Cigarettes and cigarette aerosol generator
The cigarette design with a trumpet and perforations, combined with a heating-based aerosol generating device, addresses the need for alternative aerosol generation methods by providing suitable inhalation resistance and effective smoke cooling.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KT&G CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
There is an increasing demand for alternative methods to generate aerosol in cigarettes through heating instead of burning, and existing technologies face challenges in providing appropriate inhalation resistance and effective cooling of mainstream smoke.
A cigarette design featuring a tobacco rod, a front plug, a filter rod, and a trumpet with perforations, along with an aerosol generating device that includes a heater, vaporizer, and control unit, to manage airflow and cooling.
The design provides appropriate inhalation resistance and effectively cools mainstream smoke to a safe temperature, enhancing the smoking experience.
Smart Images

Figure 2026090667000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a cigarette and an aerosol generating device for a cigarette, and more particularly to a cigarette including a perforation through which air flows into the interior thereof, and an aerosol generating device for a cigarette.
Background Art
[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method in which an aerosol is generated by heating an aerosol generating substance in a cigarette, rather than a method in which an aerosol is generated by burning a cigarette. Accordingly, research on heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.
Summary of the Invention
Means for Solving the Problems
[0003] According to one embodiment, a cigarette may include a tobacco rod; a front plug adjacent to a front end of the tobacco rod; a filter rod adjacent to a rear end of the tobacco rod; and a trumpet including at least one perforation formed in one area to cover and enclose the tobacco rod, the front plug, and the filter rod and through which air flows into the interior thereof.
[0004] According to another embodiment, an aerosol generating device may include a heater for heating a cigarette including a tobacco rod, a filter rod, a front plug adjacent to a front end of the tobacco rod, and a trumpet having a perforation through which air can flow into the interior thereof; a vaporizer for vaporizing a liquid composition to generate an aerosol and transmitting the aerosol into the cigarette through the front plug; and a control unit for controlling operations of the heater and the vaporizer described above.
Advantages of the Invention
[0005] According to one embodiment, the cigarette can provide appropriate inhalation resistance when smoking by including a plug at its front end and a perforation formed in the flank.
[0006] According to one embodiment, the cigarette can cool the mainstream smoke to a safe temperature by including a cooling element and perforations formed in the flared end that encloses the cooling element. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0007] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates an example where a cigarette has been inserted into an aerosol generator. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates an example where a cigarette has been inserted into an aerosol generator. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example where a cigarette has been inserted into an aerosol generator. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating a cigarette according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates a cigarette with a perforation formed in it according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cigarette, illustrating the airflow through the cigarette according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cigarette, illustrating the airflow through the cigarette according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the locations where the temperature of the mainstream smoke and the surface temperature of the cigarette were measured in a cigarette according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0008] According to one embodiment, the cigarette may include a tobacco rod; a front plug adjacent to the front end of the tobacco rod; a filter rod adjacent to the rear end of the tobacco rod; and a flaps that enclose the tobacco rod, the front plug and the filter rod, and include at least one perforation formed in one area to allow air to flow into the interior.
[0009] Furthermore, at least one perforation can reduce the suction resistance increased by the front plug.
[0010] Furthermore, the trumpet includes an inner trumpet and an outer trumpet that encloses the inner trumpet, with at least one perforation formed in the outer trumpet, and the inner trumpet is also made of a porous material.
[0011] Additionally, at least one perforation is positioned along the circumferential direction of the flared section.
[0012] Additionally, at least one perforation is formed in a region that covers the tobacco rod of the trumpet.
[0013] Additionally, at least one perforation is formed in a region that covers the filter rod of the trumpet.
[0014] Furthermore, the filter rod contains a hollow space through which air can flow, and the inner diameter of the filter rod is 2.0 mm to 4.5 mm.
[0015] Furthermore, the filter rods are also made from PLA (polylactide) material.
[0016] In addition, at least one perforation is formed in the trumpet at a position 15 mm to 22 mm away from the rear end of the filter rod.
[0017] Furthermore, when a portion of a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device that includes a heater for heating the tobacco rod, at least one perforation may be located in the other portion.
