(19)
(11) EP 4 166 011 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
19.04.2023 Bulletin 2023/16

(21) Application number: 21203115.7

(22) Date of filing: 18.10.2021
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A24D 1/02(2006.01)
A24F 40/85(2020.01)
A24D 1/20(2020.01)
(52) Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
A24D 1/20; A24D 1/02; A24D 1/025; A24F 40/85
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
BA ME
Designated Validation States:
KH MA MD TN

(71) Applicant: JT International SA
1202 Geneva (CH)

(72) Inventor:
  • BOUCHUIGUIR, Layth Sliman
    1293 Bellevue (CH)

(74) Representative: Plasseraud IP 
66, rue de la Chaussée d'Antin
75440 Paris Cedex 09
75440 Paris Cedex 09 (FR)

   


(54) T-VAPOR STICK THAT CAN BE USED FOR CLEANING OVEN


(57) Aerosol generating article for an aerosol generating device comprising an aerosolizable substance, a filter element at a mouth end of the article and a spacer element arranged between the aerosolizable substance and the filter element, wherein the aerosolizable substance, the filter element and/or the spacer element are at least partially wrapped by a wrapper which comprises at least one first layer circumferentially wrapped around the a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article. According to the invention the wrapper comprises at least one second layer arranged above the first layer and being peelable, wherein the maximum diameter X1 of the aerosol generating article is reducible to a minimum diameter X2 by peeling the second layer off the aerosol generating article.




Description


[0001] Aerosol generating article for an aerosol generating device comprising an aerosolizable substance, a filter element at a mouth end of the article and a spacer element arranged between the aerosolizable substance and the filter element, wherein the aerosolizable substance, the filter element and/or the spacer element are at least partially wrapped by a wrapper which comprises at least one first layer circumferentially wrapped around the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

[0002] Such aerosol generating articles for being used in aerosol generating devices are generally known as Heat not Burn (HnB) articles (EP2802226A1) from the state of the art. The HnB technology generates an aerosol by heating rather than burning tobacco or other aerosolizable materials. Because the tobacco is not burned, there is a reduced amount of harmful constituents in the smoke, which usually are combustion and pyrolysis products. The typical odour, stain and ash are reduced or even eliminated in comparison to conventional cigarettes. Nicotine flow and the typical flavour, however, are retained.

[0003] The aerosol generating devices which are used to heat the aerosol generating article, usually comprise a heating section which is arranged and shaped to an aerosol generating article being able to be inserted in it. Thus, the heating sections often comprise the shape of a cylindrical cavity. Upon heating of the aerosolizable article inside the cavity an inhalable aerosol is generated which contains constituents that over time accumulate as residues inside the cavity and may adhere on the surface of the cavity and thereby have to be removed by cleaning the device. For this purpose, consumers can buy special cleaning utensils which suits the exact shape and form of the cavity and thereby simplify the cleaning process. However, such cleaning utensils always have to be carried around with the device and are not quite convenient to always be reminded of. Furthermore, they can wear or become soiled and so should be regularly replaced or be cleaning.

[0004] For this purpose, it would be advantageous to have an aerosol generating device and aerosol generating articles which can be used and especially maintained without further accessories such as cleaning utensils.

[0005] It is therefore the objective of the invention to provide an HnB device and an aerosol generating article to be used in the aerosol generating device, wherein the device and the article can be used without further accessories such as cleaning utensils.

[0006] This object is achieved by the electronic smoking article of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are object of the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the invention, the wrapper of the aerosol generating article comprises at least one second layer arranged above the first layer and being peelable, wherein the maximum diameter X1 of the aerosol generating article is reducible to a minimum diameter X2 by peeling the second layer off the aerosol generating article.

[0008] Thus, the diameter of the aerosol generating article is reduced by removing at least one layer of the articles wrapper material. Preferably the removable second wrapping layer functions as a protection layer for the first wrapping layer of the article (which is preferably not removable) during smoking.

[0009] It is conceivable that multiple layers are wrapped around the aerosol generating article, wherein at least one of them can be peeled off. Preferably the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article is reduced every time one of the layers is removed. Thereby the diameter of the article is adjustable by peeling of a respective amount of layers from it.

