Aerosol generating article and aerosol generating system

Abstract

In various embodiments, the aerosol-generating article includes a first segment and a second segment disposed downstream of the first segment, wherein nicotine is adsorbed to the first and second segments, and the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the first segment is the same as or greater than the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the second segment.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The following embodiments relate to an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for products that replace traditional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarette sticks (e.g., cigarette-type electronic cigarettes). For this reason, research has been conducted on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating articles) that are applied thereto. For example, Published Patent Application 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] It is an object, according to one embodiment, to provide an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same, which does not heat the aerosol-generating article.

[0004] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system including the same, which can minimize instability due to free nicotine by adjusting the pH.

[0005] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article that can selectively provide various smoking intensities with a single aerosol-generating article, and an aerosol generating system including the same.

[0006] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system including the same that can ensure a uniform amount of nicotine delivered during smoking.

[0007] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system including the same that can ensure uniformity of smoking taste during smoking. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In various embodiments, an aerosol-generating article includes a first segment and a second segment disposed downstream of the first segment, wherein nicotine is adsorbed to the first and second segments, and the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the first segment is the same as or greater than the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the second segment.

[0009] In one embodiment, the device further includes a medium segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment, the medium segment including a pH treated tobacco medium.

[0010] Nicotine adsorbed to the first segment or nicotine adsorbed to the second segment can be transferred from the medium segment.

[0011] The media segment may be pH treated to a pH range of 7.0 to 9.5.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first segment or the second segment may be manufactured by cutting a filter portion to which free nicotine released from a medium raw material containing nicotine has been transferred.

[0013] In one embodiment, the plasticizer content of the first segment may be higher than the plasticizer content of the second segment.

[0014] In one embodiment, the device may further include a tube filter disposed downstream of the second segment.

[0015] In one embodiment, a first plasticizer is applied to the first segment and a second plasticizer is applied to the second segment, the first plasticizer can include triacetin (TA) and the second plasticizer can include triethyl citrate (TEC).

[0016] In one embodiment, the first segment is comprised of cellulose acetate having a first density and the second segment is comprised of cellulose acetate having a second density, the first density being greater than the second density.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first segment may have a longitudinal length greater than a longitudinal length of the second segment.

[0018] In various embodiments, the aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating article, a controller including at least one processor, an elongated cavity in which the aerosol generating article is contained, and an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer that heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol and releases the aerosol toward the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article including a first segment and a second segment disposed downstream of the first segment, the first segment or the second segment being made of cellulose acetate having nicotine adsorbed thereon, and the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the first segment being the same as or greater than the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the second segment.

[0019] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article further comprises a medium segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment, the medium segment comprising a pH-treated tobacco medium, and nicotine adsorbed to the first segment or nicotine adsorbed to the second segment can be transferred from the medium segment.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first segment or the second segment may be manufactured by cutting a filter portion to which free nicotine released from a medium raw material containing nicotine has been transferred.

[0021] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a heater for heating the medium segment, and the control unit controls the temperature to which the heater heats the medium segment, and the control unit can control the heater between a non-heating mode in which the heater does not heat the medium segment and a low-temperature heating mode in which the heater heats the medium segment at a low temperature. Effect of the Invention

[0022] An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment may not heat the aerosol-generating article.

[0023] The aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating system including the same according to one embodiment can minimize instability caused by free nicotine by adjusting the pH.

[0024] An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to one embodiment can selectively provide various flavor intensities with a single aerosol-generating article.

[0025] An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol generating system including the same according to one embodiment can ensure a uniform amount of nicotine delivered during smoking.

[0026] The aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating system including the same according to one embodiment can ensure uniformity of the smoking taste during smoking.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the aerosol-generating article and an aerosol generating system including the same, the aerosol-generating article can be used immediately without preheating the device.

[0028] An aerosol generating article according to one embodiment and an aerosol generating system including the article can ensure sufficient nicotine transfer even in a non-heating mode, thereby satisfying the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system including the same, the use in a non-heating mode can be expected to have an extended service life of the device.

[0030] The effects of the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating system including the same according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to facilitate a better understanding of the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters described in such drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is coupled to an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is coupled to an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 shows a test of nicotine transfer per segment of an aerosol-generating article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, various modifications may be made to the embodiments, and the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by such embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the embodiments are included in the scope of the patent.

[0034] The terms used in the embodiments are merely used for the purpose of explanation and are not to be construed as being limiting. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "include" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Commonly used predefined terms should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as ideal or overly formal unless expressly defined in this specification.

