WO2023214661A1 - Aerosol-generating article and aerosol-generating system - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article according to various embodiments may include a first segment, and a second segment disposed downstream of the first segment, wherein nicotine is adsorbed to the first segment and the second segment, and the draw resistance of the first segment is greater than or equal to the draw resistance of the second segment.

Description

Aerosol-generating articles and aerosol-generating systems

The following examples relate to aerosol-generating articles and aerosol-generating systems.

Recently, demand for products that replace traditional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, demand for devices that generate aerosol by electrically heating cigarette sticks (e.g. cigarette-type electronic cigarettes) is increasing. Accordingly, research is being conducted on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating articles) applied thereto. For example, Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustible flavor aspirator, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit.

An object according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article that does not require heating and an aerosol-generating system including the same.

An object according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article that can ensure a uniform delivery amount of nicotine during smoking and an aerosol-generating system including the same.

The purpose of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article that can ensure uniformity of taste during smoking and an aerosol-generating system including the same.

The purpose of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article that can minimize instability caused by pre-nicotine due to pH adjustment and an aerosol-generating system including the same.

The purpose of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article that can selectively provide various flavor intensities with a single aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same.

An aerosol-generating article according to various embodiments includes a first segment and a second segment disposed downstream of the first segment, nicotine is adsorbed on the first segment and the second segment, and the first segment The suction resistance may be greater than or equal to the suction resistance of the second segment.

In one embodiment, the suction resistance per unit length of the first segment may be greater than or equal to the suction resistance per unit length of the second segment.

In one embodiment, the first segment and the second segment are comprised of cellulose acetate, and the mass of cellulose acetate per unit length of the first segment is greater than or equal to the mass of cellulose acetate per unit length of the second segment. You can.

In one embodiment, the monodenier of the first segment may be lower than or equal to the monodenier of the second segment.

In one embodiment, it further comprises a media segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment, the media segment comprising a pH treated tobacco media, the nicotine adsorbed on the first segment or the second segment. Nicotine adsorbed to the segment may be transferred from the medium segment. The medium segment may be pH treated so that the pH ranges from 7.0 to 9.5.

In one embodiment, the first segment or the second segment may be manufactured by cutting a filter part into which free nicotine released from a medium raw material containing nicotine is transferred.

An aerosol-generating system according to various embodiments includes an aerosol-generating article, a control unit including at least one processor, an elongated cavity in which the aerosol-generating article is received, and heating a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and to heat the aerosol to produce the aerosol. An aerosol-generating device comprising a vaporizer that emits toward an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article comprising a first segment and a second segment disposed downstream of the first segment, the first segment or The second segment is made of cellulose acetate to which nicotine is adsorbed, and the monodenier of the second segment may be lower than or equal to the monodenier of the second segment.

In one embodiment, the suction resistance per unit length of the first segment may be greater than or equal to the suction resistance per unit length of the second segment.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article further comprises a media segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment, the media segment comprising a pH treated tobacco media, and the aerosol-generating article adsorbed to the first segment. Nicotine or nicotine adsorbed to the second segment may be transferred from the media segment. The aerosol generating device further includes a heater that heats the first segment, the medium segment, or the second segment, and the control unit controls a temperature at which the heater heats the first segment, the medium segment, or the second segment. can be controlled.

An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment can implement aerosol transfer without heating the aerosol-generating article.

An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment can ensure a uniform amount of nicotine delivered during smoking.

An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment can ensure uniformity of taste during smoking.

An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment can be used directly without preheating the device.

An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment can minimize instability caused by free nicotine due to pH adjustment.

An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment can selectively provide various taste intensities with a single aerosol-generating article.

An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment can satisfy a user's satisfaction with smoking by ensuring sufficient nicotine delivery even in a non-heating mode.

According to an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment, the effect of increasing the service life of the device can be expected as it is used in a non-heating mode.

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

The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention along with the detailed description of the invention, so the present invention is limited to the matters described in such drawings. It should not be interpreted in a limited way.

1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing an aerosol-generating system in which an aerosol-generating article is coupled to an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Figure 3 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment.

Figure 4 shows nicotine compliance testing by segment of aerosol-generating articles.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, since various changes can be made to the embodiments, the scope of rights is not limited or limited by these embodiments. It should be understood that all changes, equivalents, or substitutes for the embodiments are included in the scope of rights.

The terms used in the examples are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense. No.

In addition, when describing with reference to the accompanying drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments, the detailed descriptions are omitted.

