CN119136690A

CN119136690A - Aerosol Generating Products

Info

Publication number: CN119136690A
Application number: CN202380038021.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金泰均; 权赞珉; 朴仁洙; 李美贞; 李泰京; 李存台
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2022-05-04
Filing date: 2023-03-14
Publication date: 2024-12-13
Also published as: JP2025515321A; EP4501144A1; WO2023214674A1

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment comprises a media segment filled with a medium, and at least one of a first segment located upstream of the media segment and a second segment located downstream of the media segment, wherein the first segment or the second segment is comprised of a cellulose acetate filter comprising a plasticizer, the plasticizer content being settable to a range in which no dishing occurs in the first segment or the second segment.

Description

Aerosol-generating article

Technical Field

The following examples relate to an aerosol-generating article.

Background

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for products that replace conventional cigarettes. For example, devices for generating aerosols by electrically heating a rod (e.g., cigarette-type electronic cigarettes) are increasingly in demand. Accordingly, research into electrically heated aerosol-generating devices and tobacco rods (or aerosol-generating articles) therefor is active. For example, korean laid-open patent publication No. 10-2017-0132323 discloses a non-combustion type scent inhaler, a scent source unit, and an atomizing unit.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved

It is an object of an embodiment to provide an aerosol-generating article that does not require heating.

It is an object of an embodiment to provide an aerosol-generating article which ensures a uniform nicotine transfer and a smoking taste during smoking.

It is an object of an embodiment to provide an aerosol-generating article which ensures a sufficient nicotine transfer even in a non-heated state.

It is an object of an embodiment to provide an aerosol-generating article which does not have defects such as depressions.

Technical method for solving the problems

An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment comprises a media segment filled with a medium, and at least any one of a first segment located upstream of the media segment and a second segment located downstream of the media segment, wherein the first segment or the second segment is comprised of a cellulose acetate filter comprising a plasticizer, the plasticizer content being settable to a range in which no dishing occurs in the first segment or the second segment.

In one embodiment, the plasticizer may be present in an amount substantially equal to or less than 11%. The plasticizer may be present in an amount substantially equal to or greater than 4%.

The plasticizer may be any one of Triacetin (TA) and triethyl citrate (TEC).

The medium may comprise at least one component of tobacco particles, reconstituted tobacco or cut filler, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the medium is pH treated and nicotine transferred from the medium may be adsorbed into the first or second stage. The medium is pH treated so that its pH is in the range of 7.0 to 9.5.

An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment comprises a first segment and a second segment disposed on a downstream side of the first segment, wherein nicotine is adsorbed into the first segment or the second segment, the first segment or the second segment being composed of a cellulose acetate filter comprising a plasticizer, the plasticizer content may be 4% or more and 11% or less.

In an embodiment, a media segment is further included disposed between the first segment and the second segment, wherein the media segment comprises a pH treated tobacco media from which nicotine absorbed into the first segment or the second segment can be transferred.

In an embodiment, the first segment or the second segment may be made by cutting a filter portion to which free nicotine released from a medium material comprising nicotine is transferred.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment may enable transfer of an aerosol without heating the aerosol-generating article.

An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment may ensure a uniform nicotine transfer during smoking.

An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment may ensure a uniform smoking taste during smoking.

An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment may use the aerosol-generating article without preheating the device.

An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment may not comprise defects such as recessed portions.

An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment may be expected to extend the service life of the device when the non-heating mode is used.

The effects of the aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects not described will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are provided together with the detailed description of the present invention to better understand the technical idea of the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth in the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2a and 2b are drawings schematically illustrating an aerosol-generating system in combination with an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a drawing schematically illustrating the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4 shows the dent test results according to the plasticizer content.

Figure 5 shows a nicotine transfer test for each segment of the aerosol-generating article.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, various modifications can be made to the embodiments, and the scope of the present invention is not limited or restricted by the embodiments. All strains, equivalents or alternatives to the embodiments are included within the scope of the claims.

The terminology used in the embodiments is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments. Where not specifically stated in the context, singular expressions include plural meanings. In this specification, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof.

All terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art without other definitions. The terms commonly used as dictionary definitions are to be understood as meaning consistent with the usual content of the related art and are not to be over-idealized or construed as formal meanings without being explicitly so defined in the present application.

In the description with reference to the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same components irrespective of the reference numerals, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted. In describing the embodiments, when it is judged that detailed description of the related art will unnecessarily obscure the embodiments, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in the description of the components of the embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (B), and the like may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, and the nature, sequence or order of the elements is not limited by these terms. When an element is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "contacted" to another element, it is to be understood that the element may be directly connected or attached to the other element or that the element may be "connected," "coupled," or "contacted" between elements.

For the constituent elements included in one embodiment and elements having a common function, the same names may be used for description in another embodiment. Unless otherwise mentioned, the description about a certain embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted insofar as they are repeated.

