Aerosol-generating articles and their manufacture

Abstract

A non-combustion type aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment includes a first filter segment, a medium segment disposed downstream of the first filter segment, and a second filter segment disposed downstream of the medium segment, the medium segment having a longitudinal hollow and produced by forming a medium slurry into a cylindrical shape and then solidifying it. A cooling segment may be further included between the medium segment and the second filter segment. In one embodiment, the medium may include at least one of sheet tobacco, cut tobacco, caffeine, taurine, a pharmacological substance, a flavoring substance, or a sweetener.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following various embodiments relate to aerosol-generating articles and methods of making the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Research into non-combustion cigarettes has been conducted. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustion flavor inhaler, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An aerosol-generating article and method for manufacturing the same according to one embodiment increases the efficiency of heat transfer to the medium, thereby reducing the preheating time of the medium.

[0004] An aerosol-generating article and a method for manufacturing the same according to one embodiment aim to prevent a decrease in atomization yield. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment includes a first filter segment, a medium segment disposed downstream of the first filter segment, and a second filter segment disposed downstream of the medium segment, the medium segment having a longitudinal hollow, and the medium segment may be formed by forming a medium slurry containing a medium into a tubular shape and then solidifying it. The article may further include a cooling segment between the medium segment and the second filter segment.

[0006] In one embodiment, the medium may include at least one of sheet tobacco, cut tobacco, caffeine, taurine, a pharmacological substance, a flavoring substance, or a sweetener.

[0007] In one embodiment, the vehicle slurry can have a moisture content of 30 percent or more. The vehicle slurry can have a moisture content of less than 60 percent.

[0008] In one embodiment, the medium slurry can be formed into a tube shape having an inner diameter equal to or greater than half the outer diameter.

[0009] In one embodiment, the medium slurry can be extruded into a tubular shape having a hollow center.

[0010] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article includes the steps of providing a medium slurry containing a medium, forming the medium slurry into a tubular shape, drying the medium slurry to form a medium segment, and coupling a first filter segment upstream of the medium segment and a second filter segment downstream of the medium segment, wherein the medium slurry may have a moisture content of 30 percent or more and less than 60 percent.

[0011] In one embodiment, in the step of forming the medium slurry into a tubular shape, the medium slurry may be formed into a tubular shape by extrusion.

[0012] In one embodiment, in the step of forming the medium slurry into a tube shape, a second jig having a through hole corresponding to the outer shape of the medium segment is connected to a first jig including a rod member having an outer shape corresponding to the hollow of the medium segment, the medium slurry is filled between the through hole of the second jig and the rod member, and the medium slurry formed into a tube shape can be separated from the first jig and the second jig. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one embodiment, the preheating time of the medium can be reduced through increased heat transfer efficiency.

[0014] According to one embodiment, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a decrease in the amount of atomization.

[0015] The effects of the aerosol-generating article and the method for manufacturing the same according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0017] [Figure 2] 1 shows the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0018] [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a jig for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0019] [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates a jig for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0020] [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates a system in which an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment is used.

[0021] [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates a system in which an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment is used.

[0022] [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device in which an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment is used.

[0023] [Figure 6] Test examples based on the water content of the medium slurry are shown below.

[0024] [Figure 7] 7 shows a medium segment formed from part of the test example of FIG. 6.

[0025] [Figure 8A] 1 shows media segments with different inner diameters.

[0026] [Figure 8B] 1 shows media segments with different inner diameters. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The terms used in the embodiments have been selected as widely used terms as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not simply as names of terms, but based on the meanings that the terms possess and the overall content of the present invention.

[0028] Throughout the specification, when any part "includes" any component, this does not exclude other components, but means that it further includes other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be embodied in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0029] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an element in a sequence, it modifies the entire element and not each individual element in the sequence. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a non-combustion aerosol-generating article 110 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 shows a cross section of the non-combustion aerosol-generating article 110 in which the hollow diameter of the cooling segment 113 is smaller than the hollow diameter of the medium segment 112, and Figures 3A and 3B show cross sections of the non-combustion aerosol-generating article 110 in which the hollow diameter of the cooling segment 113 is larger than the hollow diameter of the medium segment 112.

