JP2024529211A - Aerosol generating medium manufacturing system, aerosol generating article manufacturing method, aerosol generating article, and aerosol generating system {SYSTEM FOR MANUFACTURING AEROSOL GENERATING MEDIUM, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AEROSOL GENERATING ARTICLE, AEROSOL GENERATING ARTICLE AND AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM} - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol generating medium manufacturing system according to various embodiments may include a chamber forming a manufacturing space, a medium raw material section arranged in the manufacturing space, a heating section for heating the medium raw material section to release a transition substance from the medium raw material section, a circulation section for circulating the transition substance, and a transition section for transitioning to the transition substance.

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system, an aerosol-generating article manufacturing method, an aerosol-generating article, and an aerosol generating system.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative products that overcome the shortcomings of traditional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarette sticks (e.g. cigarette-type electronic cigarettes). As a result, active research has been conducted on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating products) that are applied thereto. For example, Published Patent Application No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit.

An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating medium manufacturing system capable of producing an aerosol generating medium from inexpensive raw materials, and an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system manufactured thereby.

An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating medium manufacturing system that can improve the aerosol generating medium within a relatively short period of time, and an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system manufactured thereby.

An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating system that does not heat the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating medium manufacturing system according to various embodiments may include a chamber forming a manufacturing space, a medium raw material section disposed in the manufacturing space, a heating section for heating the medium raw material section to release a transition substance from the medium raw material section, a circulation section for circulating the transition substance, and a transition section for transitioning to the transition substance.

The chamber can seal the manufacturing space so that the transfer material is not released outside the manufacturing space.

The device may further include a storage section having a storage space for storing the transfer section.

The storage section may be formed with one side open so that the storage space communicates with the manufacturing space.

The storage section may include a plastic material.

The medium raw material portion can be pH treated.

The heating section heats the medium raw material section to a temperature of 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less, and the transition substance can be free nicotine.

The medium raw material portion can contain at least one component of calcium carbonate (K ₂ CO ₃ ), sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO ₃ ), or calcium oxide (CaO).

The transition portion may contain an acetate component.

The transition portion may include a lyocell component.

The method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to various embodiments may include a medium raw material part providing step of providing a medium raw material part to a chamber forming a manufacturing space, a heating step of heating the medium raw material part to release a transition material from the medium raw material part, a circulation step of circulating the transition material, a transfer step of transferring the transition material to the transfer part, and a processing step of processing the transfer part.

The processing step may include a cutting step of cutting the transition portion that has been transferred by the transition material.

The processing step may further include a filter attachment step of attaching a scented filter to the cut transition portion.

The aerosol-generating articles of the various embodiments can be manufactured by the above-described method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol generating system according to various embodiments may include the aerosol generating article and aerosol generating device described above, and the aerosol generating device may include a vaporizer that generates an aerosol from a liquid composition and emits the generated aerosol toward the aerosol generating article.

An aerosol generating medium manufacturing system according to one embodiment can simplify the production of aerosol generating articles.

The aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system according to one embodiment can reduce the manufacturing costs of aerosol-generating articles.

The aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system according to one embodiment can stably manage the quality of aerosol-generating articles.

The aerosol generating system according to one embodiment can ensure safety.

The effects of the aerosol generating medium manufacturing system, the aerosol generating article manufacturing method, the aerosol generating article, and the aerosol generating system according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the description below.

The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters depicted in such drawings.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic structure of an aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system according to an embodiment. 1 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment. 1 is a flow chart of processing steps according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic structure of a vaporizer according to an embodiment.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, since various modifications can be made to the embodiments, the scope of the rights is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the embodiments are included in the scope of the rights.

The terms used in the examples are merely used for explanatory purposes and should not be construed as limiting. The singular term includes the plural term unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood to preclude the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as meanings consistent with the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formal unless expressly defined in this application.