In the following examples, "humectant" may refer to substances capable of promoting the formation of visible smoke (smok) and/or aerosols (aerosol). The humectant may include Glycerin (GLY), propylene Glycol (PG), ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, oleyl alcohol, and the like, but is not limited thereto. Humectants are used interchangeably in the art with the terms aerosol former, humectant, and the like.

In the following examples, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" may refer to a material from which an aerosol may be formed. The aerosol may comprise volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid. For example, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as cut tobacco, tobacco particles, and reconstituted tobacco. Reconstituted tobacco can be divided into pulp-type lamina and paper-type lamina according to its manner of manufacture. While the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a liquid composition based on nicotine, tobacco extract and/or various flavors. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples.

In the following examples, the term "aerosol-generating article" may refer to an article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, i.e. a medium, through which an aerosol passes and transfers nicotine contained in the medium. A representative example of an aerosol-generating article may be a cigarette. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In the following embodiments, the term "aerosol-generating device" may refer to a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-forming substrate, the generated aerosol being directly inhalable into the lungs of a user through the user's mouth.

In the following embodiments, the term "upstream" or "upstream direction" may refer to a direction away from the mouth of a user (smoker), and the term "downstream" or "downstream direction" may refer to a direction closer to the mouth of the user. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" may be used to describe the relative positions of components of the aerosol-generating article.

In the following embodiments, the term "suction" may refer to inhalation of a user in the case where an aerosol is inhaled into the user's mouth, nose or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating system according to an embodiment, fig. 2a and 2b are drawings schematically illustrating an aerosol-generating system in combination with an aerosol-generating device of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment, and fig. 3 is a drawing schematically illustrating the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment.

Referring to fig. 1-3, an aerosol-generating system 1 according to an embodiment may comprise an aerosol-generating device 11 and an aerosol-generating article 12.

Referring to fig. 1, 2a and 2b, the aerosol-generating device 11 according to an embodiment may comprise a battery 111, a control portion 112, a vaporiser 113 and an elongate cavity 115.

The components associated with this embodiment are shown in the aerosol-generating device 11 shown in fig. 2a and 2 b. Thus, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the aerosol-generating device 11 may further comprise other general components in addition to those shown in fig. 2b and 2 b. The aerosol-generating device 11 may be rod-shaped or holder-shaped.

In an embodiment, the battery 111 may provide power for operating the aerosol-generating device 11. For example, the battery 111 may supply an electric current to the evaporator 113 such that the evaporator 113 heats the liquid composition. In addition, the battery 111 may also provide the power required for operation of a display, sensor, motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating device 11.

In an embodiment, the battery 111 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO ₄) battery, but is not limited to the above example. For example, the battery 111 may correspond to a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO ₂) battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium ion battery, or the like.

For example, the battery 111 may have a cylindrical shape having a diameter of 10mm and a length of 37mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the capacity of the battery 111 may have a range of 120mAh to 250mAh, but is not limited thereto. Further, the battery 111 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, when the battery 111 is chargeable, the charging rate (C-rate) of the battery 111 may be 10C, and the discharging rate (C-rate) thereof may be 10C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. Further, for static use, the battery 111 may be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity can be ensured even with 2000 charge/discharge.

In an embodiment, the control portion 112 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 11. Specifically, the control portion 112 may control the operation of other components in the aerosol-generating device 11 in addition to the battery 111 and the evaporator 113. Furthermore, the control portion 112 may also check the status of the components of the aerosol-generating device 11 to determine whether the aerosol-generating device 11 is in an operational state.

In one embodiment, the control portion 112 includes at least one processor. The processor may be an array of logic gates, or a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a processor may be implemented in other types of hardware.

In an embodiment, the vaporizer 113 may generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition and release the generated aerosol to the aerosol-generating article 12 such that the generated aerosol may pass through the aerosol-generating article 12 inserted into the elongated cavity 115. Therefore, a tobacco flavor (tobacco flavor) may be added to the aerosol passing through the aerosol-generating article 12, and a user may inhale the aerosol added with the tobacco flavor through one end of the aerosol-generating article 12 through the mouth. According to an embodiment, the evaporator 113 may be referred to as a cartridge (cartomizer) or an atomizer (atomizer). According to an embodiment, the evaporator 113 may be interchangeably coupled to the aerosol-generating device 11.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 11 may further comprise a heater 114. The aerosol-generating article 12 according to an embodiment may transfer nicotine under unheated conditions. Further, in the low temperature heating mode by the heater 114, the nicotine transfer amount can be increased by promoting nicotine transfer. The low temperature heating mode by the heater 114 may achieve a higher level of smoking mouth feel than the non-heating mode, and the nicotine transfer may be easily adjusted by the above-described non-heating mode and low temperature heating mode.

The heater 114 may be heated by the power supplied from the battery 111. For example, the heater 114 may be arranged outside the aerosol-generating article 12 when the aerosol-generating article 12 is inserted into the aerosol-sensing device 11. Thus, the heated heater 114 may increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating article 12.

For example, the heater 114 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 114 may include a conductive track (track), and the heater 114 may be heated as current flows through the conductive track. However, the heater 114 is not limited to the above examples, and any examples may be applicable as long as the heater 114 can be heated to a desired temperature, without limitation. The desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol-generating device 11 or may be set by the user.