[0036] In addition, in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions thereof will be omitted. In the description of the embodiments, if a detailed description of related known technology is determined to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0037] In addition, in describing components of the embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are used to distinguish the components from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. When a component is referred to as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component is directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that additional components may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0038] Components having a common function to components included in any of the embodiments will be described using the same names in the other embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the description of any of the embodiments will be applied to the other embodiments, and detailed description will be omitted to the extent that they overlap.

[0039] In the following embodiments, "humectant" refers to a substance that can facilitate the formation of visible smoke and / or aerosol. Examples of humectants include, but are not limited to, glycerin (GLY), propylene glycol (PG), ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In the art, humectant may be used interchangeably with terms such as aerosol formers, wetting agents, etc.

[0040] In the following embodiments, "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substance capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol may include a volatile compound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid phase. For example, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may include a solid material based on tobacco raw materials, such as cut tobacco, tobacco granules, and reconstituted tobacco. The reconstituted tobacco is classified into a slurry-type reconstituted tobacco sheet and a paper-type reconstituted tobacco sheet according to the manufacturing method. The liquid-phase aerosol-forming substrate may include a liquid-phase composition based on nicotine, tobacco extract, and / or various flavoring agents. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples.

[0041] In the following embodiments, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an aerosol-forming substrate, i.e., an article that contains a medium through which the aerosol passes and transfers the nicotine contained in the medium. A representative example of an aerosol-generating article is a cigarette, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0042] In the following embodiments, "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the user's lungs via the user's mouth.

[0043] In the following embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" means a direction away from the mouth of the user, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" means a direction toward the mouth of the user. The terms upstream and downstream are used to describe the relative positions of elements that make up the aerosol-generating article.

[0044] In the following embodiments, "puff" refers to inhalation by a user, and inhalation refers to the situation where inhalation is performed through the user's mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0045] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment, Figures 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment.

[0046] 1 to 3, an aerosol generating system 1 according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generating device 11 and an aerosol-generating article 12.

[0047] 1, 2A, and 2B, an aerosol generating device 11 according to one embodiment includes a battery 111, a control unit 112, a vaporizer 113, and an elongated cavity 115.

[0048] 2A and 2B show only components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person having ordinary skill in the art of this embodiment would understand that the aerosol generating device 11 further includes other general components in addition to the components shown in Fig. 2A and 2B. The aerosol generating device 11 may be in the form of a stick or a holder.

[0049] In one embodiment, the battery 111 provides power used to operate the aerosol generating device 11. For example, the battery 111 can provide current to the vaporizer 113 so that the vaporizer 113 can heat the liquid phase composition. The battery 111 also provides power necessary to operate the display, sensor, motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 11.

[0050] In one embodiment, the battery 111 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the above example. For example, the battery 111 may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium ion battery, etc.

[0051] For example, the battery 111 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the capacity of the battery 111 may have a range of 120 mAh to 250 mAh, but is not limited thereto. The battery 111 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, if the battery 111 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 111 may be 10C, and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. For static use, the battery 111 may be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity is ensured even when the battery 111 is charged / discharged 2000 times.

[0052] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 11. Specifically, the control unit 112 controls the operation of not only the battery 111 and the vaporizer 113 but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 11. The control unit 112 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 11 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 11 is in an operable state.

[0053] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 includes at least one processor. The processor may be realized by an array of multiple logic gates, or may be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains that the processor may be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0054] In one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 can heat the liquid-phase composition to generate an aerosol, and release the generated aerosol toward the inserted aerosol-generating article 12 so that the generated aerosol passes through the aerosol-generating article 12 inserted in the elongated cavity 115. Thus, the aerosol passing through the aerosol-generating article 12 is flavored with tobacco, and a user can inhale the aerosol flavored with tobacco by inhaling one end of the aerosol-generating article 12 into the mouth. In one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 can be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer. In one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 can be coupled to the aerosol generating device 11 so that the vaporizer 113 can be replaced.

[0055] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 may further include a heater 114. The aerosol-generating article 12 according to one embodiment may transfer nicotine even under non-heating conditions. In addition, in a low-temperature heating mode using the heater 114, the transfer of nicotine can be promoted to increase the amount of nicotine transferred. The low-temperature heating mode using the heater 114 can achieve a higher level of smoking flavor intensity compared to a non-heating board, and the amount of nicotine transferred can be easily adjusted through the non-heating mode and the low-temperature heating mode.

