KR102605499B1 - Aerosol-generating article with improved cooling performance and flavor persistence and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article with improved cooling performance and scent persistence and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. An aerosol-generating article according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes an aerosol-forming base unit and a cooling unit located downstream of the aerosol-forming base unit to cool the aerosol formed in the aerosol-forming base unit, and a sheet-like material is disposed on the inner wall of the cooling unit. It can be. Here, the sheet-like material is a material containing fragrance, and can improve the cooling performance and scent persistence of the aerosol-generating article by functioning as a scent-emitting material and a cooling material.

Description

Aerosol-generating article with improved cooling performance and scent persistence and manufacturing method thereof {AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLE WITH IMPROVED COOLING PERFORMANCE AND FLAVOR PERSISTENCE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF}

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article with improved cooling performance and scent persistence and a method of manufacturing the same. More specifically, in an aerosol-generating article having a cooling unit, an aerosol-generating article that can ensure high smoking satisfaction by improving the aerosol cooling performance of the cooling section and at the same time improving the scent persistence of the article, and a method of manufacturing the article. It's about.

Recently, demand for alternative products that overcome the disadvantages of traditional cigarettes is increasing. For example, there is increasing demand for heated cigarettes that generate aerosols when electrically heated by a dedicated device.

Two factors that greatly determine the smoking satisfaction of heated cigarettes are aerosol cooling performance and scent persistence.

Typically, heated cigarettes are equipped with a cooling unit to allow the user to inhale aerosol at an appropriate temperature, but if the performance of the cooling unit is poor, high-temperature aerosol is discharged as is, which may reduce the user's satisfaction with smoking.

Additionally, flavoring treatment of heated cigarettes is typically performed by directly adding (e.g. spraying) flavoring liquid to the tobacco material or filter plug. However, this flavoring method has a problem in that most of the flavor is revealed in the early stages of smoking, so the scent expression decreases rapidly towards the end of smoking, which may reduce the user's satisfaction with smoking. In addition, if an excessive amount of flavoring liquid is added, a problem may occur where the wrapper surrounding the tobacco material or filter plug becomes wet and contaminated.

The technical problem to be solved through several embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating article with improved cooling performance and scent persistence and a method of manufacturing the article.

The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

In order to solve the above technical problem, an aerosol-generating article according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes an aerosol-forming base unit and a cooling unit located downstream of the aerosol-forming base unit to cool the aerosol formed in the aerosol-forming base unit. A sheet-like material is disposed on the inner wall of the cooling unit, and the sheet-like material may include a polysaccharide material and a flavoring agent.

In some embodiments, the sheet-like material may be longitudinally corrugated or folded.

In some embodiments, the suction resistance of the cooling unit may be 0.1 mmH ₂ 0/mm to 1.5 mmH ₂ 0/mm.

In some embodiments, the polysaccharide material may be a cellulose-based material.

In some embodiments, the sheet-like material may include 20 to 60 parts by weight of the polysaccharide material and 10 to 50 parts by weight of the fragrance, based on a total of 100 parts by weight.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the sheet-like material may be between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the melting point of the fragrance may be below 80°C.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure described above, a sheet-like material containing a polysaccharide material and a fragrance may be placed (applied) on the cooling portion of an aerosol-generating article. When this sheet-like material comes into contact with a high-temperature air current, the polysaccharide material changes phase and can absorb a large amount of heat, and at the same time, the flavor coated with the polysaccharide material can be slowly discharged. Accordingly, the cooling performance and scent persistence of the aerosol-generating article can be improved, and the user's smoking satisfaction can be greatly improved.

Additionally, a sheet-like material may be placed (e.g. attached) to the inner wall of the cooling section. In this case, the sheet-like material does not act as an obstacle to the airflow passing through the cooling unit, so smooth airflow and appropriate suction resistance can be guaranteed.

Additionally, the sheet-like material may contain fragrances with a melting point of 80°C or lower. In this case, the performance of the cooling unit can be further improved because the flavor can change phase and absorb more heat when the sheet-like material comes into contact with an airflow of 80°C or higher. Considering that the aerosol heating temperature of typical heated cigarette products is 80°C or higher, the use of the above flavoring agent can effectively improve the aerosol cooling performance of most aerosol-generating products. In addition, as the phase-changed fragrance is easily volatilized, the scent expression of the aerosol-generating article can be improved.

Additionally, as the performance of the cooling unit improves, the cooling unit can be designed to have a shorter length than before, thereby improving the degree of freedom in designing aerosol-generating articles.

The effects according to 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 those skilled in the art from the description below.

