Unheated-type aerosol-generating article and aerosol-generating system comprising same

Abstract

An unheated-type aerosol-generating article comprises a tobacco medium filled in at least one of a cellulose acetate filter and a paper filter, wherein the tobacco medium comprises: granules including tobacco powder; and an aqueous PH-adjusting solution including a pH adjusting agent and moisture, and the tobacco medium may contain 8-9 wt% of moisture with respect to the dry weight of the tobacco medium.

Description

Non-heated aerosol generating article and aerosol generating system including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-heated aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system comprising the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a non-heated aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system comprising the same, which can stabilize product quality by providing a uniform nicotine release amount over time.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for methods that generate aerosol by heating aerosol-generating materials, rather than by burning cigarettes. Accordingly, research into heated aerosol generators is actively underway.

[0003] However, aerosol-generating materials produced using conventional methods have the disadvantage of low nicotine transfer when heated at low temperatures or when not heated. Therefore, active research is currently underway to improve nicotine transfer, even when heated at low temperatures or when not heated, by modifying the physical properties of the aerosol-generating materials.

[0004] For example, aerosol-generating materials are sometimes treated with a pH adjuster to facilitate nicotine release, even when heated at low temperatures or unheated. However, in these cases, nicotine can continue to be released from the product even when the user is not actively smoking, leading to unstable product quality.

[0005] The embodiments provide an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system including the same, which can stabilize product quality in terms of nicotine transfer amount even when the aerosol generating material is treated with a pH adjusting agent.

[0006] The problems to be solved through the examples are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the examples belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0007] A non-heated aerosol generating article according to one embodiment comprises a tobacco medium filled in at least one of a cellulose acetate filter and a paper filter, wherein the tobacco medium comprises granules comprising tobacco powder; and a pH adjusting aqueous solution comprising a pH adjusting agent and moisture; wherein the tobacco medium may comprise moisture of 8 to 9 wt% based on the dry weight of the tobacco medium.

[0008] An aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may include: the non-heated aerosol generating article described above; and an aerosol generating device including a receiving space for receiving the aerosol generating article and a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0009] According to the non-heated aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating system including the same according to the embodiments, product quality can be stabilized by providing a uniform amount of nicotine transferred over time even when the aerosol generating material is treated with a pH adjusting agent.

[0010] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B are drawings illustrating aerosol generating articles according to embodiments.

[0013] Figures 3a to 3c schematically illustrate cross-sectional views of the aerosol generating article according to Figure 2b cut in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a medium portion according to one embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a medium portion according to another embodiment.

[0016] The terms used in the examples are selected from widely used, common terms, taking into account the functions within the examples. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the examples should not be defined simply based on their names, but rather based on their meaning and the overall content of the examples.

[0017] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0018] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0019] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0020] Throughout this specification, embodiments are used as arbitrary distinctions to facilitate the description of the invention, and each embodiment is not necessarily exclusive of the others. For example, configurations disclosed in one embodiment may be applied and / or implemented in other embodiments, and may be modified and applied and / or implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] Additionally, the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the embodiments. In this disclosure, singular forms also include plural forms unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0022] Some components in the drawings may be exaggerated in size, proportion, etc. Additionally, components depicted in one drawing may not be depicted in another.

[0023] Throughout the specification, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article used for smoking. Furthermore, the term "non-heated aerosol-generating article" refers to an aerosol-generating article that is not heated. This may be, as described below, a separate component (e.g., the cartridge (210) of FIG. 1) that is heated, while the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the aerosol-generating article (100) of FIG. 1) is not heated. However, this is not a limitation.

[0024] Additionally, throughout the specification, the "longitudinal direction" of a component may be the direction in which the component extends along one directional axis of the component, wherein the one directional axis of the component may mean the direction in which the component extends longer than the other directional axis transverse to the one directional axis. The "longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article" means the direction in which the aerosol-generating article extends in length or, if the aerosol-generating article is combusted, the direction in which combustion proceeds.

[0025] For example, in FIG. 1, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (100) may be the direction in which the front end (110), the medium portion (120), and the filter portion (130) extend. That is, it may mean the height direction of the tubular aerosol generating article (100).

[0026] Additionally, when a user inhales air using an aerosol-generating article, the portion where air enters from the outside of the aerosol-generating article to the inside may be referred to as "upstream," and the portion where air exits from the inside of the aerosol-generating article to the outside may be referred to as "downstream." The terms "upstream" and "downstream" may be used to indicate the relative position or direction between parts or segments that make up the aerosol-generating article.

[0027] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the various embodiments of the aerosol generating devices described above, or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating system (300) may include an aerosol generating article (100) and an aerosol generating device (200). In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (200) may include a receiving space for receiving the aerosol generating article (100). Additionally, the aerosol generating device (200) may include a separate component (e.g., a cartridge (210)) containing an aerosol generating material.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (200) may include a cartridge (210) containing an aerosol generating material and a component supporting the cartridge (210). The cartridge (210) may be removably coupled to the aerosol generating device (200), but is not limited thereto.

