprises the components sought by the user but not the toxic and carcinogenic byproducts of combustion and burning. Furthermore, the aerosol produced by heating the tobacco or other vaporizable material does not typically comprise the burnt or bitter taste resulting from combustion and burning that can be unpleasant for the user and so the substrate does not therefore require the sugars and other additives that are typically added to such materials to make the smoke and/or vapour more palatable for the user. Aerosol generating articles used generally with HNB devices comprise an aerosol generating substrate and a filter. While using an HNB device, the filter may be in contact with the mouth and/or lips of the user. Thus, when the user inhales, aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substrate passes through the filter where it is cooled and its pressure and taste intensity are reduced. Generally, as for conventional cigarettes, the filter can be made of cellulose acetate fiber. However, such aerosol generating articles with cellulose acetate filters provide high resistance to puffing due to relatively compact fiber tow. Additionally, aerosol generating articles with cellulose acetate filters have insufficient flavor taste intensity. Decreasing cellulose acetate filter resistance may cause manufacturability issues. Therefore, a need exists for an aerosol generating articles for HNB device that provides low puff resistance, more sensory impact, receives a good visual acceptability and improves biodegradability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aim of the invention is to provide an aerosol generating article comprising a filter designed to be used with an HNB device providing a better user experience.

For this purpose, the invention relates to an aerosol generating article comprising a filter; the filter extending along a filter axis between an upstream end and a mouth end, the upstream end being configured to be in fluid communication with a downstream end of an aerosol generating substrate; the filter comprising:

- a mouth end filter portion;

- an upstream end filter portion adjacent to the mouth end filter portion; wherein the mouth end filter portion and the upstream end filter portion comprise filter paper or non-woven sheet, and

- a hollow inner tube inserted in the upstream end filter portion to extend through this portion and being open at the mouth end filter portion of the filter.

With the aerosol generating article according to the invention, pressure drop can decrease as well as taste intensity drop can increase by using the filter paper or non-woven sheet. Additionally, providing the hollow inner tube in the upstream end filter portion make it not visible for the user, thus not disrupting him/her used to consume a classic aerosol generating article. According to some embodiments of the aerosol generating article, the upstream end filter portion comprises a plug wrap having a basis weight above 45 gsm, preferably between 45 gsm and 120 gsm, more preferably between 80 gsm and 100 gsm.

The basis weight of the proposed plug wrap is thus higher than for a conventional plug wrap. With the proposed plug wrap, the firmness of the filter is maintained despite the lower density of the filter.

According to some embodiments of the aerosol generating article according to the invention, the mouth end filter portion comprises a gathered sheet of paper providing a low pressure drop filter paper, the low pressure drop filter paper preferably having the pressure drop lower than 5 mmH20 per mm length, and more preferably lower than 3 mmH20 per mm length.

With said upstream end filter portion, the pressure drop may be further reduced.

According to some embodiments of the filter according to the invention, the upstream end filter portion comprises filter paper or non-woven sheet surrounding the hollow inner tube; preferably the density of the filter paper in the upstream end filter portion being comprised between 0,0200 mg/mm³ and 0,180 mg/mm³, and advantageously between 0,025 mg/mm³ and 0,135 mg/mm³.

With said upstream end filter portion, the user experience can be further improved since the filter has a consistency in mouth similar to a classic acetate filter and the visual appearance is improved.

According to some embodiments of the aerosol generating article according to the invention, the mouth end filter portion and the upstream end filter portion form a single filter segment comprising filter paper or non-woven sheet wrapped by a common filter wrapper.

With this feature, both portions of the filter are intrinsically maintained together. Additionally, the common filter wrapper can be a plug wrap. Further, this embodiment can be particularly advantageous in filter manufacturing since the same substrate of filter paper can be used to form both filter portions. The hollow inner tube can thus be simply inserted in the upstream end filter portion by compressing the filter paper in this portion. Accordingly, the mouth end filter portion and the upstream end filter portion can present different cross- sectional densities.

For example, to manufacture such a filter forming a single filter segment, it is possible to manufacture first a continuous tube of filter paper and insert in this continuous tube a plurality of hollow inner tubes spaced one from the other with a predetermined distance. Then, the continuous tube can be cut at the middle of each hollow inner tube and at the middle of each pair of these hollow inner tubes.

According to some embodiments of the aerosol generating article according to the invention, the upstream end filter portion and the mouth end filter portion form separate filter segments individually wrapped by a respective filter wrapper; the mouth end filter portion and the upstream end filter portion being assembled together by a common outer wrapper.

With this feature, the upstream end filter portion and the mouth end filter portion can be manufactured separately and assembled together using for the example the common outer wrapper. The common outer wrapper can be formed by a plug wrap.

According to some embodiments of the aerosol generating article according to the invention, the mouth end filter portion and the upstream end filter portion are adjacent, the hollow inner tube opening to the upstream end of the upstream end filter portion.

With this feature, the hollow inner tube extends only through the upstream end filter portion. Thus, the pressure drop is further reduced since, when using the aerosol generating article, the aerosol passes in the hollow inner tube before reaching directly the mouth end filter portion with no transition in a material wherein the pressure drop would be high.

According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating article according to the invention comprises at least one of the following features, taken solely or in combination:

- the hollow inner tube is made of paper; and

- the hollow inner tube has a circular, triangular or square cross-section

Each of these features simplifies the manufacturing of the filter since making paper tube of circular, triangular or square shape can be performed using well developed tools and manufacturing methods. For example, the tube can be made by overlapping layers, e.g. spirally wounding using a mandrel.

