Aerosol-generating items

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article in one embodiment includes a medium segment filled with a medium, and at least one of a first segment arranged upstream of the medium segment and a second segment arranged downstream of the medium segment, wherein the first segment or the second segment is composed of a cellulose acetate filter containing a plasticizer, and the content of the plasticizer is set within a range in which no depressions occur in the first segment or the second segment.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Hereinafter, the embodiments relate to an aerosol-generating article. [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). Therefore, 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, in one embodiment, to provide an aerosol-generating article that does not require heating.

[0004] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article that can ensure a uniform amount of nicotine transfer and a uniform smoking taste during smoking.

[0005] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article that can ensure sufficient nicotine transfer even in an unheated state.

[0006] It is an object of one embodiment to provide an aerosol-generating article that is free of defects such as depressions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment includes a medium segment filled with a medium, and at least one of a first segment arranged upstream of the medium segment and a second segment arranged downstream of the medium segment, wherein the first segment or the second segment is made of a cellulose acetate filter containing a plasticizer, and the content of the plasticizer can be set within a range in which no depressions occur in the first segment or the second segment.

[0008] In one embodiment, the plasticizer content may be substantially equal to or less than 11%. The plasticizer content may be substantially equal to or greater than 4%.

[0009] The plasticizer may be one of triacetin (TA) or triethyl citrate (TEC).

[0010] The medium can include at least one of the following components: tobacco granules, reconstituted tobacco, cut tobacco, or combinations thereof.

[0011] In one embodiment, the medium is pH-treated to allow the first segment or the second segment to adsorb nicotine transferred from the medium. The medium may be pH-treated to a range of 7.0 to 9.5.

[0012] An aerosol-generating article in one embodiment includes a first segment and a second segment arranged downstream of the first segment, wherein nicotine is adsorbed to the first segment or the second segment, and the first segment or the second segment is composed of a cellulose acetate filter containing a plasticizer, and the plasticizer content is 4% or more and 11% or less.

[0013] In one embodiment, the composition further comprises a medium segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment, the medium segment comprising a pH-treated tobacco medium, and wherein nicotine adsorbed to the first segment or nicotine adsorbed to the second segment can be transferred from the medium segment.

[0014] 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. Effect of the Invention

[0015] An aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment can achieve aerosol transfer without heating the aerosol-generating article.

[0016] An aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment can ensure uniform nicotine delivery during smoking.

[0017] The aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment can ensure uniformity of the smoking taste during smoking.

[0018] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article allows for immediate use of the aerosol-generating article without the need for pre-heating the device.

[0019] The aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment is free of defects such as depressions.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the aerosol-generating article, the service life of the device can be increased by being used in a non-heating mode.

[0021] The effects of the aerosol-generating article 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.

[0022] 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 further understand 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]

[0023] [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. 1 shows the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] The results of the depression test according to the plasticizer content are shown. [Diagram 5] 1 shows a test of nicotine transfer per segment of an aerosol-generating article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 1 to 3, an aerosol generating system 1 according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generating device 11 and an aerosol-generating article 12.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 (registered trademark) Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0068] 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)).

[0069] 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.

[0070] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 11 includes a puff detection sensor 1163, a temperature detection sensor 1161, and / or an aerosol-generating article insertion detection sensor 1162. 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.

[0071] 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).

[0072] Through the 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 .

[0083] 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.

[0084] For example, a first wrapper 1251 wraps the first segment 121, a second wrapper 1252 wraps the medium segment 122, a third wrapper 1253 wraps the second segment 123, and a fifth wrapper 1255 repackages the entire aerosol-generating article 12.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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).

[0087] In one embodiment, the fifth wrapper 1255 may be made of a sterile paper (MFW). For example, the fifth wrapper 1255 may have a basis weight of 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 1255 may be in the range of 64 um to 70 um.

[0088] 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 or scented.

[0089] In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may include at least one of a cavity, a cellulose acetate filter, or a paper filter, and the cavity, the cellulose acetate filter, or the paper filter may be filled with a granular medium. For example, the base material of the granular medium filled in the medium segment 122 may include at least one component of granular 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.

