EP4585072A1

EP4585072A1 - Smoking article including lyocell tow

Info

Publication number: EP4585072A1
Application number: EP25151978.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Min Hee Hwang; Sung Min Moon; Sung Jong Ki; Jin Chul Yang; Sung Hoon Ha; John Tae Lee; Kyeng Bae Ma; Ki Jin AHN; Jong Cheol Jeong; Sang Woo Jin; Eun Young Park; Jeong Hun Lee; Seung Dong SEO; Yeong Nam Hwang
Original assignee: Kolon Industries Inc; KT&G Corp
Current assignee: Kolon Industries Inc; KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2024-01-15
Filing date: 2025-01-15
Publication date: 2025-07-16
Also published as: WO2025155075A1

Abstract

Provided is a smoking article. The smoking article includes a tobacco rod, a front-end plug arranged on one side of the tobacco rod, a first segment arranged on the other side opposite to the one side of the tobacco rod, and a second segment arranged on the other side of the first segment, wherein the first segment includes lyocell tow including a plurality of lyocell fibers.

Description

[Technical Field]

The present invention relates to a smoking article in which lyocell tow is applied to a first segment (a cooling structure), which constitutes a filter portion of the smoking article, to prevent the first segment (a cooling structure) from melting due to the high temperature applied to heat the smoking article, thereby providing a user (a consumer) with a more improved smoking experience.

[Background Art]

In smoking articles, the transfer of tobacco components (e.g., nicotine, tar) and the generation of an atomized aerosol (vapor) have a significant impact on the user's smoking experience. In general, the smoking articles operate by heating a stick to a high temperature of approximately 150 to 300°C using a device and transferring the heat of the heated stick to a medium portion so that the tobacco components such as nicotine and the like can be smoothly transferred as the temperature of the medium portion rises. In this process, substances such as glycerin and the like are heated to generate vapor, and the tobacco components contained in the vapor are transferred so that the user can inhale the tobacco components. However, when the device is set to a temperature below the boiling point of glycerin, there is a problem in that the transfer of tobacco components is limited because vapor is not generated smoothly.
To solve this problem, a method of configuring a cooling portion (a portion of a segment of a filter portion) in the smoking article to reduce the discomfort caused by hot smoke when the user inhales the hot smoke was adopted in the art.
When cellulose acetate (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as "CA") tow is used in the conventional cooling portion, the CA tow melts or deforms at a temperature of approximately 70°C or higher and then solidifies again. This phenomenon causes problems of interfering with the smooth transfer of smoke or generating negative off-flavors and preventing the cooling function from working properly.
Therefore, in order to improve the performance of the smoking article, there is a need for materials capable of withstanding a heating temperature of approximately 200 to 300°C so that the atomization and transfer of tobacco components can occur smoothly. Such materials should be able to effectively cool or reduce the temperature of smoke without melting or deforming at high temperatures, thereby improving the user's feeling of smoking. Also, there is a need for materials capable of minimizing the dilution of tobacco components during a cooling process so as to deliver sufficient amounts of tar and nicotine components when inhaled.

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

One object of the present invention is to provide a smoking article including: a front-end plug, a tobacco rod, a first segment, and a second segment, wherein by configuring the first segment with lyocell tow including a plurality of lyocell fibers, deformation of the first segment, which is caused by heat transferred from a heater configured to heat the smoking article or an aerosol generated within the smoking article, may be prevented or minimized due to the excellent heat resistance of the lyocell tow.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a smoking article including: a front-end plug, a tobacco rod, a first segment, and a second segment, wherein by configuring the first segment with lyocell tow composed of a plurality of lyocell fibers, an amount of moisture transferred during smoking may be effectively reduced due to the excellent moisture affinity of lyocell tow, thereby reducing the feeling of heat felt by the user and maximizing the cooling effect.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a smoking article including: a first segment, which includes lyocell tow composed of a plurality of lyocell fibers, and a binder; a front-end plug; a tobacco rod; and a second segment, wherein appropriate hardness is imparted to the lyocell tow through the binder, thereby stably maintaining the shape of the first segment even though the first segment is a tubular structure composed of lyocell tow.
The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned objects can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[Technical Solution]

One aspect of the present application for achieving the above objects provides a smoking article including: a tobacco rod, a front-end plug arranged on one side of the tobacco rod, a first segment arranged on the other side opposite to the one side of the tobacco rod, and a second segment arranged on the other side of the first segment, wherein the first segment includes lyocell tow including a plurality of lyocell fibers.
In some embodiments, the lyocell tow of the first segment may have a tube shape having a hollow formed therein.
In some embodiments, the first segment may further include at least one binder dispersed in the plurality of lyocell tow.
In some embodiments, the binder may include at least one of a cellulose-based binder, a vinyl-based binder, a polyester-based binder, a dextrin-based binder, and a starch-based binder.
In some embodiments, the binder may include at least one dextrin-based binder.
In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the first segment may be 10% to 90% of the outer diameter of the first segment.
In some embodiments, the first segment may have an outer diameter of 6 mm to 10 mm.
In some embodiments, the first segment may have an inner diameter of 2 mm to 6 mm, and the inner diameter of the first segment may be smaller than the outer diameter of the first segment.
In some embodiments, the first segment may have an outer diameter of 6 mm to 10 mm and an inner diameter of 2 mm to 6 mm. The inner diameter of the first segment may be smaller than the outer diameter of the first segment.
In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the first segment may be 10% to 90% of the outer diameter of the first segment, and the first segment may have an outer diameter of 6 mm to 10 mm and an inner diameter of 2 mm to 6 mm.
In some embodiments, the front-end plug may include at least one of cellulose acetate and lyocell.
In some embodiments, the front-end plug may include at least one channel formed therein. The at least one channel may extend in a longitudinal direction. The at least one channel may extend in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.
In some embodiments, the second segment may include at least one of cellulose acetate and lyocell.
Another aspect of the present application for achieving the above objects provides a system including the above-described smoking article and an aerosol generation device to which the smoking article is applied.
Still another aspect of the present application provides a method of manufacturing the above-described smoking article.

