Apparatus and method for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles and medium segments

The aerosol generating articles are manufactured with a medium segment and a cylindrical frame to expose the medium to the outside, reducing heat loss and improving performance using a laser heating element.

JP2025516934AActive Publication Date: 2025-05-30KT&G CO LTD
View PDF 3 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024569201
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-09-23
Filing Date
2023-06-02
Publication Date
2025-05-30
Estimated Expiration
2043-06-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing aerosol generating devices face challenges in reducing heat loss and ensuring the medium is exposed to the outside, which affects the efficiency and performance of the devices.

Method used

The development of an apparatus and method for manufacturing aerosol generating articles with a medium segment that utilizes a laser heating element to minimize heat loss and ensures the medium is exposed to the outside through a cylindrical frame and medium portion.

Benefits of technology

This solution effectively reduces heat loss and allows the medium to be exposed to the outside, enhancing the performance and efficiency of the aerosol generating articles.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2025516934000001_ABST
    Figure 2025516934000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

Aerosol generating articles according to various embodiments include a first end face, a second end face opposite the first end face, a side face formed between the first end face and the second end face, a media segment, a first segment, and a second segment. The first segment is disposed downstream of the media segment, the second segment is disposed upstream of the media segment, the media segment includes a cylindrical frame and a media portion surrounding an outer surface of the frame, and the media portion is exposed to the outside through the side face of the aerosol generating article.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to an apparatus and method for manufacturing aerosol generating articles and medium segments.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative articles that overcome the disadvantages of traditional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for devices that generate aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette stick (e.g., cigarette-type electronic cigarettes). Therefore, research on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating articles) applied thereto has been actively conducted. For example, Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustible flavor inhaler, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object according to one embodiment is to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing an aerosol generating article and a medium segment of the aerosol generating article with reduced heat loss through heating by a laser heating element.

[0004] An object according to one embodiment is to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing an aerosol generating article in which the medium is exposed to the outside.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Aerosol generating articles according to various embodiments include a first end face, a second end face opposite the first end face, a side face formed between the first end face and the second end face, a medium segment, a first segment, and a second segment. The first segment is disposed downstream of the medium segment, the second segment is disposed upstream of the medium segment, the medium segment includes a cylindrical frame and a medium portion surrounding an outer surface of the frame, and the medium portion is exposed to the outside through the side face of the aerosol generating article.

[0006] An apparatus for manufacturing a medium segment according to an embodiment includes a base substrate included in a frame and a shaft that rotates so that the base substrate is wound in a slant line, a frame forming portion that forms the frame, a medium coating portion that applies a medium to the frame formed by the frame forming portion, an extrusion portion that crimps the applied medium to the frame, a drying portion that dries the extruded medium, and a cutting portion that cuts the medium segment to a specific length.

[0007] The medium coating portion according to an embodiment can include a container containing a slurry-like medium and a nozzle connected to the container for supplying the medium to the frame.

[0008] A method for manufacturing a medium segment according to various embodiments includes a step of forming the frame, a step of applying a slurry-type medium to the frame, a step of compressing and extracting the medium applied to the frame, and a step of drying the slurry medium applied to the frame.

[0009] The step of forming the frame according to an embodiment can include a step of supplying a base substrate in a slant line with respect to an axial direction of a shaft, a step of winding the base substrate around an outer surface of the shaft, and a step of adhering an overlapping region of the base substrate.

[0010] In one embodiment, the base substrate can be composed of at least one of paper, cellulose, or a combination thereof.

[0011] The shape of the shaft cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft according to one embodiment can include at least one of circular, triangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, star-shaped.

[0012] The step of applying the medium to the frame according to one embodiment can include the step of supplying a slurry-type medium in a container to a nozzle, and the step of applying the medium from the nozzle to the frame.

[0013] In one embodiment, it can further include the step of cutting the medium segment to a certain length.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] The aerosol generating article according to one embodiment can reduce heat loss through heating by a laser heating chamber.

[0015] The medium segment manufacturing apparatus and method of the aerosol generating article according to one embodiment can manufacture an aerosol generating article in which the medium is exposed to the outside.

[0016] The effects of the aerosol generating article and the manufacturing apparatus and method of the medium segment according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and different effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] The terms used in the embodiments are general terms that are currently widely used while considering the functions in the present invention, but these may change according to the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not just simple term names, and must be defined based on the meaning the terms have and the overall content of the present invention.