[0056] The heater 114 is heated by power supplied from the battery 111. For example, when the aerosol-generating article 12 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 11, the heater 114 is disposed outside the aerosol-generating article 12. Thus, the heated heater 114 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance within the aerosol-generating article 12.

[0057] For example, the heater 114 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 114 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 114 is heated by passing a current through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 114 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 11, or may be set by a user.

[0058] Alternatively, as a different example, the heater 114 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 114 may include an electrically conductive coil for inductively heating the aerosol-generating article 12, and the aerosol-generating article 12 may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0059] For example, the heater 114 may include a tube-type heat transfer element, a plate-type heat transfer element, a needle-type heat transfer element, or a rod-type heat transfer element, and may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol-generating article 12 depending on the shape of the heat transfer element.

[0060] Furthermore, a plurality of heaters 114 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 11. Here, the plurality of heaters 114 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol-generating article 12, or may be arranged outside the aerosol-generating article 12. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 114 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol-generating article 12, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol-generating article 12.

[0061] In one embodiment, the elongated cavity 115 can house an aerosol-generating article 12. In one embodiment, the heater 114 can be disposed around an outer surface of the elongated cavity 115 to heat the aerosol-generating article housed in the elongated cavity 115. The heater 114 according to one embodiment can be disposed around at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongated cavity 115.

[0062] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 11 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 111, the control unit 112, the vaporizer 113, and the elongated cavity 115. For example, the aerosol generating device 11 may include a detection unit 116, an output unit 117, a user input unit 118, a memory 119, and a communication unit 120.

[0063] The detection unit 116 detects the state of the aerosol generating device 11 or the state around the aerosol generating device 11, and transmits the detected information to the control unit 112. Based on the detected information, the control unit 112 can control the aerosol generating device 11 so that various functions are performed, such as restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol-generating article 12 (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying notifications, etc.

[0064] The detection unit 116 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 1161, an insertion detection sensor 1162, and a puff sensor 1163, but is not limited to these.

[0065] The temperature sensor 1161 detects the temperature to which the heater 114 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 11 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 114, or the heater 114 itself may function as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1161 may be disposed in the vicinity of the battery 111 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 111.

[0066] The insertion detection sensor 1162 detects the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article 12. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1162 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article 12.

[0067] The puff sensor 1163 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, for example, the puff sensor 1163 can detect a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0068] The detection unit 116 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor, in addition to the above-mentioned sensors 1161 to 1163. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0069] The output unit 117 outputs and provides to a user information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device 11. The output unit 117 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 1171, a haptic unit 1172, and an audio output unit 1173. When the display unit 1171 and the touch pad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 1171 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0070] The display unit 1171 visually provides a user with information about the aerosol generating device 11. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 11 means various information such as the charging / discharging state of the battery 111 of the aerosol generating device 11, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article 12, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 11 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 1171 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 1171 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Furthermore, the display unit 1171 may display the state of an LED light emitting element.

[0071] The haptic unit 1172 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 11. For example, the haptic unit 1172 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0072] The acoustic output unit 1173 audibly provides the user with information relating to the aerosol generation device 11. For example, the acoustic output unit 1173 may convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0073] The user input unit 118 receives information input by a user and outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 118 may be, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact type electrostatic 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. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 11 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may connect to another external device through the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 111.

[0074] The memory 119 may store data processed by the control unit 112 and data to be processed as hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 11. The memory 119 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 119 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 11, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the smoking pattern of the user.

[0075] The communication unit 120 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 120 may include a short-range communication unit 1201 and a wireless communication unit 1202.

[0076] The short-range wireless communication unit 1201 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0077] The wireless communication unit 1202 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 1202 can also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 11 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0078] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) and / or a terminal for coupling with a cradle, by which a user can control the functions of the aerosol generating device 11. For example, a user may execute various functions using the input device of the aerosol generating device 11. A desired function among a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 11 may be executed by adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the time for which the user presses the input device (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.). When the user activates the input device, a function of preheating the heating element of the vaporizer 113, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heating element of the vaporizer 113, a function of cleaning the space into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted, a function of checking whether the aerosol generating device 11 is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining capacity (usable power) of the battery 111, a function of resetting the aerosol generating device 11, etc. may be executed. However, the functions of the aerosol generating device 11 are not limited to the above-mentioned examples.