[0031] The cartridge (210) may be formed or assembled integrally with the aerosol generating device (200), and may be fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge (210) may be mounted on the aerosol generating device (200) while containing an aerosol generating substance therein. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge (210) while the cartridge (210) is coupled to the aerosol generating device (200).

[0032] The cartridge (210) may contain an aerosol-generating material in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating material may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

[0033] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material that may be included in the separate component may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit-flavored ingredients, and the like. The flavoring agent may include an ingredient that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Additionally, the aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0034] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (200) may have a configuration in which the aerosol generated as the separate component is heated is transferred to the aerosol generating article (100) without directly heating the aerosol generating article (100).

[0035] For example, the cartridge (210) may be operated by an electric signal or a wireless signal transmitted from an aerosol generating device (200), thereby converting the phase of an aerosol generating material inside the cartridge (210) into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol may refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating material and air are mixed. The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge (210) may be transferred to the aerosol generating article (100).

[0036] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article (100) may include a front end (110), a medium end (120), and a filter end (130). Specifically, the front end (110), the medium end (120), and the filter end (130) may be sequentially arranged in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (100). In addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 1, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating article (100).

[0037] The aerosol generating article (100) may be manufactured in a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, when the aerosol generating article (100) is manufactured in a cylindrical shape, the diameter of the aerosol generating article (100) may be about 5 mm to about 9 mm.

[0038] In one embodiment, the length of the aerosol generating article (100) may be from about 20 mm to about 60 mm. For example, the length of the shear portion (110) may be from about 5 mm to about 15 mm, the length of the medium portion (120) may be from about 10 mm to about 30 mm, and the length of the filter portion (130) may be from about 5 mm to about 15 mm.

[0039] However, the length and diameter of the aerosol generating article (100) and its constituent elements are not limited thereto and may be varied in various ways depending on the design.

[0040] In one embodiment, the front end (110) can prevent a substance contained in the medium (120) from escaping to the outside, and can prevent an aerosol generated from the medium (120) during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device (200).

[0041] Additionally, the front end (110) can introduce outside air into the interior of the aerosol generating article (100). As an example, in the case of an aerosol generating article used in an aerosol generating device that does not directly heat the aerosol generating article, the front end (110) can introduce an aerosol generated as a separate component (e.g., a cartridge (210) containing a liquid substance) is heated into the interior of the aerosol generating article (100) as outside air.

[0042] The shear portion (110) may include either an acetate filter formed from cellulose acetate tow or a paper filter formed from paper. As an example, the shear portion (110) may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The hardness of the shear portion (110) may be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer.

[0043] At this time, when the front end (110) includes an acetate filter formed of cellulose acetate tow, the front end (110) can be manufactured to generate flavor.

[0044] For example, when the front end (110) includes an acetate filter, a flavoring agent containing a flavoring agent may be sprayed onto the acetate filter, and separate fibers coated with the flavoring agent may be included inside the acetate filter. In another example, when the front end (110) includes an acetate filter, the acetate filter may include a capsule containing a flavoring agent.

[0045] As an example, the flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol. Additionally, the flavoring agent may include plant-based flavorings, such as cinnamon, sage, herbs, chamomile, sage, cinnamon, lavender, bergamot, lemon, orange, cinnamon, jasmine, ginger, vanilla, spearmint, peppermint, acacia, coffee, celery, sandalwood, and cocoa. As another example, the flavoring agent may include animal-based flavorings, such as musk, ambergris, civet, and castor oil.

[0046] As another example, the flavoring agent may be an alcohol compound, such as geraniol, linalool, anethole, or eugenol. The flavoring agent may be an aldehyde compound, such as vanillin, benzaldehyde, or anisaldehyde. The flavoring agent may be an ester compound, such as isoamyl acetate, linalyl acetate, isoamyl propionate, or linalyl butyrate.

[0047] Additionally, if necessary, the shear portion (110) may include at least one channel. The cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the shear portion (110) may be in the shape of a tube.

[0048] In one embodiment, the medium (120) may include a tobacco medium comprising a granular tobacco material. In one embodiment, the tobacco material may include various types of tobacco powder.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the tobacco medium may include granules comprising tobacco powder; and a pH-adjusting aqueous solution comprising a pH adjuster and moisture. The tobacco medium may contain 8 to 9 wt% moisture based on dry weight.

[0050] For example, the tobacco powder may be tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stems, and / or tobacco fines generated during tobacco processing. The tobacco powder may include ground tobacco leaves, ground reconstituted tobacco, etc. For example, the tobacco powder may include tobacco powder of at least one of the following types: yellow tobacco, Burley tobacco, Hwa-dried tobacco, Yang-dried tobacco, and Eum-dried tobacco.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the pH of the granules can be adjusted toward an alkaline level by applying a pH-adjusting aqueous solution to the granules. Specifically, the pH of the tobacco material contained in the granules can be adjusted toward an alkaline level. By adjusting the pH of the tobacco material toward an alkaline level, the aerosol generating article (100) can deliver a sufficient amount of nicotine at a low temperature even without being directly heated by a separate heating element.

