RU2819323C1 - Aerosol generating article with hollow tubular element - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: liquid atomisation or spraying devices.

SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate and adapted to produce an inhaled aerosol when heated. Aerosol-generating article comprises: a first element comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; and a hollow tubular element located downstream of the first element. Hollow tubular element comprises: a peripheral portion defining a hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element; and a support element formed from a sheet and extending from a first point on the peripheral portion through the hollow inner region to a second point on the peripheral portion. Hollow tubular element has an average weight of 10 milligrams per millimeter of length or less.

EFFECT: disclosed is an aerosol-generating article with a hollow tubular element.

15 cl, 20 dwg

Description

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

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

A regular cigarette is lit when the user brings a flame to one end of the cigarette and draws air through the other end. The localized 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 generates inhaled smoke. By comparison, in heated aerosol-generating products, the aerosol is typically generated by transfer of heat from a heat source to a physically separate substrate or aerosol-generating material that may be placed in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heat source . During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate through heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

A number of prior art documents disclose aerosol generating devices for consuming aerosol generating articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating devices in which the aerosol is generated by transferring heat from one or more electrical heating elements of the aerosol generating device to an aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article being heated. For example, electrically heated aerosol-generating devices have been proposed that include an internal heater plate that is adapted to be inserted into an aerosol-generating substrate. As an alternative, WO 2015/176898 proposed induction heated aerosol generating articles comprising an aerosol generating substrate and a current collecting element located within the aerosol generating substrate.

Aerosol-generating products in which the tobacco-containing substrate is heated rather than burned present a number of problems not encountered with conventional smoking products. For example, it may be desirable to limit the movement of the aerosol generating substrate within the aerosol generating article while still allowing a sufficient level of air flow that can pass through the aerosol generating substrate and the aerosol generating article. Limiting the potential movement of the aerosol-generating substrate is particularly desirable as it can help improve consistency of performance from one aerosol-generating article to another, for example, by helping to improve the consistency of the interaction between the aerosol-generating substrate and the heater element. This may be especially true for aerosol generating products configured to receive a heater plate, since the process of inserting the heater plate may otherwise increase the likelihood of dislodgement of the aerosol generating substrate.

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 a ring-shaped hollow cellulose acetate tube. The hollow cellulose acetate tube is configured to resist downstream movement of the aerosol-forming substrate during insertion of the heating element of the aerosol-generating device into the aerosol-forming substrate. The empty space within the hollow cellulose acetate tube provides an opening for the aerosol to flow from the aerosol-generating substrate to the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article.

However, such hollow tubular elements may suffer from one or more disadvantages, such as one or more of inconsistencies in performance, limitations in one or both of the material and design, manufacturing problems, and undesirable RTD properties.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a new and improved aerosol generating product that is less likely to suffer from one or more of these disadvantages.

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating product. The aerosol generating article may comprise a first element. The first element may contain an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating article may comprise a hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may be located downstream of the first element. The hollow tubular element may include a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion may define a hollow interior region of the hollow tubular member. 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 on the peripheral portion. The support element may extend through the hollow inner region. The support element may extend to a second point on the peripheral portion. The hollow tubular element may have an average weight of approximately 10 milligrams per millimeter of length or less.

According to the present invention, an aerosol generating article is provided. The aerosol generating product contains a first element. The first element contains a substrate that forms an aerosol. The aerosol generating product further contains a hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element is located further downstream relative to the first element. The hollow tubular element contains a peripheral part. The peripheral portion defines the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element also contains a support element. The support element is formed from a sheet. The support element extends from the first point on the peripheral portion. The support element extends through the hollow inner region. The support element extends to a second point on the peripheral portion. The hollow tubular element has an average weight of approximately 10 milligrams per millimeter of length or less.

The aerosol generating article of the present invention comprises a hollow tubular member having a support member extending from a first point on its peripheral portion through its hollow interior region to a second point on its peripheral portion. The support element may serve to provide a supporting 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 may reduce the available space for pressing material from the aerosol-generating substrate when, for example, the aerosol-generating article interacts with the aerosol-generating device, or when the aerosol-generating article is being handled or transported. Interaction may include insertion of the aerosol generating article into the aerosol generating device. In other words, the support member may provide a support barrier that prevents or restricts the downstream movement of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. Therefore, in the aerosol-generating article of the present invention, it may be less likely that portions of the aerosol-forming material will be extruded from the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is used. This can result in a more consistent smoking session for the user.

In addition, since the support member is formed from a sheet and extends from a first point on the peripheral portion through the hollow inner region to a second point on the hollow inner region, the hollow tubular member can still maintain an opening of a suitable size for flowing out the aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate to the mouthpiece end of the aerosol-generating product. This means that the hollow tubular element can still have a sufficiently low tightening resistance. This also means that the hollow tubular element can still have a fairly low filtration effect.

In addition, forming the support element from a sheet can provide flexibility in the design of the support element and, in particular, in where the support element provides its support barrier. This is because the flexibility of the sheet can allow it to be easily shaped into the shape most suitable to provide a supporting barrier for the first element and any components provided therein. For example, this advantage may be particularly beneficial for an aerosol generating article having a current collecting element that can be located at multiple positions within the first element. Thus, flexibility in the design of the support element and where the support element provides its support barrier may mean that the support element can be designed to effectively support the first element and any components provided therein.

In addition, compared with the hollow acetate tubes of the prior art, the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular member of the present invention can have a proportionally larger cross-section. This can advantageously increase the porosity of the hollow tubular element. This may advantageously result in less acceleration of the aerosol as it passes through the hollow tubular element. This may mean that the aerosol spends more time in the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular element and thus may provide greater cooling to the aerosol.

Additionally, compared to prior art hollow acetate tubes, the hollow tubular element of the present invention may require the use of less material, which may correspond to an overall lighter hollow tubular element. In addition, compared to prior art hollow acetate tubes, the hollow tubular element of the present invention can be made from a material that is more biodegradable, such as certain types of paper.

In addition, compared to prior art hollow acetate tubes, the hollow tubular element of the present invention may exhibit less draw resistance when placed in an aerosol generating article, and especially when placed immediately downstream of the first element.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating product" means a product in which an aerosol-generating substrate is heated to produce and deliver a respirable aerosol to a consumer.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” means a substrate configured to release compounds when heated to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term “hollow tubular member” is used to refer to a generally elongated member defining a clearance or passage for air flow along its longitudinal axis. In particular, the term "tubular" will be used hereinafter to refer to a tubular member having a tubular body with a substantially cylindrical cross-section and defining at least one passage for air flow providing continuous fluid communication between an upstream end. tubular body and the downstream end of the tubular body. However, it should be understood that alternative geometric shapes (eg, alternative cross-sectional shapes) of the tubular body may be possible.

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

As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" describe the relative positions of elements or portions of elements of an aerosol generating article with respect to the direction in which aerosol is transported through the aerosol generating article during use.

As used herein, the term “sheet” refers to a plate-like element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness.

The peripheral portion is the peripheral portion of the material. The peripheral portion may be formed from a sheet. The peripheral portion and the support member may be formed as one piece from a sheet. In other words, the peripheral portion and the support member may be formed from the same sheet. The peripheral part and the support element can be formed from separate sheets.

The peripheral portion may include a tube. The peripheral portion may be formed from a tube. The tube may be separated from the sheet which forms the support member. The tube may be formed from a sheet that is the same as or different from the sheet that forms the support member. For example, the peripheral portion may include a tube that is separated from a sheet that forms the support member; the first end of the sheet, which forms the support element, may be in contact with the tube up to a first point on the peripheral portion where it is deflected away from the tube and into the hollow inner region; the second end of the sheet, which forms the support element, may be in contact with the tube up to a second point on the peripheral part, where it is deflected away from the tube and into the hollow inner region; the portion of the sheet between the first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may form a support member that extends from the first point on the peripheral portion through the hollow inner region to the second point on the peripheral portion. In this case, the peripheral portion includes a sheet portion extending from a first end of the sheet to a first point on the peripheral portion, and a sheet portion extending from a second point on the peripheral portion to a second end of the sheet.

If the peripheral portion contains a tube, the sheet forming the support member may be attached to the tube using adhesive at points where the sheet is in contact with the tube.

The peripheral portion may form an outer surface of the hollow tubular element. If the peripheral portion is formed from a sheet, preferably the portion of the sheet forming the peripheral portion forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular member. Substantially the entire portion of the sheet forming the peripheral portion 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 a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the support element extends from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. This means that the support element may be located at the end of the hollow tubular element closest to the first element. Thus, the support element may be better able to prevent or limit movement of the first element and any components provided therein. Preferably, the support element extends to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may extend along about 10 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element, preferably along about 40 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element, more preferably along about 80 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element. Most preferably, the support element extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element. Thus, 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 rigidity along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

The support member may have a length of about 4 millimeters or more, preferably about 6 millimeters or more, more preferably about 8 millimeters or more, or about 15 millimeters or more.

The support member may have a length of about 40 millimeters or less, preferably about 30 millimeters or less, more preferably about 20 millimeters or less.

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

The support element may have a length of approximately 8 millimeters. The support element may have a length of approximately 18 millimeters.

The support member may extend from the peripheral portion along a first fold line of the sheet that forms the support member, the first fold line being located at a first point on the peripheral portion. Advantageously, this may simplify the manufacture of the hollow tubular member and may provide a suitable support barrier for the first member and any components provided therein.

The sheet that forms the support member may also form part of the peripheral portion. For example, a portion of the sheet adjacent to the first fold line and located on the other side of the first fold line from the support member may form a portion of the peripheral portion. This part of the sheet can be attached to the rest of the peripheral part using glue. The use of an adhesive can help improve the mechanical strength of the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. Thus, this may help improve the hollow tubular member's ability to provide a support barrier and its resistance to fracture or deformation. A portion of the sheet adjacent to the first fold line and located on the other side of the first fold line from the support member may form the entire peripheral portion.

The first fold line may extend along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular member. 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 may extend along about 10 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element, preferably along about 40 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element, more preferably along about 80 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element. 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 so as not to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, whereby the inner protrusion creates a swirling air flow structure within the cavity of the hollow tubular element.

If the sheet contains a fold line, the sheet may be tilted more than about 45 degrees from the fold line, more than about 60 degrees from the fold line, more than about 75 degrees from the fold line, or more than about 90 degrees from the fold line.

The fold line may be a break line. The sheet may include a crease line aligned with the fold line to facilitate folding of the sheet.

As used herein, the term “length” refers to the size of the aerosol generating component of an article in the longitudinal direction. For example, it can be used to indicate the size of the first element containing the aerosol-forming substrate or the hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction.

The first fold line can only be a fold line along which the support element extends from the peripheral portion.

The support element may comprise the end of the sheet. The end of the sheet may be in contact with the peripheral portion at a second point on the peripheral portion. The end of the sheet may be attached to the peripheral portion at a second point on the peripheral portion using adhesive.

Preferably, the support element extends from the peripheral portion along a second fold line of the sheet, the second fold line being located at a second point on the peripheral portion. This may provide the hollow tubular element with sufficient mechanical strength and rigidity in one or both of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction to prevent or limit movement of at least a portion of the first element and at least a portion of any components provided therein, without significant deformation of the hollow tubular element during at least one of handling, transport and use of the aerosol generating article, for example, during interaction of the aerosol generating article with the aerosol generating device, and, in particular, during insertion of the aerosol generating article into the aerosol generating device aerosol.

The second fold line may extend along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular member. The second fold line may extend along about 10 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element, preferably along about 40 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element, more preferably along about 80 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element. 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 along the length of the hollow tubular element by approximately the same amount.

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 on the peripheral part and the second point on the peripheral part have the same longitudinal position. That is, the first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion are preferably located in the same cross-sectional plane.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other. The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other by about 0.05 millimeters or more, preferably by about 0.3 millimeters or more, more preferably by about 0.5 millimeters or more.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other by about 3 millimeters or less, preferably by about 2.5 millimeters or less, more preferably by about 2 millimeters or less.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other by a distance of from about 0.05 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, preferably from about 0.3 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters, more preferably from about 0. 5 millimeters to approximately 2 millimeters.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular member by about 0.2 percent or more of the circumference of the hollow tubular member, preferably by about 2 percent or more of the circumference of the hollow tubular member, more preferably by approximately 3 percent or more of the circumference of the hollow tubular member.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular member by about 12 percent or less of the circumference of the hollow tubular member, preferably by about 10 percent or less of the circumference of the hollow tubular member, more preferably by about 8 percent. percent or less of the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular member by an amount of from about 0.2 percent to about 12 percent of the circumference of the hollow tubular member, preferably from about 2 percent to about 10 percent of the circumference of the hollow tubular member. of the tubular member, more preferably from about 3 percent to about 9 percent of the circumference of the hollow tubular member.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular member by approximately half the circumference of the hollow tubular member. That is, the first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be approximately diametrically opposed to each other.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular member by an amount of from about 5 percent to about 50 percent of the circumference of the hollow tubular member, preferably from 10 percent to about 40 percent of the circumference of the hollow tubular member, more preferably from about 15 percent to about 30 percent of the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be adjacent to each other. The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other by approximately zero millimeters. The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be in contact with each other. The first point on the peripheral part and the second point on the peripheral part can be attached to each other using glue. The use of an adhesive can help improve the mechanical strength of the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. Thus, this can help improve the resistance of the hollow tubular element to fracture or deformation.