When describing the embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same components regardless of the drawing numerals, and duplicate descriptions of these components will be omitted. When describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known technology may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments, the detailed description will be omitted.

Furthermore, in describing components of the embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are used to distinguish the components from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. When a component is described as being "coupled," "bonded," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component is directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that other components are also "coupled," "bonded," or "connected" between each component.

Components included in any of the embodiments and components having common functions will be described using the same names in the other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the description of any of the embodiments may also be applied to the other embodiments, and detailed descriptions will be omitted to the extent that they overlap.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of an aerosol generating medium production system according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol-generating medium producing system 1 according to one embodiment can produce an aerosol-generating medium, thereby producing an aerosol-generating article (e.g., aerosol-generating article 31 in FIG. 4). For example, the aerosol-generating medium producing system 1 can be used to produce a medium segment (e.g., medium segment 311 in FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating medium producing system 1 can include a chamber 11, a medium raw material section 12, a heating section 13, a circulation section 14, a transfer section 15, and a storage section 16.

In one embodiment, the chamber 11 may form a manufacturing space 111 for manufacturing the aerosol-generating article 31. The manufacturing space 111 may include a medium raw material section 12, a heating section 13, a circulation section 14, a transfer section 15, and a storage section 16. In one embodiment, the chamber 11 may seal the manufacturing space 111 so that the transfer material described below is not released outside the manufacturing space 111. For example, an openable lid may be formed on one side of the chamber 11. With this structure, during the process of transferring the transfer material to the transfer section 15, the lid is closed to seal the manufacturing space 111, and when the transfer is completed, the lid is opened to allow the transfer section 15 to be taken out of the manufacturing space 111.

In one embodiment, the medium source section 12 may be disposed in the manufacturing space 111. In one embodiment, the medium source section 12 may be heated to release transition material from the medium source section 12.

In one embodiment, the medium raw material portion 12 may include a material containing nicotine. For example, the medium raw material portion 12 may include at least one of a sheet of tobacco, wet granules, and tobacco leaves. However, this is merely an example, and the material of the medium raw material portion 12 is not limited thereto. For example, the medium raw material portion 12 may include by-products such as fine powder or leaf powder. In such an embodiment, the transition substance released from the medium raw material portion 12 may be free nicotine.

In one embodiment, the medium raw material part 12 may be chemically treated. For example, the medium raw material part 12 may be pH-treated to have basicity. For example, the medium raw material part 12 may be treated to contain at least one component of calcium carbonate (K ₂ CO ₃ ), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ₃ ), or calcium oxide (CaO). Therefore, even if the medium raw material part 12 is heated to a relatively low temperature, a large amount of free nicotine can be released. However, this is an example, and the chemical treatment method of the medium raw material part 12 is not limited to this. The chemical treatment method can be adjusted in consideration of the temperature to which the medium raw material part 12 is heated, the target amount of free nicotine to be released, and the like.

In one embodiment, the heating unit 13 can heat the medium raw material unit 12 to release a transition substance from the medium raw material unit 12. For example, the heating unit 13 can heat the medium raw material unit 12 to release free nicotine from the medium raw material unit 12. For example, the heating unit 13 can heat the medium raw material unit 12 to a temperature of 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less. However, this is merely an example, and the temperature to which the heating unit 13 heats the medium raw material unit 12 is not limited to this.

For example, the heating unit 13 may be disposed below the medium raw material unit 12. In such a structure, the movement of free nicotine released from the medium raw material unit 12 can be unimpeded as it moves to the upper part of the manufacturing space 111. However, this is merely an example, and the arrangement of the heating unit 13 is not limited to this as long as the heating unit 13 can heat the medium raw material unit 12. For example, the heating unit 13 can also heat the medium raw material unit 12 disposed in the manufacturing space 111 outside the chamber 11.