[0052] In general, when the pH of a tobacco medium is adjusted toward an alkaline side, the storage stability of nicotine contained in the tobacco medium may be reduced. Specifically, when the pH is adjusted toward an alkaline side, nicotine within the tobacco medium may be converted to free nicotine during storage, and thus the amount of nicotine retained by the tobacco medium within the aerosol generating article (100) may decrease over time.

[0053] However, according to the embodiment, the tobacco medium contains 8 to 9 wt% of moisture based on the dry weight, thereby stabilizing product quality by providing a uniform amount of nicotine transferred over time.

[0054] Additionally, the pH adjusting solution may contain 9 to 11 wt% of the pH adjusting agent and 17 to 23 wt% of moisture based on the total weight of the granules described above. Alternatively, it may contain about 10 wt% of the pH adjusting agent and about 20 wt% of moisture.

[0055] That is, for 100 parts by weight of total granules, a pH adjusting aqueous solution containing 9 to 11 parts by weight of a pH adjusting agent and 17 to 23 parts by weight of moisture may be sprayed.

[0056] In an embodiment, the tobacco medium may be manufactured by spraying a pH-adjusting aqueous solution onto granules containing tobacco powder and then drying the solution. In this case, the tobacco medium may be coated with the pH-adjusting aqueous solution sprayed onto the granules, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, the tobacco medium may be manufactured by spraying a pH-adjusting aqueous solution containing 9 to 11 wt% of a pH-adjusting agent and 17 to 23 wt% of moisture, based on the weight of the granules, onto granules containing tobacco powder.

[0057] The pH-adjusting aqueous solution sprayed onto the granules can have a composition within the above range, thereby allowing the tobacco medium to have an appropriate pH value within the above range. For example, the tobacco medium produced by spraying the pH-adjusting aqueous solution onto the granules described above can have a pH value of about 7 to about 11. As another example, the pH value of the tobacco medium can be about 8.5 to about 9.5. As yet another example, the pH value of the tobacco medium can be about 8.7 to 8.9.

[0058] By maintaining a pH within the aforementioned range, the tobacco medium can achieve a relatively high nicotine transfer rate even at low temperatures. For example, a pH value of 8.7 to 8.9 is required to achieve a high free nicotine conversion rate, providing users with a satisfying smoking experience even under unheated conditions. For example, a pH value within the range of 8.7 to 8.9 can achieve a free nicotine conversion rate of over 90%.

[0059] If the pH of the tobacco medium falls below the above-mentioned range, i.e., if the pH is not adjusted toward the alkaline side, the rate of nicotine release at low temperatures may be slow, resulting in a small amount of nicotine being delivered. This may reduce the user's satisfaction with smoking.

[0060] If the pH value of the tobacco medium exceeds the above-described range, nicotine may be continuously released from the tobacco medium while the aerosol generating article (100) is stored in an unused state, which may reduce the actual amount of nicotine transferred when the aerosol generating article (100) is subsequently used. In addition, if the pH value of the tobacco medium is excessively high, an off-flavor may be generated from the aerosol generating article (100), which may hinder the user's enjoyment of the product.

[0061] In one embodiment, the pH adjusting agent may include, but is not limited to, at least one of potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and mixtures thereof.

[0062] Meanwhile, in one embodiment, the tobacco medium may not include a binder for controlling the overall particle size and porosity of the tobacco medium.

[0063] For example, when manufacturing a granule containing tobacco powder through a step of manufacturing a granule, a step of spraying a pH-adjusting aqueous solution onto the granule, and a step of drying the granule, the particle size, porosity, etc. of the granule can be controlled through the series of steps. That is, even if a binder is omitted when manufacturing a granule-shaped tobacco medium, the particle size, porosity, etc. of the granule can be controlled, so that the materials required for manufacturing the tobacco medium according to the embodiment can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0064] In one embodiment, the medium (120) may include at least one of an acetate filter formed of cellulose acetate tow and a paper filter formed of paper.

[0065] For example, when the medium portion (120) includes at least one of an acetate filter and a paper filter, the tobacco medium described above may be filled inside the filter. That is, the tobacco medium may be filled in the internal space of the filter. At this time, the tobacco medium may be filled inside the filter in an amount of about 2 mg / mm to about 8 mg / mm. As another example, the tobacco medium may be filled inside the filter in an amount of about 4 mg / mm to about 6 mg / mm.

[0066] When the pH of the tobacco medium included in the medium portion (120) is adjusted toward the alkaline side using a pH adjuster, the amount of nicotine released from the tobacco medium at low temperatures can increase. Accordingly, when the medium portion (120) is manufactured in such a way that the pH-adjusted tobacco medium is filled with at least one of an acetate filter and a paper filter, the acetate filter or the paper filter can maintain the nicotine released from the tobacco medium in an absorbed state, thereby preventing the released nicotine from being released to the outside of the aerosol generating article (100). A detailed description thereof will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0067] In one embodiment, the filter unit (130) may be positioned opposite the front end unit (110) with the medium unit (120) as the center. The filter unit (130) may filter at least one of the substances included in the mainstream smoke including the aerosol generated from the medium unit (120).

