ES2905967T3 - Aerosol-generating article having an upstream cavity nozzle - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating article (10) comprising: an aerosol generating substrate (12); and a nozzle (14) in axial alignment with the aerosol generating substrate (12), the nozzle (14) comprising: an additive segment (18, 20) of filtration material comprising one or more breakable capsules (22, 24 ), each breakable capsule comprises an outer shell and an inner core containing an additive, and an intermediate segment of filtration material provided adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate (12), characterized in that the additive segment of filtration material (18, 20 ) separates downstream of the intermediate segment to define an upstream cavity (26) between the intermediate segment and the filter material additive segment (18, 20), wherein the upstream cavity (26) is essentially empty; and an envelope (28) circumscribing the additive segment of filtration material (18, 20) and the upstream cavity (26).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Aerosol-generating article having an upstream cavity nozzle

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating article having a nozzle with an upstream cavity.

Filter cigarettes typically comprise a cut-off tobacco rod surrounded by a paper wrapper and a cylindrical filter axially aligned in end-to-end abutting relationship with the wrapped tobacco rod. The cylindrical filter typically comprises a filtration material circumscribed by a paper plug envelope. Conventionally, the wrapped tobacco rod and filter are joined by a tip wrap band, typically formed of an opaque paper material circumscribing the entire length of the filter and an adjacent portion of the wrapped tobacco rod. Smoking articles having a cavity at the mouthside end of their filter section have also been proposed.

A number of smoking articles in which the tobacco is heated rather than combusted have also been proposed in the art. In heated smoking articles, an aerosol is generated by heating an aerosol-generating substrate, such as tobacco. Known heated smoking articles include, for example, smoking articles in which an aerosol is generated by electrical heating or by the transfer of heat from a fuel element or heat source to an aerosol-forming substrate. During smoking, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in the air drawn through the smoking article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer. Smoking articles are also known in which a nicotine-containing aerosol is generated from a tobacco material, tobacco extract, or other source of nicotine, without combustion, and in some cases without heating, for example, through through a chemical reaction.

US 2015/296878 A1 describes a smoking article including a tobacco rod and a filter. The filter comprises a first section at the mouth side end of the filter comprising absorbent material and a capsule arranged in an axial region thereof. The filter further comprises a second section at the tobacco end of the filter comprising fibrous filter material formed into a tubular shape and having a channel extending through the center of the filter material.

US 8,459,271 B2 discloses a non-combustion type flavor draw article comprising a tobacco sheet and a mouthpiece. A capsule is sandwiched by a pair of leak protection elements made of, for example, a filter material such as a paper filter or an acetate filter. The tobacco sheet is wrapped around one of the leak-proof members and the mouthpiece to form a tube, and a wrapping material is further wrapped around the capsule, the leak-proof members and the tobacco sheet.

WO 2017/198876 A1 describes an article including a tobacco rod towards a first end and a filter towards a second end, which is a mouthpiece end. A capsule is disposed inside the filter. A paper cover retains the components in a cylindrical configuration and provides an unfilled cavity between the tobacco rod and the filter. Another short passage is shown between the filter and the second end.

It is known to incorporate one or more breakable capsules containing an additive into the nozzle of an aerosol generating article, where one or more breakable capsules are intended to be broken by the consumer by applying a compressive force to the nozzle. Breaking one or more capsules releases the additive contained within the capsules into the mouthpiece so that it can be entrained by the smoke or aerosol passing through the mouthpiece. The consumer may choose to break one or more capsules to release the additive into the mouthpiece before, during or after smoking. For example, it has previously been proposed to incorporate one or more breakable capsules containing additional flavorant into the mouthpiece of a smoking article so that the flavorant can be released into mainstream smoke to provide a modified sensory experience to the consumer. Breakable capsules are commonly formed with an inner core that includes the additive and a frangible outer shell. Upon application of force by the consumer, the outer shell cracks and breaks, releasing the inner core from the capsule. Breakage of the outer shell typically generates an audible sound, indicating to the consumer that the capsule has broken and the additive has been released.