- the aerosol generating article further comprises at least one flavouring capsule;

- the flavouring capsule is inserted in the mouth end filter portion; and

- the upstream end filter portion and/or the mouth end filter portion comprise(s) a taste improving or performance enhancing additive.

Each of these features contributes to improve the user experience by enhancing the taste of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article. The flavoring capsule’s diameter can be comprised between 2,5 and 4,5 mm. Additionally, it can comprise a shell containing a flavoring agent releasable while vaping. The flavoring agent may for example be liquid. The shell can be soluble, melting upon interaction with aerosol and/or upon heating.

According to another aspect of the invention, the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate comprising a downstream end.

According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating article comprises a cooling or distancing element arranged between the aerosol generating substrate and the filter, the cooling or distancing element being preferably adjacent the downstream end.

With the cooling or distancing element, the user experience can be further improved since the aerosol can be cooled before achieving the user’s mouth and/or lips. The cooling or distancing element can be formed by a tube extending between the filter and the aerosol generating substrate. The tube can be hollow or contain additional flow guides mixing for the example the flow issued from the aerosol generating substrate and/or increasing the cooling effect.

According to some embodiments, the density of the filter paper in the upstream end filter portion is comprised between 0,0200 mg/mm³ and 0,170 mg/mm³, and advantageously between 0,0250 mg/mm³ and 0,130 mg/mm³. In another aspect the invention, the invention relates to an aerosol generating article comprising a filter; the filter extending along a filter axis between an upstream end and a mouth end, the upstream end being configured to be in fluid communication with a downstream end of an aerosol generating substrate; the filter comprising:

- a mouth end filter portion;

- an upstream end filter portion comprising filter paper or non-woven sheet, and being adjacent to the mouth end filter portion; and

- a hollow inner tube inserted in the mouth end filter portion to extend through this portion and being open at the mouth end of the filter.

With the aerosol generating article according to the invention, pressure drop can decrease as well as taste intensity drop can increase by using the filter paper or non-woven sheet. Additionally, providing the hollow inner tube in the mouth end filter portion leads to a better appearance of the mouth end for the user comparing to a simple paper made filter. Thus, the user experience while using the aerosol generating article can be improved.

According to some embodiments of the aerosol generating article, the upstream end filter portion comprises a plug wrap having a basis weight above 45 gsm, preferably between 45 gsm and 120 gsm, more preferably between 80 gsm and 100 gsm.

According to some embodiments of the aerosol generating article according to the invention, the upstream end filter portion comprises a gathered sheet of paper providing a low pressure drop filter paper, the low pressure drop filter paper preferably having the pressure drop lower than 5 mmH20 per mm length, and more preferably lower than 3 mmH20 per mm length.

With said upstream end filter portion, the pressure drop may be further reduced. According to some embodiments of the filter according to the invention, the mouth end filter portion comprises filter paper or non-woven sheet surrounding the hollow inner tube; preferably the density of the filter paper in the mouth end filter portion being comprised between 0,0200 mg/mm³ and 0,180 mg/mm³, and advantageously between 0,025 mg/mm³ and 0,135 mg/mm³.

With said mouth end filter portion, the user experience can be further improved since the filter has a consistency in mouth similar to a classic acetate filter and the visual appearance is improved.

With this feature, both portions of the filter are intrinsically maintained together. Additionally, the common filter wrapper can be a plug wrap. Further, this embodiment can be particularly advantageous in filter manufacturing since the same substrate of filter paper can be used to form both filter portions. The hollow inner tube can thus be simply inserted in the mouth end filter portion by compressing the filter paper in this portion. Accordingly, the mouth end filter portion and the upstream end filter portion can present different cross- sectional densities.

According to some embodiments of the aerosol generating article according to the invention, the upstream end filter portion and the mouth end filter portion form separate filter segments individually wrapped by a respective filter wrapper; the mouth end filter portion and the upstream end filter portion being assembled together by a common outer wrapper. With this feature, the upstream end filter portion and the mouth end filter portion can be manufactured separately and assembled together using for the example the common outer wrapper. The common outer wrapper can be formed by a plug wrap.

According to some embodiments of the aerosol generating article according to the invention, the mouth end filter portion and the upstream end filter portion are adjacent, the hollow inner tube opening to the upstream end filter portion.

With this feature, the hollow inner tube extends only through the mouth end filter portion. Thus, the pressure drop is further reduced since, when using the aerosol generating article, the aerosol passes directly from the upstream part to the hollow tube with no transition in a material wherein the pressure drop would be high.

- the hollow inner tube is made of paper; and

- the hollow inner tube has a circular, triangular or square cross-section

Each of these features simplifies the manufacturing of the filter since making paper tube of circular, triangular or square shape can be performed using well developed tools and manufacturing methods. For example, the tube can be made by overlapping layers, e.g. spirally wounding using a mandrel. Additionally, using of a circular shape of the hollow inner tube is more habitual for the user.

- the flavouring capsule is inserted in the upstream end filter portion; and

According to some embodiments, the density of the filter paper in the upstream end filter portion is comprised between 0,0200 mg/mm³ and 0,170 mg/mm³, and advantageously between 0,0250 mg/mm³ and 0,130 mg/mm³.

The invention also relates to an aerosol generating article comprising a filter; the filter extending along a filter axis between an upstream end and a mouth end, the upstream end being configured to be in fluid communication with a downstream end of an aerosol generating substrate; the filter comprising:

- an upstream end filter portion;

- a mouth end filter portion comprising filter paper or non-woven sheet, and being adjacent to the upstream end filter portion; and

- a hollow inner tube inserted in the upstream end filter portion to extend through this portion and being open at the upstream end of the filter.