Additionally, in describing the components of the embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is no need for another component between each component. It should be understood that may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

Components included in one embodiment and components including common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless stated to the contrary, the description given in one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, and detailed description will be omitted to the extent of overlap.

In the following embodiments, “humectant” may refer to a substance that can facilitate the formation of visible smoke and/or aerosol. Examples of humectants include, but are not limited to, glycerin (GLY), propylene glycol (PG), ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In the art, humectants may be used interchangeably with terms such as aerosol formers and humectants.

In the following examples, “aerosol-forming substrate” may mean a material capable of forming an aerosol. Aerosols may contain volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid. For example, solid aerosol-forming substrates may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as tobacco cut filler, tobacco granules, reconstituted tobacco, etc. Reconstituted tobacco can be divided into slurry-type leaflets and paper-type leaflets depending on the manufacturing method. Liquid aerosol-forming substrates may include liquid composition materials based on nicotine, tobacco extract and/or various flavoring agents. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

In the following embodiments, “aerosol-generating article” may refer to an aerosol-forming substrate, that is, an article containing a medium through which the aerosol passes and the nicotine contained in the medium is transferred. A representative example of an aerosol-generating article may include a cigarette, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In the following embodiments, “aerosol generating device” may refer to a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled through the user's mouth and into the user's lungs.

In the following embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" means a direction away from the user's (smoker's) mouth, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" means a direction closer to the user's mouth. It can mean. The terms upstream and downstream may be used to describe the relative positions of elements that make up an aerosol-generating article.

In the following embodiments, “puff” refers to the user's inhalation, and inhalation refers to the situation of pulling the puff into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment, Figures 2a and 2b are schematic diagrams showing an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and Figure 3 is The structure of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment is schematically shown.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 , an aerosol generating system 1 according to an embodiment may include an aerosol generating device 11 and an aerosol generating article 12.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the aerosol generating device 11 according to one embodiment may include a battery 111, a control unit 112, a vaporizer 113, and an elongated cavity 115. there is.

The aerosol generating device 11 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B shows only components related to this embodiment. Accordingly, those skilled in the art can understand that in addition to the components shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device 11. . Additionally, the aerosol generating device 11 may be in the form of a stick or a holder.

In one embodiment, the battery 111 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 11. For example, the battery 111 may supply current to the vaporizer 113 so that the vaporizer 113 can heat the liquid composition. Additionally, the battery 111 can supply power necessary for the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 11 to operate.

In one embodiment, the battery 111 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the battery 111 may include a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, and a lithium ion battery.

For example, the battery 111 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the capacity of the battery 111 may range from 120 mAh to 250 mAh, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the battery 111 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, if the battery 111 is rechargeable, the charging rate (C-rate) of the battery 111 may be 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C, but are not limited thereto. Additionally, for static use, the battery 111 can be manufactured so that more than 80% of the total capacity can be secured even when charging/discharging is performed 2000 times.

In one embodiment, the control unit 112 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 11. Specifically, the control unit 112 controls the operation of the battery 111, the vaporizer 113, as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 11. Additionally, the control unit 112 may check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 11 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 11 is in an operable state.

In one embodiment, control unit 112 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that the present embodiment may be implemented with other types of hardware.

In one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 may heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, such that the generated aerosol passes through an aerosol-generating article 12 inserted into the elongated cavity 115. It may be emitted toward the inserted aerosol-generating article 12. Therefore, tobacco flavor may be added to the aerosol that passes through the aerosol-generating article 12, and the user inhales one end of the aerosol-generating article 12 with the mouth to inhale the aerosol with tobacco flavor added. can do. According to one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer. According to one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 may be coupled to the aerosol generating device 11 so as to be replaceable.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 may further include a heater 114. The aerosol-generating article 12 according to one embodiment can transfer nicotine even under non-heated conditions. Additionally, in the low-temperature heating mode using the heater 114, the transfer amount of nicotine can be increased by promoting the transfer of nicotine. The low-temperature heating mode using the heater 114 can achieve a higher level of taste intensity compared to the non-heating board, and the amount of nicotine transferred can be easily adjusted through the non-heating mode and the low-temperature heating mode.

The heater 114 may be heated by power supplied from the battery 111. For example, when the aerosol-generating article 12 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 11, the heater 114 may be located external to the aerosol-generating article 12. Accordingly, the heated heater 114 may increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol-generating article 12.

For example, heater 114 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 114 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 114 may be heated as a current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 114 is not limited to the above-described example, and may be any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 11, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 114 may be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 114 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol-generating article 12 by induction heating, and the aerosol-generating article 12 may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating type heater. It can be included.