During the smoking action of a smoking article incorporating a breakable capsule, smoke drawn through the mouthpiece from the aerosol generating substrate will typically contact the capsule within the mouthpiece. It has been found that the capsule can be adversely affected by the heat and humidity of the smoke. In particular, it has been found that the outer shell of the capsule can soften as a result of contact with smoke, which can make it difficult for the consumer to break open the capsule to release the additive. It can also be difficult for the consumer to tell if the capsule has broken, as the outer shell becomes too soft enough to make an audible snapping sound. The same problem can arise in a heated aerosol-generating article as a result of the aerosol passing through the nozzle in contact with the capsule.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating article that incorporates a novel mouthpiece arrangement that provides a more reliable and stable means of delivering an additive, such as a flavorant, into the mouthpiece during smoking. In particular, it would be desirable to provide such an aerosol-generating article having a nozzle arrangement that reduces damage to a capsule within the nozzle as a result of contact with mainstream smoke or aerosol generated during use. It would further be desirable to provide such an aerosol-generating article that can be manufactured at high speed using existing apparatus and methods without the need for significant modification.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating article comprising: an aerosol generating substrate; and a nozzle in axial alignment with the aerosol generating substrate, the nozzle comprising an additive segment of filtration material comprising one or more breakable capsules, each breakable capsule comprising an outer shell and an inner core containing an additive. The filtration material additive segment is separated downstream from the aerosol-generating substrate to define an upstream cavity between the aerosol-generating substrate and the filtration material additive segment, wherein the upstream cavity is essentially empty. The aerosol-generating article further comprises an envelope circumscribing the additive segment of filtration material and the upstream cavity.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" describes a substrate capable of releasing, upon heating (including combustion), volatile compounds, which can form an aerosol. Aerosol generated from aerosol-generating substrates may be visible or invisible and may include vapors (for example, fine particles of substances, which are in a gaseous state, that are commonly liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as gases and liquid droplets of condensed vapors. As used herein, the term "aerosol" encompasses aerosol produced by heating a substrate in a heated aerosol-generating article and smoke produced by combustion of a substrate in a combustible smoking article.

As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" describe the relative positions of elements or portions of elements of an aerosol generating article relative to the direction in which a user draws on the generating article. spray during use. The aerosol-generating articles described herein comprise a downstream end and an opposite upstream end. During use, the consumer draws on the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream end, which is also described as the mouthside end, is downstream of the upstream end, which may also be described as the distal end.

As used herein, the term "essentially unfilled" describes a cavity that is essentially free of solid or liquid materials. Preferably, less than 5 percent of the upstream cavity contains solid or liquid material. More preferably, less than 2 percent of the upstream cavity contains solid or liquid material. Most preferably, the upstream cavity is completely empty such that the upstream cavity contains no solid or liquid material. Therefore, the aerosol passes through the upstream cavity in an essentially unrestricted manner.

Aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present invention comprise a nozzle incorporating an upstream cavity between the aerosol-generating substrate and the additive segment including one or more capsules. The provision of this upstream cavity advantageously improves the stability of one or more capsules by significantly reducing the adverse effects of the aerosol on the capsules, as described above. This is due to the fact that the aerosol has to pass through the upstream cavity before reaching the additive segment, which means that the aerosol is cooler when it comes into contact with one or more capsules. There will also typically be some condensation of the aerosol within the upstream cavity, which means that the moisture content of the aerosol is reduced before it reaches the additive segment.

As a result of the upstream cavity, the aerosol is significantly cooler and has a lower moisture content when it reaches one or more capsules within the additive segment than if the aerosol had passed directly from the aerosol-generating substrate to the additive. segment. Therefore, the aerosol has less effect on the outer shell of one or more capsules. In particular, softening of the outer shell during use of the aerosol-generating article is reduced and preferably minimized so that one or more capsules within the additive segment are found to more reliably rupture upon application of a shear force. consumer compression. In addition, the one or more capsules retain the ability to generate an audible sound upon breaking so that the consumer can more reliably detect the breakage of one or more capsules during use.

The novel nozzle arrangement of the present invention can be readily incorporated into an aerosol generating article without significantly affecting manufacturing apparatus and techniques. The nozzle components themselves do not need to be significantly modified and the apparatus for assembling the nozzle components is can be easily adjusted to provide the new layout with the cavity upstream, without significantly affecting the speed of the assembly process.