The support member may be in contact with the peripheral portion at an additional point on the peripheral portion different from a first point on the peripheral portion and different from a second point on the peripheral portion. If the support member is in contact with the peripheral portion, the support member may be attached to that point on the peripheral portion using adhesive.

The support member may include a tip, the tip being located within a hollow inner region. The tip may be spaced apart from the peripheral portion. The tip may be spaced from the peripheral portion by a distance of about 0.6 millimeters or more, preferably about 2 millimeters or more, more preferably about 3 millimeters or more.

The tip may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular member by a distance of about 0.2 millimeters or more, preferably about 0.5 millimeters or more, more preferably about 1 millimeter or more.

The tip may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular member by a distance of about 3 millimeters or less, preferably about 2.5 millimeters or less, more preferably about 2 millimeters or less.

The tip may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular member by a distance of about 0.2 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, preferably from about 0.5 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters, more preferably from about 1 millimeter to about 2 millimeters.

The tip may be at a point that is adjacent to a point on the peripheral portion. The tip may be in contact with the peripheral portion. The tip may be located at the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

The tip may be located at approximately equal distances from the first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion.

As used herein, the term "radial center" is used to refer to the cross-sectional center 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 rounded. 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 member may include a third fold line between a first point on the peripheral portion and a second point on the peripheral portion. The support element may include a third fold line of the sheet between the first fold line and the second fold line. This may further increase the strength of the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction to allow the hollow tubular element to withstand large forces applied to it in one or both of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction before being significantly deformed. Thus, this may improve the ability of the hollow tubular member to prevent or limit movement of at least a portion of the first member and at least a portion of any components provided therein.

The third fold line may be on or adjacent to the peripheral portion. The third fold line may be at or adjacent to the radial center of the hollow tubular member.

The third fold line may define the tip of the support element.

The third fold line may be located at approximately equal distances 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, there is approximately the same amount of sheet material between the first fold line and the third fold line as between the second fold line and the third fold line. There may be less sheet material between the first fold line and the third fold line than between the second fold line and the third fold line.

The surface of the support element along the longitudinal direction may be substantially flat. Thus, the cross section of the hollow tubular element may comprise a straight line corresponding to the substantially flat surface of the support element along the longitudinal direction. The substantially flat surface may extend from the first point on the peripheral portion. The substantially flat surface may extend to a second point on the peripheral portion. The substantially flat surface may extend from a first point on the peripheral portion to a second point on the peripheral portion. If there is a first fold line of the sheet, a substantially flat surface may extend from the first fold line. If there is a second fold line of the sheet, the substantially flat surface may extend to the second fold line. If both a first sheet fold line and a second sheet fold line are present, a substantially flat surface may extend from the first fold line to the second fold line. If both a first sheet fold line and a third sheet fold line are present, the substantially flat surface may extend from the first fold line to the third fold line. If both a second sheet fold line and a third sheet fold line are present, the substantially flat surface may extend from the second fold line to the third fold line.

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

If both a first fold line and a third fold line are present, the first fold line and the third fold line may define a first side wall of the support member. That is, the first side wall may extend from the first fold line to the third fold line, and there are no fold lines in between. The first side wall may be substantially straight. The first side wall may be curved.

The first side wall may be completely covered by the peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element and therefore does not form the outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

If both a second fold line and a third fold line are present, the second fold line and the third fold line may define a second side wall of the support member. That is, the second side wall may extend from the second fold line to the third fold line, and there are no fold lines in between. The second side wall may be substantially straight. The second side wall may be curved.

The second side wall may be completely covered by the peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element and therefore does not form the 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 member may include a peripheral portion and a support member formed integrally from the same sheet; wherein substantially the entire peripheral portion and substantially the entire support member are formed from a single layer of sheet (excluding the seam); wherein the support element extends from the peripheral part both along the first fold line of the sheet and along the second fold line of the sheet; wherein the support element comprises a third fold line located within the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular element, wherein the first fold line and the third fold line define a substantially straight first side wall of the support element, the second fold line and the third fold line define a substantially straight second side wall support element; and wherein the first side wall and the second side wall form an angle of, for example, 30 degrees with respect to the third fold line. In this example, the first side wall defines the outer surface of the hollow tubular element, and the second side wall defines the outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

The outer surface of the hollow tubular member may be formed from a peripheral portion, a first side wall of the support member, and a second side wall of the support member.

If the first side wall is substantially straight and the second side wall is substantially straight, the first side wall and the second side wall may define an angle between themselves of approximately 5 degrees or more. That is, the angle between the first side wall and the second side wall may be approximately 5 degrees or more. In other words, the angle relative to the third fold line may be approximately 5 degrees or more. Preferably, the angle between the first side wall and the second side wall at the third fold line is about 10 degrees or more, more preferably about 15 degrees or more, even more preferably about 20 degrees or more.

If the first side wall is substantially straight and the second side wall is substantially straight, the angle between the first side wall and the second side wall may be approximately 50 degrees or less, preferably the angle between the first side wall and the second side wall at the third fold line is approximately 45 degrees or less, more preferably about 40 degrees or less, even more preferably about 35 degrees or less.

If the first side wall is substantially straight and the second side wall is substantially straight, the angle between the first side wall and the second side wall may be from about 5 degrees to about 50 degrees, preferably from about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees, more preferably from about 15 degrees to about 40 degrees, even more preferably from about 20 degrees to about 35 degrees.

The surface of the first side wall and the surface of the second side wall may be in contact with each other. The surface of the first side wall and the surface of the second side wall can be attached to each other using an adhesive. Substantially the entire outer surface of the first side wall and substantially the entire outer surface of the second side wall may be in contact with each other. Substantially the entire outer surface of the first side wall and substantially the entire outer surface of the second side wall can be attached to each other using adhesive. The use of an adhesive can help improve the mechanical strength of the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. As such, this may serve to improve the resistance of the hollow tubular member to fracture or deformation and the ability of the hollow tubular member to prevent or limit movement of at least a portion of the first member and any components provided therein. If the first side wall is substantially straight and the second side wall is substantially straight, the angle formed between the first side wall and the second side wall may be approximately zero degrees.

The cross section of the support element may include a curved portion. The support element may comprise a curved portion as viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may have 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 have 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 have 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 wave profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may contain several peaks and valleys 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 wave profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular 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 contain at least one longitudinal plane of symmetry. 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 member is inserted into the aerosol generating article may be less critical. Additionally, this may also mean that the hollow tubular element is able to distribute the load more evenly to withstand increased forces placed on it.

Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the hollow tubular element is substantially constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element. It may be that the tightening resistance 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 may simplify the production of the hollow tubular element. 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 may divide the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular element into multiple channels. The number of channels can be selected based on the desired nucleation of aerosol particles and the desired drag resistance of the aerosol generating article. The support element can 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 into a number of channels from two channels to 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 member may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular member by a distance of about 5 percent or greater of the radius of the hollow tubular member, preferably about 10 percent or greater of the radius of the hollow tubular member, more preferably about 15 percent or greater of the radius of the hollow tubular member.

The support element may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of about 90 percent or less of the radius of the hollow tubular element, preferably about 80 percent or less of the radius of the hollow tubular element from the radial center of the hollow tubular element, more preferably about 70 percent or less of the radius of the hollow tubular element element from the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

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

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

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

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

If the support element includes a tip, the support element may have a depth of about 0.6 millimeters or more, preferably about 1 millimeter or more, more preferably about 1.5 millimeters or more.

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

If the support element includes a tip, the support element may have a depth of from about 0.6 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, preferably from about 1 millimeter to about 2.7 millimeters, more preferably from about 1.5 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters. If the support element includes a tip, the support element may have a depth of from about 2 millimeters to about 3 millimeters.

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

As used herein, the term "depth" refers to the distance between the first point on the peripheral portion and the tip of the support element.

The support element may be the only 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 one or more additional support members may be formed from a sheet. One or more additional support elements may be formed from separate sheets. Preferably, one or more additional support elements are formed from the same sheet as the first support element. Each of the one or more additional support elements may extend from a corresponding first point on the peripheral portion through the hollow interior region to a corresponding second point on the peripheral portion.

One or more additional support members may extend from the peripheral portion along a corresponding first fold line of the sheet, the corresponding first fold line being located at a corresponding first point on the peripheral portion. One or more additional support members may extend from the peripheral portion along a corresponding second fold line of the sheet, the corresponding second fold line being located at a corresponding second point on the peripheral portion.

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

All of the supporting elements can be identical to each other. This may simplify the production of the hollow tubular element. 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, that is, the first support element.

All of the support elements may be spaced approximately equal distances around the peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element. This means that the distance between the first point on the peripheral portion from which one of the support elements extends and the first point on the peripheral portion from which the next supporting element extends is approximately the same around the peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element.

If the support elements are identical to each other and equally spaced around the peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element, the hollow tubular element may have radial symmetry. This may simplify assembly of the aerosol generating article since the orientation in which the hollow tubular member is inserted into the aerosol generating article may be less critical. Additionally, this may also mean that the hollow tubular element is able to distribute the load more evenly to withstand increased forces placed on it.

The hollow tubular element may have a length of about 4 millimeters or more, preferably about 6 millimeters or more, more preferably about 8 millimeters or more.

The hollow tubular element may have a length of about 40 millimeters or less, preferably about 30 millimeters or less, more preferably about 20 millimeters or less.

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

The hollow tubular element may have a length of approximately 8 millimeters. The hollow tubular element may have a length of approximately 18 millimeters.

The hollow tubular element preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article. In case the first element is formed in the form of a rod, the hollow tubular element preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the first element.

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

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

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

The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

The hollow tubular member may have an internal diameter of about 4.5 millimeters or greater, preferably about 5.5 millimeters or greater, more preferably about 6.5 millimeters or greater.

The hollow tubular member may have an internal diameter of about 11.5 millimeters or less, preferably about 9.5 millimeters or less, more preferably about 7.5 millimeters or less.

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

The hollow tubular member may have a total internal surface area of about 25 square millimeters per millimeter of length or more, preferably about 28 square millimeters per millimeter of length or more, more preferably about 30 square millimeters per millimeter of length or more, or about 35 square millimeters per millimeter of length or more.

The hollow tubular member may have a total internal surface area of about 70 square millimeters per millimeter of length or less, preferably about 60 square millimeters per millimeter of length or less, more preferably about 50 square millimeters per millimeter of length or less, or about 40 square millimeters per millimeter of length or less.

The hollow tubular member may have a total internal surface area of from about 25 square millimeters per millimeter of length to about 70 square millimeters per millimeter of length, preferably from about 28 square millimeters per millimeter of length to about 60 square millimeters per millimeter of length, more preferably from about 30 square millimeters per millimeter of length. millimeters per millimeter of length to about 50 square millimeters per millimeter of length, or from about 30 square millimeters per millimeter of length to about 40 square millimeters per millimeter of length. The hollow tubular member may have a total internal surface area of from about 35 square millimeters per millimeter of length to about 70 square millimeters per millimeter of length, preferably from about 40 square millimeters per millimeter of length to about 70 square millimeters per millimeter of length, more preferably from about 50 square millimeters per millimeter of length. millimeters per millimeter of length to about 70 square millimeters per millimeter of length, or from about 60 square millimeters per millimeter of length to about 70 square millimeters per millimeter of length.

Preferably, the hollow tubular element provides a channel for unrestricted flow. This means that the hollow tubular segment preferably provides a negligible level of RTD. The term "minor RTD" is used to describe an RTD of less than 1 mmH2O. Art. per 10 millimeters of length of the hollow tubular element, preferably less than 0.4 mm of water. Art. per 10 millimeters of length of the hollow tubular element, more preferably less than 0.1 mm of water. Art. per 10 millimeters of the length of the hollow tubular element. Therefore, the flow path must be free of any components that may restrict the air flow in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the flow channel is substantially empty.