Further, as another example, the heater 114 may be an induction heater. In particular, the heater 114 may comprise an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol-generating article 12 in an inductively heated manner, while the aerosol-generating article 12 may comprise a susceptor (susceptor) that may be heated by the induction heater.

For example, the heater 114 may comprise a tubular heating element, a plate-like heating element, a needle-like heating element, or a rod-like heating element, and may heat the interior or exterior of the aerosol-generating article 12 depending on the shape of the heating element.

Further, the heater 114 may be provided as a plurality of heaters in the aerosol-generating device 11. In this case, the plurality of heaters 114 may be provided to be inserted into the inside of the aerosol-generating article 2 or may be provided outside the aerosol-generating article 2. Furthermore, a portion of the plurality of heaters 114 may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol-generating article 2, while the remainder may be arranged outside the aerosol-generating article 12.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 12 may be housed into the elongate cavity 115. In an embodiment, the heater 114 may be arranged to wrap around an outer surface of the elongated cavity 115, thereby heating the aerosol-generating article contained in the elongated cavity 115. The heater 114 according to an embodiment may be configured to wrap around at least a portion of an exterior surface of the elongated cavity 115.

In addition, the aerosol-generating device 11 may further comprise general components in addition to the battery 111, the control portion 112, the evaporator 113, the heater 114 and the elongate cavity 115. For example, the aerosol-generating device 11 may comprise a sensing portion 116, an output portion 117, a user input portion 118, a memory 119 and a communication portion 120.

The sensing part 116 may sense a state of the aerosol-generating device 11 or a state of the environment surrounding the aerosol-generating device 11 and transmit sensing information obtained by the sensing to the control part 112. Based on the sensed information, the control portion 112 may control the aerosol-generating device 11 to limit smoking, determine whether the aerosol-generating article 12 (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) has been inserted, display a notification, etc., to perform other functions.

The sensing part 116 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1161, an insertion detection sensor 1162, and a suction sensor 1163, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 1161 may sense the temperature at which the heater 114 (or aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 11 may comprise a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 114, or the heater 114 itself may be used as the temperature sensor. Or a temperature sensor 1161 may be disposed around the battery 111 to monitor the temperature of the battery 111.

The insertion detection sensor 1162 may sense whether the aerosol-generating article 12 is inserted and/or removed. The insertion detection sensor 1162 may include, for example, at least one of a thin film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, which may sense signal changes by insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article 12.

Suction sensor 1163 may sense suction from a user based on the airflow path or various physical changes in the airflow path. For example, aspiration sensor 1163 may sense aspiration from a user based on any of temperature changes, flow (flow) changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

The sensing part 116 may include at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor (acceleration sensor), an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a position sensor (e.g., global Positioning System (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor), in addition to the above-described sensors (1161 to 1163). The function of the sensor can be intuitively inferred from the name of the sensor by those skilled in the art, and thus a more detailed description thereof is omitted herein.

The output section 117 may output information on the state of the aerosol-generating device 11 and provide it to the user. The output portion 117 may include at least one of a display portion 1171, a haptic portion 1172, or a sound output portion 1173, but is not limited thereto. When the display portion 1171 and the touch panel are provided in a layered structure to form a touch panel, the display portion 1171 can also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display 1171 may visually provide information to the user about the aerosol-generating device 11. The information about the aerosol-generating device 11 may include, for example, a charge/discharge state of the battery 111 of the aerosol-generating device 11, an insertion/removal state of the aerosol-generating article 12, or a limited use state of the aerosol-generating device 11 (e.g., a detected abnormal article), etc., and the display portion 1171 may output the information to the outside. The display portion 1171 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display portion 1171 may be in the form of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) device.

The haptic 1172 may provide information about the aerosol-generating device 11 to the user in a tactile manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus. The haptic 1172 may comprise, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electro-stimulation device.

The sound output 1173 may audibly provide information to the user regarding the aerosol-generating device 11. For example, the sound output portion 1173 may convert an electric signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

The user input unit 118 may receive input information from a user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input part 118 may include a keyboard (key pad), a dome switch (dome switch), a touch pad (e.g., a touch capacitance type, a pressure sensitive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measuring type, a piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a scroll wheel, a micro switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Further, although not shown in fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 11 may further include a connection interface (connection interface) such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to another external device through the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 111.

The memory 119 is hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol-generating device 11, and can store data processed by the control section 112 and data to be processed by the control section 112. The memory 119 may include at least one of flash memory (flash memory type), hard disk memory (HARD DISK TYPE), multimedia card micro memory (multimedia card micro type), card memory (e.g., SD or XE memory, etc.), random Access Memory (RAM), static Random Access Memory (SRAM), read Only Memory (ROM), electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 119 may store the operating time of the aerosol-generating device 11, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data associated with a user's smoking pattern, and the like.

The communication section 120 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication section 120 may include a short-range communication section 1201 and a wireless communication section 1202.