[Advantageous Effects]

According to a smoking article according to one embodiment, by configuring a first segment (a cooling structure) with lyocell tow composed of a plurality of lyocell fibers, deformation of the first segment, which is caused by heat transferred from a heater configured to heat the smoking article or an aerosol generated within the smoking article, can be effectively prevented or minimized due to the excellent heat resistance of the lyocell tow.
Also, according to the smoking article according to one embodiment, by configuring a first segment (a cooling structure) with lyocell tow composed of a plurality of lyocell fibers, an amount of moisture transferred during smoking can be effectively reduced due to the excellent moisture affinity characteristics of the lyocell tow compared to cellulose acetate tow, thereby reducing the feeling of heat felt by the user and maximizing the cooling effect.
In addition, according to the smoking article according to one embodiment, by manufacturing a first segment (a cooling structure) including lyocell tow composed of a plurality of lyocell fibers, and a binder, appropriate hardness can be imparted to the lyocell tow through the binder. In this way, the first segment can have an effect of stably maintaining its shape even though the first segment is a tubular structure composed of lyocell tow, and due to this stable maintenance of the shape of the first segment, the deterioration in the quality of smoking experience caused by the deformation of the first segment during storage and/or smoking of the smoking article can be prevented.
Advantageous effects according to the technical spirit of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned advantageous effects can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the description above.

[Description of Drawings]

FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams showing examples of smoking articles inserted into an aerosol generation device.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a smoking article according to one embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an image obtained by photographing a first segment of Example 1 and a first segment of Comparative Example 1. Here, FIG. 5A is an image obtained by photographing the first segments of Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 before the experiment (before smoking), and FIG. 5B is an image obtained by photographing the first segments of Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 after the experiment (after smoking).

[Mode for Invention]

