JP2023549052A - Aerosol generating device with smokeless function and aerosol generating article used therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device with smokeless functionality and an aerosol generating article used therewith are provided. Aerosol-generating articles according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a tobacco rod that includes a first filter segment, a second filter segment, and a cavity segment. In this case, the cavity segment may be filled with tobacco granules, which have a lower moisture and/or aerosol-forming agent content than other types of tobacco materials, and therefore greatly reduce the production of visible smoke. can be reduced. Moreover, this makes it possible to easily realize the smokeless function of the aerosol generator.

Description

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device with smokeless functionality and an aerosol generating article used therewith.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative products that overcome the shortcomings of traditional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for devices that generate aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette stick (e.g. cigarette-type electronic cigarettes). Accordingly, research on electrically heated aerosol generators and cigarette sticks (or aerosol-generating articles) applied thereto has been actively conducted.

On the other hand, when no visible smoke is generated during smoking, there is an advantage that the user can enjoy smoking without restrictions of location or environment. Further, due to these advantages, smokeless tobacco products such as snuff, snus, chewing tobacco, etc. have been developed. However, the exemplified smokeless tobacco products have a disadvantage in that they cannot provide the same smoking sensation as combustible cigarettes or heated cigarette sticks.

A technical problem to be solved through some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generator with smokeless functionality.

Another technical problem addressed through some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device that has smokeless functionality.

Yet another technical problem to be solved through some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article used therewith that can operate in one of a smokeless mode and a smoky mode. It's about doing.

The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field of the present disclosure from the description below. can.

To solve the above technical problems, an aerosol generating article according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is an aerosol generating article used with an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article comprising a first filter segment, a second filter segment and a cavity segment. wherein the cavity segment is formed by the first filter segment and the second filter segment, and the cavity segment may be filled with tobacco granules.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generator may include smokeless functionality.

Some embodiments further include a filter rod located downstream of the tobacco rod, and the filter rod may include a cooling segment and a mouthpiece segment.

In some embodiments, the tobacco granules may contain less than 10% water by weight.

In some embodiments, the tobacco granules may contain no aerosol-forming agent or less than 3% by weight aerosol-forming agent.

In some embodiments, the first filter segment is located downstream of the cavity segment and may include paper material.

To solve the above technical problem, an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a housing that forms a housing space in which an aerosol-generating article is housed, and an aerosol-generating article that is housed in the housing space. the aerosol-generating article may include a tobacco rod including a cavity segment and a filter rod, and the cavity segment may be filled with tobacco granules.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device is configured to include a cartridge storing an aerosol forming agent, a cartridge heater unit heating the cartridge, and a set of a smokeless mode and a smoke mode. It may further include a control section for controlling.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure described above, it is possible to provide an aerosol-generating article suitable for realizing the smokeless function of an aerosol-generating device. Specifically, the provided aerosol-generating articles include a tobacco rod having a cavity filled with tobacco granules, which tobacco granules may be chopped (e.g. shredded tobacco, shredded tobacco), shredded leaf, shredded leaf, etc. Because the content of moisture and/or aerosol formers is significantly lower than that of tobacco materials such as tobacco materials, visible smoke production can be greatly reduced. In addition, since tobacco granules develop sufficient flavor even at relatively low temperatures compared to other types of tobacco substances, the heating temperature of the aerosol generator may be set relatively low, thereby , the generation of visible smoke can be further reduced.

Furthermore, by providing a smokeless function, users can use the aerosol generator without being restricted by location or environment. This can improve convenience for the user.

Also, a cavity segment may be formed by filter segments located upstream and downstream of the tobacco rod, and tobacco granules may be filled in the cavity segment. Accordingly, it is possible to easily manufacture a tobacco rod that can minimize the phenomenon of tobacco granules falling off.

Also, the filter segment forming the cavity segment of the tobacco rod may be made of a paper filter. In this case, it is possible to prevent the problem that the physical properties of the filter segment change due to heating by the heater section.

Also, the tobacco rod can be designed so that swirling occurs within the cavity segment during puffing. In this case, the tobacco granules are well mixed and heated by the generated swirl, so that a large number of tobacco granules can be heated uniformly, and as a result, the taste can be further improved.

The effects of the technical idea of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the following description.

1 is an exemplary diagram schematically illustrating an aerosol generation device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram schematically showing an aerosol generation device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram schematically showing an aerosol generation device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an aerosol generator operating in a smokeless mode according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an aerosol generator operating in a smoky mode according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. 1 is an exemplary diagram schematically illustrating an aerosol-generating article according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram schematically illustrating an aerosol-generating article according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the principle and conditions under which eddies are generated in aerosol-generating articles according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a heating structure of a heater section according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a heating structure of a heater section according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a heating structure of a heater section according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a heating structure of a heater section according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing experimental results regarding the influence of tobacco granules and leaflets on smokeless function. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing experimental results regarding the influence of the size of tobacco granules on the generation of vortices. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing experimental results regarding the influence of the size of tobacco granules on the generation of vortices. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing experimental results regarding the influence of the filling rate of tobacco granules on the generation of vortices. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing experimental results regarding the influence of the filling rate of tobacco granules on the generation of vortices. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing experimental results regarding the influence of the filling rate of tobacco granules on the generation of vortices. FIG. 6 shows experimental results on the effect of internal heating element thickness and shape on filter segment damage degree. FIG. 6 shows experimental results on the influence of the thickness and shape of the internal heating element on the degree of damage to the filter segment. FIG. 6 shows experimental results on the influence of the thickness and shape of the internal heating element on the degree of damage to the filter segment.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present disclosure, and the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be realized in various forms that are different from each other, and the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. This disclosure is provided so that those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will be fully informed of the scope of the disclosure, and that the technical idea of the disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims. only.

When adding reference numerals to the components in each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same numerals as much as possible even if they appear on different drawings. Further, when describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed explanation of related known configurations or functions may obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed explanation will be omitted.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the meanings that can be commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. can be used. Also, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or unduly unless explicitly specifically defined. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the embodiments and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular term also includes the plural term unless specifically stated otherwise in the text.

Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used when describing the components of the present disclosure. These terms are used only to distinguish the component from other components, and do not limit the essence, procedure, or order of the component. When any component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, that component is not directly coupled to or connected to that other component. However, it should be understood that further components may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

As used in this disclosure, "comprises" and/or "comprising" mean that the referenced component, step, act, and/or element is one or more other components, steps, acts, etc. and/or does not exclude the presence or addition of elements.

Prior to describing various embodiments of the present disclosure, some terms used in the following embodiments will be clarified.

In the embodiments below, "aerosol forming agent" may refer to a substance that can facilitate the formation of visible smoke and/or aerosol. Examples of aerosol formers include, but are not limited to, glycerin (GLY), propylene glycol (PG), ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. do not have. In the art, aerosol-forming agents can be used in conjunction with terms such as humectants, humectants, and the like.

In the following embodiments, "aerosol-forming substrate" may refer to a substance capable of forming an aerosol. Aerosols may also contain volatile compounds. Aerosol-forming substrates may be solid or liquid.

