Aerosol-generating article and aerosol-generating system

Abstract

The invention provides an aerosol generating product and an aerosol generating device. An aerosol-generating article includes a media rod and a filter rod aligned along a longitudinal direction of an aerosol-generating device. The media rod includes a media portion accommodating the media and at least one airflow path formed through the media portion in a longitudinal direction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application "Aerosol generating article and aerosol generating system" filed on February 8, 2023, with application number 202380009605.4. Technical Field

[0002] The following embodiments relate to aerosol-generating articles and aerosol-generating systems. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternatives to overcome the drawbacks of regular cigarettes. For example, there is a growing need for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating a cigarette stick (e.g., heated tobacco products). Therefore, research is actively underway on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating articles) applied to such devices. For instance, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustible flavor inhaler, a flavor inhalation component source unit, and an atomizing unit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical problems to be solved According to one aspect of the embodiments, an aerosol generating article is provided, the aerosol generating article comprising a medium bar having multiple airflow paths to allow the airflow generated by heat to flow smoothly with the aerosol.

[0005] According to one aspect of the embodiments, an aerosol generation system is provided, which improves heating efficiency by setting up multiple heating bodies and dispersing the heat source.

[0006] Technical methods for solving problems Aerosol generating articles according to various embodiments include a medium rod and a filter rod aligned along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article, wherein the medium rod may include: a medium portion configured to contain a medium; and a plurality of airflow paths formed by passing through the medium portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0007] In an implementation, the airflow path may include a main airflow path formed through the central portion of the medium portion and at least one sub-airflow path formed around the main airflow path.

[0008] In an implementation, the sub-airflow path may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the main airflow path.

[0009] In an embodiment, the medium rod may further include: a package that wraps around the medium portion of the medium rod; and a side airflow path that is formed in the longitudinal direction between the medium portion and the package.

[0010] In an implementation, the cross-section of the medium portion taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can have one of the following shapes: circular, elliptical, convex polygonal, and concave polygonal.

[0011] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article may further include an atomizing rod configured to contain the aerosol forming matrix, wherein the atomizing rod may be disposed at the upstream end of the medium rod.

[0012] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating article may further include: a soft bladder-like portion, which is disposed in at least one of a media rod, a filter rod, and an atomizing rod, wherein the soft bladder-like portion may be formed of a thermally decomposable material.

[0013] An aerosol generation system according to various embodiments may include: an aerosol generation article comprising a medium rod and a filter rod, the medium rod comprising a medium portion, a main airflow path, and at least one sub-airflow path, the medium portion being configured to contain a medium, the main airflow path being formed by passing through the medium portion in a longitudinal direction, and the sub-airflow path being formed around the main airflow path and parallel to the main airflow path; and an aerosol generation device comprising a housing, an elongated cavity, and a heater, the elongated cavity being formed in the housing and configured to contain the aerosol generation article, and the heater being configured to heat the aerosol generation article contained in the elongated cavity.

[0014] In one embodiment, the heater may include: a first heating element inserted into the aerosol generating article when it is housed in an elongated cavity; and a second heating element positioned outside the aerosol generating article when it is housed in the elongated cavity.

[0015] In the implementation, the first heating element and the second heating element can be direct heating type, induction heating type, or hot air blowing heating type.

[0016] In this embodiment, the maximum heating temperature of the first heating element may be lower than the maximum heating temperature of the second heating element.

[0017] In one embodiment, the aerosol generated by the heat of the heater can move downstream of the aerosol-generated article through the main airflow path and the sub-airflow path.

[0018] In an embodiment, the medium rod may further include a medium sheet wrapped around the outer surface of the medium portion, a package wrapped around the medium sheet, and a side airflow path formed in the longitudinal direction between the medium sheet and the package. The aerosol generated by the heat of the heater can move downstream of the aerosol-generating article through the sub-airflow path and the side airflow path.