1 is an exemplary diagram schematically showing an aerosol-generating article according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a method of applying a sheet-like material according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
3 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a processing form of a sheet-like material according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is an exemplary diagram showing an aerosol-generating article according to a first modified example of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is an exemplary diagram showing an aerosol-generating article according to a second modification of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is an exemplary diagram showing an aerosol-generating article according to a third modification of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is an exemplary diagram for explaining another application method of a sheet-like material according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
8 is an exemplary diagram for explaining another processing form of a sheet-like material according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
9-11 illustrate various types of aerosol-generating devices to which aerosol-generating articles according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the accompanying drawings. However, the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and may be implemented in various different forms. The following examples are merely intended to complete the technical idea of the present disclosure and to be used in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs. It is provided to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present disclosure, and the technical idea of the present disclosure is only defined by the scope of the claims.

When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, in describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used with meanings that can be commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless clearly specifically defined. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, singular forms also include plural forms, unless specifically stated otherwise in the context.

Additionally, in describing the components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is another component between each component. It will be understood that elements may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

As used in this disclosure, “comprises” and/or “comprising” refers to a referenced component, step, operation and/or element that includes one or more other components, steps, operations and/or elements. Does not exclude presence or addition.

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

In the following examples, “aerosol-forming substrate” may mean a material capable of forming an aerosol. Aerosols may contain volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid.

For example, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials such as leaf tobacco, cut tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco, while the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include nicotine, tobacco extract, and/or various flavoring agents. It may include a liquid composition based on it. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the examples listed above.

In the following embodiments, “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. Please refer to Figures 9 to 11 for some examples of aerosol generating devices.

In the following examples, “aerosol-generating article” may mean an article capable of generating an aerosol. Aerosol-generating articles can include an aerosol-forming substrate. A representative example of an aerosol-generating article may include a cigarette, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In the following embodiments, “puff” refers to the user's inhalation, and inhalation may refer to the situation of pulling the product 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 corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

In the following embodiments, “sheet” may refer to a thin layer element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness. In the technical field, the term sheet may be used interchangeably with terms such as web and film.

Below, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

1 is an exemplary diagram schematically showing an aerosol-generating article 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating article 100 may include an aerosol-forming base portion 110, a cooling portion 120, a filter portion 130, and a wrapper 140. However, Figure 1 shows only components related to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Accordingly, a person skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can recognize that other general-purpose components may be further included in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1 . In addition, FIG. 1 only schematically shows some examples of aerosol-generating articles according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and the detailed structure of the aerosol-generating article may be different from that shown in FIG. 1. For examples of aerosol-generating articles having different structures, refer to FIGS. 4 to 6, etc. Hereinafter, each component of the aerosol-generating article 100 will be described.

The aerosol forming base unit 110 may perform an aerosol forming function. Specifically, the aerosol-forming base unit 110 may include an aerosol-forming base material, and may form an aerosol through the aerosol-forming base material. For example, the aerosol forming base unit 110 may form an aerosol as it is heated by an aerosol generating device (e.g. 1000 in FIG. 9). The formed aerosol may be delivered to the user's mouth through the cooling unit 120 and the filter unit 130 using a puff.

As shown, the aerosol-forming base unit 110 may be located upstream of the cooling unit 120 and border the upstream end of the cooling unit 120. The aerosol-forming substrate 110 may further include a wrapper 140 surrounding the aerosol-forming substrate.

Since the aerosol-forming substrate 110 is manufactured in the form of a rod, it may be referred to as an “aerosol-forming rod 110” or “cigarette rod 110” as the case may be. Alternatively, in some cases, it may be referred to as “medium unit 110.”

Next, the cooling unit 120 may perform a cooling function for the aerosol formed in the aerosol forming base unit 110. The cooling unit 120 can improve the user's smoking satisfaction by delivering aerosol at an appropriate temperature to the user. The cooling unit 120 may further include a wrapper 140 surrounding the cooling structure.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown, a sheet-like material 10 may be placed (applied) on the cooling unit 120. Here, the sheet-shaped material 10 is a sheet-shaped material containing a polysaccharide material and a fragrance, and the performance of the cooling unit 120 can be improved by utilizing the property of the polysaccharide material to change phase and absorb a large amount of heat. In addition, as the phase change of the polysaccharide material causes the coated fragrance to slowly develop, the fragrance persistence of the aerosol-generating article 100 can also be improved. That is, the sheet-like material 10 can function as a scent-dissipating material and a cooling material within the cooling unit 120. The constituent materials and manufacturing method of the sheet-like material 10 will be described in detail later, and hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the sheet-like material 10 will be referred to as “fragrance sheet 10.” However, in some cases, the sheet-like material 10 may be referred to as “cooling sheet 10.”