[0090] In general, the granular medium (e.g., tobacco granules) has a significantly lower content of moisture and / or aerosol forming agents than different types of tobacco substances (e.g., shredded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.), and therefore can significantly reduce the generation of visible smoke, and thus facilitate the smokeless function of the aerosol generating device 11. However, the density, packing rate, composition ratio of constituent substances, heating temperature, etc. of the granular medium (e.g., tobacco granules) vary, and may differ depending on the embodiment.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may include tobacco granules whose pH has been adjusted to a range of 7.0 to 9.5. Alternatively, the medium segment 122 may include tobacco granules whose pH has been adjusted to a range of 8.0 to 9.5.

[0094] By subjecting the medium base material containing nicotine to pH treatment, the transfer of free nicotine (free nicotine in a gaseous state) from the medium base material can be smoothly performed 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 the range of 7.0 to 9.5 (or the range of 8.0 to 9.5), volatile free nicotine can be transferred under non-heating conditions, and a sufficient level of smoking taste intensity can be achieved.

[0095] 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, thereby realizing a relatively 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.

[0096] In one embodiment, the second segment 123 may be made of a cellulose acetate filter. The second segment 123 may also include at least one scent capsule. Alternatively, the second segment 123 may be made of a cellulose acetate filter mixed with a scenting material.

[0097] 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 (or 8.0 to 9.5), the nicotine in the medium segment 122 actively becomes free nicotine 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 preheating the aerosol generating device 11. This not only increases the convenience of the user, but also contributes to providing sufficient nicotine transfer and a satisfying smoking taste even in a non-heated state.

[0098] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 12 can undergo a nicotine transfer process. For example, the nicotine transfer process is performed as follows. First, the medium segment 122 is pH-treated to a range of 7.0 to 9.5 (or 8.0 to 9.5), and the first segment 121 and the second segment 123 are bound to each other 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.

[0099] 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 following test was performed at a temperature of 22 degrees.

[0100] Referring to Table 1, after 4 weeks, nicotine is transferred to 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.

[0101] [Table 1]

[0102] In one embodiment, the first segment 121 or the second segment 123 of the aerosol-generating article 12 can be manufactured by cutting a cellulose acetate filter portion to which free nicotine released from a nicotine-containing medium raw material has been transferred.

[0103] For example, a medium stock part including a nicotine-containing material such as a reconstituted tobacco sheet, wet tobacco granules, or cigar may be provided, and such a medium stock part may be pH-treated and housed in a sealed chamber. Then, the release of free nicotine from the medium stock part may be induced by heating. A filter part may be provided in the chamber, and for example, the filter part may be in the form of a block or cylinder including a cellulose acetate component. Nicotine transfer occurs in which free nicotine moves from the medium stock part to the filter part, and a circulation unit such as a fan may help the smooth transfer of nicotine. After a predetermined adjustment period (transfer period / adsorption period), a sufficient amount of nicotine is adsorbed in the filter part, and the filter part may be cut to suit a specified shape. The cut segment (filter) may be applied to the first segment (e.g., the first segment 121 in FIG. 3) or the second segment (e.g., the second segment 123 in FIG. 3) of the aerosol-generating article.

[0104] 1 to 3, in the aerosol-generating system 1 according to one embodiment, when the aerosol-generating device 11 includes a heater (e.g., the heater 114 in FIG. 1), the control unit 112 can control the temperature at which the heater 114 heats the aerosol-generating article 12. For example, the control unit 112 can adjust the temperature of the heater 114 that heats at least one of the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123.

[0105] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 can control the heater 114 in a non-heating mode and a low-temperature heating mode. In the non-heating mode, the heater 114 does not heat the aerosol-generating article 12, and the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123 are not heated. In the low-temperature heating mode, the heater 114 may heat the aerosol-generating article 12 to a low temperature of 0°C or more and 150°C or less. At least one of the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123 may be heated to a low temperature of 0°C or more and 150°C or less. The aerosol-generating article 12 can be switched between the non-heating mode and the low-temperature heating mode to adjust the smoking taste intensity. For example, in the non-heating mode, the amount of nicotine transferred in the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123 is relatively low, so that the smoking taste intensity is relatively low. On the other hand, in the low-temperature heating mode, the amount of nicotine transferred in the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123 is relatively high compared to the non-heating mode, so that the smoking taste intensity is high. Therefore, in the low-temperature heating mode, it is possible to ensure a sufficient smoking taste intensity without treating the medium segment 122 to have a high pH.