[0019] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating article may further include an atomizing rod configured to contain and arrange an aerosol forming matrix at the upstream end of a medium rod, wherein the atomizing rod can generate aerosols from the aerosol generating matrix when heated by a heater of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0020] In one embodiment, the heater may be configured to protrude from the end of an elongated cavity.

[0021] In one embodiment, the heater may include: a heating unit configured to generate heat; and a hot air blowing unit configured to discharge hot air heated by the heating unit.

[0022] The effects of the invention According to an embodiment, the aerosol-generating article can allow the thermally generated airflow and aerosol to flow smoothly through a medium bar including multiple airflow paths.

[0023] According to the implementation method, the aerosol generation system can improve heating efficiency by setting up multiple heating bodies and dispersing the heat source.

[0024] The effects of the aerosol generating apparatus and aerosol generating system according to the embodiments are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2a and Figure 2b This is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generated article according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figures 3a to 3c This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generated article according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4a and Figure 4b An illustration of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment is shown schematically.

[0029] Figure 5 An illustration of an aerosol generating apparatus including a heater according to another embodiment is shown schematically.

[0030] Figure 6a and Figure 6b An illustration of an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The terminology used to describe embodiments is selected from commonly used terms that are currently widely used, taking into account the function of the terms in this disclosure. However, different terms may be used depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, precedent, or the emergence of new technologies. Furthermore, in certain cases, the terms are arbitrarily chosen by the applicant of this disclosure, and the meanings of these terms will be described in detail in the relevant sections of the detailed embodiments. Therefore, the terminology used to describe this disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and all the contents of this disclosure, rather than on the terms themselves.

[0032] It should be understood that when a part "includes" a component, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, that part does not exclude another component, but may also include another component. Furthermore, terms used in the specification such as "unit" or "module" may refer to a component used to perform at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0033] As used in this article, expressions such as "at least one of..." modify all the listed components when placed after the list of components, but not each of the listed components. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, or c" should be understood as including a, including b, including c, including a and b, including a and c, including b and c, or including a, b, and c.

[0034] In the following embodiments, the term "aerosol-generating article" may refer to an article containing a medium through which aerosols pass and transfer the medium. A representative example of an aerosol-generating article may be a cigarette. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0035] In the following embodiments, the term "upstream" or "upstream direction" may refer to a direction away from the user's (smoker's) mouth, and the term "downstream" or "downstream direction" may refer to a direction closer to the user's mouth. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" can be used to describe the relative positions of components of an aerosol-generating article.

[0036] In the following implementation, the term "puff" may refer to the inhalation of a user when the aerosol is inhaled into the user's mouth, nose, or lungs via the user's mouth or nose.

[0037] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be an apparatus that generates aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0038] The aerosol generating apparatus may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be a resistance heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive trace, and the heater may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive trace.

[0039] The heater may include tubular heating elements, plate heating elements, needle heating elements, or rod heating elements, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0040] Cigarettes may include tobacco sticks and filter sticks. The tobacco stick may be formed as a sheet or bundle, or it may be formed from finely cut tobacco leaves from a tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the tobacco stick may be encapsulated in a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil. However, the implementation is not limited to this.

[0041] The filter rod can be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may include at least one section. For example, the filter rod may include a first section for cooling the aerosol and a second section for filtering predetermined components contained in the aerosol.

[0042] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus may be an apparatus that uses a cartridge containing an aerosol forming matrix to generate an aerosol.

[0043] An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol forming matrix and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably attached to the body. However, the implementation is not limited to this. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the body and may be fixed to the body so that it cannot be removed by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the body, with the aerosol forming matrix housed inside the cartridge. However, the implementation is not limited to this; the aerosol forming matrix may be injected into the cartridge when it is attached to the body.

[0044] The cartridge can retain an aerosol-forming matrix in any of its states, such as liquid, solid, gas, and gel. The aerosol-forming matrix can include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing tobacco substances with volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances.