For example, solid aerosol-forming substrates may include solid materials based on tobacco materials such as tobacco plates, shredded, reconstituted tobacco, and liquid aerosol-forming substrates may include nicotine, tobacco extract, and/or tobacco extracts. or may include liquid compositions based on various flavoring agents. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. The aerosol-forming substrate may further include an aerosol-forming agent to stably form visible smoke and/or aerosol.

In the following embodiments, an "aerosol generating device" may refer to a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. For some illustrations of aerosol generating devices, see FIGS. 1-3.

In the embodiments below, "aerosol generating article" may mean an article capable of generating an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate. A typical example of an aerosol-generating article is a cigarette, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In the following embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" refers to the direction away from the user's (smoker's) mouth, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" refers to the direction away from the user's (smoker's) mouth. It can mean the direction from which you approach. The terms upstream and downstream may be used to describe the relative positions of the elements that make up the aerosol-generating article. For example, in the aerosol generating article 2 illustrated in FIG. 7, the tobacco rod 21 is located upstream or in the upstream direction of the filter rod 22, and the filter rod 22 is located downstream or in the downstream direction of the tobacco rod 21.

In the following embodiments, "puff" refers to the user's inhalation, and inhalation may refer to the situation of drawing into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose. .

In the following embodiments, "longitudinal direction" may mean a direction that corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram for explaining an aerosol generation device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the drawings from FIG. 1 onward illustrate the state in which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted (accommodated).

As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generator 1 according to the present embodiment may include a housing, a heater section 13, a battery 11, and a control section 12. However, FIG. 1 only shows components related to embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will understand that other general-purpose components may be further included in addition to the components shown in FIG. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 includes an input module (e.g. button, touchable display, etc.) for receiving input such as commands from the user, and an input module for outputting information such as device status, smoking information, etc. It may further include output modules (e.g. LEDs, displays, vibration motors, etc.). Each component of the aerosol generator 1 will be explained below.

The housing can form the appearance of the aerosol generator 1. Further, the housing can form a housing space for housing the aerosol-generating article 2 . Preferably, the housing is made of a material that can protect internal components.

Next, the heater section 13 can heat the aerosol-generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation space. Specifically, when the aerosol-generating article 2 is accommodated in the housing space of the aerosol-generating device 1 , the heater section 13 can heat the aerosol-generating article 2 using the electric power supplied from the battery 11 .

The heater unit 13 may be configured in various forms and/or ways.

For example, heater portion 13 may be configured to include an electrically resistive heating element. For example, the heater section 13 includes an electrically insulating substrate (e.g., a substrate formed of polyimide) and an electrically conductive track, and includes a heating element that generates heat as a current flows through the electrically conductive track. But that's fine. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and any heating element that can be heated to a desired temperature may be used without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generator 1 (e.g., if a temperature profile is stored in advance), or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

As another example, the heater section 13 may be configured to include a heating element that operates in an induction heating manner. Specifically, the heater unit 13 may include an inductor (e.g. induction coil) for heating the aerosol generating article 2 using an induction heating method, and a susceptor that is induction heated by the inductor. The susceptor may be located internally or externally to the aerosol generating article 2.

For example, the heater unit 13 may include a heating element that heats the aerosol-generating article 2 internally (hereinafter referred to as "internal heating element"), a heating element that heats externally (hereinafter referred to as "external heating element"), or a heating element that heats the aerosol generating article 2 internally (hereinafter referred to as "external heating element"). It may be configured to include a combination. The internal heating element has a shape such as a tube, a needle, or a rod, and may be arranged to penetrate at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 2, and the external heating element has a shape such as a plate or a cylinder. The aerosol-generating article 2 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 . However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the shape, number, arrangement, etc. of the heating elements can be designed in various ways. To avoid redundant explanations, a more detailed explanation of the heating structure of the heater section 13 will be given later with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12.

The battery 11 can then supply the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power so that the heater section 13 can heat the aerosol-generating article 2, and can supply the power necessary for the control section 12 to operate.

Additionally, the battery 11 can supply power necessary for operating electrical components such as a display (not shown), a sensor (not shown), and a motor (not shown) installed in the aerosol generator 1. can.

Next, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the aerosol generator 1 in general. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operations of the heater unit 13 and the battery 11, and can also control the operations of other components included in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can control the electric power supplied by the battery 11, the heating temperature of the heater unit 13, and the like. The control unit 12 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operable state.

The controller 12 may be implemented by at least one processor. The control unit may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microcontroller. Further, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains can readily understand that the control unit 12 may be implemented with other forms of hardware.

The aerosol-generating article 2 may have a structure similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the aerosol-generating article 2 is divided into a first part (e.g. tobacco rod) containing tobacco material (or aerosol-forming substrate) and a second part (e.g. filter rod) containing a filter or the like. be done. The entire first portion may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1, and the second portion may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first portion and a portion of the second portion may be inserted. The user can smoke while chewing the second portion with his or her mouth.

On the other hand, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 1 may have a smokeless function (i.e., a function in which no visible smoke is generated during use or a function in which the generation of visible smoke is minimized). . Further, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be designed to realize a smokeless function. Specifically, the aerosol-generating article 2 is an article filled with tobacco granules, and the aerosol-generating device 1 can operate to heat the aerosol-generating article 2 at a heating temperature of about 270° C. or less. In this case, no visible smoke is generated during smoking, or the generation of visible smoke can be minimized, but this is because the tobacco granules are chopped (e.g. shredded tobacco leaves, shredded leaflets), shredded leaves, etc. This is because the content of moisture and/or aerosol formers is significantly lower than that of tobacco material, thereby reducing the production of visible smoke. In addition, tobacco granules can develop sufficient flavor even when heated at a lower temperature than tobacco materials such as shredded leaves and leaves (e.g., the heating temperature for shredded leaves is usually 270°C or higher) (i.e., the nicotine This is because the heating temperature of the heater section 13 can be lowered, and as the heating temperature is lowered, the generation of visible smoke can be further reduced. This embodiment will be described in more detail later along with the structure of the aerosol-generating article 2 with reference to the drawings from FIG. 6 onwards.

Below, other types of aerosol generators 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. However, for the sake of clarity of the present disclosure, a description of content that overlaps with the above-described embodiments will be omitted.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams for explaining aerosol generators 1 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the present embodiment may further include a cartridge 15 and a cartridge heater section 14. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the heater section 13 (or aerosol-generating article 2) and the cartridge heater section 14 are arranged in a line, and FIG. This example shows that they are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the arrangement of the components can be changed as desired.

Cartridge 15 may include a liquid reservoir and a liquid transfer means. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cartridge 15 may further include other components. Further, the cartridge 15 may be manufactured so as to be detachable from the cartridge heater section 14, or may be manufactured integrally with the cartridge heater section 14.

