Non-heated aerosol products and aerosol generation systems containing them

Abstract

The non-heated aerosol product comprises a tobacco medium filled in at least one of a cellulose acetate filter and a paper filter, wherein the tobacco medium comprises granules containing tobacco powder and a pH-adjusting aqueous solution containing a pH adjuster and water, and the tobacco medium may contain 8 to 9% by weight of water based on the dry weight of the tobacco medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to non-heated aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems including the same. More specifically, the embodiments relate to non-heated aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems including the same, which can stabilize the quality of the product by providing a uniform nicotine transfer amount over time in the non-heated aerosol generating articles.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the drawbacks of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for methods of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol. Accordingly, research on heated aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.

[0003] However, the aerosol generating substances generated by conventional methods have a problem in that the nicotine transfer amount is low during low-temperature heating or non-heating. Accordingly, in recent years, research has been actively conducted to improve nicotine transfer even during low-temperature heating or non-heating by changing the physical properties of the aerosol generating substance.

[0004] For example, in order to facilitate nicotine transfer even during low-temperature heating or non-heating, a pH adjuster may be treated on the aerosol generating substance. However, in such a case, there is a problem in that nicotine may be continuously released to the outside from the article even while the user is not actually smoking, and the quality of the product is not stabilized.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The embodiments provide an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system including the same, which can stabilize the quality of the product from the viewpoint of the nicotine transfer amount, even though a pH adjuster is treated on the aerosol generating substance.

[0006] The problems that the embodiments aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong, based on this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A non-heated aerosol product according to one embodiment comprises a tobacco medium filled in at least one of a cellulose acetate filter and a paper filter, wherein the tobacco medium comprises granules containing tobacco powder and a pH-adjusting aqueous solution containing a pH adjuster and water, and the tobacco medium may contain 8 to 9% by weight of water based on the dry weight of the tobacco medium.

[0008] An aerosol generation system according to one embodiment may include the above-mentioned non-heated aerosol product, a storage space for containing the aerosol product, and an aerosol generation device including a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the non-heated aerosol product and aerosol generation system containing the same described in the examples, even though the aerosol generating substance is treated with a pH adjusting agent, the quality of the product can be stabilized by providing a uniform amount of nicotine transfer over time.

[0010] The effects of the examples are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the examples belong, based on this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] This figure shows the aerosol product according to the example. [Figure 2B] This figure shows the aerosol product according to the example. [Figure 3A] Figure 2B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol product obtained by cutting it in the longitudinal direction. [Figure 3B] Figure 2B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol product obtained by cutting it in the longitudinal direction. [Figure 3C] Figure 2B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol product obtained by cutting it in the longitudinal direction. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view of the medium portion according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view of the medium portion according to another embodiment is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The terminology used in the examples has been selected from currently widely used general terms, taking into account the function of the examples, but this may change depending on the intent of the articulators in the art, case law, 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 terminology used in the examples must be defined not merely as names of terms, but based on the meaning of those terms and the overall context of the examples.

[0013] 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, terms such as "part" and "module" as used herein 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.

[0014] As used herein, when expressions such as “at least one of” precede an array of components, they modify the entire array of components, rather than each individual component. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” should be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that they can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0016] Throughout the specification, the examples are optional sections that facilitate the explanation of the invention, and each example does not need to be mutually exclusive. For example, a configuration disclosed in one example may be applied to and / or implemented in another example, and may be modified, applied to and / or implemented without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0017] Furthermore, the terms used in this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, singular terms in this disclosure also include plural terms.

[0018] Some components shown in the drawings may be slightly exaggerated in terms of size, proportion, etc. Also, components shown in one drawing may not be shown in other drawings.

[0019] Throughout this specification, “aerosol product” means an article used for smoking. “Non-heated aerosol product” means a form in which the aerosol product is not heated. This may be, but is not limited to, a method in which another component (e.g., cartridge 210 in Figure 1) is heated, while the aerosol product (e.g., aerosol product 100 in Figure 1) is not heated, as will be described later.

[0020] Also, throughout the specification, the "longitudinal direction" of a component may be the direction in which the component extends along a one-direction axis of the component, where the one-direction axis of the component may mean the direction in which the component extends longer than the other axis crossing the one-direction axis. The "longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article" means the direction in which the length of the aerosol-generating article extends, or the direction in which combustion progresses when the aerosol-generating article burns.

[0021] For example, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 100 in FIG. 1 may be the direction in which the front end portion 110, the medium portion 120, and the filter portion 130 extend. That is, it may mean the height direction of the cylindrical aerosol-generating article 100.

[0022] Also, when a user sucks air using the aerosol-generating article, the portion where air flows into the aerosol-generating article from the outside to the inside may be "upstream", and the portion where air is discharged from the inside to the outside of the aerosol-generating article may mean "downstream". The terms "upstream" and "downstream" can be used to indicate the relative position or direction between parts or segments constituting the aerosol-generating article.

