Method for manufacturing tobacco medium

Abstract

A method for producing a tobacco medium includes the steps of: providing a papermaking plate-shaped leaf containing a tobacco concentrate; and treating the papermaking plate-shaped leaf with a pH adjusting solution until the moisture content of the papermaking plate-shaped leaf is 9% to 12% by weight relative to the total weight of the papermaking plate-shaped leaf, wherein the pH adjusting solution contains potassium carbonate (K2CO3) and water, and the amount of potassium carbonate added relative to the total weight of the tobacco concentrate is 8% to 14% by weight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for manufacturing a tobacco medium, and more particularly, to a method for manufacturing a tobacco medium using a paper-like plate-shaped leaf.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the demand for technologies to replace the method of supplying an aerosol for burning a general cigarette has been increasing. For example, research has been conducted on methods such as generating an aerosol from a liquid or solid aerosol product substance, or generating a vapor from a liquid aerosol product substance and then passing the generated vapor through a solid fragrance medium to supply a fragrant aerosol.

[0003] Therefore, there is an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol product substance using an aerosol generating device. In recent years, methods for generating an aerosol by low-temperature heating or non-heating have emerged. Research has been actively conducted to improve nicotine transfer even during low-temperature heating or non-heating.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As an example of manufacturing a tobacco medium, there is a method using a plate-shaped leaf. In the manufacturing process, a pH adjustment solution (for example, a mixture of water and potassium carbonate) is treated on the plate-shaped leaf, but the plate-shaped leaf may aggregate in this process. Setting the moisture content of the plate-shaped leaf to what extent is important in preventing the plate-shaped leaf from aggregating.

[0005] On the other hand, the available moisture limit in the platy leaves (e.g., a moisture content set by the user) is important. This is because the pH adjustment solution contains water, and a higher moisture limit allows for processing more of the pH adjustment solution. Further increasing the pH of the platy leaves to produce the tobacco medium may ultimately increase the amount of nicotine transferred to the aerosol product containing the tobacco medium.

[0006] Therefore, it is important to use plate-like leaves made of a material that allows for a high water content while preventing aggregation of the leaves during treatment with the pH adjustment solution.

[0007] The example provides a method for producing a tobacco medium by treating papermaking plate-shaped leaves with a pH-adjusting solution.

[0008] The problems that the embodiments aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong, based on this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A method for producing a tobacco medium according to one embodiment includes the steps of: providing a papermaking plate-shaped leaf containing a tobacco concentrate; and treating the papermaking plate-shaped leaf with a pH adjusting solution until the moisture content of the papermaking plate-shaped leaf is 9% to 12% by weight relative to the total weight of the papermaking plate-shaped leaf, wherein the pH adjusting solution contains potassium carbonate (K2CO3) and water, and the amount of potassium carbonate added relative to the total weight of the tobacco concentrate may be 8% to 14% by weight.

[0010] An aerosol product according to one embodiment may include a front plug for introducing outside air into the aerosol product, a medium portion containing a tobacco medium according to one embodiment, and a filter portion positioned opposite the front plug with respect to the medium portion.

[0011] An aerosol generation system according to one embodiment includes an aerosol product according to one embodiment, and an aerosol generation device including a storage section for storing the aerosol generating substance, a containment section for housing the aerosol product, and a heating section for heating the aerosol generating substance. The primary aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating substance by the heating section flows into the front plug of the aerosol product housed in the containment section. As the primary aerosol passes through the aerosol product, a secondary aerosol is generated from the aerosol product due to the temperature of the primary aerosol, and the primary and secondary aerosols are mixed and can be inhaled by the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the method for producing a tobacco medium described in the examples, the amount of nicotine transferred to the aerosol product to which the tobacco medium is applied can be improved.

[0013] Furthermore, the method for producing the tobacco medium according to the examples can reduce the cost of producing the tobacco medium.

[0014] The effects relating to the examples are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the examples belong, based on this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This disclosure shows aerosol generation systems according to various embodiments. [Figure 2] This disclosure shows aerosol generation systems according to various embodiments. [Figure 3] This disclosure shows aerosol generation systems according to various embodiments. [Figure 4] This figure shows an aerosol product containing a medium portion having two segments according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol product according to one embodiment, taken from the XX' direction after cutting it in the longitudinal direction. [Figure 5B] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol product according to one embodiment, taken from the XX' direction after cutting it in the longitudinal direction. [Figure 5C] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol product according to one embodiment, taken from the XX' direction after cutting it in the longitudinal direction. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows a method for producing a tobacco medium according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected as widely used and general terms as possible, taking into account the function of the present invention, although this may change depending on the intent of the articulators, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must not be merely names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0017] Throughout this specification, when a part is said to "include" a component, this means, unless otherwise stated, that it may include other components rather than excluding them. Furthermore, as used herein, terms such as "part" and "module" mean a unit that performs at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or software, or in combination of hardware and software.

[0018] As used herein, when expressions such as “at least one” precede a sequence of components, they modify the entire sequence of components, rather than each individual component. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” must be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0019] In addition, when explaining the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of related known technologies makes the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification unclear, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and it should be understood that all modifications, equivalents or alternatives included in the idea and technical scope of this disclosure are included.

[0020] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second can be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the above terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0021] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, or there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it must be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0022] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly has a different meaning.

[0023] Hereinafter, referring to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. Regardless of the reference numbers, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numbers, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0024] The present disclosure may be implemented in the forms realizable in the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented and carried out in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification.