The short-range communication unit (short-RANGE WIRELESS communication unit) 1201 may include a bluetooth communication unit, a BLE communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication unit, an ant+ communication unit, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication section 1202 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication section, an internet communication section, a computer network (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN)) communication section, and the like. The wireless communication section 1202 may use subscriber information, such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), to identify and authenticate the aerosol-generating device 11 in the communication network.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 11 may comprise at least one input device (e.g. a button) through which a user may control the function of the aerosol-generating device 11 and/or a terminal in combination with the cradle. For example, the user may perform various functions using the input means of the aerosol-generating device 11. The user may perform a desired function among the plurality of functions of the aerosol-generating device 11 by adjusting the number of times the input device is pressed (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the length of time the input device is pressed (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.). When the user operates the input device, a function of warming up the heating element of the evaporator 113, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heating element of the evaporator 113, a function of cleaning a space in which the aerosol-generating article is inserted, a function of checking whether the aerosol-generating device 11 is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining amount of electricity (usable amount of electricity) of the battery 111, a function of resetting the aerosol-generating device 11, and the like may be performed. However, the function of the aerosol-generating device 11 is not limited to the above example.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 11 may comprise a puff detection sensor 1163, a temperature detection sensor 1161 and/or an aerosol-generating article insertion detection sensor 1162. Further, the aerosol-generating device 11 may be manufactured to have a structure that allows external air to flow in/out even when the aerosol-generating article is inserted.

According to an embodiment, as shown in fig. 2a, the aerosol-generating device 11 may comprise a vaporiser 113 and an elongate cavity 115 arranged in series. According to another embodiment, as shown in fig. 2b, the aerosol-generating device 11 may comprise a parallel arrangement of the evaporator 113 and the elongated cavity 115. Furthermore, the arrangement of the battery 111, the control 112, the evaporator 113 and the elongated cavity 115 of the aerosol-generating device 11 is not limited to fig. 2a and 2b, and many variations are possible. For example, the aerosol-generating device 11 may comprise a heater (e.g. the heater 114 of fig. 1).

Through the airflow path in the aerosol-generating device 11, the aerosol generated by the evaporator 113 may flow into the elongate cavity 115 and through the aerosol-generating article 12. Thus, a tobacco flavor (tobacco flavor) may be added to the aerosol passing through the aerosol-generating article 12, and a user may inhale the aerosol with the tobacco flavor or nicotine added through one end of the aerosol-generating article 12 through the mouth.

The evaporator 113 according to an embodiment may include a liquid storage portion, a liquid transport apparatus, a heating element, and an air flow path. The respective components of the evaporator 113 may be made of a polycarbonate (polycarbonate) material, but are not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the liquid reservoir may store a liquid composition that, when heated, may generate an aerosol. According to one embodiment, the liquid composition may be a tobacco material-containing liquid that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, while according to another embodiment, the liquid composition may be a non-tobacco material-containing liquid. In addition, the liquid composition may store a liquid having a capacity of 0.1 to 2.0mL, but is not limited thereto. Further, the liquid storage portions may be interchangeably combined within the evaporator 113.

For example, the liquid composition may include, for example, water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, spices, flavors, or vitamin mixtures. The flavor may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavors and the like, but is not limited thereto. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that provide a variety of flavors or aromas to a user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin a, vitamin B, vitamin C, or vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also include aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

In one embodiment, the liquid delivery device may deliver the liquid composition in the liquid reservoir to the heating element. In one embodiment, the liquid transfer device may be a wick (wick) of cotton, ceramic, glass or porous ceramic, and may use capillary action to transfer the liquid composition in the liquid reservoir to the heating element.

In an embodiment, the heating element may be an element for heating the liquid composition transported by the liquid transport means, may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater or the like. In addition, the heating element may also comprise a conductive wire, such as a nichrome wire, and may be disposed in a winding arrangement around the liquid transport device. The heating element may be heated when an electric current is supplied and transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. Thus, aerosol may be generated.

In an embodiment, the arrangement of the airflow paths may release the generated aerosol towards the inserted aerosol-generating article 12. That is, the aerosol generated by the heating element may be released through the airflow path.

In one embodiment, the control portion 112 may control the temperature of the heating element by controlling the current provided to the heating element. Thus, the control portion 112 can control the amount of aerosol generated by the liquid composition by controlling the current supplied to the heating element. In addition, the control part 112 may control the current supplied to the heating element for a predetermined time when the user's suction is sensed. For example, the control 112 may control the supply of current to the heating element within 1 to 5 seconds after sensing user suction.

In an embodiment, the control part 112 may control the amount of aerosol discharged from the evaporator 113 by controlling the opened and closed states of the airflow path. Specifically, the control portion 112 may increase the amount of aerosol released from the evaporator 113 by increasing the size of the opening in the airflow path, and decrease the amount of aerosol released from the evaporator 113 by decreasing the size of the opening in the airflow path. For example, the control portion 112 may control the opening in the air flow path using a dial method.

