RU2786971C1 - Aerosol-generating article and method for manufacture thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking devices.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an aerosol-generating article and a method for manufacture thereof. The technical result is achieved by the aerosol-generating article constituting an article made to be inserted into an aerosol-generating apparatus for generating an aerosol, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises: an aerosol-forming substrate part containing crushed tobacco leaves and configured to form an aerosol when electrically heated by the aerosol-generating apparatus; and a mouthpiece part located downstream relative to the aerosol-forming substrate part to form the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate part does not contain tobacco material other than crushed tobacco leaves or a mixture wherein crushed tobacco leaves and a whole leaf of reconstituted tobacco are mixed in a mass ratio in the range from 6:4 to 9:1; the cutting width of the crushed tobacco leaves is in the range from 1.0 mm to 1.4 mm; the tobacco leaves are cut to the same length, wherein the crushed tobacco leaves have a length no longer than the preset cutting width, the content of crushed tobacco leaves included in the aerosol-forming substrate part is in the range from 150 to 200 mg, the moisture content of the crushed tobacco leaves is in the range of 12% to 17% of the total mass of the crushed tobacco leaves, the crushed tobacco leaves contain a moistening agent in the range of 9 to 12 wt.%, the moistening agent constitutes glycerin, propylene glycol, or a combination thereof wherein the mass ratio of glycerin to propylene glycol is in the range from 1:1 to 9:1; the technical result is also achieved by the method for manufacturing such an article.

EFFECT: reduced foreign flavour.

14 cl, 15 dwg, 10 tbl

Description

[Technical field]

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article and a method for making the same, and more specifically, to an aerosol-generating article that is used in conjunction with an aerosol-generating device and a method for making the same, which makes it possible to simultaneously improve the satisfaction with the taste of tobacco smoke and ensure that the aerosol-generating article is manufactured at low cost. .

[prior art]

In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for alternative products that eliminate the harms of traditional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increase in demand for devices and articles that generate aerosol through heating instead of generating aerosol through combustion. Accordingly, ongoing research has been conducted on heating-type aerosol-generating articles or heating-type aerosol-generating devices.

Most heating-type aerosol-generating articles are made from reconstituted tobacco webs (eg, webs made from reconstituted tobacco leaves). However, the high cost of the reconstituted tobacco web is the main reason for the increase in unit price of the aerosol generating product. In addition, during the manufacture of the reconstituted tobacco web, additional materials such as pulp and guar gum are added to a large extent, and such additional materials can reduce the inherent taste of the tobacco and cause off-flavours, and consequently degrade user satisfaction with the taste sensation of tobacco smoke.

[Description of the invention]

[Technical problem]

Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an aerosol-generating article and a method for making the same that can both enhance the satisfaction with the taste of tobacco smoke and ensure that the aerosol-generating article is manufactured at low cost.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above objects, and other objects not mentioned will certainly be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[Technical solution]

An aerosol-generating article according to some embodiments of the present invention, which is an article inserted into an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol, comprises an aerosol-generating substrate portion that contains shredded tobacco leaves, and is configured to generate an aerosol while electrically heated. an aerosol-generating device, and a mouthpiece portion which is located downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate portion to form a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming portion of the substrate may be free of tobacco material other than shredded tobacco leaves.

In some embodiments of the invention, the cutting width of shredded tobacco leaf may be from 1.0 mm to 1.4 mm.

In some embodiments, the content of ground tobacco leaves included in the aerosol forming substrate portion may be in the range of 150 mg to 200 mg.

In some embodiments, shredded tobacco leaves may be made during a manufacturing process involving flavoring treatment, a humectant may be added during flavoring treatment, and the weight ratio of glycerol to propylene glycol included in the humectant may be in the range of 1:1 to 8 :2.

In some embodiments, the moisture content of shredded tobacco leaves may be in the range of 12% to 17% of the total weight of shredded tobacco leaves.

In some embodiments of the invention, the resistance to draw from a portion of the mouthpiece may be in the range of 90 mm w.c. up to 140 mm w.c.

A method of making an aerosol generating article according to some embodiments of the present invention, which is a method of making an article to be inserted into an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, comprises processing fresh tobacco leaves to make shredded tobacco leaves, using shredded commercial tobacco leaves to form a portion of the substrate. , forming an aerosol, and combining the formed part of the substrate, forming an aerosol, and part of the mouthpiece.

[Useful effects]

According to various embodiments of the present invention, an electrically heated type aerosol generating article can be made using shredded tobacco leaves instead of reconstituted tobacco web. Since the cost of manufacturing shredded tobacco leaves is much less than the cost of manufacturing reconstituted tobacco leaf, the price competitiveness of the aerosol generating product can be greatly improved.

In addition, by using shredded tobacco leaves instead of a reconstituted tobacco web, off-flavors can be reduced and the original flavor of the tobacco leaves can be conveyed to the user during smoking. Accordingly, user satisfaction with the taste of tobacco smoke can be greatly improved.

In addition, during the manufacture of shredded tobacco leaves, since fresh tobacco leaves are cut with a suitable cutting width (for example, about 1.2 mm), the phenomenon that shredded tobacco leaves protrude from the end can be reduced (i.e., workability can be improved) during the manufacture of the aerosol generating article and the production of the substance in the gaseous state can be increased.

In addition, by adding shredded tobacco leaves in an appropriate amount (for example, about 170 mg), the phenomenon that shredded tobacco leaves protrude from the end can be reduced in the manufacturing process of the aerosol generating product, and the price competitiveness and taste of tobacco of the aerosol generating product can be improved. .

Meanwhile, in the process of making shredded tobacco leaves, by adding glycerol and propylene glycol in a suitable ratio (eg, about 7:3), the production of the substance in the gaseous state from the aerosol-generating article can be increased.

In addition, during the manufacture of shredded tobacco leaves, by appropriately adjusting the moisture content of the shredded tobacco leaves (e.g., to about 14.5% of the total weight of the shredded tobacco leaves), the gaseous production of the aerosol generating article can be increased and the manufacturability of the aerosol generating product can be increased. products can be improved.

In addition, by adding a humectant in a suitable amount (for example, about 3% of the total mass of ground tobacco) during the second flavoring treatment during the production of ground tobacco leaves, the gaseous production of the aerosol generating article can be further increased, and off-flavour can be be reduced.

Beneficial effects in accordance with the technical essence of the present invention are not limited to the above beneficial effects, and other beneficial effects not mentioned should certainly be understood by experts in this field, based on the following description.

[Description of drawings]

FIG. 1-3 illustrate various types of aerosol generating devices to which an aerosol generating article according to some embodiments of the present invention is applicable.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary layout schematically showing an aerosol generating article according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary layout showing an aerosol generating article according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary layout showing an aerosol generating article according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary layout showing an aerosol generating article according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 and 9 are illustrative block diagrams showing a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating article according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view for further describing the cutting step S27 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates the result of an organoleptic evaluation of changes in the production of a substance in a gaseous state depending on the width of cut of shredded tobacco leaves.

FIG. 12 illustrates the result of sensory evaluation of changes in tobacco flavor and gaseous production as a function of ground tobacco leaf content.

FIG. 13 illustrates the result of a sensory evaluation of changes in the production of a substance in the gaseous state depending on the ratio of glycerol and propylene glycol.

FIG. 14 illustrates the result of sensory evaluation of changes in gaseous production as a function of moisture content in ground tobacco leaves.

FIG. 15 illustrates the overall result of sensory evaluation of aerosol generating articles according to the examples.

[Principles of the invention]

Hereinafter, illustrative embodiments of the present invention will be detailed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and characteristics of the present invention and the methods for carrying it out are better explained by the examples detailed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the technical essence of the present invention is not limited to the following examples and can be implemented in various other forms. The examples complete the technical gist of the present disclosure and are provided to fully inform those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains as to the scope of the present invention. The technical essence of the present invention is determined only by the scope of the claims.

When assigning position numbers to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same position numbers are assigned to the same components, as far as possible, even if the components are shown in different drawings. In addition, when describing the present invention, if a detailed description of known similar technical description or function is considered as having the ability to obscure the essence of the present invention, their detailed description will be omitted.

Unless otherwise indicated, all terms, including technical or scientific terms, used in this document have the same meaning as is commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms listed in common dictionaries should not be interpreted in an idealized or superficial formal sense unless explicitly defined as such in this document. The terms used in this document support the description of embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In the following embodiments of the invention, the wording in the singular includes the plural expression, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In addition, when describing the components of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) may be used. Such terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component, and the essence, order, sequence, or the like with respect to the respective component is not limited to the terms. In the case in which a particular component is described as being "coupled", "coupled", or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that although a component may be directly coupled or connected to another component, the other component may still be "linked", "paired", or "connected" between two components.

The terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" as used in this document do not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more components, steps, operations and/or devices other than those mentioned.

First, some of the terms used in the following examples will be clarified.

In the following examples, "aerosol-forming substrate" may refer to an aerosol-forming material. The aerosol may contain a volatile substance. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid.

For example, the aerosol-forming solid substrate may comprise a solid tobacco-based material such as shredded tobacco leaves and reconstituted tobacco (e.g., reconstituted tobacco leaves), and the aerosol-forming liquid substrate may contain a liquid composition based on tobacco materials, extracts tobacco and/or various flavoring substances. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above examples.

As a more specific example, the aerosol-forming liquid substrate may contain propylene glycol (PG) and/or glycerol (GLY), and further contain at least one of ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol. As another example, the aerosol forming substrate may further comprise at least one of tobacco material, moisture, and flavor. In addition, as another example, the aerosol forming substrate may further contain various additives such as cinnamon and capsaicin. The aerosol-forming substrate may not only contain a highly fluid liquid material, but also contain a material in the form of a gel or a solid. Thus, various materials can be selected as components constituting the aerosol-forming substrate according to embodiments of the invention, and their complex ratios can also vary according to embodiments of the invention. In the following description, "liquid" may be understood to refer to an aerosol-forming liquid substrate.

In further embodiments, an "aerosol generating device" may refer to a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol that can be drawn directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. Some examples of the aerosol generating device will be disclosed below with reference to FIG. 1-3. However, examples of the aerosol generating device may further comprise various other types of aerosol generating devices, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the devices of FIG. 1-3.