The liquid storage tank can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance (or a nicotine-containing substance) or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. For example, liquid compositions may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts (e.g. tobacco extracts), nicotine, fragrances, aerosol formers, flavors or vitamin mixtures. Flavors may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor components, and the like. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or flavors 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 is not limited thereto. Furthermore, examples of aerosol forming agents include, but are not limited to, glycerin and propylene glycol.

Next, the liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition stored in the liquid storage tank to the cartridge heater section 14. For example, liquid transfer means include, but are not limited to, wick elements such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, and porous ceramics.

Next, the cartridge heater section 14 can heat the liquid aerosol-forming base material (e.g. liquid composition) stored in the cartridge 15 to form an aerosol. For example, the cartridge heater section 14 can heat the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means to form an aerosol. The formed aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the aerosol-generating article 2. In other words, the aerosol formed by the heating of the cartridge heater section 14 can move along the airflow path of the aerosol generation device 1, and the airflow path is such that the formed aerosol passes through the aerosol generation article 2 and is directed toward the user. may be configured so that it can be transmitted to The operation, heating temperature, etc. of the cartridge heater section 14 can be controlled by the control section 12.

Examples of the cartridge heater section 14 include, but are not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater section, and the like. Further, the cartridge heater section 14 may be made of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged so as to be surrounded by the liquid transmission means. However, it is not limited to this.

For reference, the cartridge heater unit 14 and the cartridge 15 are sometimes referred to by terms such as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, etc. in the art.

On the other hand, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generator 1 illustrated in FIG. 2 or 3 can operate in a smokeless mode or a smoky mode. Specifically, the aerosol generator 1 can operate in one of a smokeless mode and a smoke mode, and the operation mode can be set by the user. Hereinafter, each operation mode and the operation of the aerosol generator 1 will be additionally explained with further reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, the smokeless mode may refer to a mode in which aerosol is generated by the aerosol generator 1 and no visible smoke is generated (or a mode in which the generation of visible smoke is minimized). In order to realize the smokeless mode, the control unit 12 can operate only the heater unit 13 of the cartridge heater unit 14 and the heater unit 13. In other words, the control section 12 can operate only the heater section 13 in response to the determination that the set mode is the smokeless mode. In this case, the cartridge 15 is not heated, and only the aerosol-generating article 2 is heated, thereby preventing visible smoke from being generated. Specifically, the liquid stored in the cartridge 15 generates aerosol containing visible smoke when heated, but since the liquid is prevented from being heated, generation of visible smoke can also be prevented.

In some embodiments, as mentioned above, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be an article filled with tobacco granules. Since tobacco granules have a very low content of water and/or aerosol-forming agent, using such an aerosol-generating article 2 makes it easier to realize the smokeless mode of the aerosol-generating device 1. The aerosol generating article 2 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings from FIG. 6 onwards.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the smoky mode may mean a mode in which the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosol and also generates visible smoke. There are various ways to implement the smoke mode, and the specific implementation method may vary depending on the embodiment.

In some embodiments, the control unit 12 can operate both the cartridge heater unit 14 and the heater unit 13. In this case, the liquid stored in the cartridge 15 is heated to form an aerosol containing visible smoke, and the formed aerosol is released through the aerosol generating article 2, thereby implementing the smoky mode. . At this time, the heating temperature of the heater section 13 may be set lower than the heating temperature in the smokeless mode. In the smoking mode, the high-temperature aerosol formed by the cartridge 15 passes through the aerosol-generating article 2, so even if the aerosol-generating article 2 is heated at a relatively low temperature, a sufficient smoking taste can be ensured. It is. For example, the heating temperature of the heater section 13 may be approximately 230°C or higher (e.g. approximately 230°C to 270°C) in the smokeless mode, and approximately 230°C or lower (e.g. approximately 230°C to 270°C) in the smoke mode. (approximately 220°C).

In some other embodiments, the control section 12 can also operate only the cartridge heater section 14. This is because even if only the cartridge 15 is heated, an aerosol containing visible smoke is formed. In order to form a higher temperature aerosol, the heating temperature of the cartridge heater section 14 according to this embodiment may be higher than the heating temperature of the embodiment described above.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. According to the above, it is possible to provide an aerosol generator 1 having a smokeless function. For example, it is possible to provide an aerosol generator 1 that operates only in a smokeless mode or in a set mode among a smokeless mode and a smoke mode. This allows the user to use the aerosol generator without being restricted by location or environment, greatly improving convenience for the user.

Below, aerosol generating articles 2 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings from FIG. 6 onwards.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram schematically illustrating an aerosol-generating article 2 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating article 2 may include a filter rod 22 and a tobacco rod 21 in which a cavity is formed. However, FIG. 6 shows only components related to embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will understand that other general-purpose components may be further included in addition to the components shown in FIG. Each component of the aerosol-generating article 2 will be explained below.

The filter rod 22 is located downstream of the tobacco rod 21 and can perform a filtering function for aerosol. To this end, filter rod 22 may include a filter material such as paper, cellulose acetate fibers, and the like. Filter rod 22 may further include a wrapper wrapping the filter material.

Filter rod 22 can be manufactured in various shapes. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical type rod or a tube type rod having a hollow interior. Further, the filter rod 22 may be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The filter rod 22 can also be made to be flavored. For example, a perfumed liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22, or a separate fiber coated with a perfumed liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22. As another example, filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule (not shown) containing perfume.

Although FIG. 6 illustrates that the filter rod 22 is composed of a single segment, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. good. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the filter rod 22 may include a cooling segment 222 that performs a cooling function for aerosol and a mouthpiece segment 221 that performs a filtering function for aerosol. Alternatively, in some cases, filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs other functions.

For reference, the cooling segment 222 can be manufactured in various forms. For example, the cooling segment 222 is manufactured in the form of a paper tube, a hollow cellulose acetate filter, a cellulose acetate filter with a plurality of holes, a filter filled with a polymeric material or a biodegradable polymeric material, etc. can do. However, without being limited thereto, the cooling segment 222 may be manufactured in any form as long as it is capable of performing the function of cooling the aerosol. The polymer material or biodegradable polymer material may be a woven fabric made of polylactic acid (PLA), but is not limited thereto.

Further, the mouthpiece segment 221 may be, for example, a cellulose acetate filter (that is, a filter made of cellulose acetate fibers), but is not limited thereto. The above description regarding filter rod 22 can also be applied to mouthpiece segment 221.

Further explanation will be given with reference to FIG.

Tobacco rod 21 is a tobacco rod that includes a cavity or cavity segment 212 and can be heated to deliver tobacco components (or flavor components) such as nicotine.

As shown, the tobacco rod 21 may include a first filter segment 211 , a second filter segment 213 , and a cavity segment 212 formed by the first filter segment 211 and the second filter segment 213 . Cavity segment 212 may then be filled with tobacco granules 214 (ie, tobacco material in granular form). The tobacco rod 21 may further include a wrapper wrapping the rod.

The first filter segment 211 is a filter segment that forms a cavity segment 212 and may be located downstream of the cavity segment 212. In addition to the cavity forming function, the first filter segment 211 can also perform aerosol filtration and cooling functions.