The upstream cavity preferably has a length of at least about 3 millimeters, more preferably at least about 4 millimeters, most preferably at least about 5 millimeters. This ensures that the upstream cavity provides enough space for the spray to cool and dry to the desired extent before reaching the additive segment. Preferably, the upstream cavity is less than about 30 millimeters in length, more preferably less than about 25 millimeters. However, in certain embodiments, for example, embodiments in which the upstream cavity is defined by a cap shell as described below, the upstream cavity preferably has a length of less than about 10 millimeters, more preferably about 10 millimeters. less than about 7 millimeters. The "length" of the upstream cavity refers to the dimension of the upstream cavity in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

The length of the upstream cavity preferably corresponds to at least about 15 percent of the total length of the nozzle, more preferably at least about 20 percent of the total length of the nozzle.

The cross-sectional area of the upstream cavity preferably corresponds to at least about 30 percent of the cross-sectional area of the nozzle, more preferably at least about 50 percent of the cross-sectional area of the nozzle.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the upstream cavity extends from the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate to the upstream end of the additive segment. In such embodiments, no intermediate material is required between the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate and the upstream end of the additive segment.

The mouthpiece comprises an intermediate segment of filtration material between the aerosol generating substrate and the additive filter segment. The intermediate segment of filtration material is provided adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate such that the upstream cavity is provided between the intermediate segment of filtration material and the additive segment. Also, in some embodiments, an intermediate segment of filtration material may be provided adjacent to the additive segment. Preferably, the wrapper of aerosol-generating articles according to the invention circumscribes any intermediate segment of filtration material that is provided between the aerosol-generating substrate and the additive segment.

The provision of one or more intermediate segments of filtration material may advantageously provide additional cooling and drying of the aerosol before it reaches the additive segment, so that the effect of the aerosol on the one or more capsules may be further reduced.

The cavity upstream of the nozzle of aerosol generating articles in accordance with the invention may be defined by any suitable means.

In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the envelope circumscribing the additive segment and upstream cavity is a plug envelope and the plug envelope defines the upstream cavity. Therefore, the plug shell extends upstream of the additive segment to define the upstream cavity. In such embodiments, the cap shell preferably has a basis weight of at least about 50 grams per square meter, more preferably at least about 70 grams per square meter. This provides a relatively rigid plug shell that maintains the structural rigidity of the upstream cavity and helps prevent collapse of the upstream cavity during manufacture or during use. For example, the cap liner can have a basis weight of between about 50 grams per square meter and about 120 grams per square meter, or between about 70 grams per square meter and about 110 grams per square meter.

The use of the plug shell to define the upstream cavity can simplify the manufacturing process, as no additional components need to be incorporated into the nozzle.

In embodiments where the plug shell defines the upstream cavity, the length of the upstream cavity is typically limited to retain the structural integrity of the nozzle. Also, in such embodiments, the upstream cavity will not contribute significantly to the RTD of the nozzle. Therefore, the additive segment and any other nozzle components must provide the desired level of RTD downstream of the upstream cavity. In such embodiments, the upstream cavity is therefore preferably no more than 7 millimeters long, for example between about 5 millimeters and about 7 millimeters long.

In such embodiments, the length of the upstream cavity preferably corresponds to less than about 25 percent of the total length of the nozzle, more preferably less than about 20 percent of the total length of the nozzle. The length of the upstream cavity in these embodiments is therefore preferably between about 15 percent and about 25 percent of the total length of the nozzle.

In alternative preferred embodiments, the nozzle comprises a hollow tube segment between the substrate and the filter segment, wherein the hollow tube segment defines the upstream cavity. The use of a hollow tube segment to define the upstream cavity may advantageously make the upstream cavity more resistant to collapsing or deformation during manufacture and subsequent use of the aerosol generating article. In some cases, the hollow tube segment can additionally contribute to the overall RTD of the nozzle.

The hollow tube segment may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the hollow tube segment may be formed from a segment of ring-shaped filter material, such as cellulose acetate, having a hollow core extending from the upstream end of the segment of ring-shaped filter material. to the downstream end of the ring-shaped segment. of filter material. Such segments may be called hollow acetate tubes.

