KR20230122070A - Aerosol-generating articles having hollow tubular elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol-generating article 1 comprises a first element 10 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 12; a susceptor element (20) arranged in the first element (10); and a hollow tubular element (100) disposed downstream of the first element (10). The hollow tubular element 100 includes a periphery 110 defining a hollow inner region 120 of the hollow tubular element 100; and a support element 130 formed from the paper sheet and extending from a first point 131 at the perimeter 110 across the hollow inner region 120 to a second point 132 at the perimeter 110. includes

Description

Aerosol-generating articles having hollow tubular elements

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and configured to generate an inhalable aerosol when heated.

Aerosol-generating articles are known in the art in which an aerosol-forming substrate is heated rather than combusted, such as a tobacco-containing substrate.

Conventional cigarettes are lit when a user applies a flame to one end of the cigarette and draws air through the other end. The local heat provided by the flame and oxygen in the air drawn through the cigarette causes the end of the cigarette to ignite, and the resulting combustion produces inhalable smoke. In contrast, in heated aerosol-generating articles, the aerosol is typically a physically separate aerosol-forming substrate or material that may be located from, in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heat source. is caused by the heat transfer of During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from a heat source and are entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compound cools, it condenses to form an aerosol.

A number of prior art documents disclose aerosol-generating devices for consuming aerosol-generating articles.

Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol-generating devices in which an aerosol is generated by heat transfer from one or more electrical heating elements of the aerosol-generating device to an aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article.

For example, electrically heated aerosol-generating devices have been proposed that include internal heater blades adapted to be inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate. As an alternative, an inductively heatable aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and a susceptor element arranged within the aerosol-generating substrate has been proposed by WO 2015/176898.

Aerosol-generating articles in which the tobacco-containing substrate is heated rather than combusted presents a number of problems not encountered in conventional smoking articles. For example, it may be desirable to limit movement of an aerosol-generating substrate within an aerosol-generating article while still ensuring that a sufficient level of airflow can pass through the aerosol-generating substrate and the aerosol-generating article. Limiting the potential movement of the aerosol-generating substrate assists in improving the consistency of performance from one aerosol-generating article to another, for example by helping to increase the consistency of the interaction between the aerosol-generating substrate and a heater element. It is particularly desirable because it can be done.

WO 2013/098405 proposes to include a hollow tubular element immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. The hollow tubular element is provided in the form of an annular hollow cellulose acetate tube. The hollow cellulose acetate tube is configured to resist downstream motion of the aerosol-forming substrate during insertion of a heating element of the aerosol-generating device into the aerosol-forming substrate. The void within the cellulose acetate tube provides an opening to flow the aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate towards the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article.

However, such hollow tubular elements can suffer from one or more disadvantages, such as inconsistencies in performance, limitations in one or both of materials and design, manufacturing challenges, and undesirable RTD characteristics.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide new and improved aerosol-generating articles that are less likely to suffer from one or more of these disadvantages.

The present disclosure relates to aerosol-generating articles. The aerosol-generating article may include a first element. The first element may include an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include a susceptor element. A susceptor element may be arranged within the first element. The aerosol-generating article may include a hollow tubular element. A hollow tubular element may be located downstream of the first element. The hollow tubular element may include a periphery. The perimeter may define a hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a support element. The support element may be formed from a sheet. The support element may extend from the first point of the periphery. The support element may extend across the hollow interior region. The support element may extend to a second point of the periphery.

According to the present invention, an aerosol-generating article is provided. The aerosol-generating article includes a first element. The first element includes an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article also includes a susceptor element. A susceptor element is arranged in the first element. The aerosol-generating article further comprises a hollow tubular element. A hollow tubular element is located downstream of the first element. The hollow tubular element includes a periphery. The perimeter defines a hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element also includes a support element. The support element is formed from a sheet. The support element extends from the first point of the periphery. A support element extends across the hollow interior region. The support element extends to the second point of the periphery.

The aerosol-generating article of the present invention comprises a hollow tubular element having a support element extending from a first point at its periphery across its hollow interior region to a second point at its periphery. The support element may serve to provide a support barrier for at least a portion of the first element. In particular, the support element may serve to provide a support barrier for at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. This can reduce the availability of free space into which material from the aerosol-forming substrate can be pushed, for example when the aerosol-generating article interacts with an aerosol-generating device or when the aerosol-generating article is handled or transported. Interaction may include inserting the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device. In other words, the support element can provide a support barrier that prevents or limits downstream movement of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. Consequently, in the aerosol-generating article of the present invention, the portion of the aerosol-forming material is less likely to be pushed away from the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is used. This may result in a more consistent experience for the user.

The support element may also serve to provide a support barrier for at least a portion of the susceptor element. This can help prevent or limit movement of at least a portion of the susceptor element during at least one of handling, use, and transport of the aerosol-generating article. Movement of a portion of the susceptor element can have a much greater negative impact on the performance of the aerosol-generating article than movement of a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. This is because movement of a portion of the susceptor element may affect the ability of the susceptor element to be inductively heated and/or the ability of the susceptor element to heat an aerosol-forming substrate during use of the aerosol-generating article. Accordingly, preventing or limiting movement of at least a portion of the susceptor element can significantly affect the user experience. Accordingly, preventing or limiting movement of at least a portion of the susceptor element may provide a more consistent experience to the user.

Preventing or limiting movement of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and/or at least a portion of the susceptor element may help increase the consistency of the interaction between the aerosol-forming substrate and the susceptor element. This allows the susceptor element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in a more consistent manner when the aerosol-generating article is used, which can also result in a more consistent experience for the user.

Further, since the support element is formed from the sheet and extends from a first point at the periphery across the hollow interior region to a second point in the hollow interior region, the hollow tubular element extends from the aerosol-forming substrate to the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. It is still possible to maintain an appropriately sized opening to flow the aerosol towards. This means that the hollow tubular element can still have a suitable low resistance to draw. This also means that the hollow tubular element can still have a suitable low filtration effect.

Forming the support element from the sheet may also provide flexibility in the design of the support element, particularly where the support element provides a support barrier. This is because the flexibility of the sheet allows it to be easily formed into a shape most suitable for providing a support barrier for the first element and/or a susceptor element located downstream therefrom. This can be especially important for aerosol-generating articles having susceptor elements that can be located in multiple locations within the first element. Thus, it can mean flexibility in the design of the support element, and that the support element can be designed to effectively support the susceptor element in an aerosol-generating article if the support element provides its support barrier.

Also, compared to the hollow acetate tubes of the prior art, the hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element of the present invention can have a proportionately larger cross section. This can advantageously increase the porosity of the hollow tubular element. This can advantageously reduce the acceleration of the aerosol as it passes through the hollow tubular element. This may mean that the aerosol spends more time in the hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element, thus allowing greater cooling of the aerosol.

Also, compared to the prior art hollow acetate tubes, the hollow tubular elements of the present invention may require the use of less material which can counterbalance lighter overall hollow tubular elements. Also, compared to the hollow acetate tubes of the prior art, the hollow tubular elements of the present invention can be made from more biodegradable materials, such as certain types of paper.

Also, compared to prior art hollow acetate tubes, the hollow tubular element of the present invention may exhibit a lower resistance to draw when disposed in an aerosol-generating article, particularly when located immediately downstream of the first element.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article in which an aerosol-generating substrate is heated to generate and deliver an inhalable aerosol to a consumer.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate capable of releasing a compound when heated to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term “susceptor element” refers to a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When placed in a fluctuating electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced in the susceptor element heat the susceptor element.

As used herein, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to refer to a generally elongated element defining a lumen or airflow passage along its longitudinal axis. In particular, the term “tubular” refers to a tubular element having a tubular body having a substantially cylindrical cross-section and defining at least one airflow conduit that establishes unobstructed fluid communication between an upstream end of the tubular body and a downstream end of the tubular body. will be used below with reference to. However, it will be appreciated that alternative geometries (eg, alternative cross-sectional shapes) of the tubular body may be possible.

As used herein, the term “longitudinal direction” refers to the direction corresponding to the major longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article that extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article.

As used herein, the term "transverse direction" refers to a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. Any reference to a “cross-section” of an aerosol-generating article or component of an aerosol-generating article refers to a cross-section unless stated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” describe the relative position of an element, or portion of an element, of an aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction in which an aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article during use.

As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a laminated element whose width and length are substantially greater than its thickness.

The perimeter is the perimeter of the material. The peripheral portion may be formed of a sheet. The periphery and support element may be integrally formed from the sheet. That is, the perimeter and support element may be formed from the same sheet. The perimeter and support elements may be formed from separate sheets.

The perimeter may include a tube. The perimeter may be formed from a tube. A tube can be distinguished from a sheet forming a support element. The tube may be formed from a sheet that is the same as or distinct from the sheet forming the support element. For example, the perimeter may include a tube distinct from the sheet forming the support element; a first end of the sheet forming the support element, the support element being capable of contacting the tube up to a first point at the periphery, which is deflected away from the tube and into the hollow inner region; a second end of the sheet forming the support element, the support element capable of contacting the tube up to a second point at the periphery, which is deflected away from the tube and into the hollow inner region; and a portion of the sheet between a first point at the perimeter and a second point at the perimeter from the first point at the perimeter across the hollow interior region to a second point at the perimeter. It can form a support element extending up to. In this case, the periphery includes a seat portion extending from a first end of the sheet to a first point at the periphery, and a sheet portion extending from a second point at the periphery to a second end of the sheet.

If the periphery comprises a tube, the sheet forming the support element may be attached to the tube by means of an adhesive at the point where the sheet contacts the tube.

The perimeter may form the outer surface of the hollow tubular element. If the periphery is formed of a sheet, the sheet portion forming the periphery preferably forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular element. Substantially the entirety of the sheet portion forming the periphery may form the outer surface of the hollow tubular element. The outer surface of the hollow tubular element may be curved.

The support element may extend along part of the length of the hollow tubular support element. Preferably, the support element extends from the upstream end of the hollow tubular support element. This means that the support element can be at the end of the hollow tubular element closest to the aerosol-forming substrate and susceptor element. As such, the support element may better prevent or limit movement of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and/or at least a portion of the susceptor element. Preferably, the support element extends to the downstream end of the hollow tubular support element. The support element may extend along at least about 10% of the length of the hollow tubular element, preferably along at least about 40% of the length of the hollow tubular element, and more preferably along at least about 80% of the length of the hollow tubular element. can Most preferably, the support element extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element. As such, the support element may have a length approximately equal to the length of the hollow tubular element. This may provide the hollow tubular element with additional mechanical strength and stiffness along its entire length.

The support element may have a length of at least about 4 mm, preferably at least about 6 mm, more preferably at least about 8 mm, or at least about 15 mm.

The support element may have a length of about 40 mm or less, preferably about 30 mm or less, and more preferably about 20 mm or less.

The support element may have a length of about 4 mm to about 40 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 30 mm, more preferably about 8 mm to about 20 mm, or about 15 mm to about 20 mm.

The support element may have a length of about 8 mm. The support element may have a length of about 18 mm.

The support element may be suspended from the periphery along a first fold line of the sheet forming the support element, wherein the first fold line is at a first point of the periphery. Advantageously, this can simplify the manufacture of the hollow tubular element and can provide a suitable support barrier for the aerosol-forming substrate and susceptor element.

The sheet forming the support element may form part of the periphery. For example, a portion of the sheet adjacent to the first fold line and on the other side of the first fold line from the support element may form part of the perimeter. This part of the sheet may be attached to the remaining part of the periphery by adhesive. The use of an adhesive may help improve the mechanical strength of the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions. As such, it may help improve the hollow tubular element's ability to provide a support barrier and resistance to collapse or deformation. A portion of the sheet adjacent to the first fold line and on the other side of the first fold line from the support element may form the entire perimeter.

The first fold line may extend along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element. In this case, the support element also extends along part of the length of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the first fold line extends from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the first fold line extends to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The first fold line is along at least about 10% of the length of the hollow tubular element, preferably along at least about 40% of the length of the hollow tubular element, and more preferably along at least about 80% of the length of the hollow tubular element. may be extended. Most preferably, the first fold line extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

The first fold line may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element. The first fold line may not be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element. The first fold line may be designed such that the internal protrusions are not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element in such a way as to induce a swirling air flow pattern within the cavity of the hollow tubular element.

If the sheet includes a fold line, the sheet may be at an angle greater than about 45 degrees to the fold line, greater than about 60 degrees to the fold line, greater than about 75 degrees to the fold line, or greater than about 90 degrees to the fold line. may be biased by

The fold line may be a crease line. The sheet may include scores aligned with the fold lines to assist in folding the sheet.

As used herein, the term "length" refers to the dimension of a component of an aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction. For example, it can be used to indicate the dimensions of the hollow tubular element or first element comprising the aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction.

The first fold line may be the only fold line along which the support element hangs on the periphery.

The support element may include an end of the seat. An end of the sheet may contact the perimeter at a second point of the perimeter. An end of the sheet may be attached to the periphery at a second point of the periphery by adhesive.

Preferably, the support element hangs from the periphery along a second fold line of the sheet, wherein the second fold line is at a second point on the periphery. This provides the hollow tubular element with sufficient mechanical strength and stiffness in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions during at least one of handling, transport and use of the aerosol-generating article, for example between the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device. Movement of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and/or at least a portion of the susceptor element can be prevented or limited without significant deformation of the hollow tubular element during interaction and in particular during insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-emitting device.

The second fold line may extend along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element. The second fold line is along at least about 10% of the length of the hollow tubular element, preferably along at least about 40% of the length of the hollow tubular element, and more preferably along at least about 80% of the length of the hollow tubular element. may be extended. Most preferably, the second fold line extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

Preferably, the first fold line and the second fold line extend approximately the same amount along the length of the hollow tubular element.

The first fold line and the second fold line may be parallel to each other. The first fold line and the second fold line may not be parallel to each other.

Preferably, the first point at the periphery and the second point at the periphery have the same longitudinal position. That is, the first point at the periphery and the second point at the periphery are preferably in the same cross-section.

A first point of the periphery and a second point of the periphery may be spaced apart from each other. The first point at the periphery and the second point at the periphery may be spaced apart from each other by at least about 0.05 mm, preferably at least about 0.3 mm, and more preferably at least about 0.5 mm.

The first point at the periphery and the second point at the periphery may be spaced apart from each other by about 3 mm or less, preferably about 2.5 mm or less, or more preferably about 2 mm or more.

The first point at the periphery and the second point at the periphery may be spaced apart from each other by about 0.05 mm to about 3 mm, preferably about 0.3 mm to about 2.5 mm, more preferably about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. .

The first point at the periphery and the second point at the periphery are at least about 0.2% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, preferably at least about 2% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, more preferably at least about 2% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element. They may be spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular elements by about 3% or more.

The first point at the periphery and the second point at the periphery are no more than about 12% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, preferably no more than about 10% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, more preferably no more than about 10% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element. They may be spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular elements by no more than 8%.