[0025] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0026] Figures 1 to 3 show aerosol generation systems according to various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0027] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generation system 3 can include an aerosol generating device 1 and an aerosol product 2.

[0028] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a cartridge 19. At least one of the power supply 11, the control unit 12, and the sensor 13 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator.

[0029] The body 10 can provide an upwardly opening space into which a stick 2, which is an aerosol product, can be inserted. The upwardly opening space can be referred to as the insertion space. The insertion space may be formed as a recess toward the interior of the body 10 to a predetermined depth, such that at least a portion of the stick 2 can be inserted. In this case, another housing (not shown) may be located in the recessed portion of the body 10. The housing may include the insertion space, and the stick 2 may be housed in the housing. The depth of the insertion space can correspond to the length of the region in the stick 2 that contains the aerosol-producing material and / or medium.

[0030] The lower end of the stick 2 is inserted into the body 10, and the upper end of the stick 2 may protrude to the outside of the body 10. The user can bite the exposed upper end of the stick 2 in their mouth and inhale air.

[0031] Cartridge 19 may contain an aerosol-generating substance having one of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0032] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, a solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or a vitamin mixture. 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 be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. The liquid composition may also contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0033] The cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10, or it may be detachably attached to the body 10. For example, the cartridge 19 may be attached to the body 10 by being inserted into the body 10. However, it is not limited to this, and it may be fixed in place so that it cannot be attached or detached by the user.

[0034] On the other hand, in the aerosol generating device 1, the remaining components excluding the cartridge 19 can be referred to as the main body. According to this definition, the main body includes a power supply 11, a control unit 12, and a sensor 13, and the cartridge 19 can be detachably connected to the main body.

[0035] The cartridge 19 may be attached to the body 10 with the aerosol-generating substance contained inside. However, it is not limited to this, and the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge 19 while the cartridge 19 is coupled to the body 10.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, the cartridge 19 is integrally formed with the body 10 and can communicate with the insertion space via an airflow channel (CN).

[0037] Referring to Figure 2, a space is formed on one side of the body 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 can be inserted into the space formed on one side of the body 10, thereby allowing the cartridge 19 to be attached to the body 10. An airflow channel (CN) may be defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the body 10, and the cartridge 19 can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN).

[0038] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 1 has its components arranged in a single line. In the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 2, the cartridge 19 and the stick 2 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to what is shown. In other words, the arrangement of the power supply 11, control unit 12, sensor 13 and cartridge 19 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0039] Referring to Figure 3, as shown in Figure 2, the cartridge 19 can be attached to the body 10. In this case, the cartridge 19, which is not the main body, can provide an insertion space. That is, in Figure 3, the stick 2 can be inserted into the inside of the cartridge 19.

[0040] For example, the cartridge 19 may include a storage section, a housing section, and a heating section 24. The main body may include a cartridge coupling section to which the cartridge 19 is detachably coupled. A power supply 11, which is a component of the main body, can supply power to the cartridge 19 coupled to the cartridge coupling section, and a control unit 12, which is a component of the main body, can control the operation of the cartridge 19.

[0041] The body 10 can be formed in such a way that outside air can flow into the body 10 when the cartridge 19 is inserted. At this time, the outside air that flows into the body 10 can pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0042] The cartridge 19 may include a storage section C0 containing an aerosol-generating substance and / or a heating section 24 for heating the aerosol-generating substance in the storage section C0. A liquid transfer means impregnated (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be located inside the storage section C0. Here, the liquid transfer means may include a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, porous ceramics, etc. The conductive track of the heating section 24 may be formed as a coiled structure around which the liquid transfer means is wound or as a structure in contact with one side of the liquid transfer means. The heating section 24 may be referred to as a cartridge heater 24.

[0043] The cartridge 19 can be activated by an electrical or wireless signal transmitted from the body 10, thereby converting the phase of the aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge into a gas phase and generating an aerosol. Here, an aerosol can refer to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance are mixed with air.

[0044] Aerosols can be generated by heating the liquid transfer means and the liquid composition absorbed by it in the heating unit 24. On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 does not include a heater for heating the stick 2, so the stick is not directly heated by a heater or the like (this means it is not heated). However, steam may be generated from the stick as the hot aerosol generated in the heating unit 24 passes through it.

[0045] Therefore, as the aerosol (primary aerosol) generated by the heating unit 24 passes through the stick 2, tobacco material is added to the aerosol, and a secondary aerosol can be generated from the stick 2 by the high-temperature aerosol. The aerosol, which is a mixture of the primary and secondary aerosols with the tobacco material added to it, can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 2.

[0046] On the other hand, the examples are not limited to those in which the heater is omitted. In other examples, the heater can heat the stick at a relatively low temperature to generate an aerosol (this means low-temperature heating).

[0047] The aerosol generator 1 may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably attached to the body 10 so as to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 which is coupled to the body 10. The stick 2 may be inserted into the body 10 through the cap.

[0048] The power supply 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator to operate. The power supply 11 may be referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heating unit 24.

[0049] The control unit 12 can control the operation of the entire aerosol generator. The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, sensor 13, and cartridge 19. The control unit 12 can control the operation of a display, motor, etc., provided in the aerosol generator. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0050] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heating unit 24 so that the operation of the heating unit 24 starts or stops. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 24 and the duration for which power is supplied so that the heating unit 24 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0051] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge sensor, or a cap sensor. For example, sensor 13 can sense at least one of the following: the temperature of the heating unit 24, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the temperature inside and outside the body 10. For example, sensor 13 can sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether or not the stick 2 has been inserted into the insertion space. For example, sensor 13 can sense the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick 2. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether or not the cartridge 19 has been installed. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether or not the cap has been installed.