[0023] Hereinafter, referring to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form realizable in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented and realized in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generation system 300 can include an aerosol product 100 and an aerosol generation device 200. In one embodiment, the aerosol generation device 200 can include a containment space for housing the aerosol product 100. Furthermore, the aerosol generation device 200 can include another component (e.g., a cartridge 210) containing the aerosol generating material.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 200 may include a cartridge 210 for holding an aerosol generating substance and components for supporting the cartridge 210. The cartridge 210 may, but is not limited to, be detachably coupled to the aerosol generator 200.

[0027] The cartridge 210 may be formed or assembled integrally with the aerosol generator 200 and may be fixed in place so that it cannot be attached or detached by the user. The cartridge 210 may be mounted on the aerosol generator 200 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 210 while the cartridge 210 is coupled to the aerosol generator 200.

[0028] The cartridge 210 may hold an aerosol-generating substance having one of various states, such as 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.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the aerosol product that may be included in the other components may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring agent, or vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavor components. The flavoring agent may include components that provide the user 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. Furthermore, the aerosol generating substance may include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0030] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 200 may be configured such that the aerosol generated by the heating of the other component is transferred to the aerosol product 100 without directly heating the aerosol product 100.

[0031] For example, the cartridge 210 can be activated by an electrical or wireless signal transmitted from the aerosol generator 200, thereby converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge 210 to a gas phase and generating an aerosol. An aerosol can refer to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air are mixed. The aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 210 can be transmitted to the aerosol product 100.

[0032] In one embodiment, the aerosol product 100 may include a front end portion 110, a medium portion 120, and a filter portion 130. Specifically, the front end portion 110, the medium portion 120, and the filter portion 130 may be arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 100. Furthermore, in addition to the components shown in Figure 1, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol product 100.

[0033] The aerosol product 100 can be manufactured in a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, when the aerosol product 100 is manufactured in a cylindrical shape, the diameter of the aerosol product 100 may be approximately 5 mm to approximately 9 mm.

[0034] In one embodiment, the length of the aerosol product 100 may be approximately 20 mm to approximately 60 mm. For example, the length of the front end portion 110 may be approximately 5 mm to approximately 15 mm, the length of the medium portion 120 may be approximately 10 mm to approximately 30 mm, and the length of the filter portion 130 may be approximately 5 mm to approximately 15 mm.

[0035] However, the length or diameter of the aerosol product 100 and its constituent elements are not limited to those values ​​and can be varied depending on the design.

[0036] In one embodiment, the front end portion 110 prevents substances that should be contained in the medium portion 120 from detaching to the outside, and prevents aerosols generated from the medium portion 120 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device 200.

[0037] Furthermore, the front end portion 110 can introduce outside air into the aerosol product 100. In one embodiment, if the aerosol product is used in an aerosol generating apparatus that does not directly heat the aerosol product, the front end portion 110 can introduce the aerosol generated by heating another component (for example, a cartridge 210 containing a liquid substance) into the aerosol product 100 as outside air.

[0038] The front end portion 110 may include one of the following: an acetate filter made of cellulose acetate tow, or a paper filter made of paper. For example, the front end portion 110 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The hardness of the front end portion 110 can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer.

[0039] In this case, if the front end portion 110 includes an acetate filter made of cellulose acetate tou, the front end portion 110 can be manufactured to generate flavor.

[0040] For example, if the front end 110 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 within the acetate filter. In another example, if the front end 110 includes an acetate filter, the acetate filter may contain a capsule containing a flavoring substance.

[0041] As one example, the flavoring substance may, but is not limited to, menthol. The flavoring substance may also include botanical flavors 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. As another example, the flavoring substance may also include animal-derived flavors such as musk, ambergris, civet, and castoreum.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Furthermore, the front end portion 110 may include at least one channel, if necessary. The cross-sectional shape of the channel can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the front end portion 110 may be tubular.

[0044] In one embodiment, the medium portion 120 may further include a tobacco medium containing granular tobacco material. In one embodiment, the tobacco material may include various types of tobacco powder.

[0045] According to the examples, the tobacco medium may include granules containing tobacco powder and a ptH-adjusting aqueous solution containing a pH adjuster and water. The tobacco medium may contain 8 to 9% by weight of water on a dry weight basis.

[0046] For example, tobacco powder may be tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stems, and / or tobacco powder generated during tobacco processing. Tobacco powder may include crushed tobacco leaves, crushed reconstituted tobacco, etc. For example, tobacco powder may include at least one of the following tobacco powders: yellow variety, Burley variety, fire-dried variety, sun-dried variety, and air-dried variety.

[0047] According to the examples, the pH of the granules can be adjusted to the alkaline side by applying a pH-adjusting aqueous solution to the granules. Specifically, the pH of the tobacco substance contained in the granules can be adjusted to the alkaline side. By adjusting the pH of the tobacco substance to the alkaline side, the aerosol product 100 can achieve a sufficient amount of nicotine at low temperatures without being directly heated by another heating element.