The first point at the periphery and the second point at the periphery are from about 0.2% to about 12% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, preferably from about 2% to about 10% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, more preferably They may be spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular elements by about 3% to about 8% of the circumference of the hollow tubular elements.

The first point at the periphery and the second point at the periphery may be spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular element by about half the circumference of the hollow tubular element. That is, the first point of the periphery and the second point of the periphery may oppose each other by approximately a diameter.

The first point at the periphery and the second point at the periphery are about 5% to about 50% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, preferably about 10% to about 40% of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, more preferably hollow. They may be spaced from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular elements by about 15% to about 30% of the circumference of the tubular elements.

A first point of the periphery and a second point of the periphery may be adjacent to each other. The first point of the periphery and the second point of the periphery may be spaced apart from each other by about zero millimeters. A first point of the periphery and a second point of the periphery may contact each other. The first point of the periphery and the second point of the periphery may be attached to each other by adhesive. The use of an adhesive may help improve the mechanical strength of the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions. As such, it can help improve the resistance of the hollow tubular element to collapse or deformation.

The support element may contact the periphery at a further point of the periphery other than the first point of the periphery and other than the second point of the periphery. If the support element is in contact with the periphery, the support element may be attached to that point at the periphery by means of an adhesive.

The support element may include a tip, the tip being located within the hollow interior region. The tip may be spaced apart from the periphery. The tip may be spaced from the periphery by at least about 0.6 mm, preferably at least about 1.5 mm, more preferably at least about 2 mm, or at least about 3 mm.

The tip may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by at least about 0.2 mm, preferably at least about 0.5 mm, and more preferably at least about 1 mm.

The tip may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by no more than about 3 mm, preferably no more than about 2.5 mm, more preferably no more than about 2 mm.

The tip may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by about 0.2 mm to about 3 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, more preferably about 1 mm to about 2 mm.

The tip may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by about 1.5 mm.

The tip may be at a point adjacent to a point at the periphery. The tip may contact the periphery. The tip may be at the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

The tip may be located equidistant from a first point of the periphery and a second point of the periphery.

As used herein, the term "radial center" is used to refer to the center of the cross section of a hollow tubular element.

The tip may be pointed. For example, the support element may have a substantially triangular cross section.

The tip may be round. For example, the support element may have a substantially parabolic cross section.

The tip may be flat. For example, the support element may have a substantially trapezoidal cross section.

The support element may include a third fold line of the sheet. That is, the sheet forming the support element may include a third fold line between a first point of the perimeter and a second point of the perimeter. The support element may include a third fold line of the sheet between the first and second fold lines. This further strengthens the hollow tubular element in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction so that the hollow tubular element can withstand a greater force applied in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction before being substantially deformed. As such, it may improve the ability of the hollow tubular element to better prevent or limit the movement of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and/or at least a portion of the susceptor element.

The third fold line may be at or adjacent to the periphery. The third fold line may be at or adjacent to the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

A third fold line may define a tip of the support element.

The third fold line may be located approximately equidistant from the first fold line and the second fold line. The third fold line may be located closer to the first fold line than the second fold line.

Preferably, the amount of material in the sheet between the first and third fold lines is approximately equal to that between the second and third fold lines. There may be less material in the sheet between the first and third fold lines than there is between the second and third fold lines.

The surface of the support element along the longitudinal direction may be substantially planar. As such, the cross-section of the hollow tubular element may include a straight line corresponding to the substantially planar surface of the support element along its length. A substantially planar surface may extend from the first point at the periphery. A substantially planar surface may extend to a second point at the periphery. A substantially planar surface may extend from a first point of the periphery to a second point of the periphery. If there is a first fold line of the sheet, the substantially flat surface may extend from the first fold line. If there is a second fold line of the sheet, the substantially planar surface may extend to the second fold line. Where there are both a first fold line of the sheet and a second fold line of the sheet, the substantially planar surface may extend from the first fold line to the second fold line. Where there are both a first fold line of the sheet and a third fold line of the sheet, the substantially planar surface may extend from the first fold line to the third fold line. Where both the second fold line of the sheet and the third fold line of the sheet are present, the substantially planar surface may extend from the second fold line to the third fold line.

The support element may comprise a substantially straight portion when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The substantially straight portion may extend from a first point of the periphery when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The substantially straight portion may extend from the periphery to the second point when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The substantially straight portion may extend from a first point on the periphery to a second point on the periphery when viewed from an upstream end of the hollow tubular element. In particular, if there is a first fold line of the sheet, the substantially straight portion may extend from the first fold line of the sheet when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. If there is a second fold line of the sheet, the substantially straight portion may extend up to the second fold line when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. If both the first and second fold lines of the sheet are present, the substantially planar surface may extend from the first fold line to the second fold line when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. If both the first fold line of the sheet and the third fold line of the sheet are present, the substantially straight portion may extend from the first fold line to the third fold line when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. If both the second fold line of the sheet and the third fold line of the sheet are present, the substantially straight portion may extend from the second fold line to the third fold line when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

When both the first and third fold lines are present, the first and third fold lines may define the first sidewall of the support element. That is, the first sidewall may extend from the first fold line to the third fold line and there is no fold line therebetween. The first sidewall may be substantially straight. The first sidewall may be curved.

The first side wall may be completely surrounded by the periphery of the hollow tubular element and thus does not form an outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

When both the second and third fold lines are present, the second and third fold lines may define the second sidewall of the support element. That is, the second sidewall may extend from the second fold line to the third fold line and there is no fold line therebetween. The second sidewall may be substantially straight. The second sidewall may be curved.

The second side wall may be completely surrounded by the periphery of the hollow tubular element and thus does not form an outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

The first side wall of the support element may form an outer surface of the hollow tubular element. The second side wall of the support element may form an outer surface of the hollow tubular element. For example, the hollow tubular element may include a periphery and a support element integrally formed from the same sheet, wherein substantially all of the periphery and substantially all of the support element are formed from a single layer of sheet (excluding seams). , wherein the support element hangs from the periphery along both the first fold line of the sheet and the second fold line of the sheet, and wherein the support element is suspended from the third fold line within the hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element. wherein the first fold line and the third fold line define a substantially straight first sidewall of the support element, and the second and third fold lines define a substantially straight first sidewall of the support element. define a second sidewall that is; The first sidewall and the second sidewall form an angle, for example about 30 degrees to the third fold line. In this embodiment, the first side wall forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular element and the second side wall forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

The outer surface of the hollow tubular element can be formed with a periphery, a first side wall of the support element and a second side wall of the support element.

When the first sidewall is substantially straight and the second sidewall is substantially straight, the first sidewall and the second sidewall may define an angle between them of about 5 degrees or more. That is, the angle between the first sidewall and the second sidewall may be about 5 degrees or more. That is, the angle with respect to the third fold line may be about 5 degrees or more. Preferably, the angle between the first sidewall and the second sidewall at the third fold line is about 10 degrees or greater, more preferably about 15 degrees or greater, even more preferably about 20 degrees or greater.

When the first sidewall is substantially straight and the second sidewall is substantially straight, the angle between the first sidewall and the second sidewall may be about 50 degrees or less, and preferably, the first sidewall and the second sidewall at the third fold line. The angle between the sidewalls is about 45 degrees or less, more preferably about 40 degrees or less, and still more preferably about 35 degrees or less.

When the first sidewall is substantially straight and the second sidewall is substantially straight, the angle between the first sidewall and the second sidewall is from about 5 degrees to about 50 degrees, preferably from about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees, more preferably Preferably, it may be about 15 degrees to about 40 degrees, and more preferably about 20 degrees to about 35 degrees.

A surface of the first sidewall and a surface of the second sidewall may contact each other. A surface of the first sidewall and a surface of the second sidewall may be attached to each other by an adhesive. Substantially the entire outer surface of the first sidewall and substantially the entire outer surface of the second sidewall may be in contact with each other. Substantially the entire outer surface of the first sidewall and substantially the entire outer surface of the second sidewall may be attached to each other by means of an adhesive. The use of an adhesive may help improve the mechanical strength of the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions. As such, this may assist in improving the hollow tubular element's resistance to collapse or deformation and the hollow tubular element's ability to prevent or limit movement of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and one or both of the susceptor elements. When the first sidewall is substantially straight and the second sidewall is substantially straight, the angle formed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall may be approximately zero angle.

The cross section of the support element may include a bend. The support element may include a bend when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may comprise a substantially s-shaped cross section. The support element may be substantially s-shaped when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may comprise a substantially omega-shaped cross section. The support element may be substantially omega-shaped when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may comprise a substantially c-shaped cross section. The support element may be substantially c-shaped when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

The support element may have a corrugated profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular support element. The support element may include a plurality of peaks and troughs when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may be substantially sinusoidal when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may have a substantially triangular profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular support element. For example, the support element may be substantially w-shaped when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

The hollow tubular element may include at least one symmetrical longitudinal plane. The hollow tubular element may be radially symmetrical. This may simplify assembly of the aerosol-generating article, since the orientation in which the hollow tubular element is inserted into the aerosol-generating article may be less critical. It may also mean that the hollow tubular element distributes the load more evenly so that it can withstand an increase in the force applied to it.

Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the hollow tubular element is substantially constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element. This can ensure that the resistance to draw of the aerosol-generating article is also constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

Preferably, the hollow tubular element has a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the hollow tubular element. That is, the cross-section of the hollow tubular element is substantially unchanged along the entire length of the hollow tubular element. This can simplify the manufacture of hollow tubular elements. Alternatively, the cross-section of the hollow tubular element may vary along the length of the hollow tubular element. For example, the support element may have a cross section that varies along the length of the hollow tubular element. For example, the support element may not extend along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

The support element can divide the hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element into a plurality of channels. The number of channels may be selected based on the desired nucleation of aerosol particles and the desired resistance to draw of the aerosol-generating article. The support element may divide the cavity of the hollow tubular element into two channels. The support element can divide the cavity of the hollow tubular element into three channels. The support element can divide the cavity of the hollow tubular element into four channels. The support element can divide the cavity of the hollow tubular element between two channels and four channels. The support element may divide the cavity of the hollow tubular element into at least three channels.

The support element may extend through the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

The support element may be a radius of the hollow tubular element by a distance of at least about 5% of the radius of the hollow tubular element, preferably at least about 10% of the radius of the hollow tubular element, more preferably at least about 15% of the radius of the hollow tubular element. may be spaced from the center.

The support element is spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of no more than about 90% of the radius of the hollow tubular element, preferably no more than about 80% of the radius of the hollow tubular element, and no more than about 70% of the radius of the hollow tubular element. It can be.

The support element is about 5% to about 90% of the radius of the hollow tubular element, preferably about 10% to about 80% of the radius of the hollow tubular element, more preferably about 15% to about 15% of the radius of the hollow tubular element. It may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of 70%.

The support element may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of at least about 0.2 mm, preferably at least about 0.5 mm, more preferably at least about 1 mm.

The support element may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of about 3 mm or less, preferably about 2.5 mm or less, more preferably about 2 mm or less or about 1 mm or less.

The support element is a distance of about 0.2 mm to about 3 mm, preferably about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, more preferably about 1 mm to about 2 mm, or about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm of the hollow tubular element. It may be spaced from the radial center.

When the support element includes a tip, the support element may have a depth of about 0.6 mm or more, preferably about 1 mm or more, more preferably about 1.5 mm or more.

When the support element includes a tip, the support element may have a depth of about 3 mm or less, preferably about 2.7 mm or less, more preferably about 2.5 mm or less.

When the support element includes a tip, the support element may preferably have a depth of about 0.6 mm to about 3 mm, or about 1 mm to about 2.7 mm, more preferably about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm. When the support element includes a tip, the support element may have a depth of about 2 mm to about 3 mm.

If the support element includes a tip, the support element may have a depth of about 2 mm. If the support element includes a tip, the support element may have a depth equal to the inner radius of the hollow tubular element.

As used herein, the term “depth” refers to the distance between a first point at the periphery and the tip of the support element.

The support element may be the sole support element of the hollow tubular element. That is, the hollow tubular element may comprise a single support element. Alternatively, the support element may be a first support element and the hollow tubular element may include one or more additional support elements. Each of the one or more additional support elements may be formed from a sheet. One or more additional support elements may be formed from separate sheets. Preferably, the at least one additional support element is formed from the same sheet as the first support element. Each of the one or more additional support elements may extend from a respective first point of the periphery across the hollow interior region to a respective second point of the periphery.

One or more additional support elements may be suspended from the periphery along a respective first fold line of the sheet, wherein each first fold line is at a respective first point of the periphery. One or more additional support elements may be suspended from the periphery along a respective second fold line of the sheet, wherein each second fold line is at a respective second point of the periphery.

The hollow tubular element may include two to six support elements. Preferably, the hollow tubular element comprises three support elements. The three support elements may help improve the hollow tubular element's resistance to collapse or deformation and the hollow tubular element's ability to prevent or limit movement of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

Each support element may be identical to each other. This can simplify the manufacture of hollow tubular elements. Alternatively, one of the support elements may be different from the other support element. For example, the first support element may be larger in size than the second support element.

Each of the support elements may have any combination of the features described above with respect to the support element, ie the first support element.

Each of the support elements may be approximately equally spaced around the periphery of the hollow tubular element. This means that the separation between a first point of the periphery from which one of the support elements extends and a first point of the periphery from which the next support element extends is approximately the same around the periphery of the hollow tubular element.

The hollow tubular elements can include radial symmetry if the support elements are identical to each other and equally spaced around the periphery of the hollow tubular elements. This may simplify assembly of the aerosol-generating article, since the orientation in which the hollow tubular element is inserted into the aerosol-generating article may be less critical. It may also mean that the hollow tubular element distributes the load more evenly so that it can withstand an increase in the force applied to it.

The hollow tubular element may have a length of at least about 4 mm, preferably at least about 6 mm, and more preferably at least about 8 mm.

The hollow tubular element may have a length of less than about 40 mm, preferably less than about 30 mm, and more preferably less than about 20 mm.

The hollow tubular element may have a length of about 4 mm to about 40 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 30 mm, more preferably about 8 mm to about 20 mm.

The hollow tubular element may have a length of about 8 mm. The hollow tubular element may have a length of about 18 mm.

The hollow tubular element preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. If the first element is formed as a rod, the hollow tubular element preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to that of the first element.

The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter of about 5 mm or greater, preferably about 6 mm or greater, and more preferably about 7 mm or greater.

The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter of about 12 mm or less, preferably about 10 mm or less, more preferably about 8 mm or less.

The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 12 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 10 mm, more preferably about 7 mm to about 8 mm.

The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter of about 7.2 mm.

The hollow tubular element may have an inner diameter of about 4.5 mm or greater, preferably about 5.5 mm or greater, and more preferably about 6.5 mm or greater.

The hollow tubular element may have an inner diameter of about 11.5 mm or less, preferably about 9.5 mm or less, more preferably about 7.5 mm or less.