Unless otherwise specified, the torque resistance (RTD) of an aerosol-generating component or product is measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015. RTD refers to the pressure required to move air through the entire length of a component. The terms "pressure drop" or "pull-in resistance" of a component or product may also refer to "pull-in resistance". Such terms generally refer to measurements in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 that are typically performed under test conditions at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 17.5 milliliters per second at the outlet or downstream end of the component being measured at a temperature of approximately 22 degrees Celsius. pressure of approximately 101 kPa (approximately 760 Torr) and relative humidity of approximately 60%.

The hollow tubular member may have a porosity of about 80 percent or greater in the longitudinal direction, preferably about 90 percent or greater in the longitudinal direction, more preferably about 95 percent or greater in the longitudinal direction.

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

As used herein, the porosity of a hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction is determined by the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the material forming the hollow tubular element and the internal cross-sectional area of the aerosol generating article at the position of the hollow tubular element.

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

The 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. 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 when the hollow tubular element does not have a 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 varies along the length of the hollow tubular element.

The sheet forming one or both of the support member and the peripheral portion may be formed from paper, any other paper-based material, any other cellulose-based material, a bioplastic-based material, or a metal. For example, the sheet may be formed from one or more of paper, paperboard, paperboard, reconstituted tobacco paper, cellophane and aluminum.

Preferably the sheet is formed from a biodegradable material.

More preferably, the sheet is formed from a paper-based material such as paper, paperboard or cardboard. The paper-based material can be bleached or unbleached. Paper-based materials may have one or more of the following qualities: lightweight, cheap, and biodegradable. If one or both of the support member and the peripheral portion are formed from a paper sheet, the hollow tubular member is capable of preventing or limiting movement of at least a portion of the first member and any components provided therein while exhibiting sufficient mechanical strength and rigidity to withstand significant deformation during at least one of handling, transport and use of the aerosol generating article, for example, during interaction of the aerosol generating article with the aerosol generating device. Interaction may include insertion of the aerosol generating article into the aerosol generating device. The material properties of the paper sheet may be such that individual hollow tubular members comprising a peripheral portion and a support member, wherein one or both of the peripheral portion and the support member are formed from the paper sheet, can be cut from a continuous core of the hollow tubular member. This may simplify the production of the hollow tubular element.

Aluminum has a very high ignition temperature. Thus, a hollow tubular member comprising a support member and a peripheral portion, wherein one or both of the peripheral portion and the support member is formed from an aluminum sheet, can help prevent the hollow tubular member from igniting at temperatures reached by the aerosol-generating article during use.

The sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the support member may have a basis weight of about 15 grams per square meter or more, preferably about 25 grams per square meter or more, more preferably about 35 grams per square meter or more, or about 45 grams per square meter or more. A sheet with such a basis weight can avoid one or both of cracking and tearing during one or both of bending and folding of the sheet. In this way, the sheet can maintain its structural integrity when bent or folded to form a support member. This may improve the hollow tubular member's resistance to fracture or deformation and the hollow tubular member's ability 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 current collecting member.

The sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the support member may have a basis weight of about 150 grams per square meter or less, preferably about 130 grams per square meter or less, more preferably about 110 grams per square meter or less, or about 80 grams per square meter or less, or approximately 50 grams per square meter or less. Providing a sheet with such a basis weight can advantageously provide the desired porosity of the hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction. It may be that the hollow tubular element has the desired tightening resistance. In addition, providing a sheet with such a basis weight may advantageously simplify the manufacture of the hollow tubular member, for example, by facilitating at least one of twisting, bending and folding of the sheet.

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

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

The sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the support member may have a thickness of about 15 micrometers or more, about 30 micrometers or more, about 45 micrometers or more, about 100 micrometers or more. A sheet of this thickness can avoid one or both of cracking and tearing during one or both of bending and folding of the sheet. In this way, the sheet can maintain its structural integrity when bent or folded to form a support member. This may improve the hollow tubular member's resistance to fracture or deformation and the hollow tubular member's ability 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 current collecting member.

The sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the support member may have a thickness of about 150 micrometers or less, preferably about 140 micrometers or less, more preferably about 130 micrometers or less. Providing a sheet of such thickness can advantageously provide the desired porosity of the hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction. It may be that the hollow tubular element has the desired tightening resistance. In addition, providing a sheet with such a basis weight may advantageously simplify the manufacture of the hollow tubular member, for example, by facilitating at least one of twisting, bending and folding of the sheet.

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

If the sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the support member is an aluminum sheet, the sheet may have a thickness of from about 10 micrometers to about 20 micrometers. An aluminum sheet of this thickness may advantageously simplify the manufacture of the hollow tubular member, for example by facilitating at least one of the rolling, bending and folding of the sheet. In addition, aluminum sheet of such thickness may provide the hollow tubular member with sufficient strength and rigidity to prevent or limit movement of one or both of at least a portion of the first member and any components provided therein, while preventing deformation of the hollow tubular member. In addition, an aluminum sheet with such a basis weight can advantageously provide the desired porosity of the hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction.

Substantially the entire support element may be formed from a single layer of sheet that forms the support element. In this case, substantially the entire support element may have approximately the same thickness as the thickness of the sheet. The support element may include a seam, wherein the seam may be formed from overlapping layers of sheet. The overlapping sheet layers that form the seam can be attached to each other using adhesive.

The peripheral portion of the hollow tubular member may be formed from a sheet. The peripheral portion may be formed from a single layer of sheet. The peripheral portion may be formed from multiple overlapping sheet layers, such as multiple parallel wound sheet layers or multiple helically wound sheet layers. If the peripheral portion contains a seam, the seam may be formed from overlapping layers of sheet. For example, the majority of the peripheral portion may be formed from a single layer of sheet, and the seam may be formed from two overlapping layers of sheet.

If the peripheral portion is formed from a single layer of sheet, the peripheral portion has approximately the same thickness as the thickness of the sheet.

The peripheral part can be formed from several sheets. For example, the peripheral portion may be formed from both a sheet forming the support element and an additional sheet.

The peripheral portion may be formed from a total of four or fewer layers of one or more sheets that form the peripheral portion. The peripheral portion may be formed from a combined total of four or fewer layers of sheets that form the peripheral portion.

The peripheral portion section may be formed from a different number of sheet layers from the additional peripheral portion section. For example, the peripheral portion section may be formed from one layer of sheet, and the additional peripheral portion section may be formed from two layers of sheet. As another example, the peripheral portion section may be formed from two sheet layers, the additional peripheral portion section may be formed from three sheet layers, and the additional peripheral portion section may be formed from four sheet layers.

The peripheral portion may have a thickness of about 15 micrometers or more, about 45 micrometers or more, about 100 micrometers or more. Providing a peripheral portion with such a thickness may provide the hollow tubular member with sufficient strength and rigidity to prevent or limit movement of one or both of the first member and the current collecting member while preventing deformation of the hollow tubular member.

The peripheral portion may have a thickness of about 600 micrometers or less, about 500 micrometers or less, about 400 micrometers or less. Providing a peripheral portion with such a thickness can advantageously provide the desired porosity of the hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction. It may be that the hollow tubular element has the desired tightening resistance. Additionally, providing a peripheral portion of such thickness may mean that individual hollow tubular members can be easily cut from the continuous core of the hollow tubular member. This may simplify the production of the hollow tubular element.

The peripheral portion may have a thickness of from about 15 micrometers to about 600 micrometers, from about 50 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, from about 100 micrometers to about 400 micrometers. Preferably, the peripheral portion has a thickness of from about 100 micrometers to about 130 micrometers.

The advantage of a hollow tubular element with low overall weight is that it can be assembled into an aerosol generating product using high speed machines and processes. In particular, the present inventors have discovered that a hollow tubular member with a total weight of approximately 150 milligrams or less can advantageously be assembled into an aerosol generating article using existing high speed aerosol generating article assembly machines.

The hollow tubular member may have a total weight of about 150 milligrams or less, preferably about 100 milligrams or less, more preferably about 70 milligrams or less.

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

The hollow tubular element may have a total weight of approximately 34 milligrams. The hollow tubular element may have a total weight of approximately 76 milligrams.

The hollow tubular element has an average weight of about 10 milligrams per millimeter of hollow tubular element length or less, preferably about 8 milligrams per millimeter of hollow tubular element length or less, more preferably about 6 milligrams per millimeter of hollow tubular element length or less. Providing a hollow tubular member with such an average weight may advantageously allow the hollow tubular member to be assembled into an aerosol generating article using existing high speed aerosol generating article assembly machines.

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

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

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

The hollow tubular member may include a flame retardant portion containing a flame retardant composition. For example, one or both of the support member and the peripheral portion may include an ignition inhibiting portion. The sheet forming the support element may include an ignition-preventing portion. If the peripheral portion is formed from a sheet, the sheet forming the peripheral portion may include an ignition inhibiting portion. The anti-ignition portion can prevent either or both of the hollow tubular member from burning and charring during use of the aerosol generating article containing the hollow tubular member. This is because by providing the hollow tubular member with one or more flame retardant compounds, any heat transferred to the hollow tubular member can be substantially prevented from causing pyrolysis or combustion of the hollow tubular member.

The flame retardant portion may eliminate the need to include an additional layer of metal foil or other heat shield material in one or both of the hollow tubular member and the aerosol generating article. This can simplify the production process and can thus reduce production costs. This may also facilitate disposal of the aerosol generating product since there is no need to separate and recover valuable recyclable material such as, for example, aluminum foil when disposing of a used aerosol generating product.

As used herein, the term “flame retardant composition” means a composition containing one or more flame retardant compounds.

As used herein, the term “flame retardant compounds” describes chemical compounds that, when added or otherwise incorporated into a substrate, such as paper or plastic compounds, provide the substrate with varying degrees of protection against flammability. In practice, flame retardant compounds can be activated by the presence of an ignition source and are adapted to prevent or retard the further development of combustion through a variety of different physical and chemical mechanisms.

The flame retardant composition may comprise a polymer and a mixed salt based on at least one mono-, di- and/or tricarboxylic acid, at least one polyphosphoric, pyrophosphoric and/or phosphoric acid and an alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide or salt, wherein at least at least one mono-, di- and/or tricarboxylic acid and a hydroxide or salt form a carboxylate, and at least one polyphosphoric, pyrophosphoric and/or phosphoric acid and a hydroxide or salt form a phosphate.

The flame retardant composition may contain cellulose modified with at least one C ₁₀ fatty acid or high carbon fatty acid, tall oil fatty acid (TOFA), phosphorylated linseed oil, phosphorylated downstream corn oil. Preferably, at least one C ₁₀ fatty acid or high carbon 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 entire hollow tubular element may be surrounded by a 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 means of a wrapper. The wrapper may be a paper wrapper.

The aerosol-generating product may contain a current-receiving element. The current collecting element may be located within the first element. The current collecting element may be located within the aerosol-forming substrate. The current collecting element may be located around the aerosol-forming substrate.

If the aerosol generating article includes a current collecting element, the support element may serve to provide a support barrier for at least a portion of the current collecting element. This may 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. Moving a portion of the current collector element may have an even greater negative impact on the performance of the aerosol generating article than moving a portion of the aerosol generating substrate. This is because movement of a portion of the susceptor element may affect one or both of the susceptor element's ability to inductively heat and the susceptor element's ability to heat the aerosol-generating substrate during use of the aerosol-generating article. Therefore, preventing or limiting movement of at least a portion of the current collecting element may have a significant effect on the user's smoking session. Accordingly, preventing or limiting movement of at least a portion of the current collecting element may result in a more consistent smoking session for the user.

If the aerosol generating article includes a susceptor element, preventing or limiting the movement of one or both of at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate and at least a portion of the susceptor element may help improve the consistency of the interaction between the aerosol-generating substrate and the susceptor element. This may allow the susceptor element to heat the aerosol-generating substrate in a more consistent manner during use of the aerosol-generating article, which may also result in a more consistent smoking session for the user.

As used herein, the term "susceptor element" refers to a material that can convert electromagnetic energy into heat. When placed within a fluctuating electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced in the current collecting element cause heating of the current collecting element.

If the aerosol generating article includes a current collecting element, the current collecting element may be configured to be in thermal contact with the aerosol generating substrate. Thus, the aerosol-generating substrate can be heated by the current collecting element during use of the aerosol-generating article.

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

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

The current collecting element may be located substantially longitudinally within the first element. This means that the length dimension of the elongated current collecting element may be located approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first element, for example, in the range of plus or minus 10 degrees parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first element. Preferably, the elongated current collecting element is located in a radially central position within the first element and extends along the longitudinal axis of the first element.

Preferably, the current collecting element extends the entire distance towards the downstream end of the first element. The current collecting element can extend the entire distance to the upstream end of the first element. Preferably, the current collecting element has substantially the same length as the first element and extends from the upstream end of the first element to the downstream end of the first element.