[0079] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 11 includes a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and / or an aerosol-generating article insertion detection sensor. The aerosol-generating device 11 may be manufactured with a structure that allows outside air to flow in / out even when an aerosol-generating article is inserted.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 includes a vaporizer 113 and an elongated cavity 115 arranged in series as shown in Fig. 2A. According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 includes a vaporizer 113 and an elongated cavity 115 arranged in parallel as shown in Fig. 2B. The arrangement of the battery 111, the control unit 112, the vaporizer 113, and the elongated cavity 115 of the aerosol generating device 11 is not limited to that shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, and may be in various forms. For example, the aerosol generating device 11 may include a heater (e.g., the heater 114 in Fig. 1).

[0081] 2B , through an airflow passage in the aerosol generating device 11, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 113 can flow into the elongated cavity 115 and pass through the aerosol-generating article 12. Therefore, the aerosol passing through the aerosol-generating article 12 is added with tobacco flavor or nicotine, and the user can inhale the aerosol added with tobacco flavor or nicotine by inhaling one end of the aerosol-generating article 12 with the mouth.

[0082] In one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, a heating element, and an airflow passage. Each component of the vaporizer 113 is made of, but is not limited to, a polycarbonate material.

[0083] In one embodiment, the liquid storage unit can store a liquid-phase composition that generates an aerosol when heated. In one embodiment, the liquid-phase composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes a volatile tobacco aroma component, and in another embodiment, the liquid-phase composition can be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid-phase composition can store a liquid having a volume of 0.1 to 2.0 mL, but is not limited thereto. The liquid storage unit can be replaceably coupled within the vaporizer 113.

[0084] For example, the liquid phase composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit fragrance components, and the like. The flavoring agent may include components that can provide a user with various flavors or tastes. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid phase composition may also include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0085] In one embodiment, the liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid phase composition of the liquid storage to the heating element. In one embodiment, the liquid transfer means can be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc., and can transfer the liquid phase composition of the liquid storage to the heating element using a capillary phenomenon.

[0086] In one embodiment, the heating element is an element for heating the liquid phase composition transferred by the liquid transfer means, and may be a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element may also be made of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by the flow supply, and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element to heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0087] In one embodiment, the airflow passages are positioned such that the generated aerosol is emitted towards the inserted aerosol-generating article 12. That is, the aerosol generated by the heating element can be emitted through the airflow passages.

[0088] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 can control the temperature of the heating element by controlling the current supplied to the heating element. Thus, the control unit 112 can control the amount of aerosol generated from the liquid phase composition by controlling the current supplied to the heating element. Furthermore, the control unit 112 can control the heating element to supply current for a preset time upon detection of a user's puff. For example, the control unit 112 can control the heating element to supply current for 1-5 seconds from the time of detecting a user's puff.

[0089] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 may control the open / close state of the airflow passage to control the amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer 113. Specifically, the control unit 112 may increase the size of the pores in the airflow passage to increase the amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer 113, or may decrease the size of the pores in the airflow passage to decrease the amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer 113. For example, the control unit 112 may control the pores of the airflow passage using a dial.

[0090] In one embodiment, when the liquid phase composition in the liquid storage unit is less than a preset amount, the control unit 112 notifies the user of the lack of liquid phase composition via a vibration motor or a display.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol-generating article 12 according to one embodiment includes a first segment 121 , a medium segment 122 , a second segment 123 , and a wrapper 125 .

[0092] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 12 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 125. The wrapper 125 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in and internal gas can flow out. The wrapper 125 may include a material having high thermal conductivity.

[0093] For example, a first wrapper 1251 wraps the first segment 121, a second wrapper 1252 wraps the medium segment 122, and a third wrapper 1253 wraps the second segment 123. A fifth wrapper 1255 repackages the entire aerosol-generating article 12.

[0094] In one embodiment, the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be made of porous wrapping paper. For example, the porosity of each of the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be 35,000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of each of the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be within a range of 70 um to 80 um. The basis weight of each of the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 may be included in the range.

[0095] For example, the second wrapper 1252 may include an aluminum component. For example, the second wrapper 1252 may be a typical filter paper with a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, bonded to it. The second wrapper 1252 may also be made of a sterilized paper (MFW).

[0096] In one embodiment, the third wrapper 1253 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper refers to a three-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 1253 may be in the range of 100 um to 120 um. In addition, the basis weight of the third wrapper 1253 may be 80 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 may be included in the range.

[0097] In one embodiment, the fifth wrapper 1255 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). For example, the fifth wrapper 1255 has a basis weight of 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2The thickness of the fifth wrapper 1255 may be in the range of 64 um to 70 um.