[0010] Since the second and first layer of the wrapper are arranged at the mouth end of the article, these might get in contact with at least the hands and lips of a consumer. Due to the arrangement of the wrapper layers, the second wrapping layer preferably protects the first wrapping layer from saliva or other substances which might get in contact with the article due to contact with the lips of a consumer of the article.

[0011] The second wrapper layer is therefore preferably attached to the aerosol generating article while being used as smoking article. Preferably the second wrapper layer is removable from the aerosol generating article after consumption of the article. It is conceivable that the second wrapper layer is removable by peeling it off the aerosol generating article.

[0012] It is conceivable that the second wrapper layer is arranged circumferentially around the aerosol generating article, such that, with respect to the article, it is arranged on the outside of the first wrapper layer. Thereby the first wrapper layer is arranged between a filter segment of the aerosol generating article and the second wrapper layer.

[0013] Due to the arrangement of the wrapper layers, the first wrapper layer appears upon peeling off the second layer from the article. Due to the protection from the second wrapper layer, the first wrapper layer was not getting into contact with consumers hands and/or lips upon a previous smoking process.

[0014] Preferably the first layer is attached to the aerosol generating article in a way that the surface which is revealed after removing of the second layer, is not contacted by any smoke and/or aerosolized constituents during smoking. Thus, the first layer of the wrapper material is preferably clean and not contaminated by any dirt or other impurities from the smoking process.

[0015] Due to the clean surface of the first layer, the cigarette can be used as a cleaning tool for cleaning at least some parts of the aerosol generating device after the smoking process. Preferably the first layer is especially suitable for cleaning a heating section and/or cavity of the aerosol generating device. For this purpose, the used aerosol generating article, with the second layer removed, is insertable into the heating section and/or cavity with its mouth end first. The first layer then preferably absorbs smoking residues and deposits sticking to the inner walls of the heating section and/or cavity.

[0016] It is conceivable that pressure has to be applied to the used aerosol generating article for cleaning the inner walls of the heating section and/or cavity. Beside the possibility of a mechanical cleaning, there could also be the possibility of chemical cleaning by applying substances such as chemical cleaners onto the first layer. The applied cleaning substances are not harmful for a consumer of the aerosol generating article and preferably do not influence the smoking experience of the consumer in any way.

[0017] In another embodiment the first layer could also be moistened with water before the actual cleaning process. Possible chemical cleaning substances applied in and/or on the first layer might thereby get activated to be used for cleaning the device.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment the first layer comprises an oil absorbent material. An oil absorbent material would be advantageous to clean oily residues which might sediment on at least one surface of the cavity.

[0019] The oily residues might come from the heated tobacco inside the heating section. It is conceivable that the oily residues come from heating the tobacco inside the aerosol generating article and thereby vaporizing aqueous and oily components of it. Parts from the vaporized aqueous and oily components sediment by condensing on the walls of the cavity inside the aerosol generating device.

[0020] It is conceivable that once the amount of sediments inside the heating section rises to a specific value, the functionality of the aerosol generating device might be reduced and at a certain point completely disabled. Sediments and especially old tobacco and oily residues might also lead to a taste influence for consumers of the aerosol generating article inside the device. Thus, it is important to remove sediments regularly to keep the aerosol generating device running properly and without any influences on the smoking experience of a consumer.

[0021] It is conceivable that a substance applied to the first layer could be a surfactant which in combination with water is able to solve oil and thereby also oily residues and sediments inside the aerosol generating device.

[0022] Preferably the first layer itself can absorb oil such that no further chemicals are necessary for cleaning oily residues from the aerosol generating device.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment the first layer comprises an abrasive material. An abrasive material removes residues and dirt inside the heating section by mechanical force.

[0024] Preferably abrasive materials are only used for cleaning the cavity when chemical and/or aqueous substances are not sufficient enough in their cleaning power.

[0025] Preferably the abrasive material is a sandpaper, wherein the grain size is preferably smaller than 500, more preferably smaller than 100 and most preferably smaller than 30 according to CAMI (Coated Abrasive Manufacturers Institute).

[0026] Abrasive materials could also comprise pasty consistencies with small particles to achieve an abrasive effect. It could also be possible that a substance or product similar to toothpaste can be used to be applied to the first layer, wherein such products would achieve a cooling effect for a consumer while smoking and after removing of the first layer they could be used as abrasive cleaning of the cavity.

