KR20240104397A - Aerosol Generating Article and Method for Manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A non-combustible aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment includes a first filter segment, a medium segment disposed downstream of the first filter segment, and a second filter segment disposed downstream of the medium segment, wherein the medium segment It has a longitudinal hollow and can be manufactured by molding the medium slurry into a cylindrical shape and then solidifying it.

Description

Aerosol-generating article and method for manufacturing the same {Aerosol Generating Article and Method for Manufacturing the same}

The various examples below relate to aerosol-generating products and methods for manufacturing aerosol-generating products.

Research on non-combustible cigarettes is underway. For example, Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustible flavor inhaler, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit.

An aerosol-generating article and a method of manufacturing the same according to an embodiment can shorten the preheating time of the medium by increasing heat transfer efficiency to the medium.

An aerosol-generating article and a method for manufacturing the same according to an embodiment can prevent a reduction in atomization amount.

An aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment includes a first filter segment, a medium segment disposed downstream of the first filter segment, and a second filter segment disposed downstream of the medium segment, wherein the medium segment is arranged in a longitudinal direction. The medium segment may be formed by forming a medium slurry containing the medium into a tube shape and then solidifying it. A cooling segment may be further included between the medium segment and the second filter segment.

In one embodiment, the medium may include at least one of leaflets, cut herb, caffeine, taurine, pharmacological substances, flavoring substances, or sweeteners.

In one embodiment, the media slurry may have a moisture content of 30 percent or more. The media slurry may have a moisture content of less than 60 percent.

In one embodiment, the medium slurry may be molded into a tube shape whose inner diameter is more than 1/2 of the outer diameter.

In one embodiment, the medium slurry may be molded into a hollow tube shape by extrusion.

A method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment includes providing a medium slurry containing a medium, forming the medium slurry into a tube shape, drying the medium slurry to form a medium segment, and A first filter segment is coupled upstream of the media segment and a second filter segment is coupled downstream of the media segment, wherein the media slurry can have a moisture content of 30 percent or more and less than 60 percent.

In one embodiment, in the step of forming the medium slurry into a tube shape, the medium slurry may be formed into a tube shape by extrusion.

In one embodiment, in the step of molding the medium slurry into a tube shape, a first jig including a rod member having an external shape corresponding to the hollow of the medium segment has a through hole corresponding to the external shape of the medium segment. Two jigs are combined, the medium slurry is filled between the through hole of the second jig and the rod member, and the medium slurry formed into the tube shape can be separated from the first jig and the second jig. .

According to one embodiment, the preheating time of the medium can be shortened by increasing heat transfer efficiency.

According to one embodiment, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the amount of atomization.

The effects of the aerosol-generating product and the method of manufacturing the same according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

Figure 1 shows an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.
Figure 2 shows the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 shows a jig for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.
Figure 4 illustrates a system in which an aerosol-generating article is used according to one embodiment.
Figure 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device using an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment.
Figure 6 shows experimental examples depending on the moisture content of the medium slurry.
Figure 7 shows a media segment formed according to some of the experimental examples of Figure 6.
Figure 8 shows media segments with different inner diameters.

The terms used in the embodiments are general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the embodiments, but this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a technician working in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the name of the term.

When it is said that a part "includes" a certain element throughout the specification, this means that, unless specifically stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other elements but may further include other elements. Additionally, terms such as “-unit” and “-module” used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

As used herein, when an expression such as “at least any one” precedes arranged elements, it modifies all of the arranged elements rather than each arranged element. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” should be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c. do.

Figure 1 shows a non-combustible aerosol-generating article 110 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of a non-combustible aerosol-generating article 110 in which the hollow diameter of the cooling segment 113 is smaller than the hollow diameter of the medium segment 112, and Figure 3 shows the cooling segment (110) having a smaller hollow diameter than the hollow diameter of the medium segment 112. 113) shows a cross section of a non-combustible aerosol-generating article 110 with a large hollow diameter.

1 and 2, an aerosol-generating article 110 according to an embodiment includes a first filter segment 111, a medium segment 112 disposed downstream of the first filter segment 111, and the medium. It may include a cooling segment 113 disposed downstream of the segment 112 and a second filter segment 114 disposed downstream of the cooling segment 113. The medium segment 112 may have a longitudinal hollow, and the cooling segment 113 may have a longitudinal hollow communicating with the hollow of the medium segment 112. Here, the longitudinal direction may be defined as a direction parallel to the flow direction of the aerosol leading from the first filter segment 111 through the medium segment 112 and cooling segment 113 to the second filter segment 114.