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods of achieving the same should become clear with embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and may be implemented in various different forms. The following embodiments are only provided to make the technical spirit of the present disclosure complete and completely inform those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains of the scope of the present disclosure. The technical spirit of the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims.
In assigning reference numerals to components in each of the drawings, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components wherever possible even when the components are shown in different drawings. Also, in describing the present disclosure, when it is determined that the detailed description of a known related configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical or scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Also, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Terms used herein are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In the present specification, a singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Also, in describing components of the present disclosure, the terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. Such terms are only used for distinguishing one component from another component, and the essence, order, sequence, or the like of the corresponding component is not limited by the terms. In a case in which a certain component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "linked" to another component, it should be understood that, although the component may be directly connected or linked to the other component, still another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "linked" between the two components.
The terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" used herein do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more components, steps, operations, and/or devices other than those mentioned.
First, some terms used herein will be clarified.
In the present specification, a "smoking article" may refer to any product that can be smoked or any product that can provide a smoking experience, regardless of whether the product is based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. For example, the smoking article may include products that can be smoked, such as cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos.
In the present specification, a "smoking material" may refer to any type of material that may be used in a smoking article.
In the present specification, "user" may be used interchangeably with "consumer."
In the present specification, "upstream" or "upstream direction" may refer to a direction moving away from the oral region of a smoker, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" may refer to a direction approaching the oral region of the smoker.
In the present specification, a "longitudinal direction" may refer to a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of a smoking article. The "longitudinal axis" of the smoking article may refer to an imaginary line that extends along the main longitudinal direction of the smoking article. This axis typically runs from one end of the smoking article (e.g., the mouthpiece or filter end) to the opposite end (e.g., the combustion or heat source end).
In the present specification, a "lyocell filter" refers to a filter that includes or is composed of lyocell tow.
In the present specification, "lyocell tow" includes or is composed of a plurality of lyocell fibers. In some embodiments, the lyocell tow may refer to a bundle formed by cross-linking adjacent lyocell fibers.
In the present specification, "lyocell fiber" may refer to a fiber made of lyocell cellulose. In particular, the lyocell fiber may be a fiber made of cellulose derived from or mainly derived from wood pulp, particularly a semi-synthetic fiber.
In the present specification, the term "non-circular cross-section" is defined as a cross-section having a shape including a plurality of protrusions instead of having a circular shape. For example, a cross-section having a shape in which a plurality of protrusions branch and/or extend from the center and/or the center of that cross-section may be referred to as a "non-circular cross-section." Here, the "protrusion" may refer to a distinct and extended segment or arm extending outward from the central core or joining point of the cross-section of the lyocell fiber.
In some embodiments, the lyocell fibers may have a Y-shaped cross-section with three protrusions branching and/or extending from the center and/or the center of the cross-section, a cross-shaped cross-section with four protrusions, a star-shaped cross-section with five protrusions, or may also have an O-shaped cross-section, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
In some embodiments, the lyocell fibers may include three or more protrusions branching and/or extending from the center and/or the center of the cross-section.
In some embodiments, the lyocell fibers included in the lyocell tow may have a Y-shaped cross-section in terms of application to cigarette filters.
In the present specification, a "hollow" may refer to a channel extending along a longitudinal direction.
In the present specification, the cross-sectional shape of the channel formed in a front-end plug, which is "trilobal," "quadlobal," or "multilobal," may refer to a shape of a cross-section in which three, four or more protrusions branch and/or extend from the center of the cross-section of the channel, respectively. Here, the "protrusion" may refer to a distinct and extended segment or arm extending outward from the central core or joining point of the cross-section of the channel.
In the present specification, "consisting of" any element may mean including or consisting of that element.
In the present specification, a "tubular rod" may refer to a filter rod including a hollow formed therein, whereas a filter rod including no hollow formed therein may be referred to as a "cylindrical rod."
In the present specification, a "recessed rod" may refer to a filter rod having one or more pores.
In the present specification, a "recessed filter" may refer to a filter having one or more pores.
In the present specification, the "wrapping" of a smoking article by a wrapper may refer to at least a portion of the peripheral surface along the longitudinal axis of each part and/or structure of the smoking article being surrounded by the wrapper.
In the present specification, "basis weight" refers to a mass per unit area of wrapping paper and/or a wrapper. The basis weight of the wrapping paper and/or wrapper may be determined by measuring the mass and area of the wrapping paper and/or wrapper and dividing the mass of the wrapping paper and/or wrapper by the area. The unit of the basis weight may be gram per square meter (gsm), i.e., g/m².
In the present specification, "hard wrapping paper" refers to wrapping paper having a basis weight greater than or equal to a certain value.
In some embodiments, "grease-resistant wrapping paper" may refer to wrapping paper that is surface-treated to be grease-resistant, and "grease-resistant hard wrapping paper" may refer to hard wrapping paper that is surface-treated to be grease-resistant.
In some embodiments, "general wrapping paper" may refer to wrapping paper that is not surface-treated to be grease-resistant, and "general hard wrapping paper" may refer to hard wrapping paper that is not surface-treated to be grease-resistant.
In the present specification, the hardness of the first segment is a value obtained by quantifying the degree to which the diameter of the first segment is maintained when the first segment is pressed with a certain level of force in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first segment, and may be a ratio of the diameter of the first segment after the force is applied to the diameter of the first segment before the force is applied expressed as a percentage. For example, the hardness (%) of the first segment may be calculated as (D-a)/D × 100%. Here, D represents the diameter of the first segment, and a represents the distance the first segment is lowered by a 300 g weight (i.e., when the first segment is pressed). The measured value necessary for calculating the hardness may be obtained using, for example, DHT 200^™ of Filtrona. In measuring the hardness, the force applied to the first segment may be considered to be a value equivalent to the force applied when an actual user holds a smoking article.
A filter of the smoking article according to one aspect of the present invention may collect at least a portion of smoke components generated when the smoking article is smoked. In some embodiments, the filter of the smoking article may collect the total particulate matter (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as "TPM") including at least a portion of at least one of nicotine (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as "Nic"), tar, propylene glycol (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as "PG"), and glycerin (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as "Gly") included in the smoke components generated when the smoking article is smoked.
In the present specification, "resistance to draw" refers to a difference in static pressure between both ends of a sample when an airflow passes through the sample. In the present specification, "PDC" refers to a value obtained by measuring the resistance to draw in a state in which a medium portion is open, the perforations of a filter portion are blocked, and the inflow of outside air is blocked, and "PDO" refers to a value obtained by measuring the resistance to draw in a state in which the medium portion is open, the perforations of the filter portion are not blocked, and the inflow of outside air is allowed. For example, the resistance to draw may be measured using the method specified in ISO standard 6565:2015. According to ISO standard 6565:2015, the resistance to draw may refer to a difference in static pressure between both ends of the sample when an airflow passes through the sample under normal conditions (22 ± 2°C and 60 ± 5% relative humidity) with a volume flow rate of 17.5 mm/s at the discharge end.
In the present specification, an organic acid is a general term for organic compounds that are acidic.
In some embodiments, room temperature may refer to 20°C to 25°C.
In the present specification, when no separate physical quantity is indicated, the term "component %" and "component proportion refer to the % by weight of the component and the weight proportion of the component, respectively.
