Aerosol-generating products and their manufacture

Abstract

A non-combustion type aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment includes a first filter segment, a medium segment disposed downstream of the first filter segment, and a second filter segment disposed downstream of the medium segment, the medium segment having a longitudinal hollow and produced by forming a medium slurry into a cylindrical shape and then solidifying it. A cooling segment may be further included between the medium segment and the second filter segment. In one embodiment, the medium may include at least one of sheet tobacco, cut tobacco, caffeine, taurine, a pharmacological substance, a flavoring substance, or a sweetener.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The various embodiments below relate to aerosol-generating articles and methods of making the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Research into non-combustion cigarettes has been conducted. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustion flavor inhaler, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An aerosol-generating article and method for producing the same according to one embodiment increases the efficiency of heat transfer to a medium and shortens the pre-heating time of the medium.

[0004] An aerosol-generating article and method for producing the same according to one embodiment aims to prevent the reduction in atomization rate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment includes a first filter segment, a medium segment disposed downstream of the first filter segment, and a second filter segment disposed downstream of the medium segment, the medium segment having a longitudinal hollow, the medium segment being formed by forming a medium slurry containing a medium into a tube shape and then solidifying the medium slurry, and may further include a cooling segment between the medium segment and the second filter segment.

[0006] In one embodiment, the medium may include at least one of tobacco sheets, tobacco flakes, caffeine, taurine, a pharmacological substance, a flavoring substance, or a sweetener.

[0007] In one embodiment, the vehicle slurry can have a moisture content of 30 percent or more. The vehicle slurry can have a moisture content of less than 60 percent.

[0008] In one embodiment, the medium slurry can be formed into a tube having an inner diameter equal to or greater than half the outer diameter.

[0009] In one embodiment, the medium slurry can be extruded into a tube having a hollow center.

[0010] In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating article includes providing a medium slurry containing a medium; forming the medium slurry into a tube; drying the medium slurry to form a medium segment; and coupling a first filter segment upstream of the medium segment and a second filter segment downstream of the medium segment, wherein the medium slurry can have a moisture content of greater than or equal to 30 percent and less than 60 percent.

[0011] In one embodiment, in the step of forming the medium slurry into a tube, the medium slurry may be formed into a tube by extrusion.

[0012] In one embodiment, in the step of forming the medium slurry into a tube shape, a second jig having a through hole corresponding to the outer shape of the medium segment is coupled to a first jig including a rod member having an outer shape corresponding to the hollow of the medium segment, the medium slurry is filled between the through hole of the second jig and the rod member, and the medium slurry formed into a tube shape can be separated from the first jig and the second jig. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to one embodiment, the pre-heating time of the medium can be shortened through an increase in heat transfer efficiency.

[0014] According to one embodiment, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a phenomenon in which the amount of mist decreases.

[0015] The effects of the aerosol-generating article and the method for manufacturing the same according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0017] [Diagram 2] 1 shows the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0018] [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a jig for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0019] [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates a jig for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0020] [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates a system in which an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment is used.

[0021] [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates a system in which an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment is used.

[0022] [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device in which an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment is used.

[0023] [Figure 6] A test example based on the water content of the medium slurry is shown below.

[0024] [Figure 7] 7 shows a medium segment formed from a portion of the test example of FIG. 6.

[0025] [Figure 8A] 1 shows media segments with different inner diameters.

[0026] [Figure 8B] 1 shows media segments with different inner diameters. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The terms used in the embodiments are selected from currently widely used general terms as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions in the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intentions of the skilled artisan or precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0028] Throughout the specification, when any part "includes" any component, this does not exclude other components, but means that the other components are further included, unless otherwise specified to the contrary. In addition, the terms "unit", "module", etc. described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be embodied in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0029] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an element in a sequence, it modifies the entire element and not each individual element in the sequence. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a non-combustion aerosol-generating article 110 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 shows a cross section of the non-combustion aerosol-generating article 110 in which the hollow diameter of the cooling segment 113 is smaller than the hollow diameter of the medium segment 112, and Figures 3A and 3B show a cross section of the non-combustion aerosol-generating article 110 in which the hollow diameter of the cooling segment 113 is larger than the hollow diameter of the medium segment 112.