[0019] When any part of the specification states that any component "includes", this does not exclude other components unless otherwise stated to the contrary, and means that other components are further included. Also, terms such as "~ part" and "~ module" described in the specification mean units that process at least one function or operation, and these may be implemented in hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0020] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is in front of the arranged components, it modifies the entire components that are not each of the arranged components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0021] In the following embodiments, an "aerosol-generating article" is an article that contains a medium, and means an article through which an aerosol passes and the medium is transferred. A typical example of an aerosol-generating article is a roll-up tobacco, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0022] In the following embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" means the direction away from the user's (smoker's) mouth, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" means the direction approaching the user's mouth. The terms upstream and downstream are used to describe the relative positions of the components constituting the aerosol-generating article.

[0023] In the following embodiments, "puff" means the user's inhalation, and inhalation means the situation of drawing in through the user's mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0024] In one embodiment, an aerosol-generating device is a device that electrically heats an aerosol-generating article housed in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

[0025] The aerosol-generating device includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track, the heater is heated.

[0026] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and heats the inside or outside of the aerosol-generating article according to the shape of the heating element.

[0027] The aerosol generating article includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be manufactured as a sheet, as a strand, or as shredded tobacco where the tobacco sheet is finely cut. Also, the tobacco rod can be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0028] The filter rod may be an acetyl cellulose filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod includes a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0029] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0030] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance and a body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge can be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the body and fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the body with the aerosol generating substance accommodated therein. However, without being limited thereto, the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0031] The cartridge may hold an aerosol generating substance in any one of various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating substance includes a liquid phase composition. For example, the liquid phase composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0032] The cartridge functions to convert the phase of the aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase by being actuated by an electrical signal, a wireless signal, etc. transmitted from the main body, thereby generating an aerosol. An aerosol means a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating substance and air are mixed.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the aerosol generating device can heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may pass through a rolled tobacco and be transmitted to a user. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition moves along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol passes through the rolled tobacco and is transmitted to the user.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance using an ultrasonic vibration method. Here, the ultrasonic vibration method means a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0035] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator, and short-period vibrations can be generated through the vibrator to atomize the aerosol generating substance. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations may be in the frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0036] The aerosol generating device further includes a core that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the core may be arranged to surround at least one region of the vibrator, or may be arranged to contact at least one region of the vibrator.

[0037] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator are transmitted to the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core. The aerosol product substance absorbed by the core can be converted into the gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0038] For example, the heat generated from the vibrator can lower the viscosity of the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core, and the aerosol product substance with lowered viscosity can be atomized by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol, but it is not limited thereto.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by an induction heating method.

[0040] The aerosol generating device includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil applies a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field is formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and generates heat by the applied magnetic field, the aerosol generating article is heated. Also, optionally, the susceptor may be disposed within the aerosol generating article.

[0041] In a further embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a cradle.

[0042] The aerosol generating device can form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Or, the heater may be heated with the cradle and the aerosol generating device coupled together.

[0043] The following will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the implementation of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure can be implemented in a form embodied in the aerosol generating devices of various embodiments described above, or can be embodied in different forms and implemented, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0044] The following will describe the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0045] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of a roll tobacco 1 will be described.

[0046] FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of roll tobacco.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, the roll tobacco 1 includes a tobacco rod 11 and a filter rod 12.

[0048] In FIG. 1, the filter rod 12 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 12 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 12 can include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Further, if necessary, the filter rod 12 can further include at least one segment for performing other functions.

[0049] The diameter of the roll tobacco 1 is in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 11 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 12 may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 12 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 12 may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0050] The wrapped cigarette 1 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 14. At least one hole may be formed in the wrapper 14 for external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. As an example, the wrapped cigarette 1 can be wrapped by one wrapper 14. As another example, the wrapped cigarette 1 may be superposed and wrapped by two or more wrappers 14. For example, the tobacco rod 11 may be wrapped by the first wrapper 141, and the filter rod 12 may be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, 244. Also, the whole wrapped cigarette 1 may be repackaged by a single wrapper 145. If the filter rod 12 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment can be wrapped by the wrappers 142, 143, 144.

