Aerosol generating device with multiple heaters and aerosol generating article to be used therewith

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is provided, the aerosol generating device comprising: a housing forming an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol-generating product; a heater unit for heating the aerosol-generating product accommodated in the accommodation space; and a controller for adjusting the temperature of the heater unit. The heater unit includes a first heater unit and a second heater unit arranged to heat different positions of the aerosol-generating product, respectively, and the controller controls the first heater unit and the second heater unit to adjust the temperatures separately. The aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention can generate aerosols of various components or amounts according to consumer preferences for one aerosol-generating product.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device having multiple heaters and an aerosol-generating article used therewith, particularly to an aerosol generating device having multiple heaters arranged to heat different positions of the aerosol-generating article and capable of individually adjusting the temperature, and an aerosol-generating article used therewith.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0145553 dated October 28, 2021, and incorporates all of the contents disclosed in the documents of the relevant Korean patent application as part of this specification. [Background technology]

[0003] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternatives to traditional cigarettes 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). Accordingly, active research has been conducted into electrically heated aerosol generators and the cigarette sticks (or aerosol-generating articles) that are applied thereto.

[0004] Specifically, electrically heated aerosol generators and the cigarette sticks applied thereto have been developed in various forms to meet consumer preferences, such as using granules containing the relevant ingredients instead of flat tobacco or shredded tobacco as the tobacco material in cigarette sticks, and introducing a separate atomizing unit in the form of a cartridge into an electrically heated aerosol generator. Nevertheless, there are limitations to satisfying a wide range of consumers, such as a single cigarette stick and an electrically heated aerosol generator being able to satisfy only consumers with specific preferences.

[0005] Therefore, the inventors have researched an electrically heated aerosol generator that can generate aerosols with various components or amounts according to consumer preferences even for a single cigarette stick, and have completed this invention. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2014-7021388 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an aerosol generating device that can generate aerosols of various components or amounts according to consumer preference, even for a single aerosol-generating product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, The present invention provides an aerosol generating device comprising: a housing that forms a storage space in which an aerosol-generating article is stored; a heater unit that heats the aerosol-generating article stored in the storage space; and a control unit that adjusts the temperature of the heater unit, wherein the heater unit comprises a first heater unit and a second heater unit that are arranged to heat different positions of the aerosol-generating article, and the control unit controls to adjust the temperatures of the first heater unit and the second heater unit individually.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol-generating article comprises a first filter segment, a second filter segment, and a cavity segment, the cavity segment being formed by the first filter segment and the second filter segment, the cavity segment being filled with tobacco granules, and the first filter segment being located upstream of the cavity segment and containing an aerosol-forming agent.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first filter segment and cavity segment of the aerosol-generating article are accommodated in the accommodation space of an aerosol-generating device, the first heater section is positioned to heat the first filter segment, and the second heater section is positioned to heat the cavity segment.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first heater section is driven in a smoke mode or a smokeless mode, and in the smoke mode, the first heater section is heated to maintain a temperature range of 180°C to 240°C, and in the smokeless mode, the first heater section is not heated.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second heater section is driven in one of a strong mode, a medium mode, and a weak mode, and in the strong mode, the second heater section is heated to maintain a temperature range of 200°C to 260°C, in the medium mode, the second heater section is heated to maintain a temperature range of 160°C to 200°C, and in the weak mode, the second heater section is heated to maintain a temperature range of 150°C to 180°C.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the first heater section is below 100° C., the second heater section is driven in a strong mode.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second heater units are driven in a manner that they are initially preheated and then reheated when they deviate from a preset range.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating device further includes a switch disposed on the outer wall surface of the housing, the switch setting the first heater section to a smokeless mode or a smokeless mode, and setting the second heater section to a strong mode, a medium mode, or a weak mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention can individually adjust a first heater section that can heat a first filter segment that can generate aerosol, and a second heater section that can heat a cavity segment that can supply tobacco components to the aerosol, thereby providing high satisfaction to consumers who prefer a strong tobacco flavor by transferring a large amount of nicotine, as well as consumers who prefer a softer tobacco flavor by transferring a small amount of nicotine, even with a single aerosol-generating product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device to which an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied, illustrating that the aerosol generating device operates in a smoky mode. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device to which an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied, illustrating that the aerosol generating device operates in a smokeless mode. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, specific examples will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. When assigning reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are assigned the same numerals as much as possible, even if they are displayed in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing specific examples, if a detailed description of related known structures or functions is deemed to hinder understanding of the specific examples, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0019] Furthermore, when describing components of specific examples, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. Such terms are used merely to distinguish the component 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 can be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that other components can also be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0020] Components that have a common function with components included in one embodiment will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the description of one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, and detailed descriptions will be omitted to the extent that they overlap.