Preferably, the ring-shaped segment filtration material comprises fibers between about 2.1 denier per filament (dpf) and about 12 dpf, more preferably between about 3.0 denier per filament (dpf) and about 10 dpf. Preferably, the ring-shaped segment filtration material comprises fibers between about 30,000 total denier (td) and about 50,000 td, more preferably between 35,000 total denier (td) and about 45,000 td. In a preferred embodiment, the ring-shaped segment filtration material comprises fibers of approximately 40,000 td. Preferably, the hollow tube segment comprises one or more plasticizers. Suitable plasticizers include triacetin, triethyl citrate, and triethylene glycol diacetate. Preferably, the plasticizer is present in the ring-shaped segment in an amount of from about 8 to about 25 weight percent, more preferably from about 10 to about 22 weight percent. This can help the hollow tube segment maintain its structural rigidity in the nozzle. Preferably, when the hollow tube is an annular-shaped segment of filtration material such as a hollow acetate tube, the wall thickness of the hollow tube segment is at least about 0.3 millimeters, more preferably at least about 0.3 millimeters. .5 millimeters. Alternatively or additionally, the wall thickness of the hollow tube segment in such embodiments is less than about 1.2 millimeters, more preferably less than about 1.1 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the wall thickness of the hollow tube segment is between about 0.5 millimeters and about 1.1 millimeters.

In some other preferred embodiments, the hollow tube segment is formed from a paper material. More preferably, the hollow tube segment is formed from a plurality of overlapping paper layers, such as a plurality of parallel wound paper layers or a plurality of spirally wound paper layers. Forming the hollow tube segment from a plurality of overlapping paper layers can help improve resistance to collapse or deformation.

Preferably, each hollow tube segment comprises at least two layers of paper. Alternatively or additionally, each hollow tube segment preferably comprises fewer than eleven layers of paper.

Preferably, at least one of the paper layers is made from a paper with a basis weight of at least about 100 grams per square meter.

Preferably, when the hollow tube segment is formed from layers of paper, the wall thickness of the hollow tube segment is at least about 100 microns. More preferably, the wall thickness of the hollow tube segment is at least about 200 microns. Alternatively or additionally, the wall thickness of the hollow tube segment in such embodiments is less than about 300 microns. Preferably, the wall thickness of the hollow tube segment is less than about 270 microns. In some preferred embodiments, the wall thickness of the hollow tube segment is from about 100 microns to about 300 microns, preferably from 200 microns to 270 microns.

Where the upstream cavity is defined by a hollow tube segment, as described above, the length of the upstream cavity may be significantly greater than where the upstream cavity is defined by a plug wrap. For example, the upstream cavity can be up to 30 millimeters long or up to 25 millimeters long. This is due to the structural rigidity provided by the hollow tube segment, which reduces the risk of collapse of the upstream cavity.

In such embodiments, the length of the upstream cavity may be up to about 85 percent of the total nozzle length, or up to about 70 percent of the total nozzle length. nozzle. The length of the upstream cavity in these embodiments is therefore preferably between about 15 percent and about 85 percent of the total length of the nozzle.

The additive segment of the mouthpiece of aerosol generating articles in accordance with the present invention comprises a segment of filtration material containing one or more breakable capsules. The additive segment is preferably at least about 8 millimeters long, more preferably at least about 10 millimeters, most preferably about 12 millimeters long. Preferably, the additive segment is less than about 16 millimeters in length, more preferably less than about 14 millimeters.

In some embodiments of the present invention, for example, when the upstream cavity is defined by the cap shell, the length of the additive segment may be greater than the length of the upstream cavity. For example, the length of the additive segment may be at least 1.5 times the length of the upstream cavity, more preferably at least 2 times the length of the upstream cavity.

In other embodiments of the present invention, for example, when the upstream cavity is defined by a hollow tube segment, the length of the additive segment may be less than or essentially the same as the length of the upstream cavity. For example, the length of the additive segment can be between about 0.25 times and about 1 times the length of the upstream cavity.

The length of the additive segment preferably corresponds to at least about 20 percent of the total length of the nozzle, more preferably at least about 30 percent. Preferably, the length of the additive segment corresponds to less than about 85 percent of the total length of the nozzle, more preferably less than about 60 percent.

The additive segment preferably comprises a plug of fibrous filter material, such as cellulose acetate tow or paper. A filter plasticizer can be applied to the fibrous filter material in a conventional manner by spraying it onto the separated fibers.