[0045] The cartridge can be operated via electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main body to perform the function of generating aerosols by converting the phase of the aerosol-forming matrix inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase. The term "aerosol" can refer to a gas mixture of vaporized particles generated by the aerosol-forming matrix and air.

[0046] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user. That is, the aerosol generated by the liquid composition can travel along the airflow path of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow path can be configured to allow the aerosol to pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0047] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus may be an apparatus that generates aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix using ultrasonic vibration technology. In this case, ultrasonic vibration technology may refer to a technique that generates aerosols by atomizing the aerosol forming matrix using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0048] The aerosol generation apparatus may include a vibrator, and the aerosol forming matrix may be atomized by generating vibrations at short intervals through the vibrator. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations may be from about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0049] The aerosol generating apparatus may also include a core that absorbs the aerosol forming matrix. For example, the core may be arranged to surround at least one region of the vibrator, or may be arranged to contact at least one region of the vibrator.

[0050] When a voltage (e.g., AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, the vibrator can generate thermal and / or ultrasonic vibrations, and the thermal and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibrator can be transmitted to the aerosol-forming matrix absorbed in the core. The aerosol-forming matrix absorbed in the core can be converted into a gas phase by the thermal and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted by the vibrator, thereby generating aerosols.

[0051] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol forming matrix absorbed in the core can be reduced by the heat generated by the vibrator, and the aerosol forming matrix with reduced viscosity can be turned into fine particles by ultrasonic vibration generated by the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol. However, the implementation is not limited to this.

[0052] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus may be an apparatus that generates aerosols by heating an aerosol generating article disposed therein by induction heating.

[0053] An aerosol generating apparatus may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When the aerosol generating apparatus supplies power to the coil, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In another embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic body that generates heat through an external magnetic field. Because the susceptor is located inside the coil and generates heat through the applied magnetic field, the aerosol generating article can be heated. Alternatively, the susceptor may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.

[0054] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus may also include a bracket.

[0055] The aerosol generating device and the separate bracket can be used together to form a system. For example, the bracket can be used to charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, when the bracket and the aerosol generating device are connected to each other, a heater can be used to heat them.

[0056] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily practice this disclosure. This disclosure may be practiced in a form that can be implemented in an aerosol generating apparatus according to the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented and practiced in many different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0057] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to an embodiment.

[0059] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a controller 110, a sensing unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, a heater 150, a user input unit 60, a memory 170, and a communication unit 180. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to... Figure 1 The structure shown is illustrated. Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will understand that, based on the design of the aerosol generating apparatus 100, this can be omitted. Figure 1 Some of the components shown may be additional components that can be added.

[0060] The sensing unit 120 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state of the environment surrounding the aerosol generating device 100, and transmit the sensing information obtained through sensing to the controller 110. Based on the sensing information, the controller 110 can control the aerosol generating device 100 to control the operation of the heater 150, restrict smoking, determine whether an aerosol generating product (e.g., an aerosol generating product, a cigarette cartridge, etc.) has been inserted, display notifications, and perform other functions.

[0061] The sensing unit 120 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection sensor 124, or a suction sensor 126. However, the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0062] Temperature sensor 122 can sense the temperature at which heater 150 (or aerosol forming matrix) is heated. Aerosol generating apparatus 100 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of heater 150, or heater 150 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, temperature sensor 122 may be positioned around battery 140 to monitor the temperature of battery 140.

[0063] The insertion detection sensor 124 can sense whether an aerosol-generated article has been inserted and / or removed. The insertion detection sensor 124 may include at least one of, for example, a thin-film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductive sensor, or an infrared sensor, and the insertion detection sensor 124 can sense signal changes by the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generated article.

[0064] The suction sensor 126 can sense suction from the user based on various physical changes in the airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the suction sensor 126 can sense suction from the user based on any of the following: temperature change, flow rate change, voltage change, and pressure change.

[0065] In addition to the sensors 122 to 126 described above, the sensing unit 120 may also include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red, green, and blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor). Those skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of the sensors from their names; therefore, a more detailed description of the sensors is omitted here.