With the aerosol generating article according to the invention, pressure drop can decrease as well as taste intensity drop can increase by using the filter paper. Additionally, providing the hollow inner tube in the upstream end filter portion leads to a better appearance of the mouth end for the user comparing to a simple paper made filter. Thus, the user experience while using the aerosol generating article can be improved.

According to some embodiments, the mouth end filter portion comprises a plug wrap having a basis weight above 45 gsm, preferably between 45 gsm and 120 gsm, more preferably between 80 gsm and 100 gsm.

According to some embodiments of the aerosol generating article according to the invention, the mouth end filter portion comprises a gathered sheet of paper providing a low pressure drop filter paper; the low pressure drop filter paper preferably having the pressure drop lower than 5 mmH20 per mm length, and more preferably lower than 3 mmH20 per mm length.

With said mouth end filter portion, the pressure drop may be further reduced.

According to some embodiments, the upstream end filter portion comprises filter paper surrounding the hollow inner tube; preferably the density of the filter paper in the upstream end filter portion is comprised between 0,0200 mg/mm³ and 0,180 mg/mm³, and advantageously between 0,025 mg/mm³ and 0,135 mg/mm³.

With said upstream end filter portion, the user experience can be further improved since the filter has a consistency of the filter in fingers of a user is similar to a classic acetate filter and the visual appearance is improved.

According to some embodiments of the aerosol generating article according to the invention, the mouth end filter portion and the upstream end filter portion are adjacent, the hollow inner tube opening to the mouth end filter portion.

With this feature, the hollow inner tube extends only through the upstream end filter portion. Thus, the pressure drop is further reduced since, when using the aerosol generating article, the aerosol passes directly in the hollow tube of the upstream end filter portion and then reaches the mouth end filter portion, with no transition in a material wherein the pressure drop would be high.

- the hollow inner tube is made of paper; and

- the hollow inner tube has a circular, triangular or square cross-section. Each of these features simplifies the manufacturing of the filter since making paper tube of circular, triangular or square shape can be performed using well developed tools and manufacturing methods. For example, the tube can be made by overlapping layers, e.g. spirally wounding using a mandrel. Additionally, using of a circular shape of the hollow inner tube is more habitual for the user.

- the flavouring capsule is inserted in the mouth end filter portion; and

According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate comprising a downstream end.

With the cooling or distancing element, the user experience can be further improved since the aerosol can be cooled before achieving the user’s mouth and/or lips. The cooling or distancing element can be formed by a tube extending between the filter and the aerosol generating substrate. The tube can be hollow or contain additional flow guides mixing for the example the flow issued from the aerosol generating substrate and/or increasing the cooling effect. According to some embodiments, the density of the filter paper in the mouth end filter portion is comprised between 0,0200 mg/mm³ and 0,170 mg/mm³, and advantageously between 0,0250 mg/mm³ and 0,130 mg/mm³.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description, which is given solely by way of none-limiting examples and which is made with reference to the appended drawings, in which.

- Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating assembly comprising an aerosol generating article according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating article of Figure 1 , the aerosol generating article comprising a filter according to the invention;

- Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view of the filter of Figure 2, the filter being according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic exploded view of the filter of Figure 2, the filter being according to a second embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 5 is a schematic exploded view of the filter of Figure 2, the filter being according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic exploded view of the filter of Figure 2, the filter being according to a forth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic exploded view of the filter of Figure 2, the filter being according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; and

- Figure 8 is a schematic exploded view of the filter of Figure 2, the filter being according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Before describing the invention, it is to be understood that it is not limited to the details of construction set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

The expression “substantially equal to” is understood hereinafter as an equality at plus or minus 10% and preferably at plus or minus 5%.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” or “device” may include a vaping device to deliver aerosol from an aerosol generating article received in the device, for example comprising tobacco. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, e.g. by activating a heating system for a variable amount of time (as opposed to a metered dose of aerosol) using a trigger. The trigger may be user activated, such as a vaping button and/or inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to the strength of inhalation as well as the duration of inhalation to enable a variable amount of vapor to be provided (so as to mimic the effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article such as a cigarette, cigar or pipe, etc.).

As used herein, the term “control unit” refers to a component of the aerosol generating device and may control the operation of the heating system. The control unit may include a temperature regulation control to drive the temperature of the heating system thereafter to maintain the temperature.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generating substrate” is used to designate any material that is able to form aerosol. The aerosol is generally obtained by a temperature increase of the aerosol generating substrate, such as at a temperature less than 400°C, preferably up to 350°C. The aerosol generating substrate may, for example, comprise or consist in an aerosol-generating solid that may be in the form of a rod, which contains processed tobacco material, a crimped sheet or oriented strips of reconstituted tobacco (RTB), or any combination of these. The aerosol generating substrate may comprise one or more of: nicotine, caffeine or other active components.

As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of precursor as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol may be formed by the aerosol generating substrate and may comprise one or several components of it.

As used herein, the term “vaping session” may refer to a using period of the aerosol generated device starting from the activation of the trigger defined above to the moment in which the aerosol generation device is disabled.

As represented in Figure 1 , an aerosol generating assembly 10 comprises an aerosol generating device 15 and an aerosol generating article 20.

The aerosol generating device 15 extends along an axis X called hereinafter “device axis X”. The aerosol generating device 15 comprises an outside casing 22 and internal components arranged in the outside casing 22. The outside casing 22 delimits an article socket 26 and at least one flow inlet 28. The internal components comprise for example a heating system 30 to heat at least a part of the aerosol generating article 20, a battery 24 for powering the heating system 30 and a control unit 32 to control powering of the heating system 30 by the battery 24.

The battery 24 is for example a known battery designed to be charged using a power supply furnished by an external charger, and designed to provide direct current of a predetermined voltage to the heating system 30.