For example, the heater 114 may include a tubular heat transfer element, a plate heat transfer element, a needle-shaped heat transfer element, or a rod-shaped heat transfer element, which may be inside or inside the aerosol-generating article 12 depending on the shape of the heat transfer element. The outside can be heated.

Additionally, a plurality of heaters 114 may be disposed in the aerosol generating device 11. At this time, the plurality of heaters 114 may be arranged to be inserted into the inside of the aerosol-generating article 12, or may be placed outside of the aerosol-generating article 12. Additionally, some of the plurality of heaters 114 may be arranged to be inserted into the inside of the aerosol-generating article 12, and others may be placed outside the aerosol-generating article 12.

In one embodiment, elongated cavity 115 may contain an aerosol-generating article 12. In one embodiment, heater 114 may be disposed surrounding an exterior surface of elongate cavity 115 to heat an aerosol-generating article contained in elongate cavity 115 . The heater 114 according to one embodiment may be disposed surrounding at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongated cavity 115.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 11 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 111, the control unit 112, the vaporizer 113, and the elongated cavity 115. For example, the aerosol generating device 11 may include a sensing unit 116, an output unit 117, a user input unit 118, a memory 119, and a communication unit 120.

The sensing unit 116 may detect the state of the aerosol generating device 11 or the state surrounding the aerosol generating device 11 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 112. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 112 controls the aerosol generating device 11 to perform various functions such as limiting smoking, determining whether to insert an aerosol generating article 12 (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), displaying a notification, etc. ) can be controlled.

The sensing unit 116 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1161, an insertion detection sensor 1162, and a puff sensor 1163, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 1161 may detect the temperature at which the heater 114 (or an aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 11 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 114, or the heater 114 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1161 may be disposed around the battery 111 to monitor the temperature of the battery 111.

Insertion detection sensor 1162 may detect insertion and/or removal of aerosol-generating article 12. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1162 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and the aerosol-generating article 12 is inserted. And/or a signal change due to removal may be detected.

The puff sensor 1163 may detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1163 may detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change, and pressure change.

In addition to the sensors 1161 to 1163 described above, the sensing unit 116 includes a temperature/humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), It may further include at least one of a proximity sensor and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively deduced by a person skilled in the art from its name, detailed descriptions may be omitted.

The output unit 117 may output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 11 and provide it to the user. The output unit 117 may include at least one of a display unit 1171, a haptic unit 1172, and an audio output unit 1173, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1171 and the touch pad form a layer structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1171 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 1171 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 11 to the user. For example, information about the aerosol-generating device 11 may include the charging/discharging state of the battery 111 of the aerosol-generating device 11, the insertion/removal state of the aerosol-generating article 12, or the aerosol-generating device 11. It may refer to various information such as a state in which use is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 1171 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 1171 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) or an organic light emitting display panel (OLED). Additionally, the display unit 1171 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting device.

The haptic unit 1172 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device 11 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 1172 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 1173 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 11 audibly to the user. For example, the audio output unit 1173 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The user input unit 118 may receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 118 includes a key pad, a dome switch, and a touch pad (contact capacitive type, pressure resistive type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, and integral type). Tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), jog wheel, jog switch, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 11 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and is connected to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface. This allows information to be transmitted and received or the battery 111 to be charged.

The memory 119 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 11, and can store data processed by the control unit 112 and data to be processed. The memory 119 is a flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM. (RAM, random access memory) SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk , and may include at least one type of storage medium among optical disks. The memory 119 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 11, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit 120 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 120 may include a short-range communication unit 1201 and a wireless communication unit 1202.

The short-range wireless communication unit 1201 includes a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, and an infrared (IrDA) communication unit. , infrared Data Association) communication unit, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit 1202 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 1202 may identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 11 within the communication network using subscriber information (eg, International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 11 may include a terminal coupled to the cradle and/or at least one input device (e.g., a button) through which a user can control the functions of the aerosol-generating device 11. You can. For example, a user can execute various functions using the input device of the aerosol generating device 100. By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the time the user presses the input device (e.g., 0.1 second, 0.2 second, etc.), a plurality of aerosol generating devices 11 You can execute the desired function among the functions. As the user operates the input device, the function of preheating the heating element of the vaporizer 113, the function of adjusting the temperature of the heating element of the vaporizer 113, the function of cleaning the space where the aerosol-generating article is inserted, A function of checking whether the aerosol generating device 11 is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the battery 111, a reset function of the aerosol generating device 11, etc. may be performed. However, the function of the aerosol generating device 11 is not limited to the examples described above.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 11 may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and/or an aerosol-generating article insertion detection sensor. Additionally, the aerosol generating device 11 may be manufactured in a structure that allows external air to flow in/out even when an aerosol generating article is inserted.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 11 may include a vaporizer 113 and an elongated cavity 115 arranged in series, as shown in FIG. 2A. According to another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 11 may include a vaporizer 113 and an elongated cavity 115 arranged in parallel, as shown in FIG. 2B. In addition, the arrangement form of the battery 111, control unit 112, vaporizer 113, and elongated cavity 115 of the aerosol generating device 11 is not limited to FIGS. 2A and 2B and may have various forms. . For example, a heater (eg, heater 114 in FIG. 1 ) may be included in the aerosol generating device 11 .