[0021] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that can generate an aerosol by applying an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into a user's lungs through the user's mouth. Exemplary structures of the aerosol-generating device are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0022] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article capable of generating an aerosol, such as a cigarette or cigar. The aerosol-generating article may include one or more of an aerosol-forming agent and an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include several segments each having a respective functionality. Generally, aerosol-generating articles include combustion-type aerosol-generating articles that are used by direct lighting, as well as heated aerosol-generating articles that are used in conjunction with an aerosol-generating device. In the present invention, a heated aerosol-generating article that is used in conjunction with an aerosol-generating device is preferably applied.

[0023] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming agent" refers to a substance that can easily generate visible smoke and / or aerosol. Examples of aerosol-generating agents include, but are not limited to, glycerin (GLY), propylene glycol (PG), ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In the art, the term "aerosol-forming agent" may be used interchangeably with other terms such as moisturizer, humectant, etc.

[0024] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substance capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol may contain a volatile compound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid.

[0025] For example, a solid aerosol-forming substrate may include a solid material based on tobacco raw materials such as flat tobacco, shredded tobacco, or reconstituted tobacco, while a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include a liquid composition based on nicotine, tobacco extract, and / or various flavoring agents. However, the aerosol-forming substrate may further include an aerosol-forming agent for stably forming visible smoke and / or aerosol.

[0026] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to indicate the relative positions of segments constituting an aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction in which a user inhales air using the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article includes an upstream end (i.e., the portion from which air enters) and an opposing downstream end (i.e., the portion from which air exits). When using the aerosol-generating article, the user can hold the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article in their mouth. The downstream end is located downstream of the upstream end, while the term "end" can also be described as "terminal end."

[0027] As used herein, the term "puff" refers to inhalation by a user, where inhalation refers to drawing air through the user's mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0028] As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" means the direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0029] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and aims to provide an aerosol generating device capable of generating aerosols of various compositions or amounts according to consumer preferences even when using a single aerosol-generating product. To facilitate understanding of the aerosol generating device, FIGS. 1 and 2 are provided herein, which schematically illustrate an exemplary aerosol generating device. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a housing, heater units 13 and 14, and a control unit 12. The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a battery 11. In addition to the above components, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include components commonly known by those skilled in the art. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include an input module (e.g., buttons, a touch-sensitive display, etc.) for receiving commands from a user and an output module (e.g., an LED, a display, a vibration motor, etc.) for outputting information such as the device status and smoking information. Each component of the aerosol generating device 10 will now be described in detail.

[0030] The housing forms the exterior of the aerosol generating device 10. When forming the exterior of the aerosol generating device 10, it also forms a storage space for storing the aerosol-generating article 20. The housing is preferably made of a material that can protect the internal components.

[0031] The heater units 13 and 14 heat the aerosol-generating article 20 accommodated in the accommodation space. Specifically, when the aerosol-generating article 20 is accommodated in the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 10, the heater unit 13 can heat the aerosol-generating article 20 using power supplied from the battery 11.

[0032] The heater units 13 and 14 may be configured in various shapes and / or manners.

[0033] The heater units 13 and 14 may be configured to include, for example, an electrically resistive heating element. For example, the heater unit 13 may include an electrically insulating substrate (e.g., a substrate made of polyimide) and an electrically conductive track, and may include a heating element that generates heat when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater unit 13 is not limited thereto, and any heating element may be used as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., when a temperature profile is pre-stored), or may be set by the user.

[0034] As another example, the heater units 13 and 14 may be configured to include a heating element that operates by induction heating. Specifically, the heater unit 13 may include an inductor (e.g., an induction coil) for heating the aerosol-generating article 20 by induction heating and a susceptor that is inductively heated by the inductor. The susceptor may be located inside or outside the aerosol-generating article 20.