In the present specification, "puff" refers to an action of drawing or inhaling the air through a smoking article to produce and inhale smoke or vapor. "Puff count" may refer to the total number of drawing and inhalation actions during use of the smoking article. Alternatively or additionally, the puff count may represent the maximum number of drawing and inhalation actions that the smoking article can provide before it is completely consumed or ceases to function.
In the present specification, Health Canada (HC) conditions may include a puff volume of 55 ml, a puff frequency of 30 seconds, and a puff duration of 2 seconds. Particularly, the HC conditions may be based on a state in which the perforations of a filter are blocked. In measurement under the HC conditions, the puff count may be 9.
In the present specification, the "ventilation rate (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as "Vent")" of a smoking article may be defined as the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the total volume flow rate (e.g., mL/s) of air entering the smoking article without burning or heating through the front region, that is, the longitudinal upstream end, of the smoking article to the total volume flow rate (e.g., mL/s) of air at the outlet, that is, the longitudinal downstream end, of the smoking article. For example, the ventilation rate may be measured according to ISO 9512:2019. For example, the total volume flow rate of air entering the smoking article without burning or heating through the front region of the smoking article may be the total volume flow rate of air entering in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the smoking article. For example, the total volume flow rate of air entering the smoking article without burning or heating through the front region of the smoking article may be the total volume flow rate of air entering the smoking article through wrapping paper.
The contents of the components in the total particulate matter (TPM) of the collected smoke may be analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). For example, in the case of tar or nicotine, a Cambridge filter (Cambridge filter pad (CFP)) on which the smoke components are collected is immersed in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes to 16 hours) . In the case of PG and Gly, a Cambridge filter (Cambridge filter pad (CFP)) on which the smoke components are collected is immersed in methanol for a predetermined time (for example, 2 hours to 16 hours), treated using a shaker device, and then passed through a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) syringe filter to remove impurities. Thereafter, the contents of the components included in the total particulate matter (TPM) of the collected smoke may be measured using a GC/MS device. The immersion time may be 20 minutes or more, particularly for tar or nicotine, and 2 hours or more for PG and Gly.
The GC/MS may be, for example, a measuring device from Agilent.
Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams showing examples of smoking articles inserted into an aerosol generation device.
Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generation device 1 includes a battery 11, a controller 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aerosol generation device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. Also, a smoking article 3 may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generation device 1.
Components related to the present embodiment are shown in the aerosol generation device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Accordingly, a person skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that the aerosol generation device 1 may further include other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.
Also, although FIGS. 2 and 3 show that the aerosol generation device 1 includes a heater 13, the heater 13 may also be omitted when necessary. In some embodiments, the aerosol generation device 1 does not include a heater. In some embodiments, the battery 11, the controller 12, and the vaporizer 14 are arranged sequentially, that is, arranged in a row, along the longitudinal direction of the smoking article 3.
FIG. 1 shows that the battery 11, the controller 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. In some embodiments, the battery 11, the controller 12, and the heater 13 are arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the smoking article 3. Also, FIG. 2 shows that the battery 11, the controller 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the smoking article 3. In some embodiments, the battery 11, the controller 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged sequentially, that is, arranged in a row, along the longitudinal direction of the smoking article 3. In addition, FIG. 3 shows that the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 may vary depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.
When the smoking article 3 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, the aerosol generation device 1 may operate the heater 13 and/or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or vaporizer 14 is delivered to a user through the smoking article 3.
When necessary, the aerosol generation device 1 may heat the heater 13 even when the smoking article 3 is not inserted into the aerosol generation device 1.
The battery 11 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery 11 may supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14 and may supply the power required for the controller 12 to operate. Also, the battery 11 may supply the power required for displays, sensors, motors, and the like installed in the aerosol generation device 1 to operate.
The controller 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. In particular, the controller 12 may control the operation of not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generation device 1. Also, the controller 12 may also check the status of each of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generation device 1 is in an operable state.
The controller 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may also be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program that may be executed by the microprocessor is stored. Also, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that the processor may be implemented as other types of hardware.
The heater 13 may be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when the smoking article 3 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, the heater 13 may be located outside the smoking article 3. Accordingly, the heated heater 13 may increase the temperature of an aerosol-generating material in the smoking article 3.
The heater 13 may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the example described above, and a heater that can be heated to a desired temperature may be used without limitation as the heater. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generation device 1 or may be set by the user.
Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heating heater. In particular, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil configured to heat the smoking article 3 in an induction heating manner, and the smoking article 3 may include a susceptor that may be heated by the induction heating heater.
For example, heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, and/or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside and/or outside of the smoking article 3 depending on the shape of the heating element.
Also, a plurality of heaters 13 may also be arranged in the aerosol generation device 1. At this time, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the smoking article 3, or may be arranged outside the smoking article 3. Also, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the smoking article 3, and the remainder may be arranged outside the smoking article 3. In some embodiments, the heater 13 may heat the interior and the exterior of the smoking article 3. Also, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and may be manufactured in various shapes. In some embodiments, the heater 13 may include an electrical resistance heater and an induction heating heater.
The vaporizer 14 may generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user through the smoking article 3. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 may move along an airflow passage of the aerosol generation device 1, and the airflow passage may be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 may be delivered to the user through the smoking article 3. The vaporizer 14 may generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and may discharge the aerosol toward the smoking article such that the aerosol passes through the smoking article inserted into a smoking article insertion portion.
For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage portion, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage portion, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may also be included as separate modules in the aerosol generation device 1.
The liquid storage portion may store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage portion may be manufactured to be detachable from/attachable to the vaporizer 14, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.
For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring, a flavoring agent, and/or a vitamin mixture. The flavoring may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and/or various fruit flavor components, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The flavoring agent may include components that may provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Also, the liquid composition may include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.
The liquid delivery means may deliver the liquid composition of the liquid storage portion 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 a porous ceramic.
The heating element is an element configured to heat the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, and/or a ceramic heater, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Also, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by the current supply, and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element to heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.
For reference, the vaporizer 14 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
