Aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system, aerosol-generating article manufacturing method, and aerosol-generating article

Abstract

The aerosol generating medium manufacturing system according to various embodiments may include a chamber forming a manufacturing space, a medium raw material section arranged in the manufacturing space, a heating section for heating the medium raw material section to release a transition substance from the medium raw material section, a circulation section for circulating the transition substance, and a transition section for transitioning to the transition substance.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system, a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating article, and an aerosol generating system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative products that overcome the shortcomings of traditional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarette sticks (e.g., cigarette-type electronic cigarettes). As a result, research on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating articles) applied thereto has been actively conducted. For example, Published Patent Application No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating medium producing system capable of producing an aerosol-generating medium from inexpensive raw materials, and an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol generating system produced thereby.

[0004] It is an object of one embodiment to provide an aerosol-generating medium producing system, and aerosol-generating articles and aerosol generating systems produced thereby, that can improve the aerosol-generating medium within a relatively short period of time.

[0005] It is an object according to one embodiment to provide an aerosol generating system that does not heat the aerosol-generating article. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An aerosol generating medium manufacturing system according to various embodiments may include a chamber forming a manufacturing space, a medium raw material section arranged in the manufacturing space, a heating section for heating the medium raw material section to release a transition substance from the medium raw material section, a circulation section for circulating the transition substance, and a transition section for transitioning to the transition substance.

[0007] The chamber can seal the manufacturing space so that the transfer material is not released outside the manufacturing space.

[0008] The device may further include a storage unit having a storage space for storing the transfer unit.

[0009] The storage unit may have one side open so that the storage space communicates with the manufacturing space.

[0010] The storage unit may include a plastic material.

[0011] The medium source portion may be pH treated.

[0012] The heating section heats the medium raw material section to a temperature of 40° C. or more and 50° C. or less, and the transition substance can be free nicotine.

[0013] The medium raw material portion can contain at least one component of calcium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), or calcium oxide (CaO).

[0014] The transition portion may include an acetate component.

[0015] The transition portion may include a lyocell component.

[0016] Various embodiments of the method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article may include a medium raw material portion providing step of providing a medium raw material portion to a chamber forming a manufacturing space, a heating step of heating the medium raw material portion to release a transition material from the medium raw material portion, a circulation step of circulating the transition material, a transfer step of transferring the transition material to a transfer portion, and a processing step of processing the transition portion.

[0017] The processing step may include a cutting step of cutting the transition portion transferred by the transition material.

[0018] The processing step may further include a filter attachment step of attaching a scenting filter to the cut transition portion.

[0019] The aerosol-generating articles according to the various embodiments can be produced by the methods for producing an aerosol-generating article described above.

[0020] An aerosol generating system according to various embodiments may include the aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device described above, the aerosol generating device including a vaporizer configured to generate an aerosol from a liquid composition and emit the generated aerosol towards the aerosol generating article. Effect of the Invention

[0021] An aerosol-generating medium production system according to one embodiment can simplify the production of aerosol-generating articles.

[0022] The aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system according to one embodiment can reduce the manufacturing costs of aerosol-generating articles.

[0023] The aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system according to an embodiment can stably manage the quality of the aerosol-generating article.

[0024] The aerosol generating system according to one embodiment can ensure safety.

[0025] The effects of the aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system, aerosol-generating article manufacturing method, aerosol-generating article, and aerosol generating system according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the description below.

[0026] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic structure of an aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a flow chart of a method for making an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a flow chart of processing steps according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic structure of a vaporizer according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, since various modifications can be made to the embodiments, the scope of the invention is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the embodiments are included in the scope of the invention.

[0029] The terms used in the examples are merely used for the purpose of explanation and should not be construed as limiting. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "include" or "have" and the like specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preclude the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as meanings consistent with the meanings they have in the context of the relevant art, and unless expressly defined in this application, they should not be interpreted as ideal or overly formal meanings.