The additive segment may include a single breakable capsule. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the additive segment comprises a single breakable capsule within a cellulose acetate tow plug. When a single breakable capsule is provided, the breakable capsule is preferably essentially spherical with a diameter between about 2 millimeters and about 5 millimeters. Preferably, the individual capsule is provided approximately centrally along the length of the additive segment.

The additive segment may alternatively comprise a plurality of breakable capsules dispersed throughout the segment. The plurality of breakable caps may all contain the same additive, or the breakable caps may contain two or more different additives.

The additive contained in one or more breakable capsules may include at least one flavor comprising at least one of menthol, linalool, thymol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, and combinations thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one flavoring may comprise at least one of lemon oil, peppermint oil, parsley oil, mushroom oil, green tea extract, oolong tea extract, mugwort extract, apple extract , persimmon extract, ginger essence, and their combinations. Suitable flavors are described in US-6426089-B1.

At least one flavor may comprise a diluent. The diluent may comprise at least one of palm oil and medium chain triglycerides.

Many flavors of natural origin can be obtained either by extraction from a natural source or by chemical synthesis if the structure of the compound is known. Flavors may be extracted from a plant or animal part by physical means, by enzymes, or by water or an organic solvent, and thus include any extract, essence, hydrolyzate, distillate, or absolute thereof. Plants that can be used to provide flavoring include, but are not limited to those in the families Lamiaceae (eg, mints), Apiaceae (eg, anise, fennel), Lauraceae (eg, bay, cinnamon, de rosa), Rutaceae (eg citrus), Myrtaceae (eg anise myrtle), and Fabaceae (eg licorice). Non-limiting examples of flavor sources include mints such as spearmint and spearmint, coffee, tea, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cocoa, vanilla, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, agave, juniper, balm balm, basil, cinnamon, basil lemon, chives, coriander, lavender, sage, tea, thyme and caraway. The term "mints" is used to refer to plants of the genus Mentha. Suitable types of mint leaf can be taken from plant varieties including, but not limited to Mentha piperita, Mentha arvensis, Mentha niliaca, Mentha citrata, Mentha spicata, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cordifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha pulegium, Mentha suaveolens and Mentha suaveolens variegata.

The additive contained in one or more breakable capsules may provide one or more sensory effects in addition to a taste sensation, such as a cooling or warm sensation, a tingling sensation, a sensation of numbness, effervescence, increased salivation, cough suppression and their combinations. Sensory effects may be provided by one or more flavors, including the flavors listed above. Alternatively or additionally, the additive may comprise at least one non-flavoring material that provides one or more of these sensory effects without providing a taste sensation. For example, suitable compounds that produce a cooling effect and can be used as an active material include, but are not limited to, the carboxamide family of compounds, such as Wilkinson-Sword (WS) ^w S-3 (N-Ethyl-pmenthane) compounds. -3-carboxamide), WS-23 (2-Isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide), WS-5 [Ethyl 3-(p-menthane-3-carboxamido)acetate], WS-27 (N-Ethyl- 2,2-diisopropylbutanamide), WS-14 [N-([ethoxycarbonyl]methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide], and WS-116 (N-(1,1-Dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-2, 2-diethylbutanamide). A suitable compound that provides a cough suppressant effect is benzonatate.

The one or more breakable capsules are preferably provided at least about 2 millimeters from the upstream end of the additive segment, more preferably at least about 4 millimeters. This maximizes the separation of one or more capsules from the aerosol generating substrate which, in turn, maximizes the reduction in temperature and moisture content of the aerosol before it reaches the capsules. Furthermore, positioning one or more capsules away from the upstream end of the additive segment ensures that the additive is effectively dispersed throughout the additive segment after it has been released from one or more capsules and does not leak into the upstream cavity. .

The one or more breakable capsules in the additive segment are preferably provided at least about 5 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate, more preferably at least about 8 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate and so on. most preferably at least about 10 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the one or more breakable capsules in the additive segment can be provided between about 5 millimeters and about 12 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

The nozzle of aerosol generating articles in accordance with the invention may include only the additive segment downstream of the upstream cavity. Alternatively, the nozzle may further comprise a downstream segment of filter material downstream of the additive segment. Preferably, the downstream segment of the filtration material is in an end-to-end abutting relationship with the additive segment.