[0035] As another example, the heater units 13 and 14 may be configured to include a heating element that heats the aerosol-generating article 20 internally (hereinafter referred to as an "internal heating element"), a heating element that heats the aerosol-generating article 20 externally (hereinafter referred to as an "external heating element"), or a combination thereof. The internal heating element may have a tube-like, needle-like, or rod-like shape, and may be arranged to penetrate at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 20. The external heating element may have a plate-like, cylindrical, or other shape, and may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 20. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the shape, number, arrangement, etc. of the heating elements may be designed in various ways.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heater units 13 and 14 include a first heater unit 13 and a second heater unit 14 arranged to heat different positions of the aerosol-generating article 20. The first heater unit 13 and the second heater unit 14 are positioned separately, so that they can contact the aerosol-generating article 10 at different positions. The first heater unit 13 and the second heater unit 14 may have any shape as long as they are positioned separately. As described above, possible shapes include a tubular, needle, or rod-shaped internal heating element, and a plate-shaped, cylindrical, or other external heating element. In the aerosol-generating device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cylindrical external heating element is used as a specific example.

[0037] The battery 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to the heater units 13 and 14 to heat the aerosol-generating article 20, and can also supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. The battery 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of electrical components installed in the aerosol generating device 10, such as a display (not shown), a sensor (not shown), and a motor (not shown).

[0038] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. The control unit 12 can control, for example, the operation of the heater units 13 and 14 and the battery 11, and can also control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 10. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied by the battery 11 and the heating temperatures of the heater units 13 and 14. As described above, when the heater unit 13 includes the first heater unit 13 and the second heater unit 14, the control unit 12 can control the temperatures of the first heater unit 13 and the second heater unit 14 to be adjusted individually. The control unit 12 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 10 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 10 is in an operable state.

[0039] The control unit 12 may be implemented by at least one controller (processor). The control unit may be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller and a memory storing a program executable by the microcontroller. In addition, a person skilled in the art would understand that the control unit 12 may be implemented by different types of hardware.

[0040] The aerosol-generating article 20 applied to the aerosol-generating device 10 may have a structure similar to that of a typical combustible cigarette. The aerosol-generating article 20 may be divided into, for example, a first part (e.g., a tobacco rod) containing a tobacco substance (or an aerosol-forming substrate) and a second part (e.g., a filter rod) containing a filter or the like. The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10, or the entire first part and a portion of the second part may be inserted. A user can smoke by holding the second part between their mouths.

[0041] To facilitate understanding of the aerosol-generating article applicable to the aerosol-generating device described above, the present specification provides FIG. 3 , which schematically illustrates an exemplary aerosol-generating article. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol-generating article 20 includes a first filter segment 21, a second filter segment 23, and a cavity segment 22. The cavity segment 22 is formed by the first filter segment 21 and the second filter segment 23. The first filter segment 21, the second filter segment 23, and the cavity segment 22 are configured to be included in the first portion (or tobacco rod) described above, and a tobacco component (or smoking component) such as nicotine can be supplied by heating the first portion. In relation to the tobacco component in the first portion, the cavity segment 22 may be filled with tobacco granules 22A, which are a granular tobacco material. While the tobacco material included in the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is not limited to tobacco granules, such material may be preferably applied to the aerosol-generating device according to the present invention. The first filter segment 21 and the second filter segment 23 basically function as filters, but also have the functionality of designating a compartment where the tobacco granules 22A can be retained without leaking out when the tobacco granules 22A are filled in the cavity segment 22. The first part including the first filter segment 21, the second filter segment 23, and the cavity segment 22 can be wrapped in a wrapper.

[0042] The first filter segment 21 is a filter segment that forms the cavity segment 22 and may be located upstream of the cavity segment 22. The first filter segment 21 has a configuration basically similar to that of the second filter segment 22 described below, but is required to have additional functionality. The first filter segment 21 can prevent tobacco granules 22A from falling out. In addition, the first filter segment 21 can ensure that the cavity segment 22 is positioned appropriately within the aerosol-generating device 10 when the aerosol-generating article 20 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10. The first filter segment 21 can also prevent the tobacco rod from detaching to the outside and prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod during smoking from flowing into the aerosol-generating device 10.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first filter segment 21 may include a paper material. In other words, the first filter segment 21 may be made of a paper filter. To ensure a smooth airflow path, the paper material may preferably be arranged in the longitudinal direction. However, this is not limited thereto. A tobacco rod suitable for the heated aerosol generator 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be manufactured. Specifically, cellulose acetate fibers may melt or shrink upon contact with the internal heating element, accelerating the detachment of the tobacco granules 22A. However, a heat-resistant paper material can significantly mitigate this phenomenon. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first filter segment 21 may include a water-resistant or oil-resistant paper material.