The current collecting element is preferably in the form of a pin, rod, strip or plate.

The current collecting element preferably has a length of from about 5 millimeters to about 15 millimeters, for example from about 6 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, or from about 8 millimeters to about 10 millimeters.

The current collecting element preferably has a width of from about 1 millimeter to about 5 millimeters.

The current collector element may generally have a thickness of from about 0.01 millimeters to about 2 millimeters, for example from about 0.5 millimeters to about 2 millimeters. The current collector element may have a thickness of from about 10 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, more preferably from about 10 micrometers to about 100 micrometers.

If the current collecting element has a constant cross-section, for example a circular cross-section, it preferably has a width or diameter of from about 1 millimeter to about 5 millimeters.

If the current collecting element is in the form of a strip or plate, the strip or plate is preferably rectangular in shape with a width of preferably from about 2 millimeters to about 8 millimeters, more preferably from about 3 millimeters to about 5 millimeters. As an example, the plate strip-shaped current collector element may have a width of approximately 4 millimeters.

If the current collector element is in the form of a strip or plate, the strip or plate is preferably rectangular in shape and has a thickness of from about 0.03 millimeters to about 0.15 millimeters, more preferably from about 0.05 millimeters to about 0.09 millimeters. As an example, the plate strip-shaped current collecting element may have a thickness of approximately 0.06 millimeters or 0.07 millimeters.

Preferably, the elongated current collecting element is in the form of a strip or plate and has a rectangular shape and a thickness of from about 55 micrometers to about 65 micrometers.

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

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

A preferred current collecting element may comprise or be composed of a ferromagnetic material, for example a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. A suitable current collecting element may be made of or comprise aluminum. Preferred current collector elements may be formed from 400 series stainless steels, such as 410 stainless steel, or 420 stainless steel, or 430 stainless steel. Different materials will dissipate different amounts of energy when they are located within electromagnetic fields having similar frequencies and field strengths.

Thus, all parameters of the current collector element, such as material type, length, width and thickness, can be changed to provide the desired power dissipation within a known electromagnetic field. Preferred current collecting elements can be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

The current-receiving element is located in thermal contact with the substrate forming an aerosol. Thus, when the current-receiving element is heated, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated and an aerosol is formed. Preferably, the current collecting element is located in direct physical contact with the aerosol-forming substrate, for example, within the aerosol-forming substrate.

The susceptor element may be a susceptor element composed of multiple materials and may comprise a first susceptor element material and a second susceptor element material. The first susceptor element material may be positioned in direct physical contact with the second susceptor element material.

The hollow tubular element may contain adhesive.

For example, if the peripheral portion includes a tube, the sheet forming the support member may be attached to the tube using adhesive at points where the sheet is in contact with the tube. As another example, a point on the peripheral portion may be attached to another point on the peripheral portion using adhesive. For example, the first point on the peripheral portion may be attached to the second point on the peripheral portion using adhesive.

As another example, if the sheet that forms the support member also forms part of the peripheral portion, the portion of the sheet that forms part of the peripheral portion can be attached to the rest of the peripheral portion with an adhesive. As a further example, if the support member is in contact with the peripheral portion, the support member may be attached to the peripheral portion at the point of contact with an adhesive. For example, if the support member includes the end of a sheet, the end of the sheet may be attached to the peripheral portion using an adhesive. As a further example, a point on the support element may be attached to another point on the support element. For example, if the support member includes a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall may be attached to the second side wall with an adhesive. In addition, if the hollow tubular member includes a seam formed from overlapping layers of sheet, the overlapping layers of sheet can be attached to each other using an adhesive to form the seam.

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

The glue may contain a binder. Suitable binders include, but are not limited to: gums such as, for example, guar gum, xanthan gum, acacia and locust bean gum; cellulosic binders such as, for example, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose and ethylcellulose; polysaccharides, such as, for example, starches, organic acids, such as alginic acid, salts of bases conjugate with organic acids, such as sodium alginate, agar and pectins; and their combinations. Preferably the binder contains guar gum.

The hollow tubular element may be in longitudinal alignment with the first element. In particular, the hollow tubular element may be in longitudinal alignment with the aerosol-forming substrate. If the aerosol generating article includes a current collecting element, the hollow tubular element may be in longitudinal alignment with the current collecting element.

The hollow tubular element may be located immediately downstream of the first element. This means that no other elements of the aerosol generating article are located between the hollow tubular element and the first element. This may help improve the ability of the hollow tubular member to prevent or limit movement of at least a portion of the first member and any components provided therein.

The hollow tubular element may be in contact with the first element. For example, the upstream end of the hollow tubular element may be in contact with the downstream end of the first element. That is, the upstream end of the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to 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 member may be adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The hollow tubular element may be located immediately downstream of the first element, but not in contact with the first element, since a gap of empty space separates the hollow tubular element from the first element in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article. For example, the hollow tubular element may be located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, but not in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The gap may be approximately 2 millimeters or less, preferably 1 millimeter or less.

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

The aerosol-generating substrate may be referred to as an aerosol-generating substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may essentially determine 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” includes any plant material formed by agglomerating plant particles. For example, sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material for aerosol-forming substrates according to the present invention can be formed by agglomerating particles of tobacco material obtained by grinding, grinding or grinding plant material and optionally one or more of tobacco leaf blades and tobacco veins. leaf. Homogenized plant material can be produced through casting, extrusion, papermaking processes, or any other suitable processes 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 beads or granules. The homogenized plant material may be in the form of multiple strands, strips or pieces. As used herein, the term "thread" describes an elongated piece of material whose length is substantially greater than its width and thickness. The term "thread" should be considered to include strips, pieces and any other homogenized plant material having a similar shape. Strands of homogenized plant material can be formed from a sheet of homogenized plant material, for example, by cutting, or dividing into pieces, or other methods, for example, through an extrusion method.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is provided 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 obtained from a papermaking process. Each of the one or more sheets as described herein may individually have a thickness of from about 100 micrometers to 600 micrometers, preferably from 150 micrometers to 300 micrometers, and most preferably from 200 micrometers to 250 micrometers. Individual thickness refers to the thickness of an individual sheet, while cumulative thickness refers to the total thickness of all sheets that make up the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, if the aerosol-forming substrate is formed from two separate sheets, then the combined thickness is the sum of the thicknesses of the two individual sheets or the measured thicknesses of the two sheets when the two sheets are stacked on top of each other in the aerosol-forming substrate.

Each of the one or more sheets as described herein may individually have a grammage of from about 100 ^gsm to about 300 ^gsm .

Each of the one or more sheets as described herein may individually have a density of from about 0.3 gsm³ up to approximately 1.3 g/cm³ and preferably from about 0.7 g/cm³ up to approximately 1.0 g/cm³.

If the aerosol-forming substrate contains one or more sheets of homogenized plant material, the sheets are preferably in the form of one or more assembled sheets. As used herein, the term "assembled" means that the sheet of homogenized plant material is rolled, bent, or otherwise compressed or tapered in a direction substantially transverse to the cylindrical axis of the plug or rod.

One or more sheets of homogenized plant material may be collected transversely to its longitudinal axis and surrounded by a wrapper to form a continuous rod or plug.

The one or more sheets of homogenized plant material may advantageously be corrugated or similarly processed. As used herein, the term "corrugated" means a sheet having multiple substantially parallel folds or corrugations. Alternatively, or in addition to corrugation, one or more sheets of homogenized plant material may be embossed, blind embossed, perforated, or otherwise deformed to provide texture on one or both sides of the sheet.

Preferably, each sheet of homogenized plant material may be corrugated such that it has a number of folds or corrugations substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis of the plug. This treatment advantageously facilitates the collection of the corrugated sheet of homogenized plant material to form a plug. Preferably, one or more sheets of homogenized plant material may be collected. It should be understood that the corrugated sheets of homogenized plant material may alternatively or additionally have multiple substantially parallel folds or corrugations located at an acute or obtuse angle to the cylindrical axis of the plug. The sheet may be corrugated to such an extent that the integrity of the sheet is broken at several parallel folds or corrugations, causing the material to separate and resulting in the formation of pieces, threads or strips of homogenized plant material.

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

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

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

The homogenized plant material may be a homogenized tobacco material containing tobacco particles. Sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in such embodiments may have a tobacco content of at least about 40 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 50 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 70 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, and most preferably at least about 90 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.

The term "tobacco particles" describes particles of any plant belonging to the genus Nicotiana. The term “tobacco particles” includes shredded or powdered tobacco leaf blades, shredded or powdered tobacco leaf stems, tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products generated during tobacco processing, handling and shipping. Preferably, the tobacco particles are substantially all derived from tobacco leaf blades. By comparison, separated nicotine and nicotine salts are compounds derived from tobacco, but are not considered tobacco particles for purposes of the present invention and are not included in the percentage of particulate plant material.

Tobacco particles can be obtained from one or more varieties of tobacco plants. Any type of tobacco can be used in the mixture. Examples of the types of tobacco that may be used include, but are not limited to, sun-cured tobacco, fire-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Eastern tobacco, Virginia tobacco and other specialty tobaccos.

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

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

The weight ratio of non-tobacco plant flavoring agent particles to tobacco particles in the particulate plant material forming the homogenized plant material may vary depending on the desired flavor characteristics and the composition of the aerosol produced from the aerosol-forming substrate at the time of use.

The homogenized plant material may contain hemp particles. The term “hemp particles” refers to particles of the hemp plant, such as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis species.

The homogenized plant material preferably contains no more than 95 percent by weight of particulate plant material on a dry weight basis. Thus, the particulate plant material is typically combined with one or more other components to form a homogenized plant material.

The homogenized plant material may further comprise a binder to modify the mechanical properties of the particulate plant material, wherein the binder is incorporated into the homogenized plant material during manufacture as described herein. The binder is an exogenous binder. Suitable exogenous binders are known to one skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to: gums such as, for example, guar gum, xanthan gum, acacia and locust bean gum; cellulosic binders such as, for example, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose and ethylcellulose; polysaccharides, such as, for example, starches, organic acids, such as alginic acid, salts of bases conjugate with organic acids, such as sodium alginate, agar and pectins; and their combinations. Preferably the binder contains guar gum.

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

The homogenized plant material may further comprise one or more lipids that promote the diffusivity of volatile components (eg, aerosol formers, gingerols, and nicotine), wherein the lipid is incorporated into the homogenized plant material during manufacture as described herein. Lipids suitable for inclusion in the homogenized plant material include, but are not limited to: medium chain triglycerides, cocoa butter, palm oil, palm kernel oil, mango butter, butternut kernel oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, shellac, sunflower wax, sunflower oil, rice bran wax and Revel A; and their combinations.

The homogenized plant material may further contain a pH modifier.

The homogenized plant material may further comprise fibers to modify the mechanical properties of the homogenized plant material, wherein the fibers are incorporated into the homogenized plant material during manufacture as described herein. Suitable exogenous fibers for inclusion in homogenized plant material are known in the art and include fibers formed from non-tobacco material and non-ginger material, including, but not limited to: cellulose fibers; softwood fibers; hardwood fibers; jute fibers and their combinations. Exogenous fibers derived from tobacco and/or ginger may also be added. Any fibers added to homogenized plant material are not considered to form part of the “particulate plant material” as defined above.

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

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more aerosol-forming substances. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises homogenized plant material containing one or more aerosol-forming substances. Once vaporized, the aerosol-forming agent can carry other vaporized compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate when heated, such as nicotine and flavorings, into the aerosol. Suitable aerosol-forming agents 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; polyhydric alcohol esters 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 have an aerosol-forming agent content of from about 5 percent to about 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, such as from about 10 percent to about 25 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, or from about 15 percent up to approximately 20 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.

For example, if the substrate is to be used in an aerosol generating article for an electrical aerosol generating system having a heating element, it may preferably contain an aerosol generating agent content of from about 5 percent to about 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. If the substrate is to be used in an aerosol generating article for an electrical aerosol generating system having a heating element, the aerosol generating substance is preferably glycerol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of from about 1 percent to about 5 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. For example, if the substrate is for use in an aerosol-generating article in which the aerosol-forming agent is held in a reservoir separate from the substrate, the substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of greater than 1 percent and less than about 5 percent. In such embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent is vaporized upon heating, and a stream of the aerosol-forming agent is contacted with the aerosol-forming substrate to entrain flavoring agents from the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of from about 30 percent by weight to about 45 percent by weight. This relatively high level of aerosol-forming agent is particularly suitable for aerosol-forming substrates that are intended to be heated below 275 degrees Celsius. When present, the homogenized plant material preferably further contains from about 2 percent by weight to about 10 percent by weight cellulose ether on a dry weight basis and from about 5 percent by weight to about 50 percent by weight additional cellulose on a dry weight basis. weight. The use of a combination of cellulose ether and additional cellulose has been found to provide particularly effective aerosol delivery when used in an aerosol-forming substrate having an aerosol-forming agent content of between 30 weight percent and 45 weight percent.