Meanwhile, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generation device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor configured to output tactile information. Also, the aerosol generation device 1 may include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and/or a smoking article insertion detection sensor). In addition, the aerosol generation device 1 may be manufactured to have a structure in which outside air may be introduced or an inside gas may be discharged in a state in which the smoking article 3 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1.
Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generation device 1 may be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generation device 1. Alternatively or additionally, the heater 13 may be heated in a state in which the cradle is combined with the aerosol generation device 1.
The smoking article 3 may be similar to a typical combustion-type smoking article. For example, the smoking article 3 may be divided into a tobacco rod 31 including a tobacco material and an aerosol-generating material and a filter rod 32 including a filter and the like. Alternatively, the filter rod 32 of the smoking article 3 may also include an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material manufactured in the form of a granule or capsule may also be inserted into the tobacco rod 31 and optionally into some region of the filter rod 32.
The entire tobacco rod 31 may be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generation device 1, and the filter rod 32 may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the tobacco rod 31 may be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generation device 1, or the entire tobacco rod 31 and a portion of the filter rod 32 may also be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generation device 1. The user may inhale an aerosol while holding the filter rod 32 in his or her mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated as the outside air passes through the tobacco rod 31, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth through the filter rod 32.
In some embodiments, the outside air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the opening/closing and/or the size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generation device 1 may be controlled by the user. Accordingly, the amount of vapor, the smoking sensation, and the like may be controlled by the user. As another example, the outside air may be introduced into the interior of the smoking article 3 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the smoking article 3.
Hereinafter, the structure of the smoking article will be described with reference to FIG. 4.
Referring to FIG. 4, a smoking article 3 includes a tobacco rod 31, a filter rod 32, and a front-end plug 33. The tobacco rod 31 includes a tobacco material and an aerosol-generating material. The tobacco material may be tobacco.
In some embodiments, in the smoking article, the filter rod 32, the tobacco rod 31, and the front-end plug 33 are arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the smoking article 3.
The filter rod 32 may be adjacent to one side of the tobacco rod 31 or to the rear end of the tobacco rod 31. The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 configured to cool an aerosol and a second segment 322 configured to filter certain components included in the aerosol. In some embodiments, the first segment 321 is arranged between the tobacco rod 31 and the second segment 322.
In the present specification, the first segment 321 and the second segment 322 may also be referred to as the cooling structure 321 and the mouthpiece portion 322, respectively, to emphasize the function of the first and second segments 321 and 322 as filters.
The front-end plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32 or located on the other side opposite to the one side of the tobacco rod 31. The front-end plug 33 may be adjacent to the front end of the tobacco rod 31. The front-end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from separating to the outside, and may prevent a liquefied aerosol from being introduced from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol generation device (the reference numeral '1' in FIGS. 1 to 3) during smoking.
The smoking article 3 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may surround the smoking article 3. In some embodiments, the smoking article 3 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 35 by surrounding at least a portion of the smoking article 3. For example, the front-end plug 33 may be wrapped with a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped with a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped with a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped with a fourth wrapper 354. Optionally, the entire smoking article 3 may be rewrapped with a fifth wrapper 355. The fifth wrapper 355 may be an outer wrapper, and the first wrapper 351, the second wrapper 352, the third wrapper 353, and the fourth wrapper 354, which are surrounded by the fifth wrapper 355, may be referred to as inner wrappers.
The diameter of the smoking article 3 may be in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the front-end plug 33 may have a length of approximately 4 mm to 20 mm (for example, 7 mm), the tobacco rod 31 may have a length of approximately 13 mm to 17 mm(for example, 15 mm), the first segment 321 may have a length of approximately 7 mm to 20 mm (for example, 12 mm), and the second segment 322 may have a length of approximately 4 mm to 20 mm (for example, 14 mm), but the present invention is not limited thereto.
For example, the tobacco rod 31 may include at least one of aerosol-generating materials such as glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In particular, the tobacco rod 31 may further contain at least one of other additives, such as a flavoring agent, a humectant, and/or an organic acid. In particular, a flavoring liquid including menthol and/or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 31 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 31.
The tobacco rod 31 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 31 may be manufactured as a sheet, and/or manufactured as strands. Alternatively or additionally, the tobacco rod 31 may be manufactured as cut filler in which a tobacco sheet is finely chopped. Also, the tobacco rod 31 may be manufactured to include at least one of the forms of tobacco particles, tobacco sheets, tobacco beads, tobacco granules, and tobacco powder. When the tobacco rod 31 includes tobacco granules and the like, tobacco rod 31 may further include paper and/or lyocell tow, and/or cellulose acetate tow for settling the tobacco granules and the like.
There is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 32. For example, the filter rod 32 may be a cylindrical rod, or may also be a tubular rod including a hollow formed therein. Also, the filter rod 32 may be a recessed rod. When the filter rod 32 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape from the other segments.
Hereinafter, each of the segments of filter rod 32 will be described in detail.
The first segment 321 of the filter rod 32 may cool an aerosol generated when the heater 13 heats the tobacco rod 31. Accordingly, the user may inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.
According to some embodiments, the first segment 321 of the filter rod 32 may be a lyocell filter composed of lyocell tow including a plurality of lyocell fibers. The first segment 321 may be a tubular structure including a hollow formed therein. The hollow may extend along the longitudinal direction of the first segment 321. The hollow may be located at the center of the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first segment 321, and may extend along the longitudinal direction of the first segment 321. The hollow and the first segment 321 may have a coaxial structure along the longitudinal direction. The length or diameter of the first segment 321 may vary depending on the shape of the smoking article 3. For example, the length of the first segment 321 may be appropriately adjusted in the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the first segment 321 may have a length of approximately 12 mm, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
When the tobacco rod 31 is inserted into the heater 13, the first segment 321 may prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 31 from being pushed backward (i.e., in a direction opposite to the insertion direction), and also provide an aerosol cooling effect.
In the present invention, the lyocell fibers included in the first segment 321 may be environmentally-friendly fibers made of cellulose extracted from wood pulp. The lyocell tow may refer to a bundle formed by cross-linking adjacent lyocell fibers.
In some embodiments, the first segment 321 may have an outer diameter of approximately 6 mm to 10 mm, preferably 6.1 mm to 9 mm, more preferably 6.2 mm to 8 mm, even more preferably 6.3 mm to 7.8 mm, even more preferably 6.4 mm to 7.6 mm, even more preferably 6.6 mm to 7.4 mm, even more preferably 6.8 mm to 7.2 mm, and most preferably 7 mm. The inner diameter of the first segment 321 (i.e., the diameter of the hollow) is smaller than the outer diameter of the first segment 321. In this case, the inner diameter of the first segment 321 may be appropriately adjusted in the range of approximately 2 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2.1 mm to 5.5 mm, more preferably 2.2 mm to 5 mm, even more preferably 2.3 mm to 4.5 mm, and even more preferably 2.4 mm to 4 mm, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Preferably, the first segment 321 may have an inner diameter of 2.5 mm to 3.0 mm or 3.5 mm to 4.0 mm, preferably 2.7 mm to 2.9 mm or 3.7 mm to 3.9 mm, or more preferably 2.8 mm or 3.8 mm, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the first segment 321 may be 10% to 90%, preferably 20% to 80%, more preferably 25% to 75%, even more preferably 30% to 70%, and even more preferably 35% to 65% of the outer diameter of the first segment 321, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
In some embodiments, the lyocell fibers may have a non-circular cross-section. The non-circular cross-section is defined as a cross-section whose shape is not circular but includes a plurality of protrusions. For example, a cross-section having a shape in which a plurality of protrusions extend from the center thereof may be referred to as a non-circular cross-section.