[0098] In one embodiment, the first segment 121 may be made of a cellulose acetate filter. The first segment 121 may also be made of a paper filter, a porous molding, or the like. For example, the length of the first segment 121 may be 4 to 15 mm, but is not limited thereto. The first segment 121 may also be colored and scented.

[0099] In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may include a cavity, and the cavity may be filled with a medium. For example, the medium base material filled in the medium segment 122 may include at least one of granulated tobacco (tobacco granules), reconstituted tobacco, and cut tobacco. For example, the length of the medium segment 122 may be an appropriate length within the range of 6 mm to 18 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0100] Generally, tobacco granules have a significantly lower content of moisture and / or aerosol forming agents than other types of tobacco materials (e.g., shredded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.), and therefore can significantly reduce the generation of visible smoke, and therefore can easily achieve the smokeless function of the aerosol generating device 11. However, the diameter, density, packing rate, composition ratio of constituent materials, heating temperature, etc. of the tobacco granules are various and may vary depending on the embodiment. The diameter of the tobacco granules may be about 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm. Within this numerical range, the appropriate hardness and ease of manufacture of the tobacco granules are ensured, and the probability of generation of a vortex airflow within the cavity is increased.

[0101] The medium segment 122 may also include an aerosol-generating material such as glycerin. The medium segment 122 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer may also be added to the medium segment 122 by spraying it onto the medium segment 122.

[0102] In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 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 may increase the pH of the medium substrate included in the medium segment 122. Compared to a medium substrate that is not treated with a basic pH adjuster, the basic pH-treated medium substrate releases more nicotine when heated. That is, in the case of the basic pH-treated medium substrate, a sufficient nicotine yield can be achieved even if the medium segment 122 is heated at a low temperature.

[0103] In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may include a slurry or paper-type reconstituted tobacco sheet with a pH adjusted to a range of 7.0 to 9.5, or may include tobacco granules with a pH adjusted to a range of 7.0 to 9.5. The medium base material may include nicotine, and by subjecting the medium base material to pH treatment, free nicotine (free nicotine in a gaseous state) can be transferred from the medium base material even under non-heating conditions or relatively low temperature conditions. That is, by adjusting the pH of the medium base material of the medium segment 122 to a range of 7.0 to 9.5, volatile free nicotine can be transferred under non-heating conditions, and a sufficient level of smoking taste intensity can be achieved.

[0104] Furthermore, when the aerosol generating device 11 includes a heater (for example, the heater 114 in FIG. 1), the transfer of nicotine can be promoted through low-temperature heating to achieve a higher level of smoking taste intensity than in the non-heating mode. Thus, in the aerosol-generating article 12 according to one embodiment, the amount of nicotine transferred can be easily adjusted even through non-heating or low-temperature heating.

[0105] In one embodiment, the second segment 123 may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. The second segment 123 may also include at least one scent capsule. For example, the second segment 123 may be a cellulose acetate filter into which at least one scent capsule is inserted. The second segment 123 may also be composed of a cellulose acetate filter mixed with a scented substance.

[0106] In one embodiment, nicotine is adsorbed to at least one of the first segment 121 and the second segment 123. By subjecting the medium segment 122 to a pH treatment in the range of 7.0 to 9.5, the nicotine in the medium segment 122 actively becomes a free nicotine state even under non-heating conditions, and is transferred to the first segment 121 or the second segment 123. Therefore, the nicotine transferred from the medium segment 122 is adsorbed to at least one of the first segment 121 and the second segment 123. By containing nicotine in the first segment 121 or the second segment 123 as well as the medium segment 122, the aerosol-generating article 12 can be used immediately without pre-heating the aerosol generating device 11, which not only increases the convenience of the user, but also provides a satisfying smoking taste due to sufficient nicotine transfer even under non-heating conditions.

[0107] The aerosol-generating article 12 according to one embodiment can undergo a nicotine transfer process. For example, the nicotine transfer process is performed as follows. First, the medium segment 122 is pH-treated in the range of 7.0 to 9.5, and the first segment 121 and the second segment 123 are bound by the wrapper 125 with the medium segment 122 in between. Next, the aerosol-generating article 12 has a nicotine transfer period at room temperature. For example, the nicotine transfer period may be 4 weeks or more.

[0108] Table 1 below shows the amount of nicotine transferred over time for an aerosol-generating article composed of a first segment 121, a first medium segment (e.g., medium segment 122), a second medium segment, and a second segment 123. The test was performed at a temperature of 22 degrees.