[0018] The filter rod may also include a first segment for aerosol cooling, and a second segment adjacent to the rear end of the first segment for filtering predetermined components within the aerosol.
[0019] Further, the filter rod may contain a flavoring agent inside it.
[0020] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a heater for heating a cigarette including a tobacco rod, a filter rod, a front plug adjacent to the front end of the tobacco rod, and a trumpet having a perforation through which air can flow in; a vaporizer for vaporizing a liquid composition to generate an aerosol and transmitting the aerosol into the cigarette through the front plug; and a control unit for controlling the operations of the heater and the vaporizer.
[0021] The terms used in this embodiment are selected as general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the present invention. However, they may also vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant. In that case, the meaning thereof is described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should not be defined simply by the names of the terms, but should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.
[0022] Throughout the specification, when a part includes a certain component, it means that, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other components and may further include other components. 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 by hardware or software, or also by a combination of hardware and software.
[0023] Throughout this specification, "aerosol-generating article" means a substance capable of generating aerosols, such as tobacco (cigarettes) and cigars. The aerosol-generating article may contain an aerosol-generating substance or an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may also contain a solid substance based on tobacco raw materials, such as flat tobacco leaves, shredded tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco. The aerosol may contain volatile compounds.
[0024] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "upstream" or "forward" means the direction away from the mouth of the user inhaling the aerosol-generating article, and "downstream" or "backward" means the direction closer to the mouth of the user inhaling the aerosol-generating article.
[0025] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that they can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art in which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention can be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.
[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0027] Figures 1 through 3 illustrate an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generator.
[0028] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. A cigarette 3 may also be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 1.
[0029] The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 illustrates the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person skilled in the art related to this embodiment will understand that, in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 to 3, other general-purpose components may also be included in the aerosol generator 1.
[0030] Furthermore, although Figures 2 and 3 illustrate that the aerosol generator 1 includes a heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if necessary.
[0031] Figure 1 shows the battery 11, control unit 12, and heater 13 arranged in a line. Figure 2 shows the battery 11, control unit 12, vaporizer 14, and heater 13 arranged in a line. Figure 3 shows the vaporizer 14 and heater 13 arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to what is shown in Figures 1 to 3. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.
[0032] When a cigarette 3 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 can activate the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the cigarette 3.
[0033] If necessary, the aerosol generator 1 can heat the heater 13 even when the cigarette 3 is not inserted into the aerosol generator 1.
[0034] The battery 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. The battery 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1.
[0035] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, heater 13, and vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether or not the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.
[0036] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. This processor can also be represented by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it can also be represented by other forms of hardware.
[0037] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette 3 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 13 is located outside the cigarette 3. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette 3.
[0038] The heater 13 is also an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 includes an electrical conductive track, and the heater 13 can be heated by the flow of current through the electrical conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and is open to any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be one already set in the aerosol generator 1, or it may be set to a temperature desired by the user.
[0039] On the other hand, as another example, heater 13 is also an induction heater. Specifically, heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette 3 by induction heating, and cigarette 3 may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.
[0040] For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and depending on the form of the heating element, the inside or outside of the cigarette 3 can be heated.
[0041] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may have multiple heaters 13. In this case, the multiple heaters 13 may be positioned both inside and outside the cigarette 3. Also, some of the multiple heaters 13 may be positioned inside the cigarette 3, while the rest are positioned outside the cigarette 3. Moreover, the shape of the heaters 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 3, but can be manufactured in a variety of shapes.
[0042] The vaporizer 14 can heat the liquid composition and generate an aerosol, which passes through the cigarette 3 and is also transmitted to the user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can travel along the airflow passage of the aerosol generator 1, which is also configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette 3 and is transmitted to the user. The vaporizer 14 can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol and release the aerosol toward the cigarette so that the aerosol passes through the cigarette inserted into the cigarette insertion section.
[0043] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For instance, the liquid storage unit, liquid transfer means, and heating element may be included in the aerosol generator 1 as independent modules.
[0044] The liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid storage unit can be manufactured to be detached from and attached to the vaporizer 14, or it can be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.