[0031] In the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same components regardless of the reference numerals, and the duplicated description thereof will be omitted. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0032] Furthermore, in describing components of the embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are used to distinguish the components from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. When a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component is directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that other components are also "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0033] Components included in any of the embodiments and components having common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the description of any of the embodiments may be applied to other embodiments, and detailed description will be omitted to the extent that they overlap.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of an aerosol-generating medium producing system according to one embodiment.

[0035] 1, an aerosol-generating medium-producing system 1 according to one embodiment can produce an aerosol-generating medium, thereby producing an aerosol-generating article (e.g., aerosol-generating article 31 in FIG. 4). For example, the aerosol-generating medium-producing system 1 can be used to produce a medium segment (e.g., medium segment 311 in FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating medium-producing system 1 can include a chamber 11, a medium raw material section 12, a heating section 13, a circulation section 14, a transfer section 15, and a storage section 16.

[0036] In one embodiment, the chamber 11 may form a manufacturing space 111 for manufacturing the aerosol-generating article 31. The manufacturing space 111 may include a medium raw material section 12, a heating section 13, a circulation section 14, a transfer section 15, and a storage section 16. In one embodiment, the chamber 11 may seal the manufacturing space 111 so that a transfer material, which will be described later, is not released to the outside of the manufacturing space 111. For example, a releasable lid may be formed on one side of the chamber 11. In this structure, during the process of transferring the transfer material to the transfer section 15, the lid is closed to seal the manufacturing space 111, and when the transfer is completed, the lid is opened to allow the transfer section 15 to be taken out of the manufacturing space 111.

[0037] In one embodiment, the medium source portion 12 may be disposed in the manufacturing space 111. In one embodiment, the medium source portion 12 may be heated to release transition material from the medium source portion 12.

[0038] In one embodiment, the medium raw material portion 12 may include a material containing nicotine. For example, the medium raw material portion 12 may include at least one of a sheet of tobacco, a wet granule, and a leaf tobacco. However, this is merely an example, and the material of the medium raw material portion 12 is not limited thereto. For example, the medium raw material portion 12 may include by-products such as fine powder or leaf powder. In such an embodiment, the transition substance released from the medium raw material portion 12 may be free nicotine.

[0039] In one embodiment, the medium raw material part 12 may be chemically treated. For example, the medium raw material part 12 may be pH-treated to have basicity. For example, the medium raw material part 12 may be treated to contain at least one component of calcium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), or calcium oxide (CaO). Therefore, even if the medium raw material part 12 is heated to a relatively low temperature, a large amount of free nicotine can be released. However, this is merely an example, and the chemical treatment method of the medium raw material part 12 is not limited to this. The chemical treatment method can be adjusted in consideration of the temperature to which the medium raw material part 12 is heated, the target amount of free nicotine to be released, and the like.

[0040] In one embodiment, the heating unit 13 can heat the medium raw material part 12 to release a transition substance from the medium raw material part 12. For example, the heating unit 13 can heat the medium raw material part 12 to release free nicotine from the medium raw material part 12. For example, the heating unit 13 can heat the medium raw material part 12 to a temperature of 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less. However, this is merely an example, and the temperature to which the heating unit 13 heats the medium raw material part 12 is not limited to this.

[0041] For example, the heating unit 13 may be disposed below the medium raw material unit 12. In this structure, the movement of free nicotine released from the medium raw material unit 12 to the upper part of the manufacturing space 111 may not be hindered. However, this is merely an example, and the arrangement of the heating unit 13 is not limited to this as long as the heating unit 13 can heat the medium raw material unit 12. For example, the heating unit 13 can also heat the medium raw material unit 12 disposed in the manufacturing space 111 outside the chamber 11.

[0042] In one embodiment, the circulation unit 14 can circulate the transferred substance. For example, the circulation unit 14 can circulate the free nicotine in the production space 111 so that the free nicotine is efficiently transferred to the transfer unit 15. For example, the circulation unit 14 can include a fan, and the transferred substance can be circulated by the rotation of the fan. However, this is merely an example, and the manner in which the circulation unit 14 circulates the transferred substance is not limited thereto.