When present, the downstream segment of the filtration material preferably comprises one or more additional breakable capsules, which may be the same as, or different from, one or more breakable capsules in the additive segment.

Alternatively or in addition to the provision of one or more additional breakable capsules within the downstream segment of the filter material, the downstream segment of the filter material may optionally incorporate a downstream recess. Preferably, the downstream recess provides a recess at the mouthside end for the mouthpiece. When present, the recess can be between about 3 millimeters and about 8 millimeters in length, most preferably about 5 millimeters.

The downstream segment of the filter material is preferably at least about 8 millimeters in length, more preferably at least about 9 millimeters, most preferably about 10 millimeters long. Preferably, the downstream segment is less than about 14 millimeters in length, more preferably less than about 12 millimeters. The length of the downstream segment of the filter material may be approximately equal to the length of the additive segment. Alternatively, the additive segment may be at least about 1 millimeter longer than the downstream segment of the filter material, or at least about 2 millimeters longer. Alternatively, the additive segment may be at least 1 millimeter shorter than the downstream segment of the filter material, or at least 2 millimeters longer.

The downstream segment of the filter material may be formed of the same filter material as the additive segment, or a different filter material. In a preferred embodiment, both the additive segment and the downstream segment of the filtration material are formed from cellulose acetate tow plugs. The downstream segment of the filter material can be selected to provide the required resistance to aspiration (RTD). Preferably, the downstream segment of the filter material has an RTD of at least about 5 mm WG (water gauge). Preferably, the downstream segment of the filter material has an RTD of less than about 120 mm WG, more preferably less than about 80 mm WG. RTD is measured in accordance with ISO 6565:2002.

Preferably, the mouthpiece of aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present invention further comprises one or more vent zones disposed on the additive segment. Preferably one One or more vent zones are provided upstream of one or more capsules in the additive segment. The provision of an upstream vent introduces cooler air into the aerosol upstream of one or more capsules. This advantageously provides an additional cooling effect on the spray to further minimize the impact of the spray on rupture of the outer shell. Furthermore, the air introduced into the nozzle through one or more ventilation zones dilutes the aerosol, thus reducing the moisture content. This further minimizes the impact of the aerosol on the outer layer.

The one or more vent zones are preferably provided at least about 1 millimeter upstream before the one or more capsules in the additive segment, more preferably at least about 2 millimeters upstream before the one or more capsules. This ensures that cooling air is introduced into the nozzle sufficiently upstream of one or more capsules so that the cooling air can mix with the aerosol.

The one or more vent zones are preferably provided at least about 2 millimeters from the upstream end of the additive segment, more preferably at least about 3 millimeters from the upstream end of the additive segment.

The additive segment ventilation level is preferably between about 20 percent and about 80 percent, measured in accordance with ISO 9512:2002.

The one or more vent zones may be provided by one or more circumferential rows of perforations in the wrapper(s) circumscribing the additive segment. For example, an on-line laser drilling process can be used to form the required ventilation zones in the wrapper.

Alternatively or in addition to the one or more vent zones provided on the additive segment, as described above, the nozzle may comprise one or more vent zones provided on the upstream cavity. The provision of one or more vent zones above the upstream cavity introduces air into the upstream cavity during smoking. This advantageously increases the turbulence of the aerosol within the upstream cavity and increases the residence time of the aerosol within the cavity. As a result, the aerosol has more time to cool down before reaching one or more breakable capsules in the additive segment. As described above, the nozzle of aerosol generating articles in accordance with the present invention comprises an envelope circumscribing the upstream cavity and the additive segment. The shell is preferably a plug shell that circumscribes the additive cavity and circumscribes or defines the upstream cavity. When the plug shell defines the upstream cavity, as described above, the plug shell is preferably a relatively high basis weight rigid plug shell, as described. Where a downstream segment of filter material is provided downstream of the additive segment, the plug wrapper preferably also circumscribes the downstream segment of filter material to combine the nozzle components. Similarly, when one or more intermediate segments of filtration material are provided between the aerosol-generating substrate and the additive segment, the plug wrapper preferably circumscribes the intermediate segments of filtration material to combine all components of the mouthpiece.