[0051] The first wrapper 141 and the second wrapper 142 can be made of a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 141 and the second wrapper 142 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. Also, the first wrapper 141 and the second wrapper 142 can be made of oil-resistant papers and / or aluminum composite paper packaging agents.

[0052] The third wrapper 143 can be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 143 may be included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably may be included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 143 may be included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably may be 125 μm.

[0053] The fourth wrapper 144 can be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 144 may be included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably may be included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2It may be included within the range. Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 144 may be included within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably may be 125 μm.

[0054] The fifth wrapper 145 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 145 may be included within the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and preferably may be 60 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 145 may be included within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 67 μm.

[0055] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 145. Here, an example of the predetermined substance is silicon, but it is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described properties, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 145 without limitation.

[0056] The fifth wrapper 145 can prevent the phenomenon of the wrapped cigarette 1 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 11 is heated by the heating unit, the wrapped cigarette 1 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 11, the wrapped cigarette 1 can burn. Even in such a case, since the fifth wrapper 145 contains a non-combustible substance, the phenomenon of the wrapped cigarette 1 burning can be prevented.

[0057] In addition, the fifth wrapper 145 can prevent the holder from being contaminated by substances generated in the rolled tobacco 1. Depending on the user's puff, a liquid substance can be generated within the rolled tobacco 1. For example, when the aerosol generated in the rolled tobacco 1 is cooled by the external air, a liquid substance (such as moisture, etc.) may be generated. By the fifth wrapper 145 wrapping the rolled tobacco 1, it is possible to prevent the liquid substance generated within the rolled tobacco 1 from leaking to the outside of the rolled tobacco 1.

[0058] The tobacco rod 11 contains aerosol generating substances. For example, the aerosol generating substances can include, but are not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Further, the tobacco rod 11 can contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids. Also, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 11 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 11.

[0059] The tobacco rod 11 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 11 may be made of a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco rod 11 may be made of shredded tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is finely cut. Further, the tobacco rod 11 can be surrounded by a heat-conductive substance. For example, the heat-conductive substance may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the heat-conductive substance surrounding the tobacco rod 11 can evenly disperse the heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 11 and improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco flavor. Also, the heat-conductive substance surrounding the tobacco rod 11 functions as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heating type heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 11 can include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conductive substance surrounding the outside.

[0060] The filter rod 12 can be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 12. For example, the filter rod 12 may be a cylindrical rod or a tube rod with a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod 12 may be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 12 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0061] The first segment of the filter rod 12 can be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment can be a tubular structure with a hollow inside. When a heating part is inserted by the first segment, the phenomenon that the internal substance of the tobacco rod 11 is pushed backward can be prevented, and the cooling effect of the aerosol can also be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may adopt an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] The length of the first segment may adopt an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacture of the first segment. Also, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting structures such as films and tubes of the same or different materials inside (for example, the hollow).

[0064] The second segment of the filter rod 12 cools the aerosol generated by the heating part heating the tobacco rod 11. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0065] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined variously depending on the form of the wrapped tobacco 1. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] The second segment can be produced by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a flavoring liquid may be applied to the fibers made of the polymer. Or, the second segment may be produced by weaving together separately prepared fibers coated with a flavoring liquid and fibers made of a polymer. Or, the second segment can be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

[0067] For example, the polymer can be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0068] By being formed by woven polymer fibers or a wound polymer sheet of the second segment, the second segment can include one or more channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, the channel means a passage through which gas (for example, air or aerosol) passes.

[0069] For example, the second segment made of a wound polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example, between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Also, the total surface area of the second segment can be between about 300 mm 2 / mm and about 1000 mm 2 / mm. Further, the aerosol cooling element can be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100 mm 2 / mg.

[0070] On the one hand, the second segment can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread can be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0071] The third segment of the filter rod 12 can be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] In the process of manufacturing the third segment, it may be manufactured so that a fragrance is generated by injecting a flavoring liquid into the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated by the tobacco rod 11 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 12, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, it is possible to produce an effect of enhancing the persistence of the fragrance transmitted to the user.

[0073] Furthermore, the filter rod 12 may include at least one capsule 13. Here, the capsule 13 may perform a function of generating a fragrance or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 13 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 13 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 2, the wrapped cigarette 2 can further include a shear plug 23. The shear plug 23 can be located on one side of the tobacco rod 21 facing the filter rod 22. The shear plug 23 can prevent the tobacco rod 21 from detaching externally and can prevent the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 21 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device.