In the following embodiments, an "aerosol-generating article" may refer to an article capable of generating an aerosol. The aerosol generating article may contain an aerosol generating substrate. For example, the aerosol generating article may be a cigarette, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to such an example.

In the following embodiments, "puff" means inhalation by a user, and inhalation may refer to a situation where the user draws smoke into his or her mouth, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

In further embodiments of the invention, "upstream" or "direction upstream" may mean a direction away from the user's mouth, and "downstream" or "downstream" may mean a direction approaching the user's mouth. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" can be used to describe the relative position of the components that make up the smoking article. For example, in the aerosol generating article 100 shown in FIG. 4, the filter portion 120 is located downstream or downstream of the aerosol forming portion of the substrate 110, and the aerosol forming portion of the substrate 110 is located upstream or upstream of the filter portion 120.

In the embodiments described below, "length direction" refers to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article, and "diameter direction" refers to the transverse direction of the aerosol generating article. That is, "diameter direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the "length direction".

Here and below, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1-3 depict various types of aerosol generating devices 1000 to which an aerosol generating article 2000 is applicable according to some embodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 1-3 show the position where the aerosol generating article 2000 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000.

As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a battery 1100, a controller 1200, and a heater 1300. In some embodiments of the invention, as shown in FIGS. space within the aerosol generating device 1000. However, in the aerosol generating device 1000 shown in FIG. 1-3, only the components related to the present embodiment are shown. Thus, those skilled in the art relating to the present embodiment will appreciate that the aerosol generating devices 1000 may further comprise general purpose components other than those shown in FIG. 1-3.

FIG. 1, battery 1100, controller 1200, and heater 1300 are shown in a row. Also in FIG. 2, accumulator 1100, controller 1200, evaporator 1400, and heater 1300 are shown in a row. In addition, in FIG. 3, evaporator 1400 and heater 1300 are shown in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to those shown in FIG. 1-3. In other words, the location of the accumulator 1100, the controller 1200, the heater 1300, and the evaporator 1400 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1100.

If the aerosol generating article 2000 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the aerosol generating device 1000 may operate the heater 1300 and/or vaporizer 1400 to generate an aerosol. For example, aerosol generating article 2000 may generate an aerosol when heated by heater 1300. Aerosol generated by heater 1300 and/or vaporizer 1400 may pass through aerosol generating article 2000 and be inhaled through the user's mouth area.

Battery 1100 may supply power used to drive aerosol generating device 1000. For example, battery 1100 may supply power to heat heater 1300 or vaporizer 1400 and supply power necessary to operate controller 1200. In addition, battery 1100 may supply the power required to operate the display, sensor, motor, or the like installed in the aerosol generating device 1000.

The controller 1200 may then control the entire operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. In particular, the controller 1200 may not only control the operation of the battery 1100, the heater 1300, and the evaporator 1400, but also control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1000. Here, the controller 1200 may control the state each component of the aerosol generating device 1000 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 1000 is in a healthy state.

Controller 1200 may include one or more processors. The processor may be implemented with an array of multiple logic elements, or implemented with a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory that stores a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. However, those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment relates should understand that controller 1200 may also be implemented with other forms of hardware.

In some embodiments, the controller 1200 can recognize the substrate type of the aerosol generating product 2000. In particular, the controller 1200 can recognize whether the aerosol generating substrate included in the aerosol generating product 2000 is a representative reconstituted web or a representative shredded tobacco leaf. For example, the controller 1200 may recognize the type of substrate through the use of an identification element attached to the aerosol generating article 2000 (for example, aluminum foil attached to the upstream end of the aerosol generating article 2000), or may recognize the type of substrate using a user input (for example, selecting a command buttons). However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to such examples. The controller 1200 may control the heater 1300 based on the recognition result. In particular, in the case where the substrate type is a typical reconstituted web, the controller 1200 may actuate the heater 1300 with respect to a first temperature profile that is suitable for the reconstituted web, and in the case where the substrate type is a typical shredded tobacco leaves, controller 1200 may actuate heater 1300 with a second temperature profile that is suitable for shredded tobacco leaves. In this way, the best taste sensation of tobacco smoke can be conveyed to the user according to the type of substrate of the aerosol generating article 2000.

Further, the heater 1300 may be heated by power supply from the battery 1100. For example, if the aerosol generating article 2000 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the aerosol generating device 1000 may actuate the heater 1300 to heat the aerosol generating article 2000. The heater 1300 may be located inside or outside the aerosol generating article. . Thus, the heated heater 1300 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate in the aerosol generating article 2000.

Heater 1300 may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, a conductive track may be included in a heater 1300, and heater 1300 may be heated when an electrical current flows through the conductive track. However, the heater 1300 is not limited to the above example, and any other heater can be used without limitation, as long as the heater can be heated to a predetermined temperature. In this case, the setpoint temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1000 (eg, it may be pre-stored with temperature profiles) or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Here, as another example, the heater 1300 may be an induction heating model heater. Specifically, heater 1300 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating article 2000 using an induction heating method, and aerosol generating article 2000 may include a current collector material that can be heated by an induction heating pattern heater. Alternatively, the heater 1300 may be made from a combination of components comprising an electrically conductive coil and a current collector, and the current collector of the heater 1300 may heat the aerosol generating article 2000 using an induction heating method.

For example, heater 1300 may include a tubular electric heater, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol generating article 2000, depending on the shape of the heating element.

In addition, a group of heaters 1300 may be placed in the aerosol generating device 1000. In this case, the group of heaters 1300 may be placed so as to be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2000 or may be placed outside the aerosol generating article 2000. Also, some of the group of heaters 1300 may be placed so as to be inserted into the article 2000 while the remaining of the heaters 1300 are placed on the outside of the aerosol generating article 2000. In addition, the shape of the heater 1300 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1-3, and the heater 1300 may be made in various other forms.

Further, the vaporizer 1400 may heat the liquid composition (ie, the aerosol-forming liquid substrate) to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may pass through the aerosol-generating article 2000 and be supplied to a user. For example, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 1400 may travel through the airflow path of the aerosol generating device 1000, and the airflow path may be configured to cause the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 1400 to pass through the aerosol generating article 2000 and be delivered to a user. .

According to some embodiments of the invention, the evaporator 1400 may include a liquid reservoir, a liquid delivery element, and a heating element. However, the evaporator 1400 is not limited to this. The liquid reservoir, liquid delivery element, and heating element may also be included as independent modules in the aerosol generating device 1000. The components of the evaporator 1400 will be briefly described hereinafter.

The liquid reservoir may store the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material, such as a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. The liquid reservoir may be manufactured to be attached to or detachable from vaporizer 1400, or may be manufactured to be integral with vaporizer 1400.

For example, the liquid composition may contain water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavor, a flavor, or a mixture of vitamins. The flavor may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, or various fruit flavor components. The flavoring agent may contain components that can provide different aromas or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of one or more of, but not limited to, vitamins A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Also, the liquid composition may contain an aerosolizing agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

Further, the liquid delivery element may deliver the liquid composition from the liquid reservoir to the heating element. For example, the fluid delivery member may be a wick, such as a porous structure, in which cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, and a plurality of granules are assembled into a single unit, but not limited to.

Further, the heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery element. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. In addition, the heating element may be made of a conductive fiber such as nichrome wire and may be positioned to be wound around the liquid delivery element.

The heating element may be heated by a current applied to it and may apply heat to the liquid composition that is in contact with the heating element to heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For comparison, the vaporizer 1400 may also be referred to in the art as a cartomizer, atomizer, or cartridge.

As noted above, aerosol generating device 1000 may further comprise general purpose components other than battery 1100, controller 1200, heater 1300, and evaporator 1400. For example, aerosol generating device 1000 may include a display that can output visual information and/or a motor to output tactile information. information. Also, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include at least one sensor. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1000 can be made to be structured to allow outside air to enter or leak gas into it even in a state in which the aerosol generating product 2000 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000.

Although FIG. 1 and 3 not shown, the aerosol generating device 1000 may also form a system together with a separate charging cradle. For example, the charging cradle may be used to charge the battery 1100 of the aerosol generating device 1000. Alternatively, the heater 1300 may be heated in a position where the charging cradle and the aerosol generating device 1000 are connected.

Further, the aerosol generating article 2000 can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000 and generate an aerosol when electrically heated. In this case, the aerosol may be generated in the aerosol generating article 2000 at the time when outside air enters the aerosol generating device 1000, and the generated aerosol may be inhaled by the user through the user's mouth.

The paths by which outside air enters the aerosol generating device 1000 may be different according to an embodiment of the invention. For example, outside air may enter the aerosol generating device 1000 through one or more air channels formed in the aerosol generating device 1000. In this case, the opening or closing of the formed air channel in the aerosol generating device 1000 and/or the size of the air channel can be controlled by the user. In this case, the production of a substance in a gaseous state, the taste of tobacco smoke, and the like can be controlled by the user. As another example, outside air may enter the aerosol generating article 2000 through one or more openings formed on the surface of the aerosol generating article 2000.

The aerosol-generating article 2000 may contain an aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco material.

In some embodiments, the tobacco material may comprise shredded tobacco leaves. For example, the tobacco material may not contain materials other than ground tobacco leaves. As another example, the tobacco material may comprise both shredded tobacco leaves and reconstituted tobacco web. Since the cost of shredded tobacco leaves is much cheaper than that of other tobacco materials (eg, reconstituted tobacco web), according to an embodiment of the present invention, the unit price of the aerosol generating product 2000 can be significantly reduced. The present embodiment and the detailed construction of the aerosol generating article 2000 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4 and so on.

Various types of aerosol generating devices 1000 to which an aerosol generating article 2000 is applicable, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, are disclosed above with reference to FIG. 1-3. Hereinafter, the aerosol generating article 2000, which is applicable to the device 1000, will be described.