Suitable cellulose ethers include, but are not limited to, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). In particularly preferred embodiments, the cellulose ether is carboxymethylcellulose.

As used herein, the term "additional cellulose" covers any cellulosic material incorporated into the homogenized plant material that is not derived from non-tobacco plant particles or tobacco particles provided in the homogenized plant material. Therefore, additional cellulose is introduced into the homogenized plant material in addition to the non-tobacco plant material or tobacco material as a source of cellulose separate and distinct from any cellulose substantially provided in the non-tobacco plant particles or tobacco particles. The additional cellulose is typically obtained from a plant other than non-tobacco plant particles or tobacco particles. Preferably, the additional cellulose is in the form of an inert cellulosic material that is inert to the senses and therefore does not significantly affect the organoleptic characteristics of the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the additional cellulose is preferably a tasteless and odorless material.

The additional cellulose may comprise cellulose powder, cellulose fibers, or a combination thereof.

The aerosol-forming agent may act as a humectant in the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol generating article may include a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may extend the entire distance to the mouthpiece end of the aerosol generating article.

The mouthpiece element may be located downstream of the hollow tubular element. If the mouthpiece element is located downstream of the hollow tubular element, the mouthpiece element may extend the entire distance to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The mouthpiece element may be located immediately downstream of the hollow tubular element. As an example, the mouthpiece element may be adjacent to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

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

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

The mouthpiece may optionally contain a flavoring agent, which may be provided in any suitable form. For example, the mouthpiece may contain one or more flavor capsules, beads or granules, or one or more flavor filled threads or fibers.

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

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

Preferably, the mouthpiece element is surrounded by ficella.

The mouthpiece element is preferably connected to one or more adjacent upstream components of the aerosol generating article via a rim wrap.

Preferably, the mouthpiece has an RTD of less than about 25 millimeters of water. Art. More preferably, the mouthpiece has an RTD of less than about 20 millimeters of water. Art. Even more preferably, the mouthpiece has an RTD of less than about 15 millimeters of water. Art.

RTD values from approximately 10 millimeters of water. Art. up to approximately 15 millimeters of water. Art. are particularly preferred because a mouthpiece having one such RTD value is expected to make a minimal contribution to the overall RTD of the aerosol generating article and have substantially no filtering effect on the aerosol delivered to the consumer.

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

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

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

Preferably the mouthpiece element has a length of approximately 12 millimeters.

Providing a relatively long mouthpiece element in the aerosol generating article may enable capsule activation or provide greater rigidity to the article in the position where the user applies the lips, or both.

The aerosol generating article may have an overall length of about 20 millimeters or more, preferably about 30 millimeters or more, more preferably about 40 millimeters or more.

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

The aerosol generating article may have an overall length of from about 20 millimeters to about 100 millimeters, preferably from about 30 millimeters to about 80 millimeters, more preferably from about 40 millimeters to about 60 millimeters.

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

The hollow tubular element of the present invention may include a ventilation zone at a location along the length of the hollow tubular element. The characteristics of the ventilation zone are described below in relation to the aerosol-generating product. However, it should be understood that they can also refer directly to the hollow tubular element itself.

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

The ventilation zone may be located less than 20 millimeters from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, more preferably less than 15 millimeters from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, even more preferably less than 10 millimeters from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. flow path of the end of the hollow tubular element.

The ventilation zone may be located at a distance of from about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, more preferably from about 2 millimeters to about 8 millimeters from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, even more preferably from about 3 millimeters to about 6 millimeters from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

The ventilation zone may be located at a distance of at least 1 millimeter from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, more preferably the ventilation zone is located at a distance of at least 2 millimeters from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, even more preferably the zone ventilation is located at a distance of at least 3 millimeters from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

The vent zone may be located less than 10 millimeters from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, more preferably the vent zone is located less than 8 millimeters from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, even more preferably the vent zone is located at a distance of less than 6 millimeters from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

The ventilation zone may include a plurality of perforations through the peripheral wall of the ventilated element, which may be a hollow tubular element. Preferably, the ventilation zone contains at least one annular row of perforations. The ventilation zone may contain two annular rows of perforations. For example, perforations may be formed on a production line during the manufacture of an aerosol generating article. Preferably, each annular row of perforations contains from 8 to 30 perforations.

An aerosol generating product in accordance with the present invention may have a ventilation level of at least about 5 percent.

The term “ventilation level” is used throughout this specification to refer to the volumetric relationship between the air flow admitted into the aerosol generating article through the ventilation zone (vent air flow) and the sum of the aerosol containing air flow and the ventilation air flow. The higher the ventilation level, the greater the dilution of the aerosol flow delivered to the consumer.

The aerosol generating article may typically have a ventilation rate of at least about 10 percent, preferably at least about 15 percent, more preferably at least about 20 percent.

In preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation rate of at least about 25 percent. The aerosol generating product preferably has a ventilation rate of less than about 60 percent. The aerosol generating product may have a ventilation level that is less than or equal to approximately 45 percent. More preferably, the aerosol generating article may have a ventilation level that is less than or equal to about 40 percent, even more preferably less than or equal to about 35 percent.

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

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

Embodiments in which the aerosol generation provides 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 limited by theory, the present inventors have discovered that the temperature difference caused by the introduction of cooler outside air into the first hollow tubular element through the ventilation zone can have an advantageous effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

The formation of an aerosol from a gaseous mixture containing various chemical compounds depends on the subtle interaction of nucleation, evaporation and condensation, and droplet coalescence, while taking into account variations in vapor concentration, temperature and velocity fields. The so-called classical theory of nucleation is based on the assumption that the fraction of molecules in the gas phase is large enough for them to remain coherent for a long time with a reasonable probability (for example, a fifty-fifty probability). These molecules represent some kind of critical threshold molecular clusters among transient molecular aggregates, and this means that, on average, smaller molecular clusters are more likely to decay quite quickly into the gas phase, while larger clusters, on average, are more likely to grow . Such a critical cluster is identified with the key nucleation nucleus, from which droplets are expected to grow due to the condensation of molecules from the vapor. It is assumed that the primary droplets that have just formed appear with a certain initial diameter and can then grow by several orders of magnitude. This is simplified and can be accelerated by rapid cooling of the surrounding steam, which causes condensation. In this regard, it should be remembered that evaporation and condensation are two sides of the same mechanism, namely mass transfer between gas and liquid. While evaporation refers 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 volume of droplets to decrease (or grow) but will not change the number of droplets.

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

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

The inventors of the present invention have unexpectedly discovered that the effect of dilution on aerosol, which can be assessed by measurement, in particular, the effect on the delivery of an aerosol-forming agent (such as glycerol) contained in the aerosol-generating substrate, is advantageously minimized when the ventilation level is within the ranges described above. In particular, ventilation levels of 25 percent to 50 percent, and even more preferably 28 to 42 percent, have been found to result in particularly satisfactory glycerol delivery values. At the same time, the duration of nucleation and therefore the delivery of nicotine and aerosol-forming agents (eg glycerol) are improved.

The inventors of the present invention have unexpectedly discovered how the beneficial effect of improved nucleation provided by the rapid cooling caused by the introduction of ventilation air into the product can significantly counteract the less desirable effects of dilution. Essentially, satisfactory aerosol delivery values are achieved on a consistent basis by the aerosol generating products of the present invention.

This is particularly advantageous for “short” aerosol generating articles, such as those in which the length of the first element containing the aerosol generating substrate is less than about 40 millimeters, preferably less than 25 millimeters, even more preferably less than 20 millimeters, or wherein the overall length of the aerosol generating article is less than about 70 millimeters, preferably less than about 60 millimeters, even more preferably less than 50 millimeters. It should be understood that in such aerosol generating products there is little time and space for aerosol generation and for making the particulate phase of the aerosol available for delivery to the consumer.

In addition, since the ventilated hollow tubular element may be configured not to significantly contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol generating article, in such aerosol generating articles, the overall RTD of the article can advantageously be finely controlled by adjusting the length and density of the first substrate containing element. an aerosol-generating element, or the length and optionally the length and density of a segment of filter material forming part of the mouthpiece, or the length and density of an element provided upstream of the first element containing the aerosol-generating substrate. Thus, aerosol generating products that have a predetermined RTD can be manufactured on a consistent basis and with greater precision so that satisfactory RTD levels can be provided to the consumer even in the presence of ventilation.

In addition, the present inventors have discovered that mixing of hot air from the aerosol-generating substrate with fresh ventilation air drawn through the vents can be particularly improved when the support member does not divide the interior region of the hollow tubular member into a large number of separate channels. In particular, it may be preferable to design the support element such that the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular element consists of a single channel, for example of the type shown in any of FIGS. 4a, 6 and 8 in the accompanying graphics. In such arrangements, fresh air drawn through a line of vent holes extending around the circumference of the hollow tubular member may be drawn into substantially a single channel in the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular member. This can provide improved mixing of fresh air from the ventilation with hot air from the aerosol-generating substrate.

In addition, it may be preferable to configure the hollow tubular element such that substantially all of the hot air drawn from the aerosol generating substrate and through the section of the aerosol generating article containing the hollow tubular element passes through the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular element. This can be achieved by ensuring that there are no significant gaps around the outside of the hollow tubular element through which air can pass. For example, it may be preferable to configure 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, for example, as shown in any of FIGS. 6, 9 and 13-20 on the attached graphic materials. In such arrangements, fresh air drawn through a line of vent holes extending around the circumference of the hollow tubular member may be drawn into substantially a single channel in the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular member. This may provide improved mixing of fresh air from the ventilation with hot air from the aerosol-generating substrate. This may also avoid a scenario where the vents are required to extend through one or more walls of the support member. Manufacturing such a configuration can be difficult. Such a configuration may not allow ventilation air to pass efficiently into the hollow tubular member, for example, due to the orientation of one or more walls.

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

The present invention also relates to a method for forming a hollow tubular element for an aerosol generating article. The method may include providing equipment to form the hollow tubular element. The equipment may contain a device. The device may have an internal surface. The inner surface may define a channel of the device. The channel may extend from an upstream opening of the device. The channel may extend from a downstream opening of the device. The device may include an internal projection projecting into the channel. The method may also include providing a hollow tube. The method may further include allowing the hollow tube to pass into the channel through an upstream opening of the device. The method may further include causing a tube to pass along the channel and into contact with an internal projection of the device, whereby the tube is bent by the internal projection to form a hollow tubular element having a support element.

According to the present invention, the method includes providing equipment for forming a hollow tubular element. The equipment contains the device. The device has an internal surface defining a channel. The channel extends from the upstream opening of the device to the downstream opening of the device. The device includes an internal projection protruding into the channel. The method also includes providing a hollow tube. The method further includes allowing the hollow tube to pass into the channel through an upstream opening of the device; allowing the tube to pass along the channel and into contact with the internal projection of the device; whereby the tube is bent due to the internal protrusion to form a hollow tubular element having a support element.

The method may also include allowing the hollow tubular member to pass from the channel through a downstream opening of the device.

The hollow tube may be formed from a sheet. The method may include forming a hollow tube from the sheet. Forming a hollow tube from a 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 opposing second end of the sheet. Forming a seam may involve attaching a sheet portion at a first end of the sheet to a sheet portion at a second end of the sheet using an adhesive. The seam may extend along the length of the hollow tube.

The diameter of the hollow tube may be approximately the same as the perimeter of the hollow tubular element.

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

The inner protrusion may have a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the inner protrusion. The inner protrusion may have a cross-section that varies along the length of the inner protrusion. For example, the inner projection may taper. For example, the inner protrusion may taper at the upstream end of the inner protrusion. The length of the inner protrusion may extend in the direction in which the hollow tube extends through the device.

The inner projection may have a substantially rectangular cross-section in one or both of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. The inner projection may have a substantially triangular cross-section in one or both of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. Preferably, the inner projection has a triangular cross-section in the transverse direction. The triangular cross-section in the transverse direction can facilitate bending of the hollow tube to form a hollow tubular member and can avoid rupture through the hollow tube. The inner projection may be substantially pyramidal.

If the inner protrusion is substantially pyramidal, the inner protrusion may have a maximum cross-sectional area at the apex of the inner protrusion.

If the inner lip has a substantially triangular cross-section in the transverse direction, for example when the inner lip is substantially pyramidal, the inner lip may include a first edge. The first edge may be adjacent to a portion of the internal surface of the device that defines the channel. The inner projection may include a second edge. The second edge may be adjacent to a portion of the internal surface of the device that defines the channel. The second edge may extend from an upstream end of the inner projection. The inner projection may include a third edge. The third edge may be located inside the channel. The third edge may extend from an upstream end of the inner projection. The third edge may extend to the top of the inner projection. The third edge may define the tip of the inner protrusion.