In one embodiment, when the amount of the liquid composition in the liquid storage part is less than the preset amount, the control part 112 may inform the user of the insufficient information of the liquid composition through the vibration motor or the display screen.

Referring to fig. 3, an aerosol-generating article 12 according to an embodiment may include a first segment 121, a media segment 122, a second segment 123, and a wrapper 125.

In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 12 may be packaged using at least one packaging material 125. The packing material 125 may be formed with at least one hole (hole) through which external air may flow and through which internal air may flow out. The packaging material 125 may include a material having high thermal conductivity.

For example, first section 121 may be wrapped with a first wrapping material 1251, media section 122 may be wrapped with a second wrapping material 1252, and second section 123 may be wrapped with a third wrapping material 1253. In addition, the aerosol-generating article 12 may be completely packaged again with the fifth packaging material 1255.

In one embodiment, the first, second, and third packaging materials 1251, 1252, 1253 may be made from porous roll paper. For example, the porosity of the first, second and third packing materials 1251, 1252 and 1253 may be 35000CU, respectively, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thicknesses of the first, second, and third packing materials 1251, 1252, and 1253 may be between 70 μm and 80 μm, respectively. In addition, the basis weight of the first, second and third packaging materials 1251, 1252, 1253 may be in the range of 20g/m ² to 25g/m ², respectively.

For example, the second packaging material 1252 may include an aluminum composition. For example, the second wrapper 1252 may be a combination of a conventional filter roll paper and a metal foil (e.g., aluminum foil). In addition, the second wrapper 1252 may be made of a sterilized paper (e.g., MFW).

In one embodiment, the fifth packaging material 1255 may be made of sterile paper (e.g., MFW). For example, the basis weight of the fifth packaging material 1255 may be between 57g/m ² and 63g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the fifth packaging material 1255 may be between 64 μm and 70 μm.

In one embodiment, the first segment 121 may be comprised of cellulose acetate filters. Furthermore, the first section 121 may also consist of paper filters, porous shaped pieces, etc. For example, the length of the first section 121 may be 4 to 15mm, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the first segment 121 may be colored or scented.

In an embodiment, the media segment 122 may include at least any one of a cavity (cavity), cellulose acetate filter paper, or paper filter paper that may be filled with particulate media. For example, the particulate media filled into media segment 122 may include at least one component of particulate tobacco (tobacco particles), reconstituted tobacco, shredded tobacco. For example, the desired length of media segment 122 may range from 6 to 18mm, but is not so limited.

Generally, the moisture and/or aerosol-former content of the particulate medium (e.g., tobacco particles) is significantly lower than other types of tobacco materials (e.g., cut tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.), and thus the generation of visible smoke may be substantially reduced, thereby facilitating the smokeless function of the aerosol-generating device 11. However, the diameter, density, filling rate, composition ratio of constituent materials, heating temperature, etc. of the particulate medium (e.g., tobacco particles) may vary from embodiment to embodiment.

In addition, the media segment 122 may also include aerosol generating materials such as glycerin and the like. In addition, media segment 122 may also include other additive materials such as flavors, humectants, and/or organic acids (organic acids). In addition, the media segment 122 may also include a flavoring fluid, such as menthol or a humectant, etc., that is added by spraying onto the media segment 122.

In one embodiment, the media segment 122 may include a pH treated media matrix therein. For example, the medium matrix may be pH treated to have alkalinity by a pH adjuster, which may be alkaline, and may include at least any one of potassium carbonate (K ₂CO₃), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ₃), and calcium oxide (CaO), for example. However, the materials included in the pH adjuster are not limited to the above examples, and materials that generate less negative odors during smoking may also be used. The alkaline pH adjuster may increase the pH of the media matrix included in media segment 122. The alkaline pH adjustor-treated medium matrix increases nicotine release when heated as compared to a medium matrix not treated with the alkaline pH adjustor. That is, the alkaline pH adjuster treated media substrate achieves adequate nicotine production even when the media segment 122 is heated at low temperatures.

In one embodiment, the media segment 122 may comprise a slurry or paper reconstituted tobacco having a pH adjusted to 7.0 to 9.5, or may comprise tobacco particles having a pH adjusted to 7.0 to 9.5. Alternatively, the media segment 122 may comprise a slurry or paper reconstituted tobacco having a pH adjusted to 8.0 to 9.5, or may comprise tobacco particles having a pH adjusted to 8.0 to 9.5.

When a medium comprising nicotine is pH treated, free nicotine can be transferred from the medium matrix even under non-heated conditions or relatively low temperature conditions. That is, by adjusting the pH of the media matrix in media segment 122 to a range of 7.0 to 9.5 (or a range of 8.0 to 9.5), volatile free nicotine can be transferred under unheated conditions and a sufficiently strong smoking mouthfeel can be achieved.

Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 11 comprises a heater (e.g. heater 114 of fig. 1), a relatively higher level of tobacco smoke mouth feel intensity may be achieved compared to the non-heating mode, as nicotine transfer is more promoted by low temperature heating. Thus, according to an embodiment, the amount of nicotine transferred can be easily adjusted even in the aerosol-generating article 12 by non-heating or low temperature heating.