FIG. 4-7 show various designs of the aerosol generating article. As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the detailed design of the aerosol generating article may vary by type. Hereinafter, for convenience of understanding and clarity of the description of the invention, each type of aerosol-generating article will be described using various reference designations.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary layout schematically showing an aerosol generating article 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol generating article 100 may include an aerosol forming substrate portion 110, a filter portion 120, and a wrapper 130. FIG. 4 shows only components relevant to an embodiment of the present invention. Thus, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that aerosol generating article 100 may also contain general purpose components other than those shown in FIG. Hereinafter, each component of the aerosol generating article 100 will be described.

The aerosol generating substrate portion 110 may comprise an aerosol generating substrate and may be positioned upstream of the filtering portion 120. The aerosol generating substrate portion 110 may further comprise a wrapper that wraps the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate portion 110 and the filter portion 120 may be wrapped with a wrapper 130. Although not clearly shown, the aerosol-forming substrate portion 110 and the filter portion 120 may be connected with a rim wrap. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

The aerosol forming substrate may contain tobacco material. In addition, the aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise materials other than tobacco material. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise at least one of, but not limited to, glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the aerosol forming substrate may contain other additives such as a flavoring agent, a wetting agent and/or an organic acid. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the aerosol forming substrate.

In some embodiments, the tobacco material may be shredded tobacco leaves. For example, the aerosol forming substrate may be free of tobacco materials other than ground tobacco leaves. In this case, the material cost can be significantly reduced compared to the case in which a reconstituted tobacco web (eg, reconstituted tobacco pulp) is used, and off-flavour can also be reduced. In particular, reconstituted tobacco web, such as reconstituted tobacco pulp, requires higher production costs compared to ground tobacco leaves, and since it has a lower filling power than ground tobacco leaves, a greater amount of reconstituted tobacco web is necessarily incorporated in comparison with with crushed tobacco leaves. In addition, since additional materials such as pulp and guar gum are actually added during the manufacturing process of the reconstituted tobacco web, off-flavours may be generated and the characteristic taste of the tobacco leaves may not be transferred to the user during smoking. Thus, in the case in which the reconstituted tobacco web is replaced with shredded tobacco leaves, both material cost and off-flavour can be reduced.

Also, in some embodiments, the tobacco material may be a blend in which ground tobacco leaves and reconstituted tobacco web (eg, reconstituted or ground tobacco pulp) are mixed in an appropriate ratio. For example, the tobacco material may be a mixture in which shredded tobacco leaves and reconstituted tobacco web are mixed in a weight ratio ranging from about 6:4 to 9:1. Preferably, the weight ratio may be in the range of from 7:3 to 9:1, or from about 8:3 to 9:1. Most preferably, the weight ratio may be about 8:2.

In the previous embodiments of the invention, the cutting width, amount, moisture content, and the like. crushed tobacco leaves are closely related to the production of a substance in a gaseous state, manufacturability, unit price, etc. aerosol-generating article 100 and thus can preferably be taken equal to suitable values.

In some embodiments, the cutting width of shredded tobacco leaves may be in the range of about 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm. Here, the cutting width may refer to a width at which fresh tobacco leaves are cut to produce shredded tobacco leaves. Preferably, the cutting width may be in the range of about 1.0 mm to 1.4 mm, or 1.1 mm to 1.5 mm. More preferably, the cutting width may be in the range of about 1.1 mm to 1.3 mm, or may be about 1.2 mm. Within such a range of numerical values, a smooth air flow path can be guaranteed to increase the production of the substance in the gaseous state (the amount of aerosol generated), and the phenomenon in which the crushed tobacco leaves protrude (the so-called "protrusion phenomenon") can also be reduced by exercising manufacturing process. For example, in the case where the cutting width is set too small (for example, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm, or the like), the production of the substance in the gaseous state may be greatly reduced due to the reduction in the number of pores in the aerosol-forming substrate portion 110 , and a protrusion phenomenon may often occur during the manufacturing process of the product due to the fact that the shredded tobacco leaves are too thin. Also, in the case where the cutting width is set too large (for example, 1.5 mm or more), since the tobacco leaves are not cut with the same width, gaseous production may be reduced or become uneven. For more information on the present embodiment of the invention, see Experimental Examples 1-1 and 1-2.

In addition, in some embodiments, the content of ground tobacco leaves may be in the range of about 140 mg to 210 mg. Preferably, the content may be in the range of about 150 mg to 200 mg, or 150 mg to 190 mg. More preferably, the content may be in the range of about 160 mg to 180 mg, or 165 mg to 175 mg, or may be about 170 mg. Within such a numerical value range, a smooth airflow path and tobacco taste can be guaranteed, and the cost saving effect can also be maximized. In addition, the protrusion phenomenon can also be reduced by carrying out the manufacturing process, and thus the manufacturability can be greatly improved. For example, in a case in which the content of ground tobacco leaves is excessive, the cost saving effect may be reduced, or the airflow path may be blocked so that the production of the substance in the gaseous state is reduced. Alternatively, a problem may arise whereby an excessive amount of shredded tobacco leaves added to the aerosol forming portion of the substrate 110 compromises the integrity of the wrapper. Conversely, in the case where the content of pulverized tobacco leaves is insufficient, the taste of the tobacco may not be satisfactory, or the inside of the aerosol forming substrate portion 110 may loosen, whereby the protruding phenomenon often occurs. For more information on the present embodiment of the invention, see Experimental Examples 2-1 and 2-2.

In addition, in some embodiments of the invention, shredded tobacco leaves can be made using a process for making shredded tobacco, including a flavoring process, and a humectant can be added during the flavoring process. The content of the humectant in the additive may preferably be in the range of from about 9% (% wt.) to 12%, or may be more preferably about 10%. In addition, the weight ratio of glycerol and propylene glycol, which are included in the humidifier, may preferably be in the range from about 1:1 to 8:2. More preferably, the weight ratio can be in the range of about 3:2 to 8:2, or 2:1 to 8:2, and even more preferably, the weight ratio can be in the range of about 2:1 to 8:3, or approximately 7:3. It is confirmed that in such a range of numerical values, the production of a substance in a gaseous state increases. See Experimental Example 3 for more information.

Also, in some embodiments, shredded tobacco leaves may be made using a shredded tobacco manufacturing process including a first flavoring process and a second flavoring process (e.g., see FIG. 9) and a humectant may be added during the second flavoring process. For example, the humectant may be glycerol, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the amount of added humectant may be in the range from about 1% of the mass. up to 5% wt. based on the total mass of cut tobacco leaves (i.e. shredded tobacco leaves) (for example, about 1 to 5 kg of glycerin can be added per 100 kg of shredded tobacco). Preferably, the added amount may be in the range from about 2% of the mass. up to 4% wt. and, more preferably, the added amount may be about 3% of the mass. It was confirmed that in such a range of numerical values, the production of a substance in the gaseous state by the aerosol-generating article 100 was further increased, and it was confirmed that the off-flavour was significantly reduced. For more information, see Experimental Examples 6-1 and 6-2.

In addition, in some embodiments of the invention, the moisture content of shredded tobacco leaves can be in the range from about 11% (% wt.) to 18% of the total mass of shredded tobacco leaves. Preferably, the moisture content may be in the range of about 12% to 17%, or 12% to 16%. More preferably, the moisture content may be in the range of about 13% to 16%, 13% to 15%, 14% to 14.5%, or may be about 14%. In such a range of numerical values, a smooth air flow path for increasing the production of a gaseous substance can be guaranteed, and the protrusion phenomenon can also be reduced. For example, in a case in which the moisture content of the ground tobacco leaves is excessive, due to the phenomenon in which the ground tobacco leaves form a lump, the air flow path may be blocked, and thus the production of the substance in the gaseous state may be reduced. On the other hand, in the case where the moisture content of the shredded tobacco leaves is insufficient, the shredded tobacco leaves can easily fall apart without being lumpy, and thus a protrusion phenomenon can often occur. For example, the moisture content of the shredded tobacco leaves can be controlled during the shredded tobacco manufacturing process, and the moisture content of the shredded tobacco immediately after the second aromatization process can be higher than the moisture content of the shredded tobacco of the aerosol forming substrate portion 110 by about 0.1 % - one%. This is because the moisture content of the ground tobacco leaves can be reduced during an additional process after the second aromatization process, the manufacturing process of the aerosol-generating article 100, or its storage period. For more information on the present embodiment of the invention, see Experimental Example 3.

In addition, in some embodiments of the invention, the weight ratio of glycerol and propylene glycol included in ground tobacco leaves may be in the range from about 1:1 to 9:1, and preferably, in the range from about 3:2 to 8:2, or about from 3:2 to 7:3. It is confirmed that in such a range of numerical values, the production of a substance in a gaseous state increases.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments of the invention, the adhesive may be applied to the inside of the wrapper around the shredded tobacco leaves. As used herein, an adhesive may mean any material having an adhesive action. Specifically, the aerosol-forming substrate portion 110 may be formed by cutting the aerosol-forming rod, and the adhesive may be applied to at least a portion of the inside of the wrap (wrap material) during the aerosol-forming rod manufacturing process. For example, an aerosolizing rod can be made by wrapping shredded tobacco leaves using a wrapping material, and an adhesive can be applied to the inside of the wrapping material before or after wrapping the shredded tobacco leaves using the wrapping material. The adhesive can prevent the appearance of the protruding phenomenon at the end (or both ends) of the aerosol-forming substrate portion 110 or the aerosol-forming rod, and thus improve workability. For more information on the present embodiment of the invention, see the description of FIG. eight.

The above-described ground tobacco leaves can be made by processing fresh tobacco leaves, and the manufacturing method will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 9. Hereinafter, the description of the components of the aerosol-generating article 100 will continue.

In some embodiments, the aerosol forming portion 110 of the substrate or the aerosol forming substrate may be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be positioned on the inside of the wrapper of the aerosol forming substrate portion 110. The thermally conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. The thermally conductive material can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate to improve the flavor of the tobacco. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive material may also serve as a current collector that is heated by an induction heating model heater.

Further, the filter portion 120 can serve as a filter for the aerosol generated in the aerosol-generating substrate portion 110. The aerosol that has passed through the filter portion 120 may be inhaled by the user through the user's mouth area.