[0106] 3 illustrates that the medium segment 122 is 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 moisturizer or another segment to which nicotine has been transferred may be provided upstream of the first segment 121. Alternatively, a further segment to which nicotine has been transferred may be applied between the first segment 121 and the medium segment 122. Alternatively, a further segment to which nicotine has been adsorbed may be provided downstream of the second segment 123, or a further segment to which nicotine has been adsorbed may be provided between the second segment 123 and the medium segment 122.

[0107] FIG. 4 shows the results of a depression test according to the plasticizer content of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0108] In one embodiment, the first segment 121 or the second segment 123 is made of a cellulose acetate filter containing a plasticizer, and the content of the plasticizer is set to a range such that no dimples occur in the first segment 121 or the second segment 123.

[0109] In one embodiment, the plasticizer content is substantially equal to or greater than 4% and substantially equal to or less than 11%, as will be described in more detail with reference to Table 2 and FIG.

[0110] [Table 2]

[0111] Table 2 shows test examples according to the plasticizer content of the first segment 121 or the second segment 123. In test examples A to D, segments (e.g., the first segment 121 or the second segment 123) were manufactured with different plasticizer contents, and filter hardness measurements, depression tests, etc. were performed in each case.

[0112] Referring to Table 2 and FIG. 4, in Test Example A, the plasticizer content was set to 0%. In this case, the hardness of Test Example A was measured to be lower than that of the other Test Examples. As a result, when cutting to manufacture the filter rod shape, the cut surface was not smooth. Also, in Test Example A, there was a high probability of defects in which cellulose acetate remained in a thread-like form. This phenomenon was observed similarly until the plasticizer content was set to 4%.

[0113] In the test example B, the plasticizer content was set to 4%, and sufficient filter hardness was ensured and no dimples were observed. This phenomenon was observed similarly up to the plasticizer content of 11%.

[0114] Test example C is a case where the plasticizer content was set to 12%, and although the filter hardness showed a satisfactory value, the collapse phenomenon was observed.

[0115] In test example D, the plasticizer content was set to 15%, and in this case too, the filter hardness was satisfactory, but the collapse phenomenon was observed.

[0116] When the plasticizer content exceeded 11%, the cellulose acetate filter hardened or melted, causing it to collapse or shrink, as in Test Example C or Test Example D. When this collapse occurs, it not only reduces the quality (aesthetics) of the product, but also impairs the uniformity of the taste.

[0117] Therefore, if the content of plasticizer contained in the first segment 121 or the second segment 123 is between 4% and 11%, the first segment 121 or the second segment 123 will have sufficient hardness and will not suffer from defects due to dents.

[0118] When the medium segment 122 includes a cellulose acetate filter and the tobacco medium is contained within the cellulose acetate filter, the plasticizer content in the medium segment 122 can also be set to be 4% or more and 11% or less.

[0119] For example, the plasticizer may be one of triacetin (TA) or triethyl citrate (TEC).

[0120] FIG. 5 illustrates a test of nicotine transfer per segment of an aerosol-generating article.

[0121] 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.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 5, samples were prepared in which cellulose acetate filters (CA filters) with nicotine transferred thereto 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 with nicotine transferred thereto was placed in the most upstream segment, in the test example (b), the cellulose acetate filter with nicotine transferred thereto was placed in the second segment from the upstream, in the test example (c), the cellulose acetate filter with nicotine transferred thereto was placed in the third segment from the upstream, and in the test example (d), the cellulose acetate filter with nicotine transferred thereto was placed in the most downstream segment. In the test example (e), the cellulose acetate filter with nicotine transferred thereto was placed in all segments for comparison with the above test example. Here, the smoking resistance or filtering effect was set to be the same in each test example.

[0123] Table 3 below shows the test results according to FIG.

[0124] [Table 3]

[0125] 5 and Table 3, 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.

[0126] 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), which shows a tendency for the amount of residual nicotine to increase from the upstream to the downstream segments.

[0127] 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.

[0128] The further upstream the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine has been transferred is positioned, the greater the filtering effect of the cellulose acetate filter positioned further downstream, and therefore the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine has been transferred that is positioned upstream can be primarily involved in the transfer of nicotine during puffs in the latter half of smoking.