In one embodiment, the circulation unit 14 can circulate the transferred substance. For example, the circulation unit 14 can circulate the free nicotine in the production space 111 so that the free nicotine is efficiently transferred to the transfer unit 15. For example, the circulation unit 14 can include a fan, and the transferred substance can be circulated by the rotation of the fan. However, this is merely an example, and the manner in which the circulation unit 14 circulates the transferred substance is not limited thereto.

For example, the circulation section 14 may be disposed above the transfer section 15. Therefore, the free nicotine released from the medium raw material section 12, passing through the transfer section 15 and moving to the upper part of the manufacturing space 111 can be moved toward the lower part of the manufacturing space 111 so as to again head toward the transfer section 15. In another example, a plurality of circulation sections 14 may be disposed on either side of the transfer section 15. In such a structure, the circulation section 14 disposed below the transfer section 15 can move the free nicotine toward the upper part of the manufacturing space 111 so as to head toward the transfer section 15. Also, the circulation section 14 disposed above the transfer section 15 can move the free nicotine toward the lower part of the manufacturing space 111 so as to head toward the transfer section 15.

In one embodiment, the transfer section 15 can transfer to a transfer substance. For example, free nicotine released from the medium raw material section 12 can transfer to the transfer section 15 in the process of being circulated by the circulation section 14. For example, the transfer section 15 can contain an acetate component. However, this is merely an example, and the components of the transfer section 15 are not limited to this. For example, the transfer section 15 can contain a lyocell component, which is highly biodegradable. This allows the aerosol-generating article 31 to be manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner.

For example, the transfer section 15 may be disposed above the medium raw material section 12. In such a structure, the free nicotine released from the medium raw material section 12 can move to the upper portion and transfer the transfer section 15. However, this is merely an example, and the arrangement of the transfer section 15 is not limited to this as long as the transfer section 15 can efficiently transfer to the transfer substance.

In one embodiment, the storage unit 16 may form a storage space 161 for storing the transfer unit 15. In such a structure, the transfer unit 15 may be placed in the manufacturing space 111 while being stored in the storage unit 16. For example, the storage unit 16 may include a plastic material. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the phenomenon of nicotine being released again from the transfer unit 15 that has been transferred to free nicotine.

In one embodiment, the storage section 16 may be formed with one side open so that the storage space 161 communicates with the production space 111. For example, the top surface of the storage section 16 may be open. For example, the bottom surface of the storage section 16 may be formed with a plurality of perforations. In such a structure, free nicotine circulating in the production space 111 can come into contact with the transfer section 15. However, this is merely an example, and the structure of the storage section 16 is not limited to this as long as the storage section 16 does not prevent transfer from nicotine in the transfer section 15.

In one embodiment, the heating unit 13 can heat the medium raw material unit 12 to a temperature of 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less. When free nicotine is released from the medium raw material unit 12, the released free nicotine can be circulated in the production space 111 by the circulation unit 14. While circulating in the production space 111, the free nicotine can be transferred to the transfer unit 15 by contacting the transfer unit 15. For example, the transfer unit 15 can be exposed to free nicotine for a period of 2 days or more and 3 days or less.

When the transition portion 15 has been sufficiently transformed into a transition substance (e.g., free nicotine), it can be removed from the chamber 11. The transition portion 15 can be manufactured into an aerosol-generating article 31 through additional processing steps. The processing steps are described in detail below.

Figure 2 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment, and Figure 3 is a flow chart of the processing steps according to one embodiment.

2 and 3, the method 2 for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment can be used to manufacture an aerosol-generating article (e.g., the aerosol-generating article 31 in FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the method 2 for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article can include a medium raw material providing step 21, a heating step 22, a circulation step 23, a transfer step 24, and a processing step 25.

When describing method 2 for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article with reference to Figures 2 and 3, details that overlap with those described above will be omitted as much as possible.