[0043] For example, the circulation section 14 may be disposed above the transfer section 15. Therefore, the free nicotine released from the medium raw material section 12 and passing through the transfer section 15 to the upper part of the manufacturing space 111 can be moved toward the lower part of the manufacturing space 111 so as to again move toward the transfer section 15. In another example, a plurality of circulation sections 14 may be disposed on either side of the transfer section 15. In such a structure, the circulation section 14 disposed below the transfer section 15 can move the free nicotine toward the upper part of the manufacturing space 111 so as to move toward the transfer section 15. In addition, the circulation section 14 disposed above the transfer section 15 can move the free nicotine toward the lower part of the manufacturing space 111 so as to move toward the transfer section 15.

[0044] In one embodiment, the transfer section 15 can transfer to a transfer substance. For example, free nicotine released from the medium raw material section 12 can transfer to the transfer section 15 in the process of circulating through the circulation section 14. For example, the transfer section 15 can contain an acetate component. However, this is merely an example, and the components of the transfer section 15 are not limited thereto. For example, the transfer section 15 can contain a lyocell component, which is highly biodegradable. This allows the aerosol-generating article 31 to be manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner.

[0045] For example, the transfer section 15 may be disposed above the medium raw material section 12. In such a structure, the free nicotine released from the medium raw material section 12 can move to the upper portion and transfer the transfer section 15. However, this is merely an example, and the arrangement of the transfer section 15 is not limited to this as long as the transfer section 15 can efficiently transfer to the transfer substance.

[0046] In one embodiment, the storage unit 16 may form a storage space 161 for storing the transfer unit 15. In such a structure, the transfer unit 15 may be disposed in the production space 111 while being stored in the storage unit 16. For example, the storage unit 16 may include a plastic material. This can reduce the phenomenon of nicotine being released again from the transfer unit 15 that has been transferred to free nicotine.

[0047] In one embodiment, the storage unit 16 may be formed with one side open so that the storage space 161 communicates with the production space 111. For example, the upper surface of the storage unit 16 may be open. For example, a plurality of perforations may be formed on the lower surface of the storage unit 16. In such a structure, free nicotine circulating in the production space 111 can come into contact with the transfer unit 15. However, this is merely an example, and the structure of the storage unit 16 is not limited thereto as long as the storage unit 16 does not prevent transfer from nicotine in the transfer unit 15.

[0048] In one embodiment, the heating unit 13 can heat the medium raw material unit 12 to a temperature of 40° C. or more and 50° C. or less. When free nicotine is released from the medium raw material unit 12, the released free nicotine can be circulated in the manufacturing space 111 by the circulation unit 14. While circulating in the manufacturing space 111, the free nicotine can be transferred to the transfer unit 15 by contacting the transfer unit 15. For example, the transfer unit 15 can be exposed to free nicotine for a period of 2 days or more and 3 days or less.

[0049] Once the transition portion 15 has been sufficiently transformed into a transition substance (e.g., free nicotine), it can be removed from the chamber 11. The transition portion 15 can be manufactured into an aerosol-generating article 31 through additional processing steps. The processing steps will be described in detail below.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for making an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a flow chart of processing steps according to one embodiment.

[0051] 2 and 3, an embodiment of a method 2 for producing an aerosol-generating article can be used to produce an aerosol-generating article (e.g., aerosol-generating article 31 in FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the method 2 for producing an aerosol-generating article can include a medium raw material providing step 21, a heating step 22, a circulating step 23, a transferring step 24, and a processing step 25.

[0052] In describing method 2 for producing an aerosol-generating article with reference to Figs. 2 and 3, details that overlap with those described above will be omitted as much as possible.