In some embodiments, the flavor sheet 10 may be disposed (e.g. attached) to the inner wall of the cooling unit 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the cooling unit 120 is made of a hollow or tubular structure with a cavity, the flavor sheet 10 can be placed on the inner wall of the structure (i.e., the inner wall of the hollow). there is. In this case, the fragrance sheet 10 does not act as an obstacle to the airflow passing through the cooling unit 120, so smooth airflow and appropriate suction resistance can be guaranteed. In some other embodiments, the fragrance sheet 10 may be arranged in a different form, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

Meanwhile, the specific processing form of the fragrance sheet 10 may vary depending on the embodiment.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the fragrance sheet 10 may be processed to be wrinkled or folded in the longitudinal direction (i.e., MD direction) of the aerosol-generating article 100. For example, the fragrance sheet 10 may be wrinkled or folded according to at least one of a crimping process, a pleating process, a folding, and a gathering process. . Specifically, the crimping process is a process in which wrinkles (creep) are added to the sheet surface through differences in roller pressure and speed of the crimping machine, and is divided into a wet process and a dry process. The wet process refers to the process of soaking the base paper in water, softening it, crimping it, and then going through a re-drying process. The dry process refers to a drying process using two dryers with different temperatures. Those skilled in the art will already be familiar with the pleating process, folding process, and gathering process, so further explanation thereof will be omitted. According to this embodiment, a plurality of channels can be formed in the longitudinal direction of the fragrance sheet 10 through at least one of the illustrated processes, and smooth airflow and appropriate suction resistance can be ensured through the formed channels. In addition, the contact area between the fragrance sheet 10 and the high-temperature airflow is increased, and cooling performance can be improved.

Additionally, in some embodiments, a plurality of holes may be formed in the fragrance sheet 10 (see FIG. 8). For example, a plurality of holes may be formed in the flavor sheet 10 through a punching process. In this case, the contact area between the fragrance sheet 10 and the airflow is maximized, and cooling performance can be further improved.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the flavor sheet 10 may be processed based on a combination of the above-described embodiments.

Description will be made again with reference to FIG. 1 .

The suction resistance of the cooling unit 120 can be designed in various ways. In some embodiments, the suction resistance of the cooling unit 120 may be about 0.05 mmH ₂ 0/mm to 3.0 mmH ₂ 0/mm, and preferably about 0.1 mmH ₂ 0/mm to 2.5 mmH ₂ 0/mm. , about 0.1 mmH ₂ 0/mm to 2.0 mmH ₂ 0/mm, or about 0.5 mmH ₂ 0/mm to 2.0 mmH ₂ 0/mm, or about 1.0 mmH ₂ 0/mm to 1.5 mmH ₂ 0/mm. However, it is not limited to this.

The length, thickness, and/or perimeter of the cooling unit 120 may be designed in various ways. For example, the length of the cooling unit 120 may be about 5 mm or more and the circumference may be about 14 mm to 25 mm. However, it is not limited to this.

Next, the filter unit 130 may perform a filtration function for aerosol. To this end, the filter unit 130 may include a filter (filtration) material. Examples of filter materials include cellulose acetate fiber, paper, etc., but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The filter unit 130 may be located downstream of the cooling unit 120 and may border the downstream end of the cooling unit 120. Additionally, the filter unit 130 may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 100 and function as a mouthpiece that comes into contact with the user's mouth. The filter unit 130 may further include a wrapper 140 surrounding the filter material (plug).

Since the filter unit 130 is also manufactured in the form of a rod, it may be referred to as “filter rod 130” in some cases, and may be cylindrical, tube-shaped with a hollow inside (e.g. tube-shaped cellulose acetate filter), or cylindrical. It can be manufactured in various forms, such as cess type. Alternatively, since the filter unit 130 functions as a mouthpiece, it may be referred to as the “mouthpiece unit 130.”

Next, the wrapper 140 may mean surrounding at least a portion of the aerosol forming base unit 110, the cooling unit 120, and/or the filter unit 130. The wrapper 140 may refer to an individual wrapper of the aerosol-forming base unit 110, the cooling unit 120, or the filter unit 130, and may refer to an individual wrapper of the aerosol-forming base unit 110 and the aerosol-forming base unit 110, such as a tipping wrapper. It may refer to a wrapper that surrounds at least a portion of the filter unit 130, and may also refer to all wrappers used in the aerosol-generating article 100 as a general term. The wrapper 140 may be made of porous or non-porous paper, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the wrapper 140 may be made of metal foil or a combination of paper and metal foil.

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating article 100 may further include a plug (not shown) disposed at an end. For example, the plug may be disposed at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 100 to appropriately adjust the overall length of the aerosol-generating article 100. In addition, when the aerosol-generating article 100 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device (e.g. 1000 in FIG. 9), the plug is positioned at an appropriate position inside the aerosol-generating base unit 110 (e.g. 1000 in FIG. 9). It can also perform a function to adjust it as much as possible.

So far, the aerosol-generating article 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure has been generally described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. According to the above-mentioned, the fragrance sheet 10 containing a polysaccharide material and fragrance may be placed (applied) on the cooling unit 120 of the aerosol-generating article 100. This flavor sheet 10 can absorb a large amount of heat as the polysaccharide material undergoes a phase change upon contact with a high-temperature air current, and at the same time, the flavor coated with the polysaccharide material can be slowly discharged. Accordingly, the cooling performance and scent persistence of the aerosol-generating article 100 can be improved, and the user's smoking satisfaction can be greatly improved.