[0048] Generally, adjusting the pH of the tobacco medium to the alkaline side may reduce the shelf life of the nicotine contained in the tobacco medium. Specifically, when the pH is adjusted to the alkaline side, the nicotine in the tobacco medium may be converted to prenicotine during storage, and the amount of nicotine held by the tobacco medium in the aerosol product 100 may decrease over time.

[0049] However, according to the examples, by having the tobacco medium contain 8 to 9% by weight of moisture based on its dry weight, a uniform amount of nicotine can be transferred over time, thereby stabilizing the quality of the product.

[0050] Furthermore, the pH-adjusting aqueous solution may contain 9 to 11% by weight of the pH adjusting agent and 17 to 23% by weight of water relative to the total weight of the granules mentioned above. Alternatively, it may contain about 10% by weight of the pH adjusting agent and about 20% by weight of water.

[0051] In other words, a pH-adjusting aqueous solution containing 9 to 11 parts by weight of a pH adjusting agent and 17 to 23 parts by weight of water may be sprayed per 100 parts by weight of total granules.

[0052] According to the examples, the tobacco medium may be manufactured by spraying a pH-adjusting aqueous solution onto granules containing tobacco powder and then drying them. In such cases, the tobacco medium may be coated with the pH-adjusting aqueous solution sprayed onto the granules, but is not limited to that. Specifically, the tobacco medium may be manufactured by spraying a pH-adjusting aqueous solution containing 9 to 11% by weight of a pH adjuster and 17 to 23% by weight of water onto granules containing tobacco powder.

[0053] The pH-adjusting aqueous solution sprayed onto the granules has a composition within the aforementioned range, thereby ensuring that the tobacco medium has a pH value within an appropriate range. For example, a tobacco medium produced by spraying the above-mentioned granules with a pH-adjusting aqueous solution may have a pH value of about 7 to about 11. As another example, the pH value of the tobacco medium may be about 8.5 to about 9.5. As yet another example, the pH value of the tobacco medium may be 8.7 to 8.9.

[0054] By having a pH value within the aforementioned range, the tobacco medium can achieve a relatively high nicotine transfer rate even at low temperatures. For example, when the pH value is in the range of 8.7 to 8.9, the prenicotine conversion rate is high, and smoking satisfaction can be provided to the user even under non-heating conditions. For instance, when the pH value is in the range of 8.7 to 8.9, the prenicotine conversion rate can be 90% or more.

[0055] If the pH value of the tobacco medium is below the range mentioned above, i.e., if the pH is not adjusted to the alkaline side, the rate at which nicotine is released at low temperatures will decrease, potentially reducing the amount of nicotine transferred. This could impair user satisfaction with smoking.

[0056] If the pH value of the tobacco medium exceeds the range described above, nicotine may be continuously released from the tobacco medium while the aerosol product 100 is stored unused, potentially reducing the actual amount of nicotine transferred when the aerosol product 100 is subsequently used. Furthermore, if the pH value of the tobacco medium is too high, an unpleasant odor may be emitted from the aerosol product 100, potentially impairing the user's perceived taste.

[0057] In one embodiment, the pH adjusting agent may include, but is not limited to, at least one of potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and mixtures thereof.

[0058] On the other hand, in one embodiment, the tobacco medium does not need to contain a binder to adjust the overall particle size and porosity of the tobacco medium.

[0059] For example, when the tobacco medium is manufactured through the steps of producing granules containing tobacco powder, spraying a pH-adjusting aqueous solution onto the granules, and then drying them, the particle size, porosity, etc., of the granules can be adjusted throughout this series of steps. In other words, when manufacturing a granular tobacco medium, the particle size, porosity, etc., of the granules can be adjusted even without using a binder, thus reducing the amount of material required to manufacture the tobacco medium according to the example and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0060] In one embodiment, the medium portion 120 may include at least one of an acetate filter made of cellulose acetate tow and a paper filter made of paper.

[0061] For example, if the medium portion 120 includes at least one of an acetate filter and a paper filter, the tobacco medium described above can be filled inside the filter. That is, the tobacco medium can be filled into the internal space of the filter. In this case, the tobacco medium can be filled into the filter at a rate of approximately 2 mg / mm to approximately 8 mg / mm. As another example, the tobacco medium can be filled into the filter at a rate of approximately 4 mg / mm to approximately 6 mg / mm.

[0062] When the pH of the tobacco medium contained in the medium section 120 is adjusted to the alkaline side via a pH adjusting agent, the amount of nicotine released from the tobacco medium at low temperatures may increase. As a result, if the medium section 120 is manufactured so that at least one of the acetate filter and paper filter is filled with the pH-adjusted tobacco medium, the acetate filter or paper filter may retain the nicotine released from the tobacco medium, thereby preventing the released nicotine from being released outside the aerosol product 100. A more detailed explanation of this will be given later with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0063] In one embodiment, the filter section 130 may be positioned opposite the front end section 110, with the medium section 120 in the center. The filter section 130 can filter out at least one of the substances contained in the mainstream smoke, which includes aerosols generated from the medium section 120.