[0075] The filter rod 22 includes a first segment 221 and a second segment 222. Here, the first segment 221 corresponds to the first segment of the filter rod 12 in FIG. 1, and the second segment 222 corresponds to the third segment of the filter rod 12 in FIG. 1.

[0076] The diameter and the overall length of the wrapped cigarette 2 can correspond to the diameter and the overall length of the wrapped cigarette 1 shown in FIG. 1. For example, the length of the shear plug 23 can be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 21 can be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 221 can be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 222 can be about 14 mm, but it is not limited thereto.

[0077] The wrapped cigarette 2 can be packaged by at least one wrapper 25. At least one hole can be formed in the wrapper 25 for external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. For example, the shear plug 23 can be packaged by the first wrapper 251, the tobacco rod 21 can be packaged by the second wrapper 252, the first segment 221 can be packaged by the third wrapper 253, and the second segment 222 can be packaged by the fourth wrapper 254. Also, the whole wrapped cigarette 2 can be repackaged by the fifth wrapper 255.

[0078] Also, at least one perforation 26 can be formed in the fifth wrapper 255. For example, the perforation 26 can be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 21, but it is not limited thereto. The perforation 26 can serve to transfer the heat formed by the heating part to the inside of the tobacco rod 21.

[0079] Furthermore, the second segment 222 may include at least one capsule 24. Here, the capsule 24 may perform a function of generating a fragrance or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 24 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 24 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] The first bellows 251 may be one in which a metal foil such as aluminum foil is bonded to a general filter paper. For example, the total thickness of the first bellows 251 may be included in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably may be 50.3 μm. Also, the thickness of the metal foil of the first bellows 251 may be included in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably may be 6.3 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the first bellows 251 is 50 g / m 2 ~55 g / m 2 and may be included in the range of, and preferably may be 2 53 g / m.

[0081] The second bellows 252 and the third bellows 253 can be made of a general filter paper. For example, the second bellows 252 and the third bellows 253 may be a porous paper or a non-porous paper.

[0082] For example, the porosity of the second bellows 252 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the second bellows 252 may be included in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably may be 78 μm. Also, the basis weight of the second bellows 252 is 20 g / m 2 ~25 g / m 2 and may be included in the range of, and preferably may be 2 23.5 g / m.

[0083] For example, the porosity of the third bellows 253 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the third bellows 253 may be included in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 68 μm. Also, the basis weight of the third bellows 253 is 20 g / m2 ~25 g / m 2 may be included within the range, preferably 21 g / m 2 may be used.

[0084] The fourth wrapper 254 can be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper means a triple-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 254 may be included within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, preferably 110 μm. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 254 is 80 g / m 2 ~100 g / m 2 may be included within the range, preferably 88 g / m 2 may be used.

[0085] The fifth wrapper 255 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 255 is 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 may be included within the range, preferably 60 g / m 2 may be used. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 255 may be included within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, preferably 67 μm.

[0086] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 255. Here, an example of the predetermined substance can be silicon, but it is not limited to this. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described properties, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 255 without limitation.

[0087] The shear plug 23 can be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 23 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the shear plug 23 may be 5.0. Also, the cross-section of the filaments constituting the shear plug 23 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 23 may be included in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 23 may be 28,000.

[0088] Also, if necessary, the shear plug 23 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be made in various ways.

[0089] The tobacco rod 21 can correspond to the tobacco rod 11 described above with reference to FIG. 1. Therefore, specific descriptions of the tobacco rod 21 will be omitted below.

[0090] The first segment 221 can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow inside. The first segment 221 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 221 may be the same as those of the shear plug 23.

[0091] The second segment 222 can be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 222 may be included within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 222 may be 9.0. Also, the cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 222 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 222 may be included within the range of 20000 to 30000, preferably may be 25000.

[0092] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the aerosol generating article 3 according to one embodiment. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the medium segment 31 of the aerosol generating article 3 according to one embodiment.

[0093] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article 3 can include all the components of the aerosol generating article according to the foregoing embodiments (for example, the aerosol generating article 1 in FIG. 1 or the aerosol generating article 2 in FIG. 2). Since the components common to the aerosol generating articles according to the foregoing embodiments (for example, the aerosol generating article 1 in FIG. 1 or the aerosol generating article 2 in FIG. 2) have been described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, they will be omitted hereinafter.