[0052] In one embodiment, the aerosol product 2 may include a front plug 210, a medium portion 220, and a filter portion 230. The components of the aerosol product 2 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 2.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an aerosol product containing a medium portion having two segments according to one embodiment.

[0054] In one embodiment, the aerosol product 2 may include a front plug 210, a medium section 220, and a filter section 230. Specifically, the front plug 210, the medium section 220, and the filter section 230 may be arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 2. Furthermore, in addition to the components shown in Figure 2, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol product 2.

[0055] In one embodiment, the front plug 210 can introduce outside air into the aerosol product 2. In this disclosure, if the aerosol product 2 is a non-heated aerosol product, the front plug 210 can introduce an aerosol generated by another component (e.g., a cartridge 19 containing a liquid composition) into the aerosol product 2 as outside air. Specifically, the primary aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material by a heating unit (e.g., the heating unit 24 in Figure 1) can flow into the upper plug of the aerosol product housed in the containment unit.

[0056] In one embodiment, the front plug 210 may include one of an acetate filter made of cellulose acetate tow and a paper filter made of paper. In this case, if the front plug 210 includes an acetate filter made of cellulose acetate tow, the front plug 210 may be manufactured to generate flavor.

[0057] For example, if the front plug 210 includes an acetate filter, a flavoring liquid containing a flavoring substance may be sprayed onto the acetate filter, and another fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be included inside the acetate filter. In another example, if the front plug 210 includes an acetate filter, the acetate filter may include a capsule containing a flavoring substance.

[0058] Flavoring substances may include, but are not limited to, menthol.

[0059] For example, flavoring substances may include, but are not limited to, menthol. Flavoring substances may also include botanical flavorings such as cinnamon, sage, herbs, chamomile, mimosa, sweet tea, lavender, bergamot, lemon, orange, cinnamon, jasmine, ginger, vanilla, spearmint, peppermint, acacia, coffee, celery, sandalwood, and cocoa.

[0060] Other examples include flavorings such as animal-derived fragrances like musk, ambergris, civet, and castoreum.

[0061] Other examples include flavoring substances that are alcoholic compounds such as geraniol, linalool, anethole, and eugenol. Flavoring substances that are aldehyde compounds such as vanillin, benzaldehyde, and anisaldehyde. Flavoring substances that are ester compounds such as isoamyl acetate, linalyl acetate, isoamyl propionate, and linalyl butyrate.

[0062] In one embodiment, the medium portion 220 may contain a tobacco medium. In this case, the tobacco medium may contain plate-like leaves. Plate-like leaves (reconstituted tobacco leaves), along with tobacco leaves and flavorings, are important elements that determine the taste and composition of tobacco.

[0063] The plate-shaped leaves can be sorted into slurry type and papermaking type depending on the manufacturing method. In this disclosure, the tobacco medium constituting the medium section 220 can be manufactured using "papermaking type plate-shaped leaves".

[0064] Slurry leaf sheets can contain approximately 70% of the total weight of relatively expensive raw leaf materials. Furthermore, because slurry leaf sheets undergo a conveyor belt-type manufacturing process, the drying process is long, resulting in relatively high manufacturing costs.

[0065] On the other hand, paper-made leaf sheets can be manufactured using relatively inexpensive base paper. Furthermore, since paper-made leaf sheets are made by spreading tobacco concentrate, forming them into sheets, and then drying them, the manufacturing cost is low.

[0066] Furthermore, using papermaking-type plate-shaped leaves offers advantages over using slurry-type plate-shaped leaves, as it allows for a relatively higher moisture limit setting. Setting the moisture limit is closely related to treating the plate-shaped leaves with a pH-adjusting solution, which will be explained in detail below.

[0067] Table 1 below compares aerosol products containing tobacco medium produced as slurry-type leaf forms with aerosol products containing tobacco medium produced as paper-type leaf forms.

[0068] [Table 1]

[0069] This data shows the pH, nicotine content, and nicotine transfer amount of tobacco medium produced by treating two types of plate-shaped leaves with a pH adjustment solution. The data for slurry plate-shaped leaves are the results of experimental condition 2 described later, and the data for paper-made plate-shaped leaves are the results of experimental condition 5 described later. In both cases, the plate-shaped leaves were treated with the pH adjustment solution in their finished state.

[0070] A pH adjustment solution may contain water and a pH adjusting agent. For example, a pH adjustment solution is a mixture of water and a pH adjusting agent. That is, a pH adjustment solution can be prepared by dissolving a pH adjusting agent in water.

[0071] pH adjusters can adjust the pH of a tobacco medium to the alkaline side. pH adjusters may include, but are not limited to, at least one of potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and mixtures thereof.

[0072] Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that even though the nicotine content relative to the total weight is higher in the slurry-type leaf form, the amount of nicotine transferred is four times greater in the paper-type leaf form. This is related to the fact that the pH value of the tobacco medium produced as paper-type leaf form is higher than that of the tobacco medium produced as slurry-type leaf form.

[0073] The more the pH of the tobacco medium is adjusted to the alkaline side via a pH adjuster (i.e., the higher the pH value of the tobacco medium), the more the amount of nicotine transferred to the tobacco medium may gradually increase. In particular, if aerosol product 2 is a non-heated aerosol product, and the pH of the tobacco medium is not adjusted to the alkaline side (i.e., if the pH of the tobacco medium is close to weakly acidic), the rate at which nicotine is released at low temperatures will be slow, and the amount of nicotine transferred may be small. This may impair the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0074] By adjusting the pH of the tobacco medium to the alkaline side through a pH adjustment solution, the aerosol product 2 can transfer a sufficient amount of nicotine at low temperatures without being directly heated by another heating element. Therefore, it is considered advantageous to simply increase the pH by processing a larger amount of the pH adjustment solution.