[0064] In one embodiment, the filter portion 130 can be implemented in various shapes. For example, the filter portion 130 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod containing a hollow inside. Alternatively, the filter portion 130 may be a recessed rod.

[0065] In one embodiment, the filter section 130 may include one of the following: an acetate filter made of cellulose acetate tofu and a paper tube filter made of paper. In this case, if the filter section 130 includes an acetate filter made of cellulose acetate tofu, the filter section 130 may be manufactured to generate flavor.

[0066] For example, if the filter section 130 includes an acetate filter, a flavoring liquid containing flavoring substances may be sprayed onto the acetate filter, and another fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be included inside the acetate filter.

[0067] As another example, if the filter section 130 includes an acetate filter, the acetate filter may include a capsule containing a flavoring substance.

[0068] The flavor substances that may be contained in the filter section 130 may be the same as or similar to the flavor substances that may be contained in the front end section 110 described above.

[0069] In one embodiment, one of the front end portion 110 and the filter portion 130 may contain a flavoring substance.

[0070] For example, if the front end portion 110 contains a capsule containing a flavoring substance, or contains fibers coated with a flavoring liquid containing a flavoring substance, the filter portion 130 does not need to contain a flavoring substance. That is, if the front end portion 110 contains a flavoring substance, the filter portion 130 may contain a recessed rod made of cellulose acetate tow, or a paper tube made of paper.

[0071] As another example, if the filter section 130 contains capsules containing flavoring substances or fibers coated with a flavoring liquid containing flavoring substances, the front end section 110 does not have to contain flavoring substances. That is, if the filter section 130 contains flavoring substances, the front end section 110 may contain an acetate filter made of cellulose acetate tow or a paper tube made of paper.

[0072] Figures 2A and 2B show the aerosol products according to the examples.

[0073] Referring to Figure 2A, the aerosol product 100 sequentially includes a front end portion 110, a medium portion 120, and a filter portion 130. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2A, the length of the aerosol product 100 may be approximately 20 mm to approximately 60 mm. For example, the length of the front end portion 110 may be approximately 5 mm to approximately 15 mm, the length of the medium portion 120 may be approximately 10 mm to approximately 30 mm, and the length of the filter portion 130 may be approximately 5 mm to approximately 15 mm.

[0074] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the aerosol product 100 may be packaged by at least one wrapper 150.

[0075] As an example, the aerosol product 100 may be packaged by a single wrapper 150. As another example, the aerosol product 100 may be packaged in layers by two or more wrappers 150. For example, the front end 110 may be packaged by a first wrapper 151, the medium portion 120 by a second wrapper 152, and the filter portion 130 by a third wrapper 153. The entire aerosol product 100 may then be repackaged by a single final wrapper 155.

[0076] The first wrapper 151, the second wrapper 152, and the third wrapper 153 can be made from general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 151, the second wrapper 152, and the third wrapper 153 may be porous or non-porous wrapping paper. Alternatively, the first wrapper 151, the second wrapper 152, and the third wrapper 153 may be made from oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum laminated packaging material.

[0077] Furthermore, the third wrapper 153 may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, if the filter section 130 includes a capsule 131, it may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the filter portion 130 may include at least one capsule 131. Here, the capsule 131 may perform a function of generating flavor or a function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 131 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is covered with a film. The capsule 131 may be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited to these.

[0079] The final wrapper 155 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterile paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to ordinary paper.

[0080] The final wrapper 155 can contain a predetermined substance. While silicon is an example of such a substance, it is not limited to silicon. For instance, silicon possesses properties such as heat resistance (minimal change with temperature), oxidation resistance (no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance possessing the aforementioned properties, other than silicon, can be applied (or coated) to the final wrapper 155 without limitation.

[0081] The final wrapper 155 can prevent the aerosol generator 200 from being contaminated by substances generated from the aerosol product 100. For example, a user's puff may generate liquid substances inside the aerosol product 100. For instance, a liquid substance (e.g., water) may be generated when the aerosol generated from the aerosol product 100 is cooled by external air. By packaging the aerosol product 100 with the final wrapper 155, liquid substances generated inside the aerosol product 100 can be prevented from leaking out of the aerosol product 100.

[0082] On the other hand, although not shown in the diagram, the wrapper 150 may have at least one hole through which outside air flows in and inside air flows out.

[0083] Although Figure 2A shows the filter section 130 as a single segment, it is not limited to this. In other words, the filter section 130 may consist of multiple segments. For example, the filter section 130 may include a segment that performs a cooling function. Furthermore, it may include at least one additional segment that performs other functions as needed.

[0084] Referring to Figure 2B, the aerosol product 100 sequentially includes a front end portion 110, a medium portion 120, a second filter portion 140, and a filter portion 130. However, it is not limited to this, and a detailed explanation will be given later with reference to Figures 3A to 3C.