In some embodiments, first filter segment 211 may include paper material. In other words, the first filter segment 211 is made of a paper filter. To ensure a smooth airflow path, the paper material is preferably arranged longitudinally. However, it is not limited to this. According to this embodiment, the tobacco rod 21 suitable for the heated aerosol generator 1 can be manufactured. Specifically, cellulose acetate fibers tend to melt or shrink when heated above a certain temperature, so that they are difficult to be applied to the tobacco rod portion heated by the heater unit 13. On the other hand, paper material is hardly denatured by heat, so it can be easily applied to the tobacco rod portion, and through this, the tobacco rod 21 suitable for the heated aerosol generator 1 can be manufactured. However, in some other embodiments, first filter segment 211 comprises a cellulose acetate filter. In this case, the effect of improving the removal ability of the first filter segment 211 can be achieved.

Also, in some embodiments, the first filter segment 211 may include a water-resistant or oil-resistant paper material. In this case, there is a problem that smoke components (e.g. moisture, aerosol forming agent components) contained in the aerosol are absorbed while passing through the first filter segment 211, resulting in a decrease in the amount of visible atomization (e.g. g. The problem of reduced atomization amount in smoke mode) can be greatly reduced. For example, if the first filter segment 211 includes a common paper material, the above-mentioned smoke components may be absorbed due to the hygroscopicity of the paper material, thereby reducing the amount of visible atomization. However, when a water-resistant or oil-resistant paper material is applied, the above-mentioned absorption of smoke components hardly occurs, so that the problem of reducing the amount of atomization can be solved.

Also, in some embodiments, the suction resistance of the first filter segment 211 or the second filter segment 213 may be about 50 mm H ₂ O/60 mm to 150 mm H ₂ O/60 mm, preferably about 50 mm H ₂ O/60 mm. /60mm~ _130mmH2O /60mm, approx _{. 50mmH2O /} 60mm~ _120mmH2O /60mm, approx. 50mmH2O/60mm~110mmH2O/ _60mm , approx. 50mmH2O/60mm~ _100mmH2O /60mm, approx. mmH ₂ O/60 mm to 90 mm H ₂ O/60 mm, about 50 mm H ₂ O/60 mm to 100 mm H 2 O/80 mm, or about 50 mm _{H 2 O} /60 mm to 70 mm H ₂ O/60 mm. Appropriate suction properties can be ensured within this numerical range. In addition, the proper suction property increases the probability of the generation of vortex flow within the cavity segment 212, so that the effect of uniformly heating a large number of tobacco granules 214 can be achieved, which will be explained later with reference to FIG. explain. Furthermore, it was confirmed that when the filter segments 211 and 213 are paper filters, an appropriate amount of atomization is ensured within the illustrated numerical range.

Second filter segment 213 is then a filter segment that forms cavity segment 212 and may be located upstream of cavity segment 212 . The second filter segment 213 can further perform a shedding prevention function for the tobacco granules 214. Not only that, the second filter segment 213 can ensure that the cavity segment 212 is placed in the appropriate position within the aerosol generating device 1 when the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. In addition, the second filter segment 213 can prevent the tobacco rod 21 from detaching to the outside, and can prevent the liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod 21 from flowing into the aerosol generator 1 during smoking. You can also do it.

In some embodiments, second filter segment 213 may include paper material. In other words, the second filter segment 213 consists of a paper filter. To ensure a smooth airflow path, the paper material is preferably arranged longitudinally. However, it is not limited to this. According to this embodiment, the tobacco rod 21 suitable for the heated aerosol generator 1 can be manufactured. Specifically, since the cellulose acetate fibers melt or shrink when they come into contact with the internal heating element, the shedding of the tobacco granules 214 may be accelerated. However, paper materials that are resistant to heat can greatly alleviate this phenomenon.

Also, in some embodiments, the second filter segment 213 may include a water-resistant or oil-resistant paper material. In this case, as mentioned above, the problem of a decrease in the amount of visible atomization can be greatly alleviated.

Meanwhile, the physical properties of the paper material included in the filter segments 211 and 213 are diverse.

In some embodiments, the oil resistance of the paper material may be about 4 or greater (i.e., about 4 or greater on a scale of 1 to 12), preferably about 5, as measured by the 3M Kit Test. It may be 6, 7 or 8 or more. Within such a numerical range, there is a problem in which the amount of visible atomization (i.e., the amount of visible smoke produced) decreases due to moisture absorption of the paper material (e.g., the amount of visible atomization decreases in smoky mode). ) can be solved.

Also, in some embodiments, the thickness of the paper material may be about 30 μm to 50 μm, preferably about 33 μm to 47 μm, about 35 μm to 45 μm, or about 37 μm to 42 μm.

Also, in some embodiments, the basis weight of the paper material may be ^about 20 g/m ² to 40 g/m 2 , preferably about 23 g/m ² to 37 g/m ² , about 25 g/m 2 ² to 35 g/m ² , about 27 g/m ² to 33 g/m ² .

Also, in some embodiments, the tensile strength of the paper material may be greater than or equal to about 2.5 kgf/15mm, preferably about 2.8 kgf/15mm, 3.2 kgf/15mm or 3.5 kgf/15mm. It may be more than that.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the elongation of the paper material may be greater than or equal to about 0.8%, preferably greater than or equal to about 1.0%, 1.2%, or about 1.5%. You can.

Also, in some embodiments, the paper material may have a stiffness of about 100 cm ³ or more, preferably about 120 cm ³ , 150 cm ³ or 180 cm ³ or more.

Also, in some embodiments, the ash content of the paper material may be about 1.5% or less, preferably about 1.2%, 1.0% or 0.8% or less. You can.

Also, in some embodiments, the paper width of the paper material may be about 80 mm to 250 mm, preferably about 90 mm to 230 mm, about 100 mm to 200 mm, about 120 mm to 180 mm, or about 120 mm to 150 mm. Good too. It was confirmed that within such a numerical range, the filter segments 211 and 213 had an appropriate suction resistance, and an appropriate amount of atomization was ensured.

Next, the cavity segment 212 is a segment that includes a cavity and may be located between the first filter segment 211 and the second filter segment 213. That is, the cavity segment 212 is formed by the filter segment 211 and the second filter segment 213.

Cavity segment 212 can be manufactured in a variety of ways. For example, the cavity segment 212 may be manufactured to include a tube-shaped structure such as a paper tube. As another example, the cavity segment 212 may be manufactured by wrapping the cavity formed by the two filter segments 211, 213 with a wrapper of a suitable material. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cavity segments 212 may be manufactured in any manner in which the tobacco granules 214 can be filled.

The length of the cavity segment 212 can be freely selected within approximately 8 mm to 12 mm, although the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such a numerical range.

As shown, cavity segment 212 may be filled with tobacco granules 214. Generally, tobacco granules 214 contain significantly less moisture and/or aerosol formers than other types of tobacco materials (e.g. tobacco shreds, leaflets, etc.) and therefore produce visible smoke. can be greatly reduced, and thereby the smokeless function of the aerosol generator 1 can be easily realized.