The article socket 26 is configured to receive at least a part of the aerosol generating article 20. For this purpose, the article socket 26 may delimit a hole 36 opening at the exterior of the aerosol generating device 15 and is adapted to receive at least a part of the aerosol generating article 20 in said hole 36. In Figure 1 , the aerosol generating article 20 is inserted into the hole 36.

The flow inlet 28 allows air entering from the exterior of the outside casing 22. An internal airflow channel may extend from the flow inlet 28 to conduct the air until the article socket 26.

The heating system 30 comprises for example a heating element which may be arranged adjacent to at least a wall of the article socket 26. The heating system is for example, connected to the battery 24, and configured to produce heat when powered by the battery 24. When the aerosol generating article 20 is inserted in the hole 36, and when the heating system 30 is powered by the battery 24, the temperature of said heating system 30 is for example comprised between 200 degrees and 350 degrees.

In a non-represented variant, the heating system 30 comprises a device part of the heating system and an article part of the heating system. The device part of the heating system may comprise electromagnetic emitter(s) configured to produce electromagnetic field when powered by the battery 24. The emitter(s) can comprise for example a magnetic coil arranged around the article socket 26. The article part of the heating system may thus comprise susceptors configured to produce heat when being traversed by an electromagnetic field. The susceptors can for example be integrated in the aerosol generating substrate of the article 20.

The control unit 32 is adapted to control the operation of the heating system 30. More specifically, the control unit 32 is configured to control powering of the heating system 30 by the battery 24.

As shown in Figure 2, the aerosol generating article 20 comprises an aerosol generating substrate 40, a filter 45, an article wrapper 47 and in some embodiments, a cooling or distancing element 42 arranged between the aerosol generating substrate 40 and the filter 45.

In a preferred example, the length of the aerosol generating substrate 40 is comprised between 10 and 30 mm, preferably between 15 and 25 mm, more preferably substantially equal to 20 mm (+/- 2 mm). In said example, the length of the filter 45 is comprised between 10 and 30 mm, preferably between 15 and 25 mm, more preferably substantially equal to 20 mm (+/- 2 mm). In said example, the length of the cooling or distancing element 42 is comprised between 10 and 30 mm, preferably between 15 and 25 mm, more preferably substantially equal to 20 mm (+/- 2 mm).

Preferably, the length of the aerosol generating article 20 is comprised between 40 and 90 mm, more preferably 50 and 70 mm, most preferably 55 and 65 mm, such as substantially equals to 60 mm (+/- 2 mm).

The aerosol generating substrate 40 comprises a downstream end 50 adjacent to the cooling or distancing element 42 in the example of Figure 2 or to the filter 45 when no cooling or distancing element 42 is provided. The aerosol generating substrate 40 is designed to be heated by the heating system 30 of the aerosol generating device 15 to form aerosol, as previously explained.

The cooling or distancing element 42 provides a sufficient distance between the aerosol generating substrate 40 and the mouth end without impacting on the pressure resistance of the article 20. The cooling or distancing element 42 may be configured to cool the aerosol before reaching the filter 45. The cooling or distancing element 42 is for example a hollow tube and is preferably made of paper. During a vaping session, the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substrate 40 flows through the cooling or distancing element 42 before reaching the filter 45. For example, the cooling or distancing element 42 is hollow or contains additional flow guides mixing the flow issued from the aerosol generating substrate 40 and/or increasing the cooling effect. The cooling or distancing element 42 can further comprise venting holes arranged circumferentially. The venting holes should preferably be positioned at a short distance from the filter 45, preferably at a distance comprised between 1 mm and 7 mm, more preferably 2,5 mm and 6 mm, most preferably 3 mm and 5,5 mm.

The aerosol generating substrate 40, the filter 45, and optionally the cooling or distancing element 42 are maintained together with the article wrapper 47. As represented in Figure 2, the article wrapper 47 may be formed by a unique wrapper extending along at least a part of the aerosol generating article 20. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the article wrapper 47 can cover entirely the filter 45, the cooling or distancing element 42 and partially the aerosol generating substrate 40. According to other embodiments, the filter 45 can be partially uncovered and/or the aerosol generating substrate 40 can be covered entirely. According to still another embodiment, the article wrapper 47 extends along the entire length of the aerosol generating article 20. In a non-represented variant, the article wrapper 47 comprises several wrappers arranged along the aerosol generating article 20. The wrappers can overlap each other and are maintained together for example using glue at the overlapping location.

The filter 45 extends along a filter axis F, between an upstream end 55 and a mouth end 60. In the example of Figure 2, the upstream end 55 is in contact with the cooling or distancing element 42 or when no cooling or distancing element 42 is provided, the upstream end 55 can be in contact with the downstream end 50 of the aerosol generating substrate 40. In any case, the upstream end 55 and the downstream end 50 are in fluid communication. In other words, during a vaping session, when the user inhales, aerosol produced by the aerosol generating substrate 40 passes through the downstream end 50 and through the cooling or distancing element 42 before reaching the upstream end 55. The mouth end 60 of the filter 45 is intended to be received in the mouth of the user.

The filter 45 can be carried out according to one of the embodiments explained below.

FIRST EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

According to a first embodiment shown in Figure 3, the filter 45 comprises a mouth end filter portion 65 adjacent to the mouth end 60 and an upstream end filter portion 70 adjacent to the upstream end 55. According to the first embodiment, the mouth end filter portion 65 and the upstream end filter portion 70 form separate filter segments that are maintained contiguous, as it will be detailed below.