In some embodiments, the lyocell fibers may have a Y-shaped cross-section with three protrusions branching from the center thereof, a cross-shaped cross-section with four protrusions, and/or a star-shaped cross-section with five protrusions, or may also have an O-shaped cross-section, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
In some embodiments, the first segment 321 may further include at least one binder. The binder may be dispersed in the lyocell tow constituting the first segment 321. In particular, the binder may be distributed over the entire region of the lyocell tow constituting the first segment 321. The binder may function to bind between a plurality of lyocell fibers constituting the lyocell tow to impart appropriate hardness to the first segment 321. As described above, since lyocell does not have a plasticizer material that hardens lyocell fibers, unlike cellulose acetate, the first segment 321 may be appropriately imparted with hardness by adding at least one binder instead.
In some embodiments, the binder may include at least one of a cellulose-based binder, a vinyl-based binder, a polyester-based binder, a dextrin-based binder, a starch-based binder, guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, carrageenan, konjac, and agar, but is not limited thereto as long as the binder is a material capable of binding between a plurality of lyocell fibers to impart appropriate hardness. For example, the cellulose-based binder may include hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), ethyl cellulose (EC), methyl cellulose (MC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and the like, the vinyl-based binder may include polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVAc), and the like, the polyester-based binder may be a polyester including one or more selected from the group consisting of alkylenes, arylenes, and heteroarylenes having 5 to 12 carbon atoms, the dextrin-based binder may include dextrin and the like, and the starch-based binder may include starch (for example, tapioca, corn, wheat, potato, sweet potato, and the like), cationic starch, and/or esterified starch, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
In some embodiments, the binder may include at least one of a polyester including one or more selected from the group consisting of alkylenes, arylenes, and heteroarylenes having 5 to 12 carbon atoms, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), ethyl cellulose (EC), methyl cellulose (MC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVAc), dextrin, tapioca starch, corn starch, wheat starch, potato starch, sweet potato starch, cationic starch, esterified starch, guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, carrageenan, konjac, and agar.
In some embodiments, the binder may be added so that the binder may be dispersed within the lyocell tow during a process of manufacturing the first segment 321. For example, during the process of manufacturing the first segment 321, the binder may be added to the interior of the lyocell tow by wrapping the lyocell tow around a heater rod and spraying the binder onto the outer surface of the cylindrical lyocell tow formed to wrap the heater rod from the inside thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the binder may be added to the interior of the lyocell tow by adding the binder through the inner surface of the lyocell tow formed to wrap the heater rod from the inside thereof, from the heater rod, but the method of manufacturing the first segment 321 is not limited thereto.
In some embodiments, the first segment 321 including lyocell tow in which the binder is dispersed may have a hardness of 60% to 99%, preferably 70% to 98.5%, more preferably 75% to 98%, even more preferably 80% to 97.5%, and even more preferably 85% to 97%, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The hardness of the first segment 321 is a value obtained by quantifying the degree to which the diameter of the first segment 321 is maintained when the first segment 321 is pressed with a certain level of force in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first segment 321, and may be a value indicating, as a percentage, the ratio of the diameter of the first segment 321 after the force is applied to the diameter of the first segment 321 before the force is applied. When the first segment 321 has a hardness within the above range, the first segment 321 may have the effect of stably maintaining its shape even though the first segment 321 is a tubular structure composed of lyocell tow, and due to this stable maintenance of the shape of the first segment 321, the deterioration in the quality of smoking experience caused by the deformation of the first segment 321 during storage or smoking of the smoking article 3 may be prevented.
Since the first segment 321 is applied in the form of a tube composed of lyocell tow and having a hollow formed therein, the smoking article 3 according to the present invention may have the effect of effectively reducing an amount of moisture transferred during smoking due to the superior moisture affinity characteristics of lyocell tow compared to cellulose acetate tow, thereby reducing the feeling of heat felt by the user and maximizing the cooling effect.
Also, deformation of the first segment 321 caused by heat transferred from a heater configured to heat the smoking article 3 or an aerosol generated within the smoking article 3 may be effectively prevented or minimized due to the excellent heat resistance of lyocell tow.
The second segment 322 of the filter rod 32 may cool an aerosol generated when the heater 13 heats the tobacco rod 31. Accordingly, the user may inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature. Also, the second segment 322 may serve as a mouthpiece that comes into contact with the user's oral region and as a filter that ultimately delivers the aerosol delivered from the upstream side to the user.
The length of the second segment 322 may be appropriately adjusted in the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the second segment 322 may have a length of approximately 14 mm, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
The second segment 322 of the filter rod 32 may be a cellulose acetate filter or a lyocell filter. That is, the second segment 322 may be manufactured using a cellulose acetate fiber (particularly, cellulose acetate tow) as a filter material or a lyocell fiber (particularly, lyocell tow) as a filter material. Although not shown herein, the second segment 322 may also be manufactured as a recessed filter.
During the process of manufacturing the second segment 322, the second segment 322 may be manufactured so that a flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid including at least one flavoring element and/or humectant onto the second segment 322. The flavoring element may include, for example, menthol. Alternatively or additionally, separate fibers coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the interior of the second segment 322. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 31 is cooled as it passes through the first segment 321, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the second segment 322. Therefore, when the flavoring element is added to the second segment 322, an effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user may be achieved.
At least one capsule 34 may be included in the second segment 322. Here, the capsule 34 may be a structure in which a liquid including a flavoring is wrapped with a film. For example, the capsule 34 may have a spherical and/or cylindrical shape.
The front-end plug 33 may serve to prevent a liquefied aerosol from flowing into the aerosol generation device (the reference numeral '1' in FIGS. 1 to 3) from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking.
The length and/or diameter of the front-end plug 33 may vary depending on the shape of the smoking article 3. For example, the length of the front-end plug 33 may be appropriately adjusted in the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the front-end plug 33 may have a length of approximately 7 mm, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
The front-end plug 33 may be manufactured to include or be composed of cellulose acetate and/or lyocell. Also, the front-end plug 33 may include at least one channel formed therein, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in various shapes. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the channel formed in the front-end plug 33 may be formed in various shapes such as a trilobal shape, a tetralobal shape, a multilobal shape, a polygonal shape, a hard shape, and the like.
Hereinafter, the wrapper 35 will be described in detail.
The first wrapper 351 may be general filter wrapping paper combined with a metal foil such as aluminum foil. In some embodiments, the first wrapper 351 may be general filter wrapping paper combined with aluminum foil. The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may each independently be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.
In some embodiments, the third wrapper 353 configured to wrap the first segment 321 has a basis weight greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and may be composed (i.e., made) of at least one of grease-resistant hard wrapping paper treated to be grease-resistant and general hard wrapping paper not treated to be grease-resistant. Meanwhile, since the third wrapper 353 is composed of hard wrapping paper having a basis weight greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the third wrapper 353 may not only function as a packaging material configured to wrap the first segment 321 including lyocell tow, but also function to impart a certain level of hardness or higher to the filter rod 32 according to the present invention. The third wrapper 353 may include grease-resistant hard wrapping paper, and/or general hard wrapping paper other than grease-resistant hard wrapping paper. In particular, the third wrapper 353 may include wrapping paper having a basis weight of 30 gsm to 180 gsm, preferably 35 gsm to 170 gsm, more preferably 40 gsm to 160 gsm, even more preferably 50 gsm to 158 gsm, even more preferably 60 gsm to 155 gsm, even more preferably 70 gsm to 150 gsm, and even more preferably 75 gsm to 150 gsm, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
Hereinafter, the configurations of the present invention and the advantageous effects according thereto will be described in more detail with reference to examples and comparative examples. However, it should be understood that these examples are merely for describing the present invention in more detail, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Example 1