[0066] The output unit 130 can output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 100 and provide that information to the user. The output unit 130 may include at least one of a display 132, a tactile component 134, or a sound output device 136. However, the implementation is not limited thereto. When the display 132 and the touchpad are arranged in a layered structure to form a touchscreen, the display 132 can also function as an input device in addition to its function as an output device.

[0067] Display 132 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. This information may include, for example, the charging / discharging status of the battery 140, the preheating status of the heater 150, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol-generating article, and the restricted use status of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., abnormal items are detected). Display 132 can also output this information externally. Display 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, or, alternatively, a light-emitting diode (LED) device.

[0068] The tactile component 134 can provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100 in a tactile manner by converting electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimulation. The tactile component 134 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0069] The sound output device 136 can provide users with information about the aerosol generating device 100 in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output device 136 can convert electrical signals into sound signals and output the sound signals to the outside.

[0070] Battery 140 can provide power for operating the aerosol generating device 100. Battery 140 can provide power to heat heater 150. Furthermore, battery 140 can provide the power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 100, such as sensing unit 120, output unit 130, user input unit 160, memory 170, and communication unit 180. Battery 140 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. Battery 140 can be, for example, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, the implementation is not limited to this.

[0071] Heater 150 can receive power from battery 140 to heat the aerosol-forming material. Although in Figure 1 Although not shown, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may also include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 140 and supplies that power to the heater 150. Furthermore, when the aerosol generating apparatus 100 generates aerosols via induction heating, it may also include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current (DC) power from the battery 140 into AC power.

[0072] The controller 110, sensing unit 120, output unit 130, user input unit 160, memory 170, and communication unit 180 can receive power from battery 140 to perform functions. Although in Figure 1 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 100 may also include a power conversion circuit, such as a low-dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power from the battery 140 and supplies that power to the various components.

[0073] In this embodiment, the heater 150 can be formed of a suitable predetermined resistive material. The resistive material can be a metal or a metal alloy, including, for example, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel-chromium alloys, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. Furthermore, the heater 150 can be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with electrically conductive traces, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0074] In another embodiment, heater 150 may be an induction heater. For example, heater 150 may include a base that heats the aerosol forming matrix by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0075] In some embodiments, heater 150 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, heater 150 may include a first heater for heating an aerosol-generating article and a second heater for heating a liquid.

[0076] The user input unit 160 can receive information input by the user, or it can output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., contact capacitive type, pressure-resistant film type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a scroll wheel, a micro switch, etc. However, the implementation is not limited to this. Furthermore, although in Figure 1 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 100 may also include a connection interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and can be connected to another external device via the connection interface such as the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 140.

[0077] The memory 170 is hardware used to store various data processed in the aerosol generating device 100. The memory 170 can store data processed by the controller 110 and data to be processed by the controller 110. The memory 170 may include at least one of the following: flash memory, hard disk memory, multimedia card micro memory, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XE memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, or optical disk. The memory 170 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature distribution, and data associated with the user's smoking pattern.

[0078] The communication unit 180 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 180 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0079] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, and an Ant+ communication unit, etc. However, the implementation is not limited to this.

[0080] The wireless communication unit 184 may include, for example, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc. However, the implementation is not limited to this. The wireless communication unit 184 may use subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 in the communication network.

[0081] The controller 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In some embodiments, the controller 110 may include 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 executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may be implemented in other types of hardware.

[0082] The controller 110 can control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the power supplied from the battery 140 to the heater 150. For example, the controller 110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 140 and the heater 150. In another example, the direct heating circuit can control the power supply to the heater 150 according to the control command from the controller 110.

[0083] The controller 110 can analyze the sensing results obtained by the sensing unit 120 and control the process to be executed thereafter. For example, the controller 110 can control the power supplied to the heater 150 based on the sensing results obtained by the sensing unit 120 to start or stop the operation of the heater 150. As another example, the controller 110 can control the amount of power to be supplied to the heater 150 and the duration of power supply based on the sensing results obtained by the sensing unit 120, so that the heater 150 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a desired temperature.