The filter portion 120 may be connected to the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate portion 110 and may form the downstream end of the aerosol generating article 100. The downstream end of the filter portion 120 may serve as a mouthpiece that comes into contact with the user's lips. For example, the filter portion 120 and the aerosol-forming substrate portion 110 may be cylindrical and line up in the longitudinal direction, and the upstream end of the filter portion 120 may be connected to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate portion 110. along the stream. As mentioned above, the filter portion 120 and the aerosol-forming substrate portion 110 may be connected by a rim wrap, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

The filter portion 120 may include a filter material. Also, the filter portion 120 may further comprise a filter wrap that wraps around the filter material. For example, the filter material may be cellulose acetate fibers (fiber tow), but is not limited thereto. The filter portion 120 may also contain one or more capsules (not shown). For example, the capsule may be a spherical or cylindrical capsule in which the flavor liquid is wrapped in a shell.

The filter portion 120 may have a single-stage filter design or a multi-filter design. The filter portion 120 may also include a cavity formed between the plurality of filter sections. In some embodiments of the invention, the downstream end of the filter portion 120 may be made as a filter mouthpiece. Thus, the detailed structure of the filter portion 120 can be modified in various ways.

In some embodiments of the invention, the resistance to draw from the filter portion 120 or mouthpiece portion may be in the range of 90 mm w.c. up to 140 mm w.c. It has been confirmed that in such a range of numerical values, the perception of puff and taste of tobacco smoke from the aerosol-generating article 100 is enhanced.

Further, the wrapper 130 may be a porous or non-porous wrapping material that is wrapped around the components of the aerosol generating article 100. Although not clearly shown, the wrapper 130 may be a separate wrapper, such as a wrapper of the aerosol forming substrate portion 110, a filter wrapper of the filtering portion 120, or a wrapper. the rim wrap bond material, or may refer to the wrap of the aerosol generating article 100, which contains a variety of individual wraps.

In some embodiments, the wrapper 130 may have a thickness in the range of about 40 microns to about 80 microns and a porosity in the range of about 5 cubic units to about 50 cubic units. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, length, thickness, diameter, shape, etc. aerosol-generating article 100 may be designed in various ways. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article 100 may have a diameter in the range of about 4 mm to 9 mm and a length in the range of about 45 mm to 50 mm. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

An aerosol-generating article 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to FIG. 4. Hereinafter, the aerosol generating article 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Hereinafter, for the sake of clarity of the description of the invention, the content overlapping with the previous embodiment of the invention will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary layout schematically showing an aerosol generating article 200.

As shown in FIG. 5, the aerosol generating article 200 may include an aerosol generating substrate portion 210, a first filter segment 220, a second filter segment 230, a mouthpiece portion 240, and a wrapper 260. Each component of the aerosol generating article 200 will be described hereinafter.

The aerosol forming portion of the substrate 210 may correspond to the aerosol forming portion of the substrate 110 shown in FIG. 4. Thus, their description will be omitted.

Further, the first filter segment 220 may be a tubular structure containing a cavity 220H or a channel 220H formed therein. The outer diameter of the first filter segment 220 may be in the range of about 3 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 7 mm. As the diameter of the cavity 220H contained in the first filter segment 220, a suitable diameter in the range of about 2 mm to 4.5 mm can be applied, but the diameter is not limited thereto.

The first filter segment 220 may be made using cellulose acetate. Accordingly, in a situation in which the heater 1300 of the aerosol-generating device 1000 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article 200, the phenomenon whereby the material inside the aerosol-generating substrate portion 210 is pushed back (i.e., in the downstream direction) can be prevented (i.e., part 210 of the aerosol-forming substrate can be maintained), and an aerosol cooling effect can also be generated. In the case where the first filter segment 220 serves to support the aerosol forming portion of the substrate 210, the first filter segment 220 may also be referred to as a "support segment".

Further, the second filter segment 230 may be adjacent to the first filter segment 220 and may be positioned between the first filter segment 220 and the mouthpiece portion 240. The second filter segment 230 may serve as a cooling element that cools the high temperature aerosol formed due to the heater 1300 heating the aerosol-forming portion of the substrate 210. To emphasize the role of the second filter segment 230 as a cooling element, the second filter segment 230 may also be referred to as a "cooling segment". When the second filter segment 230 cools the high temperature aerosol, the amount of generated aerosol can be increased and the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

In some embodiments of the invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the second filter segment 230 may also be a tubular structure having a cavity 230H or a channel 230H formed therein, similar to the first filter segment 220. The cavity 230H can serve as a channel through which the aerosol passes. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may be polygonal or circular, but the size and shape of the cavity is not limited thereto.

In the embodiment described above, the diameter of the second filter segment 230 may be in the range of 7 mm to 9 mm, for example about 7.9 mm. Also, the inner diameter of the second filter segment 230 may be in the range of about 3.0 mm to 5.5 mm, such as about 4.2 mm. In this case, the inner diameter of the second filter segment 230 may be larger than the inner diameter of the first filter segment 220. For example, the inside diameter of the first filter segment 220 may be about 2.5 mm, while the inside diameter of the second filter segment 230 is about 4.2 mm. Because the inner diameter of the first filter segment 220 and the inner diameter of the second filter segment 230 are different, the inhaled smoke flowing in the cavity 220H of the first filter segment 220 and the cavity 230H of the second filter segment 230 can be dissipated. Since the downstream turning angle of the diffuse inhalation smoke flow of the aerosol generating article 200 is reduced, the area and time of contact between the inhaled smoke and the outside air that flows in the second filter segment 230 can be increased, and accordingly, the cooling effect of the inhaled smoke can be increased. be promoted.

The second filter segment 230 may be made using a material that allows external gas to enter the cavity of the second filter segment 230 or may contain holes. The material may be a mixture of a plurality of materials. For example, the material may be cellulose acetate tow, but is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the second filter segment 230 may be made using an extrusion method or a fiber weaving method. The second segment 230 of the filter can be made in various shapes in order to increase the surface area per unit area (ie, the surface area that comes into contact with the aerosol).

For example, the second segment 230 of the filter can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the flavoring liquid may be applied to fibers made from polymers. Alternatively, for making the second filter segment 230, the individual fibers to which the flavor liquid is applied and the fibers made from polymers can be tightly woven.

For example, the second filter segment 230 may be made using a polymeric material or a biodegradable polymeric material. Examples of the polymeric material include, but are not limited to, gelatin, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and a combination thereof. Also, examples of the biodegradable polymer material include polylactic acid (PMA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), cellulose acetate, polycaprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and starch-based thermoplastic resin, but the biodegradable polymer material is not limited to this. .

In some embodiments of the invention, the process of wrapping the outer part of the second filter segment 230 with a wrapper made of paper or a polymeric material may be additionally performed. Here, examples of the polymeric material may include, but are not limited to, gelatin, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the second filter segment 230 may be formed by rolling a porous paper sheet. That is, the rolled porous paper sheet may be positioned within the second filter segment 230, allowing airflow (eg, aerosol) to flow along the second filter segment 230.

Further, the mouthpiece portion 240 may form the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 200 and serve as a mouthpiece that ultimately delivers the aerosol that is delivered from the upstream end to the user. In some embodiments, mouthpiece portion 240 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Although not shown, the mouthpiece portion 240 may be manufactured as a filter mouthpiece.

In some embodiments, mouthpiece portion 240 may contain one or more capsules (not shown). For example, the capsule may be a spherical or cylindrical capsule in which the flavor liquid is wrapped in a shell.

The materials forming the capsule shell may be starch and/or a gelling agent. In addition, the gelling aid may additionally be used as a material forming the capsule shell. Here, for example, calcium chloride can be used as a gelling aid. In addition, a plasticizer can be additionally used as a material forming the capsule shell. In this case, glycerol and/or sorbitol can be used as a plasticizer. In addition, a dye may be additionally used as the material forming the capsule shell.

The liquid filling the capsule may include flavoring such as menthol and essential oils of plants. In some embodiments of the invention, for example, medium chain fatty acid triglyceride (MCTG) can be used as a flavor diluent included in the liquid filling the capsule. In addition, the liquid may contain other additives such as a coloring agent, an emulsifier and a thickener.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion 240 may be a Transmitting Jet Nozzle System (TJNS) filter, with flavor dispersed within the filter itself. Alternatively, individual fibers may be inserted into the mouthpiece portion 240, onto which the flavor liquid is applied.

In some embodiments of the invention, the resistance to draw from the mouthpiece portion 240 may be in the range of 90 mm w.c. up to 140 mm w.c. It has been confirmed that in such a range of numerical values, the perception of puff and taste of tobacco smoke from the aerosol-generating article 200 is enhanced.

Further, the wrapper 260 may be a porous material or a non-porous wrapping material that is wrapped around the components of the aerosol generating article 200. For example, the wrapper 260 may have a thickness in the range of about 40 microns to 80 microns and a porosity in the range of about 5 cubic units to 50 cubic units. , but wrapper 260 is not limited to this. Wrapper 260 may be the individual wrappers of the aerosol forming substrate portion 210 or filter segments 220-240, or may mean a wrapper of the aerosol generating article 200 that includes a wide variety of individual wrappers.

An aerosol-generating article 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to FIG. 5. Hereinafter, the aerosol generating article 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary layout schematically illustrating an aerosol generating article 300.

Referring to FIG. 6, in contrast to the aerosol generating articles 100 and 200 disclosed above with reference to FIG. 4 and 5, the aerosol generating article 300 may further comprise a first filter segment 350 that is adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate portion 310 upstream of the aerosol generating substrate portion 310. To emphasize the position related feature, the first filter segment 350 may also be referred to as a "front end filter segment".

The aerosol-forming substrate portion 310 may correspond to the aerosol-forming substrate portion 110 of FIG. 4 or the aerosol-forming substrate portion 210 of FIG. 5, the second filter segment 320 may correspond to the first filter segment 220 or the second filter segment 230 in FIG. 5, and mouthpiece portion 340 and wrap 360, respectively, may correspond to mouthpiece portion 240 and wrap 260 in FIG. 5. Therefore, their description will be omitted and the description will continue focusing on the first filter segment 350.