[0045] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. The fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. The flavoring agents may include components that can provide users with a variety of flavors or aromas. The vitamin mixture may also be a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E, but is not limited to these. The liquid composition may also contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.
[0046] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be a wick made of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramics, but is not limited to these.
[0047] The heating element is an element for heating a liquid composition transmitted by a liquid transmission means. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited to these. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transmission means. The heating element is heated by an electric current supply, and heat is transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol is generated.
[0048] For example, the steam generator 14 is also called a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to these terms.
[0049] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generator 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may be constructed in such a way that external air flows in and internal gas flows out even when a cigarette 3 is inserted.
[0050] Although not shown in Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generator 1 can also be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.
[0051] Cigarette 3 is similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, cigarette 3 can be divided into a tobacco rod 31 containing tobacco material and aerosol-generating material, and a filter rod 32 containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the filter rod 32 of cigarette 3 may also contain aerosol-generating material. For example, aerosol-generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may also be included in the second part.
[0052] The entire tobacco rod 31 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, and the filter rod 32 is exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the tobacco rod 31 may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1, or the entire tobacco rod 31 and a portion of the filter rod 32 may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol with the filter rod 32 in their mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated when outside air passes through the tobacco rod 31, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth through the filter rod 32.
[0053] As an example, outside air may flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generator 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generator 1, and / or the size of the air passage, can also be adjusted by the user. This allows the amount of atomization, the smoking sensation, etc., to be adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air may also flow into the cigarette 3 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 3.
[0054] The following example of a cigarette will be explained with reference to Figure 4.
[0055] Referring to Figure 4, the cigarette 3 includes a tobacco rod 31, a filter rod 32, and a front plug 33. The tobacco rod 31 contains tobacco material and aerosol-generating material. The tobacco material is also tobacco leaves (tobacco).
[0056] The filter rod 32 can be adjacent to the rear end of the tobacco rod 31. The filter rod 32 may also be composed of a single segment or multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 for cooling the aerosol and a second segment 322 for filtering predetermined components contained in the aerosol.
[0057] The front plug 33 can be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 can be adjacent to the front end of the tobacco rod 31. The front plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside and can prevent liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod 31 from flowing into the aerosol generator 1 (Figures 1 to 3) during smoking.
[0058] The cigarette 3 is also wrapped by at least one flap 35. The flap 35 can cover and enclose the cigarette 3. For example, the front plug 33 may be wrapped by a first flap 351, the tobacco rod 31 by a second flap 352, the first segment 321 by a third flap 353, and the second segment 322 by a fourth flap 354. The entire cigarette 3 may then be re-wrapped by a fifth flap 355. The fifth flap 355 is also an outer flap, and the first flap 351, second flap 352, third flap 353, and fourth flap 354, which are covered by the fifth flap 355, are also inner flap.
[0059] The diameter of cigarette 3 is in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length is approximately 48 mm, but is not limited to these dimensions. For example, the length of the front plug 33 is approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is approximately 14 mm, but is not limited to these dimensions.
[0060] The tobacco rod 31 may contain, but is not limited to, at least one of the aerosol-generating substances glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 31 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant can be added to the tobacco rod 31 by spraying it.
[0061] The tobacco rod 31 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 31 can be manufactured as a sheet or as a strand. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 31 can be manufactured as shredded tobacco, where the tobacco sheet is finely cut. The tobacco rod 31 can also be covered with a heat-conducting material. For example, this heat-conducting material can be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 32. For example, the filter rod 32 can be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod with a hollow interior. The filter rod 32 can also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 32 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.
[0062] The following describes each segment of the filter rod 32 in detail.
[0063] The first segment 321 of the filter rod 32 can cool the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 31. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.
[0064] The length or diameter of the first segment 321 is also determined in various ways by the form of the cigarette 3. For example, the length of the first segment 321 can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the first segment 321 may be about 14 mm, but is not limited to that.
[0065] According to one embodiment, the first segment 321 of the filter rod 32 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment 321 is also a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment 321, it is possible to prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 210 from being pushed backward, and an aerosol cooling effect is also generated. The diameter of the hollow contained in the first segment 321 can be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.