[0031] 1 and 2, an aerosol-generating article 110 according to one embodiment includes a first filter segment 111, a medium segment 112 disposed downstream of the first filter segment 111, a cooling segment 113 disposed downstream of the medium segment 112, and a second filter segment 114 disposed downstream of the cooling segment 113. The medium segment 112 may have a longitudinal hollow, and the cooling segment 113 may have a longitudinal hollow communicating with the hollow of the medium segment 112. Here, the longitudinal direction may be defined as a direction parallel to the flow direction of the aerosol that flows from the first filter segment 111 through the medium segment 112, the cooling segment 113, and the second filter segment 114.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first filter segment 111 may be an acetyl cellulose filter. The first filter segment 111 may also be made of a paper filter, a porous molding, or the like. For example, the length of the first filter segment 111 may be 4 to 15 mm, but is not limited thereto. The first filter segment 111 may also be colored or scented.

[0033] Alternatively, the first filter segment 111 may be formed as an atomizing segment. The humectant filled in the atomizing segment may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. The atomizing segment may also contain other additives, such as flavorants, humectants, and / or organic acids. The atomizing segment may also contain a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant. The atomizing segment may generate aerosol without a separate vaporizer in the aerosol generating device. For example, in this case, the vaporizer (e.g., vaporizer 230 in FIGS. 4A and 4B) may be omitted from the aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 200 in FIGS. 4A and 4B), and a heater (e.g., heater 250 in FIGS. 4A and 4B) may heat the atomizing segment to generate aerosol. The aerosol generated in the atomization segment may have a relatively high temperature, but may be cooled in the cooling segment 113 after passing through the medium segment 112. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0034] In one embodiment, the medium segment 112 may have a hollow tubular shape and is made of a medium. For example, the length of the medium segment 112 may be an appropriate length within the range of 6 mm to 18 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0035] The media segments 112 may be processed such that the slurried tobacco material is formed into a cylindrical shape (tube-like), then solidified and cut into portions.

[0036] For example, the tobacco substance may include at least one of sheet tobacco, granulated tobacco (tobacco granules), reconstituted tobacco, slurry tobacco, and shredded tobacco. Alternatively, the medium segment 112 may include a functional substance (e.g., taurine, caffeine, red ginseng, or a drug) as a medium instead of the tobacco substance.

[0037] The medium segment 112 may contain an aerosol-generating substance such as glycerin. The medium segment 112 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid (e.g., a fragrance substance) such as menthol or a moisturizer may also be added to the medium segment 112 by spraying it onto the medium segment 112.

[0038] In one embodiment, the medium segment 112 may include a pH-treated medium substrate. For example, the medium substrate may be pH-treated with a pH adjuster to have a basic pH. The pH adjuster may be basic, such as potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), or calcium oxide (CaO). However, the pH adjuster is not limited to the above examples; any substance that produces less negative odor during smoking may be used. The basic pH adjuster can increase the pH of the medium substrate included in the medium segment 112. Compared to a medium substrate not treated with a basic pH adjuster, a medium substrate treated with a basic pH increases the amount of nicotine released when heated. That is, a medium substrate treated with a basic pH can achieve a sufficient nicotine transfer yield even when the medium segment 112 is heated at a low temperature or not heated at all.

[0039] In one embodiment, the cooling segment 113 can cool the aerosol that has passed through the medium segment 112. For example, the cooling segment 113 may be made of acetyl cellulose and have a tubular structure with a hollow space inside. For example, the cooling segment 113 may be made of acetyl cellulose tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) added. For example, the cooling segment 113 may be made of paper and have a tubular structure with a hollow space inside. The diameter of the hollow space included in the cooling segment 113 may be, but is not limited to, a suitable diameter within a range of 4 mm to 8 mm. The length of the cooling segment 113 may be, but is not limited to, a suitable length within a range of 4 mm to 30 mm. The cooling segment 113 is not limited to the above examples and may be any structure capable of cooling the aerosol.

[0040] In one embodiment, the second filter segment 114 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The second filter segment 114 may be composed of a filter containing at least one scent capsule. For example, the second filter segment 114 may be a cellulose acetate filter into which at least one scent capsule is inserted. The second filter segment 114 may also be composed of a filter mixed with a scented substance.