[0044] The second filter segment 23 is a filter segment that forms the cavity segment 22 and may be located downstream of the cavity segment 22. The first filter segment 21 may perform functions such as filtering and cooling aerosols in addition to the function of forming a cavity.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second filter segment 23 includes a paper material. In other words, the second filter segment 23 may be made of a paper filter. To ensure a smooth airflow path, the paper material may be preferably arranged in the longitudinal direction. However, this is not limited thereto. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a tobacco rod suitable for the heated aerosol generator 10 may be manufactured. Specifically, cellulose acetate fiber melts or shrinks when heated above a certain temperature, making it difficult to apply to the tobacco rod portion heated by the heater units 13 and 14. On the other hand, paper material is hardly denatured by heat, so it can be easily applied to the tobacco rod portion, thereby making it possible to manufacture a tobacco rod suitable for the heated aerosol generator 10. However, in another embodiment, the second filter segment 23 may be made of a cellulose acetate filter. In this case, the removal ability of the second filter segment 23 may be improved.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second filter segment 23 may include a water-resistant or oil-resistant paper material. In this case, the problem of smoke components (e.g., moisture, aerosol-forming agent components) contained in the aerosol being absorbed while passing through the second filter segment 23, resulting in a reduction in the visible amount of atomization (e.g., a reduction in the amount of atomization in the smoke-producing mode), can be significantly alleviated. For example, if the first filter segment 23 includes a general paper material, the moisture-absorbing properties of the paper material may absorb the smoke components, resulting in a reduction in the visible amount of atomization. However, if a water-resistant or oil-resistant paper material is used, the absorption of the smoke components described above hardly occurs, thereby solving the problem of a reduction in the amount of atomization.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction resistance of the first filter segment 21 or the second filter segment 23 may be 50mmH20 / 60mm to 150mmH20 / 60mm, and preferably 50mmH20 / 60mm to 130mmH20 / 60mm, 50mmH20 / 60mm to 120mmH20 / 60mm, 50mmH20 / 60mm to 110mmH20 / 60mm, 50mmH20 / 60mm to 100mmH20 / 60mm, 50mmH20 / 60mm to 90mmH20 / 60mm, 50mmH20 / 60mm to 100mmH20 / 80mm, or 50mmH20 / 60mm to 70mmH20 / 60mm. Suitable suction performance can be ensured within this range. Furthermore, the appropriate suction performance increases the probability of vortex currents occurring within the cavity segment 22, thereby achieving the effect of uniformly heating the numerous tobacco granules 22A.