The hollow tubular element may have an inner diameter of about 4.5 mm to about 11.5 mm, preferably about 5.5 mm to about 9.5 mm, more preferably about 6.5 mm to about 7.5 mm.

The hollow tubular element has a total internal surface area of at least about 25 millimeters squared per millimeter length, preferably at least about 28 millimeters squared per millimeter length, more preferably at least about 30 millimeters squared per millimeter length, or at least about 35 millimeters squared per millimeter length. can have

The hollow tubular element has a total interior of less than about 70 millimeter squares per millimeter length, preferably less than about 60 millimeter squares per millimeter length, more preferably less than about 50 millimeter squares per millimeter length, or less than about 40 millimeter squares per millimeter length. may have a surface area.

The hollow tubular element may have a total internal surface area of between about 25 millimeters square per millimeter length and about 70 millimeter squares per millimeter length, preferably between about 28 millimeters square per millimeter length and about 60 millimeter squares per millimeter length, more preferably Preferably between about 30 millimeters square per millimeter length and about 50 millimeter squares per millimeter length, or between about 30 millimeter squares per millimeter length and about 40 millimeter squares per millimeter length. The hollow tubular element may have a total internal surface area of between about 35 millimeters square per millimeter length and about 70 millimeter squares per millimeter length, preferably between about 40 millimeter squares per millimeter length and about 70 millimeter squares per millimeter length, greater than Preferably, it is between about 50 millimeter squares per millimeter length and about 70 millimeter squares per millimeter length, or between about 60 millimeter squares per millimeter length and about 70 millimeter squares per millimeter length.

Preferably, the hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular segments preferably provide negligible resistance to draw (RTD). The term “negligible level of RTD” means less than 1 mm HO per 10 mm length of hollow tubular element, preferably less than 0.4 mm HO per 10 mm length of hollow tubular element, more preferably less than 0.4 mm HO per 10 mm length of hollow tubular element. Used to describe RTDs below 0.1 mm H2O. Accordingly, the flow channels should be free of any components that would impede the flow of air in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the flow channel is substantially empty.

Unless otherwise specified, the resistance to draw (RTD) of a component or aerosol-generating article is measured according to ISO 6565-2015. RTD refers to the pressure required to force air through the entire length of a component. The term "pressure drop" or "resistance to draw" of a component or article may refer to "resist to draw". These terms generally refer to the output of a component measured normally at a temperature of about 22°C, a pressure of about 101 kPa (about 760 Torr) and a relative humidity of about 60%, or about Refers to measurements performed under test at a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 milliliters.

The hollow tubular element may have a porosity of greater than about 80% in the longitudinal direction, preferably greater than about 90% in the longitudinal direction, and more preferably greater than about 95% in the longitudinal direction.

The hollow tubular element may have a porosity of about 80% to about 99% in the longitudinal direction, or about 85% to about 95% in the longitudinal direction, or about 90% to about 95% in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the hollow tubular element is about 95% to about 99.9% longitudinally, or about 96% to about 99.5% longitudinally, or about 97% to about 99% longitudinally, or about 98% longitudinally. has a porosity of

As used herein, the porosity of a hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction is defined as the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the material forming the hollow tubular element to the internal cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating article at the location of the hollow tubular element.

The porosity in the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element may advantageously be selected to provide a desirable overall resistance to draw of the aerosol-generating article.

Porosity in the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element may be substantially constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element. For example, the cross-sectional area of the material forming the hollow tubular element may be substantially constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element, and the aerosol-generating article may also have a substantially constant internal cross-sectional area along the entire length of the hollow tubular element. can The hollow tubular element may have a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the hollow tubular element such that the cross-sectional area of the material forming the hollow tubular element is substantially constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may also have a cross-section that varies along the length of the hollow tubular element and a substantially constant cross-sectional area of the material forming the hollow tubular element along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

The porosity in the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element may vary along the length of the hollow tubular element. For example, this may be the case where the cross-sectional area of the material forming the hollow tubular element varies along the length of the hollow tubular element when the hollow tubular element does not have a constant cross-section along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

The sheet forming the support element and/or periphery may be formed of paper, any other paper-based material, any other cellulosic material, bioplastic-based material, or metal. For example, the sheet may be formed from one or more of paper, cardboard, card stock, reconstituted tobacco paper, cellophane and aluminum.

Preferably, the sheet is formed from a biodegradable material.

Most preferably, the sheet is formed from a paper material such as paper, cardboard or card stock. Paper-based materials may be bleached or unbleached. The paper-based material can be one or more of lightweight, inexpensive and biodegradable. When the support element and/or periphery is formed from a sheet of paper, the hollow tubular element prevents or restricts movement of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and/or at least a portion of the susceptor element while handling, transporting, and using the aerosol-generating article. mechanical strength and stiffness sufficient to withstand significant deformation during at least one of the aerosol-generating devices, for example, during interaction of the aerosol-generating device with the aerosol-generating article. Interaction may include inserting the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device. The material properties of the paper sheet may allow individual hollow tubular elements including perimeters and support elements (the perimeter and/or support elements being formed of the paper sheet) to be cut from a continuous rod of hollow tubular elements. This can simplify the manufacture of hollow tubular elements.

Aluminum has a very high ignition temperature. Thus, a hollow tubular element comprising a support element and a periphery, wherein the periphery and/or the support element is formed from an aluminum sheet, the hollow tubular element avoiding ignition of the hollow tubular element at temperatures reached by the aerosol-generating article during use. can help

The sheet forming the perimeter and/or support element will have a basis weight of greater than about 15 grams per square meter, preferably greater than about 25 grams per square meter, more preferably greater than about 35 grams per square meter, or greater than about 45 grams per square meter. can A sheet having such a basis weight can avoid crack formation and/or breakage during bending and/or folding of the sheet. As such, the sheet may maintain its structural integrity when bent or folded to form a support element. This may improve the resistance of the hollow tubular element to collapse or deformation and the ability of the hollow tubular element to prevent or limit movement of one or both of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and at least a portion of the susceptor element.

The sheet forming the perimeter and/or support element may have a weight of about 150 grams/square meter or less, preferably about 130 grams/square meter or less, more preferably about 110 grams/square meter or less, or about 80 grams/square meter or less, or about 50 grams/square meter or less. may have a basis weight of less than or equal to a gram/square meter. Providing a sheet having such a basis weight advantageously ensures that the hollow tubular element has the desired porosity in the longitudinal direction. This allows the hollow tubular element to have a desired resistance to draw. Further, providing a sheet having such a basis weight may make hollow tubular elements easier to manufacture, for example by facilitating at least one of rolling, bending and folding the sheet.

The sheet may have a weight of about 15 grams/square meter to about 150 grams/square meter, about 20 grams/square meter to about 130 grams/square meter, about 60 grams/square meter to about 100 grams/square meter, about 70 grams/square meter to about 80 grams/square meter. can have basis weight.

Preferably, the sheet has a basis weight of about 45 grams per square meter to about 110 grams per square meter. The sheet may have a basis weight of about 45 grams per square meter. The sheet may have a basis weight of about 60 grams per square meter. Preferably, the sheet has a basis weight of about 78 grams per square meter. Preferably, the sheet has a basis weight of about 110 grams per square meter.

The sheet forming the perimeter and/or support element may have a thickness of about 15 μm or more, about 30 μm or more, about 45 μm or more, about 100 μm or more. A sheet having such a thickness can avoid crack formation and/or breakage during bending and/or folding of the sheet. As such, the sheet may maintain its structural integrity when bent or folded to form a support element. This may improve the resistance of the hollow tubular element to collapse or deformation and the ability of the hollow tubular element to prevent or limit movement of one or both of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and at least a portion of the susceptor element.

The sheet forming the perimeter and/or support element may have a thickness of about 150 μm or less, preferably about 140 μm or less, more preferably about 130 μm or less. Providing a sheet with such a thickness advantageously ensures that the hollow tubular element has the desired porosity in the longitudinal direction. This allows the hollow tubular element to have a desired resistance to draw. Further, providing a sheet having such a basis weight may make hollow tubular elements easier to manufacture, for example by facilitating at least one of rolling, bending and folding the sheet.

The sheet may have a thickness of from about 15 μm to about 150 μm, preferably from about 30 μm to about 140 μm, more preferably from about 100 μm to about 130 μm.

When the sheet forming the perimeter and/or support element is an aluminum sheet, the sheet may have a thickness of about 10 μm to about 20 μm. An aluminum sheet having such a thickness may make hollow tubular elements easier to manufacture, for example by facilitating at least one of rolling, bending and folding the sheet. An aluminum sheet having this thickness may also provide sufficient strength and rigidity to the hollow tubular element to prevent or resist movement of the first element and/or susceptor element while preventing deformation of the hollow tubular element. Also, an aluminum sheet having such a basis weight can advantageously ensure that the hollow tubular element has the desired porosity in the longitudinal direction.

Substantially the entirety of the support element may be formed from a single layer of sheet forming the support element. In this case, substantially the entire support element may have a thickness approximately equal to that of the sheet. The support element may include a seam, and the seam may be formed from overlapping layers of sheets. Overlapping layers of sheets forming a seam may be attached to each other by means of an adhesive.

The periphery of the hollow tubular element may be formed from a sheet. The perimeter may be formed from a single layer of sheet. The tubular element may be formed from a plurality of overlapping paper layers, such as a plurality of parallel wound paper layers or a plurality of spiral wound paper layers. Where the periphery includes a seam, the seam may be formed of overlapping layers of sheets. For example, most of the perimeter can be formed from a single layer of sheet, and a seam can be formed from two overlapping layers of sheet.

When the perimeter is formed from a single layer of sheet, the perimeter has a thickness approximately equal to that of the sheet.

The perimeter may be formed from multiple sheets. For example, the periphery may be formed of both a sheet forming the support element and an additional sheet.

The peripheral portion may be formed of four or less layers in total of one or more of the sheets forming the peripheral portion. The perimeter may be formed of up to a total of four combined layers of sheets forming the perimeter.

A section of the perimeter may be formed from a different number of sheet layers than the additional sections of the perimeter. For example, a section of the perimeter may be formed from one layer of sheet and additional sections of the perimeter may be formed from two layers of sheet. As another example, a section of the perimeter can be formed from two layers of sheet, an additional section of the perimeter can be formed from three layers of sheet, and a further section of the perimeter can be formed from four layers of sheet.

The perimeter may have a thickness of about 15 μm or more, about 45 μm or more, about 100 μm or more. Providing a perimeter with such a thickness provides sufficient strength and rigidity to the hollow tubular element to prevent or resist movement of the first element and/or susceptor element while preventing deformation of the hollow tubular element.

The perimeter may have a thickness of less than or equal to about 600 μm, less than or equal to about 500 μm, or less than or equal to about 400 μm. Providing a perimeter with such a thickness advantageously ensures that the hollow tubular element has the desired porosity in the longitudinal direction. This allows the hollow tubular element to have a desired resistance to draw. Further, providing a perimeter with such a thickness may mean that individual hollow tubular elements can be easily cut from a continuous rod of hollow tubular elements. This can simplify the manufacture of hollow tubular elements.

The perimeter may have a thickness of about 15 μm to about 600 μm, about 50 μm to about 500 μm, or about 100 μm to about 400 μm. Preferably, the perimeter has a thickness of about 100 μm to 130 μm.

Hollow tubular elements with a low overall weight have the advantage of being able to be assembled into aerosol-generating articles using high-speed machinery and processes. In particular, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that hollow tubular elements having a total weight of about 150 mg or less can advantageously be assembled into aerosol-generating articles using existing high-speed aerosol-generating article assembly machines.

The hollow tubular element may have a total weight of about 150 mg or less, preferably about 100 mg or less, and more preferably about 70 mg or less.

The hollow tubular element may have a total weight of about 15 mg to about 150 mg, preferably about 20 mg to about 100 mg, about 25 mg to about 70 mg.

The hollow tubular element may have a total weight of about 34 mg. The hollow tubular element may have a total weight of about 76 mg.

The hollow tubular element has an average weight of less than or equal to 10 mg per millimeter length of the hollow tubular element, preferably less than or equal to 8 mg per millimeter length of the hollow tubular element, more preferably less than or equal to 6 mg per millimeter length of the hollow tubular element. can have Providing a hollow tubular element having such an average weight advantageously allows the hollow tubular element to be assembled into an aerosol-generating article using existing high-speed aerosol-generating article assembly machines.

The hollow tubular element comprises about 1 to about 10 mg per millimeter length of the hollow tubular element, preferably about 1.5 to about 8 mg per millimeter length of the hollow tubular element, more preferably about 2 to about 8 mg per millimeter length of the hollow tubular element. It may have an average weight of about 6 mg.

The hollow tubular element may have an average weight of about 4.25 mg per millimeter length of the hollow tubular element.

As used herein, the average weight of a hollow tubular element is determined by dividing the total weight of the hollow tubular element by the length of the hollow tubular element.

The hollow tubular element may include a flame retardant portion comprising a flame retardant composition. For example, the support element and/or the periphery may include a flame retardant portion. The sheet forming the support element may include a flame retardant portion. When the peripheral portion is formed of a sheet, the sheet forming the peripheral portion may include a flame retardant portion. The flame retardant portion may prevent scorching and/or carbonization of the hollow tubular element during use of an aerosol-generating article comprising the hollow tubular element. This is because by providing one or more flame retardant compounds to the hollow tubular element, any heat transferred from the susceptor element to the hollow tubular element can be substantially prevented from causing thermal decomposition or combustion of the hollow tubular element.

The flame retardant may eliminate the need for an additional layer of metal foil or other heat shielding material to be included in the hollow tubular element and/or aerosol-generating article. This can simplify the manufacturing process and thus reduce manufacturing cost. Disposal of the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is also facilitated, since there is no need to separate and recover valuable recyclable materials, such as aluminum foil, when the used aerosol-generating article is disposed of.

As used herein, the term "flame retardant composition" refers to a composition comprising one or more flame retardant compounds.

As used herein, the term “flame retardant compound” refers to a chemical compound that, when added to or otherwise incorporated into a substrate such as paper or plastic compound, provides varying degrees of flammability protection to the substrate. Indeed, flame retardant compounds can be activated by the presence of an ignition source and are adapted to prevent or slow the further occurrence of ignition by a variety of different physical and chemical mechanisms.

The flame retardant composition comprises at least one mono, di- and/or tri-carboxylic acid, at least one polyphosphoric acid, polymers and mixed salts based on pyrophosphoric acid and/or phosphoric acid, and hydroxides or salts of alkali or alkaline earth metals. wherein the at least one mono-, di- and/or tri-carboxylic acid and the hydroxide or salt form a carboxylate and the at least one polyphosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid and/or phosphoric acid and the hydroxide or Salts form phosphates.