[0068] In one embodiment, the filter unit (130) may be implemented in various shapes. For example, the filter unit (130) may be a cylindrical rod, or may be a tubular rod including a hollow portion therein. Alternatively, the filter unit (130) may be a recessed rod.

[0069] In one embodiment, the filter unit (130) may include one of an acetate filter formed of cellulose acetate tow and a paper filter formed of paper. In this case, when the filter unit (130) includes an acetate filter formed of cellulose acetate tow, the filter unit (130) may be manufactured to generate a flavor.

[0070] For example, when the filter unit (130) includes an acetate filter, a flavoring liquid containing a flavoring substance can be sprayed onto the acetate filter, and a separate fiber to which the flavoring liquid is applied can be included inside the acetate filter.

[0071] As another example, when the filter unit (130) includes an acetate filter, the acetate filter may include a capsule containing a flavoring substance.

[0072] The flavoring material that can be included in the filter section (130) may be the same as or similar to the flavoring material that can be included in the aforementioned front section (110).

[0073] In one embodiment, one of the front end (110) and the filter end (130) may include a flavoring substance.

[0074] For example, if the front end (110) includes a capsule containing a flavoring substance or includes fibers coated with a flavoring liquid containing a flavoring substance, the filter unit (130) may not include a flavoring substance. That is, if the front end (110) includes a flavoring substance, the filter unit (130) may include a recessed rod formed of cellulose acetate tow or a tube formed of paper.

[0075] For another example, if the filter unit (130) includes a capsule containing a flavoring substance or includes fibers coated with a flavoring liquid containing a flavoring substance, the front end (110) may not include a flavoring substance. That is, if the filter unit (130) includes a flavoring substance, the front end (110) may include an acetate filter formed of cellulose acetate tow or a tube formed of paper.

[0076] FIGS. 2A and 2B are drawings illustrating aerosol generating articles according to embodiments.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 2A, the aerosol generating article (100) sequentially includes a front end portion (110), a medium portion (120), and a filter portion (130). In the embodiment according to FIG. 2A, the length of the aerosol generating article (100) may be from about 20 mm to about 60 mm. For example, the length of the front end portion (110) may be from about 5 mm to about 15 mm, the length of the medium portion (120) may be from about 10 mm to about 30 mm, and the length of the filter portion (130) may be from about 5 mm to about 15 mm.

[0078] Additionally, according to one embodiment, the aerosol generating article (100) may be packaged by at least one wrapper (150).

[0079] As an example, the aerosol-generating article (100) may be wrapped by a single wrapper (150). As another example, the aerosol-generating article (100) may be wrapped by two or more wrappers (150) in an overlapping manner. For example, the front end (110) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (151), the medium portion (120) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (152), and the filter portion (130) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (153). In addition, the entire aerosol-generating article (100) may be repackaged by a single final wrapper (155).

[0080] The first wrapper (151), the second wrapper (152), and the third wrapper (153) may be made of general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper (151), the second wrapper (152), and the third wrapper (153) may be porous paper or non-porous paper. In addition, the first wrapper (151), the second wrapper (152), and the third wrapper (153) may be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum composite packaging material.

[0081] Additionally, the third wrapper (153) may be manufactured from a hard paper having oil resistance. For example, if the filter unit (130) includes a capsule (131), it may be manufactured from a hard paper having oil resistance.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the filter unit (130) may include at least one capsule (131). Here, the capsule (131) may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule (131) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is wrapped in a film. The capsule (131) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0083] The final wrapper (155) can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to regular paper.

[0084] A predetermined material may be added to the final wrapper (155). Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicone, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change depending on temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicone, any material having the aforementioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the final wrapper (155) without limitation.

[0085] The final wrapper (155) can prevent the aerosol generating device (200) from being contaminated by substances generated from the aerosol generating article (100). For example, liquid substances may be generated within the aerosol generating article (100) by a user's puff. For example, liquid substances (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be generated by cooling the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (100) by external air. As the final wrapper (155) wraps the aerosol generating article (100), liquid substances generated within the aerosol generating article (100) can be prevented from leaking out of the aerosol generating article (100).

[0086] Meanwhile, although not shown, the wrapper (150) may have at least one hole formed through which outside air is introduced or inside gas is discharged.

[0087] Although the filter unit (130) is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 2A, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter unit (130) may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter unit (130) may include a segment that performs a cooling function. Additionally, the filter unit (130) may further include at least one segment that performs another function, as needed.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 2b, the aerosol generating article (100) sequentially includes a front end (110), a medium portion (120), a second filter portion (140), and a filter portion (130). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a specific description thereof will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3c.

[0089] In the embodiment according to FIG. 2b, the length of the aerosol generating article (100) may be from about 20 mm to about 60 mm. For example, the length of each segment of the front end (110), the medium portion (120), the second filter portion (140), and the filter portion (130) may be from about 5 mm to about 15 mm.