[0084] The controller 110 can control the output unit 130 based on the sensing results obtained by the sensing unit 120. For example, when the number of suctions counted by the suction sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the controller 110 can notify the user that the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 is about to end through at least one of the display 132, the tactile part 134, or the sound output device 136.

[0085] In one embodiment, the controller 110 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount of the heater 150 based on the state of the aerosol generating article sensed by the sensing unit 120. For example, when the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidified state, the controller 110 can control the power supply time of the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol generating article is in a normal state.

[0086] The implementation can also be carried out in the form of a recording medium, which includes computer-executable instructions, such as computer-executable program modules. Computer-readable media can be any available medium accessible to a computer, and includes volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes all volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0087] Figure 2a and Figure 2b This is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol-generating article 2 according to the embodiment.

[0088] Reference Figure 2a and Figure 2b The aerosol-generating article 2 may include a first end 2a and a second end 2b. The length of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be the distance between the first end 2a and the second end 2b. For example, referring to... Figure 2a and Figure 2b The first end 2a can be the upstream end of the aerosol generating article 2, and the second end 2b can be the downstream end of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0089] Reference Figure 2a The aerosol generating article 2 may further include a media rod 21 and a filter rod 22. In an embodiment, the media rod 21 and the filter rod 22 may be aligned in the longitudinal direction.

[0090] In one embodiment, the media rod 21 may be arranged upstream of the filter rod 22.

[0091] In embodiments, the medium rod 21 may include a medium. According to embodiments, the medium may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials (e.g., tobacco sheets, chopped tobacco leaves, and reconstituted tobacco), liquid compositions based on nicotine, tobacco extracts, and / or various flavorings. However, embodiments are not limited to this and may include materials such as vitamins, taurine, caffeine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The medium rod 21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, the medium rod 21 may include a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, which is added when sprayed onto the medium rod 21.

[0092] In some embodiments, the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter or a paper filter. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. The shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod including a hollow portion. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. For example, when the filter rod 22 comprises multiple segments, at least one of these segments may be manufactured in different shapes.

[0093] Reference Figure 2bThe aerosol generating article 2 may further include an atomizing rod 23. In an embodiment, the atomizing rod 23 may be disposed at the upstream end of the media rod 21. In an embodiment, the atomizing rod 23 may include an aerosol forming matrix. For example, the aerosol forming matrix may include at least one of, for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, or oleyl alcohol. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. The media rod 21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids. In addition, the media rod 21 may include a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, which is added when sprayed onto the media rod 21.

[0094] The aerosol generating article 2 can be packaged in at least one package 24. The package 24 may have at least one opening through which external air is introduced or internal gas flows out. As an example, the aerosol generating article 2 can be packaged in one package 24. As another example, the aerosol generating article 2 can be packaged in overlapping arrangements using two or more packages 24. For example, the media rod 21 can be packaged in a first package 241, and the filter rod 22 can be packaged in packages 242, 243, and 244. Furthermore, the aerosol generating article 2 can be completely packaged again in a single package 245. For example, when the filter rod 22 comprises multiple segments, these segments can be packaged in packages 242, 243, and 244 respectively.

[0095] The aerosol generating article 2 may include at least one capsule-shaped portion C or C2. The capsule-shaped portion C or C2 may function to generate flavor or to generate aerosols. For example, the capsule-shaped portion C or C2 may have a structure in which a liquid containing flavoring is encapsulated by a membrane. This soft capsule-shaped portion C or C2 may be housed in at least one of a media rod 21, a filter rod 22, and an atomizing rod 23. The soft capsule-shaped portion C or C2 may be made of a thermally degradable material. When the soft capsule-shaped portion C or C2 is made of a thermally degradable material, as the aerosol generated by heating through the aerosol generating device moves from the upstream side to the downstream side of the aerosol generating article 2, heat is transferred to the soft capsule-shaped portion C or C2, causing the soft capsule-shaped portion C or C2 to decompose, and the material included in the capsule can be transported along with the aerosol. In embodiments, the soft capsule-shaped portion C or C2 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape. However, the embodiments are not limited to this.