The flame retardant composition may comprise cellulose modified with at least one C10 or higher fatty acid, high oil fatty acid (TOFA), phosphorylated linseed oil, phosphorylated followed by corn oil. Preferably, the at least one C10 or higher fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, and combinations thereof.

A portion of the hollow tubular element may be surrounded by a wrapper. The whole of the hollow tubular element may be surrounded by the wrapper. The wrapper may be a paper wrapper.

Preferably, the hollow tubular element is connected to one or more adjacent components of the aerosol-generating article by a wrapper. The wrapper may be a paper wrapper.

The aerosol-generating article includes a susceptor element arranged within the first element. The susceptor element may be arranged within the aerosol-forming substrate. A susceptor element may be arranged around the aerosol-forming substrate.

The susceptor element is configured to be arranged in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. As such, during use of the aerosol-generating article the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor element.

The susceptor element may be an elongated susceptor element. The susceptor element may extend longitudinally within the aerosol-forming substrate.

When used to describe a susceptor element, the term "elongate" means that the susceptor element has a length dimension that is greater than its width dimension or its thickness dimension, for example greater than twice its width dimension or its thickness dimension. means to have

The susceptor elements may be arranged substantially longitudinally within the first element. This means that the length dimension of the elongated susceptor element can be arranged to be approximately parallel to the lengthwise direction of the first element, for example within +/- 10 degrees to the lengthwise direction of the first element. Preferably, the elongate susceptor element can be located at a radially central location within the first element and can extend along a longitudinal axis of the first element.

Preferably, the susceptor element extends all the way to the downstream end of the first element. The susceptor element may extend all the way to the upstream end of the first element. Preferably, the susceptor element has substantially the same length as the first element and extends from an upstream end of the first element to a downstream end of the first element.

The susceptor element is preferably in the form of a pin, rod, strip or blade.

The susceptor element preferably has a length of about 5 mm to about 15 mm, such as about 6 mm to about 12 mm, or about 8 mm to about 10 mm.

The susceptor element preferably has a width of about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

The susceptor element may generally have a thickness of about 0.01 mm to about 2 mm, such as about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. The susceptor element may have a thickness from about 10 μm to about 500 μm, more preferably from about 10 μm to about 100 μm.

If the susceptor element has a constant cross-section, for example a circular cross-section, it has a preferred width or diameter of about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

If the susceptor element has the shape of a strip or blade, the strip or blade preferably has a rectangular shape with a width of about 2 mm to about 8 mm, more preferably about 3 mm to about 5 mm. As an example, a susceptor element in the form of a strip or blade may have a width of about 4 mm.

If the susceptor element has the shape of a strip or blade, the strip or blade preferably has a rectangular shape and a thickness of about 0.03 mm to about 0.15 mm, more preferably about 0.05 mm to about 0.09 mm. As an example, a susceptor element in the form of a strip or blade may have a thickness of about 0.06 mm or about 0.07 mm.

Preferably, the elongated susceptor element is in the form of a strip or blade, has a rectangular shape, and has a thickness of about 55 μm to about 65 μm.

Preferably, the elongated susceptor has a length equal to or less than the length of the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably the elongated susceptor is the same length as the aerosol-forming substrate.

The susceptor element may be formed of any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptor elements include metal or carbon.

A preferred susceptor element may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, for example a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. Suitable susceptor elements may be or include aluminum. Preferred susceptor elements may be formed from 400 series stainless steel, such as grade 410, or grade 420 or grade 430 stainless steel. Different materials dissipate different amounts of energy when placed in an electromagnetic field with similar values of frequency and magnetic field strength.

Accordingly, the parameters of the susceptor element, such as material type, length, width and thickness, can all be varied to provide the desired power dissipation in known electromagnetic fields. Preferred susceptor elements can be heated to temperatures in excess of 250°C.

The susceptor element is arranged in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. Thus, when the susceptor element is heated, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated and an aerosol is formed. Preferably the susceptor element is in direct physical contact with the aerosol-forming substrate, eg arranged within the aerosol-forming substrate.

The susceptor element may be a multi-material susceptor element and may include a first susceptor element material and a second susceptor element material. The first susceptor element material may be placed in close physical contact with the second susceptor element material.

The hollow tubular element may contain an adhesive.

For example, if the periphery comprises a tube, the sheet forming the support element may be attached to the tube by means of an adhesive at the point where the sheet contacts the tube. As another example, a point on the periphery may be attached to another point on the periphery by an adhesive. For example, a first point of the periphery may be attached to a second point of the periphery by adhesive.

As another example, in other cases where the sheet forming the support element also forms part of the perimeter, the sheet part forming part of the perimeter may be attached to the remainder of the perimeter by means of an adhesive. As a further example, if the support element is in contact with the periphery, the support element may be attached to the periphery at the point of contact by means of an adhesive. For example, if the support element includes an end of a sheet, the end of the sheet may be attached to the periphery by adhesive. As a further example, a point of a support element may be attached to another point of the support element. For example, if the support element includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall may be attached to the second sidewall by an adhesive. Further, when the hollow tubular element includes a seam formed by overlapping layers of sheets, the overlapping layers of sheets may be attached to each other by an adhesive to form a seam.

The adhesive may include at least one of PVA, PVOH, and hot melt glue.

Adhesives may include binders. Suitable binders include, but are not limited to, gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, and locust bean gum; cellulosic binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose; polysaccharides such as starch, organic acids such as alginic acid, conjugate base salts of organic acids such as sodium alginate, agar and pectin; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the binder includes guar gum.

The hollow tubular element may be longitudinally aligned with the first element. In particular, the hollow tubular element may be longitudinally aligned with the aerosol-forming substrate. The hollow tubular element may be longitudinally aligned with the susceptor element.

The hollow tubular element may be located directly downstream of the first element. This means that there are no other elements of the aerosol-generating article disposed between the hollow tubular element and the first element. This may assist in improving the ability of the hollow tubular element to better prevent or limit the movement of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and/or at least a portion of the susceptor element.

The hollow tubular element may be in contact with the first element. For example, an upstream end of the hollow tubular element may contact a downstream end of the first element. That is, the upstream end of the hollow tubular element may abut the downstream end of the first element. In particular, the upstream end of the hollow tubular element may be in contact with the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate. That is, the upstream end of the hollow tubular element may abut the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The hollow tubular element may be disposed directly downstream of the first element, but not in contact with the first element, since a void gap separates the hollow tubular element from the first element in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. Because. For example, the hollow tubular element may be disposed immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, but not in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The gap may be about 2 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or less.

The first element may be referred to as an aerosol-generating element.

An aerosol-forming substrate may be referred to as an aerosol-generating substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may substantially define the structure and dimensions of the first element. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in the form of a rod.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises homogenized plant material, preferably homogenized tobacco material.

As used herein, the term "homogenized plant material" encompasses any plant material formed by agglomeration of particles of a plant. For example, a sheet or web of homogenised tobacco material for an aerosol-forming substrate of the present invention may be formed by agglomeration of particles of plant material and, optionally, tobacco material obtained by pulverizing, milling or grinding at least one of tobacco leaf blades and tobacco petioles. can Homogenized plant material may be produced by casting, extrusion, papermaking processes or any other suitable process known in the art.

The homogenized plant material may be provided in any suitable form. For example, the homogenized plant material may be in the form of one or more sheets. The homogenized plant material may be in the form of a plurality of pellets or granules. The homogenized plant material may be in the form of multiple strands, strips, or shreds. As used herein, the term “strand” describes an elongated element of material having a length substantially greater than its width and thickness. The term “strand” should be taken to include strips, flakes and any other homogenized plant material having a similar shape. Strands of homogenized plant material may be formed into sheets of homogenized plant material, for example by cutting or crushing, or for example by other methods, such as extrusion methods.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of one or more sheets of homogenized plant material. One or more sheets of homogenized plant material may be produced by a casting process. One or more sheets of homogenized plant material may be produced by a papermaking process. The one or more sheets as described herein may each individually have a thickness of from 100 μm to 600 μm, preferably from 150 μm to 300 μm, most preferably from 200 μm to 250 μm. Individual thickness refers to the thickness of individual sheets, while combined thickness refers to the total thickness of all sheets comprising the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, if the aerosol-forming substrate is formed from two separate sheets, the combined thickness is the sum of the thicknesses of the two separate sheets or the measured thicknesses of the two sheets in which the two sheets are laminated to the aerosol-forming substrate.

One or more sheets as described herein may each individually have a basis weight of about 100 g/m2 to about 300 g/m2.

One or more sheets as described herein may each individually have a density from about 0.3 g/cm3 to about 1.3 g/cm3, preferably from about 0.7 g/cm3 to about 1.0 g/cm3.

When the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more sheets of homogenized plant material, the sheets are preferably in the form of one or more corrugated sheets. As used herein, the term "crimped" refers to a sheet of homogenized plant material being rolled, folded, or otherwise compressed or retracted substantially transversely to the cylindrical axis of a plug or rod.

One or more sheets of homogenized plant material may be gathered transversely about its longitudinal axis and wrapped with a wrapper to form a continuous rod or plug.

One or more sheets of homogenized plant material may advantageously be crimped or similarly treated. As used herein, the term "crimped" refers to a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Alternatively or in addition to being crimped, one or more sheets of homogenized plant material may be embossed, engraved, perforated or otherwise deformed to provide texture on one or both sides of the sheet.

Preferably, each sheet of homogenized plant material may be crimped to have a plurality of ridges or corrugations substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis of the plug. This treatment advantageously facilitates the gathering of the crimped sheet of homogenized plant material to form a plug. Preferably, the one or more sheets of homogenized plant material may be corrugated. It will be appreciated that the crimped sheet of homogenized plant material may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges and corrugations disposed at an acute or obtuse angle to the cylindrical axis of the plug. The sheet may be crimped to such an extent that the integrity of the sheet is destroyed in a plurality of parallel ridges or corrugations that cause separation of the material, resulting in the formation of pieces, strands or strips of homogenized plant material.

One or more sheets of homogenized plant material may be cut into strands as mentioned above. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a plurality of strands of homogenized plant material. Strands can be used to form plugs. The plurality of strands extend substantially longitudinally along the length of the aerosol-forming substrate, preferably aligned with the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the plurality of strands are aligned substantially parallel to each other.

The homogenized plant material may comprise up to about 95% by weight of plant particles on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the homogenized plant material comprises up to about 90% by weight of plant particles on a dry weight basis, more preferably up to about 80% by weight of plant particles, more preferably up to about 70% by weight of plant particles, even more preferably preferably up to about 60% by weight of plant particles, more preferably up to about 50% by weight of plant particles.

For example, the homogenized plant material may comprise, on a dry weight basis, about 2.5% to about 95% plant particles, or about 5% to about 90% plant particles, or about 10% to about 80% plant particles, by weight , or from about 15% to about 70% by weight of plant particles, or from about 20% to about 60% by weight of plant particles, or from about 30% to about 50% by weight of plant particles.

The homogenized plant material may be a homogenized tobacco material comprising tobacco particles. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material for use in this embodiment contain at least about 40% by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 50% by weight on a dry weight basis, and more preferably at least about 70% by weight on a dry weight basis. , most preferably a tobacco content of at least about 90% by weight on a dry weight basis.

The term “tobacco particle” describes a particle of any plant member of the genus Nicotiana. The term “tobacco particle” includes ground or powdered tobacco leaflets, ground or powdered tobacco petioles, tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during processing, handling, and shipping of tobacco. Tobacco particles are derived substantially entirely from tobacco leaf blades. In contrast, isolated nicotine and nicotine salts, although derived from tobacco, are not considered tobacco particles for the purposes of this invention and are not included in the percentage of particulate plant material.

Tobacco particles can be made from one or more tobacco plant varieties. Any type of tobacco may be used in the blend. Examples of types of tobacco that may be used include, but are not limited to, tobacco, yellow tobacco, burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, orient tobacco, Virginia tobacco, and other specialty tobacco.

The tobacco particles may have a nicotine content of at least about 2.5% by weight on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the tobacco particles have a nicotine content of at least about 3%, even more preferably at least about 3.2%, even more preferably at least about 3.5%, and most preferably at least about 4% on a dry weight basis. can have

The homogenized plant material may include tobacco particles in combination with non-tobacco plant flavor particles.

The weight ratio of non-tobacco plant flavor particles and tobacco particles in the particulate plant material forming the homogenized plant material can be varied depending on the desired flavor characteristics and the composition of the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate during use.

The homogenized plant material may also include cannabis particles. The term "cannabis particles" refers to particles of cannabis plants such as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis species.

The homogenized plant material preferably comprises, on a dry weight basis, no more than about 95% particulate plant material. Thus, the particulate plant material is typically combined with one or more other ingredients to form a homogenized plant material.

The homogenized plant material may further include a binder to alter the mechanical properties of the particulate plant material, and the binder is included in the homogenized plant material during manufacture as described herein. The binder is an extrinsic binder. Suitable extrinsic binders are known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to, gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, and locust bean gum; cellulosic binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose; polysaccharides such as starch, organic acids such as alginic acid, conjugate base salts of organic acids such as sodium alginate, agar and pectin; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the binder includes guar gum.

The binder may be present in an amount of from about 1% to about 10% by weight, based on the dry weight of the homogenized plant material, preferably from about 2% to about 5% by weight, based on the dry weight of the homogenized plant material.

The homogenized plant material may further comprise one or more lipids to facilitate the diffusivity of volatile components (e.g., aerosol formers, gingerols, and nicotine), which lipids may be used during preparation of the homogenized plant as described herein. included in the material. Suitable lipids for inclusion in the homogenized plant material include, but are not limited to, medium chain triglycerides, cocoa butter, palm oil, palm kernel oil, mango oil, shea butter, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, hydrogenated palm oil, candelilla wax, carr Nauba wax, shellac, sunflower wax, sunflower oil, rice bran, and Revel A; and combinations thereof.

The homogenized plant material may further comprise a pH modifier.

The homogenized plant material may further include fibers to alter the mechanical properties of the homogenized plant material, and the fibers are included in the homogenized plant material during manufacture as described herein. Extrinsic fibers suitable for inclusion in the homogenized plant material are known in the art and include cellulosic fibers; softwood fibers; hardwood fibers; jute fibers; and fibers formed from non-tobacco materials and non-ginger materials, including but not limited to combinations thereof. In addition, extrinsic fibers derived from tobacco and/or ginger may be added. Any fibers added to the homogenized plant material are not considered to form part of the "particulate plant material" as discussed above.