[0129] 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 from the first segment 121 is transferred to the oral cavity after being adsorbed (filtered) to the second segment 123.

[0130] That is, the reason why the amount of nicotine transferred to the first segment 121 is large is to ensure uniformity of the smoking taste, and the nicotine adsorbed to the first segment 121 contributes to the later stage of smoking, while the nicotine adsorbed to the second segment 123 contributes to the early stage of smoking. That is, in order for the nicotine adsorbed to the first segment 121 to reach the oral cavity, it must pass through more obstacles than the nicotine adsorbed to the second segment 123, so it is preferable that a larger amount of nicotine is adsorbed to the first segment 121.

[0131] Therefore, 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.

[0132] In one embodiment, the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 may have a higher plasticizer content than the second segment 123. When the first segment 121 and the second segment 123 comprise cellulose acetate, they may contain a plasticizer, but because 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.

[0133] In one embodiment, a first plasticizer is applied to the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 according to the embodiment, and a second plasticizer is applied to the second segment 123, and the pH of the first plasticizer may be lower than or equal to the pH of the second plasticizer. For example, the first plasticizer may be triacetin (TA), and the second plasticizer may be triethyl citrate (TEC). As a result, the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the first segment 121 may be set to be the same as or higher than the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the second segment 123.

[0134] Also, in one embodiment, the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 may be made of cellulose acetate having a first density and the second segment 123 may be made of cellulose acetate having a second density, the first density being greater than the second density. Alternatively, the resistance to draw of the first segment 121 may be greater than or equal to the resistance to draw of the second segment 123. Alternatively, the monodenier of the cellulose acetate of the first segment 121 may be less than or equal to the monodenier of the cellulose acetate of the second segment 123. Thus, the amount of nicotine adsorbed (transferred) to the first segment 121 may be greater than or equal to the amount of nicotine adsorbed to the second segment 123.

[0135] In one embodiment, the longitudinal length (upstream to downstream length) of the first segment 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 may be greater than or equal to the longitudinal length of the second segment 123. Thus, the amount of nicotine adsorbed (transferred) to the first segment 121 may be greater than or equal to the amount of nicotine adsorbed to the second segment 123.

[0136] In one embodiment, the second segment 123 may be comprised of a tube filter that includes a hollow formed in the longitudinal direction.

[0137] According to 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 the convenience for the user, ensures sufficient nicotine transfer even in the non-heating mode, and satisfies the user's smoking satisfaction. 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. In addition, according to another aerosol-generating article 12 of one embodiment, the probability of occurrence of defective products such as dents can be reduced.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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 medium segment filled with a medium; at least one of a first segment disposed upstream of the medium segment and a second segment disposed downstream of the medium segment; Including, The first segment or the second segment is made of a cellulose acetate filter containing a plasticizer, An aerosol-generating article, wherein the content of the plasticizer is set within a range in which no depression occurs in the first segment or the second segment.

2. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the plasticizer content is substantially the same as or less than 11%.

3. 3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 2, wherein the plasticizer content is substantially equal to or greater than 4%.

4. 4. The aerosol-generating article of claim 3, wherein the plasticizer is one of triacetin (TA) or triethyl citrate (TEC).

5. 3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 2, wherein the medium comprises at least one component of tobacco granules, reconstituted tobacco, cut tobacco, or a combination thereof.

6. 6. The aerosol-generating article of claim 5, wherein the medium is pH-treated and the first segment or the second segment adsorbs nicotine transferred from the medium.

7. 7. The aerosol-generating article of claim 6, wherein the medium is pH-treated to a range of 7.0 to 9.

5.

8. 1. An aerosol-generating article comprising: A first segment; A second segment disposed downstream of the first segment; Including, Nicotine is adsorbed to the first segment or the second segment, The first segment or the second segment is made of a cellulose acetate filter containing a plasticizer, The aerosol-generating article, wherein the plasticizer content is 4% or more and 11% or less.

9. further comprising a medium segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment; 9. The aerosol-generating article of claim 8, wherein the medium segment comprises a pH-treated tobacco medium, and the nicotine adsorbed in the first segment or the nicotine adsorbed in the second segment is transferred from the medium segment.

10. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 8 , 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.

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