The first filter segment 350 may prevent the aerosol generating substrate portion 310 from falling out of the aerosol generating article 300 and may also prevent the liquefied aerosol from flowing from the aerosol generating substrate portion 310 into the aerosol generating device 1000 (see FIGS. 1-3) during smoking.

In some embodiments, the first filter segment 350 may be made using cellulose acetate. As shown in FIG. 6, the first filter segment 350 may also include a channel 350H that extends from an upstream end to a downstream end. For example, the channel 350H may be located in the center of the first segment 350 of the filter, but is not limited to this. In the case where the first filter segment 350 includes the passage 350H, since the aerosol that enters through the upstream end of the first filter segment 350 can easily exit through the downstream end of the first filter segment 350, the user can easily inhale the aerosol .

While FIG. 6 shows an example in which the cross-sectional shape of the channel 350H is round, but the cross-sectional shape is not limited thereto. For example, the cross section of the channel 350H may have a multi-lobed shape, such as a three-lobed shape.

The length or diameter of the first filter segment 350 may be set differently depending on the shape of the aerosol generating article 300. For example, a suitable value in the range of 4 mm to 20 mm may be used as the length of the first filter segment 350. Preferably, the length of the first filter segment 350 may be about 7 mm, but is not limited to this. Also, for example, a suitable value in the range of 4 mm to 10 mm can be used as the diameter of the first filter segment 350. Preferably, the diameter of the first segment 350 of the filter may be about 7 mm, but not limited to this.

The aerosol-generating article 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to FIG. 6. Hereinafter, the aerosol generating article 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary layout schematically illustrating the aerosol generating article 400.

As shown in FIG. 7, the aerosol generating article 400 may include an aerosol generating substrate portion 410, a filter segment 420, a mouthpiece portion 430, and a wrapper 440. In addition, the aerosol generating substrate portion 410 may comprise a first substrate segment 411 and a second substrate segment 412.

The first substrate segment 411 may not contain tobacco material. That is, the first substrate segment 411 may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate, excluding tobacco material. For example, the first substrate segment 411 may not contain shredded tobacco leaves. Also, the first substrate segment 411 may contain at least one of, but not limited to, glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the first substrate segment 411 may contain other additives such as a flavoring agent, a humectant (i.e., a humectant), and/or an organic acid. Also, the first substrate segment 411 may contain a flavor liquid such as menthol or a humectant.

The first substrate segment 411 may comprise a corrugated sheet, and the aerosol forming substrate may be included in the first substrate segment 411 in an impregnated state in the corrugated sheet. Also, other additives such as a flavoring agent, a wetting agent and/or an organic acid and a flavoring liquid may be included in the first substrate segment 411 in an adsorbed state on the corrugated sheet.

The corrugated sheet may be a sheet made from a polymeric material. Examples of the polymeric material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the corrugated sheet may be a sheet of paper that does not cause off-flavors and odors even when heated to a high temperature. However, corrugated sheet is not limited to this.

A suitable value in the range of 4 mm to 12 mm can be used as the length of the first substrate segment 411, but the length of the first substrate segment 411 is not limited thereto.

Further, the second substrate segment 412 may comprise tobacco material. For example, the second substrate segment 412 may comprise shredded tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco web, or a combination thereof. In addition, the second substrate segment 412 may further comprise an aerosol-forming substrate such as glycerin and propylene glycol. In addition, the second substrate segment 412 may contain other additives such as a flavoring agent, a wetting agent, and/or an organic acid. Also, a flavor liquid such as menthol or a humectant can be added to the second substrate segment 412 while being sprayed on it.

A suitable value in the range of 6 mm to 18 mm can be used as the length of the second substrate segment 412, but the length of the second substrate segment 412 is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, since the first substrate segment 411 contains an aerosol-forming substrate excluding tobacco material, while the second substrate segment 412 contains an aerosol-forming substrate containing tobacco material (i.e., since the components and content of aerosol-forming substrates differ ), in order for the user to experience the desired smoking sensation, it is necessary to heat the first substrate segment 411 and the second substrate segment 412 to different temperatures. For example, in the case where the second substrate segment 412 is heated to a temperature suitable for the first substrate segment 411, a burnt taste may be experienced by the user. Alternatively, in the case where the first substrate segment 411 is heated to a temperature suitable for the second substrate segment 412, sufficient aerosol may not be generated.

In some embodiments, the first substrate segment 411 and the second substrate segment 412 may be heated to different temperatures using different heaters. For example, when the first substrate segment 411 is heated to A°C with the first heater to generate sufficient aerosol and the second substrate segment 412 is heated to B°C with the second heater to heat the tobacco material included in the second substrate segment 412, the user may experience the desired smoking sensation.

In some other embodiments, the first substrate segment 411 and the second substrate segment 412 may be heated by the same heater (eg, heater 1300). In this case, it is difficult to heat the first substrate segment 411 and the second substrate segment 412 to different temperatures. In view of this, in order to allow the temperature of the first substrate segment 411 and the temperature of the second substrate segment 412 to rise to suitable temperatures, even if the first substrate segment 411 and the second substrate segment 412 are heated by the same heater, the wrap of the first substrate segment 411 and/or the wrap of the second substrate segment 412 may contain thermally conductive material.

The first substrate segment 411 and the second substrate segment 412 may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a humectant. Examples of a humectant may include glycerin, propylene glycol, or a combination thereof, but the humectant is not limited thereto. In the case in which glycerin and propylene glycol are combined to form a humectant, the ratio in which glycerin and propylene glycol are combined may be 8:2. However, the combination ratio is not limited to this.

The humectant contained in the first substrate segment 411 may influence the amount of aerosol generated. In other words, the net production of a substance in the gaseous state of the aerosol-generating article 400 may be determined by the mass of the humidifier included in the first segment 411 of the substrate. At the same time, the humectant included in the second substrate segment 412 may affect the taste of tobacco smoke from the aerosol generating article 400. In other words, the taste of tobacco smoke from the aerosol generating article 400 may be determined by the tobacco material and the humectant contained in the second substrate segment 412.

For sufficient production of a substance in a gaseous state from the aerosol generating article 400, a significant amount of humidifier must be included in the first segment 411 of the substrate. Thus, as much humectant as possible can be included in the first substrate segment 411 compared to the second substrate segment 412. However, in the case where an excessive amount of humectant is included in the first substrate segment 411, the humectant may flow out of the aerosol generating article 400. This may not be preferable in view of the appearance of the aerosol generating article 400.

However, in some embodiments, an aerosol may be formed when at least a portion of the first substrate segment 411 and at least a portion 121 of the second substrate segment 412 are heated by a heater (eg, heater 1300). The generated aerosol may travel along the downstream portion of the aerosol generating article 400 and eventually be delivered to the user. In this case, the downstream portion of the second substrate segment 412 may not be heated by the heater, in which case there may be an effect of filtering some of the aerosol materials as the aerosol passes through the downstream portion. Here, "filtering" may not only refer to a case in which some components included in the aerosol are filtered out, but also refer to a case in which other components are added to the aerosol. That is, the unheated portion of the second substrate segment 412 may cause a change in the components of the aerosol. For example, as the aerosol passes through the unheated portion, some of the components in the aerosol may be filtered out, or some of the components included in the unheated portion may be added to the aerosol. Therefore, the components of the aerosol released outside the aerosol generating article 400 may differ from those of the initially generated aerosol, and thus the user may experience unusual smoking sensations compared to when the entire second substrate segment 412 is heated.

Further, the filter segment 420 may produce a cooling effect on the aerosol. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature. For example, the filter segment 420 may be made using cellulose acetate and may be a tubular structure containing a cavity 420H formed therein. For example, filter segment 420 can be made by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate fiber tow. For example, filter segment 420 may have a single fiber denier of 5.0 and a total denier of 28,000, but not limited to. As another example, the filter segment 420 may be made using paper and may be a tubular structure including a cavity 420H formed therein.

A suitable value in the range of 4 mm to 8 mm can be used as the diameter of the cavity included in the filter segment 420, but the diameter of the cavity is not limited thereto. A suitable value in the range of 4 mm to 30 mm can be used as the length of the filter segment 420, but the length of the filter segment 420 is not limited thereto.

The filter segment 420 is not limited to the examples described above, and any other filter segment can be used without limitation, as long as the filter segment can perform the function of cooling the aerosol. Filter segment 420 may also be referred to as cooling segment 420. In addition, filter segment 420 may correspond to second filter segment 230 in FIG. five.

Further, the mouthpiece portion 430 can be made by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to the cellulose acetate fiber tow. For example, the mouthpiece portion 430 may have a single fiber denier of 9.0 and a total denier of 25,000, but is not limited to this. A suitable value in the range of 4 mm to 30 mm can be used as the length of the mouthpiece part 430, but the length of the mouthpiece part 430 is not limited thereto.

Mouthpiece portion 430 and wrapper 440 may respectively correspond to mouthpiece portions 120, 240, and 340 and wrappers 130, 260, and 360 of the previous embodiments. Thus, their further description will be omitted.

The aerosol generating article 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to FIG. 7. Hereinafter, methods for manufacturing the above-described aerosol-generating articles 100-400 and shredded tobacco leaves will be described with reference to FIG. 8-10. In the following description, the aerosol forming substrate part, the filtering part, and the mouthpiece part may respectively correspond to the aerosol forming substrate part 110, 210, 310, or 410, the filtering part 120, and the mouthpiece part 120, 240, 340, or 430. However, for convenience of description, reference numbers will be omitted. The filter portion may also correspond to filter segments 220, 230, 320, 350, and 420.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative block diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating article according to some embodiments of the present invention. However, this is only a preferred embodiment of the invention to achieve the objectives of the present invention, and, of course, as necessary, some steps can be added or removed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the manufacturing method may begin with the manufacture of shredded tobacco leaves (S20). This step will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. nine.

In step S40, the manufactured shredded tobacco sheets can be used to make an aerosol-forming substrate portion. In particular, an aerosol-generating rod, which is made by wrapping (i.e., wrapping) an aerosol-generating substrate containing shredded tobacco leaves, can be cut into pieces of a predetermined length to form a plurality of aerosol-generating substrate pieces. For example, six parts of the aerosol forming substrate can be formed by cutting the aerosol forming rod.