[0090] In Fig. 2b, the shear portion (110), the medium portion (120), and the filter portion (130) correspond to the shear portion (110), the medium portion (120), and the filter portion (130) described above with respect to Fig. 2a. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0091] The second filter unit (140) may be in the form of a paper tube or a tube made of cellulose acetate. The second filter unit (140) may be manufactured to generate a flavor. For example, a flavoring agent may be sprayed onto the tube or tube forming the second filter unit (140), or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the second filter unit (140).

[0092] The second filter unit (140) may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper (154). Alternatively, a separate wrapper surrounding the second filter unit (140) may not be provided. In this case, the second filter unit (140) may be wrapped only by the final wrapper (155) together with the front end unit (110), the medium unit (120), and the filter unit (130).

[0093] Figures 3a to 3c schematically illustrate cross-sectional views of the aerosol generating article according to Figure 2b cut in the longitudinal direction.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 3A, the aerosol generating article (100) may sequentially include a front end (110), a medium portion (120), a second filter portion (140), and a filter portion (130). Here, the medium portion (120) may include a tobacco medium (121), and the second filter portion (140) may include a flavoring element (141) including a flavoring liquid. In addition, the filter portion (130) may include a capsule (131).

[0095] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generated as a cartridge (210 in FIG. 1) containing an aerosol generating material is heated may be introduced through a front end (110) and then sequentially transferred through a medium portion (120), a second filter portion (140), and a filter portion (130).

[0096] That is, the aerosol introduced through the front end (110) can be sequentially transferred to the second filter unit (140) and the filter unit (130) after being mixed with components such as nicotine released from the tobacco medium (121) of the medium unit (120). At this time, the flavoring element (141) included in the second filter unit (140) can be mixed together and delivered to the user.

[0097] As an example, the medium (120) may be manufactured by filling a tobacco medium (121) into a cellulose acetate filter (122). Alternatively, the medium (121) may be manufactured by filling a paper filter, but is not limited thereto.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 3b, the aerosol generating article (100) may sequentially include a front end (110), a second filter unit (140), a medium unit (120), and a filter unit (130).

[0099] According to one embodiment, as a cartridge (210 in FIG. 1) containing an aerosol generating material is heated, the generated aerosol may be introduced through the front end (110) and then sequentially transferred through the second filter unit (140), the medium unit (120), and the filter unit (130).

[0100] That is, the aerosol introduced through the front end (110) is mixed with the flavoring element (141) included in the second filter unit (140) and delivered to the medium unit (120), then mixed with components such as nicotine released from the tobacco medium (121) of the medium unit (120), and then delivered to the user through the second filter unit (140).

[0101] Referring to FIG. 3c, the aerosol generating article (100) may sequentially include a front end (110), a first medium portion (120a), a second medium portion (120b), and a filter portion (130).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generated as the cartridge (210 in FIG. 1) containing the aerosol generating material is heated can be introduced through the front end (110) and then sequentially transferred through the first medium section (120a), the second medium section (120b), and the filter section (130).

[0103] According to FIG. 3c, the medium portion (120) may include a first medium portion (120a) and a second medium portion (120b) composed of separate segments. The first medium portion (120a) and the second medium portion (120b) may each include a tobacco medium (121). As an example, the first medium portion (120a) and the second medium portion (120b) may each be manufactured by filling a tobacco medium (121) into a cellulose acetate filter (122).

[0104] However, this is only one example and is not limited thereto. The first medium portion (120a) may be manufactured by filling a tobacco medium (121) into an acetate filter, and the second medium portion (120b) may be manufactured by filling a paper filter with the tobacco medium (121). As another example, the first medium portion (120a) may be manufactured by filling a paper filter with the tobacco medium (121), and the second medium portion (120b) may be manufactured by filling a acetate filter with the tobacco medium (121). As another example, the first medium portion (120a) and the second medium portion (120b) may each be manufactured by filling a paper filter with the tobacco medium (121).

[0105] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a medium portion according to one embodiment.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 4, the medium portion (120) of an aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article (100) of FIG. 1) may include a cellulose acetate filter (122) and a tobacco medium (121) filled in the cellulose acetate filter (122). For example, the cellulose acetate filter (122) may be formed of a plurality of cellulose acetate tows (122a), and the tobacco medium (121) may be filled between the plurality of cellulose acetate tows (122a).

[0107] In one embodiment, the medium portion (120) may be filled with about 2 mg / mm to about 8 mg / mm of cellulose acetate filter (122). As another example, the medium portion (120) may be filled with about 4 mg / mm to 6 mg / mm of cellulose acetate filter (122).

[0108] For example, if the medium portion (120) includes only one segment including a tobacco medium (121), such as the medium portion (120) in FIG. 3a or FIG. 3b, and the length of the segment including the tobacco medium (121) is about 5 mm to about 15 mm, the medium portion (120) can be filled with about 20 mg to about 90 mg of the tobacco medium (121).

[0109] For another example, if the medium portion (120) includes two segments including a tobacco medium (121), such as the medium portion (120) in FIG. 3c, and the lengths of the two segments are from about 10 mm to about 30 mm, the medium portion (120) may be filled with about 40 mg to 180 mg of the tobacco medium (121). Furthermore, if the medium portion (120) includes one segment including a tobacco medium (121), such as the medium portion (120) in FIG. 2a, and the length of the one segment is from about 10 mm to 30 mm, the medium portion (120) may be filled with about 40 mg to 180 mg of the tobacco medium (121).