[0053] In one embodiment, the medium raw material portion providing step 21 may be a step of providing a medium raw material portion (e.g., the medium raw material portion 12 in FIG. 1) to a chamber forming the manufacturing space. In one embodiment, the chamber may seal the manufacturing space so that the transition material is not released to the outside of the manufacturing space. For example, the medium raw material portion 12 may be pH-treated. For example, the medium raw material portion 12 may include at least one component of calcium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), or calcium oxide (CaO).

[0054] In one embodiment, the heating step 22 may be a step of heating the medium ingredient portion 12 to release a transition substance from the medium ingredient portion 12. For example, the transition substance may be free nicotine. For example, the heating step 22 may be a step of heating the medium ingredient portion 12 to a temperature of 40°C to 50°C.

[0055] In one embodiment, the circulation step 23 may be a step of circulating a transition material. The transition material circulated in the circulation step 23 may transition the transition portion.

[0056] In one embodiment, the transfer step 24 may be a step of transferring a transfer material to the transfer portion. For example, the transfer portion may include an acetate component. For example, the transfer portion may include a lyocell component.

[0057] In one embodiment, the processing step 25 may be a step of processing a transition portion. In one embodiment, the processing step 25 may include a cutting step 251 and a filter bonding step 252.

[0058] In one embodiment, the cleavage step 251 may be a step of cleaving a transition portion transferred by a transition substance. The cleavage step 251 may be a step of cleaving a transition portion transferred by free nicotine to match a specified form.

[0059] In one embodiment, the filter attachment step 252 may be a step of attaching a filter to the cut transition portion, and the filter may be a scented filter. For example, the filter attachment step 252 may be a step of attaching a filter to which scented liquid is sprayed. For example, the filter attachment step 252 may be a step of inserting separate fibers to which scented liquid is applied into the inside of the filter. Also, the filter attachment step 252 may be a step of inserting at least one capsule into the inside of the filter. Here, the capsule may perform a function of generating a flavor. For example, the capsule may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is wrapped in a coating. The capsule may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0060] In another example, the filter bonding step 252 may be omitted in the aerosol-generating article manufacturing method 2. For example, the cut transfer portion after the cutting step 251 may be vacuum-packed in an aluminum bag in the form of a cigarette filter (e.g., a filter tip) without going through the filter bonding step 252. In this case, the cut transfer portion can be applied to an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 32 in Figs. 5, 6A, and 6B) in the form of a filter tip to transfer nicotine.

[0061] In such a structure, the aerosol-generating article 31 does not necessarily have to include the medium raw material part 12. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article 31 according to one embodiment has stable quality and can be manufactured by a simplified method. In addition, the medium raw material part 12 can be made of inexpensive materials since it only serves to release the transition substance. For example, the medium raw material part 12 can be made of by-products or low-value leaves that release free nicotine.

[0062] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment, Figure 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, Figures 6A and 6B are diagrams showing a schematic structure of an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a vaporizer according to one embodiment.

[0063] 4 to 7, an aerosol generating system 3 according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating article 31 and an aerosol generating device 32.

[0064] In describing the aerosol generating system 3 with reference to Figs. 4 to 7, details that overlap with those described above will be omitted as much as possible.

[0065] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 31 may include a media segment 311 , a filter segment 312 , and a wrapper 313 .

[0066] In one embodiment, the medium segment 311 may be the transition section 15 cut in the cutting step 251 described with reference to Figures 1-3. In one embodiment, the filter segment 312 may be the scented filter coupled to the transition section 15 in the filter coupling step 252 described with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0067] In another example, the filter segment 312 may be omitted from the aerosol-generating article 31. For example, only the medium segment 311 may be vacuum-packed in an aluminum bag in the form of a cigarette filter (e.g., a filter tip). In this case, the medium segment 311 from which the filter segment 312 is omitted may be applied in the form of a filter tip to an aerosol-generating device (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 32 in Figs. 5, 6A, and 6B) to transfer nicotine.