Through the airflow passage in the aerosol-generating device 11, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 113 may enter the elongated cavity 115 and pass through the aerosol-generating article 12. Accordingly, the aerosol passing through the aerosol-generating article 12 may be added with tobacco flavor or nicotine, and the user inhales one end of the aerosol-generating article 12 with the mouth to add tobacco flavor or nicotine. The aerosol can be inhaled.

The vaporizer 113 according to one embodiment may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery means, a heating element, and an airflow passage. Each component of the vaporizer 113 may be made of polycarbonate, but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the liquid storage unit may store a liquid composition that can generate an aerosol when heated. According to one embodiment, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances including volatile tobacco flavor components, and according to another embodiment, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. Additionally, the liquid composition can store a liquid of 0.1 to 2.0 mL, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the liquid reservoir may be exchangeably coupled within the vaporizer 113.

For example, liquid compositions may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavors, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavor ingredients. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide various flavors or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the liquid composition may contain aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

In one embodiment, the liquid delivery means can deliver the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element. In one embodiment, the liquid delivery means may be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, which may transfer the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element using capillary action.

In one embodiment, the heating element is an element for heating a liquid composition delivered by a liquid delivery means, and may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, or a ceramic heater. Additionally, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by supplying an electric current and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, aerosols may be generated.

In one embodiment, the airflow passageway may be arranged such that the generated aerosol is released toward the inserted aerosol-generating article 12. That is, the aerosol generated by the heating element can be released through the airflow passage.

In one embodiment, the controller 112 may control the temperature of the heating element by controlling the current supplied to the heating element. Accordingly, the control unit 112 can control the amount of aerosol generated from the liquid composition by controlling the current supplied to the heating element. Additionally, the control unit 112 may control supply of current to the heating element for a preset time when detecting a user's puff. For example, the controller 112 may control current to be supplied to the heating element for 1-5 seconds from the time the user's puff is detected.

In one embodiment, the control unit 112 may control the amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer 113 by controlling the open/closed state of the airflow passage. Specifically, the control unit 112 can increase the amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer 113 by increasing the size of the air gap in the air flow passage, and can increase the amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer 113 by reducing the size of the air gap in the air flow passage. It can reduce the amount of aerosol emitted. For example, the control unit 112 may control the air gap in the airflow passage using a dial method.

In one embodiment, when the liquid composition in the liquid storage unit is less than a preset amount, the control unit 112 may inform the user of the lack of liquid composition through a vibration motor or a display.

Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol-generating article 12 according to one embodiment may include a first segment 121, a medium segment 122, a second segment 123, and a wrapper 125.

In one embodiment, aerosol-generating article 12 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 125. At least one hole may be formed in the wrapper 125 through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out. The wrapper 125 may include a material with high thermal conductivity.

For example, the first segment 121 is wrapped by the first wrapper 1251, the medium segment 122 is wrapped by the second wrapper 1252, and the second segment is wrapped by the third wrapper 1253. (123) can be packaged. And, the entire aerosol-generating article 12 can be repackaged by the fifth wrapper 1255.

In one embodiment, the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be made of porous wrapping paper. For example, the porosity of each of the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be 35,000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the thickness of each of the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. Additionally, the basis weight of each of the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be within the range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2.

For example, the second wrapper 1252 may include an aluminum component. For example, the second wrapper 1252 may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil combined with a general filter wrapper. Additionally, the second wrapper 1252 may be made of sterile paper (MFW).

In one embodiment, the fifth wrapper 1255 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 1255 may be within the range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2. Additionally, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 1255 may be within the range of 64um to 70um.