[0027] Preferably at least a part of the aerosol generating articles in a package comprise a first layer with chemical cleaning function, wherein at least another part of the aerosol generating articles comprise an abrasive cleaning function.

[0028] It is conceivable that the first layer can comprise a chemical as well as an abrasive cleaning function to combine the positive characteristics of each cleaning method and thereby achieve an overall higher cleaning efficiency.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment the first layer comprises paper. Thereby it could be possible that at least a part of the first layer comprises paper, or the complete first layer is made from paper. In an embodiment, paper comprises abrasive non-paper particles such as carbon, glass or silica.

[0030] Furthermore, the paper material from the first layer could act as a carrier material for chemical and/or mechanical cleaning substances. Preferably the chemical and/or mechanical cleaning substances are arranged to the paper material of the first wrapper layer.

[0031] Preferably the material of the first layer comprises cotton wool, sponge and/or a similar material which is suitable for absorbing substances as chemical and/or mechanical cleaners.

[0032] Preferably the first layer is coated with a substance to prevent smoke from flowing through it and thereby exiting the filter section through the wrapper material. Preferably the coating also prevents air from flowing from the outside of the article through the wrapper material and thereby into the filter material.

[0033] Thereby a suitable coating of the first layer could be glue, wax, resin, lacquer or various other substances which would prevent an airflow through the material of the first layer. It is conceivable that also the second wrapper layer, or all wrapper layers comprise respective coatings.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment the second layer extends along the full length of the filter element in the longitudinal direction and at least partially along the length of the spacer element.

[0035] Thereby the longitudinal direction is arranged parallel to the length direction of the aerosol generating article, wherein the direction shows from a mouth end of the article to the end where the aerosolizable substance and preferably tobacco is arranged.

[0036] According to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article the filter element would be completely wrapped with the first layer of the wrapper material. Preferably the first wrapper layer circumferentially encloses the spacer element at least partially according to the longitudinal direction. Thus, the first wrapper layer preferably also attaches the filter segment and the spacer element together.

[0037] Preferably the first wrapper layer extends fully along the filter segment as well as the spacer element. It is conceivable that the first layer could also extend further as the spacer in the longitudinal direction and thereby also cover at least a part of the tobacco section.

[0038] It is conceivable that the first layer is attached to the filter segment and/or spacer element with an adhesive, such that the resulting object is a form bound group of a filter segment, a spacer element and at least one layer of the wrapper material.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment the second layer extends in the longitudinal direction at least along the length of the first layer. Thereby the second wrapper layer preferably completely covers the first layer according to the longitudinal direction. Preferably the second layer thereby wraps at least around the filter segment and partially around the spacer element.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment the second wrapper layer also wraps around at least a part of the tobacco section.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the second layer has a porosity which is lower than a porosity of the material of the first layer. Preferably the second layer thereby comprises a better haptic feeling and/or handling for a consumer. With a higher porosity the second layer would also be suitable to absorb more dirt such as saliva, sweat, dust particles, and/or other things which might get in contact with the second wrapper layer during the smoking process.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment the second layer has a longitudinal seam. Preferably the second layer is not directly fixed to the first layer via an adhesive. More likely the second layer is press fitted to the first layer, wherein the press fit preferably is created by manufacturing of the aerosol generating article by closely wrapping the second layer around the first layer.

[0043] The second wrapper layer preferably overlaps itself in at least one point along the longitudinal direction. The second wrapper layer preferably overlaps itself along the longitudinal direction and thereby creates the seam which holds the second wrapper layer in place.

[0044] The seam is preferably created by gluing the overlapping areas of the second wrapper layer together and thereby forming a seam at least partially along the length direction of the aerosol generating article. It is conceivable that the seam only glues together the two layers of the second layer of wrapping material. An embodiment in which the two layers of the second wrapper layer and at least one layer of the first wrapper layer are at least in parts glued together, is also conceivable.

[0045] Different substances, such as glue, wax, resin, superglue, Velcro or other substances / adhesives can be used to attach the layers of wrapper material together. Preferably the layers are attached together with a food safe adhesive which is compatible for a consumer.