The mouth end filter portion 65 comprises a hollow inner tube 75 and filter paper material 77 surrounding the hollow inner tube 75. The filter paper material 77 is formed from a gathered sheet of paper. The sheet may further be crimped. A crimped paper sheet enables to increase the fluffiness of the paper and so occupying more volume it enables to increase the pressure drop. The hollow inner tube 75 extends along the filter axis F. The hollow inner tube 75 is open at the mouth end 60 of the filter 45. Thus, the hollow inner tube 75 is visible for a user looking at the filter 45 by the mouth end 60, as represented on the right part of Figure 3. In the example of Figure 3, the hollow inner tube 75 has a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section may have a triangle shape, a square shape, a pentagon shape, a hexagon shape, a heptagon shape, an octagon shape, an enneagon shape, or any other polygon shape. Alternatively again, the cross-section may have a star shape, for example the shape of a five-pointed star. The hollow inner tube 75 is preferably made of paper. The hollow inner tube 75 may be formed by spirally wound paper sheet(s). As an example, the hollow inner tube 75 extends along the entire length of the mouth end filter portion 65, so that when the filter 45 is assembled, the hollow inner tube 75 opens to the upstream end filter portion 70. During a vaping session, the aerosol passes inside the hollow inner tube 75, thus reducing the pressure drop caused by the filter 45. When made in paper, the hollow inner tube 75 may be biodegradable.

The inner diameter of the hollow inner tube 75 may be comprised between 2 and 5 mm, preferably between 2,5 and 4,0 mm, more preferably substantially equal to 3 mm. A ratio of the hollow inner tube’s diameter to the filter diameter can be comprised between 0,125 and 0,545. The filter diameter 45 is here considered as the outer diameter of the filter without any wrapper. The thickness of the wall of the tube 75 is preferably above 60 rm, preferably between 70 rm and 300 /rm. The tube 75 is preferably formed by a plurality of overlapped layers of thick paper.

The filter paper 77 comprises paper and is preferably made of paper. The filter paper is preferably a gathered sheet of paper. The base weight of the filter paper sheet 77 is for example comprised between 20 and 120 gsm, preferably substantially equal to 35 gsm. The thickness of the filter paper 77 is for example comprised between 30 /rm and 100 /rm. The porosity of the filter paper 77 is preferably comprised between 0 and 3 000 CU. The contact angle of the filter paper 77 is lower than 90°. The tensile strength of the filter paper 77 is higher than 18 N per 15 mm. Advantageously, the filter paper 77 is made of one single sheet, like a paper tape for example, by folding this sheet to form several layers extending along the filter axis F.

Alternatively, the filter paper 77 is replaced by a non-woven sheet 77. A non-woven sheet is preferably made of a plurality of sheets bonded or intertwined together by binder.

The base weight of non-woven sheet may be comprised between 20 and 100 gsm, preferably between 30 and 80 gsm, and more preferably between 40 and 65 gsm.

The thickness of the non-woven sheet may be comprised between 0,8 and 1 ,6 mm, preferably between 1 ,0 and 1 ,4 mm, and more preferably substantially equal to 1 ,2 mm.

In some embodiments, the mouth end filter portion 65 may also comprise a mouth end filter wrapper 80 wrapping the filter paper 77 of the mouth end filter portion 65. This wrapper 80 can be made of the same material as the filter paper 77.

The upstream end filter portion 70 forms a low pressure drop filter paper. The upstream end filter portion 70 for example comprises the same filter paper 77 as the mouth end filter portion 65. As for the mouth end filter portion 65, the filter paper 77 may be made of one single sheet, like a paper tape for example, by folding this sheet to form several layers extending along the filter axis F. The cross-sectional densities of the filter paper 77 of the mouth end filter portion 65 and of the upstream end filter portion 70 can be substantially identical or different. For example, according to one embodiment, the cross- sectional density of the filter paper 77 of the mouth end filter portion 65 may be greater than the corresponding density of the filter paper 77 of the upstream end filter portion 70. This is mainly due to the presence of the hollow inner tube 75 in the mouth end filter portion 65. In this case, for example the same quantity of filter paper 77 can be used to form both filter portions 65, 70. However, since the hollow inner tube 75 is inserted in the mouth end filter portion 65, the filter paper 77 of the mouth end filter portion 65 can present a greater density.

Preferably, the density of the filter paper 77 in the mouth end filter portion 65 is comprised between 0,0200 mg/mm³ and 0,180 mg/mm³, and advantageously between 0,0250 mg/mm³ and 0,135 mg/mm³. Similarly, the density of the filter paper 77 in the upstream end filter portion 70 is comprised between 0,0200 mg/mm³ and 0,170 mg/mm³, and advantageously between 0,0250 mg/mm³ and 0,130 mg/mm³.

According to some embodiments, the upstream end filter portion 70 also comprises an upstream end filter wrapper 85 wrapping the filter paper 77 of the upstream end filter portion 70. As the mouth end filter wrapper 80, the upstream end filter wrapper 85 can for example be made of paper. For example, this wrapper 80 can be made of the same material as the filter paper 77.

In some embodiments, at least one among the mouth end filter wrapper 80 and the upstream end filter wrapper 85 is made in one piece with the corresponding filter paper 77. Thus, in this case, a first portion of the filter paper 77 can be folded to form several layers and a second portion can then wrap the folded layers to form the corresponding wrapper 80, 85.

Preferably, the basis weight of the filter wrapper 80 of the mouth end filter portion 65 is 20-70 gsm and the thickness can be substantially between 30 and 80 rm. The basis weight of the filter wrapper 85 of the filter paper segment 70 is preferably above 45 gsm, preferably between 45 gsm and 120 gms, and more preferably between 80 gsm and 100 gsm and the thickness can be substantially between 80 and 125 rm.