Preferably, the fibers are present in an amount of about 2% to about 15%, most preferably about 4% by weight, based on the dry weight of the substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include one or more aerosol formers. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises homogenised tobacco material comprising one or more aerosol formers. Upon evaporation, the aerosol former may deliver other evaporated compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating, such as nicotine and flavoring agents, in the aerosol. Suitable aerosol formers for inclusion in the aerosol-forming substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain from about 5% to about 30% by weight on a dry weight basis, such as from about 10% to about 25% by weight on a dry weight basis, or from about 15% to about 20% by weight on a dry weight of an aerosol-forming substrate. content can be

For example, if the substrate is intended for use in an aerosol-generating article for an electrically operated aerosol-generating system having a heating element, it preferably comprises an aerosol former content of from about 5% to about 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. can do. When the substrate is intended for use in an aerosol-generating article for an electrically operated aerosol-generating system having a heating element, the aerosol former may preferably be glycerol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-former content of from about 1% to about 5% by weight on a dry weight basis. For example, if the substrate is intended for use in an aerosol-generating article in which the aerosol former is maintained in a reservoir separate from the substrate, the substrate may have an aerosol former content greater than 1% and less than about 5%. In this embodiment, the aerosol former evaporates upon heating and the stream of aerosol former is contacted with the aerosol-forming substrate to entrain the flavor from the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of about 30% to about 45% by weight. These relatively high levels of aerosol formers are particularly suitable for aerosol forming substrates intended to be heated at temperatures below 275°C. In this case, the homogenized plant material preferably further comprises from about 2% to about 10% by weight on a dry weight of cellulose ethers, and from about 5% to about 50% by weight on a dry weight of additional cellulose. . The use of a combination of cellulose ethers with additional cellulose has been found to provide particularly effective delivery of aerosols when used in aerosol-forming substrates having an aerosol former content of 30% to 45% by weight.

Suitable cellulose ethers include, but are not limited to, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cellulose ether is carboxymethyl cellulose.

As used herein, the term "additional cellulose" includes any cellulosic material incorporated into the homogenized plant material, which is not derived from tobacco particles or non-tobacco plant particles provided to the homogenized plant material. Thus, the additional cellulose is incorporated into the homogenized plant material as a separate and distinct cellulose source for any cellulose provided essentially within the non-tobacco plant particles or tobacco particles, in addition to the non-tobacco plant material or tobacco material. The additional cellulose will typically be derived from non-tobacco plant particles or from a different plant than the tobacco particles. Preferably, the additional cellulose is in the form of an inert cellulosic material, which is sensory inert and therefore does not substantially affect the organoleptic properties of the aerosol emitted from the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the additional cellulose is preferably a tasteless and odorless material.

Additional cellulose may include cellulose powder, cellulose fibers, or combinations thereof.

The aerosol former can act as a wetting agent in the aerosol forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating article may include a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may extend all the way to the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article.

The mouthpiece element may be located downstream of the hollow tubular element. When the mouthpiece element is located downstream of the hollow tubular element, the mouthpiece element can extend completely to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The mouthpiece element may be located directly downstream of the hollow tubular element. As an example, the mouthpiece element may abut the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

The mouthpiece element may preferably be located at the mouth end or downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece element preferably includes at least one mouthpiece filter segment for filtering an aerosol emitted from the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, a mouthpiece element may include one or more segments of fibrous filtering material. Suitable fibrous filtration materials will be known to those skilled in the art. Particularly preferably, the at least one mouthpiece filter segment comprises a cellulose acetate filter segment formed from cellulose acetate tow.

The mouthpiece element may include a mouth end cavity. The mouth end cavity may be defined by a hollow tubular element provided at the downstream end of the mouthpiece. Alternatively, the mouth end cavity may be defined by an outer wrapper of the aerosol-generating article at the mouth end.

The mouthpiece component may optionally include a flavoring agent, which may be provided in any suitable form. For example, a mouthpiece element may include one or more capsules, beads or granules of a flavoring agent, or threads or filaments loaded with one or more flavoring agents.

Preferably, the mouthpiece element has a low particulate filtration efficiency.

Preferably, the mouthpiece element is formed from a segment of fibrous filtering material.

Preferably, the mouthpiece element is surrounded by a plug wrap.

The mouthpiece element is preferably connected to one or more of the adjacent upstream components of the aerosol-generating article by a tipping wrapper.

Preferably, the mouthpiece element has an RTD of less than about 25 mm H2O. More preferably, the mouthpiece element has an RTD of less than about 20 mm H2O. Even more preferably, the mouthpiece element has an RTD of less than about 15 mm H2O.

A value of RTD of about 10 mm HO to about 15 mm HO is particularly preferred, since a mouthpiece element having one such RTD contributes minimally to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article and substantially reduces the aerosol delivered to the consumer. This is because it is expected that no filtering action is applied.

The mouthpiece element preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece element may have an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or about 6 mm to about 8 mm. Preferably, the mouthpiece element has an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 mm.

The mouthpiece element may have a length of at least about 10 mm, more preferably at least about 11 mm, and more preferably at least about 12 mm. The mouthpiece element may have a length of less than about 25 mm, more preferably less than about 20 mm, and more preferably less than about 15 mm.

The mouthpiece element may have a length of from about 10 mm to about 25 mm, more preferably from about 10 mm to about 20 mm, and even more preferably from about 10 mm to about 15 mm. The mouthpiece element may have a length of about 11 mm to about 25 mm, more preferably about 11 mm to about 20 mm, even more preferably about 11 mm to about 15 mm. The mouthpiece element may have a length of about 12 mm to about 25 mm, more preferably about 12 mm to about 20 mm, even more preferably about 12 mm to about 20 mm.

Preferably, the mouthpiece element has a length of approximately 12 mm.

Providing a relatively long mouthpiece element within an aerosol-generating article may allow for inclusion of a capsule, or the article may be more rigid at the location where the user applies it to the lips, or both.

The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of at least about 20 mm, preferably at least about 30 mm, and more preferably at least about 40 mm.

The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of about 100 mm or less, preferably about 80 mm or less, and more preferably about 60 mm or less.

The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of about 20 mm to about 100 mm, or about 30 mm to about 80 mm, or about 40 mm to about 60 mm.

The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of about 45 mm.

The aerosol-generating article may include a ventilation zone at a location along the hollow tubular element.

The hollow tubular element of the present invention may include ventilation zones at locations along the length of the hollow tubular element. The features of the ventilation zone are described below in relation to aerosol-generating articles. However, it will be appreciated that they can also be applied directly to the hollow tubular element itself.

The ventilation zone may be located from about 5 mm to about 15 mm from the folded end of the hollow tubular element. The ventilation zone may be located at least 2 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, more preferably at least 3 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, and even more preferably at least 5 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

The ventilation zone may be located no more than 20 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, more preferably no more than 15 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, even more preferably no more than 10 mm from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

The ventilation zone is about 1 mm to about 10 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, more preferably about 2 mm to about 8 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, and even more preferably about 2 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. 3 mm to about 6 mm.

The ventilation zone is located at least 1 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, more preferably the ventilation zone is located at least 2 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, still more preferably the ventilation zone is located at the downstream end of the hollow tubular element located at least 3 mm from

The ventilation zone is located at 10 mm or less from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, more preferably the ventilation zone is located at 8 mm or less from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, still more preferably the ventilation zone is located at the downstream end of the hollow tubular element located less than 6 mm from

The ventilation zone may include a plurality of perforations through the perimeter wall of the ventilation element, which may be a hollow tubular element. Preferably, the ventilation zone comprises at least one row of circumferential perforations. The ventilation zone may include two rows of circumferential perforations. For example, the perforations may be formed in batches during manufacture of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, each row of circumferential perforations contains between 8 and 30 perforations.

Aerosol-generating articles according to the present invention may have ventilation levels of at least about 5%.

The term “ventilation level” is used throughout this specification to denote the volume ratio between the airflow entering an aerosol-generating article through a ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) and the sum of the aerosol airflow and ventilation airflow. The greater the ventilation level, the higher the dilution of the aerosol stream delivered to the consumer.

Aerosol-generating articles may typically have ventilation levels of at least about 10%, preferably at least about 15%, and more preferably about 20%.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of at least about 25%. Aerosol-generating articles preferably have a ventilation level of less than about 60%. The aerosol-generating article may have a total ventilation level of about 45% or less. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of about 40% or less, and even more preferably about 35% or less.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of about 30%. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of about 20% to about 60%, preferably about 20% to about 45%, more preferably about 20% to about 40%. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of from about 25% to about 60%, preferably from about 25% to about 45%, more preferably from about 25% to about 40%. In a further embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of about 30% to about 60%, preferably about 30% to about 45%, more preferably about 30% to about 40%.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of about 28% to about 42%. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of about 30%.

Embodiments in which the aerosol-generating article comprises a hollow tubular element downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, with a ventilation zone provided at a location along the first hollow tubular element, can provide a number of advantages. For example, without being bound by theory, it is believed that the decrease in temperature caused by introducing cooler external air into the first hollow tubular element through the ventilation zone may have a beneficial effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles. found

Formation of aerosols from gas mixtures containing various species relies on delicate interactions between nucleation, evaporation, and condensation as well as coalescence, all accounting for changes in vapor concentration, temperature, and velocity field. The so-called classical nucleation theory is based on the assumption that the fraction of gaseous molecules is large enough to remain coherent for a long time with sufficient probability (eg half probability). These molecules represent some kind of critical critical molecular cluster among the transient molecular assemblages, indicating that, on average, smaller molecular clusters are likely to disintegrate into the vapor phase rather quickly, whereas larger clusters are likely to grow on average. it means. These main clusters are identified as the main nucleation cores from which droplets are expected to grow due to the condensation of molecules from the vapor. It is assumed that pure droplets that have just been nucleated can appear to a certain original diameter and then grow by many orders of magnitude. This can be facilitated and enhanced by rapid cooling of the ambient steam leading to condensation. In this regard, it is helpful to remember that evaporation and condensation are two aspects of one and the same mechanism, namely gas-liquid mass transfer. While evaporation relates to the net mass transfer from liquid droplets to the gas phase, condensation is the net mass transfer from the gas phase to the droplet phase. Evaporation (or condensation) will cause the droplets to contract (or grow), but the number of droplets will not change.

In these scenarios, which can be further complicated by coalescence, cooling temperature and rate can play an important role in determining how the system reacts. In general, since the nucleation process is typically non-linear, different cooling rates can lead to significantly different temporal behaviors regarding the formation of liquid phases (droplets). Without being bound by theory, it is hypothesized that cooling may cause a rapid increase in the number concentration of droplets, which may be followed by a strong and short-lived increase in growth (nucleation burst). These nucleation bursts would appear to be more significant at lower temperatures. It will also be seen that higher cooling rates may favor early initiation of nucleation. In contrast, decreasing the cooling rate would appear to have a positive effect on the final size aerosol droplets ultimately reach.

Thus, the rapid cooling induced by introducing outside air into the hollow tubular element through the ventilation zone can advantageously be used to favor the nucleation and growth of aerosol droplets. At the same time, however, the introduction of outside air into the first hollow tubular element has the immediate disadvantage of diluting the aerosol stream delivered to the consumer.

The present inventors have surprisingly found that the dilution effect on aerosols - which can be evaluated in particular by measuring the effect on the delivery of aerosol formers (such as glycerol) contained in the aerosol-generating substrate - is advantageous when ventilation levels are within the ranges specified above. was found to be minimal. In particular, ventilation levels between 25% and 50%, and even more preferably between 28 and 42% have been found to result in particularly satisfactory values of glycerin delivery. At the same time, the degree of nucleation and, consequently, the delivery of nicotine and aerosol formers (eg glycerol) is enhanced.

The inventors have surprisingly discovered how the beneficial effect of enhanced nucleation promoted by the rapid cooling induced by the introduction of ventilation air into the article can significantly counterbalance the less desirable dilution effect. As such, satisfactory values of aerosol delivery are consistently achieved with aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure.

This means that the length of the first element comprising the aerosol-generating substrate is less than about 40 mm, preferably less than 25 mm, even more preferably less than 20 mm, or the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is less than about 70 mm, preferably about It is particularly advantageous in "short" aerosol-generating articles, such as less than 60 mm, even more preferably less than 50 mm. As can be appreciated, in such aerosol-generating articles, there is little time and space in which an aerosol is formed and the particulate phase of the aerosol is available for delivery to the consumer.

Further, since the ventilated hollow tubular element can be configured to substantially not contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article, in such aerosol-generating articles the overall RTD of the article is advantageously the length of the first element comprising the aerosol-generating substrate. and the density or length of the segments of filtering material forming part of the mouthpiece and optionally the length and density or length and density of elements provided upstream of the first element comprising the aerosol-generating substrate. Thus, an aerosol-generating article having a predetermined RTD can be manufactured consistently and with great precision, such that a satisfactory level of RTD can be provided to the consumer even when ventilation is present.

In addition, the inventors have found that mixing hot air from the aerosol-generating substrate with fresh air from ventilation drawn through the ventilation holes is particularly advantageous if the support element does not divide the inner region of the hollow tubular element into a number of distinct channels. found to be stimulating. In particular, it may be desirable to configure the support element such that the hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element consists of a single channel, for example a channel of the type shown in FIGS. 4a , 6 and 8 in the accompanying drawings. With this arrangement, fresh air drawn through the line of ventilation holes extending around the circumference of the hollow tubular element can be drawn substantially into a single channel of the hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element. This may provide improved mixing of fresh air from ventilation with hot air from the aerosol-generating substrate.

It may also be desirable to configure the hollow tubular element such that substantially all of the hot air drawn from the aerosol-generating substrate through a section of the aerosol-generating article comprising the hollow tubular element passes through the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular element. This can be achieved by leaving no substantial gap around the outside of the hollow tubular element through which air can pass. For example, as shown in any one of FIGS. 6, 9 and 13-20 in the accompanying drawings, the hollow tubular element such that the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element is substantially continuous around the circumference of the hollow tubular element. It may be desirable to configure. With this arrangement, fresh air drawn through the line of ventilation holes extending around the circumference of the hollow tubular element can be drawn substantially into a single channel of the hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element. This may provide improved mixing of fresh air from ventilation with hot air from the aerosol-generating substrate. This may also eliminate the scenario where ventilation holes are required to extend through one or more walls of the support element. Such configurations can be difficult to manufacture. Such a configuration may not efficiently pass ventilation air into the hollow tubular element, for example due to the orientation of one or more of the walls.

Preferably, the hollow tubular element and one or more support elements thereof are such that the hollow inner region of the hollow tubular support element consists of no more than three channels, more preferably no more than two channels, even more preferably a single channel. It consists of This arrangement is particularly desirable when the aerosol-generating article has one or more of the ventilation features described above.

The present disclosure also relates to a method for forming a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article. The method may include providing facilities for forming the hollow tubular element. Facilities may include devices. The device may have an interior surface. The inner surface may define a channel of the device. A channel may extend from an upstream opening of the device. The channel may extend to a downstream opening of the device. The device may include an internal projection that projects into the channel. The method may also include providing a hollow tube. The method may further include passing the hollow tube into the channel through an upstream opening of the device. The method may further include passing the tube along the channel and contacting the inner lug of the device such that the tube is collapsed by the inner lug to form a hollow tubular element having a support element.