However, the diameter, density, filling rate, composition ratio of constituent materials, heating temperature, etc. of the tobacco granules 214 may vary, and may vary depending on the embodiment.

In some embodiments, the diameter of tobacco granules 214 may be about 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm. Within this numerical range, appropriate hardness and ease of manufacture of the tobacco granules 214 can be ensured, and the probability of generating swirl within the cavity segment 212 can be increased. Regarding the generation of eddy currents, additional explanation will be provided later with reference to FIG. 8.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the size of the tobacco granules 214 may be about 15 mesh to 50 mesh, preferably about 15 mesh to 45 mesh, about 20 mesh to 45 mesh, about 25 mesh It may be from mesh to 45 mesh or about 25 mesh to 40 mesh. Within this numerical range, appropriate hardness and ease of manufacture of the tobacco granules 214 can be ensured, the shedding phenomenon can be minimized, and the probability of generation of swirl within the cavity segment 212 can be increased.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the density of tobacco granules 214 may be between about 0.5 g/cm ³ and 1.2 g/cm ³ , preferably between about 0.6 g/cm ³ and 1.0 g/cm 3 . /cm3, 0.7g/ ^cm3 to 0.9g/ ^cm3 or 0.6g/ ^cm3 to 0.8g/ ^cm3 . Within this numerical range, the appropriate hardness of the tobacco granules 214 can be ensured, and the probability of generating swirl within the cavity segment 212 can be increased. Regarding the generation of eddy currents, additional explanation will be provided later with reference to FIG. 8.

Also, in some embodiments, the hardness of tobacco granules 214 may be about 80% or greater, preferably 85% or 90% or greater, more preferably 91%, 93%, 95% or 97% hardness. % or more. Within this numerical range, the ease of manufacturing the tobacco granules 214 is improved, the phenomenon of crumbling is minimized, and the ease of manufacturing the aerosol-generating article 2 is also improved. In this embodiment, the hardness of the tobacco granules 214 is a value measured based on the national standard test method KSM-1802 (“Activated Carbon Test Method”). For details on the hardness measurement method and the meaning of the measured values, refer to the national standard KSM-1802.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the fill factor of tobacco granules 214 to cavity segment 212 may be less than or equal to about 80% by volume, preferably less than or equal to about 70%, 60%, or 50% by volume. You can. Within this numerical range, the probability of occurrence of vortex flow within the cavity segment 212 can be increased. Regarding the generation of eddy currents, additional explanation will be provided later with reference to FIG. 8. In addition, the filling rate of the tobacco granules 214 is preferably about 20% by volume, 30% by volume, or about 40% by volume or more to ensure a suitable smoking taste.

Additionally, in some embodiments, tobacco granules 214 may include less than or equal to about 20% water by weight, preferably less than or equal to about 15%, 12%, 10%, 7%, or 5% by weight. may contain water. Within this numerical range, the generation of visible smoke can be greatly reduced, and the smokeless function of the aerosol generator 1 can be easily implemented.

In some embodiments, the tobacco granules 214 may also include up to about 10% by weight aerosol-forming agent, preferably about 7%, 5%, 3% or 1% aerosol-forming agent. It may also contain an agent. Alternatively, tobacco granules 214 may be free of aerosol formers. Within this numerical range, the generation of visible smoke can be greatly reduced, and the smokeless function of the aerosol generator 1 can be easily realized.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the heating temperature of tobacco granules 214 may be less than or equal to about 270°C, 260°C, 250°C, 240°C, or 230°C. In other words, the heater section 13 can heat the tobacco rod 21 at a heating temperature within the illustrated range. Within this numerical range, it is possible to solve the problem that the tobacco granules 214 are overheated and develop a burnt taste. In addition, the aerosol generator 1 can easily implement the smokeless function by ensuring a proper smoking experience and minimizing the generation of visible smoke. For additional explanation, tobacco materials such as shreds, leaflets, etc. develop sufficient flavor when heated above about 270°C, whereas tobacco granules 214 develop sufficient flavor even at lower temperatures. can be expressed, so the generation of visible smoke can be easily suppressed. Also, due to these characteristics, the tobacco granules 214 are more suitable for implementing the smokeless function of the aerosol generating device 1 than other types of tobacco materials.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the wet basis nicotine content of tobacco granules 214 is about 1.0% to 4.0%, preferably about 1.5% to 3.5%. %, 1.8% to 3.0% or 2.0% to 2.5%. Within such a numerical range, it is possible to ensure an appropriate level of smoking taste.

Also, in some embodiments, the dry basis nicotine content of the tobacco granules 214 is between about 1.2% and 4.2%, preferably between about 1.7% and 3.7%. %, 2.0% to 3.2% or 2.2% to 2.7%. Within such a numerical range, it is possible to ensure an appropriate level of smoking taste.

On the other hand, although not explicitly shown, the aerosol-generating article 2 can be packaged with at least one wrapper. As an example, the aerosol-generating article 2 can be packaged in one wrapper. As another example, the aerosol-generating article 2 can be redundantly wrapped in two or more wrappers. For example, the first wrapper can package the tobacco rod 21 and the second wrapper can package the filter rod 22. Then, the tobacco rod 21 and filter rod 22 wrapped by the individual wrappers are combined, and the entire aerosol-generating article 2 can be repackaged by the third wrapper. If each of the tobacco rod 21 or the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment can be wrapped with an individual wrapper. Then, the entire aerosol-generating article 2 in which segments wrapped with individual wrappers are combined can be repackaged with a different wrapper. The wrapper may have at least one hole through which external air flows in and internal gas flows out.

Aerosol-generating articles 2 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

According to the above, an aerosol generating article 2 suitable for realizing the smokeless function of the aerosol generating device 1 can be provided. Specifically, the aerosol-generating article 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 filled with tobacco granules 214, the tobacco granules 214 being in the form of chopped leaves (e.g. shredded tobacco, shredded leaves), shredded leaves, etc. Visible smoke production can be greatly reduced due to the significantly lower moisture and/or aerosol-forming agent content compared to tobacco materials such as tobacco. In addition, since the tobacco granules 214 exhibit sufficient flavor even at a relatively low temperature compared to other types of tobacco substances, the heating temperature of the aerosol generator 1 can be set relatively low. The generation of visible smoke can be further reduced as the heating temperature is lowered.

Further, by providing the smokeless function, the user can use the aerosol generator 1 without being restricted by location or environment. This can improve convenience for the user.

In addition, a cavity segment 212 may be formed by the filter segments 211 and 213 located upstream and downstream of the tobacco rod 21, and tobacco granules 214 may be filled in the cavity segment 212. Accordingly, it is possible to easily manufacture the tobacco rod 21 in which the falling-off phenomenon of the tobacco granules 214 can be minimized.

Furthermore, the filter segments 211 and 213 may be made of paper filters. In this case, the problem that the physical properties of the filter segments 211 and 213 change due to heating by the heater section 13 can be prevented.