In one embodiment, the first segment 121 may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. Additionally, the first segment 121 may be composed of a paper filter or a porous molded product. For example, the length of the first segment 121 may be 4 to 15 mm, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the first segment 121 may be colored or flavored.

In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may include a cavity, and the cavity may be filled with a medium. For example, the medium substrate filled in the medium segment 122 may include at least one of granular tobacco (tobacco granules), reconstituted tobacco, and tobacco cut filler. For example, the length of the medium segment 122 may be an appropriate length within the range of 6 mm to 18 mm, but is not limited thereto.

In general, tobacco granules contain significantly less moisture and/or aerosol formers than other types of tobacco materials (e.g. cut filler, reconstituted tobacco, etc.), which can significantly reduce the generation of visible smoke and thus aerosol generation. The lead-free function of device 11 can be easily implemented. However, the diameter, density, filling rate, composition ratio of constituent materials, heating temperature, etc. of the tobacco granules may vary, and this may vary depending on the embodiment. The diameter of tobacco granules can be about 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm. Within this numerical range, appropriate hardness and ease of manufacturing of tobacco granules are ensured, and the probability of swirling within the cavity can be increased.

Additionally, the media segment 122 may include an aerosol-generating material such as glycerin. Additionally, media segments 122 may contain other additives such as flavorants, humectants, and/or organic acids. Additionally, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or moisturizer may be added to the medium segment 122 by spraying it on the medium segment 122.

In one embodiment, the media segment 122 may include a pH treated media substrate. For example, the medium substrate may be pH treated to be basic by a pH adjuster, and the pH adjuster is basic, for example, at least one of potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and calcium oxide (CaO). It may contain any one substance. However, the substances included in the pH adjuster are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and substances that generate less negative odor during smoking may be used. A basic pH adjuster may increase the pH of the medium substrate included in the medium segment 122. Compared to a medium substrate that is not treated with a basic pH adjuster, the basic pH-treated medium substrate increases the amount of nicotine released when heated. That is, in the case of a basic pH treated medium base, sufficient nicotine yield can be achieved even if the medium segment 122 is heated at a low temperature.

In one embodiment, the media segment 122 may include slurry or paper-based leaflets adjusted to a pH range of 7.0 to 9.5, or tobacco granules adjusted to a pH range of 7.0 to 9.5. The medium base may contain nicotine, and by pH treatment, free nicotine (nicotine in a gaseous state) can be transferred from the medium base even under non-heating conditions or relatively low temperature conditions. That is, by adjusting the pH of the medium base of the medium segment 122 to a range of 7.0 to 9.5, volatile free nicotine can be implemented under non-heated conditions and a sufficient level of taste intensity can be realized.

In addition, when the aerosol generating device 11 includes a heater (e.g., the heater 114 in FIG. 1), the transfer of nicotine is promoted through low-temperature heating to achieve a relatively higher level of taste intensity than in the non-heating mode. You can. As such, in the aerosol-generating article 12 according to one embodiment, the amount of nicotine transferred can be easily adjusted even through non-heating or low-temperature heating.

In one embodiment, the second segment 123 may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. The second segment 123 may be composed of a tube-shaped filter including a hollow tube. The hollow may be an empty space penetrating the second segment 123 in a longitudinal direction from upstream to downstream (e.g., the direction from the first segment 121 to the second segment 123 in FIG. 3). For example, a flavoring material may be added to the second segment 123.

In one embodiment, nicotine may be adsorbed on at least one of the first segment 121 and the second segment 123. As the medium segment 122 is treated with pH in the range of 7.0 to 9.5, the nicotine in the medium segment 122 is actively converted to a free nicotine state even under non-heated conditions and is transferred to the first segment 121 or the second segment 123. It can metastasize. Accordingly, nicotine transferred from the medium segment 122 may be adsorbed to at least one of the first segment 121 and the second segment 123. Since the first segment 121 or the second segment 123 along with the medium segment 122 also contain nicotine, the aerosol-generating article 12 can be used immediately without preheating the aerosol-generating device 11. This not only increases user convenience, but can also contribute to providing a sense of taste satisfaction due to sufficient nicotine delivery even in the absence of heating.

In one embodiment, aerosol-generating article 12 may undergo a nicotine transfer treatment process. For example, the nicotine transfer treatment process may be accomplished as follows. First, the medium segment 122 is treated with a pH in the range of 7.0 to 9.5, and the first segment 121 and the second segment 123 may be combined by a wrapper 125 with the medium segment 122 interposed therebetween. Next, the aerosol-generating article 12 undergoes a nicotine transition period at room temperature. For example, the nicotine transition period may be 4 weeks or longer.