In some embodiments, shredded tobacco leaves may be wrapped in a wrapping material that has an adhesive applied to at least a portion of the inner surface to form an aerosol-forming rod. The adhesive can prevent shredded tobacco leaves from protruding during the manufacturing process, and thus improve workability. For example, when cutting an aerosol-forming rod, shredded tobacco leaves can be prevented from protruding from the cut portions. Alternatively, by combining the aerosol-forming substrate portion and the filtering portion, shredded tobacco leaves can be prevented from protruding from the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate portion.

However, since the content of ground tobacco leaves included in the aerosol-forming portion of the substrate is closely related to the cost and taste of the tobacco, properly adjusting the content of ground tobacco leaves may be important.

In some embodiments, the content of ground tobacco leaves may be in the range of about 140 mg to 210 mg. Preferably, the content may be in the range of about 150 mg to 200 mg, or 150 mg to 190 mg. More preferably, the content may be in the range of 160 mg to 180 mg, or 165 mg to 175 mg, or may be about 170 mg. In such a range of numbers, a smooth airflow path and a taste of tobacco can be guaranteed, and the cost-cutting effect can also be maximized. In addition, the protrusion phenomenon can also be reduced by carrying out the manufacturing process. See Experimental Examples 2-1 and 2-2 for more information.

In step S60, the filter portion may be manufactured. Specifically, a filter rod that is produced by wrapping a filter material using a filter wrapping material can be cut into pieces of a predetermined length to produce a plurality of filter parts.

Step S60 may be performed independently of step S20 and step S40.

In step S80, the aerosol-generating substrate part and the filtering part can be combined to make an aerosol-generating article. For example, an aerosol-generating substrate part and a filtering part can be joined using a rim wrap to form an aerosol-generating article.

As a more specific example, in the case of the aerosol generating article 300 shown in FIG. 6, the first filter segment 350, the second filter segment 320, and the mouthpiece portion 340 may be combined with the aerosol generating substrate portion 310 to form an aerosol generating article 300.

Meanwhile, step S20 or steps S40 to S80 may be performed using automated manufacturing equipment. Since those skilled in the art should be reasonably familiar with such manufacturing equipment, description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, the manufacture of shredded tobacco leaves (S20) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. nine.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative flowchart illustrating a detailed process for making shredded tobacco leaves (S20). However, the detailed process of step S20 shown in FIG. 9 is only a schematic process provided for convenience of understanding. Thus, it should be noted that some steps may be added, removed (omitted) or changed depending on various factors, and the sequence of steps may also vary.

As shown in FIG. 9, fresh tobacco leaves may be processed in step S21. For example, processing such as threshing, slicing, drying, and conditioning can be performed on tobacco leaves such as pale tobacco leaves, oriental tobacco leaves, and Berley tobacco leaves.

In step S23, the first flavoring process may be performed on the treated tobacco leaves. The first flavoring process may refer to the process of adding flavoring agents to improve the characteristic physico-chemical properties of tobacco leaves and eliminate off-flavours. For example, at this stage, the flavoring additive may be evenly sprayed onto the treated tobacco sheets. In this case, for example, the additive may contain a humectant. In addition, the moisturizer may contain glycerin and propylene glycol.

In some embodiments of the invention, the content of the humectant in the additive may preferably be in the range from about 9% (% wt.) to 12%, or may be more preferably about 10%.

Also in some embodiments of the invention, the weight ratio of glycerin and propylene glycol, which are included in the humidifier, may be in the range from about 1:1 to 8:2. Preferably, the weight ratio may be in the range of about 3:2 to 8:2, or 2:1 to 8:2, and more preferably, the weight ratio may be in the range of about 2:1 to 8:3, or may be about 7:3. It is confirmed that in such a range of numerical values, the production of a substance in a gaseous state increases. See Experimental Example 3 for more information.

In step S25, the previously flavored tobacco leaves may be mixed. For example, for taste and odor balance or moisture balance, previously flavored tobacco leaves may be mixed in silo equipment.

In step S27, the blended tobacco leaves may be cut according to a predetermined cutting width. For example, tobacco leaves may be cut to a predetermined cutting width using a cutting tool containing one or more knives. In this case, the cutting width and the like of the knives may vary according to an embodiment of the invention.

In some embodiments of the invention, the cutting blade of the cutting knife may be in the form of a rectangular cutting blade. For example, in FIG. 10 shows the process of cutting tobacco leaves 510 using a cutting disc 520 containing a plurality of knives 521. As shown, the knife cutting blade 521 can be made in the shape of a square cutting blade instead of being made in a linear shape. In this case, the tobacco leaves can be cut to the same length, and the situation in which the shredded tobacco leaves have a length greater than the predetermined cutting width can actually be prevented. However, in some other embodiments of the invention, the cutting blade of the knife can be made in a linear form.

In some embodiments, the cutting width of shredded tobacco leaves may be in the range of about 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm. Preferably, the cutting width may be in the range of about 1.0 mm to 1.4 mm, or 1.1 mm to 1.5 mm. More preferably, the cutting width may be in the range of about 1.1 mm to 1.3 mm, or may be about 1.2 mm. It has been confirmed that, in such a range of numbers, a smooth air flow path can be guaranteed to increase the production of a substance in a gaseous state (amount of generated aerosol), and the projection phenomenon can also be reduced. For more information, see Experimental Examples 1-1 and 1-2.

In some embodiments of the invention, after step S27, processes such as drying and cooling may be additionally performed.

In step S29, a second flavoring process can be performed on the cut tobacco leaves, and thus shredded tobacco leaves can be formed to be included in an aerosol forming rod. In this case, the second flavoring process is a flavoring process performed after the first flavoring process, and may be performed to impart flavor and aroma to the final tobacco product (eg, aerosol generating product). For example, the second flavoring process may be performed by adding a flavoring additive to cut tobacco leaves.

In some embodiments, the moisture content of the shredded tobacco leaves after the second aromatization process may be in the range of about 11.5% to 17.5% of the total weight of the shredded tobacco leaves. Preferably, the moisture content may be in the range of about 12% to 17%, or 12% to 16%. More preferably, the moisture content may be in the range of about 13% to 16%, or even more preferably, the moisture content may be in the range of about 14% to 15%, or may be about 14.5%. It is confirmed that in such a range of numerical values, a smooth channel for the air flow is guaranteed and the production of a substance in a gaseous state is increased. See Experimental Example 3 for more information.

In some embodiments, a humectant (eg, glycerin) may be added to the cut tobacco leaves during the second flavoring process, and the amount of humectant added may be in the range of about 1 to 5% by weight. based on the total weight of cut tobacco leaves (i.e. shredded tobacco leaves) (for example, about 1 kg to 5 kg of glycerol can be added per 100 kg of shredded tobacco). Preferably, the amount added may be in the range of about 2 to 4% by weight, and more preferably, the amount added can be about 3% by weight. It has been confirmed that in such a range of numerical values, the production of a substance in a gaseous state by an aerosol-generating article is further increased, and the off-flavour is significantly reduced. For more information, see Experimental Examples 6-1 and 6-2.

Methods for making an aerosol generating article and shredded tobacco leaves are described above with reference to FIGS. 8-10.

Hereinafter, the layouts mentioned in this document and the beneficial effects thereof will be described in detail using examples and comparative examples. However, the following examples are only a few of the various examples of the present invention, and thus the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples.

Comparative Example 1

A heating type aerosol generating product (i.e., a cigarette) having the same structure as the aerosol generating product 300 shown in FIG. 6. Specifically, about 270 mg of reconstituted tobacco pulp was added to make the aerosol-forming portion of the substrate, and glycerol was added in an amount of about 10% during the manufacture of the reconstituted tobacco pulp. In comparison, a commercially available aerosol generating article also contains about 270 mg of shredded reconstituted tobacco pulp, and glycerin is added at about 10% during the manufacture of shredded reconstituted tobacco pulp.

Examples 15

The aerosol generating articles of Examples 1-5 (which have the same physical characteristics as the aerosol generating article of Comparative Example 1) were made using shredded tobacco leaves instead of using reconstituted tobacco pulp. Specifically, the cutting tool was set according to the numerical values listed in Table 1 below, and shredded tobacco leaves having various cutting widths were produced. During the manufacture of the shredded tobacco leaves, a humectant (which contains glycerol and propylene glycol in a 7:3 ratio) was added at about 10%, and the moisture content of the shredded tobacco leaves after the second flavoring process was controlled to be about 14.5%. In addition, about 170 mg of chopped tobacco leaves were added, and a mouthpiece-side filter (eg, mouthpiece portion 340 in FIG. 6) whose draw resistance ranged from about 90 mm w.c. up to 140 mm wg, was used to make aerosol generating products in accordance with examples 1-5.

Experimental Example 1-1: Evaluation of Gaseous Substance Production as a Function of Width of Cut

Sensory evaluation relating to the production of a substance in the gaseous state was performed for aerosol generating products according to comparative example 1 and examples 1-5. The organoleptic evaluation was carried out by a panel of thirty experts who had smoked for five years or more, and the result of the evaluation was obtained for the production of the substance in the gaseous state on the basis of a scale from 1 to 5. Also, to reduce the error in the evaluation, the average of the values given by a panel of experts, except for the lowest and highest ratings, was calculated as the final rating for the release of the substance in the gaseous state from the corresponding aerosol generating product. The results of the organoleptic evaluation relating to the production of the substance in the gaseous state are shown in FIG. eleven.

Referring to FIG. 11, it was found that the production of the substance in the gaseous state was the highest in the case in which the cutting width was 1.2 mm (for example, Example 3). In particular, it was found that the production of the substance in the gaseous state in Example 3 is higher than the production of the substance in the gaseous state in Comparative Example 1 in which reconstituted tobacco leaves were added. It has also been found that the production of a substance in the gaseous state generally decreases with decreasing width of cut (e.g., examples 1 and 2), and it was found that this decrease is due to the fact that the number of pores in the part of the substrate that forms the aerosol decreases, and becomes more and more it becomes more difficult to ensure a smooth airflow channel as the cutting width decreases. It was also found that the production of a substance in the gaseous state was reduced even if the cutting width was increased to a predetermined value or more (for example, examples 4 and 5). This reduction has been found to be due to the shredded tobacco leaves being unevenly cut, thus generating pores (e.g., pore size and distribution) unevenly distributed and non-uniform with respect to gaseous production, adversely affecting the panel's assessment of gaseous production. a state in the case in which the cutting width is set to a predetermined value or more (for example, 1.5 mm or more).