According to the invention, the method includes providing a facility for forming the hollow tubular element. Facilities include devices. The device has an inner surface defining a channel. A channel extends from an upstream opening of the device to a downstream opening of the device. The device includes an internal projection that projects into the channel. The method also includes providing a hollow tube. The method comprises passing a hollow tube into a channel through an upstream opening of the device; Passing the tube along the channel and bringing it into contact with the inner lug of the device, wherein the inner lug folds the tube to form a hollow tubular element having a support element.

The method may also include passing the hollow tubular element out of the channel through a downstream opening of the device.

The hollow tube may be formed into a sheet. The method may include forming a hollow tube from a sheet. Forming the hollow tube from the sheet may include forming a seam by overlapping a portion of the sheet at a first end of the sheet with a portion of the sheet at an opposite second end of the sheet. Forming the seam may include attaching a portion of the sheet at a first end of the sheet to a portion of the sheet at a second end of the sheet with an adhesive. The seam may extend along the length of the hollow tube.

The diameter of the hollow tube may be approximately equal to the periphery of the hollow tubular element.

The channel may have a substantially circular cross section. A channel may comprise a substantially cylindrical section. The channel may comprise a substantially truncated conical section.

The inner projection may have a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the inner projection. The inner projection may have a cross-section that varies along the length of the inner projection. For example, the inner asperity may be tapered. For example, the inner lug may taper at an upstream end of the inner lug. The length of the inner projection may extend in the direction the hollow tube passes through the device.

The inner projection may have a substantially rectangular cross-section in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction. The inner projection may have a substantially triangular cross-section in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction. Preferably, the inner projection has a triangular cross section in the transverse direction. The triangular cross-section in the transverse direction can help the hollow tube to be folded to form a hollow tubular element, and can prevent bursting through the hollow tube. The inner projections may be substantially pyramidal.

When the internal projection is substantially pyramidal, the internal projection may have a maximum cross-sectional area at the apex of the internal projection.

The inner projection may include a first edge when the inner projection has a substantially triangular cross-section in the transverse direction, for example when the inner projection is substantially pyramidal. The first edge may abut a portion of an inner surface of the device defining the channel. The inner protrusion may include a second edge. The second edge may abut a portion of an inner surface of the device defining the channel. The second edge may extend from an upstream end of the inner projection. The inner protrusion may include a third edge. A third edge can reside within a channel. The third edge may extend from an upstream end of the inner projection. The third edge may extend to the apex of the inner protrusion. The third edge may define the tip of the inner protrusion.

The hollow tube may have a circumference at the apex of the inner projection approximately equal to the inner circumference of the cross section of the device.

The internal projection may be a first internal projection and the device may include one or more additional internal projections. The device may include two to six internal projections. Preferably, the device includes three internal projections. Each of the inner protrusions may be identical to each other. Alternatively, one of the internal projections may be different from the other internal projections. The inner projections may be evenly spaced around the channel.

The internal shape of the device may be configured such that a snug fit is achieved between the hollow tube and the internal surface of the device defining the channel. This may be particularly desirable at the point where the hollow tube is in contact with one or more internal projections. This may assist in folding the hollow tube at a desired location and forming the hollow tubular element.

The device may include a first section. The first section of the device may include at least a portion of the channels of the device. The channel may have a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the first section of the device. For example, the portion of the channel extending through the first section of the device may be substantially cylindrical. The cross section of the channel may vary along the length of the first section of the device. For example, the cross-sectional area of the channels at the upstream end of the first section of the device may be greater than the cross-sectional area of the channels at the downstream end of the first section of the device. Preferably, the portion of the channel extending through the first section of the device is substantially frustoconical. In this case, the diameter of the channel of the device at the upstream end of the first section is preferably greater than the diameter of the channel of the device at the downstream end of the first section. At a point along the first portion, for example at an upstream end of the first portion, the diameter of the channel of the device may be approximately equal to the diameter of the hollow tube. At a point along the first section, for example at the downstream end of the first section, the diameter of the channel may be approximately equal to the diameter of the hollow tubular element. The diameter of the channel is selected such that the outer surface of the hollow tube remains in contact with the inner surface of the device during the step of passing the hollow tube through the first section of the device, thereby shaping the hollow tube into a hollow tubular element. can assist

The inner projection may be part of the first section of the device. That is, the first section of the device may include an internal projection projected into the channel. The inner projection may extend from an upstream end of the first section of the device to a downstream end of the first section of the device. As such, the inner projection may extend along the entire length of the first section of the device. The internal protrusion may project into a portion of a channel extending through the first section of the device. If the inner protuberance is tapered, the inner protrusion may taper at the upstream end of the first section of the device. Also, if the inner projection includes a first edge, the first edge may extend from an upstream end of the first section of the device. If the inner projection comprises a section edge, the second edge may extend from an upstream end of the first section of the device. If the inner projection includes a third edge, the third edge may extend from an upstream end of the first section of the device. A third edge can reside within a channel.

The first section of the device may extend from an upstream opening of the device to a downstream opening of the device. In this case, the first section of the device may be the only section of the device. That is, the device may include only the first section of the device.

Besides the first section, the device may include one or more further sections.

For example, the device may include a second section. The second section of the device may include at least a portion of the channels of the device. The second section may extend from an upstream opening of the device. The second section may extend into the first section of the device. That is, the second section may be adjacent to and upstream from the first section of the device.

The portion of the channel extending through the second section may have a substantially circular cross-section. Preferably, the portion of the channel extending through the second section has a substantially circular cross-section at the downstream end of the second section. In this case, the diameter of the channel at the downstream end of the second section is preferably approximately equal to the diameter of the channel at the upstream end of the first section.

The channel may have a larger cross-sectional area at an upstream end of the second section than at a downstream end of the second section. The portion of the channel extending through the second section may be substantially frustoconical.

The portion of the channel extending through the second section may have a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the second section. The portion of the channel extending through the second section may be substantially cylindrical.

The device may include a third section. The third section of the device may include at least a portion of the channels of the device. The third section may extend from a downstream end of the first section of the device. The third section may extend into the downstream opening of the device. That is, the third section may be adjacent to and downstream from the first section of the device.

The portion of the channel extending through the third section may have a substantially circular cross-section. Preferably, the portion of the channel extending through the third section has a substantially circular cross-section at the upstream end of the third section. In this case, the diameter of the channel at the upstream end of the third section is preferably approximately equal to the diameter of the channel at the downstream end of the first section.

The channel may have a larger cross-sectional area at the downstream end of the third section than at the upstream end of the third section. The portion of the channel extending through the third section may be substantially frustoconical.

The portion of the channel extending through the third section may have a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the third section. The portion of the channel extending through the third section may be substantially cylindrical.

The device may include only the first section and the third section. The device may include a first section, a second section and a third section. In this case, the first section may be located between the second and third sections of the device.

The method includes passing the hollow tube through an upstream opening of the device and into a channel of the device.

The method also includes passing the hollow tube along the channel and contacting the inner protuberance of the device. If the device includes a first section that includes an internal boss, the method may include passing the hollow tube along the channel and contacting the internal boss at an upstream end of the first section of the device. The method may also include passing the hollow tube through the first section of the device along the channel such that an outer surface of the hollow tube contacts an inner surface of the first section of the device. The method may also include passing the hollow tube through the first section of the device along the channel such that the outer surface of the hollow tube contacts the inner protuberance. Due to the configuration of the first section of the device, passing the hollow tube along the first section of the device can deform the hollow tube to conform to the internal shape of the first section of the device. In particular, if the portion of the channel extending through the first section has a substantially frusto-conical shape, the shape of the channel of the first section combined with the presence of internal projections in the first section results in a hollow tube with a reduced diameter and It may assist in shaping into a form having an internal folding protrusion forming a support element. Consequently, passing the hollow tube through the first section of the device causes the hollow tube to: a first line of fold at the first edge of the inner lug; a second line of fold at the second edge of the inner lug; and a third fold line at a third edge of the inner protrusion. Thus, the hollow tube may be passed through the first section of the device to form a hollow tubular element formed of a sheet, the hollow tubular element comprising a periphery defining a hollow interior region, and a support element; , wherein the support element is suspended from the periphery along both the first fold line of the sheet and the second fold line of the sheet, the support element including a third fold line of the sheet residing within the hollow interior region. .

The method may include passing the hollow tubular element out of the channel through a downstream opening of the device.

If the device includes a second section extending from the upstream opening of the device to the upstream end of the first section of the device, the method further passes the hollow tube along the channel before passing the device through the second section of the device. passing the second section of the Passing the hollow tube through the second section of the device allows the hollow tube to be inserted into the channel and brought into contact with the internal boss.

If the device includes a third section extending from the downstream end of the first section of the device to the downstream opening of the device, the method may pass the hollow tube through the first section of the device, and then along a channel to the device. passing the hollow tube through a third section of the The method may include passing the hollow tubular element through a third section of the device and out of a channel through a downstream opening in the device. Passing the hollow tubular element through the third section of the device may also assist in passing the hollow tubular element out of the device. Passing the hollow tubular element through the third section of the device may assist in maintaining a desired shape of the hollow tubular element after folding of the hollow tubular element, for example by assisting in maintaining a desired curvature of the hollow tubular element.

The method may include attaching a first sidewall of the support element to a second sidewall of the support element with an adhesive, wherein the first sidewall of the support element extends from the first fold line to the third fold line; The second side wall of the support element extends from the second fold line to the third fold line. The attaching step may be performed before the hollow tubular element exits the device. In this case, the attaching step can be performed while the hollow tubular element passes through the channel. The attaching step may be performed after the hollow tubular element exits the device.

The method may include wrapping a wrapper around the hollow tubular element. The enclosing step may be performed before the hollow tubular element exits the device. The enclosing step may be performed after the hollow tubular element exits the device.

The method may include attaching the wrapper to the hollow tubular element, for example by adhesive. Attaching the wrapper to the hollow tubular element may be performed before the hollow tubular element exits the device. Attaching the wrapper to the hollow tubular element may be performed after the hollow tubular element exits the device.

Features described with respect to one embodiment or implementation may also be applicable to other embodiments and implementations.

A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other examples or embodiments described herein.

EX1. An aerosol-generating article comprising: a first element comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; a susceptor element arranged within the first element; and a hollow tubular element disposed downstream of the first element, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises: a periphery defining a hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element; and a support element formed from a sheet and extending from a first point of the perimeter across the hollow interior region to a second point of the perimeter.

EX2. The aerosol-generating article of EX1, wherein the peripheral portion is formed of a sheet.

EX3. The aerosol-generating article of EX2, wherein the perimeter and the support element are integrally formed from a sheet.

EX4. The aerosol-generating article of EX3, wherein the perimeter and the support element are formed from separate sheets.

EX5. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX4, wherein the peripheral portion comprises a tube.

EX6. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX5, wherein the support element extends along about 10% to about 100% of the length of the hollow tubular element.

EX7. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1-EX6, wherein the first point at the periphery and the second point at the periphery are spaced apart from each other.

EX8. The aerosol-generating article of EX7, wherein the first point at the perimeter and the second point at the perimeter are substantially diametrically opposed.

EX9. The aerosol-generating article according to any of EX1-EX6, wherein the first point at the periphery and the second point at the periphery are adjacent to each other.

EX10. The aerosol-generating article of EX9, wherein the first point at the perimeter and the second point at the perimeter contact each other.

EX11. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX10, wherein the support element comprises a tip, wherein the tip is located within the hollow interior region.

EX12. The aerosol-generating article of EX11, wherein the tip of the support element is spaced apart from the periphery.

EX13. The aerosol-generating article of EX11, wherein the tip of the support element is at a point adjacent to a point at the periphery.

EX14. The aerosol-generating article according to any of EX1-EX13, wherein a surface of the support element along the longitudinal direction is substantially planar.

EX15. The aerosol-generating article of EX14, wherein the substantially planar surface extends from a first point in the periphery.

EX16. The aerosol-generating article of EX14 or EX15, wherein the substantially planar surface extends to a second point in the periphery.

EX17. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX16, wherein the support element comprises a substantially straight portion when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX18. The aerosol-generating article of EX17, wherein the substantially straight portion extends from a first point of the periphery when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX19. The aerosol-generating article of EX17 or EX18, wherein the substantially straight portion extends to a second point of the periphery when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX20. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX19, wherein the support element is suspended from the perimeter along a first fold line of the sheet, the first fold line being at a first point on the perimeter.

EX21. The aerosol-generating article of EX20, wherein the first fold line extends along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element.

EX22. The aerosol-generating article of EX21, wherein the first fold line extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

EX23. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX20-EX22, wherein the first fold line is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

EX24. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX20-EX22, wherein the first fold line is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

EX25. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX20-EX24, wherein the first line of fold is the only line of fold along which the support element clings to the periphery.

EX26. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX20-EX24, wherein the support element hangs from the perimeter along a second fold line of the sheet, the second fold line at a second point on the perimeter.

EX27. The aerosol-generating article of EX26, wherein the second fold line extends along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element.

EX28. The aerosol-generating article of EX27, wherein the second fold line extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

EX29. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX26-EX28, wherein the second fold line is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

EX30. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX26-EX28, wherein the first fold line is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

EX31. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX26-EX30, wherein the first fold line and the second fold line are parallel to each other.

EX32. The aerosol-generating article of EX26-EX30, wherein the first fold line and the second fold line are not parallel to each other.

EX33. The aerosol-generating article of any of EX26-EX32, wherein the support element comprises a third fold line of the sheet.

EX34. 34. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 33, wherein the third fold line defines a tip of the support element, the tip being located within the hollow interior region.

EX35. The aerosol-generating article of EX33 or EX34, wherein the third line of fold of the sheet is approximately equidistant from the first line of fold of the sheet and the second line of fold of the sheet.

EX36. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX33-EX35, wherein the first fold line and the third fold line define a first sidewall of the support element.

EX37. The aerosol-generating article of EX36, wherein the first sidewall of the support element is substantially straight.

EX38. The aerosol-generating article of EX36 or EX37, wherein the second fold line and the third fold line define a second sidewall of the support element.

EX39. The aerosol-generating article of EX38, wherein the second sidewall of the support element is substantially straight.

EX40. The aerosol-generating article of EX38 or EX39, wherein the first sidewall surface and the second sidewall surface are in contact with each other.

EX41. The aerosol-generating article of EX39, wherein both the first sidewall and the second sidewall are substantially straight, and wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall define an angle between them of at least about 5 degrees.

EX42. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX41, wherein the support element has a substantially triangular cross-section.

EX43. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX38-EX40, wherein both the first sidewall and the second sidewall are substantially straight, and the angle formed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall is approximately zero degrees.

EX44. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX40, wherein the cross section of the support element comprises a curved portion.

EX45. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1-EX40 and EX44, wherein the support element comprises a plurality of peaks and troughs when viewed from an upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX46. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX40, EX44 and EX45, wherein the support element has a wavy profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX47. The aerosol-generating article of EX46, wherein the support element is a substantially sinusoidal wave when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX48. The aerosol-generating article of EX46, wherein the support element has a substantially triangular wavy profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX49. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX44, EX46 and EX47, wherein the support element is substantially s-shaped in cross section.