Table 1 below shows the amount of nicotine transferred to the aerosol-generating article consisting of the first segment 121, the first medium segment (e.g., the medium segment 122), the second medium segment, and the second segment 123 over time. This is a table representing . The experiment below was conducted under temperature conditions of 22 degrees.

Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that after 4 weeks, nicotine is transferred to and absorbed into the first segment 121 and the second segment 123, and according to the smoke component analysis value, the amount of atomization remains constant and the amount of nicotine increases. It can be seen that there has been an increase.

division	Nicotine transfer amount (mg/seg)				Smoke component analysis value (mg/stick)
hour	first segment	first medium segment	second medium segment	second segment	Atomization amount	nicotine
0 weeks	-	-	-	-	37.8	0.15
4 weeks	0.33	0.60	1.05	0.27	38.8	0.31
6 weeks	0.35	0.55	0.98	0.31	38.6	0.32
8 weeks	0.37	0.66	0.75	0.30	39.0	0.31

In one embodiment, the first segment 121 or the second segment 123 of the aerosol-generating article 12 may be manufactured by cutting a cellulose acetate filter portion into which free nicotine released from a medium raw material containing nicotine has been transferred. .

For example, a medium raw material portion containing a material containing nicotine, such as leaf tobacco, wet tobacco granules, or leaf tobacco, may be provided, and this medium raw material portion may be pH treated and housed in a sealed chamber. Subsequently, the release of free nicotine can be induced from the medium raw material portion through heating. A filter unit may be provided in the chamber, and the filter unit may be in the form of a block or cylinder containing a cellulose acetate component. Transfer of nicotine may occur in which free nicotine moves from the medium raw material unit to the filter unit, and a circulation unit such as a fan may assist in the smooth transfer of nicotine. After a predetermined conditioning period (transition/adsorption period), a sufficient amount of nicotine is adsorbed to the filter unit, and the filter unit can be cut to conform to the designated shape. The cut filters may be connected to a first segment (e.g., first segment 121 of FIG. 3) or a second segment (e.g., second segment of FIG. 3) of an aerosol-generating article (e.g., aerosol-generating article 12 of FIG. 3). It can be applied to (123).

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the aerosol generating system 1 according to an embodiment, when the aerosol generating device 11 includes a heater (e.g., the heater 114 in FIG. 1), the control unit 112 Can control the temperature at which the heater 114 heats the aerosol-generating article 12. For example, the controller 112 may adjust the temperature at which the heater 114 heats the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123.

In one embodiment, the control unit 112 may control the heater 114 in a non-heating mode and a low-temperature heating mode. In the non-heating mode, the heater 114 does not heat the aerosol-generating article 12, in which case the first segment 121, the media segment 122, or the second segment 123 may not be heated. In the low-temperature heating mode, the heater 114 can heat the aerosol-generating article 12 at a low temperature between 0 degrees and 150 degrees. At this time, the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123 may be heated to a low temperature of 0 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less. As the aerosol-generating article 12 switches between an unheated mode and a low-temperature heated mode, the flavor intensity can be adjusted. For example, in a non-heated mode, the amount of nicotine transferred from the first segment 121, media segment 122, or second segment 123 may be relatively low, resulting in a relatively low taste intensity. On the other hand, in the low-temperature heating mode, compared to the non-heating mode, the amount of nicotine transferred from the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123 is relatively high, so that the taste intensity is relatively high. You can. Therefore, in the low-temperature heating mode, sufficient flavor strength can be secured even without treating the pH of the medium segment 122 to be high.

In Figure 3, the medium segment 122 is shown between the first segment 121 and the second segment 123, but the configuration of the aerosol-generating article 121 according to one embodiment is not necessarily limited to this. no. For example, an atomized segment containing a moisturizing agent or another segment into which nicotine is transferred may be provided on the upstream side of the first segment 121. Alternatively, another segment in which nicotine is transferred between the first segment 121 and the medium segment 122 may be applied. Alternatively, another segment with nicotine adsorbed may be provided at the downstream end of the second segment 123, or another segment with nicotine adsorbed may be provided between the second segment 123 and the medium segment 122. Alternatively, all segments may be composed of cellulose acetate filter segments into which nicotine has been transferred.

In one embodiment, the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 may be equal to or greater than the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the second segment 123. This will be explained in detail below.

Figure 4 shows nicotine compliance testing by segment of aerosol-generating articles.