On the other hand, the inventors of the present disclosure have discovered that when specific conditions are satisfied, a vortex is generated within the cavity segment 212 during puffing, and due to the generated vortex, a large number of tobacco granules 214 are mixed and heated uniformly. We confirmed that this phenomenon occurs. Below, the principle and conditions for generating such a vortex will be explained with reference to FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative diagram for explaining the principle and conditions under which a vortex is generated in the aerosol-generating article 2 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For convenience of understanding, the drawings from FIG. 8 onwards only show the tobacco rod 21, excluding the filter rod 22.

As shown in FIG. 8, when certain conditions are satisfied, a phenomenon may occur in which the airflow (see the dotted arrow) that has entered through the second filter segment 213 swirls within the cavity segment 212 due to the puff. . For example, the airflow introduced by the puff meets a large number of tobacco granules 214 moving downstream by the puff to form an irregular airflow flow, and a vortex is generated during this process. In addition, the generated vortex allows a large number of tobacco granules 214 to be mixed well and uniformly heated. For example, more heated tobacco granules 214 and less heated tobacco granules 214 may intermingle to achieve the effect of uniformly heating a large number of tobacco granules 214 as the position of the tobacco granules 214 is changed. This reduces the burnt taste during smoking and improves the smoking taste.

The present inventors have confirmed that the above-mentioned eddy current generation phenomenon appears during the course of continuous research, and have confirmed through experiments that the probability of eddy current occurrence increases significantly under the following conditions. Hereinafter, conditions for generating eddies will be explained.

First, the first condition relates to the filling rate of the cavity segment 212. This is because if there is sufficient free space within the cavity segment 212, a large number of tobacco granules 214 can easily move and mix. According to the experimental results, it has been confirmed that when the filling rate of the tobacco granules 214 in the cavity segment 212 is about 80% by volume or less, vortices are often generated, and when it is about 70% by volume or less, the probability of the occurrence of vortices is low. It was confirmed that the number will increase further.

Next, the second condition relates to the density of tobacco granules 214. This is because if the tobacco granules 214 are very heavy, they are difficult to move by puffs or airflow, and can act as a strong resistance to the inflowing airflow. According to the experimental results, it has been confirmed that when the density of the tobacco granules 214 is about 1.2 g/cm ³ or less, vortices are often generated, and when the density of the tobacco granules 214 is about 1.0 g/cm ³ or less, the probability of occurrence of vortices is low. was confirmed to increase further.

Next, the third condition relates to the diameter of the tobacco granules 214. This is because even if the tobacco granules 214 have a very large diameter, they can act as strong resistance to the incoming airflow. According to the experimental results, it has been confirmed that when the diameter of the tobacco granules 214 is about 1.2 mm or less, vortices are often generated, and when the diameter is about 1.0 mm or less, the probability of generating vortices is further increased. confirmed.

Next, the fourth condition relates to the suction resistance of the first filter segment 211. This is because if the suction resistance is very low, a suction error may occur and the suction force by the puff may not be transmitted to the cavity segment 212. According to the experimental results, it has been confirmed that when the suction resistance of the first filter segment 211 is about 50 mmH ₂ O/60 mm or more, vortices are often generated, and when it is about 70 mm H ₂ O/60 mm or more, vortices are often generated. It was confirmed that the probability increases further.

The conditions related to the principle of generation of eddy currents have been described above with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, heating structures of the heater unit 13 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12.

First, the heating structure of the heater section 13 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 9, the heater section 13 according to this embodiment may be configured to include an external heating element 131, which is arranged to heat only the cavity segment 212. Good too. For example, external heating element 131 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of cavity segment 212.

In this case, there is a problem that the physical properties of the filter segments 211 and 213 change due to the heat of the heater part 13, and a problem that the amount of visible atomization (that is, the amount of visible smoke generated) decreases due to moisture absorption of the filter segments 211 and 213. can be solved. For example, when the filter segments 211 and 213 are cellulose acetate filters, the cellulose acetate fibers may melt or shrink due to the heat of the heater unit 13, but this problem can be solved. As another example, when the filter segments 211 and 213 are paper filters, a problem may occur in which the amount of atomization decreases in the smoke mode as the hygroscopicity of the paper material increases due to the heat of the heater unit 13. Problems like this can also be solved.

Hereinafter, a heating structure of the heater section 13 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 10. For the sake of clarity of the present disclosure, descriptions of contents that overlap with the above-described embodiments will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 10, the heater unit 13 according to the present embodiment may be configured to include an external heating element 131. External heating element 131 may also be arranged to heat only cavity segment 212 and to form unheated region 215 near the downstream end of cavity segment 212. For example, the external heating element 131 may be arranged to surround the remaining portion of the cavity segment 212 except for the unheated portion 215.

In this case, the heating efficiency of the heater section 13 can be improved, and the probability of occurrence of eddy currents can also be further improved. Specifically, power consumption is reduced by reducing the heating area of the external heating element 131, while the heating performance for the tobacco granules 214 is maintained, thereby improving heating efficiency. In other words, when smoking, many tobacco granules 214 are located upstream of the cavity segment 212 due to gravity, but the heating area is reduced where the external heating element 131 heats the upstream part where many tobacco granules 214 are located. However, the amount of heat actually transferred to the tobacco granules 214 hardly decreases. In addition, a temperature difference may be generated within the cavity segment 212, thereby increasing the probability of generation of a vortex flow. For example, due to temperature differences within the cavity segment 212 (e.g., the upstream portion is heated to a relatively high temperature), the flow of airflow in the downstream direction is promoted, further increasing the probability of vortex generation. Can be done.

On the other hand, in some embodiments, the heater section 13 may be configured to include a first external heating element that heats the upstream side of the cavity segment 212 and a second external heating element that heats the downstream side of the cavity segment 212, and the control section 12 , the heating temperature of the first external heating element can be controlled to be higher than that of the second external heating element. In this case as well, effects similar to those described above can be achieved.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the heater unit 13 may be configured to include a plurality of external heating elements that heat various portions of the cavity segment 212 at different temperatures. For example, the heater section 13 includes a first external heating element that heats the first portion of the cavity segment 212, a second external heating element that heats the second portion, and a third external heating element that heats the third portion. The controller 12 can operate each external heating element at a different temperature from each other. In this case, each part of the cavity segment 212 may be heated to a different temperature, which may complicate the flow of the airflow inside, and thus the probability of occurrence of vortex flow may further increase.

Below, the heating structure of the heater section 13 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, the heater unit 13 according to the present embodiment may include an internal heating element 132 and an external heating element 131. The heater unit 13 can uniformly heat a large number of tobacco granules 214 by heating the cavity segment 212 internally and externally through two heating elements 131 and 132. However, the specific implementation method of the heater unit 13 may vary.

For example, the internal heating element 132 and the external heating element 131 may be controlled simultaneously by the controller 12. At this time, the two heating elements 131 and 132 can be physically integrated as shown in the figure, or can be manufactured separately from each other. In any case, the complexity of the circuit configuration between the control section 12 and the heater section 13 can be reduced.