[0075] However, if the platy leaves are treated excessively with pH adjusting solution, the water in the solution can cause the leaves to clump together, leading to flocculation. To prevent flocculation, an appropriate amount of water or pH adjusting solution must be applied. Therefore, the moisture content of the platy leaves must be determined, i.e., a moisture limit (for example, a moisture content set by the user), and the pH adjusting solution must be applied accordingly.

[0076] Generally, pH adjustment solutions are prepared by dissolving a pH adjusting agent in water. Therefore, a higher moisture limit allows for processing a larger volume of the pH adjustment solution. Consequently, it is important to set the available moisture limit for the plaque leaves in a way that maximizes nicotine transfer while preventing leaf aggregation.

[0077] Since slurry-type plate-shaped leaves contain glycerin, they tend to aggregate when treated with pH adjustment solutions. Paper-type plate-shaped leaves do not contain glycerin and are therefore relatively drier than slurry-type plate-shaped leaves. Consequently, the moisture limit for paper-type plate-shaped leaves may be set higher than that for slurry-type plate-shaped leaves. From this perspective, paper-type plate-shaped leaves can be treated with a larger amount of pH adjustment solution than slurry-type plate-shaped leaves.

[0078] Table 2 below shows the water content (in weight %) relative to the total weight of the slurry-like leaves before and after treatment with the pH adjustment solution, and the amount of potassium carbonate (K2CO3) added to the tobacco powder in the slurry-like leaves (in weight %).

[0079] In this case, the slurry leaf may contain 85% by weight of tobacco powder, 5% by weight of guar gum, 5% by weight of pulp, and 5% by weight of glycerin relative to the total weight. In this case, the tobacco powder may consist of a mixture of Burley tobacco leaves and Yellow tobacco leaves in a 6:4 ratio. However, the tobacco powder is not limited to this and may also be generated from tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stems, and / or during tobacco processing. Furthermore, the tobacco powder may include crushed tobacco leaves, crushed reconstituted tobacco, etc. Also, the tobacco powder may correspond to at least one tobacco powder from Yellow, Burley, fire-dried, sun-dried, and air-dried varieties. The pH adjusting solution is a mixture of water and potassium carbonate, and may mean an aqueous potassium carbonate solution. The moisture content may be measured by the loss on drying (LOD) method.

[0080] [Table 2]

[0081] As mentioned above, the slurry-like leaflets contain glycerin and other substances, which cause physical problems such as stickiness and aggregation during pH adjustment solution treatment. Therefore, it is not possible to set a high moisture content limit for pH adjustment solution treatment for slurry-like leaflets.

[0082] In order to maximize the treatment with the pH adjusting solution to raise the pH value under conditions where the moisture limit is restricted, the moisture content of the slurry-like leaves before treatment with the pH adjusting solution must be reduced as much as possible. Referring to Table 2, the moisture content before treatment with the pH adjusting solution was standardized to 3% by weight under all experimental conditions.

[0083] Experimental condition 1 was designed to ensure that the moisture content of the slurry leaf was 7% by weight, taking into account the physical property problems that arise during treatment with the pH adjustment solution. The amount of potassium carbonate added to the tobacco derivative under these conditions was 5.8% by weight.

[0084] Experimental condition 2 was designed to increase the pH value even further compared to experimental condition 1, considering that the amount of potassium carbonate added to tobacco fine powder is proportional to the pH value of the plate-like leaves. The pH adjustment solution was treated so that the amount of potassium carbonate added to the tobacco fine powder was 8% by weight. As a result, the water content after treatment with the pH adjuster was 8.6% by weight. This means that a large amount of water was added to the slurry plate-like leaves, causing problems such as stickiness and aggregation.

[0085] In experimental condition 3, the amount of water was reduced compared to experiment 2, setting the moisture limit to 7% by weight. The pH adjustment solution was then treated so that the amount of potassium carbonate added to the tobacco powder was 8% by weight. In this case, the solubility of potassium carbonate in water becomes a concern.

[0086] The solubility of potassium carbonate in water is approximately 112 g / 100 mL at room temperature (25°C). In experimental conditions 1 and 2, a pH adjustment solution containing the maximum amount of potassium carbonate dissolved in water at room temperature was used. However, in experimental condition 3, where the water content is 7% by weight and the amount of potassium carbonate added is 8% by weight, theoretically, a potassium carbonate aqueous solution (pH adjustment solution) containing approximately 158 g / 100 mL of potassium carbonate dissolved in water at room temperature would be required. Such a pH adjustment solution cannot be manufactured because it deviates from the solubility of potassium carbonate in water of 112 g / 100 mL. Therefore, the experiment is impossible under experimental condition 3.

[0087] Table 3 below shows the moisture content (in weight %) relative to the total weight of the papermaking leaf before and after treatment with the pH adjustment solution, and the amount of potassium carbonate (K2CO3) added to the tobacco concentrate of the papermaking leaf (in weight %). The papermaking leaf can contain 88% by weight of tobacco concentrate and 12% by weight of pulp relative to its total weight. In other words, the papermaking leaf can be treated with a tobacco concentrate containing 88% by weight of tobacco concentrate and 12% by weight of pulp relative to its total weight. In this case, the tobacco concentrate may consist of a mixture of Burley tobacco leaves and Yellow tobacco leaves in a 6:4 ratio. However, the tobacco concentrate is not limited to this and can also be generated from tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stalks, and / or during tobacco processing. Furthermore, the tobacco concentrate may consist of crushed tobacco leaves, crushed reconstituted tobacco, etc. Furthermore, the tobacco concentrate may consist of at least one tobacco powder from among xanthomas, Burley, fire-dried, sun-dried, and air-dried varieties. The pH adjustment solution is a mixture of water and potassium carbonate, and can mean an aqueous potassium carbonate solution. The moisture content may be measured by the loss on drying (LOD) method.