[0041] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 110 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 115. The wrapper 115 may have at least one hole formed therein to allow external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. The wrapper 115 may include a material with high thermal conductivity.

[0042] For example, the first filter segment 111 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 1151, the medium segment 112 may be wrapped in a second wrapper 1152, the cooling segment 113 may be wrapped in a third wrapper 1153, and the second filter segment 114 may be wrapped in a fourth wrapper 1154. The entire non-heated aerosol-generating article 110 may then be repackaged in a fifth wrapper 1155.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first wrapper 1151 may contain an aluminum component. The first wrapper 1151 may be a typical filter wrapper with a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, bonded to it. For example, the overall thickness of the first wrapper 1151 may be within a range of 40 μm to 80 μm. Furthermore, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 1151 may be within a range of 6 μm to 20 μm.

[0044] In one embodiment, the second wrapper 1152 and the third wrapper 1153 may be made of porous wrapping paper. For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 1152 may be 35,000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second wrapper 1152 may be within the range of 70 um to 80 um. The basis weight of the second wrapper 1152 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 may be included in the range.

[0045] For example, the second wrapper 1152 may contain an aluminum component. For example, the second wrapper 1152 may be a common filter paper wrapped with a metal foil such as aluminum foil. The second wrapper 1152 may also be made of sterilized paper (MFW).

[0046] In one embodiment, the porosity of the third wrapper 1153 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the third wrapper 1153 may be within the range of 70 um to 80 um. The basis weight of the third wrapper 1153 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2may be included in the range.

[0047] In one embodiment, the fourth wrapper 1154 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper refers to a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 1154 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 1154 may be 80 g / m. 2 ~100g / m 2 may be included in the range.

[0048] In one embodiment, the fifth wrapper 1155 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). For example, the fifth wrapper 1155 has a basis weight of 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 1155 may be within the range of 64 um to 70 um.

[0049] In one embodiment, when an aerosol is transferred to the medium segment 112 through the first filter segment 111 in the aerosol-generating article 110 inserted into an aerosol-generating device (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 200 in FIGS. 4A and 4B), the aerosol can smoothly pass through the hollow space of the medium segment 112. Here, the aerosol is inhaled by the user, transferring the content components (e.g., nicotine) from the medium in the medium segment 112 together, and the hollow structure of the medium segment 112 allows the content components to be inhaled uniformly by the user.

[0050] FIG. 3A shows jigs 121, 122, and 123 for manufacturing a medium segment 112 of an aerosol-generating article 110, and FIG. 3B shows the medium segment 112 manufactured by the jigs 121, 122, and 123.

[0051] 3A, the first jig 121 may include a base and a plurality of rods protruding from the base. The rods may have an outer shape corresponding to the hollow of the medium segment 112 (e.g., the inner diameter of the medium segment 112). The second jig 122 may include a plurality of through-holes (hollow), and the through-holes may have a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the medium segment 112. The third jig may include a cylindrical push member that fills the gap between the rods of the first jig 121 and the through-holes of the second jig 122 when they are coupled together. When the first jig 121, the second jig 122, and the third jig 123 are coupled together, the through-holes of the second jig 122 may be filled without gaps by the push member of the third jig 123 and the rods of the first jig 121.

[0052] 3A and 3B, a method for forming the medium segment 112 will be described. First, the rod member of the first jig 121 is connected to the inner diameter of the cylinder of the third jig 123, and the first jig 121 and the second jig 122 are connected together so that the through-hole of the second jig 122 fits into the rod member. In this state, the second jig 122 is positioned above the third jig 123. Next, a medium slurry containing a medium is filled between the rod member of the first jig 121 and the through-hole of the second jig 122, and the first jig 121 and the second jigs 122 are separated from the medium slurry, thereby manufacturing the medium segment 112 in a tubular shape. For example, after the space between the rod member of the first jig 121 and the through-hole of the second jig 122 is filled with medium slurry, the second jig 122 is lowered toward the third jig 123 to form the medium segment 112. In addition to the extrusion method using the jigs shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the medium segment 112 may be manufactured by a different extrusion method, and may be cut to an appropriate length after extrusion for use.