[0046] It is conceivable that natural adhesives such as starch or sugar based ones could be used for attaching the wrapper layers together.

[0047] Besides the use of adhesives, folding mechanisms or combined applications are also possible to create a seam. The benefit of attaching at least two layers of wrapper material together with creases would be the absence of an adhesive and thus the preservation of a merely mechanical process.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment the longitudinal seam is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article. It is obvious that the seam is only aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction if the second wrapper layer is rectangular.

[0049] Due to the form of the seam depending on the shape of the second wrapper layer, it could also comprise various other two dimensional forms of a line. Preferably the seam is formed in a spiral around the article. Thereby the overlapping surface of the second wrapper layer is increased which leads to a higher stability of the seam.

[0050] Preferably the seam is created by the area in which the second wrapper layer overlaps itself. Since the second wrapper layer preferably comprises a rectangular shape and is wrapped circumferentially around the aerosol generating article, the seam is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction. It is also possible that the second wrapper layer has another than rectangular shape and thereby would create a seam which is not fully, or not at all parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment the second layer also comprises a pull tab to easily peel off the second layer. According to the longitudinal direction the seam is preferably not arranged over the complete length of the second wrapper layer according to the longitudinal direction. Preferably at least a part of the overlapping area of the second wrapper layer does not comprise any glue and/or mechanical fixation, and thereby can be easily be bent away from the body of the aerosol generating article. Preferably the pull tab can be pulled away from the body of the article and thereby at least partially opens the seam of the aerosol generating article. It is conceivable that the seam is not bent and thereby arranged in the plane of the second wrapper layer, until a consumer bends it to remove the second wrapper layer from the aerosol generating article.

[0052] It is conceivable that the adhesive by which the overlapping area of the second wrapper layer are seamed together, releases upon pulling of the pull tab. Preferably also a mechanical crease opens upon pulling of the pull tab. Thereby a consumer can preferably peel the second wrapper layer off from the aerosol generating article.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment the first layer is a tipping paper configured for wrapping the filter element, the spacer element and at least a part of the tobacco rod.

[0054] Preferably the first wrapper layer extends over the complete length of the aerosol generating article. It is conceivable that the first wrapper layer thereby would wrap around the filter section, the spacer element and the tobacco section. Thereby the first wrapper paper preferably is a tipping paper itself and replaces an additional tipping paper. It is conceivable that the first wrapping layer comprises at least two different sections, wherein the sections might differentiate in layer thickness, additives such as chemical and/or mechanical cleaning compounds and other factors in which typical tipping papers from the state of the art can differentiate in.

[0055] Preferably the aerosol generating article only comprises two layers of wrapping material if the first layer functions as a tipping paper. Also preferably the aerosol generating article only comprises one layer of wrapping material after a consumer peels the second wrapping layer off the article.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment the second wrapper layer at least partially covers the tipping paper. It is conceivable that the second wrapping layer covers the tipping paper at least in the part of the aerosol generating article in which the filter section is arranged. Preferably the second wrapper layer also covers the tipping paper at least partially along the longitudinal direction, where the spacer element is arranged.

[0057] The object of the invention is also achieved by an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heating cavity for insertion of at least one aerosol generating article, wherein for an inner diameter X of the heating cavity applies X2<X<X1.

[0058] Thereby X2 preferably represents the diameter of the aerosol generating articles mouth end with the second wrapper layer attached to the article, wherein X1 represents the diameter of the aerosol generating articles mouth end after peeling the second wrapper layer off the article. Thus X preferably stand for the diameter of the devices cavity, in which the aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0059] Preferably the aerosol generating system exclusively comprises the aerosol generating article as well as the aerosol generating device. The device and the article can be used in combination, wherein the article is either usable to create an inhalable aerosol for a consumer, and/or to clean the device for a maintenance purpose.

[0060] The aerosol generating article is usable for smoking purpose with the second wrapper layer being wrapped around the article, wherein it is also usable for cleaning the aerosol generating device with the second wrapper layer removed from the article. Preferably the second wrapper layer is peeled off by a consumer after smoking the article inside the device. Then the consumer can easily clean the heating cavity of the device with the used aerosol generating article.