In one embodiment, the second segment 123 may be comprised of a cellulose acetate filter. Additionally, the second segment 123 may include at least one flavor capsule. For example, the second segment 123 may be a cellulose acetate filter or a paper filter, with at least one flavor capsule inserted therein. In addition, the second segment 123 may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter or a paper filter mixed with a flavoring material.

In an embodiment, nicotine may be adsorbed to at least one of the first section 121 and the second section 124. Since the pH of the medium section 122 is between 7.0 and 9.5 (or between 8.0 and 9.5), the nicotine in the medium section 122 can be rapidly changed into free nicotine and transferred to the first section 121 or the second section 123 even under non-heating conditions. Thus, nicotine transferred from the media segment 122 may be adsorbed to at least one of the first segment 121 and the second segment 124. Since not only the medium section 122 contains nicotine, but also the first section 121 or the second section 124 contains nicotine, the aerosol-generating article 12 may be used even without preheating the aerosol-generating device 11. This not only can increase the user's convenience, but also can provide a feeling of satisfaction of smoking taste according to sufficient transfer of nicotine even without heating.

In an embodiment, a nicotine transfer treatment process may be performed on the aerosol-generating article 12. For example, the nicotine transfer treatment process may be performed as follows. First, the media segment 122 may be pH treated in the range of 7.0 to 9.5 (or 8.0 to 9.5), and the first segment 121 and the second segment 123 may be bonded to the media segment 122 by the wrapper 125. The aerosol-generating article 12 may then undergo a nicotine transfer period at room temperature. The nicotine transfer period may be more than 4 weeks.

Table 1 below shows the nicotine transfer over time for an aerosol-generating article consisting of a first segment 121, a first medium segment (e.g., medium segment 122), a second medium segment, and a second segment 123. The following experiments were performed under temperature conditions of 22 ℃.

Referring to table 1, it can be seen that nicotine was transferred and adsorbed to the first and second sections 121 and 124 after 4 weeks, and it can be seen that the amount of nicotine was increasing while the amount of atomization remained unchanged according to the smoke composition analysis value.

TABLE 1

In an embodiment, the first segment 121 or the second segment 123 of the aerosol-generating article 12 may be manufactured by cutting a cellulose acetate filter portion into which free nicotine released from a medium material comprising nicotine is transferred.

For example, a media stock portion comprising a nicotine-containing material (e.g., reconstituted tobacco, wet tobacco particles, or tobacco leaves) may be provided, and the media stock portion may be pH treated and contained in a sealed chamber. The release of free nicotine from the medium feed portion may then be induced by heating. A filter portion may be provided in the chamber, and may have a block shape or a cylindrical shape including a cellulose acetate component. Nicotine transfer may occur where free nicotine moves from the media stock to the filter portion, with a circulation unit (e.g., a fan) facilitating nicotine transfer. After a predetermined coordination period (transfer/adsorption period), a sufficient amount of nicotine is adsorbed into the filter portion, and the filter portion is cut to conform to a specified shape. The cut segment (filter) may be applied to a first segment (e.g., first segment 121 of fig. 3) or a second segment (e.g., second segment 123 of fig. 3) of the aerosol-generating article.

Referring to fig. 1 to 3, in the aerosol-generating system 1 according to an embodiment, when the aerosol-generating device 11 comprises a heater (e.g. the heater 114 of fig. 1), the control portion 112 may control the temperature at which the heater 114 heats the aerosol-generating article 12. For example, the control 112 may adjust the temperature at which the heater 114 heats the first segment 121, the media segment 122, or the second segment 123.

In one embodiment, the control part 112 may control the heater 114 in the non-heating mode and the low temperature heating mode. In the non-heating mode, the heater 114 may not heat the aerosol-generating article 12, in which case the first segment 121, the media segment 122, or the second segment 123 may not be heated. In the low temperature heating mode, the heater 114 may heat the aerosol-generating article 12 at a low temperature of above 0 ℃ and below 150 ℃. At this time, the first section 121, the medium section 122, or the second section 123 may be heated at a low temperature of 0 ℃ or more and 150 ℃ or less. The intensity of the smoking taste may be adjusted when the aerosol-generating article 12 is switched between a non-heating mode and a low temperature heating mode. For example, in the non-heating mode, the amount of nicotine transferred from the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123 may be relatively small, and thus the intensity of the tobacco taste may be relatively low. Conversely, in the low temperature heating mode, the intensity of the mouth feel of the cigarette may be relatively high due to the relatively greater amount of nicotine transferred from the first segment 121, the medium segment 122 or the second segment 123 as compared to the non-heating mode. Therefore, in the low temperature heating mode, sufficient tobacco taste strength can be ensured even without treating the medium section 122 to a high pH value.

Although fig. 3 shows the media segment 122 being located between the first segment 121 and the second segment 123, the components of the aerosol-generating article 121 according to an embodiment are not so limited. For example, an aerosolization stage containing a humectant or another stage with nicotine transferred thereto may be provided on the upstream side of the first stage 121. Or another nicotine-transferred segment may be provided between the first segment 121 and the media segment 122. Or another nicotine-adsorbed segment may be provided on the downstream side of the second segment 123, or another nicotine-adsorbed segment may be provided between the second segment 123 and the medium segment 122. Or all segments may comprise a cellulose acetate filter segment with nicotine transferred.