[0031] 1 and 2, an aerosol-generating article 110 according to one embodiment includes a first filter segment 111, a medium segment 112 disposed downstream of the first filter segment 111, a cooling segment 113 disposed downstream of the medium segment 112, and a second filter segment 114 disposed downstream of the cooling segment 113. The medium segment 112 may have a longitudinal hollow, and the cooling segment 113 may have a longitudinal hollow communicating with the hollow of the medium segment 112. Here, the longitudinal direction may be defined as a direction parallel to the flow direction of the aerosol that continues from the first filter segment 111 through the medium segment 112, the cooling segment 113, and the second filter segment 114.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first filter segment 111 may be an acetyl cellulose filter. The first filter segment 111 may be composed of a paper filter, a porous molding, or the like. For example, the length of the first filter segment 111 may be 4 to 15 mm, but is not limited thereto. The first filter segment 111 may be colored or scented.

[0033] Alternatively, the first filter segment 111 may be composed of an atomizing segment. The humectant filled in the atomizing segment may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. The atomizing segment may also contain other additives such as flavorings, humectants, and / or organic acids. The atomizing segment may also contain a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant. The atomizing segment may generate aerosol even if the aerosol generating device does not include a separate vaporizer. For example, in this case, the vaporizer (e.g., vaporizer 230 in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B) may be omitted from the aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 200 in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B), and a heater (e.g., heater 250 in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B) may heat the atomizing segment to generate aerosol. The aerosol generated in the atomization segment may have a relatively high temperature, but may be cooled in the cooling segment 113 after passing through the medium segment 112. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0034] In one embodiment, the medium segment 112 may have a hollow tubular shape and is made of a medium. For example, the length of the medium segment 112 may be an appropriate length within the range of 6 mm to 18 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0035] The media segments 112 may be processed such that the slurried tobacco material is formed into a cylindrical shape (tube-like) and then solidified and cut into portions.

[0036] For example, the tobacco substance may include at least one of sheet tobacco, granulated tobacco (tobacco granules), reconstituted tobacco, slurry tobacco, and cut tobacco. Alternatively, the medium segment 112 may include a functional substance (e.g., taurine, caffeine, red ginseng ingredients, medicine, etc.) as a medium instead of the tobacco substance.

[0037] The medium segment 112 may include an aerosol-generating material such as glycerin. The medium segment 112 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. The medium segment 112 may also be doped with a flavoring liquid (e.g., a fragrance material) such as menthol or a moisturizer, which is sprayed onto the medium segment 112.

[0038] In one embodiment, the medium segment 112 may include a pH-treated medium substrate. For example, the medium substrate is pH-treated by a pH adjuster to have basicity, and the pH adjuster is basic and may include at least one of potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and calcium oxide (CaO). However, the substance included in the pH adjuster is not limited to the above examples, and any substance that generates less negative odor during smoking may be used. The basic pH adjuster can increase the pH of the medium substrate included in the medium segment 112. Compared to a medium substrate not treated with a basic pH adjuster, the basic pH-treated medium substrate increases the amount of nicotine released when heated. That is, in the case of the basic pH-treated medium substrate, a sufficient nicotine transfer yield can be achieved even when the medium segment 112 is heated at a low temperature or not heated at all.

[0039] In one embodiment, the cooling segment 113 can cool the aerosol that has passed through the medium segment 112. For example, the cooling segment 113 may be a tube-shaped structure made of acetyl cellulose and having a hollow inside. For example, the cooling segment 113 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to acetyl cellulose tow. For example, the cooling segment 113 may be a tube-shaped structure made of paper and having a hollow inside. The diameter of the hollow included in the cooling segment 113 may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 4 mm to 8 mm, but is not limited thereto. The length of the cooling segment 113 may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. The cooling segment 113 is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and is applicable without limitation as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0040] In one embodiment, the second filter segment 114 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The second filter segment 114 may be composed of a filter including at least one scent capsule. For example, the second filter segment 114 may be a cellulose acetate filter into which at least one scent capsule is inserted. The second filter segment 114 may also be composed of a filter mixed with a scented substance.

[0041] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 110 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 115. The wrapper 115 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in and internal gas can flow out. The wrapper 115 may include a material with high thermal conductivity.