[0061] The device is cleanable by the consumer by sticking the aerosol generating article with the mouthpiece first into the cavity in which the aerosol generating article is heated during a smoking process. Preferably residues and dirt inside the cavity stick to the aerosol generating article, which removes them out of the cavity while the aerosol generating article is pulled out of the cavity.

[0062] Due to the construction of the aerosol generating article it comprises a diameter in the area where the second wrapper layer is arranged which is equal to X1 according to the width direction of the article. It is conceivable that the article cannot be inserted into the cavity with the mouth end first, as long as the second wrapper paper is wrapped around the article. This is, because the cavity preferably comprises the size X in the width direction, which is smaller than the size X1.

[0063] Preferably the second wrapper layer has to be removed from the article for inserting the article with its mouth end first into the cavity. Thereby the articles size in the width direction might be reduced from X2 to X1 and could thereby be inserted into the cavity, because X1 is smaller than X.

[0064] According to this the second wrapper layer preferably acts as a protection against a misuse of the aerosol generating article as it prevents the article from being inserted into the aerosol generating device when the article is still unsmoked. Therefore, it is conceivable that the seam of the article is only openable after the article has been smoked by a consumer.

[0065] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for cleaning an aerosol generating device with the aerosol generating article, wherein first the aerosol generating article is consumed in the device; then the second layer is peeled off the article to uncover the first layer; and finally the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating cavity with its mouth end first for cleaning the cavity with the first layer by wiping the surfaces of the cavity with it.

[0066] Preferably, before consuming the aerosol generating article in the device, the consumer has to insert it with the tobacco section first. Afterwards the consumer can operate the device to heat the tobacco of the article and thereby cause the aerosol generating article to release an inhalable aerosol for the consumer. When the article is at least partially and preferably completely consumed, it can be pulled out of the device. In opposite to regular combustion cigarettes the aerosol generating article preferably still remains in its initial shape after being consumed.

[0067] The consumer can then peel the second wrapper layer off the aerosol generating article and afterwards insert the article with its mouth section first into the cavity of the aerosol generating device. By moving the article inside the cavity the consumer is preferably able to clean it.

[0068] Further advantages and embodiments according to the invention are illustrated in the attached drawings.

[0069] Herein show:
Fig. 1
aerosol generating article according to the invention
Fig. 2
aerosol generating article with its second layer next to a cavity
Fig. 3
aerosol generating article without its second layer partially inside a cavity
Fig. 4
aerosol generating system


[0070] Figure 1 illustrates an aerosol generating article 1 according to the invention. As can be seen, the article 1 is arranged with its length direction being parallel to the longitudinal direction L. Preferably the width X1, X2 of the article 1 is arranged parallel to the width direction W, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Preferably the longitudinal direction L extends from the mouth end 5 of the article 1 towards the section where the aerosolizable substance 3 of the article 1 is arranged.

[0071] Preferably the aerosolizable substance 3 is tobacco, reconstituted tobacco and/or other kind of fibre which suits the requirements to be used inside an aerosol generating article 1 for an aerosol generating device 2. Preferably the substance 3 contains nicotine, but also embodiments without presence of nicotine are possible. It is conceivable that the substance 3 can also be a heat resistant fibre which is not decomposed itself upon heat supply, but which is preferably soaked with an aerosolizable liquid can be evaporated and thereby creates an inhalable smoke for a consumer. Preferably, the aerosolizable substance comprises reconstituted tobacco comprising tobacco material, an aerosol former such as glycerine and/or polypropylene glycol, and optionally a binder (such as gum). The substance may further comprise cellulose pulp, non-tobacco filler, flavour, etc.

[0072] As can be seen from Figure 1, the filter section 4, spacer element 6 and aerosolizable substance 3 are aligned next to each other from the mouth end 5 into the longitudinal direction L.

[0073] The filter material 4 preferably comprises cellulose acetate or paper fibre as a main ingredient, wherein also other materials or a combination of materials might be possible. Preferably the filter material 4 cools down the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substance 4.

[0074] The spacer element 6 is preferably made from a paper and/or cardboard material, wherein also various other materials, such as plastic, resin, glass and/or metal are conceivable. In a preferred embodiment the spacer element 6 comprises the shape of a tube. Thereby it creates a fluid connection between the mouth end 5 and the aerosolizable substrate 3.