[0110] In one embodiment, the cellulose acetate filter (122) may be composed of a plurality of cellulose acetate tows (122a) having a mono denier of 9.0, a total denier of 25,000, and a cross-section having a Y shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0111] In one embodiment, the tobacco medium (121) may be coated by spraying a pH aqueous solution onto granules, and the particle diameter of the tobacco medium (121) may be about 0.1 mm to about 1.2 mm. In another embodiment, the particle diameter of the tobacco medium (121) may be about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm. When the particle diameter of the tobacco medium (121) is within the range of about 0.1 mm to about 1.2 mm, or within the range of about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm, the manufacturing ease of the medium portion (120) may increase.

[0112] That is, when a plurality of cellulose acetate tows (122a) are combined to manufacture a medium (120) and a cellulose acetate filter (122) is manufactured, and at the same time, a tobacco medium (121) is filled into the cellulose acetate filter (122), the particle diameter of the tobacco medium (121) must be within a range of about 0.1 mm to about 1.2 mm, or within a range of about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm, so that it can be stably filled into the cellulose acetate filter (122).

[0113] In one embodiment, as the pH of the tobacco medium (121) is adjusted toward the alkaline side through the pH adjusting agent as described above, the tobacco medium (121) can release nicotine even at a relatively low temperature where the aerosol generating article (100) is not directly heated. For example, as the aerosol generated by heating the cartridge (210 of FIG. 1) containing the aerosol generating material is transferred to the aerosol generating article (100), nicotine can be released from the tobacco medium (121) of the medium portion (120).

[0114] At this time, as nicotine released from the tobacco medium (121) is absorbed by the cellulose acetate filter (122) (or, as nicotine release from the tobacco medium (121) is suppressed by the cellulose acetate filter (122), the nicotine storage capacity of the aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article (100) of FIG. 1)) can be improved.

[0115] Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a medium portion according to another embodiment.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 5, the medium portion (120) of an aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article (100) of FIG. 1) may include a paper filter (123) and a tobacco medium (121) filled in the paper filter (123). For example, the paper filter (123) may be manufactured so that the paper has a rolled form, i.e., a rolled form, and the tobacco medium (121) may be filled between the rolled paper and the layers of the paper.

[0117] In one embodiment, the tobacco medium (121) may be filled in an amount of about 2 mg / mm to about 8 mg / mm inside the paper filter (123) of the medium portion (120). As another example, the tobacco medium (121) may be filled in an amount of about 4 mg / mm to 6 mg / mm inside the paper filter (123) of the medium portion (120).

[0118] In one embodiment, the paper filter (123) may be manufactured in the form of rolled paper having a smooth surface. However, this is not a limitation, and in another embodiment, the paper filter (123) may be manufactured in the form of rolled paper having a surface roughness greater than a certain value or crimped paper.

[0119] In one embodiment, the paper filter (123) may be manufactured in the form of a rolled piece of paper having a horizontal length of about 5 mm to about 15 mm and a vertical length of about 100 mm to about 150 mm. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the size of the paper may vary depending on the manufacturer's design.

[0120] That is, when the medium (120) is manufactured, when the paper filter (123) in the form of rolled paper is manufactured and the tobacco medium (121) is filled into the paper filter (123), the diameter of the tobacco medium (121) must be within the range of about 0.1 mm to about 1.2 mm, or within the range of about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm, so that it can be stably filled into the paper filter (123).

[0121] In one embodiment, as the pH of the tobacco medium (121) is adjusted toward the alkaline side through the pH adjusting agent as described above, the tobacco medium (121) can release nicotine even at a relatively low temperature where the aerosol generating article (100) is not directly heated. For example, as the aerosol generated by heating the cartridge (210 of FIG. 1) containing the aerosol generating material is transferred to the aerosol generating article (100), nicotine can be released from the tobacco medium (121) of the medium portion (120).

[0122] At this time, as nicotine released from the tobacco medium (121) is absorbed by the paper filter (123) (or, as nicotine release from the tobacco medium (121) is suppressed by the paper filter (123), the nicotine storage capacity of the aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article (100) of FIG. 1)) can be improved.

[0123] Meanwhile, the tobacco medium (121) may be formed by spraying a pH-adjusting aqueous solution onto granules containing tobacco powder and then drying them. As an example, the tobacco medium may be formed by a) supplying granules containing tobacco powder to a chamber, b) spraying a pH-adjusting aqueous solution by providing movement to a plurality of granules supplied to the chamber, and c) drying the granules sprayed with the pH-adjusting aqueous solution in the chamber with hot air.

[0124] In one embodiment, the granules comprising tobacco powder may, in addition to the tobacco powder, comprise at least one of a solvent and a binder. For example, the granules comprising tobacco powder may comprise a solvent and a binder comprising water and ethanol. In another example, the granules comprising tobacco powder may comprise only a solvent without a binder.