[0053] 4A and 4B show an aerosol generation system 10 according to one embodiment.

[0054] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, an aerosol generating system 10 according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generating article 110 according to one embodiment and an aerosol generating device 200 into which at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 110 is inserted and which can transmit an aerosol to the aerosol generating article 110.

[0055] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 may include a housing 210, a battery 220 disposed within the housing 210 and capable of supplying power, a vaporizer 230 powered by the battery 230 and including a liquid phase storage cartridge and an aerosolization element for aerosolizing the liquid phase, a control unit 240 for controlling the battery 220 or the vaporizer 230, and an aerosol-generating article insertion portion (e.g., an elongated hollow portion) communicating with the vaporizer 230 and into which at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 110 is inserted.

[0056] 4A illustrates the battery 220, the control unit 240, the vaporizer 230, and the aerosol-generating article insertion unit as being arranged in a row. FIG. 3B differs from FIG. 4A in that the vaporizer 230 and the aerosol-generating article insertion unit are illustrated as being arranged in parallel. However, the internal arrangement of the aerosol-generating device 200 according to one embodiment is not limited to that illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B , and the arrangement of the battery 220, the vaporizer 230, the control unit 240, and the aerosol-generating article insertion unit may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 200.

[0057] In one embodiment, the battery 220 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the battery 220 can supply power to heat the vaporizer 230 and power necessary to operate the control unit 240. The battery 220 can also supply power necessary to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 200.

[0058] In one embodiment, the control unit 240 may overall control the operation of the aerosol generating device 200. Specifically, the control unit 240 may control the operation of not only the battery 220 and the vaporizer 230 but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 200. The control unit 240 may also check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 200 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 200 is in an operable state. The control unit 200 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of multiple logic gates or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored.

[0059] In one embodiment, the vaporizer 230 heats the liquid-phase composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to a user through an embodiment of the non-combustion aerosol-generating article 110. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 230 travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol-generating device 200, and the airflow passage can be configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 230 to be delivered to a user through an embodiment of the non-combustion aerosol-generating article 110.

[0060] For example, the vaporizer 230 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage cartridge and an aerosolization element (e.g., a liquid phase transfer means and a heating element, or an ultrasonic element) that aerosolizes the liquid phase. For example, the liquid storage cartridge, the liquid phase transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 200 as independent modules. For example, the vaporizer 230 may be referred to as, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0061] The liquid phase storage cartridge stores a liquid phase composition, which may include, for example, an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0062] When the aerosolization element is composed of a liquid-phase transfer means and a heating element (e.g., a cartridge heater), the liquid-phase transfer means can transfer the liquid-phase composition in the liquid-phase storage cartridge to the heating element. For example, the liquid-phase transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The heating element is an element for heating the liquid-phase composition transferred by the liquid-phase transfer means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, or a ceramic heater. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid-phase transfer means. The heating element is heated by supplying electric current and transfers heat to the liquid-phase composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid-phase composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0063] Alternatively, the aerosolization element may be composed of a vibrator (e.g., an ultrasonic element) instead of a heating element. For example, when a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator can generate an aerosol. For example, the heat and vibrations generated from the vibrator reduce the viscosity of the liquid-phase composition, causing it to break down into fine particles, thereby generating an aerosol. Such ultrasonic aerosolization has the advantage of reducing power consumption compared to heating methods, thereby enabling the miniaturization of batteries and devices.

[0064] Meanwhile, the aerosol-generating device 200 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 220, the control unit 240, and the vaporizer 230. For example, the aerosol-generating device 200 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol-generating device 200 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). The aerosol-generating device 200 may also be manufactured with a structure that allows external air to flow in and internal gas to flow out even when the aerosol-generating article 110 according to an embodiment is inserted.

[0065] In one embodiment, the heater 250 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 220. For example, if the aerosol-generating article 110 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 220, the heater 250 can be disposed outside the aerosol-generating article 110. Thus, the heated heater 250 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol-generating article 110.

[0066] The heater 250 may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 250 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 250 may be heated by the flow of current through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 250 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 200, or may be set by a user.