Preferably, the wrapper does not extend over any part of the aerosol-generating substrate. Preferably, the wrapper extends between the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream end of the nozzle. The use of a wrapper that does not extend around any part of the aerosol-generating substrate advantageously simplifies the construction of the aerosol-generating article, as it allows the nozzle to be formed separately from the aerosol-generating substrate and then subsequently adhered thereto. in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, by using an envelope that does not extend over any part of the aerosol-generating substrate, it is possible to construct the nozzle and the aerosol-generating substrate with the same external diameter, which facilitates the connection between the nozzle and the aerosol-generating substrate. . (for example, with a tip wrap).

To connect the nozzle to the aerosol-generating substrate, aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present invention may include a tip wrapper circumscribing the nozzle and at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate. The tip wrapper may comprise paper having a basis weight of less than about 70 grams per square meter, preferably less than about 40 grams per square meter. The tip wrapper preferably has a basis weight of greater than about 20 grams per square meter.

The nozzle of aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the invention preferably has an overall length of between about 20 millimeters and about 35 millimeters, measured between the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate and the mouth-side end of the generating article. spray. For example, the nozzle may have a total length of approximately 27 millimeters.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate of aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present invention comprises a wrapped tobacco rod that can be burned to form smoke. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating substrate can be a source of tobacco material, tobacco extract, or other source of nicotine, which can be heated, without combustion, to generate an aerosol.

The aerosol-generating substrate can have a length of between about 45 millimeters and about 65 millimeters. For example, the aerosol generating substrate can have a length of approximately 56 millimeters.

Aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present invention may be filter cigarettes or other smoking articles in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a tobacco material that burns to form smoke. Thus, in any of the embodiments described above, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a tobacco rod.

Alternatively, aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present invention may be articles in which a tobacco material is heated to form an aerosol, rather than burned. In one type of heated aerosol generating article, a tobacco material is heated by one or more electrical heating elements to produce an aerosol. In another type of heated aerosol generating article, an aerosol is produced by the transfer of heat from a combustible or chemical heat source to a physically separate tobacco material, which may be located within, around, or downstream of the heat source. The present invention further encompasses aerosol-generating articles in which a nicotine-containing aerosol is generated from a tobacco material, tobacco extract, or other source of nicotine, without combustion, and in some cases without heating, for example through of a chemical reaction.

The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of between about 40 millimeters and about 90 millimeters, measured between the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article and the mouthside end of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol generating article can have an overall length of about 83 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating article can have an outside diameter (including any tip wrap that may be present) of between about 4 millimeters and about 9 millimeters. For example, the aerosol generating article can have a diameter of about 7.8 millimeters. In other preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article can have a diameter of less than about 7.1 millimeters or less than about 6 millimeters. The present invention finds particular application in nozzles for "thin" or "thin" aerosol-generating articles having a diameter of less than about 7.1 millimeters. In such aerosol-generating articles, damage to the capsules in the nozzle as a result of contact with the aerosol during use can be particularly troublesome.

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

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating article not in accordance with the present invention; Y

Figure 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 1. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an aerosol-generating article 10 comprising an aerosol-generating substrate 12 and a nozzle 14 in axial alignment with the substrate. aerosol generating article 12. The aerosol generating article 10 of Figures 1 and 2 is not in accordance with the present invention because the aerosol generating article 10 does not comprise an intermediate segment of filtration material provided adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate 12.

Aerosol-generating article 10 comprises an aerosol-generating substrate in the form of a wrapped tobacco rod 12 of cut tobacco that is attached at one end to an axially aligned mouthpiece 14 . A tipping paper web 16 circumscribes the tipping 14 and a portion of the wrapped tobacco rod 12 to join the two components of the aerosol generating article 10.

As shown in Figure 2, mouthpiece 14 comprises a first filter segment 18 and a second filter segment 20. First filter segment 18 is provided at the mouthside end of mouthpiece 14 and comprises a plug. wrapped in cellulose acetate tow containing a capsule 22 placed in the center. The first filter segment 18 has a length of 10 millimeters. The second filter segment 20 is provided upstream of the first filter segment 18 and the downstream end of the second filter segment 20 abuts the upstream end of the first filter segment 18. The second filter segment 20 comprises a plug wrapped of cellulose acetate tow containing a capsule 24 placed in the center.