[0125] At this time, the granules containing tobacco powder may be a material manufactured through a predetermined manufacturing process. For example, the granules containing tobacco powder may be a material manufactured through an extrusion manufacturing process and / or a fluidized bed manufacturing process.

[0126] In manufacturing a tobacco medium (121) according to an embodiment, a) in the step of supplying granules containing tobacco powder to a chamber, since the 'granules containing tobacco powder' are supplied as finished granules in an already manufactured state, at least one manufacturing process (e.g., extrusion step, shaping step, etc.) can be omitted, so there is an economic effect in terms of manufacturing cost. In addition, since the finished granules can be manufactured with a predetermined diameter set in the step of manufacturing them, the diameters of the particles forming the tobacco medium (121) can be substantially constant.

[0127] In one embodiment, when granules are supplied to the chamber, the step of b) providing movement to a plurality of granules supplied to the chamber to spray a pH adjusting aqueous solution may be performed.

[0128] In one embodiment, the motion provided to the plurality of granules supplied to the chamber may be at least one of a rotational motion and a fluidized bed motion. For example, the tobacco medium manufacturing device may include a rotating shaft for providing the rotational motion and a plurality of paddles connected to the rotating shaft. In another example, the tobacco medium manufacturing device may include a fluidized bed reactor for providing the fluidized bed motion.

[0129] In one embodiment, the pH-adjusting solution may include a pH adjuster and water. For example, the pH adjuster may include at least one of potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and mixtures thereof. However, the pH adjuster may include a substance capable of adjusting the pH of the plurality of granules supplied to the chamber toward an alkaline level.

[0130] In one embodiment, the pH adjusting solution may comprise about 9 to about 11 wt% of a pH adjusting agent and about 17 to about 23 wt% of moisture, based on the total weight of the plurality of granules supplied to the chamber. Preferably, the pH adjusting solution may comprise about 10 wt% of a pH adjusting agent and about 20 wt% of moisture, based on the total weight of the plurality of granules.

[0131] According to one embodiment, a tobacco medium (121) can be manufactured through a step of drying granules sprayed with a pH-adjusting aqueous solution in a chamber c) after step b).

[0132] In one embodiment, drying may be performed via hot air drying. Hot air drying may be performed at a temperature of about 40°C to about 50°C. For example, hot air drying at a temperature of about 40°C to about 50°C may be provided to granules sprayed with the pH solution. In this case, if the equipment (chamber) provides rotational movement to the granules, hot air drying may take about 3 hours to about 4 hours. Alternatively, if the equipment provides fluidized bed movement to the granules, hot air drying may take about 10 minutes to about 15 minutes.

[0133] In this case, if the equipment provides fluidized bed motion for the granules, it may be preferable from a process and cost efficiency perspective, as the time required for hot air drying is relatively short. Alternatively, if the equipment provides rotational motion for the granules, it may be preferable from a manufacturing efficiency perspective, as the yield of granules with the target moisture content increases even if the time required for hot air drying is long.

[0134] As in the past, manufacturing equipment that operates in different facilities for each process step requires the transfer of raw materials between facilities, making continuous process progress difficult. Furthermore, the time required for each process step varies, making continuous raw material input and production difficult.

[0135] The manufacturing device for a tobacco medium (121) according to the embodiment can spray a pH-adjusting aqueous solution onto granules in a chamber, and then dry the granules to which the pH-adjusting aqueous solution has been sprayed with hot air in the same chamber. That is, since the step of spraying the pH-adjusting aqueous solution and the step of drying with hot air are provided in the same equipment, continuous process progress is possible, thereby increasing the productivity of the tobacco medium (121).

[0136] By drying the granules sprayed with the pH-adjusting aqueous solution according to the above-described method, the final tobacco medium (121) can be manufactured.

[0137] In one embodiment, the pH value of the tobacco medium (121) after drying may be 8 to 9. Preferably, the pH value of the tobacco medium (121) after drying may be 8.7 to 8.9. When the pH value of the hot-air-dried tobacco medium (121) is 8.7 to 8.9, the conversion rate to free nicotine is high, so that it can provide a satisfying smoking experience to the user even under non-heated conditions. For example, when the pH value is 8.7 to 8.9, the conversion rate to free nicotine may be about 90% or more.

[0138] In one embodiment, the tobacco medium (121) may contain 8 to 9 wt% moisture based on the dry weight of the tobacco medium (121). In this case, since the hot-air-dried tobacco medium (121) contains 8 to 9 wt% moisture based on the dry weight, a uniform nicotine transfer amount can be provided even over time, thereby stabilizing product quality.

[0139] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail through examples and experimental examples. These examples are provided solely for illustrative purposes, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by these examples.

[0140] <Example>

[0141] A tobacco medium was manufactured according to the example, and changes in the amount of nicotine transferred over time were measured.

[0142] 1. Experimental Example 1: Accelerated Test

[0143] As shown in Table 1 below, an aerosol generating article containing the tobacco medium of Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 in the medium portion was manufactured, and a time-lapse prediction experiment was conducted using the article. For quick confirmation, the amount of nicotine transferred was analyzed through an accelerated test in an oven at 40°C to predict long-term storage stability. The amount of nicotine transferred was measured immediately after manufacture, after 3 days, and after 5 days, and the amount of nicotine transferred per 14 puffs was measured in mg.