[0067] Alternatively, as another example, the heater 250 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 250 may include an electrically conductive coil for inductively heating the aerosol-generating article 110, and the aerosol-generating article 110 may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating device 200 may be provided with a plurality of heaters 250.

[0068] In one embodiment, the heater 250 is disposed around the exterior surface of the aerosol-generating article insert (e.g., elongated and hollow) to heat the aerosol-generating article 110 contained in the aerosol-generating article insert. The heater 250 according to one embodiment may be disposed around at least a portion of the exterior surface of the aerosol-generating article insert.

[0069] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment.

[0070] 5, the aerosol generating device 200 includes a battery 220, a control unit 240, a heater 250, a detection unit 260, an output unit 270, a communication unit 280, a user input unit 291, and a memory 292. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 200 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 5. That is, a person skilled in the art of this embodiment would understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 5 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 200.

[0071] The detection unit 260 detects the state of the aerosol-generating device 200 or the state around the aerosol-generating device 200, and transmits the detected information to the control unit 240. The control unit 240 can control the aerosol-generating device 200 to perform various functions based on the detected information, such as determining whether or not an aerosol-generating article 110 according to an embodiment has been inserted, displaying a notification, etc. The detection unit 260 includes, but is not limited to, a temperature sensor 261, an insertion detection sensor 262, or a puff sensor 263.

[0072] The output unit 270 outputs and provides to the user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 200. The output unit 270 includes at least one of a display unit 271, a haptic unit 272, and an audio output unit 273, but is not limited to these.

[0073] The user input unit 291 receives information input by a user and outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 291 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact capacitance type, pressure type resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the aerosol generating device 200 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may be connected to another external device via the connection interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 220.

[0074] The memory 292 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 200 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 240 and data to be processed by the control unit 240. The memory 292 may include at least one type of storage medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 292 may store data regarding the operating time of the aerosol generating device 200, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0075] The communication unit 280 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 280 may include a short-range communication unit 291 and a wireless communication unit 292.

[0076] FIG. 6 shows the degree of molding depending on the moisture content of the media segment 112.

[0077] Referring to Figure 6, Test Example A shows the degree of molding of the medium slurry kneaded when the water content of the medium slurry was 0%. When the water content of the production was 0%, only glycerin and other liquid-phase flavorings were added to the medium in a fine powder state. In this case, the medium in a fine powder state was not condensed.

[0078] Test example B is a case where the medium slurry was produced by adding 10% of the production water, and test example C is a case where the medium slurry was produced by adding 20% ​​of the production water, and even in this case the medium, which is in a fine powder state, was not sufficiently condensed.

[0079] Test example D was a case where the production moisture content was 30%, and although the moisture content was somewhat insufficient, it was confirmed that the medium in a fine powder state had begun to condense.

[0080] Test Example E was a case where the production moisture content was 40%, and it was confirmed that the condensation of the medium in a fine powder state progressed well, and that the moisture content was sufficient.

[0081] Test Example F was a case where the production moisture content was 60%, and from this point on, it became difficult for the medium slurry to maintain its shape when it was put into a mold for production.

[0082] In Test Example G, the production moisture content was 70%, and the viscosity of the medium slurry was even lower than in Test Example F, and it was difficult for the medium to maintain its shape when the medium slurry was dried.

[0083] FIG. 7 shows the state of the medium slurries in Test Examples F and E after drying.

[0084] 7, after the medium slurry is formed, it is dried to evaporate the water, which causes the medium slurry to shrink. In the case of Test Example F, it was shown that the shape after forming changed slightly due to shrinkage, while in the case of Test Example E, it was confirmed that the shape of the medium remained good even after drying.

[0085] In one embodiment, the media segment 112 is formed into a hollow tubular shape from a media slurry, which may contain finely divided media and water, and may also contain glycerin or a liquid-phase flavoring agent.

[0086] To ensure the formability of the medium slurry, the moisture content of the medium slurry is set to 30% or more and may be set to less than 60% relative to its mass. As can be seen from the above-mentioned Test Examples A to G, when the moisture content of the medium slurry is 30% or more and less than 60%, the medium slurry can maintain its shape during the extrusion process and can maintain its shape even after shrinkage occurs due to evaporation of moisture during drying. In other words, if the moisture content of the medium slurry is set to 30% or more, formability can be ensured, and if the moisture content of the medium slurry is set to less than 60%, distortion of the shape during drying can be prevented.