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

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

The internal shape of the device may be designed such that a sliding fit is achieved between the hollow tube and the internal surface of the device defining the channel. This may be particularly desirable at points where the hollow tube is in contact with one or more internal projections. This may assist in bending the hollow tube into desired positions to form a hollow tubular member.

The device may include a first section. The first device section may comprise at least a portion of a device channel. 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 channel at the upstream end of the first section of the device may be greater than the cross-sectional area of the channel 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 frusto-conical. When this is the case, preferably the diameter of the device bore at the upstream end of the first section is greater than the diameter of the device bore at the downstream end of the first section. The diameter of the device bore at a point along the first section, for example at the upstream end of the first section, may be approximately the same as the diameter of the hollow tube. The diameter of the channel at a point along the first section, for example at the downstream end of the first section, may be approximately the same as the diameter of the hollow tubular element. The diameter of the channel may be selected such that the outer surface of the hollow tube remains in contact with the inner surface of the device during the step of allowing the hollow tube to pass through the first section of the device to help shape the hollow tube into a hollow tubular member.

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 projecting 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. Thus, the inner protrusion may extend along the entire length of the first section of the device. The inner protrusion may project into a portion of the channel that extends through the first section of the device. If the inner protrusion tapers, the inner protrusion may taper at the upstream end of the first section of the device. In addition, 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 includes an edge of the section, the second edge may extend from the 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. The third edge may be located inside the channel.

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

In addition to the first section, the device may contain one or more additional sections.

For example, the device may include a second section. The second device section may comprise at least a portion of the device channel. The second section may extend from an upstream opening of the device. The second section may extend to the first section of the device. In other words, the second section may be adjacent to and located upstream of 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. When this is the case, preferably the diameter of the channel at the downstream end of the second section is approximately the same as the diameter of the channel at the upstream end of the first section.

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

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 contain a third section. The third device section may comprise at least a portion of a device channel. The third section may extend from a downstream end of the first section of the device. The third section may extend to a downstream opening of the device. In other words, the third section may be adjacent to and located downstream of 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. When this is the case, preferably the diameter of the channel at the upstream end of the third section is approximately the same as 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 frusto-conical.

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 only contain a first section and a third section. The device may comprise a first section, a second section and a third section. When this is the case, the first section may be located between the second section and the third section of the device.

The method includes allowing the hollow tube to pass into the channel of the device through an opening of the device located upstream of the flow.

The method also includes causing the hollow tube to pass along the channel and into contact with the internal projection of the device. If the device includes a first section including an internal projection, the method may include causing the hollow tube to extend along the channel and into contact with the internal projection at the upstream end of the first section of the device. The method may also include allowing a hollow tube to pass along a channel through a first section of the device such that an outer surface of the hollow tube is in contact with an inner surface of the first section of the device. The method may also include allowing the hollow tube to pass along the channel through the first section of the device such that the outer surface of the hollow tube is in contact with the inner protrusion. Due to the configuration of the first section of the device, allowing the hollow tube to pass along the first section of the device may cause the hollow tube to deform and 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 in the first section, in combination with the presence of an internal projection in the first section, can help give the hollow tube a shape having a reduced diameter and an internal curved projection defining supporting element. Therefore, allowing the hollow tube to pass through the first section of the device may cause the hollow tube to define: a first fold line at a first edge of the inner projection, a second fold line at a second edge of the inner projection; and a third fold line at the third edge of the inner protrusion. Thus, by allowing the hollow tube to pass through the first section of the device, a hollow tubular element formed from a sheet can be formed, the hollow tubular element comprising: a peripheral portion defining a hollow inner region, and a support element; wherein the support element extends from the peripheral part both along the first fold line of the sheet and along the second fold line of the sheet; and wherein the support element comprises a third sheet fold line located within the hollow inner region.

The method may include allowing the hollow tubular member to pass from the channel through a downstream opening of the device.

If the device includes a second section extending from an upstream opening of the device to an upstream end of the first section of the device, the method includes allowing the hollow tube to pass through the second section of the device along the channel before allowing the hollow tube to pass through the first section of the device. Providing passage of the hollow tube through the second section of the device may facilitate insertion of the hollow tube into the channel and into contact with the internal projection.

If the device includes a third section extending from a downstream end of the first section of the device to a downstream opening of the device, the method includes allowing the hollow tube to pass through the third section of the device along the channel after allowing the hollow tube to pass through the first section of the device. The method may include allowing the hollow tubular element to pass through the third section of the device and out of the channel through a downstream opening of the device. Providing passage of the hollow tubular element through the third section of the device may also facilitate exit of the hollow tubular element from the device. Providing passage of the hollow tubular element through the third section of the device may help maintain the desired shape of the hollow tubular element after bending the hollow tubular element, for example, helping to maintain the desired curvature of the hollow tubular element.

The method may include attaching a first side wall of the support element to a second side wall of the support element using an adhesive, wherein the first side wall of the support element extends from the first fold line to the third fold line, and the second side wall of the support element extends from the second fold line to the third line. fold. The attachment step may be performed before the hollow tubular element exits the device. In this case, the attachment step may be performed while allowing the hollow tubular element to pass through the channel. The attachment step can be performed after the hollow tubular element has exited the device.

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

The method may include attaching the wrapper to the hollow tubular member, for example, using adhesive. The step of attaching the wrapper to the hollow tubular element may be performed before the hollow tubular element exits the device. The step of attaching the wrapper to the hollow tubular element may be performed after the hollow tubular element has exited the device.

The features described in relation to one example or embodiment may also be applied to other examples and embodiments.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example or embodiment described herein.

EX1. An aerosol-generating article comprising: a first element containing an aerosol-generating substrate; and a hollow tubular element located downstream of the first element, the hollow tubular element comprising: a peripheral portion defining a hollow interior region of the hollow tubular element; and a support member formed from the sheet and extending from a first point on the peripheral portion through the hollow interior region to a second point on the peripheral portion, wherein the hollow tubular member has an average weight of about 10 milligrams per millimeter of length or less.

EX2. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1, wherein the peripheral portion is formed from a sheet.

EX3. An aerosol generating article according to EX2, wherein the peripheral portion and the support member are formed integrally from a sheet.

EX4. An aerosol-generating article according to EX3, wherein the peripheral portion and the supporting element are formed from separate sheets.

EX5. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX4, wherein the peripheral portion includes a tube.

EX6. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX5, wherein the support member extends lengthwise from about 10 percent to about 100 percent of the length of the hollow tubular member.

EX7. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX6, wherein the first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion are spaced apart from each other.

EX8. An aerosol generating article according to EX7, wherein the first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion are substantially diametrically opposed.

EX9. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX6, wherein the first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion are adjacent to each other.

EX10. An aerosol generating article according to EX9, wherein a first point on the peripheral portion and a second point on the peripheral portion are in contact with each other.

EX11. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX10, wherein the support member includes a tip, the tip being located within a hollow inner region.

EX12. An aerosol-generating article according to EX11, wherein the tip of the support element is spaced from the peripheral part.

EX13. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX11, wherein the tip of the support member is located at a point that is adjacent to a point on the peripheral portion.

EX14. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX13, wherein the surface of the support member along the longitudinal direction is substantially flat.

EX15. An aerosol generating article according to EX14, wherein a substantially flat surface extends from a first point on a peripheral portion.

EX16. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX14-EX15, wherein the substantially flat surface extends to a second point on the peripheral portion.

EX17. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX16, wherein the support member comprises a substantially straight portion as viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member.

EX18. An aerosol generating article according to EX17, wherein a substantially straight portion extends from a first point on the peripheral portion as viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member.

EX19. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX17-EX18, wherein the substantially straight portion extends to a second point on the peripheral portion as viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member.

EX20. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX19, wherein the support members extend from the peripheral portion along a first fold line of the sheet, the first fold line being located at a first point on the peripheral portion.

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

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

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

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

EX25. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX20 to EX24, wherein the first fold line is the only fold line along which the support member extends from the peripheral portion.

EX26. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX20 to EX24, wherein the support member extends from the peripheral portion along a second fold line of the sheet, wherein the second fold line is located at a second point on the peripheral portion.

EX27. An aerosol-generating article according to EX26, wherein the second fold line extends along part of the length of the hollow tubular element.

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

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

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

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

EX32. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX26 to EX30, wherein the first fold line and the second fold line are not parallel to each other.

EX33. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX26 to EX32, wherein the support member comprises a third fold line of the sheet.

EX34. The aerosol generating article of claim 33, wherein the third fold line defines the tip of the support member, the tip being located within the hollow interior region.

EX35. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX33 to EX34, wherein the third sheet fold line is located at approximately equal distances from the first sheet fold line and the second sheet fold line.

EX36. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX33-EX35, wherein the first fold line and the third fold line define a first side wall of the support member.

EX37. An aerosol generating article according to EX36, wherein the first side wall of the support element is substantially straight.

EX38. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX36-EX37, wherein the second fold line and the third fold line define a second side wall of the support member.

EX39. An aerosol generating article according to EX38, wherein the second side wall of the support element is substantially straight.

EX40. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX38 to EX39, wherein the surface of the first side wall and the surface of the second side wall are in contact with each other.

EX41. An aerosol generating article according to EX39, wherein both the first side wall and the second side wall are substantially straight, and wherein the first side wall and the second side wall define an angle between themselves of approximately 5 degrees or more.

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

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

EX44. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX40, wherein the cross-section of the support member includes a curved portion.

EX45. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1-EX40 and EX44, wherein the support member comprises a plurality of peaks and valleys as viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member.

EX46. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1-EX40, EX44 and EX45, wherein the support member has a wave profile as viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member.

EX47. An aerosol generating article according to EX46, wherein the support element is substantially sinusoidal when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX48. An aerosol generating article according to EX46, wherein the support element has a substantially triangular wave profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX49. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX44, EX46 and EX47, wherein the cross-section of the support member is substantially s-shaped.

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

EX51. An aerosol-generating article according to EX44, wherein the cross-section of the support element is substantially c-shaped.

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

EX53. An aerosol generating product according to any one of EX1 to EX52, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises at least one longitudinal plane of symmetry.

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

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

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

EX57. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX56, wherein the support member divides the hollow interior region into multiple channels.

EX58. An aerosol-generating article according to EX57, wherein the support element divides the hollow interior region into a number of channels from two to four channels.

EX59. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX58, wherein the support member extends through the radial center of the hollow tubular member.

EX60. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX59, wherein the support member is spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular member at a distance of from about 5 percent to about 90 percent of the radius of the hollow tubular member.

EX61. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX60, wherein the support element is spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of from about 0.2 millimeters to about 3 millimeters.

EX62. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX61, wherein the support member includes a tip and the support member has a depth of from about 0.6 millimeters to about 3 millimeters.

EX63. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX62, wherein the support member is the only support member of the hollow tubular member.

EX64. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX62, wherein the hollow tubular member comprises a plurality of support members.

EX65. An aerosol-generating article according to EX64, wherein the hollow tubular element contains from two to six support elements.

EX66. An aerosol-generating article according to EX65, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises three support elements.

EX67. An aerosol generating product according to any one of EX64 to EX66, all of the supporting elements being identical to each other.

EX68. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX64-EX67, wherein all of the support members are spaced approximately equal distances apart around a peripheral portion of the hollow tubular member.

EX69. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX68, wherein the hollow tubular element has a length of from about 10 millimeters to about 30 millimeters.

EX70. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX69, wherein the hollow tubular element has an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters.

EX71. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX70, wherein the hollow tubular member has an internal diameter of from about 4.5 millimeters to about 11.5 millimeters.

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

EX73. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX72, wherein the hollow tubular member provides a negligible level of tightening resistance.

EX74. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX73, wherein the hollow tubular member has a porosity of approximately 90 percent or more in the longitudinal direction.

EX75. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX74, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the support member and the peripheral portion is formed from paper, any other paper-based material, any other cellulose-based material, bioplastic-based material, or metal

EX76. An aerosol generating article according to EX75, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the support member and the peripheral portion is formed of paper.

EX77. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX76, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the support member has a basis weight of from about 35 grams per square meter to about 80 grams per square meter.

EX78. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX77, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the support member has a thickness of from about 100 micrometers to about 130 micrometers.

EX79. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX78, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the support member and the peripheral portion is an aluminum sheet, and the sheet has a thickness of about 10 micrometers to about 20 micrometers.

EX80. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX79, wherein substantially the entire support member is formed from a single layer of sheet that forms the support member.

EX81. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX80, wherein the peripheral portion is formed from a single layer of sheet.