[0094] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article 3 includes a first end face 3a, a second end face 3b formed on the opposite side of the first end face 3a, and a side face 3c formed between the first end face 3a and the second end face 3b. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article 3 includes a medium segment 31, a first segment 32 disposed downstream of the medium segment 31, a second segment 33 disposed upstream of the medium segment 31, an inner roll paper 34, and an outer wrapper 35.

[0095] In one embodiment, the medium segment 31 contains a medium. For example, the medium includes a solid substance based on tobacco raw materials such as sheet tobacco, cut tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco, and a liquid-phase composition based on nicotine, tobacco extracts, and / or various flavoring agents, but is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, in one embodiment, the medium segment can be formed by compressing and adhering a slurry medium. In one embodiment, the medium segment 31 includes a hollow tube 31a. In one embodiment, the aerosol generated by heating the medium segment 31 can move toward the second end face 3b through the hollow tube 31a formed in the medium segment 31. For example, the aerosol can be smoothly transmitted to the user's mouth through the hollow tube 31a formed in the medium segment 31. In one embodiment, the medium segment 31 includes a frame 312 and a medium portion 314. In one embodiment, the frame 312 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the frame 312 serves as a base to which the medium portion 314 is applied. In one embodiment, the frame 312 may be composed of materials such as paper, synthetic resin, and non-ferrous metal. In one embodiment, the medium portion 314 may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the frame 312. In one embodiment, the medium portion 314 of the medium segment 31 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol-generating article 3. For example, the medium segment 31 may be in a state where the trumpets 34, 35 are peeled off around it.

[0096] In one embodiment, the first segment 32 can be disposed in contact with the downstream side of the medium segment 31. The first segment 32 according to one embodiment includes a cooling section 321 and a filter section 322. The cooling section 321 according to one embodiment may include a cavity inside. In one embodiment, the cooling section 321 cools the aerosol generated in the medium segment 31. In one embodiment, although the filter section 322 is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 3A, it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter section 322 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter section 322 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Further, if necessary, the filter section 322 may further include at least one segment for performing other functions. The filter section 322 may be an acetyl cellulose filter. On the other hand, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter section 322. For example, the filter section 322 may be a cylindrical rod, a tube-shaped rod having a hollow inside, or a recessed rod.

[0097] In one embodiment, the second segment 33 can prevent the medium of the medium segment 31 from dropping off. For example, the second segment 33 may include a shear plug. The shear plug may be disposed on one side facing the first segment 32. In one embodiment, the shear plug can prevent the medium from detaching from the outside and prevent the aerosol liquefied from the medium segment during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the shear plug may be manufactured from acetyl cellulose. For example, the shear plug may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to acetyl cellulose tow. In one embodiment, the cross section of the filament constituting the shear plug may be Y-shaped. In one embodiment, the shear plug may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be manufactured in various ways.

[0098] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article 3 can be packaged by at least one bellows 34, 35. In one embodiment, the bellows 34, 35 include an inner wrapper 34 and an outer wrapper 35. In one embodiment, the inner wrapper 34 may surround at least a part of the side surfaces of the first segment 32 and the second segment 33. In one embodiment, the inner wrapper 34 includes a first inner wrapper 341 surrounding at least a part of the second segment 33 and a second inner wrapper 342 surrounding at least a part of the first segment 32. In one embodiment, the inner wrapper 34 may be a porous wrapper or a non-porous wrapper. Further, the inner wrapper 34 may be made of oil-resistant paper and / or an aluminum composite paper wrapper. In one embodiment, the outer wrapper 35 surrounds the outermost contour of the side surface 3c of the aerosol generating article 3 so that the shape of the aerosol generating article 3 can be maintained. In one embodiment, the outer wrapper 35 includes a first wrapper 351 surrounding at least a part of the second segment 33 and a second wrapper 352 surrounding at least a part of the first segment 32. The outer wrapper 35 can prevent the aerosol generating article 3 from burning. For example, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the substances contained in the medium segment 31, the aerosol generating article 3 burns. In such a case, since the outer wrapper 35 contains a non-combustible substance, the phenomenon of the aerosol generating article 3 burning can be prevented.