[0068] In one embodiment, the wrapper 313 can wrap the media segment 311 and the filter segment 312. In one embodiment, the wrapper 313 can be formed with at least one hole through which the outside air can flow in or the inside gas can flow out. In one embodiment, the wrapper 313 can be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper means a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the wrapper 313 can be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the wrapper 313 can be 80 g / m2 or less. 2 ~100g / m 2 may be included in the range.

[0069] 5 to 7, an aerosol generating device 32 according to an embodiment may include a battery 321, a control unit 322, a vaporizer 323, and an elongated cavity 324.

[0070] The aerosol generating device 32 shown in Figures 6A and 6B shows only components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment can understand that in addition to the components shown in Figures 6A and 6B, other general components may be further included in the aerosol generating device 32. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 32 may be in the form of a stick or a holder.

[0071] In one embodiment, the battery 321 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 32. The battery 321 can supply power necessary to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 32.

[0072] In one embodiment, the battery 321 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery 321, but is not limited to the above example. For example, the battery 321 may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium ion battery, etc.

[0073] For example, the battery 321 may be cylindrical with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the capacity of the battery 321 may be in the range of 120 mAh to 250 mAh, but is not limited thereto. The battery 321 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, if the battery 321 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 321 may be, but is not limited thereto, 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) of the battery 321 may be, but is not limited thereto. For static use, the battery 321 may be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity is secured even after 2000 charge / discharge cycles.

[0074] In one embodiment, the control unit 322 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 32. Specifically, the control unit 322 controls the operation of the battery 321, the vaporizer 323, and other components included in the aerosol generating device 32. The control unit 322 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 32 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 32 is in an operable state.

[0075] In one embodiment, the control unit 322 includes at least one processor. The processor may be realized as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be realized as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains that the processor may also be realized in other forms of hardware.

[0076] In one embodiment, the vaporizer 323 can generate aerosol and emit the generated aerosol toward the inserted aerosol-generating article 31 so that the generated aerosol passes through the aerosol-generating article 31 inserted in the elongated cavity 324. Thus, the aerosol passing through the aerosol-generating article 31 can be flavored with tobacco, and a user can inhale the aerosol flavored with tobacco by inhaling one end of the aerosol-generating article 31 with their mouth. In one embodiment, the vaporizer 323 can be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer. In one embodiment, the vaporizer 323 can be interchangeably coupled to the aerosol generating device 32.

[0077] In one embodiment, the elongated cavity 324 may house an aerosol-generating article 31 .

[0078] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 32 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 321, the control unit 322, the vaporizer 323, and the elongated cavity 324. For example, the aerosol generating device 32 may include a detection unit 325, an output unit 326, a user input unit 327, a memory 328, and a communication unit 329.

[0079] The detection unit 325 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 32 or the state around the aerosol generating device 32, and transmit the detected information to the control unit 322. Based on the detected information, the control unit 322 can control the aerosol generating device 32 so that various functions such as restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol generating article 31 (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications can be performed.

[0080] The detection unit 325 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 3251, an insertion detection sensor 3252, and a puff sensor 3253, but is not limited to these.

[0081] The temperature sensor 3251 can measure the temperature of the aerosol-generating article 31. The temperature sensor 3251 may be disposed around the battery 321 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 321.

[0082] The insertion detection sensor 3252 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article 31. For example, the insertion detection sensor 3252 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article 31.

[0083] The puff sensor 3253 can sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage 3234 or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 3253 can sense a user's puff based on any of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0084] In addition to the above-mentioned sensors, the detection unit 325 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, so a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0085] The output unit 326 may output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device 32 to provide it to a user. The output unit 326 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 3261, a haptic unit 3262, and an audio output unit 3263. When the display unit 3261 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 3261 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0086] The display unit 3261 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generating device 32. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 32 can mean various information such as a charge / discharge state of the battery 321 of the aerosol generating device 32, an insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article 31, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 32 is restricted (e.g., abnormal article detection), and the display unit 3261 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 3261 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Also, the display unit 3261 can be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0087] The haptic portion 3262 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 32. For example, the haptic portion 3262 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0088] The acoustic output unit 3263 can audibly provide the user with information related to the aerosol generation device 32. For example, the acoustic output unit 3263 can convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0089] The user input unit 327 may receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 327 may be, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact type electrostatic capacitance type, pressure type resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral type tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 32 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to another external device via the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 321.