[0096] Figures 3a to 3c This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generated article 2 according to the embodiment.

[0097] Reference Figures 3a to 3cThe medium rod 21 of the aerosol generating article 2 may include a medium portion 211 and an airflow path 212. The airflow path 212 may form a longitudinal path in the space between the compressed media in the medium portion 211 to allow the media to be smoothly transferred from the upstream side to the downstream side of the aerosol generating article 2 via the aerosol.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the medium portion 211 may include a medium. The medium may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials (e.g., tobacco sheets, chopped tobacco leaves, and reconstituted tobacco), or liquid compositions based on nicotine, tobacco extracts, and / or various flavorings. However, the embodiment is not limited to this and may include materials such as vitamins, taurine, caffeine, and GABA.

[0099] Reference Figure 3a The airflow path 212 can be formed by passing through the medium portion 211 in the longitudinal direction. In an embodiment, the medium rod 21 may include one or more airflow paths 212.

[0100] Reference Figure 3b The airflow path 212 may include a main airflow path 212a and a sub-airflow path 212b. The main airflow path 212a is formed by passing through the central portion of the cross-section of the medium portion 211, and the sub-airflow path 212b is formed around the main airflow path 212a in a direction parallel to the main airflow path. The medium rod 21 may include one or more sub-airflow paths 212b. (Continue referring to...) Figure 3b The sub-airflow path 212b may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the main airflow path 212a. According to another embodiment, the sub-airflow path 212b may have a cross-sectional area equal to or wider than the cross-sectional area of ​​the main airflow path 212a.

[0101] Reference Figure 3c The airflow path 212 may further include a side airflow path 212c. The medium rod 21 may include a package 24 that encloses the medium portion 211. A space may be created in the longitudinal direction between the medium portion 211 and the package 24. This space may be used as the side airflow path 212c according to the embodiment.

[0102] In the embodiment, the horizontal cross-section of the medium portion 211 taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (refer to...) Figure 3c (It can be any of the following shapes: circular, elliptical, convex polygonal, and concave polygonal. For example, see reference...) Figure 3c The horizontal cross-section of the medium portion 211 can be a star shape, one of the concave polygons.

[0103] When the horizontal cross-section of the medium portion 211 is not circular, the medium rod 21 may further include a medium sheet 213, which helps the medium portion 211 maintain its shape. When the horizontal cross-section of the medium portion 211 is not circular, multiple lateral airflow paths 212c may be formed between the medium portion 211 and the package 24. Since the airflow paths 212 are used to allow the compressed medium of the medium portion 211 to be smoothly transported via aerosol, it is desirable that the medium sheet 213 wrapped around the side surface of the medium portion 211 is formed of a transparent material.

[0104] In an embodiment, when the medium portion 211 has such Figure 3c When the polygonal shape shown is heated by a centrally heated heater, the amount of medium that is not sufficiently heated and is discarded near the edge of the medium section can be reduced.

[0105] Figure 4a and Figure 4b An illustration of the aerosol generating apparatus 3 according to an embodiment is shown schematically.

[0106] Reference Figure 4a and Figure 4b The aerosol generating device 3 may include a housing 31, an elongated cavity 32, a heater 33, a battery 34, and a controller 35.

[0107] The housing 31 may be configured to house at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 2 and to house various electrical / mechanical components.

[0108] The elongated cavity 32 can accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 2. The aerosol generating article 2, which is accommodated in the elongated cavity 32, can generate aerosol when heated by the heater 33, and the generated aerosol can be inhaled through the user's mouth.