A first segment having the same structure as the structure shown in FIG. 4 was manufactured using a lyocell material. In particular, cylindrical lyocell tow was formed to surround a heater rod, and a dextrin binder (dextrin) was injected into the lyocell tow through the inner surface of the lyocell tow from the heater rod to manufacture a first segment having an inner diameter of approximately 3.8 mm and a circumference of approximately 22.6 mm. Thereafter, a heating-type cigarette (as the smoking article of Example 1) having a structure including a front-end plug having a length of 7 mm, a tobacco rod including tobacco material and having a length of 15 mm, the first segment of Example 1 having a length of 12 mm, and a second segment composed of cellulose acetate and having a length of 14 mm, as in the smoking article 3 shown in FIG. 4, was manufactured, and the physical properties were measured. The results are shown in Table 1 below.
Hereinafter, unless otherwise further specified herein, PDC may refer to a value obtained by measuring the resistance to draw in a state in which the tobacco rod is open, the perforations of the filter portion are blocked, and the inflow of outside air is blocked, and PDO may refer to a value obtained by measuring the resistance to draw in a state in which the tobacco rod is open, the perforations of the filter portion are not blocked, and the inflow of outside air is allowed.

Comparative Example 1

A heating-type cigarette (as the smoking article of Comparative Example 1) was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the first segment was manufactured using a cellulose acetate material, and the physical properties were measured. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Experimental Example 1: Physical property evaluation

To find out changes in the physical properties of the smoking article according to the material constituting the first segment, an experiment was conducted to measure the physical properties of the smoking articles according to Comparative Example 1 and Example 1. In particular, the weight, circumference, and resistance to draw (ventilation rate (Vent)) of the smoking articles were measured. The measurement results are listed in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

Classification Weight (mg) Circumference (mm) PDO (mmH₂0) PDC (mmH₂0) Vent (%)

Comparative Example 1 524.6 22.6 52.3 87.0 53.4

Example 1 537.6 22.6 51.5 84.8 53.3

(In Table 1 above, Vent represents a ventilation rate (VR).)
Referring to Table 1 above, it can be seen that the smoking articles, which are composed of lyocell tow and cellulose acetate, respectively, as the materials constituting the first segment, exhibit similar physical properties, and have similar ventilation rate (VR) and resistance to draw characteristics, which may be associated with heat resistance and cooling during smoking.

Experimental Example 2: Moisture transfer amount of smoking articles according to material of first segment (heat reduction effect)

To compare the moisture transfer amounts in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article according to the material constituting the first segment, the tobacco rods of the smoking articles according to Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 were heated to a heating temperature of 190°C to 280°C using an external heating method, and the moisture content (as the moisture transfer amount) in the generated smoke was measured. The results are listed in Table 2 below.
In particular, this experiment was conducted on the smoking articles according to Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 in a smoking room having an internal temperature of approximately 22 ± 2°C and an internal relative humidity of approximately 60 ± 5% (specifically, a temperature of approximately 21.9°C and a relative humidity of 64.3%). In this case, the experiment was conducted under smoking conditions, that is, HC conditions (Puff volume: 55 mL/Puff frequency: 30 s/Puff duration: 2 s/Puff count: 9 puffs). The generated smoke was collected on a Cambridge filter (i.e., a Cambridge filter pad (CFP)), and the moisture content (moisture transfer amount) collected within the Cambridge filter (pad) was measured. The results are listed in Table 2 below. [Table 2]

Classification Moisture transfer amount (mg)

Comparative Example 1 22.91

Example 1 16.19
Referring to Tables 1 and 2 above, it can be seen that the smoking articles of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 have similar physical properties, while the moisture content of the mainstream smoke is lower in the smoking article of Example 1 than in the smoking article of Comparative Example 1. That is, since the smoking article of Example 1 has a lower moisture transfer amount in the mainstream smoke compared to the smoking article of Comparative Example 1, it can be seen that the feeling of heat (i.e., hot feeling) delivered to the user through the mainstream smoke during smoking is lower in the smoking article of Example 1 in which the first segment is composed of a lyocell material, compared to the smoking article of Comparative Example 1 in which the first segment is composed of cellulose acetate. It may be inferred that this is because the moisture in the aerosol moving into the smoking article during smoking is absorbed into the lyocell tow constituting the first segment while passing through the first segment composed of lyocell due to the superior moisture affinity of the lyocell material compared to the cellulose acetate material. That is, it can be seen that the smoking article of Example 1, in which the first segment is composed of the lyocell material, has the superior effect of reducing the feeling of heat felt by the smoker during smoking compared to the smoking article of Comparative Example 1, in which the first segment is composed of the cellulose acetate material.

Experimental Example 3: Evaluation of deformation by heat according to material of first segment