[0075] The spacer element 6 could also be made of a solid piece of material, wherein it would then comprise at least one hole in it which guides an aerosol generated by the aerosolizable substance 3 towards the mouth end 5 of the article 1. Preferably the spacer element 6 thereby acts as a fluid connection between the aerosolizable substance 3 and the filter element 4, wherein the spacer element 6 preferably also cools an aerosol which flows through it.

[0076] Preferably the spacer 6 is arranged between the filter element 4 and the aerosolizable substance 3 and cools the aerosol inside it while smoking the article 1. Preferably the spacer element 6 creates stability in the article 1 by supporting the filter element 4 and aerosolizable substance 3 not being squeezed by wrapping the wrapping layers 7, 7a, and/or 7b around the article 1.

[0077] Preferably the spacer element 6 connects the filter element 4 with the aerosol generating substance 3 by wrapping at least one of the wrappers 7, 7a and/or 7b around the article 1.

[0078] As can be seen in figure 1 it is preferred if the first 7a and second 7b wrapping layers extend from the mouth end 5 along the longitudinal direction L at least to the spacer element 6.

[0079] Thereby the second wrapper layer 7b preferably exceeds further in the longitudinal direction L than the first wrapper layer 7a. Thus both wrapper layers 7a and 7b might get in direct contact with the spacer element 6.

[0080] As also shown in Figure 1, the wrapper layers 7a and 7b preferably do not reach over the spacer element 6 according to the longitudinal direction L. Preferably a further wrapper 7 is arranged to the smoking article 1 to hold the aerosolizable substance 3 together and shape it.

[0081] Figure 1 also shows a preferred arrangement of the glue for a seam 11, which is arranged at one end of the second wrapper layer 7b which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction L. Preferably the seam 11 is not arranged over the full length of the second wrapper layer 7b along the longitudinal direction L to create a pull tab 10 which can be pulled by a consumer, and which peels off the second wrapper layer 7b to reveal the first wrapper layer 7a.

[0082] Figures 2 and 3 show the aerosol generating articles mouth end 5 next to a cavity 9 from an aerosol generating device 2. The difference in the shown figures is, that in figure 2 the article 1 comprises the second wrapper layer 7b, while in figure 3 the second wrapper layer 7b is peeled off the article 1.

[0083] Figure 2 thereby preferably represents the article 1 in an unused state and being able to be used as a smoking article 1 for creating a vapour. Due to the diameter X1 of the article 1 in the width direction W being bigger than the size X of the cavity 9 in that direction, the article 1 cannot be inserted with its mouth end 5 first into the cavity 9 along the longitudinal direction L. Since the article 1 cannot be inserted into the cavity 9 with the second layer 7b being attached to it, the inner surfaces 12 cannot be cleaned by the article 1. However, figure 2 preferably shows a state of the article 1 in which it can be inserted with the aerosol substrate 3 first into the cavity 9 and thereby used as a usual heat not burn smoking article 1.

[0084] Figure 3 shows the article 1 without the second wrapper layer 7b, wherein the mouth end 5 of the article 1 comprises a size X2 in the width direction W, which is smaller than the size X of the cavity 9 in that direction. Thus, the article 1 is at least partially insertable into the cavity 9 along the longitudinal direction L. Preferably the first wrapper layer 7a thereby gets in contact with at least a part of the inner surfaces 12 of the cavity 9 and thus is able to clean them.

[0085] The inner surfaces 12 are preferably cleanable by moving the aerosol generating article 1 along the longitudinal direction L in and out of the cavity 9.

[0086] Figure 4 shows an aerosol generating system 8 with an aerosol generating article 1 and an aerosol generating device 2, wherein the aerosol generating article 1 is at least partially inserted with its mouth end 5 first into the cavity 9 of the aerosol generating device 2. The second wrapper layer 7b is preferably removed from the article 1 before being inserted along the longitudinal direction L into the cavity.