In one embodiment, the first filter segment 111 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Additionally, the first filter segment 111 may be composed of a paper filter or a porous molded material. For example, the length of the first filter segment 111 may be 4 to 15 mm, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the first filter segment 111 may be colored or flavored.

Alternatively, the first filter segment 111 may be composed of an atomizing segment. The humectant filled in the atomized segment may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Additionally, the atomized segments may contain other added substances such as flavoring agents, humectants and/or organic acids. Additionally, the atomized segment may contain a flavoring liquid such as menthol or moisturizer. Due to the atomization segment, an aerosol can be generated without a separate vaporizer being provided in the aerosol generating device. For example, in this case, the vaporizer (e.g., the vaporizer 230 in FIG. 4) may be omitted in the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 200 in FIG. 4), and the heater (e.g., the aerosol generating device 200 in FIG. 4) may be omitted. The heater 250) may heat the atomization segment to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated in the atomizing segment may have a relatively high temperature, but cooling may occur in the cooling segment 113 after passing through the media segment 112. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

In one embodiment, the media segment 112 may have the shape of a hollow tube and may be made of media. For example, the length of the medium segment 112 may be an appropriate length within the range of 6 mm to 18 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The medium segment 112 may be processed so that the slurried tobacco material is molded into a cylindrical shape (tube shape) and then solidified and cut into segments.

For example, the tobacco material may include at least one of leaflets, granular tobacco (tobacco granules), reconstituted tobacco, slurry tobacco, and cut filler. Alternatively, the medium segment 112 may contain functional substances (eg, taurine, caffeine, red ginseng ingredients, medicinal ingredients, etc.) as a medium instead of the tobacco material.

Media segment 112 may include an aerosol-generating material such as glycerin. Additionally, media segments 112 may contain other additives such as flavorants, humectants, and/or organic acids. Additionally, a flavoring liquid (eg, fragrance material) such as menthol or moisturizer may be added to the medium segment 112 by spraying it on the medium segment 112 .

In one embodiment, media segment 112 may include a pH treated media substrate. For example, the medium substrate can be pH treated to make it basic by a pH adjusting agent, and the pH adjusting agent is basic, for example, potassium carbonate (K ₂ CO ₃ ), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ₃ ), calcium oxide ( CaO) may contain at least one substance. However, the substances included in the pH adjuster are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and substances that generate less negative odor during smoking may be used. The basic pH adjuster may increase the pH of the medium substrate included in the medium segment 112. Compared to a medium substrate that is not treated with a basic pH adjusting agent, a basic pH treated medium substrate increases the amount of nicotine released upon heating. That is, for a basic pH treated media substrate, sufficient nicotine transfer yield can be achieved even when the media segment 112 is heated at a low temperature or not heated.

In one embodiment, cooling segment 113 may cool aerosol passing through media segment 112. For example, the cooling segment 113 is made of cellulose acetate and may be a tube-shaped structure with a hollow interior. For example, cooling segment 113 may be fabricated by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the cooling segment 113 is made of paper and may be a tube-shaped structure with a hollow interior. The diameter of the hollow included in the cooling segment 113 may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 4 mm to 8 mm, but is not limited thereto. The length of the cooling segment 113 may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. The cooling segment 113 is not limited to the above-described example, and may be used without limitation as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

In one embodiment, second filter segment 114 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The second filter segment 114 may be configured as a filter containing at least one flavor capsule. For example, the second filter segment 114 may be a cellulose acetate filter into which at least one flavor capsule is inserted. Additionally, the second filter segment 114 may be composed of a filter mixed with a flavoring material.

In one embodiment, aerosol-generating article 110 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 115. At least one hole may be formed in the wrapper 115 through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out. The wrapper 115 may include a material with high thermal conductivity.

For example, the first filter segment 111 is wrapped by the first wrapper 1151, the medium segment 112 is wrapped by the second wrapper 1152, and the cooling segment is wrapped by the third wrapper 1153. 113 is packaged, and the second filter segment 114 can be packaged by the fourth wrapper 1154. And, the entire non-heated aerosol-generating article 110 can be repackaged by the fifth wrapper 1155.

In one embodiment, the first wrapper 1151 may include an aluminum component. The first wrapper 1151 may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil combined with a general filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 1151 may be within the range of 40um to 80um. Additionally, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 1151 may be within the range of 6um to 20um.