[0048] Meanwhile, the physical properties of the paper material included in the first filter segment 21 and the second filter segment 23 may vary.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the oil resistance of the paper material may be 4 or more (i.e., 4 or more in a range of 1 to 12) as measured by the 3M Kit Test, and preferably 5, 6, 7, or 8 or more. Within this range, the problem of a decrease in the amount of visible fogging (i.e., the amount of visible smoke generated) due to moisture absorption by the paper material (e.g., a decrease in the amount of visible fogging in a smoke-generating mode) can be resolved.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the paper material may be 30 μm to 50 μm, preferably 33 μm to 47 μm, 35 μm to 45 μm, or 37 μm to 42 μm.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the basis weight of the paper material is 20 g / m 2 ~40g / m 2 and preferably 23 g / m 2 ~37g / m 2 , 25g / m 2 ~35g / m 2, 27g / m 2 ~33g / m 2 It could be.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tensile strength of the paper material may be 2.5 kgf / 15 mm or more, preferably 2.8 kgf / 15 mm, 3.2 kgf / 15 mm, or 3.5 kgf / 15 mm or more.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the elongation of the paper material may be 0.8% or more, preferably 1.0%, 1.2%, or 1.5% or more.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stiffness of the paper material is 100 cm 3 It can be more than 120 cm, preferably 3 , 150cm 3 , or 180cm 3 It could be more than that.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ash content of the paper material may be 1.5% or less, preferably 1.2%, 1.0%, or 0.8% or less.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the width of the paper material may be 80 mm to 250 mm, preferably 90 mm to 230 mm, 100 mm to 200 mm, 120 mm to 180 mm, or 120 mm to 150 mm. It has been confirmed that within these numerical ranges, the first filter segment 21 and the second filter segment 23 have appropriate suction resistance and an appropriate atomization amount is ensured.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol-generating article 20 is filled with tobacco granules 22A, and the aerosol-generating device 10 can be operated to heat the aerosol-generating article 20 at a heating temperature of approximately 270°C or less. In this case, visible smoke is not generated or the generation of visible smoke is minimized during smoking. This is because the tobacco granules 22A contain significantly less moisture and / or aerosol-forming agents than tobacco materials such as shredded tobacco (e.g., shredded leaf tobacco, shredded flat tobacco), flat tobacco, etc., thereby reducing the generation of visible smoke. Furthermore, the tobacco granules 22A can produce a sufficient smoking flavor (i.e., sufficient nicotine transfer) even at a lower heating temperature than tobacco materials such as shredded tobacco and flat tobacco (e.g., the heating temperature of shredded tobacco is typically 270°C or higher), allowing the heating temperature of the heater unit 13 to be lower, and the lower heating temperature further reduces the generation of visible smoke.

[0058] As described above, when the aerosol-generating article 20 contains tobacco granules 22A as the tobacco material, the generation of aerosol or visible smoke may be reduced, and therefore a structure capable of compensating for this is required. Such a structure may be achieved by adding a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming agent to the aerosol-generating device 10, but in the present invention, such a structure is included in the aerosol-generating article 20 rather than the aerosol-generating device 10.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first filter segment 21 contains an aerosol-forming agent. Considering the flow of aerosol within the aerosol-generating article 20, in order for the generated aerosol to pass through the cavity segment 22 containing tobacco granules, the aerosol must be generated upstream of the cavity segment 22, and the first filter segment 21 may be a preferred location for the aerosol to be generated. The aerosol-forming agent may be applied in a form impregnated into the paper material that constitutes the first filter segment 21. Examples of the aerosol-forming agent include, but are not limited to, glycerin (GLY), propylene glycol (PG), ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[0060] The aerosol-forming agent may be used with additives commonly used in the relevant technical field, such as fragrances, flavorings, vitamin mixtures, etc. The fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit fragrance components, etc. The flavorings may include components that can provide the user with various flavors or tastes. The vitamin mixture may be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

[0061] The cavity segment 22 is a segment having a cavity and may be located between the first filter segment 21 and the second filter segment 23. That is, the cavity segment 22 may be formed by the first filter segment 21 and the second filter segment 23.

[0062] The cavity segment 22 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the cavity segment 22 may be manufactured in the form of a tube-type structure such as a cardboard tube. For another example, the cavity segment 22 may be manufactured by wrapping the cavity formed by the first filter segment 21 and the second filter segment 23 with a wrapper made of an appropriate material. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cavity segment 22 may be manufactured in any way as long as it can be filled with tobacco granules 22A. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the cavity segment 22 may be freely selected within a range of 8 mm to 12 mm.