[0066] In another embodiment, the first segment 321 may also be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a fragrance solution may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the first segment 321 may be made by weaving together a separate fiber coated with a fragrance solution and a polymer fiber. Alternatively, the first segment 321 may also be formed from a wound polymer sheet. This may increase the surface area in contact with the aerosol. Thus, the aerosol cooling effect of the cooling structure 830 is further improved.
[0067] For example, polymers can also be made from materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA: polylactide), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.
[0068] Since the first segment 321 is formed from woven polymer fibers or a wound polymer sheet, the first segment 321 may include one or more longitudinally extended channels, where the channels represent passages through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.
[0069] On the other hand, the first segment 321 may contain a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited to it. The second segment 322 of the filter rod 32 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the second segment 322 can be appropriately set within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm or about 12 mm, but is not limited to these.
[0070] The second segment 322 can also be made from cellulose acetate. During the process of making the second segment 322, it can also be made so that flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the second segment 322. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid can be inserted into the interior of the second segment 322. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 31 is cooled by passing through the first segment 321, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user via the second segment 322. Therefore, if a flavoring element is added to the second segment 322, the persistence of the flavor transmitted to the user may be enhanced.
[0071] The front plug 33 may also be made of cellulose acetate. Furthermore, if necessary, the front plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be varied.
[0072] The following will provide a detailed explanation of Trumpet 35.
[0073] The first flaps 351 are also made by bonding a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to a general filter paper. The second flaps 352 and third flaps 353 are also made from general filter paper. For example, the second flaps 352 and third flaps 353 can be porous or non-porous paper.
[0074] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a cigarette with a perforation formed in it according to one embodiment.
[0075] At least one perforation 36 may be formed in the flared end 35. Through the perforation 36 formed in the flared end 35, air from outside the cigarette 3 may flow into the cigarette 3.
[0076] The location where the perforations 36 are formed can vary. For example, perforations 36 can also be formed in the fifth flaps 355. Air flowing in through the fifth flaps 355 passes through the inner flaps that the fifth flaps 355 encloses and flows into the cigarette 3.
[0077] Referring to Figure 5(a), for example, the perforations 36 are also formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31. Referring to Figure 5(b), another example is that the perforations 36 are also formed in the region surrounding the filter rod 32. Specifically, the perforations 36 are also formed in the region surrounding the first segment 321. In this case, the air flowing in through the perforations 36 can cool the heated air passing through the tobacco rod 31 before it reaches the user opening, thereby cooling the surface of the filter rod 32.
[0078] The perforations 36 are also formed at positions 12 mm to 24 mm, preferably 15 mm to 22 mm, away from the rear end of the filter rod 32. For example, at least one of the following positions is formed at a distance of approximately 15 mm, 20 mm, and 22 mm away from the rear end of the filter rod 32.
[0079] The perforations 36 are also formed along the outer surface of the trumpet 35, and each perforation 36 is formed at regular intervals along the outer surface. The diameter of the perforations 36 is 0.02 mm to 0.08 mm, and for example, 0.05 mm.
[0080] The formation of the perforations 36 along the outer surface of the flaps 35 increases the number of channels through which air can flow. Furthermore, the formation of the other perforation 36 in the opposite direction to one of the other perforations 36 facilitates airflow between the two perforations 36 through the inside of the cigarette 3. This reduces suction resistance.
[0081] Furthermore, by allowing air to flow in from multiple directions through the perforations 36 formed along the outer surface of the trumpet 35, the air inflow is balanced in multiple directions.
[0082] This ensures that the air circulation effect within the cigarette 3 due to air inflow is equal in the direction surrounding the horn 35. Consequently, the cooling of the main smoke is uniform at each point on the outer circumference of the horn 35.
[0083] The number of perforations 36 can vary. For example, three perforations 36 may be formed, or nine perforations 36 may be formed. In this case, the separation distance between each perforation 36 may be constant, or it may follow a certain pattern, or they may be formed by different separation distances.
[0084] Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cigarette, illustrating the airflow through the cigarette according to one embodiment.