In one embodiment, the second wrapper 1152 and the third wrapper 1153 may be made of porous wrapping paper. For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 1152 may be 35000CU, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the thickness of the second wrapper 1152 may be within the range of 70um to 80um. Additionally, the basis weight of the second wrapper 1152 may be within the range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2.

For example, the second wrapper 1152 may include an aluminum component. For example, the second wrapper 1152 may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil combined with a general filter wrapper. Additionally, the second wrapper 1152 may be made of sterile paper (MFW).

In one embodiment, the porosity of the third wrapper 1153 may be 35000CU, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the thickness of the third wrapper 1153 may be within the range of 70um to 80um. Additionally, the basis weight of the third wrapper 1153 may be within the range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2.

In one embodiment, the fourth wrapper 1154 may be made of PLA paper. Here, PLA laminate refers to three layers of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 1154 may be within the range of 100um to 120um. Additionally, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 1154 may be within the range of 80 g/m2 to 100 g/m2.

In one embodiment, the fifth wrapper 1155 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 1155 may be within the range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2. Additionally, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 1155 may be within the range of 64um to 70um.

In one embodiment, with the aerosol-generating article 110 inserted into an aerosol-generating device (e.g., aerosol-generating device 200 of FIG. 4), the aerosol is transferred through the first filter segment 111 to the media segment 112. , the aerosol can smoothly pass through the hollow of the medium segment 112. At this time, the aerosol can be inhaled by the user by carrying out the ingredients (e.g., nicotine) from the medium in the medium segment 112, and due to the hollow structure of the medium segment 112, uniform contents are distributed to the user. Can be inhaled.

Figure 3(a) shows jigs 121, 122, and 123 for manufacturing the media segment 112 of the aerosol-generating article 110, and Figure 3(b) shows the jigs 121, 122, and 123. It shows the media segment 112 manufactured by.

Referring to FIG. 3(a), the first jig 121 may include a pedestal and a plurality of rod members protruding from the pedestal. The rod member may have an outer shape corresponding to the hollow portion of the medium segment 112 (eg, the inner diameter of the medium segment 112). The second jig 122 may include a plurality of through holes (hollows), and the through holes may have a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the medium segment 112. The third jig may include a cylindrical push member that fills the space between the bar member of the first jig 121 and the through hole of the second jig 122 when they are coupled together. When the first jig 121, the second jig 122, and the third jig 123 are combined, the through hole of the second jig 122 is connected to the push member of the third jig 123 and the first jig 121. ) can be filled without gaps by the rod member.

With reference to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), a method of forming the medium segment 112 will be described. First, with the inner diameter of the cylinder of the third jig 123 coupled to the rod member of the first jig 121, the first jig 121 is installed so that the through hole of the second jig 122 enters the rod member. and the second jig 122 are combined. In this state, the second jig 122 is located above the third jig 123. Subsequently, after the medium slurry containing the medium is filled between the rod member of the first jig 121 and the through hole of the second jig 122, the first jig 121 and the second jig 122 are filled with the medium. By being separated from the slurry, the media segment 112 can be manufactured into a tube shape. For example, after the medium slurry is filled between the rod member of the first jig 121 and the through hole of the second jig 122, the second jig 122 is lowered toward the third jig 123, thereby forming a medium segment. (112) can be formed. In addition to the extrusion method using the jig shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the medium segment 112 may also be manufactured by another extrusion method, and may be cut to an appropriate length and used after extrusion.

Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show an aerosol generating system 10 according to one embodiment.

4(a) and 4(b), the aerosol-generating system 10 according to an embodiment includes an aerosol-generating article 110 according to an embodiment and at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 110. It may include an aerosol generating device 200 that can be inserted and can deliver an aerosol to the aerosol generating article 110.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 includes a housing 210, a battery 220 disposed within the housing 210 and capable of supplying power, a liquid storage cartridge and a liquid storage cartridge that receives power from the battery 230. A vaporizer 230 including an aerosolization element that aerosolizes, a control unit 240 for controlling the battery 220 or the vaporizer 230, and an aerosol-generating article in communication with the vaporizer 230. At least a portion of 110 may include an aerosol-generating article insertion portion (e.g., an elongated cavity) into which the aerosol-generating article may be inserted.