Referring to FIG. 4, samples were prepared to which nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filters (CA filters) were applied to different segments, and the nicotine residual amount and nicotine transfer amount in each case were analyzed. In experimental example (a) of Figure 4, the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine was transferred was placed in the most upstream segment, and in experimental example (b), the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine was transferred was placed in the second segment from the upstream, Experimental example ( In c), the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine was transferred was placed in the third segment from the upstream, and in experimental example (d), the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine was transferred was placed to the most downstream segment. In experimental example (e), a cellulose acetate filter into which nicotine was transferred was placed in all segments for comparison with the previous experimental examples. At this time, the smoking resistance or filtering effect was set to be the same in each experimental example.

[Table 2] below shows the results of the experiment according to FIG. 4.

division	Nicotine residual amount (mg)				Fulfillment amount (mg)
	first segment	second segment	third segment	fourth segment	nicotine
(a)	0.03	0.10	0.09	0.05	0.12
(b)	-	0.13	0.10	0.07	0.13
(c)	-	-	0.15	0.08	0.14
(d)	-	-	-	0.20	0.19
(e)	0.03	0.18	0.29	0.36	0.66

Referring to Figure 4 and [Table 2], comparing the experimental example (a) in which the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine was transferred was placed on the upstream side and the experimental example (d) in which the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine was transferred was placed on the downstream side. It can be seen that the amount of nicotine transferred in Experimental Example (d) is large. In addition, when comparing experimental examples (a), (b), (c), and (d) sequentially, it can be seen that the amount of nicotine transferred increases as the cellulose acetate filter into which nicotine is transferred is placed on the downstream side rather than the upstream side. .

Additionally, looking at Experimental Example (a), it can be seen that none of the nicotine transferred from the first segment is transferred to the oral cavity, and remains in the second, third, and fourth segments. It can be seen that the same trend appears in experimental examples (b) and (c). This can also be confirmed through experimental example (e), which shows that the residual amount of nicotine tends to increase from the upstream to the downstream segment.

As the cellulose acetate filter into which nicotine is transferred is placed downstream, the amount of nicotine transferred may increase due to a decrease in filtering effect. Therefore, the cellulose acetate filter into which nicotine is transferred disposed on the downstream side may be mainly involved in nicotine transfer during the initial puff of smoking.

The more upstream the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter is placed, the greater the influence of filtering by the downstream cellulose acetate filter. Therefore, the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter placed upstream is mainly used for nicotine transfer during the puff in the latter half of smoking. You can get involved.

However, since the second segment 123 of the aerosol-generating article 12 according to one embodiment has the shape of a tube including a hollow, the influence of the second segment 123 on the transfer of nicotine is that of the first segment. It may be relatively small compared to (121). This is because most of the airflow toward the oral cavity does not pass through the cellulose acetate-formed portion of the second segment 123 but passes through the hollow of the second segment 123, and only a small amount of airflow is adsorbed on the second segment 123. May be involved in the delivery of nicotine.

In one embodiment, the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the first segment 121 may be less than or equal to the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the second segment 123. Since the amount of nicotine transferred from the second segment 123 is not greater than that of the first segment 121, the amount of nicotine adsorbed on the second segment 123 is greater than the amount of nicotine adsorbed on the first segment 121. It is desirable to set it to more or equal. Through this, the amount of nicotine transferred to the oral cavity can be uniform while smoking continues, thereby ensuring uniform taste.

[Table 3] below shows the results of the maximum transfer amount experiment for each segment.

Segment	storage temperature	6mm	10 mm	14mm	medium
		Nicotine (mg/mm)	Nicotine (mg/mm)	Nicotine (mg/mm)	Nicotine (mg/mm)
Test example (a) CA filter (TA 4%)	40℃	0.06	0.05	0.06	0.06
	50℃	0.09	0.09	0.09	0.09
Experimental example (b) CA filter	40℃	0.11	0.09	0.08	0.09
(TA 11%)	50℃	0.16	0.15	0.14	0.15
Experimental example (c) tube filter	40℃	0.13	0.17	0.14	0.14
	50℃	0.24	0.20	0.19	0.21

Referring to [Table 3], Experimental Example (a) was conducted on a case where 4% triacetin (TA) plasticizer was applied to a cylindrical cellulose acetate filter (e.g., the first segment 121 in FIG. 3), Experimental example (b) was for the case where 11% triacetin (TA) plasticizer was applied to a cylindrical cellulose acetate filter (e.g., the first segment 121 in FIG. 3), and experimental example (c) was for the case of applying a hollow The branch was targeted at a tube filter (e.g., the second segment 123 in FIG. 3). The maximum amount of free nicotine transferred was measured under storage temperature conditions of 40°C and 50°C, respectively, with the maximum number of tobacco granules in the carton packaging having different lengths. The reconciliation period was set at 7 days.