[0085] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2B, the length of the aerosol product 100 may be approximately 20 mm to approximately 60 mm. For example, the length of each segment of the front end 110, the medium portion 120, the second filter portion 140, and the filter portion 130 may be approximately 5 mm to approximately 15 mm.

[0086] The front end portion 110, the medium portion 120, and the filter portion 130 in Figure 2B correspond to the front end portion 110, the medium portion 120, and the filter portion 130 described above in relation to Figure 2A. Therefore, a detailed explanation of them is omitted.

[0087] The second filter section 140 may be in the form of a paper tube or a tube made of cellulose acetate material. The second filter section 140 may be manufactured to generate flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the paper tube or tube that constitutes the second filter section 140, or another fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted inside the second filter section 140.

[0088] The second filter section 140 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 154. Alternatively, it is not necessary to provide another wrapper surrounding the second filter section 140. In this case, the second filter section 140 may be surrounded only by the final wrapper 155, together with the front end 110, the medium section 120, and the filter section 130.

[0089] Figures 3A to 3C schematically show cross-sectional views of the aerosol product obtained by cutting it in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figure 2B.

[0090] Referring to Figure 3A, the aerosol product 100 may sequentially include a front end portion 110, a medium portion 120, a second filter portion 140, and a filter portion 130. Here, the medium portion 120 may contain a tobacco medium 121, and the second filter portion 140 may contain a flavoring element 141 containing a flavoring liquid. The filter portion 130 may also contain a capsule 131.

[0091] According to one embodiment, as the cartridge containing the aerosol-generating substance (210 in Figure 1) is heated, the aerosol generated is introduced through the front end 110 and subsequently transferred sequentially through the medium section 120, the second filter section 140, and the filter section 130.

[0092] In other words, the aerosol introduced via the front end 110 can mix with components such as nicotine released from the tobacco medium 121 of the medium section 120, and then proceed sequentially to the second filter section 140 and the filter section 130. At this time, it can be mixed with the flavor elements 141 contained in the second filter section 140 and transmitted to the user.

[0093] For example, the medium portion 120 can be manufactured by filling a cellulose acetate filter 122 with tobacco medium 121. Alternatively, it can be manufactured by filling a paper filter with tobacco medium 121, but is not limited to this.

[0094] Referring to Figure 3B, the aerosol product 100 may sequentially include the front end portion 110, the second filter portion 140, the medium portion 120, and the filter portion 130.

[0095] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generated by heating a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance (210 in Figure 1) is introduced through the front end 110 and can then be sequentially transferred through the second filter section 140, the medium section 120, and the filter section 130.

[0096] In other words, the aerosol introduced through the front end 110 is mixed with the flavor elements 141 contained in the second filter section 140 and transmitted to the medium section 120. Thereafter, it is mixed with components such as nicotine released from the tobacco medium 121 in the medium section 120, and then transmitted to the user via the second filter section 140.

[0097] Referring to Figure 3C, the aerosol product 100 may sequentially include a front end portion 110, a first medium portion 120a, a second medium portion 120b, and a filter portion 130.

[0098] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generated by heating a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance (210 in Figure 1) is introduced through the front end 110 and can then be sequentially transferred through the first medium section 120a, the second medium section 120b, and the filter section 130.

[0099] According to Figure 3C, the medium portion 120 may include a first medium portion 120a and a second medium portion 120b, which consist of separate segments. The first medium portion 120a and the second medium portion 120b may each contain a tobacco medium 121. As an example, the first medium portion 120a and the second medium portion 120b can each be manufactured by filling a cellulose acetate filter 122 with the tobacco medium 121.

[0100] However, this is only one embodiment and is not limited thereto. The first medium portion 120a may be manufactured by filling an acetate filter with tobacco medium 121, and the second medium portion 120b may be manufactured by filling a paper filter with tobacco medium 121. As another example, the first medium portion 120a may be manufactured by filling a paper filter with tobacco medium 121, and the second medium portion 120b may be manufactured by filling an acetate filter with tobacco medium 121. As yet another example, the first medium portion 120a and the second medium portion 120b may each be manufactured by filling a paper filter with tobacco medium 121.

[0101] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the medium portion according to one embodiment.

[0102] Referring to Figure 4, the medium portion 120 of the aerosol product (for example, the aerosol product 100 in Figure 1) may include a cellulose acetate filter 122 and a tobacco medium 121 filled in the cellulose acetate filter 122. For example, the cellulose acetate filter 122 may be formed from a plurality of cellulose acetate tows 122a, and the tobacco medium 121 may be filled between the plurality of cellulose acetate tows 122a.

[0103] In one embodiment, the medium portion 120 may be filled with approximately 2 mg / mm to approximately 8 mg / mm inside the cellulose acetate filter 122. In another example, the medium portion 120 may be filled with approximately 4 mg / mm to approximately 6 mg / mm inside the cellulose acetate filter 122.

[0104] For example, if the medium portion 120 includes only one segment containing tobacco medium 121, as shown in Figure 3A or Figure 3B, and the length of the segment containing tobacco medium 121 is approximately 5 mm to approximately 15 mm, then the medium portion 120 can be filled with approximately 20 mg to approximately 90 mg of tobacco medium 121.