[0109] The heater 33 can heat the aerosol-generating article 2 housed in the elongated cavity 32. In embodiments, the heater 33 may include one or more heating elements (e.g., Figure 4b(331 and 332). For example, when the aerosol generating article 2 is housed in an elongated cavity 32, the heater 33 may include a first heating element 331 as an internal heating type heating element, which heats the interior of the medium, i.e., the central portion of the medium, and the heater 33 may include a second heating element 332 as an external heating type heating element, which heats the exterior of the medium, i.e., the outer periphery of the medium. For example, the first heating element 331 and the second heating element 332 may be structures of direct heating type, induction heating type, or hot air blowing type. It is desirable that the first heating element 331 may be blade type, needle type, needle type, or hot air blowing type, and the second heating element 332 may be contact (direct) heating type or induction heating type. However, the embodiments are not limited to this.

[0110] Reference Figure 4b The maximum heating temperature of the first heating element 331 can be lower than the maximum heating temperature of the second heating element 332. The first heating element 331 is an internal heating element; if the temperature of the first heating element 331 is too high, the medium in direct contact with the element may burn, and the user may experience a burnt taste. Therefore, the medium in the aerosol generating product 2 can be uniformly heated by setting the maximum heating temperature of the first heating element 331 to be lower than the maximum heating temperature of the second heating element 332, which is an external heating element.

[0111] Battery 34 (e.g., Figure 1 The battery 140 can provide power for operating the aerosol generating apparatus 3. For example, the battery 34 can provide power to operate the heater 33, thereby heating the medium portion 211 or the aerosol forming matrix in the aerosol generating article 2, and can provide power to operate the controller 35 (e.g., Figure 1 (Controller 110). In addition, battery 34 can provide the power required to operate the display, sensors, motors, etc. installed in aerosol generating device 3.

[0112] Controller 35 (e.g., Figure 1 The controller 35 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 3. For example, the controller 35 can control the power supplied to the heater 33 from the battery 34. In addition to the heater 33 and the battery 34, the controller 35 can also control the corresponding operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 3. Furthermore, the controller 35 can verify the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 3 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 3 is in an operable state.

[0113] The controller 35 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will understand that the processor may be implemented in other types of hardware.

[0114] Figure 5 The illustration shows an aerosol generating apparatus 3 including a heater 33 according to another embodiment.

[0115] Reference Figure 5 The heater 33, included in the aerosol generating device 3, can be drawn from an elongated cavity (e.g., Figure 4a One end of the elongated cavity 32 protrudes. The heater 33 may include a heating unit 33a that substantially generates heat and a hot air blowing unit 33b that discharges the air heated by the heating unit 33a to the outside of the heater. With this configuration of the heater 33, the aerosol generating apparatus 3 can more effectively heat the medium and / or aerosol forming matrix when the aerosol generating article 2 is contained in the elongated cavity 32 of the aerosol generating apparatus 3.

[0116] Figure 6a and Figure 6b An illustration of an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment is shown schematically.

[0117] Reference Figure 6a and Figure 6b The aerosol generation system may include an aerosol generation article 2 and an aerosol generation device 3. The aerosol generation article 2 includes a medium rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The medium rod 21 includes a medium portion 211 for containing the medium, a main airflow path 212a formed through the central portion of the medium portion 211 in a longitudinal direction, and one or more sub-airflow paths 212b. The sub-airflow paths 212b are formed around the main airflow path 212a and parallel to the main airflow path 212. The aerosol generation device 3 includes a housing (e.g., Figure 4a The shell 31), an elongated cavity (e.g., Figure 4a (32) An elongated cavity and a heater 33 for heating the aerosol-generating product 2 contained in the elongated cavity.