EX82. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX80, wherein the peripheral portion is formed from multiple overlapping layers of sheet.

EX83. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX80, wherein the peripheral portion is formed from multiple sheets.

EX84. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX83, wherein the peripheral portion has a thickness of from about 15 micrometers to about 600 micrometers.

EX85. An aerosol generating article according to EX84, wherein the peripheral portion has a thickness of from about 100 micrometers to about 130 micrometers.

EX86. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX85, wherein the hollow tubular member has a total weight of approximately 150 milligrams or less.

EX87. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX86, wherein the hollow tubular member has an average weight of approximately 6 milligrams per millimeter of length of the hollow tubular member or less.

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

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

EX90. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX89, wherein the hollow tubular member contains an adhesive.

EX91. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX90, wherein the sheet contains an anti-ignition portion containing an anti-ignition composition.

EX92. An aerosol-generating article according to EX91, wherein the ignition-preventing part extends from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX93. An aerosol generating article according to EX91 or EX92, wherein the ignition preventing portion extends over one or both of the inner surface and the outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

EX94. An aerosol generating article according to EX93, wherein the flame retardant portion extends over one or both of substantially the entire inner surface and outer surface of the hollow tubular member.

EX95. The aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX94 further comprising a first element containing an aerosol generating substrate and a susceptor, and preferably the susceptor is located at the downstream end of the first element.

EX96. An aerosol-generating product according to EX95, wherein the susceptor is located within an aerosol-generating substrate.

EX97. An aerosol-generating product according to EX95 or EX96, wherein the susceptor is located around the aerosol-generating substrate.

EX98. An aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX97, further comprising a ventilation zone at a location along the hollow tubular member.

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

in fig. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 2 is an exploded view of some of the components of the aerosol generating article of FIG. 1;

in fig. 3 is a partially transparent perspective view of the hollow tubular member of the aerosol generating article of FIG. 1;

in fig. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular member of the aerosol generating article of FIG. 1;

in fig. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating article on the hollow tubular member of FIG. 1;

in fig. 5 is a perspective view of a hollow tubular member for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular member of FIG. 5;

in fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 10 is a side view of equipment for forming a hollow tubular member for an aerosol generating article, for example, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the equipment of FIG. 10, made along the plane A-A of FIG. 10;

in fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the equipment of FIG. 10, taken along the plane B-B of FIG. 10;

in fig. 12A is a cross-sectional view of a hollow tube used to form a hollow tubular member for an aerosol generating article, for example, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view of a hollow tubular member for an aerosol generating article formed from the hollow tube of FIG. 12A and using the equipment of FIG. 10;

in fig. 13 is a perspective view of a hollow tubular member for an aerosol generating article according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular member of FIG. 13;

in fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member for an aerosol generating article in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 18 is a perspective view of a hollow tubular member for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular member of FIG. 18; And

in fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member for an aerosol generating article in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

In fig. 1 shows an aerosol generating article 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating article 1 includes a first element 10 containing an aerosol generating substrate 12; a current-receiving element 20 located inside the first element 10; a hollow tubular element 100 located downstream of the first element 10; and a mouthpiece end member 30. Thus, the aerosol generating article extends from the upstream or distal end 2 to the downstream or mouthpiece end 4.

The aerosol generating product has a total length of approximately 45 millimeters.

The first element 10 is in the form of a rod containing an aerosol-forming substrate 12 of one of the types described above. The structure and dimensions of the first element 10 are determined by the aerosol-forming substrate 12, also in the form of a rod. The first element 10 containing the aerosol-forming substrate 12 has an outer diameter of approximately 7.25 millimeters and a length of approximately 12 millimeters.

The susceptor element 20 is an elongated susceptor element 20. The susceptor element 20 is located substantially longitudinally within the first element 10 so as to be 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 effectively extends along the entire longitudinal axis the first element 10. In particular, the current collecting element 20 is located substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-forming substrate 12, and is located in a radial central position together with the aerosol-forming substrate 12. The current collecting element 20 extends the entire distance from the upstream end to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 12. In fact, the current collecting element 20 has substantially the same length as the first element 10 and the aerosol-forming substrate 12.

The current collecting element 20 is provided in the form of a strip and has a length of approximately 12 millimeters, a thickness of approximately 60 micrometers and a width of approximately 4 millimeters.

A hollow tubular element 100 is located immediately downstream of the first element 10, with the hollow tubular element 100 being in longitudinal alignment with the first element 10. The upstream end of the hollow tubular element 100 is adjacent to the downstream end of the first element 10 and, in particular, the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 10. This preferably prevents or limits movement of both the first element 10 and the current collecting element 20.

The mouthpiece 30 is located immediately downstream of the hollow tubular element 100, with the mouthpiece 30 being in longitudinal alignment with the hollow tubular element. The upstream end of the mouthpiece element 30 is adjacent to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 100.

The mouthpiece 30 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug made of low density cellulose acetate. The mouthpiece 30 has a length of approximately 12 millimeters and an outer diameter of approximately 7.25 millimeters. The RTD of the mouthpiece 30 is approximately 12 millimeters of water. Art.

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

The hollow tubular member 100 includes a peripheral portion 110 of material defining a hollow inner region 120 of the hollow tubular member 100. The hollow tubular member 100 also includes a support member 130 formed from a sheet and extending from a first point 131 on the peripheral portion 110 through the hollow inner region 120 to a second point 132 on the peripheral portion 110.

The peripheral portion 110 and the support member 130 are formed integrally from the same sheet of paper. The paper sheet has a basis weight of approximately 78 grams per square meter. Substantially the entire portion of the sheet forming the peripheral portion 110 forms the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular member 100.

To form the support member 130, the paper sheet has a seam (not shown), with two layers of the paper sheet overlapping each other. The seam may be part of one or both of the peripheral portion 110 and the support member 130. The seam extends over a small portion of one or both of the peripheral portion 110 and the support member 130. Thus, substantially the entire peripheral portion 110 is formed from a single layer of sheet. Moreover, substantially the entire support member 130 is formed from a single layer of sheet.

The support member 130 extends from the peripheral portion 110 along a first sheet fold line 141, the first fold line 141 being located at a first point 131 on the peripheral portion 110, and the first fold line 141 extending along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular member 100. member 130 also extends from peripheral portion 110 along a second sheet fold line 142, wherein second fold line 142 is located at a second point 132 on peripheral portion 110, and wherein second fold line 142 extends along substantially the entire length of hollow tubular member 100.

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

The hollow tubular element 100 has a length of approximately 8 millimeters.

The hollow tubular member 100 has a total weight of approximately 34 milligrams. Thus, the hollow tubular element has an average weight of approximately 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 member 100. Thus, the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 are parallel to each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the support member 130 includes a third sheet fold line 143, the third fold line 143 being parallel to and equidistant between the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142. This helps provide a strong support barrier to prevent or reduce movement of the first element 10, particularly the aerosol generating substrate 12 and the current collector element 20. The third fold line 143 defines the tip of the support element.

In fig. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular member 100.

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

The support element 130 has a generally triangular cross-section.

The first point 131 on the peripheral portion 110 and the second point 132 on the peripheral portion 110 are spaced 160 apart from each other by approximately 1 millimeter. Thus, the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 are also spaced apart from each other by a distance of approximately 1 millimeter.

The first side wall 151 and the second side wall 152 define an angle of approximately 30 degrees with each other.

The depth of the support element 130 is approximately 2 millimeters. That is, the distance between the first point 131 on the peripheral portion and the tip of the support member 130 is approximately 2 millimeters. Thus, the distance between the first fold line 141 and the third fold line 143 is also approximately 2 millimeters.

The tip of the support member 130 is spaced from the radial center 162 of the hollow tubular member 100 by a distance of approximately 1.5 millimeters. Thus, the support element 130 is spaced from the radial center 162 of the hollow tubular element by a distance of approximately 1.5 millimeters.

The outer diameter of the hollow tubular element 164 is approximately 7.2 millimeters. Thus, the support element 130 is spaced from the radial center 162 of the hollow tubular element 100 by a distance of approximately 42 percent of the radius of the hollow tubular element 100.

In fig. 4C shows a wrap 190 surrounding a hollow tubular member 100.

The support element 130 is a first support element 130, and the hollow tubular element includes two additional support elements: a second support element 170 and a third support element 180. This may advantageously provide the hollow tubular element 100 with additional strength and rigidity both in the longitudinal direction and in the in a transverse direction to prevent or limit movement of the first element 110, in particular, the aerosol-forming substrate 112 and the current collecting element 120; while avoiding deformation of the hollow tubular element 100.

The support members 130, 170, 180 are all identical to each other and equally spaced around the circumference of the hollow tubular member 100. The circumference of the hollow tubular member 100 is illustrated by dotted curved lines in FIG. 4B.

In fig. 5 is a perspective view of a hollow tubular member 200 for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular member 200 according to the second embodiment differs from the hollow tubular member 100 according to the first embodiment in that the first point 231 on the peripheral portion and the second point 232 on the peripheral portion are located closer to each other. Specifically, the first point 231 on the peripheral portion and the second point 232 on the peripheral portion are spaced apart from each other by a distance of approximately zero millimeters. Thus, the first fold line 241 and the second fold line 242 are also spaced apart from each other by a distance of approximately zero millimeters. The depth of the support element 230 is equal to the depth of the support element 130 and is approximately 2 millimeters.

In fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular member 200. The angle formed between the first side wall 251 and the second side wall 252 is approximately zero degrees. Substantially all of the first side wall 251 and substantially all of the second side wall 252 are in contact with each other and are attached to each other using adhesive. This can significantly improve the strength and rigidity of the hollow tubular element in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. This also avoids the need to surround the hollow tubular member 200 with a wrapper. Thus, this can minimize the weight of the hollow tubular member 200 so that it can be assembled into an aerosol generating article 1 using existing high-speed aerosol generating article assembly machines.

In fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member 300 for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular member 300 according to the third embodiment is generally the same as the hollow tubular member 100 according to the first embodiment. However, the hollow tubular member 300 according to the third embodiment differs from the hollow tubular member 100 according to the first embodiment in that the support member 330 has a depth equal to approximately the radius of the hollow tubular member 300. Thus, the support member 330 extends toward the radial center of the hollow tubular member 300 Specifically, the tip of the support member 330 is located at or adjacent to the radial center of the hollow tubular member 300. Like the hollow tubular member 100 according to the first embodiment, the hollow tubular member 300 according to the third embodiment comprises three identical support members 330, 370, 380 equally spaced around the circumference of the hollow tubular member 300. Thus, the support members 330, 370, 380 divide the hollow inner region into three channels. Specifically, the tips of the support members 330, 370, 380 are located adjacent to each other at the radial center of the hollow tubular member 300.

In fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member 400 for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular member 400 is generally the same as the hollow tubular member 400 according to the first embodiment, except that the first peripheral portion point 431 and the second peripheral portion point 432 are located closer to each other. Specifically, the first point 431 on the peripheral portion and the second point 432 on the peripheral portion are spaced apart from each other by a distance of approximately 0.8 millimeters. In addition, in FIG. 8, the depth of the support element 430 is now approximately 3 millimeters. In addition, in FIG. 8, the first side wall and the second side wall define an angle of approximately 15 degrees between themselves.

In fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member 500 for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular member 500 is generally the same as the hollow tubular member 200 according to the second embodiment, except that the depth of the hollow tubular member 200 is approximately the same as the radius of the hollow tubular member 500. Thus, the support member 530 extends to the radial center of the hollow tubular member 500. Specifically, the tip of the support member 530 is at or adjacent to the radial center of the hollow tubular member 500. Like the hollow tubular member 100 according to the first embodiment and the hollow tubular member 200 according to the second embodiment, the hollow tubular member 500 according to the fifth embodiment includes three identical support members. Thus, the three support elements of the hollow tubular element 500 divide the hollow region of the hollow tubular element 500 into three channels. Specifically, the tips of the support members 530, 370, 580 are located adjacent to each other at the radial center of the hollow tubular member 300.

In fig. 10 illustrates a method for forming a hollow tubular member for an aerosol generating article such as the hollow tubular member 100 according to the first embodiment described above. The method includes providing equipment 105 for forming a hollow tubular element. The equipment 105 includes a device 107. The device 107 has an internal surface 115 defining a channel 125. The channel 125 extends from an upstream opening 117 of the device 107 to a downstream opening 118 of the device 107.

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

The first section 126 of the device 107 includes an internal projection 135 projecting into the channel 125. The internal projection 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 channel 125 in the first section 126 device 107 is substantially truncated-conical, with the diameter of the channel 125 at the upstream end of the first section 126 being larger than the diameter of the channel 125 at the downstream end of the first section 126.