[0042] For example, a first wrapper 1151 may wrap the first filter segment 111, a second wrapper 1152 may wrap the media segment 112, a third wrapper 1153 may wrap the cooling segment 113, and a fourth wrapper 1154 may wrap the second filter segment 114. Then, the entire non-heated aerosol-generating article 110 may be repackaged in a fifth wrapper 1155.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first wrapper 1151 may include an aluminum component. The first wrapper 1151 may be a metal foil, such as an aluminum foil, bonded to a common filter wrapping paper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 1151 may be within a range of 40 um to 80 um. Also, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 1151 may be within a range of 6 um to 20 um.

[0044] In one embodiment, the second wrapper 1152 and the third wrapper 1153 may be made of porous wrapping paper. For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 1152 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second wrapper 1152 may be in the range of 70 um to 80 um. The basis weight of the second wrapper 1152 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 may be included in the range.

[0045] For example, the second wrapper 1152 may include an aluminum component. For example, the second wrapper 1152 may be a typical filter paper with a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, bonded to it. The second wrapper 1152 may also be made of a sterilized paper (MFW).

[0046] In one embodiment, the porosity of the third wrapper 1153 may be, but is not limited to, 35000 CU. The thickness of the third wrapper 1153 may be in the range of 70 um to 80 um. The basis weight of the third wrapper 1153 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2may be included in the range.

[0047] In one embodiment, the fourth wrapper 1154 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper refers to a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 1154 may be in the range of 100 um to 120 um. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 1154 is 80 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 may be included in the range.

[0048] In one embodiment, the fifth wrapper 1155 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). For example, the fifth wrapper 1155 has a basis weight of 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 1155 may be in the range of 64 um to 70 um.

[0049] In one embodiment, when an aerosol is transferred to the medium segment 112 through the first filter segment 111 in an aerosol-generating article 110 inserted into an aerosol-generating device (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 200 in Figs. 4A and 4B), the aerosol can smoothly pass through the hollow space of the medium segment 112. Here, the aerosol is inhaled by the user while transferring the content components (e.g., nicotine) from the medium in the medium segment 112, and the hollow structure of the medium segment 112 allows the content components to be inhaled uniformly by the user.

[0050] FIG. 3A shows jigs 121, 122, and 123 for producing a medium segment 112 of an aerosol-generating article 110, and FIG. 3B shows the medium segment 112 produced by the jigs 121, 122, and 123.

[0051] 3A, the first jig 121 may include a base and a plurality of rod members protruding from the base. The rod members may have an outer shape corresponding to the hollow of the medium segment 112 (e.g., the inner diameter of the medium segment 112). The second jig 122 may include a plurality of through holes (hollow), and the through holes may have a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the medium segment 112. The third jig may include a cylindrical push member that fills the gap between the rod members of the first jig 121 and the through holes of the second jig 122 when they are combined. When the first jig 121, the second jig 122, and the third jig 123 are combined, the through holes of the second jig 122 may be filled without gaps by the push member of the third jig 123 and the rod members of the first jig 121.

[0052] 3A and 3B, a method for forming the medium segment 112 will be described. First, the first jig 121 and the second jig 122 are joined together so that the through hole of the second jig 122 enters the rod member while the rod member of the first jig 121 is joined to the inner diameter of the cylinder of the third jig 123. In this state, the second jig 122 is positioned above the third jig 123. Next, a medium slurry containing a medium is filled between the rod member of the first jig 121 and the through hole of the second jig 122, and then the first jig 121 and the second jig 122 are separated from the medium slurry, thereby manufacturing the medium segment 112 in a tube shape. For example, after the medium slurry is filled between the rod member of the first jig 121 and the through hole of the second jig 122, the second jig 122 is lowered toward the third jig 123 to form the medium segment 112. In addition to the extrusion method using the jigs shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the medium segment 112 may be manufactured by a different extrusion method, and may be cut to an appropriate length after extrusion for use.

[0053] 4A and 4B show an aerosol generation system 10 according to one embodiment.

[0054] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, an aerosol generating system 10 according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generating article 110 according to one embodiment and an aerosol generating device 200 into which at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 110 is inserted and capable of transmitting an aerosol to the aerosol generating article 110.

[0055] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 may include a housing 210, a battery 220 disposed within the housing 210 and capable of supplying power, a vaporizer 230 powered by the battery 230 and including a liquid phase storage cartridge and an aerosolization element for aerosolizing the liquid phase, a control unit 240 for controlling the battery 220 or the vaporizer 230, and an aerosol-generating article insertion portion (e.g., an elongated hollow portion) communicating with the vaporizer 230 and into which at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 110 is inserted.