Each of the capsules 22, 24 comprises an inner core of a flavoring additive and a frangible outer shell.

As shown in Figure 2, the second filter segment 20 is separated from the aerosol generating substrate 12 in the longitudinal direction and an upstream cavity 26 is provided between the second filter segment 20 and the aerosol generating substrate 12. upstream cavity 26 is empty and has a length of 5 millimeters. Upstream cavity 26 is defined by a combination plug casing 28 that circumscribes first filter segment 18 and second filter segment 20 and extends 5 millimeters upstream of second filter segment 20. Thus, the casing of the The combination cap 28 does not extend over the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The tip shell 16 overlaps the combination cap shell 28 to connect the mouthpiece 14 and the aerosol-generating substrate 12, as shown in Figure 2. .

The combined cap casing 28 is formed from a sheet of a paper material having a basis weight of at least 70 grams per square meter, such that the combined cap casing 28 has a relatively high stiffness.

Aerosol-generating article 10 further comprises a vent zone 30 at a location along second filter segment 20, upstream of capsule 24. Vent zone 30 comprises a row of perforations extending through the capsule. tip casing 16 and plug casing 28 combined.

During the smoking action of aerosol-generating article 10, mainstream smoke generated by tobacco in wrapped rod 12 passes into upstream cavity 26 before passing through second filter segment 20 and coming into contact with capsule 24. The smoke continues downstream and passes through the first filter segment 18 in contact with capsule 22. The mainstream smoke is cooled as it passes through the upstream cavity 26 and therefore Thus, the effect of mainstream smoke on the capsules 22, 24 is minimized. The capsules 22, 24 retain their frangibility during smoking and can still be broken by the consumer after smoking to produce an audible sound.

Claims (14)

1. An aerosol generating article (10) comprising: an aerosol generating substrate (12); Y a nozzle (14) in axial alignment with the aerosol generating substrate (12), the nozzle (14) comprising: an additive segment (18, 20) of filter material comprising one or more breakable capsules (22, 24), each breakable capsule comprising an outer shell and an inner core containing an additive, and an intermediate segment of filter material provided adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate (12), characterized in that the filtration material additive segment (18, 20) is separated downstream from the intermediate segment to define an upstream cavity (26) between the intermediate segment and the material additive segment filtration (18, 20), wherein the upstream cavity (26) is essentially empty; Y an envelope (28) circumscribing the additive segment of filtration material (18, 20) and the upstream cavity (26). 2. An aerosol generating article (10) according to claim 1, wherein the length of the additive segment (18, 20) is less than the length of the upstream cavity (26). 3. An aerosol-generating article (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nozzle (14) comprises a hollow tube segment between the filter material additive segment (18, 20) and the intermediate segment, the hollow tube segment defining the upstream cavity (26). 4. An aerosol generating article (10) according to claim 3, wherein the hollow tube segment is formed from a paper material. 5. An aerosol-generating article (10) according to claim 4, wherein the hollow tube segment is formed of a plurality of superimposed paper layers. 6. An aerosol generating article (10) according to claim 5, wherein the hollow tube segment is formed of at least two layers of paper and less than eleven layers of paper. An aerosol generating article (10) according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein at least one of the paper layers is made of a paper with a basis weight of at least about 100 grams per square meter. 8. An aerosol generating article (10) according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the wall thickness of the hollow tube segment is at least about 100 microns. An aerosol generating article (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the additive segment includes a single breakable capsule (22) provided approximately centrally along the length of the additive segment. An aerosol generating article (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle (14) further comprises one or more vent zones (30) disposed above the upstream cavity (26). 11. An aerosol-generating article (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate (12) is a source of tobacco material, tobacco extract or other source of nicotine, which is arranged to be heated, without combustion, to generate an aerosol. 12. An aerosol-generating article (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating article (10) has an overall length of between about 40 millimeters and about 90 millimeters. 13. A system comprising an aerosol-generating article (10) according to any preceding claim and a device comprising one or more electrical heating elements configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate (12) of the aerosol-generating article (10). ), without combustion, to produce an aerosol. 14. The use of an aerosol generating article (10) according to any of claims 1 to 12.