[0099] Also, the outer wrapper 35 can prevent the holder from being contaminated by the substances generated by the aerosol generating article 3. Depending on the user's puff, a liquid substance may be generated inside the aerosol generating article 3. For example, the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article 3 may be cooled by the external air to generate a liquid substance (for example, moisture, etc.). By packaging the aerosol generating article 3 with the outer wrapper 35, the liquid substance generated inside the aerosol generating article 3 is prevented from leaking to the outside. In the bellows 34, 35 according to one embodiment, at least one hole (not shown) through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out may be formed.

[0100] FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of a medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of region A of the medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of FIG. 4A.

[0101] In one embodiment, the medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a frame forming unit 110, a medium coating unit 120, an extrusion unit 130, a drying unit 140, and a cutting unit 150.

[0102] In one embodiment, the frame forming unit 110 includes a base substrate 112 and a shaft 114. In one embodiment, the base substrate 112 may form a frame (e.g., frame 312 in FIGS. 3A and 3B) of a medium segment (e.g., medium segment 31 in FIGS. 3A and 3B) of an aerosol generating article (e.g., aerosol generating article 3 in FIGS. 3A and 3B). In one embodiment, the base substrate 112 may be disposed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 114. In one embodiment, the shaft 114 may rotate in one direction (e.g., the direction of the arrow in FIG. 4A). When the shaft 114 according to one embodiment rotates in one direction, the base substrate 112 is continuously wound on the shaft 114. In one embodiment, the shaft 114 may rotate in one direction by a bearing (not shown). In one embodiment, the base substrate 112 may be stored in a state where a substrate continuously extending in one direction is rolled. In one embodiment, the base substrate 112 may be composed of at least one material selected from paper, cellulose, synthetic resin, non-ferrous metal, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the shaft 114 can be composed of a material having high rigidity and strength. For example, the shaft 114 may be composed of at least a part of iron metal, non-ferrous metal, aluminum, or stainless steel. In one embodiment, the shape of the cross section of the shaft 114 (e.g., a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 114) may include at least one of a circular shape, a triangular shape, a quadrangular shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, or a star shape.

[0103] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3B, the medium coating portion 120 includes a container 122 and a nozzle 124. The medium coating portion 120 according to one embodiment can apply a medium to the surface of the frame 312 formed by the frame forming portion 110. Inside the container 122 according to one embodiment, a medium in solid form and a solution in liquid form may be included. The medium and the solution mixed in the container 122 according to one embodiment may be stored in a slurry state. The slurry-like medium has increased viscosity compared to the medium in solid state. In one embodiment, the slurry-like medium is jetted or discharged toward the frame 312 through the nozzle 124. In one embodiment, since the frame 312 rotates in one direction together with the shaft 114 while being fixed to the outer surface of the shaft 114, the medium jetted or discharged through the nozzle 124 can be evenly applied to the outer surface of the frame 312. In one embodiment, the slurry-like medium evenly applied to the outer surface of the frame 312 can form the medium portion 314 of the medium segment 31.

[0104] In one embodiment, the extrusion portion 130 can press the medium so that the slurry-like medium applied to the outer surface of the frame 312 adheres smoothly to the frame 312. In one embodiment, the extrusion portion 130 is formed adjacent to the medium coating portion 120. In one embodiment, the extrusion portion 130 may be formed to protrude with a device including the container 122 and the nozzle 124 of the medium coating portion 120. In one embodiment, the extrusion portion 130 may be formed to surround the periphery of the shaft 114. In one embodiment, the extrusion portion 130 includes an inclined element 132. The inclined element 132 according to one embodiment may be formed to incline in the direction toward the shaft 114 by moving in the direction away from the medium coating portion 120. In one embodiment, the medium applied to the frame 312 by the inclined element 132 can be more firmly pressed onto the frame 312 by passing through the extrusion portion 130.

[0105] In one embodiment, the drying unit 140 can dry the extruded medium. The medium passing through the extrusion unit 130 according to one embodiment is firmly adhered to the frame 312, but since the medium is applied in a slurry state in the medium coating unit 120, it is still kept in a wet state. In one embodiment, the drying unit 140 can evaporate the liquid and solidify the slurry-like medium contained in the medium unit 314. In one embodiment, the drying unit 140 includes one or more drying elements 140a. The drying according to one embodiment may be arranged at the lower stage or both side portions of the shaft 114. The drying element 140a according to one embodiment injects dry air toward the shaft 114. The drying element 140a according to one embodiment can apply direct heat to the shaft 114. The drying element 140a according to one embodiment includes two or more drying elements 140a, and the plurality of drying elements 140a may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 114.