According to the results of the evaluation, it can be seen that it is preferable to set the cutting width of the shredded tobacco leaves to 0.9 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less in order to ensure that the user is satisfied with the production of the gaseous substance.

Experimental Example 1-2; evaluation of the degree of protrusion depending on the width of cut

The extent to which shredded tobacco leaves protrude during the manufacture of the aerosol-generating article according to Examples 1-5 was measured. In addition, in order to determine the effect of the adhesive, an additional experiment in which the adhesive was applied to the wrapping material and the degree of protrusion was measured was carried out during the manufacture of the aerosol-generating articles according to Examples 2-4. The results of the experiment are shown in Table 2 below. For comparison, in Table 2 below, the unit of measurement of the degree of protrusion (mg/cm ² ) refers to dividing the mass of shredded tobacco leaves that fell out due to the protrusion phenomenon by the cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating article.

With reference to Table 2, it was found that the degree of protrusion decreased with increasing cutting width of shredded tobacco leaves. It has been found that this reduction is due to the fact that the shredded tobacco leaves protrude more easily when the shredded tobacco leaves are thinner (i.e., the cutting width is smaller) and more protrude when the shredded tobacco leaves are thicker. Thus, it can be seen that, in order to improve workability, it is preferable to set the cutting width of shredded tobacco leaves to 0.9 mm or more.

In addition, it has been found that the degree of protrusion is significantly reduced if an adhesive is applied to the wrapping material, indicating that if an adhesive is used, workability can be significantly improved.

Examples 6-9

As shown in Table 3 below, the aerosol-generating articles of Examples 6-9 were made by changing the content of ground tobacco leaves. The shredded tobacco leaves of Examples 6-9 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 3.

Experimental Example 2-1 Evaluation of Gaseous Substance Production and Off-flavour (Tobacco Characteristic Taste) Depending on Ground Tobacco Content

Organoleptic evaluation relating to gaseous production and off-flavour, depending on the content of crushed tobacco leaves, was performed for aerosol-generating products according to example 3 and examples 6-9. The evaluation method was exactly the same as in Experimental Example 1-1 described above, and the evaluation results are shown in FIG. 12.

Referring to FIG. 12, it was found that the characteristic taste of tobacco as a whole is better in the aerosol generating products according to the examples compared to the aerosol generating products according to comparative example 1. This indicates that in the case where crushed tobacco leaves are used instead of reconstituted tobacco leaves, off-flavour decreases, and the characteristic taste of tobacco is enhanced.

However, it has been found that the production of the substance in the gaseous state is reduced if the content of ground tobacco leaves is about 190 mg or more (for example, examples 8 and 9). This has been found to be due to the fact that when an excessive amount of ground tobacco leaves is added, the airflow channel is blocked.

In addition, it was found that the off-taste reduction effect was reduced when the content of ground tobacco leaves was a predetermined value or more (for example, Examples 8 and 9). It has been found that this decrease is due to the fact that the air flow channel was not smooth, as a result of which, even if the amount of ground tobacco is large, the characteristic taste and aroma of tobacco leaves are not fully expressed. Thus, it can be seen that setting the content of ground tobacco leaves in the range of about 150 mg to 190 mg is effective. In comparison, levels in the range of about 150 mg to 190 mg are significantly lower than the content of reconstituted tobacco leaves (eg 270 mg) in commercially available aerosol generating products and thus can be quite effective also in terms of cost reduction.

Experimental Example 2-2; assessment of the degree of performance depending on the content of ground tobacco

The extent to which shredded tobacco leaves protrude during the manufacture of the aerosol-generating articles according to Examples 6-9 was measured. In addition, in order to follow the effect of the adhesive, an additional experiment in which the adhesive was applied to the wrapping material and the degree of protrusion was measured was carried out during the manufacture of the aerosol generating articles according to Examples 3, 7 and 8. The results of the experiments are shown in Table 4 below.

Referring to Table 4, it was found that the degree of protrusion tended to decrease with an increase in the content of shredded tobacco leaves. This decrease has been found to be due to the fact that the shredded tobacco leaves form a dense mass within the aerosol forming rod, passing with difficulty to protrude as the content of shredded tobacco leaves increases. Thus, it can be seen that, in order to improve workability, it is preferable to set the content of ground tobacco leaves to 150 mg or more.

In addition, it has been found that the degree of protrusion is significantly reduced if an adhesive is applied to the wrapping material, indicating that processability can be significantly improved if an adhesive is used.

Examples 10-12

As shown in Table 5 below, the aerosol generating articles according to Examples 10-12 were made by changing the ratio of glycerol (Gly) and propylene glycol (PG) by adding a humectant (at 10%) in the first process for flavoring shredded tobacco leaves. Other conditions, such as the content of crushed tobacco leaves, were exactly the same as in example 3.

Experimental example 3: Evaluation of the production of a substance in a gaseous state, depending on the ratio of glycerol (Gly.) and propylene glycol (PG)

Organoleptic evaluation in relation to the production of substances in the gaseous state, depending on the ratio of glycerol and propylene glycol was performed for aerosol generating products according to example 3 and examples 10-12. Comparison was also made with Comparative Example 1. The evaluation method was exactly the same as in Experimental Example 1-1 described above, and the evaluation results are shown in FIG. 13.

Referring to FIG. 13, it was found that the production of the substance in the gaseous state tended to generally increase with the increase in the proportion of glycerol, and it was found that the production of the substance in the gaseous state was even higher compared with Comparative Example 1 in the case in which glycerol and propylene glycol were added. at a ratio of 7:3 (for example, example 3). It has been established that the above results are due to an increase in the content of glycerol, which positively affects the production of a substance in a gaseous state.

In the case in which the proportion of glycerol exceeded about 70% relative to the humectant (for example, Example 12), it was found that the production of the substance in the gaseous state decreased slightly and reached a value close to the production of the substance in the gaseous state in Comparative Example 1.

It was also confirmed that the proportion of glycerol is related to processability. It was found that in the case in which the proportion of glycerol was high (for example, higher than in Example 12), the shredded tobacco leaves formed a mush and the processability was slightly reduced, and even in the case in which the proportion of glycerol was too low (for example, Example 10), workability was reduced due to the phenomenon of protrusion of ground tobacco.

According to these experimental results, it is seen that in order to simultaneously improve gaseous yield and processability, it is preferable to set the ratio of glycerol to propylene glycol in the range of about 1:1 to 8:2.

Examples 13-16

As shown in Table 6 below, the aerosol-generating articles of Examples 13-16 were made by changing the moisture content of shredded tobacco leaves. The moisture content in Table 6 below indicates the moisture content immediately after the second flavoring process, and thus the actual moisture content of ground tobacco in aerosol generating products may be slightly lower than the values listed in Table 6. Other conditions, such as the content of ground tobacco leaves, were exactly the same as in example 3.

Experimental Example 4 Evaluation of Gaseous Substance Production as a Function of Moisture Content in Ground Tobacco

Organoleptic evaluation regarding the production of the substance in the gaseous state, depending on the moisture content of the crushed tobacco leaves, was carried out for aerosol generating products according to example 3 and examples 13-16. A comparison was also made with Comparative Example 1. The evaluation method was exactly the same as in Experimental Example 1-1 described above, and the evaluation results are shown in FIG. fourteen.

Referring to FIG. 14, it was found that the production of the substance in the gaseous state as a whole increased with the increase in the moisture content of the ground tobacco leaves, and it was also found that the production of the substance in the gaseous state was even higher compared with Comparative Example 1 in the case in which the content moisture was 14.5% (for example, example 3). It has been established that the above results are due to an increase in the moisture content in the crushed tobacco leaves, positively affecting the production of a substance in a gaseous state.

However, it was found that the production of the substance in the gaseous state again decreased in the case in which the moisture content of the ground tobacco leaves exceeded about 16% (for example, example 16). It has been found that this decrease is due to the fact that ground tobacco leaves are able to more easily form a mush and adversely affect the airflow channel at a higher moisture content.

It was also confirmed that the moisture content of shredded tobacco leaves is related to processability. It was found that in the case in which the moisture content was high (for example, Example 16), the crushed tobacco leaves formed a mush and the workability was somewhat reduced, and even in the case in which the moisture content was insufficient (for example, Example 13), the workability was somewhat reduced. due to the phenomenon of protruding ground tobacco.

According to these experimental results it is seen that it is preferable to set the moisture content of the ground tobacco leaves (immediately after the second aromatization process) in the range of about 12% to 17% in order to simultaneously improve the gaseous yield and processability.

Experimental Example 5-1: Integrated Sensory Evaluation for Example 3 and Comparative Example 1

A comprehensive sensory evaluation was carried out for the aerosol-generating articles according to Example 3 and Comparative Example 1. The sensory evaluation was carried out with gaseous production, tobacco smoke flavor intensity, irritation, puff sensation, and off-flavour (characteristic tobacco taste) as evaluation parameters, and the method score was exactly the same as in Experimental Example 1-1 described above. The evaluation results related to this experimental example are shown in FIG. fifteen.

Referring to FIG. 15, the aerosol-generating article of Example 3 was found to be superior to Comparative Example 1 in terms of gaseous production, puff feel, and off-flavour as it was. This has been found to be due to providing an even airflow path by adding shredded tobacco leaves having a suitable cutting width with a suitable content and appropriately adjusting the moisture content of the shredded tobacco leaves as well as the humectant ratio. It was found that the low resistance to draw from the filter on the mouthpiece side could also affect the feel of the draw.

Meanwhile, the aerosol-generating article according to Comparative Example 1 was found to be superior to Example 3 in terms of intensity of tobacco smoke flavor and irritation. This phenomenon has been found to be due to the slightly low content of propylene glycol added to the ground tobacco leaves.