[0056] In Fig. 4A, the battery 220, the controller 240, the vaporizer 230, and the aerosol-generating article insert are illustrated as being arranged in a line. In Fig. 3B, the vaporizer 230 and the aerosol-generating article insert are illustrated as being arranged in parallel, which is different from Fig. 4A. However, the internal arrangement structure of the aerosol-generating device 200 according to one embodiment is not limited to Figs. 4A and 4B, and the arrangement of the battery 220, the vaporizer 230, the controller 240, and the aerosol-generating article insert may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 200.

[0057] In one embodiment, the battery 220 supplies power used for operating the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the battery 220 can supply power to heat the vaporizer 230 and supply power necessary for the control unit 240 to operate. The battery 220 can also supply power necessary for the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 200 to operate.

[0058] In one embodiment, the control unit 240 may generally control the operation of the aerosol generating device 200. Specifically, the control unit 240 may control the operation of not only the battery 220 and the vaporizer 230 but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 200. The control unit 240 may check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 200 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 200 is in an operable state. The control unit 200 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored.

[0059] In one embodiment, the vaporizer 230 heats the liquid-phase composition to generate an aerosol, which can be delivered to a user through an embodiment of the non-combustion aerosol-generating article 110. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 230 travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 200, which can be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 230 passes through an embodiment of the non-combustion aerosol-generating article 110 to a user.

[0060] For example, the vaporizer 230 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage cartridge and an aerosolization element (e.g., a liquid phase delivery means and a heating element or an ultrasonic element) that aerosolizes the liquid phase. For example, the liquid storage cartridge, the liquid phase delivery means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 200 as independent modules. For example, the vaporizer 230 may be referred to as, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0061] The liquid phase storage cartridge stores a liquid phase composition, which may include, for example, an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0062] When the aerosolization element is composed of a liquid phase transfer means and a heating element (e.g., a cartridge heater), the liquid phase transfer means can transfer the liquid phase composition of the liquid phase storage cartridge to the heating element. For example, the liquid phase transfer means may be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto. The heating element is an element for heating the liquid phase composition transferred by the liquid phase transfer means. For example, the heating element may be a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid phase transfer means. The heating element is heated by a current supply, and can transfer heat to the liquid phase composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid phase composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0063] Alternatively, the aerosolization element may be composed of a vibrator (e.g., an ultrasonic element) instead of a heating element. For example, when a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator can generate an aerosol. For example, the viscosity of the liquid-phase composition is reduced by the heat and vibrations generated from the vibrator, and the liquid-phase composition is broken down into fine particles, thereby generating an aerosol. Such ultrasonic aerosolization has the advantage of being able to reduce power consumption compared to heating methods, thereby achieving miniaturization of batteries and devices.

[0064] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 200 may further include a general-purpose component in addition to the battery 220, the control unit 240, and the vaporizer 230. For example, the aerosol generating device 200 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generating device 200 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). The aerosol generating device 200 may also be manufactured with a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the aerosol-generating article 110 according to an embodiment is inserted.

[0065] In one embodiment, the heater 250 may be heated by power provided by the battery 220. For example, the heater 250 may be disposed outside the aerosol-generating article 110 once the aerosol-generating article 110 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 220. The heated heater 250 may thus increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol-generating article 110.

[0066] The heater 250 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 250 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 250 is heated by the flow of current through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 250 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 200, or may be set to a desired temperature by a user.

[0067] Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 250 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 250 may include an electrically conductive coil for inductively heating the aerosol-generating article 110, and the aerosol-generating article 110 may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater. Also, a plurality of heaters 250 may be arranged in the aerosol-generating device 200.

[0068] In one embodiment, the heater 250 is disposed around an exterior surface of the aerosol-generating article insert (e.g., elongated and hollow) to heat the aerosol-generating article 110 contained in the aerosol-generating article insert. The heater 250 according to one embodiment may be disposed around at least a portion of the exterior surface of the aerosol-generating article insert.

[0069] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment.