In this first embodiment, to manufacture the upstream end filter portion 70, filter paper 77 may be folded to form a continuous tube. The upstream filter wrapper 85 then surrounds the continuous tube. The tube can be cut at a predetermined distance to form the upstream end filter portion 70. The mouth end filter portion 65 and the upstream end filter portion 70 are maintained together with a common outer wrapper 87, which has for example a length equal to the sum of the lengths of the mouth end filter portion 65 and of the upstream end filter portion 70. The common outer wrapper 87 is for example a plug wrap. Preferably, the basis weight of the plug wrap is substantially equal to 20-70 gsm and the thickness of the plug wrap is substantially equal to 30-80 rm.

Optionally, at least one of the upstream filter 70 and the mouth end filter portion 65 comprises a taste improving or performance enhancing additive. Such taste improving additive is for example flavourants such as menthol, peppermint, berry, lemon, peach, apple, cardamon, cherry, celery, fenugreek, bergamot, jasmine, ginger, orange oil, lemon oil, cassia, coffee, tobacco powder, herbs, spices, flavour enhancers, sugars, sugar substitutes and combinations thereof which, when being in contact with aerosol, enhances and/or modify the taste of the aerosol. A performance additive may be glycerin, PG, PPG, lactic acid.

SECOND EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

A filter 145 according to a second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 4 and only by its differences with the filter 45 according to the first embodiment. It has to be considered that each element which is not described in this second embodiment is similar to the corresponding element of the first embodiment.

According to the second embodiment, the filter comprises a mouth end filter portion 165 and an upstream end filter portion 170 that form a single filter segment. Thus, both portions 165, 170 of the filter 145 are intrinsically maintained together. Additionally, both portions 165, 170 comprise a filter paper 77 as explained in relation with the previous case, The hollow inner tube 75 can thus be simply inserted in the mouth end filter 165 portion by compressing the filter paper 77 in this portion 165. Accordingly, the mouth end filter portion 165 and the upstream end filter portion 170 can present different cross- sectional densities.

According to the second embodiment, the filter 145 does not comprise separate wrapper for portions 165, 170 as the wrappers 80, 85 according to the first embodiment is necessary. THIRD EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

A filter 245 according to a third embodiment will now be presented with reference to Figure 5, and only by its differences with the filter 45 according to the first embodiment. It has to be considered that each element, which is not described in this third embodiment is similar as in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the filter 245 comprises an upstream end filter portion 270 similar to the upstream end filter portion 70 explained above but further comprising a flavoring capsule 295 trapped in the filter paper 77. In comparison with the previous cases, the density of the filter paper 77 may be increased. During a vaping session, the aerosol passes through the upstream end filter portion 270, get in contact with the flavoring capsule 295 to be loaded with the flavor of the flavoring capsule 295, and then passes through the mouth end of the filter portion 65 until the user’s mouth.

The flavoring capsule’s diameter can be comprised between 2,5 and 4,5 mm. Additionally, the flavoring capsule 295 can comprise a shell containing a flavoring agent releasable while vaping. The flavoring agent may for example be liquid or powder. The flavouring agent may be, for example menthol, peppermint, berry, lemon, peach, apple, cardamon, cherry, celery, fenugreek, bergamot, jasmine, ginger, orange oil, lemon oil, cassia, etc.

The shell of the flavoring capsule 295 is preferably breakable by a pinch of the user on the upstream end filter portion 270. After such pinch, the flavoring agent spreads in the upstream end filter portion 270 and is absorbed by the filter paper 77. The capsule may be one as described in EP 1906775 B1. For example, the shell of the capsule may comprise at least one hydrocolloid selected from gellan gum, agar, alginates, carrageenan, pectin, Arabic gum, ghatti gum, pullulan gum, mannan gum or modified starch, alone or as a mixture thereof or combination thereof. In such case, during a vaping session, the aerosol passing through the upstream end filter portion 70 is loaded with the flavor of the liquid initially contained in the flavoring capsule 95.

To manufacture the upstream end filter portion 270, the flavoring capsule 295 is for example inserted in the filter paper 77 of the upstream end filter portion 270 before the filter paper 77 has been gathered and crimped to form upstream end filter portion 270. Then, the upstream end filter wrapper 85 surrounds the filter paper 77. FOURTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

A filter 345 according to a fourth embodiment will now be presented with reference to Figure 6, and only by its differences with the filter 145 according to the second embodiment. It has to be considered that each element, which is not described in this fourth embodiment, is similar as in the second embodiment.

In this embodiment, the filter 345 comprises an upstream end filter portion 370 similar to the upstream end filter portion 170 explained above but comprising a flavoring capsule 395 trapped in the filter paper paper 77 of the upstream end filter portion 70. The flavoring capsule 395 is for example similar to the capsule 295 explained in relation with the third embodiment of the invention. It can be integrated into the upstream end filter portion 370 using methods similar to those explained above.

FIFTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

A filter 445 according to a fifth embodiment will now be presented with reference to Figure 7 and only by its differences with the filter 245 according to the third embodiment. It has to be considered that each element, which is not described in this fifth embodiment, is similar as in the third embodiment.

In the fifth embodiment, the filter 445 comprises a mouth end filter portion 465, an upstream end filter portion 470, and a hollow inner tube 475 similar to the hollow inner tube 75 according to the third embodiment.