Hereinafter, various modifications of the aerosol-generating article 100 described above will be introduced with reference to the drawings of FIG. 4 and below. However, for clarity of the present disclosure, description of content that overlaps with the previous embodiment will be omitted.

Figure 4 is an exemplary diagram showing an aerosol-generating article 200 according to a first modified example of the present disclosure. In particular, Figures 4 and 5 show the flavor sheet 10 disposed on the inner wall of the cooling unit (e.g. 230) as an example. In addition, in the drawings of FIG. 4 and below, the wrapper (e.g. 140) is omitted for convenience.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the aerosol-generating article 200 may include an aerosol-forming base unit 210, a cooling unit 230, a first filter unit 220, and a second filter unit 240.

Since the aerosol-forming base unit 210 and the cooling unit 230 may correspond to the aerosol-forming base unit 110 and the cooling unit 120 of FIG. 1, their description will be omitted.

The first filter unit 220 may be located upstream of the cooling unit 230 and between the aerosol forming base unit 210 and the cooling unit 230. As shown, the first filter unit 220 may be a hollow segment. For example, the first filter unit 220 may be a tube-shaped cellulose acetate filter or a paper tube. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first filter unit 220 may perform a filtration function for aerosol and may also perform a cooling function for aerosol passing through the hollow space.

When the cooling unit 230 is located downstream of the hollow first filter unit 220, the high-temperature aerosol formed in the aerosol-forming base unit 210 is primary while passing through the hollow of the first filter unit 220. can be cooled. In addition, the primarily cooled aerosol may flow into the cooling unit 230, and thus the performance of the cooling unit 230 due to the flavor sheet 10 can be well preserved until the latter half of smoking, and the flavor expression can also be well maintained. You can. For example, if a high-temperature aerosol flows directly into the cooling unit 230, the forming agent (e.g. polysaccharide material) of the flavor sheet 10 may rapidly change phase and the cooling performance may gradually decrease, and a relatively large number of substances may be used in the early stages of smoking. Spices may also be implemented. However, in the structure illustrated in Figure 4, these can be greatly alleviated.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the first filter unit 220 is located downstream of the cooling unit 230, and the cooling unit 230 is located between the aerosol forming base unit 210 and the first filter unit 220. The aerosol-generating article 200 may be designed to do so.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the fragrance sheet 10 may also be applied to the first filter unit 220. In this case, the cooling performance, scent persistence, and scent development of the aerosol-generating article 200 may be further improved.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the average cross-sectional area of the cavity of the cooling unit 230 may be larger than the average cross-sectional area of the cavity of the first filter unit 220, but may be about 1.5 times or more. Preferably, it may be about 2 times or 3 times or more, and more preferably, it may be about 4 times, 5 times, or 6 times or more. In this case, the airflow (e.g. mainstream smoke) moving from the hollow of the first filter unit 220 to the hollow of the cooling unit 230 rapidly spreads and is connected to the external air (e.g. air flowing in through the perforation formed in the cooling unit 230). Because the contact area and time are increased, aerosol cooling performance can be further improved.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the inner diameter ratio of the first filter unit 220 and the cooling unit 230 is about 1:1. to 1:3.5, preferably about 1:1.5 to 1:3.5 or 1:1.5 to 1:3. As a specific example, when the internal diameter of the first filter unit 220 is 2.5 mm, the internal diameter of the cooling unit 230 may be 3.75 mm to 7.5 mm, preferably 5 mm to 7.5 mm, and more preferably 6 mm to 7 mm. . Within this numerical range, aerosol cooling performance can be significantly improved.

Next, the second filter unit 240 is located downstream of the cooling unit 230 and may perform a filtration function for cooled aerosol. As shown, the second filter unit 240 may be a non-hollow segment. Since the second filter unit 240 may correspond to the filter unit 130 of FIG. 1, further description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, for convenience of understanding, the filter unit (e.g. 220) in which the hollow is formed will continue to be referred to as the “first filter unit” regardless of the order of arrangement of the filter units, and the filter unit in which the hollow is not formed (e.g. 240) ) shall be named the “second filter unit”.

Figure 5 is an exemplary diagram showing an aerosol-generating article 300 according to a second modification of the present disclosure.

As shown in Figure 5, similar to the first modification described above, the aerosol-generating article 300 also includes an aerosol-forming base unit 310, a cooling unit 320, a first filter unit 340, and a second filter. It may include unit 330. However, unlike the first modification described above, the second filter unit 330 is located between the cooling unit 320 and the first filter unit 340, and the first filter unit 340 is located between the cooling unit 320 and the first filter unit 340. It is located downstream of (330) and functions as a mouthpiece.