[0070] 5, the aerosol generating device 200 includes a battery 220, a control unit 240, a heater 250, a detection unit 260, an output unit 270, a communication unit 280, a user input unit 291, and a memory 292. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 200 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 5. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment can understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 5 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 200.

[0071] The detection unit 260 detects the state of the aerosol-generating device 200 or the state around the aerosol-generating device 200, and transmits the detected information to the control unit 240. The control unit 240 can control the aerosol-generating device 200 to perform various functions such as determining whether the aerosol-generating article 110 according to an embodiment is inserted and displaying a notification based on the detected information. The detection unit 260 includes, but is not limited to, a temperature sensor 261, an insertion detection sensor 262, or a puff sensor 263.

[0072] The output unit 270 outputs and provides to a user information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device 200. The output unit 270 includes at least one of a display unit 271, a haptic unit 272, and an audio output unit 273, but is not limited to these.

[0073] The user input unit 291 receives information input by a user and outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 291 may be, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact type capacitance type, pressure type resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral type tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, the aerosol generating device 200 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may be connected to another external device via the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 220.

[0074] The memory 292 is hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 200, and can store data processed by the control unit 240 and data to be processed. The memory 292 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 292 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 200, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the smoking pattern of the user.

[0075] The communication unit 280 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 280 may include a short-range communication unit 291 and a wireless communication unit 292.

[0076] FIG. 6 shows the degree of molding as a function of the moisture content of the media segment 112.

[0077] Referring to Figure 6, Test Example A shows the degree of shaping of the medium slurry kneaded when the moisture content of the medium slurry is 0%. When the production moisture input amount is 0%, only glycerin and other liquid phase flavorings are input to the medium in a fine powder state. In this case, the medium in a fine powder state is not condensed.

[0078] In test example B, the medium slurry was produced by adding 10% of the production moisture, and in test example C, the medium slurry was produced by adding 20% ​​of the production moisture, and even in this case, the medium, which was in a fine powder state, was not sufficiently condensed.

[0079] In the test example D, the production moisture content was 30%, which was a little low, but it was confirmed that the medium in a fine powder state started to condense.

[0080] In test example E, the production moisture content was 40%, and it was confirmed that the condensation of the medium in a fine powder state progressed well, and that the moisture content was sufficient.

[0081] Test Example F is a case where the production moisture content was 60%, and from this point on, it became difficult for the medium slurry to maintain its shape when it was poured into a mold for production.

[0082] In Test Example G, the production moisture content was 70%, and the viscosity of the medium slurry was even lower than in Test Example F, and when the medium slurry was dried, it was difficult for the medium to retain its shape.

[0083] FIG. 7 shows the state of the medium slurries in Test Examples F and E after drying.

[0084] 7, after the medium slurry is molded, it is dried to evaporate water, which causes the medium slurry to shrink. In the case of Test Example F, it is shown that the shape after molding changes slightly due to shrinkage, while in the case of Test Example E, it was confirmed that the shape of the medium is good even after drying.

[0085] In one embodiment, the media segments 112 are formed in a hollow tubular shape from a media slurry, which may include finely divided media and water, and may also include glycerin or liquid-phase flavorings, and may then be solidified through drying.

[0086] In order to ensure the moldability of the medium slurry, the moisture content may be set to 30 percent or more and less than 60 percent relative to the mass of the medium slurry. As can be seen from the above-mentioned test examples A to G, when the moisture content of the medium slurry is 30 percent or more and less than 60 percent, the medium slurry can maintain its shape during the extrusion process, and can maintain its shape even after shrinkage occurs due to evaporation of moisture during drying. In other words, if the production moisture content of the medium slurry is set to 30 percent or more, moldability can be ensured, and if the production moisture content of the medium slurry is set to less than 60 percent, distortion of the shape during drying can be prevented.

[0087] FIG. 8A shows the shape of the medium slurry after it has been dried when it has been molded into a tube whose inner diameter is less than half of its outer diameter, and FIG. 8B shows the shape of the medium slurry after it has been dried when it has been molded into a tube whose inner diameter is more than half of its outer diameter.

[0088] The following [Table 1] shows test examples in which the inner diameter of the medium slurry before drying was set to less than half and more than half the outer diameter. The results of test example H are shown in FIG. 8A, and the results of test example I are shown in FIG. 8B.