[0087] Figure 4 shows that the first wrapper layer 7a touches the inner surfaces of the cavity 12 to clean them. It is conceivable that the article 1 would also be suitable to clean a possible pin or blade type heater (not shown in Fig 4) which would be inserted into the article 1 to heat it during a smoking process. While the inner surfaces 12 are preferably cleaned by the first wrapper layer 7a, a respective heating blade might be cleaned by the material which is wrapped by the first wrapper layer 7a.

[0088] It is conceivable that for a chemical cleaning procedure the article 1 would need to rest in the cavity 9 for possible chemicals being able to react with residues and/or constituents inside the cavity 9. Preferably the article 1 is additionally moved along the longitudinal direction I during a cleaning process to add mechanical for cleaning.

[0089] Reference signs
1
aerosol generating article
2
aerosol generating device
3
aerosolizable substance
4
filter element
5
mouth end
6
spacer element
7
wrapper
7a
first wrapper layer
7b
second wrapper layer
8
aerosol generating system
9
heating cavity
10
pull tab of second layer
11
longitudinal seam of the second layer
12
inner surfaces of the cavity
X
inner diameter of the cavity
X1
maximum diameter of the aerosol generating article
X2
minimum diameter of the aerosol generating article



Claims

1. Aerosol generating article (1) for an aerosol generating device (2) comprising an aerosolizable substance (3), a filter element (4) at a mouth end (5) of the article (1) and a spacer element (6) arranged between the aerosolizable substance (3) and the filter element (4), wherein the aerosolizable substance (3), the filter element (4) and/or the spacer element (6) are at least partially wrapped by a wrapper (7) which comprises at least one first layer (7a) circumferentially wrapped around the a longitudinal direction (L) of the aerosol generating article (1),
characterized in that
the wrapper (7) comprises at least one second layer (7b) arranged above the first layer (7a) and being peelable, wherein the maximum diameter X1 of the aerosol generating article (1) is reducible to a minimum diameter X2 by peeling the second layer (7b) off the aerosol generating article (1).
 
2. Aerosol generating article according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the first layer (7a) comprises an oil absorbent material.
 
3. Aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the first layer (7a) comprises an abrasive material.
 
4. Aerosol generating article according to claims 1-3,
characterized in that
the first layer (7a) comprises paper.
 
5. Aerosol generating article according to claims 1-4,
characterized in that
in the longitudinal direction (L) the second layer (7b) extends along the full length of the filter element (4) and at least partially along the length of the spacer element (6).
 
6. Aerosol generating article according to claims 1-5,
characterized in that
the second layer (7b) extends in the longitudinal direction (L) at least along the length of the first layer (7a).
 
7. Aerosol generating article according to claims 1-6,
characterized in that
the material of the second layer (7b) has a porosity which is lower than a porosity of the material of the first layer (7a).
 
8. Aerosol generating article according to claims 1-7,
characterized in that
the second layer (7b) has a longitudinal seam (11).
 
9. Aerosol generating article according to claim 8,
characterized in that
the longitudinal seam (11) is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction (L).
 
10. Aerosol generating article according to claims 1-9,
characterized in that
the second layer (7b) also comprises a pull tab (10) to easily peel off the second layer (7b).
 
11. Aerosol generating article according to claims 1-10,
characterized in that
the first layer (7a) is a tipping paper (7) configured for wrapping the filter element (4), the spacer element (6) and at least a part of the tobacco rod (3).
 
12. Aerosol generating article according to claim 11,
characterized in that
the second layer (7b) at least partially covers the tipping paper.
 
13. An aerosol generating system (8) comprising an aerosol generating device (2) and an aerosol generating article (1) according to claims 1-12,
characterized in that
the generating device (2) comprises a heating cavity (9) for insertion of at least one aerosol generating article (1), wherein for an inner diameter X of the heating cavity (9) applies X2<X<X1.
 
14. A method for cleaning the aerosol generating device (2) with the aerosol generating article (1) according to claims 1-12,

characterized in that

first the aerosol generating article (1) is consumed in the device (2);

then the second layer (7b) is peeled off the article (1) to uncover the first layer (7a); and finally the aerosol generating article (1) is inserted into the heating cavity (9) with its mouth end (5) first for cleaning the cavity (9) with the first layer (7a) by wiping the surfaces (12) of the cavity (9) with it.


 




Drawing










Search report









Search report




Cited references

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description