Figure 6 is an exemplary diagram showing an aerosol-generating article 400 according to a third modification of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 6 , similar to the structure illustrated in FIG. 1 , the aerosol-generating article 400 may include an aerosol-forming substrate portion 410, a cooling portion 420, and a filter portion 430.

Since the aerosol-forming base unit 410 and the filter unit 430 may correspond to the aerosol-forming base unit 110 and the filter unit 130 of FIG. 1, their description will be omitted.

In this modified example, as shown, the flavor sheet 10 may not be placed on the inner wall of the cooling unit 420, but may be placed (applied) in a rolled form inside the cooling unit 420. Alternatively, the flavor sheet 10 may be arranged in a folded form inside the cooling unit 420. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the flavor sheet 10 may be arranged by rolling or folding in an irregular pattern (see 10-1), in a swirl shape (see 10-2), or in a concentric circle shape (10-3). It may be arranged in a rolled manner (see 10-4), or it may be arranged in a folded form several times (e.g. a folded form to ensure an airflow path in the longitudinal direction; see 10-4). When the fragrance sheet 10 is arranged in the illustrated form, an airflow path is secured in the longitudinal direction, thereby ensuring smooth airflow and appropriate suction resistance. Additionally, the contact area between the fragrance sheet 10 and the high-temperature airflow is increased, and aerosol cooling performance can be improved.

In some embodiments, the perfume sheet 10 illustrated in FIG. 7 (i.e., the sheet before being rolled or folded) may be a pleated or folded sheet as illustrated in FIG. 3 . In this case, the rolling or folding process can be easily performed and workability can be improved.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the fragrance sheet 10 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be processed to form a plurality of holes 101 as illustrated in FIG. 8 . For example, a plurality of holes 101 may be formed in the fragrance sheet 10 through a punching process. In this case, the contact area between the fragrance sheet 10 and the airflow is maximized, and cooling performance can be further improved.

In the above-described embodiments, the diameter of the hole 101 may be about 0.05 mm to 5 mm, preferably about 0.1 mm to 3 mm, or about 0.2 mm to 2.5 mm, about 0.3 mm to 2.1 mm, or about 0.4 mm. It may be 1.8mm. Within this numerical range, smooth airflow and appropriate suction resistance can be ensured. In addition, the contact area between the fragrance sheet 10 and the high-temperature airflow is greatly increased, and cooling performance can be further improved.

So far, aerosol-generating articles 200 to 400 according to several modifications of the present disclosure have been described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8 . Hereinafter, the fragrance sheet 10 and its manufacturing method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

The fragrance sheet 10 can be manufactured through the steps of preparing a liquid (e.g. slurry) sheet composition and drying the prepared sheet composition. Here, the liquid phase may include not only a liquid state but also a mixed state of liquid and solid (e.g. slurry state). For example, the fragrance sheet 10 can be manufactured by stretching (casting) a sheet composition on a predetermined substrate and drying it. However, it is not limited to this, and the specific manufacturing method may vary.

The thickness of the fragrance sheet 10 can be designed in various ways.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the flavor sheet 10 may be about 2.0 mm or less, preferably about 0.05 mm to 1.8 mm, about 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, or about 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. It was confirmed that within this numerical range, the flavor sheet 10 had appropriate durability and flexibility and workability was guaranteed. For example, if the thickness of the flavor sheet 10 is too thin, durability may be weak and the flavor sheet 10 may be easily damaged during processing (e.g. crimping, rolling, folding, etc.) or placement of the flavor sheet 10. Conversely, if the thickness of the flavor sheet 10 is too thick, flexibility may decrease and the flavor sheet 10 may break during processing such as rolling or folding. Alternatively, the flavor sheet 10 may not adhere well to the inner wall of the cooling unit (e.g. 120).

Meanwhile, the detailed composition of the sheet composition can be designed in various ways.

In some embodiments, the sheet composition may include a solvent such as distilled water, ethanol, a polysaccharide material, and a fragrance. The fragrance sheet 10 manufactured from this sheet composition has excellent fragrance retention and fragrance retention, and can greatly improve the fragrance persistence and fragrance persistence of an aerosol-generating article (e.g. 100). Hereinafter, each constituent material of the sheet composition will be described.

Solvents such as distilled water and ethanol may be an element for controlling the viscosity of the slurry-type sheet composition.

Next, the polysaccharide material may be a material that coats and fixes the fragrance and a sheet forming agent that forms a sheet. Examples of polysaccharide materials include cellulose-based materials such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and agar. Since these cellulose-based materials have the property of absorbing heat well through phase change when in contact with high-temperature aerosol, the fragrance sheet 10 can be used as a cooling material as well as a fragrance material.