In one embodiment, the medium raw material portion providing step 21 may be a step of providing a medium raw material portion (e.g., the medium raw material portion 12 in FIG. 1) to a chamber forming the manufacturing space. In one embodiment, the chamber may seal the manufacturing space so that the transition material is not released to the outside of the manufacturing space. For example, the medium raw material portion 12 may be pH-treated. For example, the medium raw material portion 12 may include at least one component of calcium carbonate ( _K2CO3 ), sodium bicarbonate ( _NaHCO3 ), or calcium oxide (CaO) _.

In one embodiment, the heating step 22 may be a step of heating the medium raw material portion 12 to release a transition substance from the medium raw material portion 12. For example, the transition substance may be free nicotine. For example, the heating step 22 may be a step of heating the medium raw material portion 12 to a temperature of 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less.

In one embodiment, the circulation step 23 may be a step of circulating the transition material. The transition material circulated in the circulation step 23 may transition the transition part.

In one embodiment, the transfer step 24 may be a step of transferring a transfer material to a transfer portion. For example, the transfer portion may include an acetate component. For example, the transfer portion may include a lyocell component.

In one embodiment, the processing step 25 may be a step of processing the transition portion. In one embodiment, the processing step 25 may include a cutting step 251 and a filter bonding step 252.

In one embodiment, the cutting step 251 may be a step of cutting the transition portion transferred by the transition substance. The cutting step 251 may be a step of cutting the transition portion transferred by the free nicotine to match a specified form.

In one embodiment, the filter attachment step 252 may be a step of attaching a filter to the cut transition portion, and the filter may be a scented filter. For example, the filter attachment step 252 may be a step of attaching a filter to which scented liquid is sprayed. For example, the filter attachment step 252 may be a step of inserting separate fibers to which scented liquid is applied into the inside of the filter. Also, the filter attachment step 252 may be a step of inserting at least one capsule into the inside of the filter. Here, the capsule may perform a function of generating a flavor. For example, the capsule may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is wrapped in a coating. The capsule may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

In another example, in the aerosol-generating article manufacturing method 2, the filter bonding step 252 may be omitted. For example, the cut transfer portion after the cutting step 251 may be vacuum-packed in an aluminum bag in the form of a cigarette filter (e.g., a filter tip) without going through the filter bonding step 252. In this case, the cut transfer portion can be applied to an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 32 in Figures 5, 6A, and 6B) in the form of a filter tip to transfer nicotine.

In such a structure, the aerosol-generating article 31 does not necessarily have to include the medium raw material portion 12 in the end. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article 31 according to one embodiment has stable quality and the manufacturing method can be simplified. In addition, since the medium raw material portion 12 only serves to release the transition substance, it can be formed from inexpensive materials. For example, the medium raw material portion 12 can be formed from by-products or low-value leaves that release free nicotine.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the structure of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment, Figure 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, Figures 6A and 6B are diagrams showing an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing the structure of a vaporizer according to one embodiment.

Referring to Figures 4 to 7, an aerosol generating system 3 according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating article 31 and an aerosol generating device 32.

When describing the aerosol generating system 3 with reference to Figures 4 to 7, content that overlaps with the above will be omitted as much as possible.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 31 can include a medium segment 311, a filter segment 312, and a wrapper 313.

In one embodiment, the medium segment 311 may be the transition section 15 cut in the cutting step 251 described with reference to Figures 1-3. In one embodiment, the filter segment 312 may be the scented filter coupled to the transition section 15 in the filter coupling step 252 described with reference to Figures 1-3.

In another example, the filter segment 312 may be omitted from the aerosol-generating article 31. For example, only the medium segment 311 may be vacuum-packed in an aluminum bag in the form of a cigarette filter (e.g., a filter tip). In this case, the medium segment 311 from which the filter segment 312 is omitted may be applied in the form of a filter tip to an aerosol-generating device (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 32 in Figures 5, 6A, and 6B) to transfer nicotine.

In one embodiment, the wrapper 313 may wrap the media segment 311 and the filter segment 312. In one embodiment, the wrapper 313 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. In one embodiment, the wrapper 313 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper refers to a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the wrapper 313 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm. Also, the basis weight of the wrapper 313 may be in the range of 80 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² .

Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the aerosol generating device 32 according to one embodiment may include a battery 321, a control unit 322, a vaporizer 323, and an elongated cavity 324.

The aerosol generating device 32 shown in Figures 6A and 6B shows only the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that in addition to the components shown in Figures 6A and 6B, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device 32. In addition, the aerosol generating device 32 may be in the form of a stick or a holder.

In one embodiment, the battery 321 can supply the power used to operate the aerosol generating device 32. The battery 321 can supply the power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 32.

In one embodiment, the battery 321 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery 321, but is not limited to the above example. For example, the battery 321 may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium ion battery, etc.

For example, the battery 321 may be cylindrical with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the capacity of the battery 321 may be in the range of 120 mAh to 250 mAh, but is not limited thereto. The battery 321 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, if the battery 321 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 321 may be, but is not limited thereto, 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be, but is not limited to, 10C to 20C. For static use, the battery 321 may be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity is secured even after 2000 charge/discharge cycles.

In one embodiment, the control unit 322 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 32. Specifically, the control unit 322 controls the operation of the battery 321, the vaporizer 323, and other components included in the aerosol generating device 32. The control unit 322 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 32 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 32 is in an operable state.

In one embodiment, the control unit 322 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains will understand that the processor may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

In one embodiment, the vaporizer 323 can generate aerosol and can emit the generated aerosol toward the inserted aerosol-generating article 31 so that the generated aerosol passes through the aerosol-generating article 31 inserted in the elongated cavity 324. Thus, the aerosol passing through the aerosol-generating article 31 can be flavored with tobacco, and a user can inhale the aerosol flavored with tobacco by inhaling one end of the aerosol-generating article 31 with their mouth. In one embodiment, the vaporizer 323 can be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer. In one embodiment, the vaporizer 323 can be interchangeably coupled to the aerosol generating device 32.

In one embodiment, the elongated cavity 324 may house an aerosol-generating article 31.

On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 32 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 321, the control unit 322, the vaporizer 323, and the elongated cavity 324. For example, the aerosol generating device 32 may include a detection unit 325, an output unit 326, a user input unit 327, a memory 328, and a communication unit 329.

The detection unit 325 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 32 or the state around the aerosol generating device 32, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 322. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 322 can control the aerosol generating device 32 so that various functions such as restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol generating article 31 (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications can be performed.

The detection unit 325 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 3251, an insertion detection sensor 3252, and a puff sensor 3253, but is not limited to these.

The temperature sensor 3251 can measure the temperature of the aerosol-generating article 31. The temperature sensor 3251 may be disposed around the battery 321 to monitor the temperature of the battery 321.

The insertion detection sensor 3252 can detect the insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article 31. For example, the insertion detection sensor 3252 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article 31.

The puff sensor 3253 can sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage 3234 or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 3253 can sense a user's puff based on any of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

In addition to the above-mentioned sensors, the detection unit 325 may further include at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by an ordinary engineer, so a detailed description may be omitted.

The output unit 326 can output information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 32 to provide it to a user. The output unit 326 can include at least one of a display unit 3261, a haptic unit 3262, and an audio output unit 3263, but is not limited to these. When the display unit 3261 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 3261 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 3261 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 32 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 32 can mean various information such as the charge/discharge state of the battery 321 of the aerosol generating device 32, the insertion/removal state of the aerosol generating item 31, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 32 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 3261 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 3261 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Also, the display unit 3261 can be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

The haptic unit 3262 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 32. For example, the haptic unit 3262 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The acoustic output unit 3263 can provide the user with audible information regarding the aerosol generating device 32. For example, the acoustic output unit 3263 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The user input unit 327 may receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 327 may be a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact type capacitance type, pressure type resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral type tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 32 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may be connected to another external device via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 321.