In Figure 4(a), the battery 220, the control unit 240, the vaporizer 230, and the aerosol-generating article insertion unit are shown arranged in a line. FIG. 3(b) is different from FIG. 4(a) in that the vaporizer 230 and the aerosol-generating article insertion portion are shown as arranged in parallel. However, the internal arrangement structure of the aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment is not limited to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), and depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 200, the battery 220, The arrangement of the vaporizer 230, the control unit 240, and the aerosol-generating product insertion unit may be changed.

In one embodiment, the battery 220 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the battery 220 may supply power so that the vaporizer 230 can be heated and may supply power necessary for the control unit 240 to operate. Additionally, the battery 220 can supply power necessary to operate a display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 200.

In one embodiment, the control unit 240 may generally control the operation of the aerosol generating device 200. Specifically, the control unit 240 may control the operation of the battery 220 and the vaporizer 230 as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 200. Additionally, the control unit 240 may check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 200 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 200 is in an operable state. The control unit 200 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor.

In one embodiment, the vaporizer 230 may generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may pass through the non-combustible aerosol-generating article 110 according to an embodiment and be delivered to the user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 230 can move along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 200, and the airflow passage is a non-combustion type aerosol generated by the vaporizer 230 according to an embodiment. It may be configured to pass through the aerosol-generating article 110 and be delivered to the user.

For example, the vaporizer 230 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage cartridge and an aerosolization element that aerosolizes the liquid (e.g., a liquid delivery means and a heating element, or an ultrasonic element). For example, the liquid storage cartridge, liquid delivery means, and heating element may be included in the aerosol-generating device 200 as independent modules. For example, the vaporizer 230 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

A liquid storage cartridge can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may include aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

When the aerosolizing element consists of a liquid delivery means and a heating element (eg, a cartridge heater), the liquid delivery means can deliver the liquid composition of the liquid storage cartridge to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means may be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by supplying an electric current and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, aerosols may be generated.

Alternatively, the aerosolizing element may consist of an oscillator (eg an ultrasonic element) instead of a heating element. For example, as a voltage (eg, alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and/or ultrasonic vibration may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and/or ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator may generate an aerosol. For example, the viscosity of the liquid composition is lowered and fine particles are generated due to the heat and vibration generated from the vibrator, thereby creating an aerosol. This ultrasonic method of aerosolization has the advantage of reducing power consumption compared to the heating method, and through this, miniaturization of batteries and devices can be achieved.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 200 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 220, the control unit 240, and the vaporizer 230. For example, the aerosol generating device 200 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. Additionally, the aerosol generating device 200 may include at least one sensor (puff detection sensor, temperature detection sensor, cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). Additionally, the aerosol generating device 200 may be manufactured in a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the aerosol generating product 110 according to an embodiment is inserted.

In one embodiment, the heater 250 may be heated by power supplied from the battery 220. For example, when the aerosol-generating article 110 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 220, the heater 250 may be located outside of the aerosol-generating article 110. Accordingly, the heated heater 250 may increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating article 110.

Heater 250 may be an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater 250 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 250 may be heated as a current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 250 is not limited to the above-described example, and may be any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 200, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 250 may be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 250 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol-generating article 110 by induction heating, and the aerosol-generating article 110 may include a susceptor that can be heated by an induction heating type heater. It can be included. Additionally, a plurality of heaters 250 may be disposed in the aerosol generating device 200.

In one embodiment, the heater 250 may be disposed surrounding an exterior surface of the aerosol-generating article insert (e.g., an elongated cavity) to heat the aerosol-generating article 110 received in the aerosol-generating article insert. The heater 250 according to one embodiment may be disposed surrounding at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article insertion portion.

Figure 5 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 200 includes a battery 220, a control unit 240, a heater 250, a sensing unit 260, an output unit 270, a communication unit 280, and a user input unit 291. and memory 292. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 200 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5. That is, those skilled in the art can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 200, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 5 may be omitted or new configurations may be added. there is.

The sensing unit 260 may detect the state of the aerosol generating device 200 or the state around the aerosol generating device 200 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 240. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 240 may control the aerosol-generating device 200 to perform various functions, such as determining whether to insert the aerosol-generating article 110 and displaying a notification, according to an embodiment. The sensing unit 260 may include, but is not limited to, a temperature sensor 261, an insertion detection sensor 262, or a puff sensor 263.

The output unit 270 may output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 200 and provide it to the user. The output unit 270 may include at least one of a display unit 271, a haptic unit 272, and an audio output unit 273, but is not limited thereto.