[0106] In one embodiment, the cutting unit 150 can cut the medium segment 31 to a specific length. In one embodiment, the cutting unit 150 may include a blade-shaped cutting element. In one embodiment, the cutting unit 150 may move toward the shaft 114 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 114 at preset time intervals. In one embodiment, the medium segment 31 cut by the cutting unit 150 may be included as a component of the aerosol generating article (for example, the aerosol generating article 3 in FIG. 3A).

[0107] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method S for manufacturing a medium segment (for example, the medium segment 31 in FIG. 3A) of an aerosol generating article (for example, the aerosol generating article 3 in FIG. 3A) according to one embodiment.

[0108] In one embodiment, the method S for manufacturing a medium segment includes step S1 of forming a frame (for example, the frame 312 in FIGS. 3A and / or 3B), step S2 of applying a slurry-like medium to the frame 312, step S3 of compressing and extracting the medium applied to the frame 312, step S4 of drying the medium applied to the frame 312, and step S5 of cutting the medium segment (for example, the medium segment 31 in FIG. 3A) to a certain length.

[0109] In one embodiment, step S1 of forming the frame 312 consists of a frame forming part (for example, the frame forming part 110 in FIG. 4A) of an apparatus (for example, the medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 in FIG. 4A) for manufacturing the medium segment 31 of an aerosol generating article (for example, the aerosol generating article 3 in FIG. 3A). In one embodiment, step S1 of forming the frame 312 may form a frame (for example, the frames 312 in FIGS. 3A and 3B) of a medium segment (for example, the medium segments 31 in FIGS. 3A and 3B) of an aerosol generating article (for example, the aerosol generating articles 3 in FIGS. 3A and 3B). In one embodiment, the base substrate (for example, the base substrate 112 in FIG. 4A) may be disposed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shaft (for example, the shaft 114 in FIG. 4A). In one embodiment, the shaft 114 may rotate in one direction. Due to the rotation of the shaft 114 according to one embodiment in one direction, the base substrate 112 is continuously wound on the shaft 114. In one embodiment, the shaft 114 may rotate in one direction by a bearing (not shown). In one embodiment, the base substrate 112 may be stored in a state where a base material continuously extending in one direction is rolled. In one embodiment, the base substrate 112 may be composed of at least one material among paper, cellulose, synthetic resin, non-ferrous metal, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the shaft 114 is composed of a material having high rigidity and strength. For example, the shaft 114 may be composed of at least a part of ferrous metal, non-ferrous metal, aluminum, or stainless steel.

[0110] FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of the frame formation step S1 of the method for manufacturing a medium segment according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the step S1 of forming a frame includes a step T1 of supplying a base substrate obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the shaft, a step T2 of winding the base substrate around the outer surface of the shaft, and a step T3 of bonding the overlapping regions of the base substrate.

[0111] In one embodiment, the step S2 of applying the slurry-like medium to the frame 312 consists of the medium coating section 120 of the apparatus for manufacturing the medium segment 31 (for example, the medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 in FIG. 4A). The step S2 of applying the slurry-like medium according to an embodiment applies the medium to the surface of the frame 312 formed by the frame forming section (for example, the frame forming section 110 in FIG. 4A). The interior of a container according to an embodiment (for example, the container 122 in FIG. 4B) may contain a medium in solid form and a solution in liquid form. The medium and solution mixed in the container 122 according to an embodiment may be stored in a slurry state. The slurry-like medium has increased viscosity compared to the medium in solid state. In one embodiment, the slurry-like medium is injected or discharged toward the frame 312 through a nozzle (for example, the nozzle 124 in FIG. 4B). In one embodiment, since the frame 312 is fixed to the outer surface of the shaft (for example, the shaft 114 in FIGS. 4A and / or 4B) and rotates in one direction together with the shaft 114, the medium injected or discharged through the nozzle 124 can be evenly applied to the outer surface of the frame 312. In one embodiment, the slurry-like medium evenly applied to the outer surface of the frame 312 can form the medium portion (for example, the medium portion 314 in FIGS. 3A to 4B) of the medium segment (for example, the medium segment 31 in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and / or 4A).