As another example, the internal heating element 132 and the external heating element 131 may be independently controlled by the controller 12. For example, the two heating elements 131 and 132 may be manufactured separately from each other and controlled by the control unit 12 at different temperatures. In this example, the control unit 12 may operate the internal heating element 132 at a lower heating temperature than the external heating element 131, or may operate the internal heating element 132 only under certain conditions (e.g. every puff time). operating only during preheating time, etc.). In this case, the problem of the tobacco granules 214 being overheated due to the internal heating element 132 and developing a burnt taste can be greatly reduced. For example, the problem of burnt taste caused by some of the tobacco granules 214 being heated in continuous contact with the internal heating element 132 can be greatly reduced.

On the other hand, in some embodiments, the thickness of internal heating element 132 may be less than or equal to about 4.0 mm, and preferably less than or equal to about 3.0 mm, 2.5 mm, or 2.0 mm.
Within such a numerical range, the problem of the tobacco rod 21 being pushed during insertion or the filter segment (e.g. 213) being damaged by the internal heating element 132 can be easily solved, and the filter segment (e.g. It is also possible to minimize the phenomenon of tobacco granules 214 falling off through the damaged area of .213). For example, if the second filter segment 213 is a paper filter and the internal heating element 132 is thick, a problem may occur where the internal heating element 132 gets stuck in the paper material and the tobacco rod 21 is pushed during insertion. Alternatively, the second filter segment 213 may be severely damaged due to the penetration of the internal heating element 132, and the tobacco granules 214 may fall out through the damaged area. However, the illustrated problem can be solved if the thickness of the internal heating element 132 has the illustrated numerical range.

Also, in some embodiments, internal heating element 132 may have a pointed shape, such as a semi-conical shape. In this case, damage to the second filter segment 213 caused by the internal heating element 132 and falling off of the tobacco granules 214 can be minimized.

Below, the heating structure of the heater section 13 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

As shown in FIG. 12, the heater unit 13 according to the present embodiment may include an external heating element 131 and a heat conductive element 133 that heats the inside of the tobacco rod 21. Here, the heat conductive element 133 is made of a heat conductive material and is arranged to be in thermal contact with the external heating element 131 to transfer heat generated from the external heating element 131 to the inside of the tobacco rod 21. able to perform the role.

In this case, since the tobacco granules 214 are heated by conductive heat inside the cavity segment 212, the problem of overheating of the tobacco granules 214 can be greatly reduced. In addition, since only the control unit 12 and the external heating element 131 are connected in a circuit, the complexity of the circuit configuration can be reduced.

Below, a heating structure of the heater section 13 according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

The heater unit 13 according to the present embodiment may heat the cavity segment 212 using an induction heating method through a susceptor material in the form of particles (hereinafter referred to as "susceptor particles"). Specifically, the heater section 13 may be configured to include an inductor (e.g. induction coil) for inductively heating the susceptor material, and a plurality of susceptor particles are disposed inside the cavity segment 212. Good too. In this case, when a large number of susceptor particles mix with the tobacco granules 214 inside the cavity segment 212 and heat the tobacco granules 214, the tobacco granules 214 can be heated uniformly.

There are various ways to arrange the susceptor particles. For example, susceptor particles may be packed inside cavity segment 212 along with tobacco granules 214. As another example, susceptor particles may form part of tobacco granules 214. For example, by adding susceptor particles during the production of tobacco granules 214, tobacco granules 214 containing susceptor particles can be produced.

The heating structure of the heater unit 13 according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. Although the embodiments have been described separately for ease of understanding, the first to fifth embodiments described above can be combined in various forms. For example, heater section 13 according to some embodiments may be configured to include an internal heating element and an external heating element that heats only cavity segment 212.

Below, the structure and effects of the tobacco granules 214 and/or the aerosol-generating article 2 will be explained in more detail through Examples and Comparative Examples. However, since the following examples are only part of the present disclosure, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the following examples.

Example 1
Tobacco granules having a size of about 30 mesh to 45 mesh are produced, and the tobacco granules produced so as to have a filling rate of about 75% by volume are introduced to have the same structure as article 2 illustrated in FIG. 7. Manufactured cigarettes. The two filter segments (e.g. 211, 213) constituting the tobacco rod (e.g. 21) are made of paper material with an oil resistance (oil resistance measured by 3M Kit Test) of about 2. A filter was used.

Example 2
Cigarettes were made the same as in Example 1, except that a filter made of paper material with an oil resistance of about 6 was used.

Example 3
Cigarettes were made the same as in Example 1, except that the size of the tobacco granules was approximately 20 mesh to 30 mesh.

Example 4
Cigarettes were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that tobacco granules were added so that the filling rate was about 50% by volume.

Example 5
Cigarettes were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that tobacco granules were added so that the filling rate was approximately 100% by volume.

Comparative example 1
Tobacco rods were manufactured by adding leaflets instead of tobacco granules, and cigarettes were manufactured by connecting a front plug and a filter rod to the tobacco rods. The front plug was located adjacent to the front stage of the tobacco rod, and the filter rod was located adjacent to the rear stage of the tobacco rod, and the filter rod was comprised of a cooling segment and a mouthpiece segment.

Experimental Example 1: Evaluation of the influence of tobacco granules on smokeless function In order to evaluate the influence of tobacco granules on smokeless function, the smoke components of the cigarettes according to Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were analyzed in smokeless mode to determine the aerosol formation. An experiment was conducted to measure the transfer amount of agents (e.g. PG, GLY) and moisture. Specifically, a smoking experiment was conducted using a hybrid aerosol generator as illustrated in Figure 4 in a smoking room with a temperature of approximately 20°C and a humidity of approximately 62.5%, and Smoke collection was repeated three times for each sample and eight puffs per time, and the amount of aerosol forming agent and moisture transferred was measured using the average value of the three collection results. The hybrid aerosol generator used in the experiment was designed so that the cartridge heater section (e.g. 14) does not operate in smokeless mode and only the cigarette heater section (e.g. 13) operates. The heater section was designed to operate with a temperature profile of heating at 260°C for 30 seconds, heating at 230°C for 90 seconds, and heating at 220°C for 160 seconds. The experimental results are shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 13, it was shown that the amount of aerosol forming agent (PG, GLY) transferred and the amount of water transferred in the cigarette of Example 1 were significantly lower than those of Comparative Example 1. This is thought to be due to the difference in aerosol forming agent and water content between tobacco granules and leaflets, and these experimental results demonstrate that tobacco granules are more suitable for realizing the smokeless function of aerosol generators. I understand.

Furthermore, when smoking the cigarette according to Example 1, almost no visible smoke was generated, but when smoking the cigarette according to Comparative Example 1, visible smoke was occasionally generated despite the smokeless mode. confirmed.

Experimental Example 2: Evaluation of the effect of the oil resistance of paper material on the amount of atomization In order to evaluate the effect of the oil resistance of the paper material introduced into the filter segment (e.g. 211, 213) on the amount of atomization. An experiment was conducted to analyze the smoke components of the cigarettes according to Examples 1 and 2 in a smoking mode to measure the TPM (Total Particulate Matter) content. The experimental method was the same as in Experimental Example 1, and the experimental results are listed in Table 1 below.