[0088] [Table 3]

[0089] Since papermaking-type plate-shaped leaves do not contain glycerin, they are less sticky or prone to aggregation compared to slurry-type plate-shaped leaves and are relatively dry. Therefore, the moisture limit can be set relatively high.

[0090] In experimental conditions 4 through 7, the water content of the pH adjustment solution before treatment was standardized to 3% by weight, and the pH adjustment solution, prepared by dissolving potassium carbonate in water at a maximum concentration (approximately 112 g / 100 mL) at room temperature, was used for treatment.

[0091] Experimental condition 4, as shown in experimental condition 1 in Table 2, was designed to set the moisture limit of the papermaking plate-shaped leaves to 7% by weight, thereby ensuring that the moisture content during treatment with the pH adjustment solution was 7% by weight. Under these conditions, the amount of potassium carbonate added to the tobacco concentrate was 5.8% by weight.

[0092] Experimental condition 5 was designed to ensure that the moisture content of the paper-making plate-shaped leaves remained at 10.5% by weight, taking into account the physical property problems that arise during treatment with the pH adjustment solution. Under this condition, no problems such as stickiness or aggregation due to water were observed in the paper-making plate-shaped leaves. The amount of potassium carbonate added to the tobacco concentrate under this condition was 11.1% by weight, which was a relatively increased amount compared to experimental condition 1 in Table 2 and experimental condition 4 in Table 3.

[0093] Experimental condition 6 was designed to set the moisture limit of the papermaking-type plate-shaped leaves to 12% by weight, thereby ensuring that the moisture content during treatment with the pH adjustment solution was 12% by weight. Under this condition, the amount of potassium carbonate added to the tobacco concentrate was 13.2% by weight, which was a relative increase compared to experimental condition 5. However, although the viscosity increased compared to experimental condition 5, this was not problematic.

[0094] Experimental condition 7 was designed to set the moisture limit of the papermaking plate-shaped leaves to 14% by weight, thereby ensuring that the moisture content during treatment with the pH adjustment solution was 14% by weight. Under this condition, the amount of potassium carbonate added to the tobacco concentrate was 15% by weight. Although the amount of potassium carbonate added was relatively increased compared to experimental condition 6, problems such as stickiness and aggregation occurred.

[0095] In conclusion, the amount of potassium carbonate added to the tobacco concentrate is proportional to the amount of pH-adjusting solution that can be processed and the pH value of the leaflets. Therefore, as can be seen from Tables 2 and 3 above, the pH value of paper-processed leaflets is higher than that of slurry leaflets, and accordingly, the amount of nicotine transferred in the aerosol product produced using paper-processed leaflets is higher.

[0096] Furthermore, even when aerosol products are manufactured using papermaking plate-like leaves, it is necessary to treat them with an appropriate amount of pH-adjusting solution to prevent problems such as stickiness and aggregation between the papermaking plate-like leaves.

[0097] On the other hand, if the pH value of the tobacco medium is high, nicotine may be continuously released from the tobacco medium while it is stored without being used, which may reduce the actual amount of nicotine transferred when the aerosol product 2 is subsequently used. Also, if the pH value of the tobacco medium is too high, an unpleasant odor may be generated from the aerosol product 2, potentially impairing the taste sensation experienced by the user.

[0098] When aerosol product 2 is a non-heated aerosol product, the amount of nicotine transferred and user smoking satisfaction may be improved when the pH value of the tobacco medium is approximately 7 to 10, or approximately 8 to 9.

[0099] Table 4 below shows the relationship between the amount of potassium carbonate (K2CO3) added (in weight %) to tobacco concentrate from papermaking-processed leaf sheets and pH.

[0100] [Table 4]

[0101] Referring to Table 4, it can be seen that the pH value increases as the amount of potassium carbonate (K2CO3) added increases. As mentioned above, if the pH value is too high, the amount of nicotine transferred will decrease, which may impair the taste. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the amount of potassium carbonate (K2CO3) added while considering the appropriate pH range for sufficient nicotine transfer.

[0102] In one embodiment, the medium portion 220 may include at least one of an acetate filter made of cellulose acetate tow and a paper filter made of paper.

[0103] For example, if the medium portion 220 includes at least one of an acetate filter and a paper filter, the inside of the filter may be filled with tobacco medium. In this case, the tobacco medium may be filled inside the filter at a concentration of approximately 2 mg / mm to approximately 8 mg / mm. Alternatively, the tobacco medium may be filled inside the filter at a concentration of approximately 4 mg / mm to approximately 6 mg / mm.

[0104] When the pH of the tobacco medium contained in the medium section 220 is adjusted to the alkaline side through a pH-adjusting solution, the amount of nicotine released from the tobacco medium at low temperatures may increase. Therefore, if the medium section 220 is manufactured to fill at least one of the acetate filter and paper filter with the pH-adjusted tobacco medium, the acetate filter or paper filter may retain the nicotine released from the tobacco medium, thus preventing the released nicotine from being released outside the aerosol product.