[0105] As another example, if the medium portion 120 includes two segments containing tobacco medium 121, as shown in Figure 3C, and the length of the two segments is approximately 10 mm to approximately 30 mm, then the medium portion 120 may be filled with approximately 40 mg to 180 mg of tobacco medium 121. Alternatively, if the medium portion 120 includes one segment containing tobacco medium 121, as shown in Figure 2A, and the length of the one segment is approximately 10 mm to 30 mm, then the medium portion 120 may be filled with approximately 40 mg to 180 mg of tobacco medium 121.

[0106] In one embodiment, the cellulose acetate filter 122 may consist of multiple cellulose acetate tows 122a having a mono denier of 9.0, a total denier of 25,000, and a Y-shaped cross-section, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] In one embodiment, the tobacco medium 121 may be granules coated with a pH aqueous solution, and the particle size of the tobacco medium 121 may be about 0.1 mm to about 1.2 mm. In another embodiment, the particle size of the tobacco medium 121 may be about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm. When the diameter of the tobacco medium 121 is within the range of about 0.1 mm to about 1.2 mm, or within the range of about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm, the ease of manufacturing the medium portion 120 may be increased.

[0108] In other words, when the medium portion 120 is manufactured, multiple cellulose acetate tows 122a are bonded together to produce a cellulose acetate filter 122, and when the tobacco medium 121 is filled into the cellulose acetate filter 122, the tobacco medium 121 can only be stably filled into the cellulose acetate filter 122 if its particle size is within the range of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 1.2 mm, or within the range of approximately 0.3 mm to approximately 0.6 mm.

[0109] In one embodiment, as described above, by adjusting the pH of the tobacco medium 121 to the alkaline side through a pH adjusting agent, the tobacco medium 121 can release nicotine even at relatively low temperatures where the aerosol product 100 is not directly heated. For example, when a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance (210 in Figure 1) is heated, the aerosol generated is transferred to the aerosol product 100, causing nicotine to be released from the tobacco medium 121 in the medium section 120.

[0110] In this case, the nicotine storage capacity of the aerosol product (for example, the aerosol product 100 in Figure 1) can be improved by the absorption of nicotine released from the tobacco medium 121 by the cellulose acetate filter 122 (or by the suppression of nicotine release from the tobacco medium 121 by the cellulose acetate filter 122).

[0111] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the medium portion according to another embodiment.

[0112] Referring to Figure 5, the medium portion 120 of the aerosol product (for example, the aerosol product 100 in Figure 1) may include a paper filter 123 and a tobacco medium 121 filled in the paper filter 123. For example, the paper filter 123 may be manufactured so that the paper is rolled, i.e., has a rounded shape, and the tobacco medium 121 may be filled between the rolled sheets of paper.

[0113] In one embodiment, the tobacco medium 121 may be filled inside the paper filter 123 of the medium section 120 at a concentration of approximately 2 mg / mm to approximately 8 mg / mm. In another example, the tobacco medium 121 may be filled inside the paper filter 123 of the medium section 120 at a concentration of approximately 4 mg / mm to 6 mg / mm.

[0114] In one embodiment, the paper filter 123 may be manufactured in a rolled form from paper having a smooth surface. However, it is not limited thereto, and in other examples, the paper filter 123 may be manufactured in a roll from paper having a surface roughness above a certain value, or from crimped paper.

[0115] In one embodiment, the paper filter 123 may be manufactured in roll form from paper having a horizontal length of approximately 5 mm to approximately 15 mm and a vertical length of approximately 100 mm to approximately 150 mm. However, it is not limited thereto, and the size of the paper can be varied in various ways depending on the manufacturer's design.

[0116] In other words, when manufacturing the medium portion 120, if the tobacco medium 121 is filled into the paper filter 123 at the same time that the paper is manufactured in the roll form, the tobacco medium 121 can only be stably filled into the paper filter 123 if its diameter is within the range of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 1.2 mm, or approximately 0.3 mm to approximately 0.6 mm.

[0117] In one embodiment, as described above, by adjusting the pH of the tobacco medium 121 to the alkaline side through a pH adjusting agent, the tobacco medium 121 can release nicotine even at relatively low temperatures where the aerosol product 100 is not directly heated. For example, when a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance (210 in Figure 1) is heated, the aerosol generated is transferred to the aerosol product 100, causing nicotine to be released from the tobacco medium 121 in the medium section 120.

[0118] In this case, the nicotine storage capacity of the aerosol product (for example, the aerosol product 100 in Figure 1) can be improved by the absorption of nicotine released from the tobacco medium 121 by the paper filter 123 (or by the suppression of nicotine release from the tobacco medium 121 by the filter 123).