Referring to Table 1, it was shown that the TPM content of the cigarette according to Example 2 (ie, the cigarette loaded with paper material with high oil resistance) was significantly higher than that of Example 1. This is considered to be a result of the paper material having high oil resistance absorbing less moisture in the aerosol passing through the filter segment, thereby increasing the amount of aerosol forming agent and moisture transferred. Through these experimental results, it can be seen that the amount of atomization can be improved when paper material with high oil resistance is used.

Experimental Example 3: Evaluation of the influence of the size of tobacco granules on the generation of vortices In order to evaluate the influence of the size of tobacco granules on the generation of vortices inside the cavity segment (e.g. 212), Examples 1 and 3 were conducted a smoking experiment on cigarettes to confirm the degree of aggregation of tobacco granules after smoking. The more vortices are generated inside the cavity segment (e.g. 212), the more the tobacco granules are mixed uniformly and the agglomeration phenomenon is reduced, so the degree of aggregation of tobacco granules after smoking can be a measure of the degree of vortex generation. It is. The experimental results are shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, which are photographs showing the degree of aggregation of tobacco granules after smoking, respectively. ) and Example 3 (approximately 20 mesh to 30 mesh).

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, it was shown that the degree of aggregation of the tobacco granules according to Example 3 (ie, large-sized tobacco granules) was worse than that of Example 1. That is, it was confirmed that the tobacco granules according to Example 1 were spread relatively uniformly, whereas the tobacco granules according to Example 3 had strongly agglomerated areas. This is because the larger tobacco granules act as a greater resistance to the airflow (e.g. they are better able to prevent airflow due to weight, increased size, etc.) and reduce the probability of vortex formation. be judged.

Experimental Example 4: Evaluation of the influence of the filling rate of tobacco granules on the generation of eddies , 4 and 5 were conducted, and an experiment was conducted to confirm the degree of aggregation of tobacco granules after smoking. The experimental results are shown in FIGS. 16-18. Figures 16, 17, and 18 are photographs showing the degree of aggregation of tobacco granules after smoking, and show the degree of aggregation of tobacco granules in Example 4 (filling rate of about 50% by volume) and Example 1 (filling rate of about 75% by volume), respectively. ) and Example 5 (filling rate approximately 100% by volume).

Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, it was confirmed that as the filling rate of tobacco granules increases, the degree of aggregation of tobacco granules becomes more severe. For example, it was confirmed that the degree of aggregation of tobacco granules according to Example 4, in which the filling rate was approximately 50% by volume, was significantly lower than that in Example 5, in which the filling rate was approximately 100% by volume. This is because the lower the filling rate, the more empty space in the cavity segment (e.g. 212), which promotes the flow of airflow, and as the flow of airflow is promoted, the probability of generation of vortices increases. It is judged that. Through these experimental results, it has been found that the filling rate of the tobacco granules is preferably about 75% by volume or about 80% by volume or less.

Experimental Example 5: Evaluation of the influence of the thickness and shape of the heating element on the degree of damage to the filter segment The greater the degree of damage to the filter segment, the more the tobacco granule shedding phenomenon can be accelerated. ) the thickness and shape of the filter segment (e.g.
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of 213) on the degree of damage. Specifically, an experiment was conducted to confirm the degree of damage to the filter segment of the cigarette according to Example 1 while changing the thickness and shape of the internal heating element. The experimental results are shown in FIGS. 19-21. Figures 19 to 21 are cross-sectional images of a filter segment (e.g. 213) penetrated by an internal heating element, with a semi-conical heating element approximately 2 mm thick and a cylindrical heating element approximately 2 mm thick, respectively. Experimental results are shown for a (rod-shaped) heating element and a cylindrical heating element approximately 3 mm thick.

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, it can be seen that the thicker the heating element is, the more the filter segment is damaged. Through this, it can be seen that the thickness of the heating element is preferably about 3 mm or less in order to minimize damage to the filter segment and the falling off of tobacco granules.

It has also been found that in order to minimize damage to the filter segments, it is preferable to use a pointed heating element, such as a semi-conical shape, rather than a cylindrical shape.

For reference, it has been confirmed that when the thickness of the heating element is about 4 mm or more, the filter segment is pushed during insertion and the insertion is not smooth, further increasing the degree of damage to the filter segment.

Above, the structure and effects of the tobacco granules 214 and/or the aerosol-generating article 2 have been described in more detail through Examples and Comparative Examples.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to understand the present disclosure without changing the technical idea or essential features. It will be understood that it can be implemented in other specific forms. Therefore, it must be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects, and are not restrictive. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted in accordance with the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto shall be considered to be included in the scope of rights to technical ideas defined by this disclosure. It should be.

Claims (13)

An aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device, the article comprising:
a tobacco rod including a first filter segment, a second filter segment and a cavity segment;
the cavity segment is formed by the first filter segment and the second filter segment;
An aerosol-generating article, wherein the cavity segment is filled with tobacco granules. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device has a smokeless function. further comprising a filter rod located downstream of the tobacco rod;
The aerosol generating article of claim 1, wherein the filter rod includes a cooling segment and a mouthpiece segment. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the tobacco granules contain 10% or less water by weight. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the tobacco granules contain no aerosol-forming agent or less than 3% by weight aerosol-forming agent. The first filter segment is
located downstream of the cavity segment;
The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, comprising a paper material. The filling rate of the tobacco granules in the cavity segment is 80% by volume or less,
The density of the tobacco granules is 0.5 g/cm ³ to 1.2 g/cm ³ ,
The diameter of the tobacco granules is 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm,
The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the suction resistance of the first filter segment located downstream of the cavity segment is between 50 mm H ₂ O/60 mm and 150 mm _{H 2} O/60 mm. a housing forming a housing space in which an aerosol-generating article is housed;
a heater unit that heats the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the accommodation space;
The aerosol generating article includes a tobacco rod including a cavity segment and a filter rod;
An aerosol generating device, wherein said cavity segment is filled with tobacco granules. The aerosol generator according to claim 8, wherein the heating temperature of the heater section is 270°C or less. a cartridge storing an aerosol-forming agent;
a cartridge heater section that heats the cartridge;
The aerosol generation device according to claim 8, further comprising: a control unit that controls the aerosol generation device to operate in a mode set among a smokeless mode and a smoke mode. The control unit includes:
The aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein only the heater section of the heater section and the cartridge heater section is operated in response to the determination that the set mode is the smokeless mode. The control unit includes:
The aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein in response to the determination that the set mode is the smoke mode, the heater section and the cartridge heater section are all operated, or only the cartridge heater section is operated. Device. The control unit includes:
operating the heater section at a first heating temperature in response to the determination that the set mode is the smokeless mode;
In response to the determination that the set mode is the smoking mode, all of the heater section and the cartridge heater section are operated, and the heater section is operated at a second heating temperature lower than the first heating temperature. , The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

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