EX50. The aerosol-generating article of EX44, wherein the cross-section of the support element is substantially omega-shaped.

EX51. The aerosol-generating article of EX44, wherein the support element has a substantially c-shaped cross-section.

EX52. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX45, EX46 and EX48, wherein the support element is substantially w-shaped when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX53. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX52, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises at least one longitudinal plane of symmetry.

EX54. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1-EX53, wherein the hollow tubular element is radially symmetrical.

EX55. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX54, wherein the cross-sectional area of the hollow tubular element is substantially constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

EX56. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX55, wherein the hollow tubular element has a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

EX57. The aerosol-generating article of any of EX1-EX56, wherein the support element divides the hollow interior region into a plurality of channels.

EX58. The aerosol-generating article of EX57, wherein the support element divides the hollow interior region into two to four channels.

EX59. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX58, wherein the support element extends through a radial center of the hollow tubular support element.

EX60. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX59, wherein the support element is spaced from a radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance from about 5% to about 90% of a radius of the hollow tubular element.

EX61. The aerosol-generating article of any of EX1-EX60, wherein the support element is spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of between about 0.2 mm and about 3 mm.

EX62. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX61, wherein the support element comprises a tip, and wherein the support element has a depth of about 0.6 mm to about 3 mm.

EX63. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX62, wherein the support element is the sole support element of the hollow tubular element.

EX64. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX62, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises a plurality of support elements.

EX65. The aerosol-generating article of EX64, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises two to six support elements.

EX66. The aerosol-generating article of EX65, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises three support elements.

EX67. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX64-EX66, wherein each of the support elements are identical to one another.

EX68. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX64-EX67, wherein each of the support elements are spaced approximately evenly around the periphery of the hollow tubular element.

EX69. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX68, wherein the hollow tubular element has a length of about 10 mm to about 30 mm.

EX70. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX69, wherein the hollow tubular element has an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 12 mm.

EX71. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX70, wherein the hollow tubular element has an inside diameter of about 4.5 mm to about 11.5 mm.

EX72. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX71, wherein the hollow tubular element has a total internal surface area of about 25 square millimeters per millimeter length to about 70 square millimeters per millimeter length.

EX73. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX72, wherein the hollow tubular element provides negligible resistance to draw.

EX74. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX73, wherein the hollow tubular element has a porosity of greater than about 90% in the longitudinal direction.

EX75. Any one of EX1 to EX74, wherein the support element and/or the sheet forming the periphery is formed of paper, any other paper-based material, any other cellulosic material, bioplastic-based material, or metal. Aerosol-generating articles.

EX76. The aerosol-generating article of EX75, wherein the sheet forming the support element and/or the periphery is formed of paper.

EX77. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX76, wherein the sheet forming the perimeter and/or the support element has a basis weight of about 35 grams/square meter to about 80 grams/square meter.

EX78. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX77, wherein the sheet forming the perimeter and/or the support element has a thickness of about 100 μm to about 130 μm.

EX79. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX78, wherein the sheet forming the support element and/or the periphery is an aluminum sheet, the sheet having a thickness of about 10 μm to about 20 μm.

EX80. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX79, wherein substantially the entirety of the support element is formed from a single layer of sheet forming the support element.

EX81. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX80, wherein the perimeter is formed from a single layer of sheet.

EX82. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX80, wherein the perimeter is formed from a plurality of overlapping layers of sheet.

EX83. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX80, wherein the perimeter is formed from a plurality of sheets.

EX84. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX83, wherein the perimeter has a thickness of about 15 μm to about 600 μm.

EX85. The aerosol-generating article of EX84, wherein the perimeter has a thickness of about 100 μm to about 130 μm.

EX86. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX85, wherein the hollow tubular element has a total weight of about 150 mg or less.

EX87. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX86, wherein the hollow tubular element has an average weight of less than or equal to about 10 milligrams per millimeter length of the hollow tubular element.

EX88. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX87, wherein the hollow tubular element is surrounded by a wrapper.

EX89. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1-EX88, wherein the hollow tubular element is connected to one or more of the adjacent components of the aerosol-generating article by a wrapper.

EX90. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX89, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises an adhesive.

EX91. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX90, wherein the sheet comprises a flame retardant portion comprising a flame retardant composition.

EX92. The aerosol-generating article of EX91, wherein the flame retardant portion extends from an upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX93. The aerosol-generating article of EX91 or EX92, wherein the flame retardant portion extends over an inner surface and/or an outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

EX94. The aerosol-generating article of EX93, wherein the flame retardant portion extends substantially over the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

EX95. The aerosol-generating article of any of EX1-EX94, wherein the susceptor is at a downstream end of the first element.

EX96. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX95, wherein the susceptor is arranged within the aerosol-forming substrate element.

EX97. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1-EX96, wherein the susceptor is arranged about the aerosol-forming substrate element.

EX98. The aerosol-generating article of any one of EX1-EX97, further comprising a ventilation zone at a location along the hollow tubular element.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, of which:
1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows an exploded view of some of the components of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 1;
3 shows a partially transparent perspective view of a hollow tubular element of the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 1;
4a and 4b show cross-sectional views of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element of the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 1 .
4C shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article in the hollow tubular element of FIG. 1 .
5 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element of an aerosol-generating article according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element of Fig. 5;
7 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
8 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
9 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
10 shows a side view of an apparatus for forming a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article, eg according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 10 as taken along plane AA of FIG. 10 .
FIG. 11B shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 10 as taken along plane BB of FIG. 10 .
12A shows a cross-sectional view of a hollow tube used to form a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article, eg according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12B shows a cross-sectional view of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article formed from the hollow tube of FIG. 12A and using the device of FIG. 10 .
13 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element of Fig. 13;
15 shows a cross-sectional view of an upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
16 shows a cross-sectional view of an upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
17 shows a cross-sectional view of an upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
18 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element of Fig. 18;
20 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

1 shows an aerosol-generating article 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 1 comprises a first element 10 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 12; a susceptor element (20) arranged in the first element (10); a hollow tubular element (100) disposed downstream of the first element (10); and a mouth end element (30). Thus, the aerosol-generating article extends from the upstream or distal end 2 to the downstream or mouth end 4 .

The aerosol-generating article has an overall length of about 45 mm.

The first element 10 is in the form of a rod comprising an aerosol-generating substrate 12 of one of the types described above. The structure and dimensions of the first element 10 are defined by the aerosol-forming substrate 12, which is also in the form of a rod. The first element 10 comprising the aerosol-generating substrate 12 has an outer diameter of about 7.25 mm and a length of about 12 mm.

The susceptor element 20 is an elongated susceptor element 20 . The susceptor element 20 is arranged substantially longitudinally within the first element 10 , for example approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first element 10 . The susceptor element 20 is located at a radially central position within the first element 10 and extends effectively along the entire longitudinal axis of the first element 10 . In particular, the susceptor element 20 is arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-forming substrate 12 and is located in a radially central position with the aerosol-forming substrate 12 . The susceptor element 20 extends completely from the upstream end to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 . In practice, the susceptor element 20 has substantially the same length as the first element 10 and the aerosol-generating substrate 12 .

The susceptor element 20 is provided in the form of a strip and has a length of about 12 mm, a thickness of about 60 μm, and a width of about 4 mm.

The hollow tubular element 100 is disposed immediately downstream of the first element 10 , and the hollow tubular element 100 is longitudinally aligned with the first element 10 . The upstream end of the hollow tubular element 100 abuts the downstream end of the first element 10 and in particular the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 10 . This advantageously prevents or limits movement of both the first element 10 and the susceptor element 20 .

The mouthpiece element 30 is disposed immediately downstream of the hollow tubular element 100, and the hollow tubular element 30 is longitudinally aligned with the hollow tubular element. An upstream end of the mouthpiece element 30 abuts a downstream end of the tube element 100 .

The mouthpiece element 30 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of low density cellulose acetate. The mouthpiece element 30 has a length of about 12 mm and an outer diameter of about 7.25 mm. The RTD of the mouthpiece element 30 is about 12 mm H2O.

The hollow tubular element 100 is best seen in an exploded perspective view of some components of the aerosol-generating article 1 of FIG. 2 and a partially transparent perspective view of the hollow tubular element of FIG. 3 .

The hollow tubular element 100 includes a periphery 110 of material defining a hollow interior region 120 of the hollow tubular element 100 . The hollow tubular element 100 also has a support formed from the sheet and extending across the hollow interior region 120 from a first point 131 at the periphery 110 to a second point 132 at the periphery 110 . element 130.

Perimeter 110 and support element 130 are integrally formed from the same paper sheet. The paper sheet has a basis weight of about 78 grams per square meter. Substantially the entirety of the sheet portion forming the periphery 110 forms the outer curved surface of the hollow tubular element 100 .

To form support element 130, the paper sheet includes a seam (not shown) and two layers of paper sheet overlap each other. The seam may be part of the perimeter 110 and/or support element 130 . The seam extends over a small portion of the perimeter 110 and/or support element 130 . As such, substantially the entirety of perimeter 110 is formed from a single layer of sheet. Further, substantially the entire support element 130 is formed from a single layer of sheet.

The support element 130 is suspended from the perimeter 110 along a first fold line 141 of the sheet, the first fold line 141 is at a first point 131 on the perimeter 110, the first fold Line 141 extends along substantially the entire length of hollow tubular element 100 . The support element 130 also hangs from the perimeter 110 along a second fold line 142 of the seat, the second fold line 142 at a second point 132 on the perimeter 110, the second fold line 142 Fold line 142 extends along substantially the entire length of hollow tubular element 100 .

As such, support element 130 also extends along substantially the entire length of hollow tubular element 100 . In practice, the support element 130 has substantially the same length as the hollow tubular element 100 .

The hollow tubular element 100 has a length of about 8 mm.

The hollow tubular element 100 has a total weight of about 34 milligrams. As such, the hollow tubular elements have an average weight of about 4.25 milligrams per millimeter.

The hollow tubular element 100 has a constant cross section along the entire length of the hollow tubular element 100 .

Both the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element 100 . As such, the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 are parallel to each other.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the support element 130 includes a third fold line 143 of the sheet, the third fold line 143 intersects the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 . are parallel and equidistant between them. This helps to provide a strong support barrier to prevent or reduce movement of the first element 10, in particular the aerosol-forming substrate 12, and the susceptor element 20. A third fold line 143 defines the tip of the support element.

4a and 4b show cross-sectional views of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element 100 .

The first fold line 141 and the third fold line 143 together define a first side wall 151 of the support element 130, the first side wall 151 being substantially straight, and the first side wall 151 The outer surface 153 of ) forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular element 100 . The second fold line 142 and the third fold line 143 together define a second side wall 151 of the support element 130, the second side wall 152 being substantially straight, and the second side wall 152 The outer surface 154 of ) forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

Support element 130 has a generally triangular cross section.

A first point 131 at the periphery 110 and a second point 132 at the periphery 110 are spaced apart from each other by a distance 160 of about 1 mm. As such, the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 are also spaced apart from each other by a distance of about 1 mm.

The first sidewall 151 and the second sidewall 152 define an angle between them of about 30 degrees.

The depth of the support element 130 is about 2 mm. That is, the distance between the first point 131 and the tip of the support element 130 at the periphery is about 2 mm. Thus, the distance between the first fold line 141 and the third fold line 143 is also about 2 mm.

The tip of the support element 130 is spaced from the radial center 162 of the hollow tubular element 100 by a distance of about 1.5 mm. As such, the support element 130 is spaced from the radial center 162 of the hollow tubular element by a distance of about 1.5 mm.

The outer diameter 164 of the hollow tubular element is about 7.2 mm. As such, the support element 130 is spaced from the radial center 162 of the hollow tubular element 100 by a distance of about 42% of the radius of the hollow tubular element 100 . 4C shows a wrapper 190 surrounding the hollow tubular element 100 .

Support element 130 is a first support element 130 , the hollow tubular element comprises two further support elements: a second support element 170 and a third support element 180 . This advantageously provides the hollow tubular element 100 with additional strength and rigidity in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, thereby providing stability to the first element 110, in particular the aerosol-forming substrate 112, and the susceptor element 120. Deformation of the hollow tubular element 100 can be eliminated while preventing or restricting movement.

Each of the support elements 130 , 170 , 180 are identical to each other and equally spaced around the circumference of the hollow tubular element 100 . The circumference of the hollow tubular element 100 is shown as a dashed line in FIG. 4b.

5 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element 200 for an aerosol-generating article according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 200 of the second embodiment differs from the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment in that the first point 231 of the periphery and the second point 232 of the periphery are located closer together. do. In particular, the first point 231 at the periphery and the second point 232 at the periphery are spaced apart from each other by a distance of about zero millimeters. As such, the first fold line 241 and the second fold line 242 are also spaced apart from each other by a distance of about zero millimeters. The depth of the support element 230 is equal to the depth of the support element 130 and is about 2 mm.

6 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element 200 . An angle formed between the first sidewall 251 and the second sidewall 252 is approximately 0 degrees. Substantially all of the first sidewall 251 and substantially all of the second sidewall 252 contact each other and are attached to each other by adhesive. This can significantly increase the strength and rigidity of the hollow tubular element both in the longitudinal and transverse directions. This may also eliminate the need to surround the hollow tubular element 200 with a wrapper. As such, it can minimize the weight of the hollow tubular element 200 so that it can be assembled into the aerosol-generating article 1 using existing high speed aerosol-generating article assembly machines.

7 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 300 for an aerosol-generating article according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 300 of the third embodiment is generally identical to the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment. However, the hollow tubular element 300 of the third embodiment differs from the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment in that the support element 330 has a depth equal to the radius of the hollow tubular element 300. . As such, the support element 330 extends to the radial center of the hollow tubular element 300 . In particular, the tip of the support element 330 is at or adjacent to the radial center of the hollow tubular element 300 . In a similar manner to the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment, the hollow tubular element 300 of the third embodiment comprises three identical support elements 330, 370, 380). As such, support elements 330, 370 and 380 divide the hollow interior region into three channels. In particular, the tips of the support elements 330 , 370 , 380 abut each other at the radial center of the hollow tubular element 300 .

8 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 400 for an aerosol-generating article according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 400 is generally similar to the hollow tubular element 400 of the first embodiment, except that the first point 431 at the periphery and the second point 432 at the periphery are located closer together. is the same as In particular, the first point 431 at the periphery and the second point 432 at the periphery are spaced apart from each other by a distance of about 0.8 millimeters. Also in FIG. 8 , the depth of support element 430 is now about 3 mm. Also in FIG. 8 , the first sidewall and the second sidewall define an angle of about 15 degrees therebetween.