[0119] On the other hand, the tobacco medium 121 may be formed by spraying a pH-adjusting aqueous solution onto granules containing tobacco powder and then drying them. In one embodiment, the tobacco medium may be formed by a) supplying granules containing tobacco powder to a chamber, b) providing movement to a plurality of granules supplied to the chamber to spray a pH-adjusting aqueous solution, and c) hot-air drying the granules sprayed with the pH-adjusting aqueous solution in the chamber.

[0120] In one embodiment, the granules containing tobacco powder may contain at least one of a solvent and a binder in addition to the tobacco powder. For example, the granules containing tobacco powder may contain a solvent and a binder consisting of water and ethanol. In another example, the granules containing tobacco powder may contain only a solvent and no binder.

[0121] In this case, the granules containing tobacco powder may be a substance produced through a predetermined manufacturing process. For example, the granules containing tobacco powder may be a material produced through an extrusion manufacturing process and / or a fluidized bed manufacturing process.

[0122] In the manufacturing of the tobacco medium 121 according to the embodiment, a) in the step of supplying granules containing tobacco powder to the chamber, supplying the "granules containing tobacco powder" as already manufactured finished granules allows for the omission of at least one manufacturing step (e.g., an extrusion step, a molding step, etc.), resulting in economic benefits in terms of manufacturing costs. Furthermore, since the granules can be manufactured with a predetermined diameter at the stage of production as finished granules, the diameter of the particles constituting the tobacco medium 121 can be substantially constant.

[0123] According to one embodiment, once granules are supplied to the chamber, a) a step may be performed in which a pH-adjusting aqueous solution is sprayed by providing movement to the multiple granules supplied to the chamber.

[0124] In one embodiment, the motion provided to the plurality of granules supplied to the chamber may be at least one of rotational motion and fluidized bed motion. For example, the tobacco medium production apparatus may include a rotating shaft for providing rotational motion and a plurality of paddles connected to the rotating shaft. In another example, the tobacco medium production apparatus may include a fluidized bed reactor for providing fluidized bed motion.

[0125] In one embodiment, the pH-adjusting aqueous solution may contain a pH adjusting agent and water. For example, the pH adjusting agent may contain at least one of potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and mixtures thereof. However, the pH adjusting agent may contain a material that can adjust the pH of a plurality of granules supplied to the chamber to the alkaline side.

[0126] In one embodiment, the pH-adjusting aqueous solution may contain about 9 to about 11% by weight of a pH adjusting agent and about 17 to about 23% by weight of water, based on the total weight of the plurality of granules supplied to the chamber. Preferably, the pH-adjusting aqueous solution may contain about 10% by weight of a pH adjusting agent and about 20% by weight of water, based on the total weight of the plurality of granules.

[0127] According to one embodiment, after step b), the tobacco medium 121 can be produced by step c) drying the sprayed granules of the pH-adjusted aqueous solution in a chamber.

[0128] In one embodiment, drying may be carried out by hot air drying. Hot air drying may be carried out at a temperature of about 40°C to about 50°C. For example, hot air drying at a temperature of about 40°C to about 50°C may be provided for granules sprayed with a pH solution. In this case, if the equipment (chamber) provides rotational motion to the granules, hot air drying may take about 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, if the equipment provides fluidized bed motion to the granules, hot air drying may take about 10 to 15 minutes.

[0129] In this case, if the equipment provides fluidized bed motion to the granules, the required time for hot air drying is relatively short, which can be desirable in terms of process and cost efficiency. Alternatively, if the equipment provides rotational motion to the granules, even if the required time for hot air drying is long, the yield of granules with the target moisture content increases, which can be desirable in terms of manufacturing efficiency.

[0130] In conventional manufacturing systems where different equipment is used for each process stage, the need to move raw materials between equipment can make continuous process execution difficult. Furthermore, the varying time required for each process stage can make continuous raw material input and production challenging.

[0131] The tobacco medium 121 manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment allows for the injection of a pH-adjusted aqueous solution onto granules in a chamber, followed by hot-air drying of the granules that have been injected with the pH-adjusted aqueous solution in the same chamber. In other words, since the injection of the pH-adjusted aqueous solution and the hot-air drying stage are provided in the same equipment, a continuous process is possible, thereby improving the productivity of the tobacco medium 121.

[0132] By drying the granules sprayed with the pH-adjusted aqueous solution using the method described above, the final tobacco medium 121 can be produced.

[0133] In one embodiment, the pH value of the tobacco medium 121 after drying may be 8 to 9. Preferably, the pH value of the tobacco medium 121 after drying may be 8.7 to 8.9. When the pH value of the hot-air dried tobacco medium 121 is 8.7 to 8.9, the conversion rate to prenicotine is high, and smoking satisfaction can be provided to the user even under non-heating conditions. For example, when the pH value is 8.7 to 8.9, the conversion rate to prenicotine may be about 90% or more.

[0134] In one embodiment, the tobacco medium 121 may contain 8 to 9% by weight of moisture based on the dry weight of the tobacco medium 121. In this case, the hot-air dried tobacco medium 121 containing 8 to 9% by weight of moisture based on the dry weight can stabilize the product quality by providing a uniform amount of nicotine transfer even after time has passed.