In the fifth embodiment, the upstream end filter portion 470 comprises the hollow inner tube 475 and the filter paper material 77 described above. The features concerning the density filter paper material 77 described above concerning the mouth end filter portion, are applicable to the upstream end filter portion 470 of the fifth embodiment since the hollow inner tube 475 is located in said upstream end filter portion 470. Similarly, the features concerning the pressure drop of the upstream end filter portion, described in the third embodiment, are applicable to the mouth end filter portion 465 of the fifth embodiment since the hollow inner tube 475 is located in said upstream end filter portion 470. The hollow inner tube 475 is open at the upstream end 55 of the filter 445. As an example, the hollow inner tube 475 extends along the entire length of the upstream end filter portion 470, so that when the filter 445 is assembled, the hollow inner tube 475 opens to the mouth end filter portion 465. During a vaping session, the aerosol passes inside the hollow inner tube 475, thus reducing the pressure drop caused by the filter 445.

According to the fifth embodiment, the density of the filter paper 77 in the upstream end filter portion 470 is comprised between 0,0200 mg/mm³ and 0,180 mg/mm³, and advantageously between 0,0250 mg/mm³ and 0,135 mg/mm³. Similarly, the density of the filter paper 77 in the mouth end filter portion 465 is comprised between 0,0200 mg/mm³ and 0,170 mg/mm³, and advantageously between 0,0250 mg/mm³ and 0,130 mg/mm³.

It is clear that the mouth end filter portion 465 comprises the filter paper material 77 describes above, except that the filter paper material 77 does not surrounds the hollow inner tube 475 since said hollow inner tube 475 is located in the upstream end filter portion 470.

In the fifth embodiment, the filter 445 may further comprise a flavoring capsule 495 similar to the flavoring capsule 295 of the filter 245 according to the third embodiment. However, the capsule 495 is located in the mouth end filter portion 465.

The manufacturing of the filter 445 according to the fifth embodiment is similar to the manufacturing of the filter 295 according to the third embodiment except that the hollow inner 475 tube is in the upstream end filter portion 470 and that the flavoring capsule 495 is in the mouth end filter portion 465.

SIXTH EMBODIMENT

A filter 545 according to a sixth embodiment will now be presented with reference to Figure 8 and only by its differences with the filter 345 according to the fourth embodiment. It has to be considered that each element, which is not described in this sixth embodiment, is similar as in the fourth embodiment.

In this embodiment, the filter 545 comprises a mouth end filter portion 565, an upstream end filter portion 570, and a hollow inner tube 575 similar to the hollow inner tube according to the third embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the upstream end filter portion 570 comprises the hollow inner tube 575 and the filter paper material 77 described above. The features concerning the density filter paper material 77 described in the third embodiment, for the mouth end filter portion, are applicable to the upstream end filter portion 570 of the fifth embodiment since the hollow inner tube 575 is located in said upstream end filter portion 570. Similarly, the features concerning the pressure drop of the upstream end filter portion, described in the third embodiment, are applicable to the mouth end filter portion 565 of the fifth embodiment since the hollow inner tube 575 is located in said upstream end filter portion 570.

The hollow inner tube 575 is open at the upstream end 55 of the filter 545. As an example, the hollow inner tube 575 extends along the entire length of the upstream end filter portion 570, so that when the filter 545 is assembled, the hollow inner tube 575 opens to the mouth end filter portion 565. During a vaping session, the aerosol passes inside the hollow inner tube 575, thus reducing the pressure drop caused by the filter 545.

According to the sixth embodiment, the density of the filter paper 77 in the upstream end filter portion 570 is comprised between 0,0200 mg/mm³ and 0,180 mg/mm³, and advantageously between 0,0250 mg/mm³ and 0,135 mg/mm³. Similarly, the density of the filter paper 77 in the mouth end filter portion 565 is comprised between 0,0200 mg/mm³ and 0,170 mg/mm³, and advantageously between 0,0250 mg/mm³ and 0,130 mg/mm³.

It is clear that the mouth end filter portion 565 comprises the filter paper material 77 describes above, except that the filter paper material 77 does not surrounds the hollow inner tube 575 since said hollow inner tube 575 is located in the upstream end filter portion 570.

In the sixth embodiment, the filter 545 may further comprise a flavoring capsule 595 similar to the flavoring capsule 395 of the filter 345 according to the fourth embodiment. However, the capsule 595 is located in the mouth end filter portion 565.

The manufacturing of the filter 545 according to the sixth embodiment is similar to the manufacturing of the filter 395 according to the fourth embodiment except that the hollow inner tube 575 is in the upstream end filter portion 570 and the flavoring capsule 595 is in the mouth end filter portion 565. OPERATION OF THE INVENTION

It will now be described the operation of the aerosol generating article 20 and more specifically of the filter 45, 145, 245, 345 according to the invention

Initially, the aerosol generating article 20 is inserted in the article socket 26 of the aerosol generating assembly 10. During a vaping session, the aerosol generating substrate 40 is heated and release aerosol. When the user inhales, the aerosol is vacuumed through the aerosol generating article 20. Particularly, the aerosol passes through the aerosol generating substrate 40 until the downstream end 50. If applicable, the aerosol then passes through the cooling or distancing element 42 wherein it is cooled. Then, the aerosol reaches the upstream end 55 of the filter 45.

The aerosol then passes through the upstream end filter portion 70, 170, 270, 370 wherein its pressure slightly drops. If the filter is according to the third or the fourth embodiment, the aerosol reaches the flavoring capsule 295, 395. Preferably, the flavoring capsule 295, 395 is a breakable capsule which is crushed by applying a force on the capsule, thus releasing the flavoring agent. For example, the capsule can have a crush strength (as measured in EP1906775B1 ) from 5 to 25 N. The aerosol thus gets loaded with the flavor of the flavoring agent.