The inner projection 135 is essentially pyramidal. The inner projection 125 has a substantially triangular cross-section in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The inner lip 135 has a maximum cross-sectional area at the apex of the inner lip 135 and tapers at the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107. The inner lip includes a first edge, the first edge being adjacent to the portion of the inner surface of the device 107 defining the channel 125 The first edge extends from the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107. The inner lip also includes a second edge, the second edge also being adjacent to 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 protrusion further includes a third edge, wherein the third edge is located within the channel 125 and also extends from the 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 along plane B-B is shown in FIG. 11B. Thus, in FIG. 11B shows a cross-section of the inner projection 135 at the top 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 first section 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 the same as 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 the same as 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 from a sheet, the circumference of the hollow tube 145 being approximately equal to the inner perimeter of the cross section of the device 107 at the apex of the inner projection 135. The cross section of the hollow tube 145 is shown in FIG. 11 A. The diameter of the channel 125 at the upstream end of the first section 126 is approximately the same as the diameter of the hollow tube 145. Thus, 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 includes allowing the hollow tube 145 to pass through an upstream opening 117 of the device 107 into a second section 127 of the device 107 along the channel 125.

The method further includes causing the hollow tube 145 to pass along the channel 125 and into contact with an internal projection 135 at the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107.

The method further includes causing the hollow tube 145 to pass along the channel 125 through the first section 126 of the device 107 such that the outer surface of the hollow tube 145 is in contact with the inner surface 115 of the device 107. Specifically, so that the outer surface of the hollow tube 145 is in contact with internal projection 135. Due to the configuration of the first section 126 of the device 107, allowing the hollow tube 145 to pass along the first section 126 of the device 107 causes the hollow tube 145 to deform and conform to the internal shape of the first section of the device 107. In particular, the frusto-conical shape of the channel 125 in of the first section 126, in combination with the presence of an internal projection 135 in the first section 126, helps to shape the hollow tube 145 having a reduced diameter and an internal curved projection forming a support member 130, as shown in FIG. 12B. Therefore, allowing the hollow tube 145 to pass 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 projection 135, a second fold line at the second edge of the inner projection 135; and a third fold line at the third edge of the inner projection 135. Thus, allowing the hollow tube 145 to pass through the first section 126 of the device 107 forms a hollow tubular element formed from a sheet, the hollow tubular element comprising: a peripheral portion 110 defining a hollow inner region, and support element 130; wherein the support member 130 extends from the peripheral portion both along the first sheet fold line and along the second sheet fold line; and wherein the support element comprises a third sheet fold line located within the hollow inner region. The hollow tube 145 and the hollow tubular element are shown in dotted lines in FIG. 10.

The method further includes allowing the hollow tubular element to pass through the third section 128 of the device 107 and from the channel 117 through the downstream opening 118 of the device 107. The third section 128 of the device 107 may facilitate the exit of the hollow tubular element from the device 107. In addition, the third section 128 device 107 may help maintain the desired shape of the hollow tubular element after bending the hollow tubular element.

As shown in FIG. 11A and 11B, the inner projection 135 is the first internal projection 135, and the first section 126 of the device 107 includes two additional internal projections: a second internal projection 175 and a third internal projection 185. All of the internal projections 135, 175, 185 are identical to each other and spaced apart at an equal distance around the circumference of the first section 126 of the device 107.

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

In fig. 13 is a perspective view of a hollow tubular member 600 for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 600 includes a peripheral portion 610 that defines a hollow inner region 620 of the hollow tubular element 600; and a support element 630.

As shown in FIG. 13 and 14, the peripheral portion 610 and the support member 630 are integrally formed from the same sheet of paper. Specifically, the peripheral portion 610 is formed from a number of layers of two to four parallel wound layers of paper sheet, and the support member 630 is formed from a single layer of paper sheet. More specifically, a section of the peripheral portion 610 is formed from two layers of paper sheet, another section of the peripheral portion 610 is formed from three layers of a paper sheet, and an additional section of the peripheral portion 610 is formed from four layers of paper sheet.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the support member 630 extends from a first point 631 on the peripheral portion 610 through the hollow interior region 620 through the radial center of the hollow tubular member 600 to a second point 632 on the peripheral portion 610. The first point 631 on the peripheral portion 610 and the second point 632 on the peripheral portion 610 approximately diametrically opposed to each other. The internal diameter of the hollow tubular element is approximately 6.9 millimeters. Thus, the first point 631 on the peripheral portion 610 and the second point 632 on the peripheral portion 610 are spaced apart by a distance of approximately 6.9 millimeters. The outer diameter of the hollow tubular element is approximately 7.2 millimeters.

The support member 630 includes a substantially straight portion that extends from a first point 631 on the peripheral portion 610 to a second point 632 on the peripheral portion 610 as viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member 600, as shown in FIG. 14.

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

In fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member 700 for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular member 700 includes a peripheral portion 710 and a support member 730. The peripheral portion 710 and the support member 730 are integrally formed from the same sheet of paper. The peripheral portion 710 is formed from parallel wound layers of sheet such that a section of the peripheral portion is formed from two layers of sheet and another section of the peripheral portion 710 is formed from a single layer of sheet.

The support member 730 extends from a first point 731 on the peripheral portion 710 through the hollow interior region to a second point 732a on the peripheral portion 710. Specifically, the support member 730 includes an end of the sheet, the end of the sheet being in contact with the peripheral portion 710 at the second point 732a on the peripheral part 710.

The support element 730 is substantially sinusoidal when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 700. The support element 730 includes several peaks and valleys; in particular, the support element 730 includes one peak and two valleys. The apex of the support member 730 is in contact with the peripheral portion 710 at an additional point 732b on the peripheral portion 710.

Thus, it should be understood that the portion of the sheet extending from the first point 731 on the peripheral portion 710 to the additional point 732b on the peripheral portion 710 may be the first support member. In addition, a portion of the sheet extending from an additional point 732b on the peripheral portion 710 to a second point 732a on the peripheral portion 710 may be a second support member.

In fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member 800 for an aerosol generating article in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular member 800 includes a peripheral portion 810 and a support member 830 formed integrally from the same sheet of paper. The sheet extends from the first sheet end 833 to the second sheet end 834. The peripheral portion 810 is formed from parallel wound sheet layers such that a section of the peripheral portion 810 is formed from a single sheet layer and another section of the peripheral portion 810 is formed from two sheet layers.

The support member 830 extends from a first point 831 on the peripheral portion 810 through the hollow interior region to a second point 832 on the peripheral portion 810. Specifically, the support member 830 extends from the peripheral portion 810 from both the first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet, wherein the first fold line is at a first point 831 on the peripheral portion 810 and the second fold line is at a second point 832 on the peripheral portion 810. The first point 831 on the peripheral portion 810 and the second point 832 on the peripheral portion 810 are approximately diametrically opposed to each other.

The sheet portion extending from the first sheet end 833 to the first point 831 on the peripheral portion 810 and the sheet portion extending from the second point 832 on the peripheral portion 810 to the second sheet end 1034 define the hollow interior region of the hollow tubular member 800. Accordingly, the peripheral portion 810 includes a sheet portion extending from a first sheet end 833 to a first point 831 on the peripheral portion 810, and a sheet portion extending from a second point 832 on the peripheral portion 810 to a second sheet end 834.

As shown in FIG. 16, support member 830 is substantially sinusoidal when viewed from the upstream end of hollow tubular member 800. Support member 830 includes multiple peaks and valleys; in particular, the support element 830 includes two peaks and three valleys. This increases the surface area of the hollow tubular element 800 that can be in contact with the first element 10, in particular, the aerosol-forming substrate 12 and the current collector element 20. Thus, it can increase the ability of the hollow tubular element 800 to prevent or limit movement of both the first element 10, in particular, the aerosol-forming substrate 12, and the current-receiving element 20.

In fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member 900 for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular member 900 is generally the same as the hollow tubular member 800 according to the eighth embodiment, except that the second end of the sheet is located at the second point 932 on the peripheral portion 910. Thus, no part of the sheet extends from the second point 932 on the peripheral portion 910 to the second end of the sheet. Accordingly, the support member 930 does not extend from the peripheral portion 910 along the second fold line of the sheet, the second fold line being located at the second point 932 of the peripheral portion 910. Moreover, the peripheral portion 910 does not include a portion of the sheet extending from the second point 932 on the peripheral portion 910 to the second end of the sheet.

In addition, 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.

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

In fig. 18 is a perspective view of a hollow tubular member 1000 for an aerosol generating article in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular member 1000 includes a peripheral portion 1010 defining a hollow interior region 1020 of the hollow tubular member 1000. The hollow tubular member 1000 also includes a support member 1030 formed from a sheet of paper. The peripheral portion 1010 includes a tube that is separate from the sheet forming the support member 1030. That is, the tube is not integrally formed with the support member 1030.

As shown in FIG. 19, the first end 1033 of the sheet is in contact with the tube up to a first point 1031 on the peripheral portion 1010, where it is deflected away from the tube and into the hollow inner region 1020. The second end 1034 of the sheet is in contact with the tube up to a second point 1032a on the peripheral portion. 1010 where it is deflected away from the tube and into the hollow inner region 1020. Thus, the support member 1030 extends from the first point 1031 on the peripheral portion 1010 through the hollow inner region 1020 to the second point 1032a on the peripheral portion 1010. In addition, the peripheral portion 1010 includes : a tube, a sheet portion extending from the first sheet end 1033 to a first point 1031 on the peripheral portion 1010, and a sheet portion extending from a second point 1032a on the peripheral portion 1010 to the second sheet end 1034.

The support member 1030 includes a curved portion as viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member 100. Specifically, the support member 1033 has a substantially omega-shaped portion as viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member 1000. Support member 1030 is also in contact with the tube at an additional point 1032b on the peripheral portion 1010. The support member 1030 divides the hollow inner region 1020 into four channels.

It should be understood that the portion of the sheet extending from the first point 1031 on the peripheral portion 1010 to the additional point 1032b on the peripheral portion 1010 may be the first support element. In addition, a portion of the sheet extending from an additional point 1032b on the peripheral portion 1010 to a second point 1032a on the peripheral portion 1010 may be a second support member. The first and second support elements divide the hollow inner region 1020 into four channels.

The sheet can be attached to the tube using glue. In particular, the sheet may be attached to the tube at points where the sheet is in contact with the tube.

In fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member 1100 for an aerosol generating article in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. Like the hollow tubular member 1000 according to the tenth embodiment, the peripheral portion 1110 includes a tube that is separate from the sheet forming the support member 1130. The support member 1130 is in contact with the peripheral portion 1110 at both a first point 1131 on the peripheral portion 1110 and a second a point 1132 on the peripheral portion 1110. The support member extends from a first point 1131 on the peripheral portion 1110 through the hollow interior region to a second point 1132 on the peripheral portion 1110.

The support element 1130 has a wave-like profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 1100. Specifically, the support element 1130 is substantially sinusoidal and contains one peak and two valleys when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. element 1100.

Claims (20)

1. An aerosol-generating product containing: a first element containing an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate contains one or more aerosol-forming agents, and wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of from 5 percent to 30 percent on a dry weight basis ; And a hollow tubular element located downstream of the first element, the hollow tubular element comprising: a peripheral portion defining a hollow inner region of the hollow tubular member; And a support member formed from a paper sheet and extending from a first point on the peripheral portion through the hollow inner region to a second point on the peripheral portion, wherein the hollow tubular element has an average weight of 10 milligrams per millimeter of length or less. 2. The aerosol generating product according to claim 1, characterized in that the peripheral part is formed from a sheet. 3. The aerosol generating product according to claim 2, characterized in that the peripheral part and the supporting element are formed as a single unit from a sheet. 4. The aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the support member has a basis weight of from 35 grams per square meter to 80 grams per square meter. 5. The aerosol generating article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow tubular member has a total weight of 150 milligrams or less. 6. The aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion are adjacent to each other. 7. An aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support member includes a tip, the tip being positioned within a hollow interior region. 8. The aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support members extend from the peripheral portion along a first fold line of the sheet, the first fold line being located at a first point on the peripheral portion. 9. The aerosol generating article according to claim 8, characterized in that the support element extends from the peripheral portion along a second fold line of the sheet, the second fold line being located at a second point on the peripheral portion. 10. The aerosol generating product according to claim 9, characterized in that the support element contains a third fold line of the sheet. 11. An aerosol-generating product according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the cross-section of the support element contains a curved part. 12. The aerosol generating article of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support member comprises a plurality of peaks and valleys as viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member. 13. An aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element is designed such that the hollow inner region consists of a single channel. 14. An aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element extends through the radial center of the hollow tubular element. 15. The aerosol generating product according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that it further comprises a ventilation zone at a location along the hollow tubular element.