Fig. 4 shows the dent test results according to the plasticizer content.

In an embodiment, the first section 121 or the second section 123 may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter including a plasticizer, and the content of the plasticizer may be set to a range that does not cause dishing (dishing) in the first section 121 or the second section 123.

In an embodiment, the plasticizer may be present in an amount substantially equal to or greater than 4% and substantially equal to or less than 11%. This will be further described below with reference to table 2 and fig. 4.

TABLE 2

Table 2 shows experimental examples of plasticizer contents according to the first or second sections 121 or 123. In experimental examples a to D, segments (e.g., the first segment 121 or the second segment 123) were manufactured using different plasticizer contents, and in each case, measurement of filter hardness, recess test, and the like were performed.

Referring to table 2 and fig. 4, in experimental example a, the plasticizer content was set to 0%. At this time, the hardness of the experimental example a was found to be low compared with other experimental examples. Thus, when cutting a filter to manufacture a filter rod, the cut surface is not smooth. In addition, in experimental example a, the probability of occurrence of defects in which cellulose acetate remained like a line was high. This phenomenon was maintained until the plasticizer content was set to 4%.

Experimental example B the plasticizer content was set to 4% at which time sufficient filter hardness was ensured and no dishing was observed. This phenomenon was maintained until the plasticizer content was set to 11%.

Experimental example C the plasticizer content was set to 12%, at which time the filter hardness showed a satisfactory value, but dishing was observed.

Experimental example D set the plasticizer content to 15%, at which time the filter hardness also showed a satisfactory value, but dishing was observed.

When the plasticizer content exceeds 11%, as shown in example C or example D, the phenomenon of cellulose acetate filter dishing or the phenomenon of cellulose acetate filter shrinkage occurs with hardening or melting of the cellulose acetate filter. When dishing occurs, the quality (aesthetic) of the product may be degraded and uniformity of mouthfeel may be hindered.

Accordingly, the content of the plasticizer in the first or second segment 121 or 123 may be 4% or more and 11% or less, and at this time, the first or second segment 121 or 123 may have sufficient hardness without occurrence of defects due to dishing.

When the media segment 122 includes a cellulose acetate filter and the tobacco media is contained in the cellulose acetate filter, the content of the plasticizer in the media segment 122 may also be set to 4% or more and 11% or less.

For example, the plasticizer may be any one of Triacetin (TA) or triethyl citrate (TEC).

In an embodiment, the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 may be equal to or greater than the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the second segment 123. This will be described in detail below.

Referring to fig. 5, a Cellulose Acetate (CA) filter with transferred nicotine was applied to different sections to prepare samples to analyze the residual amount of nicotine and the transferred amount of nicotine. In the experimental example (a) of fig. 5, the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter was disposed on the most upstream side section, in the experimental example (b), the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter was disposed on the second section from the upstream side, in the experimental example (c), the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter was disposed on the third section from the upstream side, and in the experimental example (d), the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter was disposed on the most downstream side section. In experimental example (e), for comparison with the above experimental example, the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter was disposed on all segments. At this time, the suction resistance or the filtration effect in each experimental example was set to be the same.

The following [ Table 3] shows the experimental results obtained according to FIG. 5.

TABLE 3

Referring to fig. 5 and table 3, it can be seen that the amount of nicotine transferred in experimental example (d) is greater by comparing experimental example (a) (the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter is disposed on the upstream side) with experimental example (d) (the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter is disposed on the downstream side). Further, when experimental examples (a), (b), (c) and (d) were compared in order, it was found that when the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine was transferred was disposed on the downstream side rather than the upstream side, the transfer amount of nicotine was increased.

In experimental example (a), it was found that nicotine transferred from the first stage was not necessarily transferred to the oral cavity, but remained in the second, third and fourth stages. The same tendency was found in the experimental examples (b) and (c). This was confirmed also in experimental example (e), and shows a tendency that the nicotine residual amount increased from upstream to downstream.

As the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine is transferred is disposed at the downstream side, the transfer amount of nicotine may increase due to the decrease in the filtering effect. Thus, a nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter located on the downstream side may primarily participate in the transfer of nicotine upon smoking of the smoking front.

As the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter is disposed on the upstream side, the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter on the upstream side may mainly participate in the transfer of nicotine upon smoking of the later stage of smoking, since the filtering effect of the cellulose acetate filter on the downstream side is enhanced.

Since the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 according to an embodiment adsorbs a greater amount of nicotine than the second segment 123, the nicotine in the second segment 123 is primarily transferred to the oral cavity in a first puff of the pre-smoking segment, a portion of the nicotine in the first segment 121 is transferred to the oral cavity in a first puff of the mid-smoking segment, and the remaining nicotine in the first segment 121 is transferred to the oral cavity in a first puff of the post-smoking segment. At this time, the remaining nicotine from the first section 121 may be transferred into the oral cavity after being adsorbed (filtered) to the second section 123.