In general, it can be confirmed that the aerosol-generating product of Example 3 is better than that of Comparative Example 1. Thus, it can be seen that the aerosol-generating products based on ground tobacco leaves can sufficiently replace the products based on ground reconstituted tobacco leaves. In addition, since the aerosol generating product of Example 3 also has higher price competitiveness than the ground reconstituted tobacco leaf product (e.g., Comparative Example 1), it can be seen that the aerosol generating product of Example 3 also has sufficient market competitiveness.

Experimental Example 5-2 Analysis of Aerosol Components for Example 3 and Comparative Example 1

For a more objective and quantitative assessment, the analysis of the components of the aerosol for aerosol generating products according to example 3 and comparative example 1 was carried out. In particular, the smoke components from the smoke that the smoker inhales while smoking aerosol generating products made two weeks before were analyzed. Smoke for component analysis was recollected four times for each sample for eight puffs at a time. The results of the component analysis were obtained based on the average values of the results of the three collections. In addition, smoking was performed under Health Canada smoking conditions using a non-flammable type automatic smoking device in a smoking room with a temperature of about 20°C and a humidity of about 62.5%. The results of the component analysis according to this experimental example are shown in Table 7 below.

According to Table 7, it can be seen that the migration amounts of nicotine and tar in the aerosol generating product of Example 3 are substantially the same as in Comparative Example 1. This indicates that even if ground tobacco leaves are used in the heating type aerosol generating product, the user may experience the same taste sensations of tobacco smoke as when using a product based on reconstituted tobacco leaves. Certainly, given the organoleptic evaluation, it has been found that since ground tobacco leaves can further reduce off-flavours compared to reconstituted tobacco leaves, the actual taste of tobacco smoke experienced by the user will be better when using a product based on ground tobacco leaves (for example, example 3 ) than when using a reconstituted tobacco leaf product (eg Comparative Example 1).

In addition, glycerin and moisture were found to be slightly increased, which is shown to be due to the fact that the production of the substance in the gaseous state is increased. The propylene glycol was also found to be slightly reduced, which is shown to be due to the fact that the tobacco smoke flavor intensity and irritation from the aerosol generating article of Example 3 was slightly lower compared to Comparative Example 1.

For comparison, an aerosol-generating article was made under the same conditions as in Example 3, except for the addition of ground tobacco leaves and ground reconstituted tobacco pulp, which were mixed in a ratio of approximately 8:2, organoleptic evaluation and component analysis of the aerosol for the manufactured aerosol-generating article, and it was confirmed that the experimental results are the same as in Example 3.

Examples 17-21

As shown in Table 8 below, shredded tobacco leaves were made by changing the amount of added glycerol during the second flavoring, and the aerosol generating article of Examples 17-21 was made using the made shredded tobacco leaves. Other conditions, such as the content of ground tobacco leaves, were the same as in example 3. For comparison, in the case of ground tobacco leaves from example 3, no glycerol was added during the second aromatization.

Experimental Examples 6-1: Integrated Sensory Evaluation for Examples 17-21 and Comparative Example 1

A comprehensive organoleptic evaluation was carried out for aerosol generating products according to examples 17-21. The organoleptic evaluation was carried out with gaseous substance production, tobacco smoke flavor intensity, irritation, puffiness, and off-flavour (characteristic tobacco taste) as evaluation parameters, and the evaluation method was the same as in Experimental Example 1-1 described above. . The evaluation results related to this pilot example are shown in Table 9 below.

Referring to Table 9, the aerosol generating articles of the examples were found to be superior to Comparative Example 1 in terms of gaseous production, puff feel, and off-taste reduction. This indicates that in the case in which a suitable amount of humectant is added during the second flavoring, the production of the gaseous substance can be further increased, and high quality ground tobacco leaves (for example, ground tobacco with reduced off-flavour and bright flavor) can be produced. characteristic taste of tobacco). However, it was found that the draw feeling could also be affected by the low resistance to draw from the filter at the mouthpiece side.

In addition, among the examples, the aerosol-generating article according to Example 19 was found to have an excellent overall score. For example, the aerosol generating article of Example 19 was found to have a higher gaseous yield and less off-flavour than the other examples. Thus, it can be seen that the addition of a humectant of about 3% during the second aromatization is preferred.

Summarizing the results of the organoleptic evaluation, it can be confirmed that the aerosol-generating products according to the examples are generally superior to comparative example 1. Thus, it can be seen that the aerosol-generating products based on ground tobacco leaves can sufficiently replace the products based on ground reconstituted tobacco leaves.

Experimental Example 6-2 Aerosol Component Analysis for Example 3, Example 19, and Comparative Example 1

For a more objective and quantitative evaluation, the aerosol component analysis for aerosol-generating articles was carried out according to Example 3, Example 19, and Comparative Example 1. The analysis method was the same as in Experimental Example 5-2 described above.

The results of the component analysis according to this experimental example are shown in Table 10 below.

Referring to Table 10, it was found that the glycerol component increased dramatically in the case of the aerosol-generating article according to Example 19, compared with Comparative Example 1 and Example 3. This indicates that the production of the substance in the gaseous state can be further increased if humidifier during the second aromatization. It was found that the nicotine and propylene glycol components were slightly reduced compared to Comparative Example 1 and Example 3. This is taken as evidence that the intensity of tobacco smoke flavor and irritation from the aerosol-generating article of Example 19 was slightly lower compared to with comparative example 1 or example 3.

The configurations of aerosol-generating articles made using ground tobacco leaves and the beneficial effects resulting therefrom have been described in detail using various examples and a comparative example.

Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates should understand that the present invention may be embodied in other particular forms without changing its technical nature or essential features. Thus, the embodiments of the invention described above are to be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is to be construed on the basis of the following claims, and any technical entity within a scope equivalent to the claims is to be construed as falling within the scope of the technical entity as defined by the present invention.

Claims (26)

1. An aerosol generating article, which is an article inserted into an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, the aerosol generating article comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate portion that contains shredded tobacco leaves and is configured to form an aerosol when electrically heated by the aerosol-generating device; the portion of the mouthpiece that is located downstream of the aerosol-generating portion of the substrate to form the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-forming portion of the substrate does not contain tobacco material other than ground tobacco leaves or a mixture in which ground tobacco leaves and reconstituted tobacco web are mixed in a weight ratio ranging from 6:4 to 9:1, the cutting width of the shredded tobacco leaves is in the range of 1.0 mm to 1.4 mm, the tobacco leaves are cut to the same length, while the shredded tobacco leaves have a length not greater than the predetermined cutting width, the content of crushed tobacco leaves included in the aerosol-forming portion of the substrate is in the range of 150 to 200 mg, the moisture content of shredded tobacco leaves ranges from 12% to 17% of the total mass of shredded tobacco leaves, shredded tobacco leaves contain a humectant in the range of 9% wt. up to 12% wt., the humectant is glycerin, propylene glycol, or a combination thereof, in which the weight ratio of glycerol and propylene glycol is in the range from 1:1 to 9:1. 2. Aerosol generating product according to claim 1, in which: shredded tobacco leaves are made using a manufacturing process, including a flavoring process; a humidifier is added during the aromatization process; and the weight ratio of glycerin and propylene glycol included in the humidifier is in the range of 1:1 to 8:2. 3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating portion of the substrate further comprises a wrapper configured to wrap around shredded tobacco leaves, and an adhesive is applied to at least a portion of the wrapper. 4. Aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, in which the resistance to puffing from the mouthpiece part is in the range from 90 mm of water. Art. up to 140 mm w.c. Art. 5. Aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, further comprising: a support segment located downstream of the aerosol-forming portion of the substrate to support the aerosol-forming portion of the substrate; and a cooling segment located between the support segment and the mouthpiece part and configured to cool the generated aerosol. 6. Aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, further comprising: a first filter segment located upstream of the aerosol-forming portion of the substrate to form an upstream end of the aerosol-generating product; and a second filter segment positioned between the aerosol-generating substrate part and the mouthpiece part and containing a channel configured to pass the generated aerosol. 7. Aerosol generating product according to claim 1, in which part of the substrate, forming an aerosol, contains: the first segment of the substrate, which does not contain crushed tobacco leaves and contains a moisturizer; and a second substrate segment that is located downstream of the first substrate segment and contains shredded tobacco leaves. 8. Aerosol generating product according to claim 1, in which: shredded tobacco leaves are made using a manufacturing process, including the first flavoring process and the second flavoring process, performed after the first flavoring process; moreover, the amount of humectant added during the implementation of the second aromatization process is in the range from about 2% of the mass. up to 4% wt. from the total mass of crushed tobacco leaves. 9. A method for manufacturing an aerosol generating article according to claim 1, which is a method for manufacturing an article to be inserted into an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, the method comprising: processing fresh tobacco leaves to produce crushed tobacco leaves, using manufactured ground tobacco leaves to form an aerosol-forming portion of the substrate, and combining the formed part of the substrate, forming an aerosol, and part of the mouthpiece. 10. The method of claim. 9, wherein the manufacture of shredded tobacco leaves includes cutting fresh tobacco leaves with a cutting width in the range of 1.0 mm to 1.4 mm. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the manufacture of ground tobacco leaves includes adding a humectant to fresh tobacco leaves to effect flavoring, wherein the weight ratio of glycerol and propylene glycol included in the humectant is in the range of 1:1 to 8:2 . 12. The method according to p. 9, in which the manufacture of crushed tobacco leaves includes: performing the first aromatization of fresh tobacco leaves; cutting the previously flavored fresh tobacco leaves; and performing a second flavoring of the cut fresh tobacco leaves to make shredded tobacco leaves, wherein the moisture content of the made shredded tobacco leaves is in the range of 13% to 17% of the total weight of the shredded tobacco leaves. 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the manufacture of the aerosol-generating substrate portion comprises: wrapping the manufactured shredded tobacco leaves using a wrapping material on which at least a portion of the inner surface is coated with an adhesive to form an aerosol-generating rod; and cutting the manufactured aerosol forming rod to a predetermined length to form an aerosol forming substrate portion. 14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the manufacture of shredded tobacco leaves includes cutting fresh tobacco leaves using a cutting tool containing at least one cutting knife, in which the cutting blade of the cutting knife is formed into a rectangular cutting blade.

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