9 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 500 for an aerosol-generating article according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 500 is generally the same as the hollow tubular element 200 of the second embodiment, except that the depth of the hollow tubular element 200 is approximately equal to the radius of the hollow tubular element 500 . As such, support element 530 extends to the radial center of hollow tubular element 500 . In particular, the tip of the support element 530 is at or adjacent to the radial center of the hollow tubular element 500 . Similar to the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment and the hollow tubular element 200 of the second embodiment, the hollow tubular element 500 of the fifth embodiment comprises three identical support elements. Thus, the three supporting elements of the hollow tubular element 500 divide the hollow region of the hollow tubular element 500 into three channels. In particular, the tips of the support elements 530 , 370 , 580 abut each other at the radial center of the hollow tubular element 300 .

10 shows a method of forming a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article, such as the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment described above. The method includes providing a facility 105 for forming a hollow tubular element. Facility 105 includes device 107 . Device 107 has an inner surface 115 defining a channel 125 . Channel 125 extends from upstream opening 117 of device 107 to downstream opening 118 of device 107 .

The device 107 includes a first section 126 , a second section 127 and a third section 128 . As shown in FIG. 10 , the first section is located between the second section 127 and the third section 128 .

The first section 126 of the device 107 includes an internal projection 135 that projects into a channel 125 . The inner protrusion 135 extends from the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107 to the downstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107 . The channels 125 in the first section 126 of the device 107 are substantially truncated conical, the diameter of the channels 125 at the upstream end of the first section 126 being the downstream of the first section 126. It is larger than the diameter of the channel 125 at the end.

The inner protrusion 135 may be substantially pyramidal. The inner projection 125 has a substantially triangular cross section in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The inner lug 135 has a maximum transverse cross-sectional area at the apex of the inner lug 135 and tapers at the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107 . The inner protuberance includes a first edge, which abuts a portion of an inner surface of device 107 defining channel 125 . A first edge extends from an upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107 . The inner projection also includes a second edge, which also abuts the inner surface 115 of the device 107 defining the channel. The second edge extends from the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107 . The inner projection further includes a third edge, which resides within the channel 125 and extends from an upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107 .

A cross section of the inner projection 135 taken along plane A-A is shown in FIG. 11A. A cross section of the inner projection 135 taken along plane B-B is shown in FIG. 11B. As such, FIG. 11B shows a cross-section of the inner projection 135 at the apex of the inner projection 135 .

The second section 127 of the device 107 extends from the upstream opening 117 of the device 107 to the downstream opening 126 of the device 107 . The portion of the channel 125 extending through the second section 127 of the device 107 is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the channel 125 at the upstream end of the first section 126 .

The third section 128 of the device 107 extends from the first section 126 of the device 107 to the downstream opening 118 of the device 107 . The portion of the channel 125 extending through the third section 128 of the device 107 is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the channel 125 at the downstream end of the first section 126 .

The method also includes providing a hollow tube 145 formed of a sheet, wherein the circumference of the hollow tube 145 is approximately equal to the inner circumference of the cross section of the device 107 at the apex of the inner projection 135. same. A cross section of hollow tube 145 is shown in FIG. 11A. The diameter of the channel 125 at the upstream end of the first section 126 is approximately equal to the diameter of the hollow tube 145 . As such, the diameter of the hollow tube 145 is also approximately equal to the diameter of the portion of the channel 125 extending through the second section 127 of the device 107 .

The method further comprises passing the hollow tube (145) along the channel (125) through the upstream opening (117) of the device (107) and into the second section (127) of the device (107). .

The method further includes passing the hollow tube 145 along the channel 125 to contact the inner protuberance 135 at the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107 .

The method passes the hollow tube through the first section 126 of the device 107 along the channel 125 such that the outer surface of the hollow tube 145 contacts the inner surface 115 of the device 107. and passing through (145). In particular, the outer surface of the hollow tube 145 is in contact with the inner protrusion 135 . Due to the configuration of the first section 126 of the device 107, passing the hollow tube 145 along the first section 126 of the device 107 causes the hollow tube 145 to deform and the device ( 107) can conform to the inner shape of the first section. In particular, the truncated conical shape of the channel 125 in the first section 126, when combined with the presence of an internal protrusion 135 in the first section 126, reduces the diameter and support of the hollow tube 145. It may assist in shaping into a form having an internal folding protrusion forming element 130, as shown in FIG. 12B. Consequently, passing the hollow tube 145 through the first section 126 of the device 107 causes the hollow tube 145 to form a first fold line at the first edge of the inner lug 135. , the second fold line at the second edge of the inner projection 135; And a third fold line at the third edge of the inner protrusion 135 may be formed. Thus, the hollow tube 145 can be passed through the first section 126 of the device 107 to form a hollow tubular element formed of a sheet, the hollow tubular element defining a hollow interior region. a periphery (110), and a support element (130), wherein the support element (130) is suspended from the periphery along both a first fold line of the sheet and a second fold line of the sheet, and wherein the support element (130) is suspended from the periphery, The element includes a third fold line of the sheet residing within the hollow interior region. The hollow tube 145 and the hollow tubular element are indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 10 .

The method further includes passing the hollow tubular element through the third section 128 of the device 107 and out of the channel 117 through the downstream opening 118 of the device 107 . The third section 128 of the device 107 can assist in getting the hollow tubular element out of the device 107 . Additionally, the third section 128 of the device 107 may assist in maintaining the desired shape of the hollow tubular element after folding of the hollow tubular element.

11A and 11B , internal boss 135 is first internal boss 135, first section 126 of device 107 has two additional internal bosses: second internal boss 175 and A third inner protrusion 185 is included. Each of the inner projections 135, 175, 185 are identical to each other and equally spaced around the circumference of the first section 126 of the device 107.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 12B , the support element 130 of the hollow tubular element formed by passing the hollow tube 145 through the first section 126 of the device 107 is the first support element 130 , and the hollow tubular element comprises two additional support elements: a second support element 170 and a third support element 180 . Each of the support elements 130, 170, 180 are identical to each other and equally spaced around the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

13 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element 600 for an aerosol-generating article according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 600 includes a perimeter 610 defining a hollow inner region 620 of the hollow tubular element 600; and support element 630 .

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, perimeter 610 and support element 630 are integrally formed from the same sheet of paper. In particular, perimeter 610 is formed from two to four parallel winding layers of paper sheet and support element 630 is formed from a single layer of paper sheet. More specifically, a section of perimeter 610 is formed from two layers of paper sheet, another section of perimeter 610 is formed from three layers of paper sheet, and a further section of perimeter 610 is formed from four layers of paper sheet. is formed by

As shown in FIG. 14 , the support element 630 extends from at least a first point 631 at the perimeter 610 across the hollow inner region 620 through the radial center of the hollow tubular element 600 to the perimeter. It extends to at least a second point 632 on 610 . A first point 631 at the periphery 610 and a second point 632 at the periphery 610 oppose each other by approximately a diameter. The inner diameter of the hollow tubular element is about 6.9 mm. As such, the first point 631 at the periphery 610 and the second point 632 at the periphery 610 are spaced apart from each other by about 6.9 mm. The outer diameter of the hollow tubular element is about 7.2 mm.

The support element 630 extends from a first point 631 of the perimeter 610 to a second point 632 of the perimeter 610 when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 600, as shown in FIG. It includes a substantially straight portion extending to .

The support element 630 hangs from the perimeter 610 along a first fold line of the sheet, the first fold line being at a first point 631 on the perimeter 610 . The support element 630 also hangs from the perimeter 610 along a second fold line of the sheet, the second fold line being at a second point 632 on the perimeter 610 . Thus, the substantially straight portion also extends from the first fold line of the sheet to the second fold line of the sheet.

15 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 700 for an aerosol-generating article according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 700 includes a periphery 710 and a support element 730 . Perimeter 710 and support element 730 are integrally formed from the same sheet of paper. Perimeter 710 is formed from parallel wound layers of sheet such that a section of the perimeter is formed from two layers of sheet and another section of perimeter 710 is formed from a single layer of sheet.

The support element 730 extends from a first point 731 of the perimeter 710 across the hollow interior region to a second point 732a of the perimeter 710 . In particular, the support element 730 includes an end of a sheet, which ends contact the perimeter 710 at a second point 732a of the perimeter 710 .

Support element 730 is substantially sinusoidal when viewed from the upstream end of hollow tubular element 700 . Support element 730 includes a plurality of peaks and troughs, and in particular, support element 730 includes a peak and two troughs. The peak of the support element 730 contacts the perimeter 710 at an additional point 732b of the perimeter 710 .

As such, it will be appreciated that the portion of the sheet extending from the first point 731 of the perimeter 710 to the additional point 732b of the perimeter 710 may be the first support element. Also, the portion of the sheet that extends from the additional point 732b of the perimeter 710 to the second point 732a of the perimeter 710 may be a second support element.

16 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 800 for an aerosol-generating article according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 800 includes a perimeter 810 and a support element 830 integrally formed from the same sheet of paper. The sheet extends from a first end 833 of the sheet to a second end 834 of the sheet. Perimeter 810 is formed from parallel wound layers of sheet such that a section of perimeter 810 is formed from a single layer of sheet and another section of perimeter 810 is formed from two layers of sheet.

The support element 830 extends from a first point 831 of the perimeter 810 across the hollow interior region to a second point 832a of the perimeter 810 . In particular, the support element 830 hangs from both the first and second fold lines of the sheet to the perimeter 810, the first fold line being at a first point 831 of the perimeter 810 and the second The fold line is at the second point 832 of the perimeter 810 . A first point 831 at the periphery 810 and a second point 832 at the periphery 810 oppose each other by approximately a diameter.

The portion of the sheet extending from the first end 833 of the sheet to the first point 831 of the perimeter 810, and from the second point 832 on the perimeter 810 to the second end 1034 of the sheet. The portion of the extended sheet defines the hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element 800 . Thus, the perimeter 810 is the portion of the sheet that extends from the first end 833 of the sheet to the first point 831 of the perimeter 810, and from the second point 832 on the perimeter 810 to the sheet. a portion of the sheet extending to the second end 834 of the

As shown in FIG. 16 , support element 830 is substantially sinusoidal when viewed from the upstream end of hollow tubular element 800 . Support element 830 includes a plurality of peaks and troughs, and in particular, support element 830 includes two peaks and three troughs. This increases the surface area of the hollow tubular element 800 that can contact the first element 10 , in particular the aerosol-forming substrate 12 , and the susceptor element 20 . As such, it may increase the ability of the hollow tubular element 800 to prevent or limit movement of both the first element 10 , particularly the aerosol-forming substrate 12 , and the susceptor element 20 .

17 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 900 for an aerosol-generating article according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 900 is generally the same as the hollow tubular element 800 of the eighth embodiment, except that the second end of the sheet is at the second point 932 of the perimeter 910 . As such, no portion of the sheet extends from the second point 932 of the periphery 910 to the second end of the sheet. Thus, the support element 930 does not hang from the perimeter 910 along the second fold line of the sheet, the second fold line being at the second point 932 of the perimeter 910 . Further, the perimeter 910 does not include the portion of the sheet that extends from the second point 932 of the perimeter 910 to the second end of the sheet.

Further, the hollow tubular element 900 differs from the hollow tubular element 800 in that the support element 930 is substantially s-shaped when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 900 .

Support element 930 extends through the radial center of hollow tubular element 900 .

18 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element 1000 for an aerosol-generating article according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 1000 includes a periphery 1010 defining a hollow inner region 1020 of the hollow tubular element 1000 . The hollow tubular element 1000 also includes a support element 1030 formed from a sheet of paper. Periphery 1010 includes a tube that is distinct from the sheet forming support element 1030 . That is, the tube is not integrally formed with the support element 1030 .

As shown in FIG. 19 , a first end 1033 of the sheet contacts the tube to a first point 1031 of the periphery 1010 , which is deflected away from the tube and into the hollow inner region 1020 . The second end 1034 of the sheet contacts the tube to a second point 1032a of the periphery 1010, which is deflected away from the tube and into the hollow inner region 1020. Thus, the support element 1030 extends from a first point 1031 of the perimeter 1010 across the hollow inner region 1020 to a second point 1032a of the perimeter 1010 . Perimeter 1010 also includes a tube, a portion of the sheet extending from a first end 1033 of the sheet to a first point 1031 of the perimeter 1010, and a second point 1032 at the perimeter 1010. and the portion of the sheet extending from to the second end 1034 of the sheet.

The support element 1030 includes a bend when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 100 . In particular, the support element 1033 is substantially omega-shaped when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 1000 . The support element 1030 also contacts the tube at an additional point 1032b of the periphery 1010 . Support element 1030 divides hollow inner region 1020 into four channels.

It will be appreciated that the portion of the sheet extending from the first point 1031 of the perimeter 1010 to the further point 1032b of the perimeter 1010 may be the first support element. Also, the portion of the sheet extending from the additional point 1032b of the perimeter 1010 to the second point 1032a of the perimeter 1010 may be a second support element. The first and second support elements divide the hollow inner region 1020 into four channels.

The sheet may be attached to the tube by adhesive. In particular, the sheet may be attached to the tube at the point where the sheet contacts the tube.

20 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 1100 for an aerosol-generating article according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the hollow tubular element 1000 of the tenth embodiment, the perimeter 1110 includes a tube distinct from the sheet from which the support element 1130 is formed. The support element 1130 contacts the perimeter 1110 at both a first point 1131 of the perimeter 1110 and a second point 1132 of the perimeter 1110 . The support element extends from a first point 1131 of the perimeter 1110 across the hollow interior region to a second point 1132 of the perimeter 1110 .

The support element 1130 has a wavy profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 1100 . In particular, support element 1130 is substantially sinusoidal when viewed from the upstream end of hollow tubular element 1100 and includes one peak and two troughs.

Claims (15)

As an aerosol-generating article,
a first element comprising an aerosol-forming substrate;
a susceptor element arranged within the first element; and
a hollow tubular element disposed downstream of the first element, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises:
a periphery defining a hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element; and
An aerosol-generating article comprising a support element formed from a sheet of paper and extending from a first point of the perimeter across the hollow interior region to a second point of the perimeter. 2. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the perimeter is formed from a sheet. 3. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 2, wherein the perimeter and the support element are integrally formed from a sheet. 4. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first point at the periphery and the second point at the periphery are adjacent to each other. 5. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the support element comprises a tip, the tip being located within the hollow interior region. 6. Aerosol-generating according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support element is suspended from the periphery along a first fold line of the sheet, the first fold line being at a first point of the periphery. article. 7. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein the support element is suspended from the perimeter along a second fold line of the sheet, the second fold line being at a second point on the perimeter. 8. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 7, wherein the support element comprises a third fold line of the sheet. 9. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the cross-section of the support element comprises a curved portion. 10. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the support element comprises a plurality of peaks and troughs when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. 11. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the support element is configured such that the hollow inner region consists of a single channel. 12. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the support element extends through a radial center of the hollow tubular support element. 13. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises a plurality of support elements. 14. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises an adhesive. 15. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the susceptor is arranged within the aerosol-forming substrate element.