[0085] Referring to Figure 6, the front end of the cigarette is equipped with a front plug, and a perforation is also formed in the flank. For convenience, the illustration shows the perforation formed in one region of the flank opposite the first flank that encloses the tobacco rod 31, but the contents described later also apply when the perforation is formed in other regions.
[0086] When a user smokes using the cigarette 3, air flows into the cigarette 3 through the front plug 33, then carries the generated aerosol through the tobacco rod 31, and reaches the user's mouth via the first segment 321 and second segment 322 of the filter rod 32.
[0087] During a user's puff, the degree of suction resistance to the airflow determines the amount of air inhaled in one puff, the time the air remains in the tobacco rod 31, the time the air remains in the first segment 321, and the amount of aerosol contained in the air. Therefore, this suction resistance is an important factor that must be considered when designing the cigarette 3.
[0088] Regarding suction resistance, the front plug and perforation are complementary. For example, the more the front plug increases suction resistance, the more the perforation is formed and the lower the suction resistance becomes. To give another example, the more the perforation is formed and the lower the suction resistance becomes, the more the front plug is coupled and the higher the suction resistance becomes.
[0089] Specifically, the front plug 33 positioned at the front end of the cigarette 3 reduces the airflow cross-sectional area into the cigarette 3, thereby reducing the amount of incoming air and increasing the suction resistance during smoking. The amount of suction resistance reduced by the front plug 33 also varies depending on the shape of the front plug 33. For example, if the front plug 33 is a hollow tube, the smaller its inner diameter, the greater the suction resistance. Alternatively, the longer the front plug 33, the greater the suction resistance.
[0090] On the other hand, when the user takes a puff, the air that flows into the cigarette 3 through the perforation 36 and the flaps 35 can merge with the air that flows in through the front plug 33 inside the cigarette 3.
[0091] The formation of the perforation 36 in the flared end 35 allows air to flow in through the side of the cigarette 3, thus increasing the incoming airflow and decreasing the suction resistance.
[0092] The effect of perforations 36 on reducing suction resistance varies depending on factors such as the number, shape, and size of the perforations 36. For example, the more perforations 36 there are, the greater the reduction in suction resistance. Also, the larger the size of the perforations 36, the greater the reduction in suction resistance.
[0093] On the other hand, the extent to which the front plug 33, determined by the designed values, increases the suction resistance is relatively greater than the extent to which the perforation 36 reduces the suction resistance.
[0094] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the airflow through a cigarette according to one embodiment.
[0095] Referring to Figure 7, the front end of the cigarette 3 is equipped with a front plug 33, and the perforation 36 is also formed in one region of the trumpet 35 that covers the first segment 321. For example, the perforation 36 is also formed in the fifth trumpet 355.
[0096] During puffing, air can flow into the first segment 321 through the perforation 36, the fifth flaps 355 and the first flaps 351. The air flowing in through the perforation 36 can merge in the first segment 321 with the main stream of smoke that flows downstream through the front plug 33 and the tobacco rod 31.
[0097] The air flowing in through the perforations 36 is external air, while the mainstream smoke is heated. Therefore, the air flowing in through the perforations 36 is at a lower temperature than the mainstream smoke. This cools the mainstream smoke. As a result, the temperature of the mainstream smoke reaching the user's mouth, and the surface temperature of the filter rod 32 that comes into contact with the user's hand, can be cooled to a safe temperature.
[0098] The perforation 36 is also formed in a position that is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generator 1 when a portion of the cigarette 3, including the tobacco rod 31, is inserted into the aerosol generator 1. When the cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator, the front plug, tobacco rod, and a portion of the filter rod are located inside the device, while the other portion of the filter rod is outside the device. The perforation is exposed to the outside by being located at the rear end of the external extension line A-A' of the device. This allows outside air that is not heated by the heater to flow in through the perforation 36, improving the cooling effect on the mainstream smoke.
[0099] As mentioned above, the first segment 321 is configured to cool the mainstream smoke and is either a hollow tube or made of PLA material. If the first segment 321 is a tube with an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the front plug 33, the mainstream smoke diffuses through the front plug 33 into the first segment 321. As the mainstream smoke diffuses, its deflection in the downstream direction is reduced, increasing the contact area and contact time between the outside air flowing in through the perforation 36 and the diffused mainstream smoke. This improves the cooling effect of the mainstream smoke.