Based on a storage temperature of 40°C, the average nicotine transfer amount per unit length in Experimental Examples (a) and (b) is 0.06mg/mm and 0.09mg/mm, respectively, while the unit in Experimental Example (c) is 0.06mg/mm and 0.09mg/mm, respectively. The average nicotine transfer amount per length was 0.14 mg/mm.

Based on a storage temperature of 50°C, the average nicotine transfer amount per unit length in experimental examples (a) and (b) is 0.09 mg/mm and 0.15 mg/mm, respectively, while the unit in experimental example (c) is 0.09 mg/mm and 0.15 mg/mm, respectively. The average nicotine transfer amount per length was 0.21 mg/mm.

From [Table 3], the amount of nicotine transferred from the tube filter made of cellulose acetate (Experimental example (c)) is the amount of nicotine transferred from the cylindrical filter made of cellulose acetate (Experimental example (a) or (c)). You can check more. Although the amount of nicotine transferred to the tube filter is greater, the amount of nicotine transferred (adsorbed) to the tube filter is not large. This is because most of the airflow passing through the tube filter passes through the hollow cavity with low resistance.

Therefore, it is desirable to set the amount of nicotine adsorbed on the second segment 123 of the aerosol-generating article 12 according to one embodiment to be greater than or equal to the amount of nicotine adsorbed on the first segment 121, which is Through this, the amount of nicotine transferred to the oral cavity can be uniform while smoking continues, and uniformity of taste can be ensured.

According to the aerosol-generating article 12 and the aerosol-generating system 1 including the same according to an embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 12 can be used immediately without preheating the aerosol-generating device 11, thereby increasing user convenience. In addition, sufficient nicotine transfer can be ensured even in non-heating mode, thereby satisfying the user's sense of satisfaction in smoking. Additionally, the aerosol generating device 11 according to one embodiment may not include a heater, so the lifespan of the device can be expected to be increased.

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

Features and aspects of any of the embodiment(s) described above may be combined with features and aspects of any of the other embodiment(s) as long as this does not result in an obvious technical conflict.

Claims (9)

1. In aerosol-generating articles,

   first segment; and

   a second segment disposed downstream of the first segment;

   Including,

   Nicotine is adsorbed on the first segment or the second segment,

   The second segment includes a longitudinally formed hollow directed from upstream to downstream,

   Aerosol-generating articles.
2. According to claim 1,

   The first segment and the second segment are composed of cellulose acetate,

   Aerosol-generating articles.
3. According to claim 2,

   The adsorption amount of nicotine per unit length of the first segment is less than or equal to the adsorption amount of nicotine per unit length of the second segment,

   Aerosol-generating articles.
4. According to claim 1,

   further comprising a media segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment,

   wherein the media segment comprises a pH treated tobacco media, wherein the nicotine adsorbed to the first segment or the nicotine adsorbed to the second segment is transferred from the media segment,

   Aerosol-generating articles.
5. According to claim 4,

   The medium segment is pH treated so that the pH ranges from 7.0 to 9.5,

   Aerosol-generating articles.
6. According to claim 1,

   The first segment or the second segment is manufactured by cutting the filter part into which free nicotine released from the medium raw material containing nicotine is transferred,

   Aerosol-generating articles.
7. In the aerosol generating system,

   Aerosol-generating articles; and

   An aerosol-generating device comprising a control unit including at least one processor, an elongated cavity in which the aerosol-generating article is received, and a vaporizer that heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol and releases the aerosol toward the aerosol-generating article;

   Including,

   The aerosol-generating article is,

   first segment; and

   a second segment disposed downstream of the first segment;

   Including,

   The first segment or the second segment is composed of cellulose acetate to which nicotine is adsorbed,

   The second segment includes a longitudinally formed hollow directed from upstream to downstream,

   Aerosol generating system.
8. According to claim 7,

   the aerosol-generating article further comprises a media segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment,

   wherein the media segment comprises a pH treated tobacco media,

   Nicotine adsorbed on the first segment or nicotine adsorbed on the second segment is transferred from the medium segment,

   Aerosol generating system.
9. According to claim 8,

   The aerosol generating device further includes a heater that heats the first segment, the medium segment, or the second segment,

   The control unit controls the temperature at which the heater heats the first segment, the medium segment, or the second segment,

   Aerosol generating system.

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