[0109] Referring to Table 1, after 4 weeks, nicotine is transferred and adsorbed in the first segment 121 and the second segment 123, and according to the analysis of the smoke components, the amount of atomization is maintained constant and the amount of nicotine increases. [Table 1]

[0110] JPEG2025515000000002.jpg73164

[0111] In one embodiment, the first segment 121 or the second segment 123 may be manufactured by cutting a cellulose acetate filter portion to which free nicotine released from a medium material containing nicotine has been transferred.

[0112] For example, a medium raw material part containing a material containing nicotine, such as a reconstituted tobacco sheet, wet tobacco granules, or leaf tobacco, is provided, and the medium raw material part may be pH-treated and provided in a sealed chamber. Next, the release of free nicotine from the medium raw material part is induced by heating or the like. A filter part is provided in the chamber, and the filter part may be a block or cylinder-shaped part containing a cellulose acetate component. Free nicotine moves from the medium raw material part to the filter part, causing the transfer of nicotine, and a circulation unit such as a fan can assist in the smooth transfer of nicotine. After a predetermined matching period (transfer / adsorption period) has elapsed, the filter part is cut to suit a specified shape. The cut filter with nicotine adsorbed thereto can be applied to a first segment (e.g., first segment 121 in FIG. 3) or a second segment (e.g., second segment 123 in FIG. 3) of an aerosol-generating article (e.g., aerosol-generating article 12 in FIG. 3).

[0113] 1 to 3, in an aerosol-generating system 1 according to one embodiment, when the aerosol-generating device 11 includes a heater (e.g., heater 114 in FIG. 1), the control unit 112 can control the temperature to which the heater 114 heats the aerosol-generating article 12. For example, the control unit 112 can adjust the temperature to which the heater 114 heats the medium segment 122.

[0114] In one embodiment, the controller 112 can control the heater 114 between a non-heating mode and a low-heating mode. In the non-heating mode, the heater 114 may not heat the aerosol-generating article 12, where the medium segment 122 is not heated. In the low-heating mode, the heater 114 may low-heat the aerosol-generating article 12 to a temperature between 0°C and 150°C, where the medium segment 122 may low-heat to a temperature between 0°C and 150°C.

[0115] The aerosol-generating article 12 can adjust the taste intensity by switching between the non-heating mode and the low-temperature heating mode. In the non-heating mode, the amount of nicotine transferred in the medium segment 122 is relatively low, so the taste intensity is relatively low. In the low-temperature heating mode, the amount of nicotine transferred in the medium segment 122 is relatively high compared to the non-heating mode, so the taste intensity is relatively high. Therefore, in the low-temperature heating mode, a sufficient taste intensity can be ensured without treating the medium segment 122 to have a high pH.

[0116] 3 illustrates that the medium segment 122 and the second segment 123 are provided between the first segment 121 and the second segment 123, but the configuration of the aerosol-generating article 121 according to an embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, an atomization segment containing a humectant may be provided upstream of the first segment 121. Alternatively, all the segments may be made of cellulose acetate filter segments to which nicotine has been transferred.

[0117] In one embodiment, the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 may be greater than or the same as the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the second segment 123, as will be described in more detail below.

[0118] FIG. 4 shows a study of the degree of nicotine transfer per segment of an aerosol-generating article.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 4, samples were prepared in which cellulose acetate filters (CA filters) to which nicotine had been transferred were applied to each of the other segments, and the residual amount of nicotine and the amount of nicotine transferred in each case were analyzed. In the test example (a) in FIG. 4, the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine had been transferred was placed in the most upstream segment, in the test example (b), the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine had been transferred was placed in the second segment from the upstream, in the test example (c), the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine had been transferred was placed in the third segment from the upstream, and in the test example (d), the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine had been transferred was placed in the most downstream segment. In the test example (e), the cellulose acetate filters to which nicotine had been transferred were placed in all segments for comparison with the above test examples. Here, the smoking resistance or filtering effect was set to be the same in each test example.

[0120] Table 2 below shows the test results according to FIG. [Table 2]

[0121] JPEG2025515000000003.jpg92164

[0122] 4 and [Table 2], comparing the test example (a) in which the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine has been transferred is arranged on the upstream side with the test example (d) in which the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine has been transferred is arranged on the downstream side, it can be seen that the amount of nicotine transferred in the test example (d) is greater. Also, comparing the test examples (a), (b), (c) and (d) in order, it can be seen that the amount of nicotine transferred increases as the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine has been transferred is arranged on the downstream side rather than the upstream side.