[0105] The medium section 220 may include a first segment and a second segment. During the manufacturing process of the medium section 220, the first segment and the second segment are manufactured independently, so that the first segment and the second segment can be connected to each other but separated. The first segment may be adjacent to the front plug 210, and the second segment may be adjacent to the filter section 230. Both segments will be described later with reference to Figures 5A to 5C.

[0106] In one embodiment, the filter section 230 may be positioned opposite the front plug 210, with the medium section 220 in the center. The filter section 230 can filter out at least one of the substances contained in the mainstream smoke, which includes aerosols generated from the medium section 220.

[0107] In one embodiment, the filter section 230 can be realized in various shapes. For example, the filter section 230 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod containing a hollow inside. Alternatively, the filter section 230 may be a recessed rod.

[0108] In one embodiment, the filter section 230 may include one of an acetate filter made of cellulose acetate tofu and a paper tube filter made of paper. In this case, if the filter section 230 includes an acetate filter made of cellulose acetate tofu, the filter section 230 may be manufactured to generate flavor.

[0109] For example, if the filter section 230 includes an acetate filter, a flavoring liquid containing a flavoring substance may be sprayed onto the acetate filter, and another fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be contained inside the acetate filter. In another example, if the filter section 230 includes an acetate filter, the acetate filter may contain a capsule containing a flavoring substance. The flavoring substance that may be contained in the filter section 230 may be the same as or similar to the flavoring substance that may be contained in the front plug 210.

[0110] In one embodiment, one of the front plug 210 and the filter portion 230 may contain a flavoring substance.

[0111] For example, if the front plug 210 contains a capsule containing a flavoring substance, or contains fibers coated with a flavoring liquid containing a flavoring substance, the filter section 230 does not need to contain a flavoring substance. That is, if the front plug 210 contains a flavoring substance, the filter section 230 may contain a recessed rod made of cellulose acetate tow, or a paper tube made of paper.

[0112] As another example, if the filter section 230 contains a capsule containing a flavoring substance, or contains fibers coated with a flavoring liquid containing a flavoring substance, the front plug 210 does not have to contain a flavoring substance. That is, if the filter section 230 contains a flavoring substance, the front plug 210 may contain an acetate filter made of cellulose acetate tow, or a paper tube made of paper.

[0113] The aerosol product 2 may be manufactured in a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, when the aerosol product 2 is manufactured in a cylindrical shape, the length of the aerosol product 2 may be approximately 24 mm to approximately 72 mm. For example, the length of the front plug 210 may be approximately 6 mm to approximately 18 mm, the length of the medium portion 220 may be approximately 12 mm to approximately 36 mm, and the length of the filter portion 230 may be approximately 6 mm to approximately 18 mm. However, the lengths of the aerosol product 2 and its constituent elements are not limited thereto and can be varied according to the manufacturer's design.

[0114] The following describes the two segments of the medium section 220.

[0115] Figures 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views of the aerosol product shown in Figure 4, taken longitudinally and viewed from the X-X' direction.

[0116] Referring to Figures 5A to 5C, the aerosol product 2 according to one embodiment may include a front plug 210, a medium portion 220, and a filter portion 230. In the drawings, the front plug 210 is shown to include a paper filter (e.g., a paper tube) made of paper, and the filter portion 230 is shown to include an acetate filter containing a capsule 232 containing a flavoring substance, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the front plug 210 may include an acetate filter containing a capsule 232 containing a flavoring substance, and the filter portion 230 may include a recessed rod made of cellulose acetate tow.

[0117] The medium portion 220 of the aerosol product 2 according to one embodiment may include two segments, each containing different elements. For example, the first segment 240 of the medium portion 220 may contain a tobacco medium 222 made from paper-made plate-shaped leaves, and the second segment 250 may contain a cooling element 226. In this case, the cooling element 226 may correspond to either a tube filter or a paper tube filter, and the suction resistance of the aerosol product 2 may be reduced through the cooling element 226.

[0118] Referring to Figure 5A, the first segment 240 containing the tobacco medium 222 may be located in section A of the medium 220 (e.g., section A in Figure 4), and the second segment 250 containing the cooling element 226 may be located in section B of the medium 220 (e.g., section B in Figure 4).

[0119] In other words, the outside air introduced through the front plug 210 can be mixed with components such as nicotine released from the tobacco medium 222 of the first segment 240, and then proceed sequentially to the second segment 250 and the filter section 230.

[0120] Referring to Figure 5B, the second segment 250, which includes the cooling element 226, may be located in section A of the medium 220, and the first segment 240, which includes the tobacco medium 222, may be located in section B of the medium 220. That is, outside air introduced through the front plug 210 can be cooled by passing through the cooling element 226 of the second segment 250, and then proceed sequentially to the first segment 240 and the filter section 230.

[0121] In other embodiments, the medium portion 220 may include two segments containing the same element. For example, the first segment 240a and the second segment 240b of the medium portion 220 may each contain the tobacco medium 222.

[0122] Referring to Figure 5C, the first segment 240a containing the tobacco medium 222 may be located in section A of the medium section 220, and the second segment 240b containing the tobacco medium 222 may be located in section B of the medium section 220.

[0123] In one embodiment, the first segment 240a may be manufactured by filling an acetate filter with tobacco medium 222, and the second segment 240b may be manufactured by filling a paper filter with tobacco medium 222.

[0124] However, this is only one embodiment and is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first segment 240a may be manufactured by filling a paper filter with tobacco medium 222, and the second segment 240b may be manufactured by filling an acetate filter with tobacco medium 222. Furthermore, the first segment 240a and the second segment 240b may be manufactured by filling an acetate filter with tobacco medium 222, or by filling a paper filter.