The user input unit 291 may receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 291 includes a key pad, a dome switch, and a touch pad (contact capacitive type, pressure resistance type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, and integral type). Tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), jog wheel, jog switch, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device 200 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and is connected to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface. In this way, information can be transmitted and received or the battery 220 can be charged.

The memory 292 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 200, and can store data processed by the control unit 240 and data to be processed. The memory 292 is a flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g. SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM. (RAM, random access memory) SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk , and may include at least one type of storage medium among optical disks. The memory 292 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 200, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit 280 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 280 may include a short-range communication unit 291 and a wireless communication unit 292.

Figure 6 shows the degree of molding according to the moisture content of the medium segment 112.

Referring to FIG. 6, Experimental Example A shows the degree of molding of the medium slurry dough when the moisture contained in the medium slurry is 0%. With the manufacturing moisture input amount being 0%, only glycerin and other liquid fragrances were added to the finely powdered medium. In this case, the finely divided medium was not condensed.

Experimental Example B is a case in which a medium slurry was prepared by adding 10% of the production moisture, and Experimental Example C is a case in which a medium slurry was prepared by adding 20% of the production moisture. Even in this case, the medium in a fine powder state was not sufficiently condensed.

Experimental Example D is a case in which the production moisture was 30%, and although the moisture was somewhat insufficient, it was confirmed that condensation of the finely powdered medium had begun.

Experimental Example E was a case in which the production moisture was 40%, and it was confirmed that the condensation of the finely powdered medium progressed well, and the moisture was also confirmed to be sufficient.

Experimental Example F is a case where the production moisture is 60%, and from this point on, it begins to become difficult to maintain the shape of the medium slurry when manufacturing it by putting it into a mold.

Experimental Example G was a case where the production moisture was 70%, and the viscosity of the medium slurry was lower than that of Experimental Example F, and there was difficulty in maintaining the shape of the medium when the medium slurry was dried.

Figure 7 shows the state after drying of the medium slurry in Experimental Examples F and Experimental Examples E.

Referring to FIG. 7, after the medium slurry is molded, moisture evaporates while drying, and at this time, shrinkage of the medium slurry may occur. In the case of Experimental Example F, the shape after molding was slightly changed due to shrinkage, while in the case of Experimental Example E, the shape of the medium was confirmed to be good even after drying.

In one embodiment, the medium segment 112 may be solidified through drying after being formed into a hollow tube shape from a medium slurry, and the medium slurry may include a finely divided medium and moisture. In addition, the medium slurry may contain glycerin or liquid flavoring.

In order to ensure the moldability of the medium slurry, the moisture content relative to the mass of the medium slurry may be set to 30% or more and less than 60%. As seen in the previous Experimental Examples A to G, when the moisture content of the medium slurry is more than 30% and less than 60%, the medium slurry can maintain its shape during the extrusion process, and shrinkage occurs due to evaporation of moisture during drying. It is possible to maintain its form even afterward. In other words, the production moisture of the medium slurry must be set to 30% or more to ensure moldability, and the production moisture of the medium slurry must be set to less than 60% to prevent shape distortion during drying.

Figure 8(a) shows the state after the medium slurry is dried when the medium slurry is molded into a tube shape whose inner diameter is less than 1/2 of the outer diameter, and Figure 8(b) shows the medium slurry when the inner diameter is less than 1/2 of the outer diameter. This is what it looks like after the medium slurry is dried when molded into the above tube shape.

Table 1 below shows experimental examples where the internal diameter of the medium slurry before drying is set to less than or more than 1/2 of the external diameter, the results according to Experimental Example H are shown in Figure 8(a), and the results according to Experimental Example I is shown in Figure 8(b).

Experimental example H Experimental Example I Inside diameter/outside diameter before drying Inner diameter 3.2mm / Outer diameter 7.2mm Inner diameter 4.0mm / Outer diameter 7.2mm Inside/outside diameter after drying Inner diameter 4.2mm / Outer diameter 6.7mm Inner diameter 4.6mm / Outer diameter 6.9mm Sensory (taste evaluation) Slightly late onset of taste Smell in the beginning

Referring to Table 1, in Experimental Example H, the inner diameter of the medium slurry before drying was set to less than 1/2 of the outer diameter, and after drying, it was confirmed that the degree of shrinkage of both the inner and outer diameters of the tube shape was large. In addition, as a result of the sensory evaluation (taste evaluation), it was confirmed that the onset of taste was delayed.