That is, the greater amount of nicotine transferred to the first section 121 is to ensure uniformity of the taste of the smoke, the nicotine adsorbed on the first section 121 contributes to the latter half of the smoking, and the nicotine adsorbed on the second section 123 contributes to the first half of the smoking. That is, since the nicotine adsorbed on the first section 121 passes through more obstruction to reach the oral cavity than the nicotine adsorbed on the second section 123, it is preferable that more nicotine is adsorbed on the first section 121.

Accordingly, since the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 according to an embodiment adsorbs a greater amount of nicotine than the second segment 123, the amount of nicotine transferred to the mouth during smoking is relatively uniform, so that uniformity of the intensity of the mouth feel of smoking can be ensured.

In an embodiment, the plasticizer content of the first section 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 may be higher than the plasticizer content of the second section 123. When the first and second sections 121 and 123 include cellulose acetate, a plasticizer may be included, and since the plasticizer content of the first section 121 is higher than that of the second section 123, the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the first section 121 may be set to be equal to or greater than the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the second section 123.

Additionally, in an embodiment, a first plasticizer may be applied to the first section 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 according to an embodiment, and a second plasticizer may be applied to the second section 123, and the pH of the first plasticizer may be less than or equal to the pH of the second plasticizer. For example, the first plasticizer may be glyceryl Triacetate (TA) and the second plasticizer may be triethyl citrate (TEC). Thus, the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the first section 121 may be set to be equal to or greater than the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the second section 123.

In an embodiment, the first section 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 may be comprised of cellulose acetate having a first density and the second section 123 may be comprised of cellulose acetate having a second density, wherein the first density may be greater than the second density. Or the resistance to aspiration of the first segment 121 may be greater than or equal to the resistance to aspiration of the second segment 123. Or the single denier of the cellulose acetate of the first segment 121 may be less than or equal to the single denier of the cellulose acetate of the second segment 123. Thus, the amount of nicotine adsorbed (transferred) to the first segment 121 may be greater than or equal to the amount of nicotine adsorbed to the second segment 123.

In an embodiment, the length of the first segment 121 (the length from upstream to downstream) of the aerosol-generating article 12 according to an embodiment may be longer than the length of the second segment 123. Thus, the amount of nicotine adsorbed (transferred) by the first section 121 may be greater than or equal to the amount of nicotine adsorbed by the second section 123.

In one embodiment, the second segment 123 may be formed of a tubular filter including a hollow portion formed in a length direction.

According to the aerosol-generating article 12 and the aerosol-generating system 1 comprising the same according to an embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 12 may be used directly without preheating the aerosol-generating device 11, user convenience may be improved, and by ensuring a sufficient nicotine transfer even in a non-heating mode, a user may be provided with a degree of satisfaction of smoking. Furthermore, since the aerosol-generating device 11 may not comprise a heater, an extension of the service life of the device may be expected. Furthermore, another aerosol-generating article 12 according to an embodiment may reduce the occurrence of defective products such as depressions.

The above description of embodiments is merely exemplary, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and equivalents may be made thereto. The scope of the disclosure should therefore be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the claims will be construed as being included in the protection scope defined by the claims.

Features and aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with features and aspects of any of the other embodiments without significant technical conflict.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating product, characterized in that

include:

a medium segment, filled with a medium, and

at least one of a first section located upstream of the media section and a second section located downstream of the media section;

The first section or the second section is composed of a cellulose acetate filter including a plasticizer,

The content of the plasticizer is set within a range in which no depression occurs in the first section or the second section.

2. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein

The content of the plasticizer is substantially equal to or less than 11%.

3. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 2, wherein:

The content of the plasticizer is substantially equal to or greater than 4%.

4. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 3, wherein:

The plasticizer is any one of triacetin and triethyl citrate.

5. The aerosol-generating article of claim 2, wherein:

The medium comprises at least one component of tobacco particles, reconstituted tobacco or shredded tobacco or a combination of tobacco particles, reconstituted tobacco and shredded tobacco.

6. An aerosol generating article according to claim 5, characterized in that

The medium is pH treated, and nicotine transferred from the medium is adsorbed into the first segment or the second segment.

7. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, characterized in that

The medium is pH treated so that the pH of the medium is in the range of 7.0 to 9.5.

8. An aerosol generating product, characterized in that

include:

The first paragraph, and

A second section is arranged on the downstream side of the first section;

Nicotine is adsorbed into the first segment or the second segment,

The content of the plasticizer is 4% or more and 11% or less.

9. An aerosol generating article according to claim 8, characterized in that

Also includes a medium segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment,

The media segment includes a pH-treated tobacco medium, and nicotine adsorbed into the first segment or the second segment is transferred from the media segment.

10. The aerosol-generating article of claim 8, wherein:

The first section or the second section is produced by cutting a filter portion to which free nicotine released from a medium raw material including nicotine is transferred.