To analyze the material deformation due to heat generated when the tobacco rod of the smoking article is heated according to the material constituting the first segment, the tobacco rods of the smoking articles according to Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 were heated in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2 (i.e., heated to a heating temperature of 190°C to 280°C using an external heating method), and the smoking articles were then disassembled to take pictures of the first segments, which are shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, FIG. 5A is an image obtained by photographing the first segments of Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 before the experiment (before smoking). Here, the left side of FIG. 5A shows the first segment of Comparative Example 1, and the right side of FIG. 5A shows the first segment of Example 1. Also, in FIG. 5, FIG. 5B is an image obtained by photographing the first segments of Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 after the experiment (after smoking). Here, the left side of FIG. 5B shows the first segment of Comparative Example 1, and the right side of FIG. 5B shows the first segment of Example 1.
Referring to FIG. 5A in FIG. 5, it can be seen that the first segment of Comparative Example 1 made of cellulose acetate and the first segment of Example 1 made of lyocell before smoking have substantially the same appearance.
Referring to FIG. 5B in FIG. 5, it can be seen that the first segment of Comparative Example 1 turned yellow after smoking was performed (i.e., after heating the first segment to a temperature of 190°C to 280°C and puffing), but the first segment of Example 1 was not discolored. Based on these results, it can be seen that the cellulose acetate material was discolored due to the heat generated during smoking, but the lyocell material was not discolored.
Also, it can be seen that since the first segment of Comparative Example 1 not only discolored but also melted and stuck (i.e., melted down) after smoking, the first segment has a shape different from that of the wrapper surrounding the first segment and becomes smaller than the initial shape, but the first segment of Example 1 was substantially the same as the shape of the wrapper and thus largely maintained its initial shape. That is, it can be seen that the cellulose acetate material (Comparative Example 1) deformed because a melting phenomenon occurred due to heat, but the lyocell material (Example 1) did not deform because it did not melt due to heat.
Therefore, the lyocell material may have superior heat resistance compared to the cellulose acetate material, thereby effectively preventing or minimizing the material deformation that may be caused by heat generated during smoking, heat within the aerosol, and/or heat applied to heat the tobacco rod. Accordingly, it can be seen that the first segment of Example 1 has superior heat absorption performance compared to the first segment of Comparative Example 1, and has the advantage of being able to maintain the original shape without material deformation based on excellent heat resistance.

Example 2 and Example 3

As in Example 1, each of the first segment of Example 2 having an inner diameter of approximately 2.8 mm and a circumference of 22.6 mm and the first segment of Example 3 having an inner diameter of approximately 3.8 mm and a circumference of approximately 22.6 mm was manufactured. Thereafter, a heating-type cigarette (as the smoking articles of Examples 2 and 3) having a structure including a front-end plug having a length of 7 mm, a tobacco rod including a tobacco material and having a length of 15 mm, the first segment of Example 2 or 3 having a length of 12 mm, and a second segment composed of cellulose acetate and having a length of 14 mm was manufactured as in the smoking article 3 shown in FIG. 1, and the physical properties of the smoking articles were measured. The results are listed in Table 3 below.

[Table 3]

Classification (inner diameter)	Weight (mg)	Circumference (mm)	PDO (mmH₂0)	PDC (mmH₂0)	Vent (%)
Example 2 (2.8 mm)	615.6	22.538	55.4	56.6	7.05
Example 3 (3.8 mm)	612.7	22.594	55.8	57.2	7.78

(In Table 3, Vent represents a ventilation rate (VR).)

Experimental Example 4: Analysis of components in smoke according to inner diameter of first segment

To compare the components in smoke according to the inner diameter of the first segment, the tobacco rods of the smoking articles according to Examples 2 and 3 were heated to a heating temperature of 190°C to 280°C using an external heating method, and the total particulate matter (TPM), nicotine components, moisture content, and the like were measured. The results are listed in Table 4 below.
In particular, an experiment was conducted on the smoking articles according to Examples 2 and 3 in a smoking room having an internal temperature of approximately 22 ± 2°C and an internal relative humidity of approximately 60 ± 5% (specifically, a temperature of approximately 21.9°C and a relative humidity of 64.3%). In this case, the experiment was conducted under smoking conditions, that is, HC conditions (Puff volume: 55 mL/Puff frequency: 30 s/Puff duration: 2 s/Puff count: 9 puffs). The generated smoke was collected on a Cambridge filter (pad), and analyzed. The total particulate matter (TPM) is a value obtained by measuring the change in weight of the Cambridge filter before and after smoking using a smoking device. For the remaining components, the collected smoke was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). [Table 4]

Classification TPM (mg) Tar (mg) Nic (mg) PG (mg) Gly (mg) Moisture (mg)

Example 2 24.62 13.77 0.34 0.60 2.41 10.51

Example 3 29.66 15.69 0.43 0.87 3.51 13.54
Referring to Table 4 above, the smoke components transferred during smoking may differ depending on the difference in the inner diameter of the first segment. In particular, the moisture transfer amount of Example 2, in which the first segment has an inner diameter of 2.8 mm, was 10.51 mg, and the moisture transfer amount of Example 3, in which the first segment has an inner diameter of 3.8 mm, was 13.54 mg. Based on these results, since Example 3 has a larger moisture transfer amount than Example 2, it can be seen that the smaller the inner diameter of the tubular structure, the better the user's heat reduction effect.
Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains should understand that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as being illustrative, instead of limiting, in all aspects. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent to the claims should be interpreted as falling within the scope of rights of the technical spirit defined by the present disclosure.

[EXPLANATION OF DRAWING SYMBOLS]

3: smoking article
31: tobacco rod
32: filter rod
321: first segment
322: second segment
33: front-end plug

Claims

A smoking article comprising:
a tobacco rod;

a front-end plug arranged on one side of the tobacco rod;

a first segment arranged on the other side opposite to the one side of the tobacco rod;
and

a second segment arranged on the other side of the first segment,

wherein the first segment includes lyocell tow including a plurality of lyocell fibers.
The smoking article of claim 1, wherein the lyocell tow of the first segment has a tube shape having a hollow formed therein.
The smoking article of claim 1, wherein the first segment further includes a binder dispersed in the plurality of lyocell tow.
The smoking article of claim 3, wherein the binder includes at least one of a cellulose-based binder, a vinyl-based binder, a polyester-based binder, a dextrin-based binder, and a starch-based binder.
The smoking article of claim 4, wherein the binder includes a dextrin-based binder.
The smoking article of claim 2, wherein the inner diameter of the first segment is 10% to 90% of the outer diameter of the first segment.
The smoking article of claim 2, wherein the first segment has an outer diameter of 6 mm to 10 mm and an inner diameter of 2 mm to 6 mm.
The smoking article of claim 1, wherein the front-end plug includes at least one of cellulose acetate or lyocell.
The smoking article of claim 1, wherein the front-end plug includes at least one channel formed therein.
The smoking article of claim 1, wherein the second segment includes at least one of cellulose acetate or lyocell.