In Experimental Example I, the inner diameter of the medium slurry before drying was set to more than 1/2 of the outer diameter, and it was confirmed that relatively little shrinkage occurred in both the inner and outer diameters of the tube shape after drying. In addition, it was confirmed that a taste sensation occurred in the early stages in the sensory evaluation.

In one embodiment, the medium slurry before drying may be formed into a tube whose inner diameter is at least 1/2 of the outer diameter. Tube-shaped medium slurry can affect the shrinkage of the outer diameter depending on the size of the inner diameter. When the inner diameter was more than 1/2 of the outer diameter, the degree of shrinkage was small, and a sufficient taste was achieved during sensory evaluation.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing the aerosol-generating article 110 according to an embodiment will be described.

First, a medium slurry containing a medium may be provided. The production moisture of the medium slurry may be set to 30 percent or more and less than 60 percent.

The medium slurry can then be molded into a tube shape by an extrusion process. The inner diameter of the tube shape before drying may be formed to be more than 1/2 of the outer diameter. The extrusion process may be performed using jigs, as previously described with reference to FIG. 3, or may be performed using other extrusion processes.

The medium slurry may be dried to form the medium segment 122.

A first filter segment 121 may be coupled to the upstream of the medium segment 122, and a second filter segment 124 may be coupled to the downstream of the medium segment 122. In some cases, a cooling segment 123 may be coupled between the medium segment 122 and the second filter segment 124.

The aerosol-generating article 110 according to one embodiment has a hollow tube-shaped medium segment 122, so that when a heater (e.g., heater 250 in FIG. 4) heats the outside of the medium segment 122. Efficient heat transfer can be achieved. Through this, moisture remaining inside the medium segment 122 is prevented, and the humectant released from the vaporizer (e.g., the vaporizer 230 in FIG. 4) is prevented from being filtered in the medium segment 122, thereby providing a sufficient amount of atomization. It is possible to secure it.

Therefore, according to the aerosol-generating article 110 and its manufacturing method according to an embodiment, the central portion of the medium segment 122 has a hollow tube shape to maximize heat transfer efficiency from the heater and achieve a sufficient amount of atomization. can do.

The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope of what is stated in the claims should be interpreted as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

110: Aerosol-generating products
111: first filter segment
112: medium segment
113: cooling segment
114: second filter segment

Claims (10)

In aerosol-generating products,
a first filter segment;
a media segment disposed downstream of the first filter segment; and
a second filter segment disposed downstream of the media segment;
Including,
The medium segment has a longitudinal hollow, and the medium segment is formed by solidifying a medium slurry containing the medium into a tube shape,
Aerosol-generating products.
According to claim 1,
further comprising a cooling segment between the media segment and the second filter segment,
Aerosol-generating articles.
The method of claim 1 or 2,
The medium contains at least one of leaflets, cut herb, caffeine, taurine, pharmacological substances, flavoring substances, or sweeteners,
Aerosol-generating articles.
According to claim 3,
The medium slurry has a moisture content of 30 percent or more,
Aerosol-generating items
According to claim 4,
The medium slurry has a moisture content of less than 60 percent,
Aerosol-generating articles.
According to claim 3,
The medium slurry is molded into a tube shape with an inner diameter of more than 1/2 of the outer diameter,
Aerosol-generating articles.
According to claim 3,
The medium slurry is formed into a hollow tube shape by extrusion,
Aerosol-generating articles.
A method for producing an aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, comprising:
providing a medium slurry comprising a medium;
Forming the medium slurry into a tube shape;
drying the medium slurry to form medium segments; and
A first filter segment is coupled upstream of the medium segment, and a second filter segment is coupled downstream of the medium segment;
Including,
The medium slurry has a moisture content of 30 percent or more and less than 60 percent,
Method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article.
According to claim 8,
In the step of forming the medium slurry into a tube shape, the medium slurry is formed into a tube shape by extrusion,
Method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article.
According to claim 8,
In the step of molding the medium slurry into a tube shape, a second jig having a through hole corresponding to the external shape of the medium segment is coupled to a first jig including a rod member having an external shape corresponding to the hollow of the medium segment, and , the medium slurry is filled between the through hole of the second jig and the rod member, and the medium slurry formed into a tube shape is separated from the first jig and the second jig,
Method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article.

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