[0123] Also, in test example (a), it is confirmed that not all of the nicotine transferred in the first segment is transferred to the oral cavity side, but remains in the second, third, and fourth segments. The same tendency can be seen in test examples (b) and (c). This can also be confirmed through test example (e), where it can be seen that the amount of residual nicotine increases from the upstream to the downstream segments.

[0124] The more downstream the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine has been transferred is located, the greater the amount of nicotine transferred due to a decrease in the filtering effect. Therefore, the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine has been transferred located downstream is mainly involved in the transfer of nicotine during puffing in the early stage of smoking.

[0125] The further upstream the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine has been transferred is located, the greater the filtering effect of the cellulose acetate filter located downstream, so the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine has been transferred that is located upstream can be mainly involved in the transfer of nicotine during puffs in the latter half of smoking.

[0126] Since the amount of nicotine adsorbed to the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 according to one embodiment is greater than the amount of nicotine adsorbed to the second segment 123, during puffs in the early stage of smoking, mainly the nicotine from the second segment 123 is transferred to the oral cavity, during puffs in the middle stage of smoking, some of the nicotine from the first segment 121 is transferred to the oral cavity, and during puffs in the later stage of smoking, the remaining nicotine from the first segment 121 is transferred to the oral cavity. Here, the remaining nicotine is transferred to the oral cavity after being adsorbed (filtered) to the second segment 123.

[0127] Since the amount of nicotine adsorbed in the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 in one embodiment is greater than the amount of nicotine adsorbed in the second segment 123, the amount of nicotine transferred to the oral cavity during smoking is uniform, thereby ensuring uniformity of the smoking taste.

[0128] In one embodiment, the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 according to the embodiment may have a higher plasticizer content than the second segment 123. When the first segment 121 and the second segment 123 contain cellulose acetate, a plasticizer is included, but since the plasticizer content of the first segment 121 is higher than the plasticizer content of the second segment 123, the nicotine adsorption per unit length of the first segment 121 may be set to be the same as or greater than the nicotine adsorption per unit length of the second segment 123.

[0129] In one embodiment, a first plasticizer is applied to the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 according to the embodiment, a second plasticizer is applied to the second segment 123, the first plasticizer includes triacetin (TA) and the second plasticizer includes triethyl citrate (TEC), and thus the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the first segment 121 may be set to be equal to or greater than the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the second segment 123.

[0130] This is explained in more detail with reference to Table 3 below. [Table 3]

[0131] JPEG2025515000000004.jpg87164

[0132] [Table 3] shows the degree of nicotine adsorption to the cellulose acetate filter. In test example (a), 4% triacetin (TA) was applied as a plasticizer to the cellulose acetate filter, and in test example (b), 7% triacetin (TA) was applied as a plasticizer to the cellulose acetate filter. In test example (c), 4% triethyl citrate (TEC) was applied as a plasticizer to the cellulose acetate filter. In each case, two samples were produced, and the degree of nicotine transfer (adsorption) per segment of one aerosol smoking article at the same drawing resistance (unit: mg / seg (segment) / cig (aerosol-generating article)) was measured.

[0133] Referring to [Table 3], comparing test example (a) and test example (b), it can be seen that the average amount of nicotine transferred in test example (a) is 0.98 mg, and the average amount of nicotine transferred in test example (b) is 1.19 mg. Therefore, it can be seen that the amount of nicotine transferred is lower when 4% is applied than when 7% is applied based on the same plasticizer. (TA standard, 0.98<1.19)

[0134] Comparing test example (a) and test example (c) with reference to [Table 3], it can be seen that the average amount of nicotine transferred in test example (a) was 0.98 mg, and the average amount of nicotine transferred in test example (c) was 0.68 mg. Therefore, it can be seen that when triethyl citrate (TEC) is applied, the amount of nicotine transferred is lower than when triacetin (TA) is applied, based on the same plasticizer addition amount. (4% standard, 0.98>0.68)

[0135] Since the plasticizer content of the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 in one embodiment is higher than the plasticizer content of the second segment 123, the amount of nicotine adsorbed (transferred) to the first segment 121 is greater than the amount of nicotine adsorbed to the second segment 123, and the amount of nicotine transferred to the oral cavity during smoking is uniform, thereby ensuring uniformity of the smoking taste.