[0100] As a result, the mainstream smoke passes through the first segment 321 and is cooled not only by the hollow shape or PLA material of the first segment 321, but also by the external air flowing into the perforation 36, further enhancing the cooling effect.
[0101] As explained with reference to Figure 6, the adjustment of suction resistance by the front plug 33 and the perforation 36 also applies when, as shown in Figure 7, the perforation 36 is formed in a region of the trumpet that covers the first segment 321.
[0102] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the locations where the temperature of the mainstream smoke and the surface temperature of the cigarette were measured in a cigarette according to one embodiment. Figure 8(a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cigarette, and Figure 8(b) is a perspective view of the cigarette. The perforation 36 can be located in a region of the trumpet that covers the first segment 321.
[0103] Table 1 shows the data obtained by measuring the cooling effect of the perforations 36, including the mainstream smoke and the surface temperature of the cigarette 3. As shown in Figure 8(a), the mainstream smoke temperature was measured in region A1, where the first segment 321 and the second segment 322 are adjacent and the mainstream smoke passes through. As shown in Figure 8(b), the surface temperature was measured in a region A2 in the center of the surface of the second segment 322.
[0104] Data was measured for the following cases: when the first segment 321 is made in a tubular shape with a hollow structure; when the first segment 321 is made of PLA material; and when the first segment 321 is made of PLA material and a perforation 36 is formed in the flaps 35. [Table 1]
[0105] Referring to Table 1, when the first segment 321 is a PLA material filter compared to a tube-type filter, the mainstream smoke is cooled further, and the PLA material filter with perforations 36 formed on it has the best mainstream smoke cooling effect.
[0106] Such cooling effects were found to improve in the following order when comparing the surface temperature of the cigarette 3: when the first segment 321 is a tubular filter, when it is a PLA material filter, and when it is a PLA material with perforations 36 formed on it.
[0107] As a result, the formation of perforations 36 in the trumpet 35 that covers the first segment 321 improves the cooling effect on the mainstream smoke and the surface of the cigarette 3.
[0108] Those skilled in the art in the field relating to this embodiment will understand that it will be embodied in modified forms that do not deviate from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered from an explanatory rather than restrictive viewpoint. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims, not in the foregoing description, and all differences within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the present invention.
Claims
1. Tobacco rod and, The front end plug adjacent to the front end of the aforementioned tobacco rod, A filter rod adjacent to the rear end of the aforementioned tobacco rod, A trumpet that encloses the tobacco rod, the front plug, and the filter rod, and includes at least one perforation formed in one area to prevent air from entering the interior, A cigarette containing [something].
2. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the at least one perforation reduces the suction resistance increased by the front plug.
3. The aforementioned trumpet is, Including an internal bellows and an external bellows that encloses the internal bellows, The at least one perforation is formed in the outer trumpet, The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the internal flaps are made of a porous material.
4. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the at least one perforation is arranged along the circumferential direction of the flaps.
5. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the at least one perforation is formed in a region of the trumpet that covers the tobacco rod.
6. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the at least one perforation is formed in a region of the trumpet that covers the filter rod.
7. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the filter rod includes a hollow space through which air can flow, and the inner diameter of the filter rod is 2.0 mm to 4.5 mm.
8. The aforementioned filter rod is A cigarette according to claim 1, made of PLA (polylactide) material.
9. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the at least one perforation is formed in the trumpet at a position 15 mm to 22 mm forward from the rear end of the filter rod.
10. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein when a portion of the cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device including a heater for heating the tobacco rod, the at least one perforation is located in the other portion.
11. A heater for heating a cigarette, which includes a tobacco rod, a filter rod, a front plug adjacent to the front end of the tobacco rod, and a trumpet with a perforation formed inside into which air can flow. A vaporizer that vaporizes a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and transmits the aerosol inside the cigarette lighter via the front plug, A control unit that controls the operation of the heater and the steamer, Aerosol generating device containing [aerosols].