In some embodiments, the sheet composition may include modified cellulose among various polysaccharide materials. Here, “modified cellulose” may mean cellulose in which a specific functional group is substituted in the molecular structure. Examples of modified cellulose include, but are not limited to, HPMC, MC, CMC, and EC. For example, HPMC may have a grade in the range of about 4 to 40,000 depending on the substitution ratio of hydroxypropyl group and methyl group (or methoxy group) and molecular weight. Depending on the grade, the viscosity of the modified cellulose can be determined. More specifically, the physicochemical properties of HPMC are related to the ratio of methoxy groups, the ratio of hydroxypropyl groups, and molecular weight. According to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), the type of HPMC is determined according to the ratio of methoxy and hydroxypropyl groups. It can be classified as HPMC1828, HPMC2208, HPMC2906, and HPMC2910. Here, the first two numbers may mean the ratio of methoxy groups, and the last two numbers may mean the ratio of hydroxypropyl groups. As a result of continuous experiments by the present inventors, it was confirmed that the fragrance sheet 10 manufactured from a sheet composition containing modified cellulose had excellent sheet physical properties and fragrance retention.

Next, examples of flavoring agents include menthol, nicotine, nicotine salts, leaf tobacco extract, leaf tobacco extract containing nicotine, and natural plant flavorings (e.g. cinnamon, sage, herbs, chamomile, marigold, persimmon tea, clove, lavender, cardamom, clove, Nutmeg, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, lemon, orange, cinnamon, caraway, jasmine, ginger, coriander, vanilla extract, spearmint, peppermint, cassia, coffee, celery, cascarilla, sandalwood, cocoa, ylang. Ylang, fennel, anise, licorice, St. John's bread, plum extract, peach extract, etc.), sugars (e.g. glucose, fructose, isomerized sugar, caramel, etc.), cocoa (powder, extract, etc.), esters (e.g. Isoamyl acetate, linalyl acetate, isoamyl propionate, linalyl butyrate, etc.), ketones (e.g. menthone, ionone, damascenone, ethyl maltol, etc.), alcohols (e.g. geraniol, linalol, amine) Tol, eugenol, etc.), aldehydes (e.g. vanillin, benzaldehyde, anisaldehyde, etc.), lactones (e.g. γ-undecalactone, γ-nonalactone, etc.), animal fragrances (e.g. musk, ambergris, civet) , castrium, etc.), and hydrocarbons (e.g. limonene, pinene, etc.). The fragrance may be used as a solid, or may be used dissolved or dispersed in an appropriate solvent, such as propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, or triethyl citrate. Additionally, fragrances that tend to form a dispersed state in a solvent by adding an emulsifier, such as hydrophobic fragrances or oil-soluble fragrances, can be used. These fragrances can be used individually or in a mixture. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples.

In some embodiments, fragrances with a melting point of about 80° C. or lower may be used. In this case, the performance of the cooling unit (e.g. 120) can be further improved because the flavor changes phase and absorbs more heat when the sheet-like material comes into contact with an airflow of 80°C or higher. Considering that the temperature of heated aerosol is generally 80°C or higher, the use of the above fragrance can effectively improve the cooling performance of most aerosol-generating articles (e.g. 100). In addition, as the phase-changed fragrance is easily volatilized, the scent expression of the aerosol-generating article (e.g. 100) can also be improved. An example of a fragrance with a melting point of about 80°C or lower may include menthol, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the sheet composition may further include LM-pectin (low methoxyl pectin). LM-pectin is low ester pectin or low methoxyl pectin with relatively little esterification, and can specifically refer to pectin containing less than about 50% of carboxyl groups within its molecular structure. Because LM-pectin, unlike carrageenan, has the property of not gelling when cooled, it can lower the viscosity of the slurry-type sheet composition (e.g. to about 600 cp to 800 cp). In addition, it is possible to manufacture a slurry-type sheet composition without an emulsifier, so it can be free from safety problems caused by emulsifiers.

LM-pectin may contain less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 20%, or less than about 10% of carboxyl groups within its molecular structure. As the content of carboxyl groups within the molecular structure of LM-pectin decreases, the viscosity of the slurry containing LM-pectin may decrease.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the sheet composition may further include a bulking agent. The bulking agent is a substance that increases the total mass (i.e., dry matter) of components other than distilled water, thereby increasing the volume of the flavor sheet 10 to be manufactured, but does not affect the original function of the flavor sheet 10. You can. Specifically, the bulking agent increases the volume of the flavor sheet 10, but may have properties that do not substantially increase the viscosity of the slurry and do not adversely affect the flavor retention function of the flavor sheet 10. Preferably, the bulking agent may be starch, modified starch, or starch hydrolyzate. However, it is not limited to this.

Modified starch refers to acetic acid starch, oxidized starch, hydroxypropyl phosphate transfer starch, hydroxypropyl starch, phosphoric acid transfer starch, monophosphoric acid starch, phosphorylated phosphate transfer starch, etc.

Starch hydrolyzate refers to a substance obtained by a process including the step of hydrolyzing starch. Starch hydrolyzate may include, for example, a substance obtained by directly hydrolyzing starch (i.e., dextrin), or a substance obtained by hydrolyzing starch after heat treatment (i.e., indigestible dextrin). The bulking agent may be, for example, dextrin, and more specifically, cyclodextrin.