[0090] The memory 328 is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device 32, and can store data processed by the control unit 322 and data to be processed. The memory 328 can include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 328 can store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 32, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the smoking pattern of the user.

[0091] The communication unit 329 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 329 may include a short-range communication unit 3291 and a wireless communication unit 3292.

[0092] The short-range wireless communication unit 3291 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit 3292, a WLAN (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi (registered trademark) Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0093] The wireless communication unit 3292 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 3292 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 32 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0094] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 32 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) and / or a terminal coupled to the cradle, by which a user can control functions of the aerosol generating device 32. For example, a user can execute various functions using the input device of the aerosol generating device 100. A desired function among a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 32 can be executed by adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the time for which the user presses the input device (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.). As the user operates the input device, a function of cleaning the space in which the aerosol generating article 31 is inserted, a function of checking whether the aerosol generating device 32 is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining capacity (available power) of the battery 321, a function of resetting the aerosol generating device 32, etc. can be executed. However, the functions of the aerosol generating device 32 are not limited to the above examples.

[0095] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 32 may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and / or an aerosol-generating article 31, and an insertion detection sensor 3252. The aerosol-generating device 32 may also be fabricated with a structure that allows outside air to flow in / out even when the aerosol-generating article 31 is inserted.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 32 may include a vaporizer 323 and an elongated cavity 324 arranged in series as shown in Fig. 6A. According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 32 may include a vaporizer 323 and an elongated cavity 324 arranged in parallel as shown in Fig. 6B. The arrangement of the battery 321, the control unit 322, the vaporizer 323, and the elongated cavity 324 of the aerosol generating device 32 is not limited to that shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, and may be in various forms.

[0097] 6B, through the airflow passage 3234 in the aerosol generating device 32, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 323 can flow into the elongated cavity 324 and pass through the aerosol-generating article 31. Thus, the aerosol passing through the aerosol-generating article 31 can be flavored with tobacco, and the user can inhale the aerosol flavored with tobacco by inhaling one end of the aerosol-generating article 31 with his or her mouth.

[0098] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 32 may not include a separate heater for heating the aerosol-generating article 31. Since the medium segment 311 includes a transition portion that has been transitioned to the transition substance, the transition substance can be inhaled by the user simply by passing the aerosol without heating the aerosol-generating article 31. For example, as the aerosol passes through the medium segment 311, free nicotine is released from the medium segment 311 and can be inhaled by the user.

[0099] 7, the vaporizer 323 according to one embodiment may include a liquid storage portion 3231, a liquid transfer means 3232, a heating element 3233, and an air flow passage 3234. Each component of the vaporizer 323 may be made of, but is not limited to, a polycarbonate material.

[0100] In one embodiment, the liquid storage unit 3231 can store a liquid composition capable of generating an aerosol when heated. According to one embodiment, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco aroma component, and according to another embodiment, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid composition may store a liquid having a volume of 0.1 to 2.0 mL, but is not limited thereto. The liquid storage unit 3231 may be replaceably coupled within the vaporizer 323.

[0101] For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, flavor, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. The flavor may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor ingredients, and the like. The flavoring may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. In addition, the liquid composition may include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0102] In one embodiment, the liquid transfer means 3232 can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid reservoir 3231 to the heating element 3233. In one embodiment, the liquid transfer means 3232 can be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc., and can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid reservoir 3231 to the heating element 3233 using capillary action.

[0103] In one embodiment, the heating element 3233 is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means 3232, and may be a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element 3233 may also be made of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means 3232. The heating element 3233 may be heated by current supply, and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element 3233 to heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0104] In one embodiment, the airflow passages 3234 may be positioned to emit the generated aerosol towards the inserted aerosol-generating article 31. That is, the aerosol generated by the heating element 3233 may be emitted via the airflow passages 3234.