[0125] Table 5 below shows the data obtained from analyzing the mainstream smoke (e.g., aerosol) components of the aerosol product 2 shown in Figures 5A to 5C. In this case, the medium portion 220 of the aerosol product 2 contains tobacco medium 222 produced from paper-making plate-shaped leaves.

[0126] [Table 5]

[0127] The experiment was conducted as follows: Twenty aerosol product samples were smoked using an automated smoking machine under ISO (International Organization for Standardization) smoking conditions, and the tobacco smoke was captured in a Cambridge filter. After smoking, the total particulate matter (TPM) captured in the Cambridge filter was extracted with isopropyl alcohol, and the nicotine content was measured.

[0128] The TE (tobacco end) portion in Table 5 may refer to the distal end of the aerosol product or the end inserted into the aerosol generator. The ME (mouth end) portion may refer to the proximal end of the aerosol product or the end that comes into contact with the user's mouth.

[0129] The experimental results showed that when the tobacco medium 222 was applied to two segments (e.g., Figure 5C) compared to when it was applied to one segment (e.g., Figures 5A and 5B), the nicotine transfer and nicotine transition amounts were measured to be higher. In particular, the nicotine transfer and nicotine transition amounts were higher than the value of the total smoke condensate, which indicates the amount of atomization. This result was obtained because more tobacco medium 222 was applied to the medium section 220.

[0130] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method for producing a tobacco medium according to one embodiment.

[0131] Referring to Figure 6, the process of producing tobacco medium from papermaking-type plate-shaped leaves is shown in chronological order.

[0132] In step S610, the production of the tobacco medium can begin with the step of providing papermaking plate-shaped leaves. Papermaking plate-shaped leaves can be produced by the following procedure.

[0133] First, tobacco leaves are heated to a high temperature. Then, the liquid component of the tobacco (which can be concentrated to become tobacco concentrate) is separated, leaving a residue that does not contain tobacco components. When these residues are dried, they can be formed into paper. Such paper can be called "raw paper." The tobacco concentrate obtained by separating and concentrating the tobacco liquid component in the previous step can be mixed with pulp to make a tobacco concentrate. For example, the tobacco concentrate may contain 88% by weight of tobacco concentrate and 12% by weight of pulp, based on the total weight.

[0134] Tobacco concentrate can be sprayed onto a base paper, the base paper coated with the tobacco concentrate can be processed into a sheet, and then the sheet-like base paper can be re-dried at a high temperature to produce a papermaking-type sheet-like leaf. In this case, the tobacco concentrate may be included in the papermaking-type sheet-like leaf at a concentration of 30% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the base paper.

[0135] In step S620, a first flavoring treatment step may be performed in which a first flavoring substance is applied to the papermaking plate-shaped leaves. At this time, the first flavoring substance may include a humectant. The first flavoring substance may also include the aforementioned plant-based fragrances, animal-based fragrances, alcohol compounds, aldehyde compounds, ester compounds, and combinations thereof.

[0136] The first flavoring step can impart flexibility and moisture retention to the leaf-like material and enhance the inherent flavor of tobacco. The first flavoring step can be performed before the papermaking leaf-like material is cut to become the finished product. The first flavoring step can affect the workability when manufacturing the tobacco medium.

[0137] In step S630, the papermaking plate-shaped leaves that have undergone the first flavoring treatment may be dried. During this drying process, some of the first flavoring substances may volatilize. To compensate for the flavor lost due to the volatilization of the flavoring substances, a second flavoring treatment may be performed.

[0138] In step S640, a step may be taken to cut the dried paper-like leaf sheets. The cut paper-like leaf sheets can be treated as a finished product. The effect of secondary fragrance can be improved by cutting the paper-like leaf sheets before the second fragrance treatment is performed.

[0139] In step S650, the papermaking plate-shaped leaves may be treated with a pH-adjusting solution. This treatment with the pH-adjusting solution may be carried out together with or alone the secondary flavoring treatment described later. The pH-adjusting solution may contain, for example, potassium carbonate and water. In this case, the pH-adjusting solution may be prepared by dissolving potassium carbonate in water to the maximum extent possible, depending on the solubility of potassium carbonate.

[0140] The step of processing the pH adjustment solution may include spraying the pH adjustment solution onto the papermaking sheet-like leaves at a rate of 1 L / min for 5 minutes to ensure even contact between the pH adjustment solution and the leaves, and then mixing the papermaking sheet-like leaves. During this time, the ambient temperature may be maintained at 2030°C or room temperature (25°C).

[0141] The pH-adjusting solution can be applied to the papermaking platy leaves until their moisture content reaches 9% to 12% by weight, 10% to 11% by weight, or 10.5% by weight relative to the total weight of the platy leaves. As a result, the final moisture content of the tobacco medium may be 9% to 12% by weight, 10% to 11% by weight, or 10.5% by weight. By setting the moisture content in this way, the platy leaves can be prevented from agglomerating with each other, and the pH value of the tobacco medium can be increased.

[0142] In this case, the amount of potassium carbonate added relative to the total weight of the tobacco concentrate contained in the paper-made plate-shaped leaves may be 8% to 14% by weight, 10% to 12% by weight, 10.5% to 11.5% by weight, or 11.1% by weight. By setting the amount of potassium carbonate added relative to the total weight of the tobacco concentrate in this way, it is possible to prevent the pH value of the tobacco medium from becoming higher than the appropriate range. This prevents the decrease in nicotine transfer and the inhibition of the smoking sensation that occurs when the pH value becomes high.