The starch hydrolyzate may generally be a starch hydrolyzate having a DE value within the range of about 2 to about 40, and preferably a starch hydrolyzate having a DE value within the range of about 2 to about 20. Starch hydrolyzate having a DE value in the range of about 2 to about 20, for example, Finex #100 (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), Fine Fiber (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), TK -16 (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) may be utilized.

Here, “DE” is an abbreviation for dextrose equivalent, and the DE value indicates the degree of hydrolysis of starch, that is, the saccharification rate of starch. In the present disclosure, the DE value may be a value measured by the Willstatter-Schudel method. The properties of hydrolyzed starch (starch hydrolyzate), such as the molecular weight of the starch hydrolyzate and the arrangement of the sugar molecules that make up the starch hydrolyzate, are not constant for each molecule of the starch hydrolyzate, and are not distributed or It exists with variations. Depending on the distribution or variation of the properties of the starch hydrolyzate, or differences in the cut section, the starch hydrolyzate may exhibit different physical properties (for example, DE value) for each molecule. In this way, starch hydrolyzate is a set of molecules showing different physical properties, but the measurement result (i.e. DE value) by the Willstatter-Schudel method is a representative value indicating the degree of starch hydrolysis. is being handled.

Preferably, the starch hydrolyzate may be selected from the group consisting of dextrins having a DE value of about 2 to about 5, indigestible dextrins having a DE value of about 10 to about 15, and mixtures thereof. As a dextrin having a DE value of about 2 to about 5, for example, Findex #100 (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) can be used. As an indigestible dextrin having a DE value of about 10 to about 15, for example, fine fiber (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) can be used.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the sheet composition may further include a plasticizer. The plasticizer can improve the physical properties of the fragrance sheet 10 by adding appropriate flexibility to it. The plasticizer may include, for example, at least one of glycerin and propylene glycol, but is not limited thereto.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the sheet composition may further include an emulsifier. The emulsifier can increase the fragrance retention capacity of the fragrance sheet 10 by ensuring that the highly oil-soluble fragrance and the water-soluble polysaccharide material are well mixed. Examples of emulsifiers include lecithin, but are not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the fragrance sheet 10 manufactured from the above-described sheet composition may have various content ratios (composition ratios).

In some embodiments, the flavor sheet 10 may include about 20 to 60 parts by weight of a polysaccharide material and about 10 to 50 parts by weight of fragrance, based on a total of 100 parts by weight. Of course, the fragrance sheet 10 may further contain an appropriate amount of moisture. It was confirmed that the fragrance sheet 10 configured in this way significantly improves the scent persistence and cooling performance of the aerosol-generating article (e.g. 100).

In some embodiments, the fragrance sheet 10 contains about 2 to about 15 parts by weight of moisture, about 25 to about 90 parts by weight of modified cellulose, and about 0.1 to about 60 parts by weight of fragrance, based on a total of 100 parts by weight. It can be included.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the flavor sheet 10 contains about 2 to about 15 parts by weight of moisture, about 1 to about 60 parts by weight of a polysaccharide material, and about 1 to about 60 parts by weight of LM-, based on a total of 100 parts by weight. It may include pectin and about 0.1 to about 60 parts by weight of flavoring.

In some embodiments, the plasticizer may be included in an amount of about 0.1 to about 15 parts by weight, preferably about 1 to 10 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the fragrance sheet 10. For example, the flavor sheet 10 may include about 20 to 60 parts by weight of a polysaccharide material, about 10 to 50 parts by weight of fragrance, and about 1 to 10 parts by weight of a plasticizer, based on a total of 100 parts by weight. Within this numerical range, a sheet with appropriate flexibility (physical properties) can be formed, and processing (e.g. crimping, rolling, folding, etc.) of the fragrance sheet 10 can be easily performed, thereby improving workability. For example, if too little plasticizer is added, the flexibility of the sheet may decrease and it may be easily broken during the process, and if too much plasticizer is added, the sheet may not be formed well.

So far, the fragrance sheet 10 and its manufacturing method according to several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. Hereinafter, various types of aerosol-generating devices 1000 to which the above-described aerosol-generating article (e.g. 100) can be applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.

9 to 11 are exemplary block diagrams showing the aerosol generating device 1000. Specifically, Figure 9 illustrates a cigarette-type aerosol generating device 1000, and Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a hybrid-type aerosol generating device 1000 that uses both a liquid and a cigarette. Hereinafter, each aerosol generating device 1000 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a heater 1300, a battery 1100, and a control unit 1200. However, this is only a preferred embodiment for achieving the purpose of the present disclosure, and of course, some components may be added or omitted as needed. In addition, each component of the aerosol generating device 1000 shown in FIG. 9 represents functionally distinct functional elements, and a plurality of components are implemented in a form integrated with each other in an actual physical environment, or a single component is implemented. It may also be implemented in a form that is separated into multiple detailed functional elements. Hereinafter, each component of the aerosol generating device 1000 will be described.