[0105] In one embodiment, the controller 322 may control the temperature of the heating element 3233 by controlling the current supplied to the heating element 3233. Thus, the controller 322 may control the amount of aerosol generated from the liquid composition by controlling the current supplied to the heating element 3233. Furthermore, the controller 322 may control the heating element 3233 to supply current for a previously set time upon sensing a user's puff. For example, the controller 322 may control the heating element 3233 to supply current for 1 to 5 seconds from the time the controller 322 senses a user's puff.

[0106] In one embodiment, the control unit 322 can control the amount of aerosol discharged from the vaporizer 323 by controlling the open / close state of the airflow passage 3234. Specifically, the control unit 322 can increase the amount of aerosol discharged from the vaporizer 323 by increasing the size of the gap of the airflow passage 3234, and can decrease the size of the gap of the airflow passage 3234 to decrease the amount of aerosol discharged from the vaporizer 323. For example, the control unit 322 can control the gap of the airflow passage 3234 using a dial.

[0107] In one embodiment, when the liquid composition in the liquid storage unit 3231 is less than a preset amount, the control unit 322 may inform the user of the lack of liquid composition through a vibration motor or a display.

[0108] The above description of the embodiment is merely illustrative, and a person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents described in the claims should be interpreted as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0109] The features and aspects of any of the above-described embodiments may be combined with the features and aspects of any of the other embodiments, unless this results in an obvious technical conflict.

Claims

1. 1. A manufacturing system for manufacturing an aerosol-generating medium, comprising: a chamber forming a manufacturing space; A medium raw material section disposed in the manufacturing space; a transition section disposed in the manufacturing space and adapted to adsorb the transition material released from the medium raw material section; A storage unit having a storage space in which the transfer unit is seated; Including, An aerosol-generating medium is produced from the transition portion; One side of the storage section is open and the other side is perforated, and the storage space communicates with the medium raw material section. Aerosol generating medium production system.

2. The method further includes a heating unit for heating the medium raw material portion to activate the release of the transition material from the medium raw material portion.

2. The aerosol-generating medium producing system according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising a circulation section for circulating the transition material; 2. The aerosol-generating medium producing system according to claim 1.

4. The chamber seals the manufacturing space and prevents the transfer material from being released to the outside of the manufacturing space.

2. The aerosol-generating medium producing system according to claim 1.

5. The storage section includes a plastic material.

2. The aerosol-generating medium producing system according to claim 1.

6. The medium raw material portion is pH treated; 2. The aerosol-generating medium producing system according to claim 1.

7. The medium raw material part is potassium carbonate (K ２ CO ３ ), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ３ ) or calcium oxide (CaO); 7. The aerosol generating medium producing system according to claim 6.

8. The medium raw material portion includes at least one of a by-product containing tobacco fine powder or tobacco leaf powder, a leaf tab, a leaf tobacco, or a wet granule containing nicotine, and the transition substance is free nicotine.

7. The aerosol generating medium producing system according to claim 6.

9. The transition portion includes an acetate component.

9. The aerosol-generating medium producing system according to claim 1 .

10. 1. A method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating article, comprising the steps of: providing a medium source part to a chamber forming a manufacturing space; a heating step of heating the medium source portion to release transition material from the medium source portion; circulating the transfer material; a transfer step of transferring the transition material to a transition portion; processing the transition portion to produce an aerosol-generating article; Including, The transfer unit is seated on a storage unit having a storage space, One side of the storage section is open and the other side is perforated, and the storage space communicates with the medium raw material section. Method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article.

11. The processing step comprises: A cutting step of cutting the transition portion transferred by the transition material, A method for producing an aerosol-generating article according to claim 10.

12. The processing step comprises: The cutting step may further include a filter attachment step of attaching a filter to the cut transition portion. A method for producing an aerosol-generating article according to claim 11.

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