[0112] In one embodiment, step S3 of compressing and extracting the medium applied to the frame 312 consists of the extrusion part 130 of an apparatus for manufacturing the medium segment 31 (for example, the medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 in FIG. 4A). In one embodiment, step S3 of compressing and extracting the medium applied to the frame 312 can crimp the medium so that the slurry-like medium applied to the outer surface of the frame 312 adheres smoothly to the frame 312. In one embodiment, the medium applied to the frame 312 via step S3 of compressing and extracting the medium can be firmly crimped by the frame 312.

[0113] In one embodiment, step S4 of drying the medium applied to the frame 312 consists of the drying part 140 of an apparatus for manufacturing the medium segment (for example, the medium segment 31 in FIGS. 3A, 3B and / or 4A) (for example, the medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 in FIG. 4A). Although the medium that has undergone step S3 of compressing and extracting the medium according to one embodiment is firmly crimped to the frame 312, since the medium is applied in a slurry state in step S2 of applying the medium to the frame, it can still be held in a wet state. In one embodiment, step S4 of drying the medium evaporates the liquid with the slurry-like medium contained in the medium part (for example, the medium part 314 in FIGS. 3A to 4B) and solidifies it.

[0114] In one embodiment, step S5 of cutting the medium segment 31 to a specific length consists of the cutting part 150 of an apparatus for manufacturing the medium segment 31 (for example, the medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 in FIG. 4A). The step of cutting the medium segment 31 according to one embodiment activates the cutting operation at preset time intervals. In one embodiment, the medium segment 31 cut by step S5 of cutting the medium segment 31 to a specific length may be included as a component of an aerosol generating article (for example, the aerosol generating article 3 in FIG. 3A).

[0115] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those having ordinary knowledge in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described technology may be executed in an order different from the described method, and / or the components such as the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. may be combined or assembled in a form different from the described method, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents, and appropriate results can still be achieved.

[0116] Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is defined by equivalents such as those equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating article, comprising a first end face, a second end face opposite to the first end face, a side face formed between the first end face and the second end face, a medium segment, a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment is disposed downstream of the medium segment, and the second segment is disposed upstream of the medium segment, wherein the medium segment comprises a cylindrical frame and a medium portion surrounding an outer surface of the frame, and the medium portion is exposed to the outside through the side face of the aerosol generating article. An aerosol generating article.

2. An apparatus for manufacturing a medium segment included in the aerosol generating article according to Claim 1, comprising a base substrate included in the frame and a shaft that rotates so that the base substrate is wound obliquely, a frame forming portion that forms the frame, a medium coating portion that applies a medium to the frame formed by the frame forming portion, an extrusion portion that crimps the applied medium to the frame, a drying portion that dries the extruded medium, a cutting portion that cuts the medium segment to a specific length, and a medium segment manufacturing apparatus.

3. The medium coating portion comprises a container containing a slurry-like medium, a nozzle connected to the container and supplying the medium to the frame, and a medium segment manufacturing apparatus according to Claim 2.

4. A method for manufacturing a medium segment of the aerosol generating article according to Claim 1, comprising a step of forming the frame, a step of applying a slurry-type medium to the frame, a step of compressing and extracting the medium applied to the frame, a step of drying the slurry medium applied to the frame, and a medium segment manufacturing method.

5. The step of forming the frame comprises a step of supplying a base substrate obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the shaft, a step of winding the base substrate around an outer surface of the shaft, a step of adhering an overlapping region of the base substrate, and a medium segment manufacturing method according to Claim 4.

6. The medium segment manufacturing method according to Claim 5, wherein the base substrate is composed of at least one of paper, cellulose, or a combination thereof.

7. The method for manufacturing a medium segment according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the shape of the shaft cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft includes at least one of circular, triangular, quadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal, and star-shaped.

8. The step of applying the medium to the frame includes supplying a slurry-type medium in a container to a nozzle, and applying the medium from the nozzle to the frame. The method for manufacturing a medium segment according to claim 4.

9. The method for manufacturing a medium segment according to claim 4, further including the step of cutting the medium segment to a certain length.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Apparatus and method for producing semi-finished products intended to form part of a smoker's product

    JP2019509725A

  • Aerosol generating device and cradle for containing same

    JP2020511998A

  • Consumables

    JP2021532773A