[0136] In addition, since a first plasticizer having a high nicotine adsorption rate (e.g., triacetin (TA)) is applied to the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 in one embodiment, and a second plasticizer having a relatively low nicotine adsorption rate (e.g., triethyl citrate (TEC)) is applied to the second segment 123, the amount of nicotine adsorbed (transferred) to the first segment 121 is greater than the amount of nicotine adsorbed to the second segment 123, and the amount of nicotine transferred to the oral cavity during smoking becomes uniform, thereby ensuring uniformity of the smoking taste.

[0137] In one embodiment, a tube filter may be coupled to the downstream side of the second segment 123 of the aerosol-generating article 12 according to an embodiment.

[0138] In one embodiment, the first segment 121 of the aerosol generating article 12 according to an embodiment may be made of cellulose acetate having a first density and the second segment 123 of the aerosol generating article 12 according to an embodiment may be made of cellulose acetate having a second density, the first density being greater than the second density. This may result in an amount of nicotine adsorbed (transferred) to the first segment 121 being greater than an amount of nicotine adsorbed to the second segment 123.

[0139] In one embodiment, the longitudinal length (upstream to downstream length) of the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 according to an embodiment is greater than the longitudinal length of the second segment 123. This allows the amount of nicotine adsorbed (transferred) to the first segment 121 to be greater than the amount of nicotine adsorbed to the second segment 123.

[0140] According to the aerosol-generating article 12 and the aerosol generating system 1 including the aerosol-generating article 12 of one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 12 can be used immediately without preheating the aerosol generating device 11, which increases convenience for the user and ensures sufficient nicotine transfer even in the non-heating mode, thereby satisfying the user's sense of satisfaction with smoking. In addition, since the aerosol generating device 11 of one embodiment may not include a heater, an effect of increasing the lifespan of the device can be expected.

[0141] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and a person skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the scope of protection of the invention is not 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.

[0142] The features and aspects of any of the above-described embodiments may be combined with the features and aspects of any of the other embodiments unless there is an obvious technical conflict.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol-generating article comprising: A first segment; A second segment disposed downstream of the first segment; Including, Nicotine is adsorbed on the first segment and the second segment, An aerosol-generating article, wherein the nicotine adsorption per unit length of the first segment is the same as or greater than the nicotine adsorption per unit length of the second segment.

2. further comprising a medium segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment; 10. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the medium segment comprises a pH-treated tobacco medium.

3. 3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 2, wherein the nicotine adsorbed in the first segment or the nicotine adsorbed in the second segment is transferred from the medium segment.

4. 4. The aerosol-generating article of claim 3, wherein the media segment is pH treated to have a pH in the range of 7.0 to 9.

5.

5. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 , wherein the first segment or the second segment is manufactured by cutting a filter portion to which free nicotine released from a medium raw material containing nicotine has been transferred.

6. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the first segment has a higher plasticizer content than the second segment.

7. The aerosol-generating article of claim 6 , further comprising a tube filter disposed downstream of the second segment.

8. A first plasticizer is applied to the first segment and a second plasticizer is applied to the second segment; 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the first plasticizer comprises triacetin (TA) and the second plasticizer comprises triethyl citrate (TEC).

9. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the first segment is composed of cellulose acetate having a first density and the second segment is composed of cellulose acetate having a second density.

10. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1 , wherein the first segment has a longitudinal length greater than the longitudinal length of the second segment.

11. 1. An aerosol generation system comprising: an aerosol-generating article; an aerosol generating device including a controller including at least one processor, an elongated cavity in which the aerosol-generating article is contained, and a vaporizer that heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol and emits the aerosol toward the aerosol-generating article; Including, The aerosol-generating article comprises: A first segment; A second segment disposed downstream of the first segment; Including, An aerosol generating system, wherein the first segment or the second segment is composed of cellulose acetate to which nicotine has been adsorbed, and the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the first segment is the same as or greater than the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the second segment.

12. the aerosol-generating article further includes a medium segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment; the medium segment comprises a pH treated tobacco medium; 12. The aerosol generating system of claim 11, wherein the nicotine adsorbed to the first segment or the nicotine adsorbed to the second segment is transferred from the medium segment.

13. The aerosol generating system according to claim 11, wherein the first segment or the second segment is manufactured by cutting a filter portion to which free nicotine released from a medium raw material containing nicotine has been transferred.

14. The aerosol generating device further includes a heater for heating the medium segment, The control unit controls the temperature to which the heater heats the medium segment, The aerosol generating system of claim 12 , wherein the control unit controls the heater between a non-heating mode in which the heater does not heat the medium segment and a low-temperature heating mode in which the heater heats the medium segment at a low temperature.

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