Then, the aerosol reaches the mouth end filter portion 65, 165. Preferably, the aerosol passes mainly through the hollow inner tube 75 wherein its pressure remains substantially constant. At least a part of the aerosol passes through the filter paper 77 surrounding the hollow inner tube 75 wherein its pressure slightly drops again. Eventually, the aerosol reaches the mouth end 60. The aerosol then enters the user’s mouth.

If the filter 445, 545 is according to the fifth or the sixth embodiment, the operation of the aerosol generating article 20 is similar as previously presented except the following elements. When the aerosol reaches the upstream end 55, the aerosol mainly flows through the hollow inner tube 475, 575 in the upstream end filter portion 470, 570, until it reaches the mouth end filter portion 465, 565.

Upon reaching the mouth end filter portion 465, 565, the aerosol flows in the filter paper 77 until it reaches the flavoring capsule 495, 595, which has been previously crushed by the user, and get loaded with the flavoring agent. The aerosol then reaches the mouth end 60 and enters the user’s mouth.

In any of said first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiment the pressure drop of the filter 45, 145, 245, 345 according to the invention is preferably below 5 mmH20 per mm, and more preferably below 3 mmH20 per mm.

For example, if the filter 45, 145 according to the invention does not comprise a flavoring capsule, the pressure drop is preferably below 3 mmH20 per mm. If the filter 245, 345 according to the invention comprises a flavoring capsule 295, 395, the pressure drop is preferably below 5 mmH20 per mm.

The target pressure drop of the aerosol generating article 20 as a whole, can be comprised between 1 and 7 mmH20 per mm. The pressure drop is determined under standard conditions according to ISO 6565:2015. The pressure drop is the static pressure, expressed in mmH20, also denoted mmWG, or Pascal (1 mmWG=9.8067 Pa), determined by a calibrated/adjusted pressure-drop instrument, between the two ends of the tested filter segment when it is traversed by an air flow under steady conditions in which the measured volumetric flow, under standard conditions, at the output end is 17.5 ml/s. The filter samples are completely encapsulated in an impermeable sleeve to prevent air ‘short-circuiting’ down the outside of the sample. The pressure drop per unit length (PD/mm) is obtained by measuring a filter sample of determined length and by dividing the pressure drop value by the length in millimeter of the filter.

Claims

1 . An aerosol generating article (20) comprising a filter (445; 545); the filter (445; 545) extending along a filter axis (F) between an upstream end (55) and a mouth end (60), the upstream end (55) being configured to be in fluid communication with a downstream end (50) of an aerosol generating substrate (40); the filter (445; 545) comprising:

- a mouth end filter portion (465; 565);

- an upstream end filter portion (470; 570) adjacent to the mouth end filter portion (465; 565); wherein the mouth end filter portion and the upstream end filter portion comprise filter paper or non-woven sheet (77), and

- a hollow inner tube (475; 575) inserted in the upstream end filter portion (470; 570) to extend through this portion (465; 565) and being open at the mouth end filter portion (465, 565) of the filter (445; 545).

2. An aerosol generating article (20) according to claim 1 , wherein the upstream end filter portion (470; 570) comprises a plug wrap having a basis weight above 45 gsm, preferably between 45 gsm and 120 gsm, more preferably between 80 gsm and 100 gsm.

3. The aerosol generating article (20) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the filter (445; 545) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mouth end filter portion (470; 570) comprises a gathered sheet of paper providing a low pressure drop filter paper (77), the low pressure drop filter paper preferably having the pressure drop lower than 5 mmH20 per mm length, and more preferably lower than 3 mmH20 per mm length.

4. The aerosol generating article (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filter paper or non-woven sheet (77) of the upstream end filter portion (465; 565) surrounds the hollow inner tube (75); preferably the density of the filter paper (77) in the upstream end filter portion (465; 565) being comprised between 0,0200 mg/mm³ and 0,180 mg/mm³, and advantageously between 0,025 mg/mm³ and 0,135 mg/mm³.

5. The aerosol generating article (20) according to claim 4, wherein the mouth end filter portion (565) and the upstream end filter portion (570) form a single filter segment comprising filter paper or non-woven sheet (77) wrapped by a common filter wrapper (187).

6. The aerosol generating article (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upstream end filter portion (470) and the mouth end filter portion (465) form separate filter segments individually wrapped by a respective filter wrapper (80, 85); the mouth end filter portion (465) and the upstream end filter portion (470) being assembled together by a common outer wrapper (187).

7. The aerosol generating article (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouth end filter portion (465; 565) and the upstream end filter portion (470; 570) are adjacent, the hollow inner tube (475, 575) opening to the an upstream end (55) of the upstream end filter portion (470, 570).

8. The aerosol generating article (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow inner tube (475; 575) is made of paper.

9. The aerosol generating article (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow inner tube (475; 575) has a circular, triangular or square cross-section.

10. The aerosol generating article (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one flavouring capsule (495; 595).

11 . The aerosol generating article (20) according to claim 10, wherein the flavouring capsule (495; 595) is inserted in the mouth end filter portion (465; 565).

12. The aerosol generating article (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upstream end filter portion (470; 570) and/or the mouth end filter portion (465, 565) comprise(s) a taste improving or performance enhancing additive.

13. The aerosol generating article (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an aerosol generating substrate (40) comprising a downstream end (50).

14. The aerosol generating article (20) according to claim 13, further comprising a cooling or distancing element (42) arranged between the aerosol generating substrate (40) and the filter (445; 545), the cooling or distancing element being preferably adjacent the downstream end (50).

15. The aerosol generating article (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the density of the filter paper (77) in the mouth end filter portion (465; 565) is comprised between 0,0200 mg/mm³ and 0,170 mg/mm³, and advantageously between 0,0250 mg/mm³ and 0,130 mg/mm³.