[0089] [Table 1]

[0090] Referring to [Table 1], in test example H, the inner diameter of the medium slurry before drying was set to less than half the outer diameter, and it was confirmed that the degree of shrinkage of both the inner and outer diameters of the tube was large after drying. In addition, the sensory evaluation (taste evaluation) confirmed that the smoking taste was also delayed.

[0091] In Test Example I, the inner diameter of the medium slurry before drying was set to 1 / 2 or more of the outer diameter, and it was confirmed that the shrinkage of the tubular inner and outer diameters was relatively small after drying. In addition, it was confirmed that a smoking taste was generated in the early stage in the sensory evaluation.

[0092] In one embodiment, the medium slurry before drying may be formed into a tube with an inner diameter of 1 / 2 or more of the outer diameter. The size of the inner diameter of the tubular medium slurry affects the shrinkage of the outer diameter, and when the inner diameter is 1 / 2 or more of the outer diameter, the degree of shrinkage is small, and a sufficient smoking taste can be achieved during the sensory evaluation.

[0093] The following describes a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article 110 according to one embodiment.

[0094] First, a medium slurry containing a medium may be provided. The moisture content of the medium slurry may be set to 30% or more and less than 60%.

[0095] The medium slurry can then be extruded into a tube having an inner diameter equal to or greater than half the outer diameter before drying, which may be performed in a jig as described above with reference to Figures 3A and 3B, or by other extrusion processes.

[0096] The media slurry may be dried to form media segments 122 .

[0097] A first filter segment 121 may be coupled upstream of the medium segment 122, and a second filter segment 124 may be coupled downstream of the medium segment 122. Optionally, a cooling segment 123 may be coupled between the medium segment 122 and the second filter segment 124.

[0098] The aerosol-generating article 110 according to one embodiment has a tubular medium segment 122 having a hollow space, and thus can efficiently transfer heat when a heater (e.g., heater 250 in Figs. 4A and 4B) heats the outside of the medium segment 122. This prevents moisture from remaining inside the medium segment 122 and prevents the moisturizer released from the vaporizer (e.g., vaporizer 230 in Figs. 4A and 4B) from being filtered by the medium segment 122, ensuring a sufficient amount of atomization.

[0099] Therefore, in one embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 110 and its manufacturing method, the central portion of the medium segment 122 has a tubular shape with a hollow center, thereby maximizing the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater and achieving a sufficient amount of atomization.

[0100] The above description of the embodiment is merely illustrative, and a person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents described in the claims should be interpreted as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol-generating article comprising: A first filter segment; a media segment disposed downstream of the first filter segment; a second filter segment disposed downstream of the media segment; Including, The medium segment has a hollow in the longitudinal direction, and the medium segment is formed by forming a medium slurry containing a medium into a tubular shape and then solidifying the medium slurry.

2. 10. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, further comprising a cooling segment between the media segment and the second filter segment.

3. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the medium comprises at least one of sheet tobacco, cut tobacco, caffeine, taurine, a pharmacological substance, a flavoring substance, or a sweetener.

4. 4. The aerosol-generating article of claim 3, wherein the medium slurry has a moisture content of 30 percent or greater.

5. 5. The aerosol-generating article of claim 4, wherein the medium slurry has a moisture content of less than 60 percent.

6. 4. The aerosol-generating article of claim 3, wherein the medium slurry is formed into a tube having an inner diameter equal to or greater than half the outer diameter.

7. The aerosol-generating article of claim 3 , wherein the medium slurry is formed into a tubular shape having a hollow center by extrusion.

8. 10. A method for producing an aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: Providing a media slurry comprising a media; forming the medium slurry into a tube; drying the media slurry to form media segments; a first filter segment coupled upstream of the media segment and a second filter segment coupled downstream of the media segment; Including, The method of making an aerosol-generating article, wherein the medium slurry has a moisture content of greater than or equal to 30 percent and less than 60 percent.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein in the step of forming the medium slurry into a tube, the medium slurry is formed into a tube by extrusion.

10. 9. The method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to claim 8, wherein in the step of forming the medium slurry into a tube shape, a second jig having a through hole corresponding to the outer shape of the medium segment is joined to a first jig including a rod member having an outer shape corresponding to the hollow of the medium segment, the medium slurry is filled between the through hole of the second jig and the rod member, and the medium slurry formed into a tube shape is separated from the first jig and the second jig.

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