The memory 328 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 32, and can store data processed by the control unit 322 and data to be processed. The memory 328 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (such as SD or XD memory), a RAM (random access memory), a SRAM (static random access memory), a ROM (read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), or a combination of the above. The memory 328 may include at least one type of storage medium selected from the group consisting of a memory, a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 328 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 32, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit 329 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 329 may include a short-range communication unit 3291 and a wireless communication unit 3292.

The short-range wireless communication unit 3291 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit 3292, a WLAN (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi (registered trademark) Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

The wireless communication unit 3292 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 3292 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 32 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 32 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) and/or a terminal coupled to the cradle that allows a user to control the functions of the aerosol generating device 32. For example, a user may use the input device of the aerosol generating device 100 to execute various functions. A desired function among the multiple functions of the aerosol generating device 32 may be executed by adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the time the user presses the input device (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.). As the user operates the input device, the function of cleaning the space in which the aerosol generating article 31 is inserted, the function of checking whether the aerosol generating device 32 is in an operable state, the function of displaying the remaining capacity (available power) of the battery 321, the function of resetting the aerosol generating device 32, etc. may be executed. However, the functions of the aerosol generating device 32 are not limited to the above examples.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 32 may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor and/or an aerosol generating article 31, and an insertion detection sensor 3252. In addition, the aerosol generating device 32 may be fabricated in a structure that allows outside air to flow in/out even when the aerosol generating article 31 is inserted.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 32 may include a vaporizer 323 and an elongated cavity 324 arranged in series, as shown in FIG. 6A. According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 32 may include a vaporizer 323 and an elongated cavity 324 arranged in parallel, as shown in FIG. 6B. In addition, the arrangement of the battery 321, the control unit 322, the vaporizer 323, and the elongated cavity 324 of the aerosol generating device 32 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, and may be in various forms.

Looking at FIG. 6B, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 323 can flow through the airflow passage 3234 in the aerosol generating device 32 into the elongated cavity 324 and pass through the aerosol-generating article 31. Thus, the aerosol passing through the aerosol-generating article 31 can be flavored with tobacco, and the user can inhale the aerosol flavored with tobacco by inhaling one end of the aerosol-generating article 31 with their mouth.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 32 may not include a separate heater for heating the aerosol-generating article 31. Since the medium segment 311 includes a transition portion that transitions to the transition substance, the transition substance can be inhaled by the user simply by passing the aerosol without the aerosol-generating article 31 being heated. For example, as the aerosol passes through the medium segment 311, free nicotine is released from the medium segment 311 and can be inhaled by the user.

Referring to FIG. 7, the vaporizer 323 according to one embodiment may include a liquid storage section 3231, a liquid transfer means 3232, a heating element 3233, and an air flow passage 3234. Each component of the vaporizer 323 may be made of a polycarbonate material, but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the liquid storage unit 3231 can store a liquid composition capable of generating an aerosol when heated. According to one embodiment, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances including volatile tobacco aroma components, and according to another embodiment, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid composition can store a liquid volume of 0.1 to 2.0 mL, but is not limited thereto. The liquid storage unit 3231 can also be coupled to the vaporizer 323 in a replaceable manner.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, botanical extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. The fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, and the like. The flavorings may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Additionally, the liquid composition may include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

In one embodiment, the liquid transfer means 3232 can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage unit 3231 to the heating element 3233. In one embodiment, the liquid transfer means 3232 can be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc., and can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage unit 3231 to the heating element 3233 using capillary action.

In one embodiment, the heating element 3233 is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means 3232, and may be a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element 3233 may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means 3232. The heating element 3233 may be heated by a current supply, and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element 3233 to heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

In one embodiment, the airflow passages 3234 may be positioned to emit the generated aerosol toward the inserted aerosol-generating article 31. That is, the aerosol generated by the heating element 3233 may be emitted through the airflow passages 3234.