[0118] Reference Figure 6a The medium contained in the medium portion 211 of the aerosol generating article 2 can move towards the filter rod 22 when heated and atomized by the heater 33. At this time, the atomized medium can move downstream along the main airflow path 212a and sub-airflow path 212b formed through the medium portion 211 in the longitudinal direction. The heater 33... Figure 6aThe device is shown as having a single unit. However, the implementation is not limited to this. For example, the heater 33 of the aerosol generating device 3 may include one or more heating elements (e.g., Figure 4b For example, heater 33 may include a first heating element 331 and a second heating element 332. When the aerosol generating article 2 is housed in the elongated cavity 32, the first heating element 331 is an internal heating type heating element that heats the interior (i.e., the central portion) of the medium, and the second heating element 332 is an external heating type heating element that heats the exterior (i.e., the outer periphery) of the medium. In embodiments, the first heating element 331 and the second heating element 332 may be one of direct heating type, induction heating type, or hot air blowing heating type.

[0119] The dielectric rod 21 may also include a dielectric sheet (e.g., covering the outer surface of the dielectric portion 211) Figure 3c The medium sheet 213), and the package of the medium sheet enclosing the medium rod 21 (e.g., Figure 3c The packaging 24), and a side airflow path 212c formed in the longitudinal direction between the medium sheet 213 and the packaging 24. Except for the main airflow path 212a and the sub-airflow path 212b, the atomized medium can move to the downstream side along the side airflow path 212c.

[0120] Reference Figure 6b The aerosol generating article 2 of the aerosol generating system may further include an atomizing rod 23. The atomizing rod 23 can contain the aerosol forming matrix and can be positioned at the upstream end of the medium rod 21. When the aerosol generating article 2 is contained in the elongated cavity 32 of the aerosol generating device 3, the heater 33 can heat the atomizing rod 23, and / or, the heater 33 can heat both the medium rod 21 and the atomizing rod 23. This allows for the generation of a larger quantity of aerosol, which is then delivered to the user's mouth.

[0121] Although various embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications in form and detail can be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. For example, suitable results may be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined in different ways, and / or if the components in the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are replaced or substituted by other components or their equivalents.

[0122] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims are all within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article, comprising: The first end is the upstream end; The second end is the downstream end opposite to the first end; Filter rod; as well as A media rod, aligned with the filter rod in a longitudinal direction from the first end toward the second end, and positioned upstream of the filter rod. The dielectric rod includes: The medium section contains the medium; The main airflow path is formed through the center of the medium section; and Multiple sub-airflow paths are formed around the main airflow path and parallel to the main airflow path.

2. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of sub-airflow paths has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the main airflow path.

3. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, wherein, The medium rod further includes: Package, which covers the medium portion of the medium rod; and A side airflow path, which serves as a space between the medium and the packaging, is formed along the longitudinal direction.

4. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of sub-airflow paths includes a curve in its cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

5. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, wherein, At least two of the plurality of sub-airflow paths are arranged radially at different distances from the main airflow path.

6. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 3, wherein, At least two of the plurality of sub-airflow paths radially overlap between the main airflow path and the package.

7. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-section of the medium portion in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is circular.

8. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein, The filter rod includes a cylindrical cellulose acetate filter.

9. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, wherein, The filter rod includes a tubular paper filter or a cellulose acetate filter.

10. An aerosol generation system, comprising: The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1; as well as An aerosol generating apparatus includes a housing, an elongated cavity formed inside the housing for accommodating the aerosol-generating article, and a heating section for heating the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the elongated cavity. The heating section includes an internal heating element, which heats the interior of the medium section when the aerosol generating product is contained in the elongated cavity.

11. The aerosol generation system according to claim 10, wherein, When the aerosol generating article is contained within the elongated cavity, the internally heated heating element heats the center of the medium section located near the main airflow path formed through the center of the medium section.

12. The aerosol generation system according to claim 10, wherein, When the aerosol generating article is contained within the elongated cavity, the internally heated heating element is inserted into the main airflow path to heat the center of the medium section.

13. The aerosol generation system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The internal heating element is a direct heating element. The internal heating element is in contact with the center of the medium section.

14. The aerosol generation system according to claim 10, wherein, The internal heating element is configured to protrude from one end of the elongated cavity.

15. The aerosol generation system according to claim 10, wherein, The internal heating type heating element includes a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element.

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