[0143] On the other hand, in step S650, a second flavoring treatment step may be performed together with the pH adjustment solution treatment step, in which the cut papermaking plate-shaped leaves are treated with a second flavoring substance different from the first flavoring substance. The second flavoring substance may include any of the aforementioned plant-based fragrances, animal-based fragrances, alcohol compounds, aldehyde compounds, and ester compounds. Alternatively, the second flavoring substance may consist of only one of the above-mentioned fragrances and compounds. The second flavoring treatment may be omitted depending on the example.

[0144] According to the method for producing a tobacco medium described in the examples, the amount of nicotine transferred to the aerosol product to which the tobacco medium is applied can be improved.

[0145] Furthermore, the method for producing the tobacco medium according to the examples can reduce the cost of producing the tobacco medium.

[0146] Some of the embodiments of this disclosure described herein or other embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive or distinct from one another. Some of the embodiments of this disclosure described herein or other embodiments may be used in combination or in combination with each other in terms of their respective configurations or functions.

[0147] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if combinations between configurations are not directly described, it means that combinations are possible unless it is stated that such combinations are impossible.

[0148] The detailed description above should not be interpreted restrictively in any way, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the scope of the equivalents of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for producing tobacco medium, A step of providing a papermaking plate-shaped leaf containing tobacco concentrate, The step includes treating the papermaking plate-shaped leaves with a pH adjusting solution until the moisture content of the papermaking plate-shaped leaves becomes 9% to 12% by weight relative to the total weight of the papermaking plate-shaped leaves, The pH adjusting solution contains potassium carbonate (K ２ CO ３ ) and water A method for producing a tobacco medium, wherein the amount of potassium carbonate added relative to the total weight of the tobacco concentrate is 8% by weight to 14% by weight.

2. The method for producing a tobacco medium according to claim 1, wherein the amount of potassium carbonate added relative to the total weight of the tobacco concentrate is 11.1% by weight.

3. In the pH adjustment solution, The method for producing a tobacco medium according to claim 1, wherein the potassium carbonate is most dissolved in the water.

4. After the step of providing the aforementioned papermaking plate-shaped leaf, The steps include treating the papermaking plate-shaped leaves with a first flavoring substance, A step of drying the papermaking plate-shaped leaves that have been treated with the first flavoring substance, The step of cutting the dried papermaking plate-shaped leaf, The method further includes the step of treating the cut papermaking plate-shaped leaves with a second flavoring substance different from the first flavoring substance, The method for producing a tobacco medium according to claim 1, wherein the step of treating the papermaking plate-shaped leaves with the pH adjusting solution is performed simultaneously with the step of treating the cut papermaking plate-shaped leaves with the second flavoring substance.

5. The method for producing a tobacco medium according to claim 4, wherein the first flavoring substance includes a humectant.

6. The method for producing a tobacco medium according to claim 5, wherein the second flavoring substance comprises any of a plant-derived flavoring, an animal-derived flavoring, an alcohol compound, an aldehyde compound, and an ester compound.

7. The method for producing a tobacco medium according to claim 1, wherein the final moisture content of the tobacco medium is 10.5% by weight relative to the total weight of the tobacco medium.

8. The method for producing a tobacco medium according to claim 1, wherein the pH value of the tobacco medium is 8 to 9.

9. The step of treating the papermaking plate-shaped leaves with the pH adjusting solution is: A method for producing a tobacco medium according to claim 1, comprising the step of spraying the pH adjusting solution onto the papermaking plate-shaped leaves at a rate of 1 L per minute for 5 minutes and mixing the papermaking plate-shaped leaves.

10. In the step of treating the papermaking plate-shaped leaves with the pH adjusting solution, A method for producing a tobacco medium according to claim 1, wherein the ambient temperature is maintained at 20 to 30°C.

11. The step of providing the aforementioned papermaking plate-shaped leaf is: The steps include spraying the tobacco concentrate containing the tobacco concentrate and pulp onto the base paper, The steps include processing the base paper from which the tobacco concentrate has been sprayed into a sheet, The step includes drying the aforementioned sheet-like base paper to produce a papermaking plate-like leaf, The method for producing a tobacco medium according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco concentrate is included in the papermaking plate-shaped leaves in an amount of 30% to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the base paper.

12. In aerosol products, A front plug for introducing outside air into the aerosol product, A medium portion comprising a tobacco medium manufactured by the method of claim 1, an aerosol product comprising a filter portion positioned opposite the front plug, centered on the medium portion.

13. The medium portion includes a first segment adjacent to the front end plug and a second segment adjacent to the filter portion and distinct from the first segment. The aerosol product according to claim 12, wherein the tobacco medium is arranged in the first segment and the second segment.

14. The aerosol product according to claim 12, The aerosol generating apparatus includes a storage section for storing aerosol generating material, a storage section for containing the aerosol product, and a heating section for heating the aerosol generating material. The primary aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating material in the heating section flows into the front plug of the aerosol product contained in the containment section. While the primary aerosol passes through the aerosol product, a secondary aerosol is generated from the aerosol product due to the temperature of the primary aerosol. An aerosol generation system in which the primary aerosol and the secondary aerosol are mixed and inhaled by the user.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus is A cartridge including the storage section, the housing section, and the heating section, The aerosol generation system according to claim 14, comprising: a cartridge coupling portion to which the cartridge is detachably coupled; a power supply that supplies power to the cartridge coupled to the cartridge coupling portion; and a main body including a control unit that controls the operation of the cartridge.

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