In one embodiment, the control unit 322 can control the temperature of the heating element 3233 by controlling the current supplied to the heating element 3233. Thus, the control unit 322 can control the amount of aerosol generated from the liquid composition by controlling the current supplied to the heating element 3233. Furthermore, the control unit 322 can control the heating element 3233 to supply current for a previously set time upon sensing a user's puff. For example, the control unit 322 can control the heating element 3233 to supply current for 1 to 5 seconds from the time the user's puff is sensed.

In one embodiment, the control unit 322 can control the amount of aerosol released from the vaporizer 323 by controlling the open/close state of the airflow passage 3234. Specifically, the control unit 322 can increase the amount of aerosol released from the vaporizer 323 by increasing the size of the gap in the airflow passage 3234, and can decrease the amount of aerosol released from the vaporizer 323 by decreasing the size of the gap in the airflow passage 3234. For example, the control unit 322 can control the gap in the airflow passage 3234 using a dial system.

In one embodiment, when the amount of liquid composition in the liquid storage unit 3231 is less than the previously set amount, the control unit 322 can inform the user of the lack of liquid composition through a vibration motor or a display.

The above description of the embodiment is merely illustrative, and a person having ordinary skill in the art would understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents described in the claims should be interpreted as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

The features and aspects of any of the above-described embodiments may be combined with the features and aspects of any of the other embodiments without resulting in obvious technical conflicts.

Claims (15)

1. A production system for producing an aerosol-generating medium, comprising:
a chamber forming a manufacturing space;
A medium raw material section disposed in the manufacturing space;
a transition section disposed in the manufacturing space and adapted to adsorb the transition material released from the medium raw material section;
Including,
An aerosol-generating medium is produced from the transition portion.
Aerosol generating medium production system. The method further includes a heating unit for heating the medium raw material portion to activate the release of the transition material from the medium raw material portion.
2. The aerosol-generating medium producing system according to claim 1. Further comprising a circulation section for circulating the transition material;
2. The aerosol-generating medium producing system according to claim 1. The chamber seals the manufacturing space and prevents the transfer material from being released to the outside of the manufacturing space.
2. The aerosol-generating medium producing system according to claim 1. The transfer part further includes a storage part having a storage space formed therein,
5. The aerosol generating medium producing system according to claim 4. one side of the storage unit is open and the other side is perforated, the storage space communicates with the medium raw material unit, and the storage unit is made of plastic material;
6. The aerosol generating medium producing system according to claim 5. The medium raw material portion is pH treated;
2. The aerosol-generating medium producing system according to claim 1. The medium raw material portion contains at least one component selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate (K ₂ CO ₃ ), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ₃ ), and calcium oxide (CaO).
8. The aerosol generating medium producing system according to claim 7. The medium raw material portion includes at least one of a by-product containing tobacco fine powder or tobacco leaf powder, a leaf tab, a leaf tobacco, or a wet granule containing nicotine, and the transition substance is free nicotine.
8. The aerosol generating medium producing system according to claim 7. The transition portion includes an acetate component.
10. The aerosol-generating medium producing system according to claim 1 . 1. A method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating article, comprising the steps of:
providing a medium source part to a chamber forming a manufacturing space;
a heating step of heating the medium source portion to release transition material from the medium source portion;
circulating the transfer material;
a transfer step of transferring the transition material to a transition portion;
processing the transition portion to produce an aerosol-generating article;
including,
Method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article. The processing step comprises:
A cutting step of cutting the transition portion transferred by the transition material,
A method for producing an aerosol-generating article according to claim 11. The processing step comprises:
The cutting step may further include a filter attachment step of attaching a filter to the cut transition portion.
A method for producing an aerosol-generating article according to claim 12. 1. An aerosol-generating article comprising:
A medium segment is included.
The medium segment is produced by cutting a transition portion to which free nicotine released from a medium raw material portion containing nicotine is adsorbed.
Aerosol-generating items. further comprising a filter segment disposed downstream of the media segment.
15. The aerosol-generating article of claim 14.

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