The heater 1300 may be arranged to heat the cigarette 2000 inserted therein. Cigarette 2000 includes a solid aerosol-forming substrate and can generate an aerosol as it is heated. The generated aerosol can be inhaled through the user's mouth. The operation and heating temperature of the heater 1300 may be controlled by the control unit 1200.

Next, the battery 1100 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the battery 1100 can supply power so that the heater 1300 can heat the aerosol-forming substrate included in the cigarette 2000, and can supply power necessary for the control unit 1200 to operate.

Additionally, the battery 1100 can supply power necessary to operate electrical components such as a display (not shown), a sensor (not shown), and a motor (not shown) installed in the aerosol generating device 1000.

Next, the control unit 1200 can generally control the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the control unit 1200 can control the operations of the heater 1300 and the battery 1100, and can also control the operations of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1000. The control unit 1200 can control the power supplied by the battery 1100, the heating temperature of the heater 1300, etc. Additionally, the control unit 1200 may check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 1000 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 1000 is in an operable state.

The control unit 1200 may be implemented by at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this disclosure pertains will readily understand that the control unit 1200 may be implemented with other types of hardware.

Hereinafter, the hybrid type aerosol generating device 1000 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

Figure 10 illustrates an aerosol generating device 1000 in which a vaporizer 1400 and a cigarette 2000 are arranged in parallel, and Figure 11 illustrates an aerosol generating device in which a vaporizer 1400 and a cigarette 2000 are arranged in series. (1000) is exemplified. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to that illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, and the arrangement of components may be changed depending on the design method.

10 and 11, the vaporizer 1400 includes a liquid storage tank that stores the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, a wick that absorbs the aerosol-forming substrate, and a vaporization element that vaporizes the absorbed aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. It can be included. The vaporizing element may be implemented in various forms, such as a heating element, a vibrating element, etc. Additionally, in some embodiments, the vaporizer 1400 may be designed to not include a wick.

The aerosol generated from the vaporizer 1400 may pass through the cigarette 2000 and be inhaled through the user's mouth. The vaporization elements of the vaporizer 1400 may also be controlled by the controller 1200.

So far, an exemplary aerosol-generating device 1000 to which an aerosol-generating article (e.g. 100) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied has been described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 .

Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features. I can understand that there is. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted in accordance with the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of the technical ideas defined by this disclosure.

10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4: Fragrance sheet
100, 200, 300, 400: Aerosol-generating articles
110, 210, 310, 410: Aerosol forming base unit
120, 230, 320, 420: Cooling unit
130, 430: Filter unit
220, 340: first filter unit
240, 330: second filter unit
140: Rapper
1000: Aerosol generating device
1100: Battery
1200: Control unit
1300: heater
1400: Vaporizer
2000: Cigarettes

Claims (12)

Aerosol-forming substrate; and
A cooling unit located downstream of the aerosol-forming base unit to cool the aerosol formed in the aerosol-forming base unit,
The cooling unit is a tubular structure with a hollow interior, and a sheet-like material is disposed on the inner wall of the hollow,
The sheet-like material includes polysaccharide material and flavoring,
Aerosol-generating articles. According to claim 1,
The sheet-like material is wrinkled or folded in the longitudinal direction,
Aerosol-generating articles. According to claim 1,
The suction resistance of the cooling part is 0.1mmH ₂ 0/mm to 1.5mmH ₂ 0/mm,
Aerosol-generating articles. According to claim 1,
a first filter unit located upstream of the cooling unit and having a hollow structure; and
Further comprising a second filter unit located downstream of the cooling unit and not forming a hollow,
Aerosol-generating articles. According to claim 1,
a first filter unit located downstream of the cooling unit and having a hollow structure; and
Further comprising a second filter unit located downstream of the first filter unit and not forming a hollow,
Aerosol-generating articles. According to claim 1,
a first filter unit located downstream of the cooling unit and having a hollow structure; and
Further comprising a second filter unit located between the cooling unit and the first filter unit and not forming a hollow,
Aerosol-generating articles. According to claim 1,
The polysaccharide material is a cellulose-based material,
Aerosol-generating articles. According to claim 1,
The sheet-like material is,
20 to 60 parts by weight of the polysaccharide material and
Containing 10 to 50 parts by weight of the above fragrance,
Aerosol-generating articles. According to clause 8,
The sheet-like material is,
Further comprising 1 to 10 parts by weight of a plasticizer,
Aerosol-generating articles. According to claim 1,
The thickness of the sheet-like material is 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm,
Aerosol-generating articles. According to claim 1,
The melting point of the fragrance is 80°C or lower,
Aerosol-generating articles. According to claim 1,
A plurality of holes are formed in the sheet-like material,
Aerosol-generating articles.

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