[0144] Comparative Example 1 was conducted with a tobacco medium containing 15 wt% moisture based on the total weight of the tobacco medium, and Example 1 was conducted with Comparative Example 1 dried to contain 8 wt% moisture in the tobacco medium.

[0145] Moisture content (% by weight)Nicotine content (% by weight)Nicotine release amount immediately after manufacturing (mg / 14puff)Nicotine release amount after 3 days (mg / 14puff)Nicotine release amount after 5 days (mg / 14puff)Comparative example 1152.680.710.430.36Example 182.290.630.550.56

[0146]

[0147] As in Comparative Example 1, when the tobacco medium contains 15 wt% moisture, it can be confirmed that the amount of nicotine transferred decreases over time. However, in the case of Example 1, it can be confirmed that the product quality is stabilized.

[0148]

[0149] 2. Experimental Example 2: Time-lapse Prediction Test

[0150] To confirm the specific results according to the moisture content of the tobacco medium, additional experiments were conducted with varying moisture contents of the tobacco medium, as shown in Table 2 below. Over a total of 12 weeks in a room at approximately 22°C and 60% humidity, the amount of nicotine released per 14 puffs was measured in mg. Measurements were made using a quantitative analysis method, Gas Chromatography (GC).

[0151] Moisture content (% by weight)Nicotine transfer amount (mg / 14puff)0 weeks1 week2 weeks3 weeks4 weeks8 weeks12 weeksComparative example 260.340.380.360.360.39--Example 290.460.480.420.420.440.420.44Comparative example 3100.550.540.470.450.450.410.38Comparative example 4120.540.480.430.450.450.400.39

[0152] As in Comparative Example 2, when the tobacco medium contains 6 wt% of moisture, it was confirmed that the amount of nicotine transferred was less than 0.4 mg immediately after manufacturing, and that a very small amount of nicotine transferred was observed after 8 weeks or more.

[0153] Meanwhile, in cases where the tobacco medium contained 10% by weight of moisture, as in Comparative Example 3, and in cases where the tobacco medium contained 12% by weight of moisture, as in Comparative Example 4, it was confirmed that the amount of nicotine transferred continuously decreased over time.

[0154] In contrast, in Example 2, it was confirmed that the nicotine transfer amount was maintained at 0.4 mg or more without significant deviation even after a period of time. In particular, it was confirmed that it was further stabilized after the second week. Through this, it was confirmed that product quality was stabilized when the tobacco medium contained 8 to 9 wt% moisture.

[0155] The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection for the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. As a non-heated aerosol generating product, Comprising a tobacco medium filled with at least one of a cellulose acetate filter and a paper filter, The above tobacco medium comprises granules containing tobacco powder; and a pH-adjusting aqueous solution containing a pH-adjusting agent and moisture; A non-heated aerosol generating article, wherein the tobacco medium contains 8 to 9 wt% of moisture based on the dry weight of the tobacco medium.

2. In paragraph 1, A non-heated aerosol generating article, wherein the pH of the tobacco medium is in the range of 8.7 to 8.

9.

3. In paragraph 1, A non-heated aerosol generating article, wherein the pH adjusting agent comprises at least one of potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and mixtures thereof.

4. In paragraph 1, A non-heated aerosol generating article wherein the tobacco medium has a particle diameter of 0.1 mm to 1.2 mm.

5. In paragraph 1, A non-heated aerosol generating article wherein the tobacco medium has a particle diameter of 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm.

6. In paragraph 1, The above tobacco medium is a non-heated aerosol generating article formed by spraying the pH adjusting aqueous solution onto the granules and then drying them.

7. In paragraph 6, A non-heated aerosol generating article, wherein the pH adjusting aqueous solution contains 9 to 11 wt% of a pH adjusting agent and 17 to 23 wt% of moisture based on the total weight of the granules.

8. In paragraph 1, A non-heated aerosol generating article comprising: a front end; a medium portion disposed downstream of the front end and including the tobacco medium; and a filter portion disposed downstream of the medium portion and including a filter element.

9. In paragraph 1, The above cellulose acetate filter comprises a plurality of cellulose acetate tows, A non-heated aerosol generating article wherein the tobacco medium is filled between the cellulose acetate tows.

10. In paragraph 1, The above paper filter is included in a rolled form, A non-heated aerosol generating article, wherein the tobacco medium is contained in a form filled between layers of paper of the paper filter in a rolled form.

11. In paragraph 8, A non-heated aerosol generating article, wherein the medium portion is filled with 2 mg / mm to 8 mg / mm of the tobacco medium.

12. A non-heated aerosol generating article according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 11; and An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device including a receiving space for receiving the aerosol generating article and a cartridge containing the aerosol generating material.

13. In paragraph 12, An aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a heating unit for heating the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge.

14. In paragraph 13, The aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge is heated to generate an aerosol, An aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol is configured to be delivered to the aerosol generating article.

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