[0087] Figure 8A shows the shape of the medium slurry after drying when it is formed into a tube whose inner diameter is less than half of the outer diameter, and Figure 8B shows the shape of the medium slurry after it is formed into a tube whose inner diameter is more than half of the outer diameter.

[0088] Table 1 below shows test examples in which the inner diameter of the medium slurry before drying was set to less than half and more than half the outer diameter. The results of test example H are shown in Figure 8A, and the results of test example I are shown in Figure 8B.

[0089] [Table 1]

[0090] Referring to Table 1, in Test Example H, the inner diameter of the medium slurry before drying was set to less than half the outer diameter, and it was confirmed that after drying, both the inner and outer diameters of the tubular shape were significantly shrunk. In addition, the sensory evaluation (taste evaluation) confirmed that the smoking taste was also delayed.

[0091] In Test Example I, the inner diameter of the medium slurry before drying was set to more than half the outer diameter, and it was confirmed that the shrinkage of the tubular inner and outer diameters was relatively small after drying. In addition, sensory evaluation confirmed that a smoking taste was generated early on.

[0092] In one embodiment, the medium slurry before drying may be formed into a tube having an inner diameter equal to or greater than half the outer diameter. The size of the inner diameter of the tubular medium slurry affects the shrinkage of the outer diameter, and when the inner diameter is equal to or greater than half the outer diameter, the degree of shrinkage is small, and a satisfactory smoking taste can be achieved during sensory evaluation.

[0093] A method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article 110 according to one embodiment will now be described.

[0094] First, a medium slurry containing a medium may be provided. The moisture content of the medium slurry may be set to 30% or more and less than 60%.

[0095] The medium slurry can then be extruded into a tube, with the inner diameter of the tube before drying being at least half the outer diameter. The extrusion process can be performed using a jig as described above with reference to Figures 3A and 3B, or by other extrusion processes.

[0096] The media slurry may be dried to form media segments 122 .

[0097] A first filter segment 121 may be coupled upstream of the media segment 122, and a second filter segment 124 may be coupled downstream of the media segment 122. Optionally, a cooling segment 123 may be coupled between the media segment 122 and the second filter segment 124.

[0098] The aerosol-generating article 110 according to one embodiment has a hollow, tubular medium segment 122, which allows efficient heat transfer when a heater (e.g., heater 250 in FIGS. 4A and 4B ) heats the exterior of the medium segment 122. This prevents moisture from remaining inside the medium segment 122 and prevents the humectant released from the vaporizer (e.g., vaporizer 230 in FIGS. 4A and 4B ) from being filtered by the medium segment 122, ensuring a sufficient amount of atomization.

[0099] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 110 and its manufacturing method, the central portion of the medium segment 122 has a hollow tubular shape, which maximizes the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater and achieves a sufficient amount of atomization.

[0100] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent 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 content described in the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method of making an aerosol-generating article, comprising: providing a medium slurry comprising a medium; forming the medium slurry into a tube; drying the media slurry to form media segments; a first filter segment coupled upstream of the media segment and a second filter segment coupled downstream of the media segment; Including, the medium slurry has a moisture content of greater than or equal to 30 percent and less than 60 percent; The method for producing an aerosol-generating article, wherein the medium slurry before drying is formed into a tubular shape having an inner diameter equal to or greater than half the outer diameter.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein in the step of forming the medium slurry into a tubular shape, the medium slurry is formed into a tubular shape by extrusion.

3. 2. The method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein, in the step of forming the medium slurry into a tube, a second jig having a through hole corresponding to the outer shape of the medium segment is joined to a first jig including a rod member having an outer shape corresponding to the hollow of the medium segment, the medium slurry is filled between the through hole of the second jig and the rod member, and the medium slurry formed into a tube shape is separated from the first jig and the second jig.

4. A method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating article further includes a cooling segment between the medium segment and the second filter segment.

5. A method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1, wherein the medium includes at least one of sheet tobacco, shredded tobacco, caffeine, taurine, a pharmacological substance, a fragrance substance, or a sweetener.

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