[0135] The invention will be described in more detail below through examples and experimental examples. It will be obvious to those ordinary skill in the art that these examples are merely illustrative and that the invention is not to be construed as being limited by these examples. [Examples]

[0136] The tobacco medium according to the example was manufactured, and the change in the amount of nicotine transferred over time was measured.

[0137] 1. Experimental Example 1: Accelerated Test As shown in Table 1 below, aerosol products containing the tobacco medium of Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 were prepared, and time-course prediction experiments were conducted using these products. For rapid confirmation, the amount of nicotine transferred was analyzed through an accelerated test in a 40°C oven to predict long-term storageability. The amount of nicotine transferred was measured immediately after preparation, after 3 days, and after 5 days, and the amount of nicotine transferred per 14 puffs was measured in mg.

[0138] Comparative Example 1 was an experiment conducted with a tobacco medium containing 15% by weight of moisture, based on the total weight of the tobacco medium. Example 1 was an experiment conducted by drying the tobacco medium from Comparative Example 1 so that it contained 8% by weight of moisture.

[0139] [Table 1]

[0140] As in Comparative Example 1, when the tobacco medium contains 15% by weight of moisture, it can be confirmed that the amount of nicotine transferred decreases over time. However, in Example 1, it can be confirmed that the quality of the product is stable.

[0141] 2. Experiment Example 2: Time Elapsed Prediction Test To confirm the specific results related to the moisture content of the tobacco medium, further experiments were conducted with varying moisture content of the tobacco medium, as shown in Table 2 below. The amount of nicotine transferred per 14 puffs was measured in mg over a total of 12 weeks in a room at approximately 22°C and 60% humidity. The measurement was performed using GC (Gas Chromatography) quantitative analysis.

[0142] [Table 2]

[0143] As shown in Comparative Example 2, when the tobacco medium contains 6% by weight of moisture, it was confirmed that the amount of nicotine transferred was less than 0.4 mg immediately after manufacturing, and that the amount of nicotine transferred was very small after 8 weeks or more.

[0144] On the other hand, in the case of Comparative Example 3, where the tobacco medium contains 10% by weight of moisture, and in the case of Comparative Example 4, where the tobacco medium contains 12% by weight of moisture, it was confirmed that the amount of nicotine transferred continuously decreased over time.

[0145] On the other hand, in Example 2, it was confirmed that the amount of nicotine transferred remained above 0.4 mg without significant deviation even after a period of time. In particular, it was confirmed that it became even more stable from the second week onward. This confirmed that the product quality stabilizes when the tobacco medium contains 8 to 9% by weight of moisture.

[0146] The above description of the embodiments is illustrative only, and a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the present invention must be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to that described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Non-heated aerosol product, The tobacco medium is filled into at least one of a cellulose acetate filter and a paper filter. The tobacco medium comprises granules containing tobacco powder and a pH-adjusting aqueous solution containing a pH adjusting agent and water. The tobacco medium is a non-heated aerosol product containing 8 to 9% by weight of moisture based on the dry weight of the tobacco medium.

2. The non-heated aerosol product according to claim 1, wherein the pH of the tobacco medium is in the range of 8.7 to 8.

9.

3. The pH adjusting agent is potassium carbonate (K ２ CO ３ ), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO) ３ The unheated aerosol product according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following: ), and a mixture thereof.

4. The non-heated aerosol product according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco medium has a particle size of 0.1 mm to 1.2 mm.

5. The non-heated aerosol product according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco medium has a particle size of 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm.

6. The non-heated aerosol product according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco medium is formed by spraying the pH-adjusting aqueous solution onto the granules and then drying them.

7. The non-heated aerosol product according to claim 6, wherein the pH-adjusting aqueous solution contains 9 to 11% by weight of a pH adjuster and 17 to 23% by weight of water relative to the total weight of the granules.

8. The non-heated aerosol product according to claim 1, comprising a front end, a medium portion disposed downstream of the front end and containing the tobacco medium, and a filter portion disposed downstream of the medium portion and containing a filter element.

9. The cellulose acetate filter comprises a plurality of cellulose acetate tones, The non-heated aerosol product according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco medium is filled between the cellulose acetate tou.

10. The aforementioned paper filter is contained in a roll, The non-heated aerosol product according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco medium is contained in a form filled between the sheets of paper of the roll-shaped paper filter.

11. The non-heated aerosol product according to claim 8, wherein the medium portion is filled with the tobacco medium in an amount of 2 mg / mm to 8 mg / mm.

12. A non-heated aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 11, An aerosol generation system comprising a containment space for containing the non-heated aerosol product, and an aerosol generation device including a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

13. The aerosol generating system according to claim 12, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a heating unit for heating the aerosol generating substance contained in the cartridge.

14. The aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge is heated to generate an aerosol, The aerosol generation system according to claim 13, wherein the aerosol is configured to be transferred to the non-heated aerosol product.

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