[0063] 3, the cavity segment 22 may be filled with tobacco granules 22A. Generally, the tobacco granules 22A have a significantly lower moisture and / or aerosol-forming agent content than other types of tobacco materials (e.g., tobacco shreds, tabular tobacco, etc.), which can significantly reduce the generation of visible smoke. As a result, a separate structure that can compensate for the generation of aerosol and visible smoke is required, and according to the above, the first filter segment 21 may also have such a structure. The diameter, density, filling rate, composition ratio of constituent materials, heating temperature, etc. of the tobacco granules 22A may vary, and this may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the tobacco granules 22A may be 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm. Within this range, the tobacco granules 22A have an appropriate hardness and are easy to manufacture, and the probability of vortex currents occurring within the cavity segments 22 may be increased.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the size of the tobacco granules 22A may be 15 mesh to 50 mesh, and preferably 15 mesh to 45 mesh, 20 mesh to 45 mesh, 25 mesh to 45 mesh, or 25 mesh to 40 mesh. Within these numerical ranges, the tobacco granules 22A have appropriate hardness and are easy to manufacture, are minimized in terms of shedding, and the probability of vortex currents occurring within the cavity segments 22 can be increased.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the density of the tobacco granules 22A is 0.5 g / cm 3 ~1.2g / cm 3 and preferably 0.6 g / cm 3 ~1.0g / cm 3 , 0.7g / cm 3 ~0.9g / cm 3 , or 0.6 g / cm 3 ~0.8g / cm 3 Within this range of values, the tobacco granules 22A can have an appropriate hardness, and the probability of vortex currents occurring within the cavity segments 22 can be increased.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hardness of the tobacco granules 22A may be 80% or more, preferably 85% or 90% or more, and more preferably 91%, 93%, 95%, or 97% or more. Within these numerical ranges, the ease of manufacturing the tobacco granules 22A may be improved, the phenomenon of shattering may be minimized, and the ease of manufacturing the aerosol-generating article 20 may also be improved. In this specification, the hardness of the tobacco granules 22A may be a value measured in accordance with the national standard test method KSM-1802 ("Activated Carbon Test Method"). For details on the hardness measurement method and the meaning of the measured values, please refer to the national standard KSM-1802.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the filling rate of the tobacco granules 22A in the cavity segment 22 may be 80% by volume or less, and preferably 70%, 60%, or 50% by volume or less. Within such a range, the probability of vortex currents occurring within the cavity segment 22 may be increased. Furthermore, to ensure a suitable smoking experience, the filling rate of the tobacco granules 22A is preferably 20%, 30%, or 40% by volume or more.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco granules 22A may contain 20% or less moisture by weight, and preferably 15%, 12%, 10%, 7%, or 5% or less moisture by weight. Within this range, visible smoke generation can be significantly reduced, and the smokeless function of the aerosol generating device 10 can be easily realized.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco granules 22A may contain 10% or less by weight of an aerosol-forming agent, preferably 7%, 5%, 3%, or 1% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent. Alternatively, the tobacco granules 22A may contain no aerosol-forming agent. Within this range, visible smoke generation can be significantly reduced, and the smokeless function of the aerosol generating device 10 can be easily achieved.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the nicotine content of the tobacco granules 22A on a wet basis is about 1.0% to 4.0%, preferably 1.5% to 3.5%, 1.8% to 3.0%, or 2.0% to 2.5%, within such a range, an appropriate level of smoking experience can be ensured.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the nicotine content of the tobacco granules 22A on a dry basis is 1.2% to 4.2%, and preferably 1.7% to 3.7%, 2.0% to 3.2%, or 2.2% to 2.7%. Within this range, an appropriate level of smoking experience can be ensured.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol-generating article 20 further includes a cooling segment 24 and a mouthpiece segment 25. The cooling segment 24 and the mouthpiece segment 25 are configured to be included in the second portion (or filter rod) described above, and are located downstream of the tobacco rod to perform aerosol filtering. The filter rod may include a filter material such as paper, cellulose acetate fiber, etc. The filter rod may also include a wrapper surrounding the filter material.

[0074] The filter rod may be manufactured in various shapes. For example, the filter rod may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow inside. The filter rod may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0075] The filter rod may be manufactured to release a flavor. For example, a flavoring agent may be sprayed onto the filter rod, or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod. For another example, the filter rod may include at least one capsule (not shown) containing a flavoring liquid.

[0076] The filter rod may be comprised of a cooling segment 24 that performs a cooling function for the aerosol and a mouthpiece segment 25 that performs a filtering function for the aerosol, or, in some cases, the filter rod may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

[0077] The cooling segment 24 may be manufactured in various forms. For example, the cooling segment 24 may be manufactured in the form of a paper tube, a hollow cellulose acetate filter, a cellulose acetate filter with multiple holes, a filter filled with a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material, etc. However, the cooling segment 24 is not limited thereto, and may be manufactured in any form as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol. The polymer material or biodegradable polymer material may be, but is not limited to, a woven fabric made of polylactic acid (PLA).

[0078] The mouthpiece segment 25 may be, for example, but is not limited to, a cellulose acetate filter (i.e., a filter made of cellulose acetate fibers). The above description of the filter rod can also be applied to the mouthpiece segment 25.

[0079] The aerosol-generating article 20 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper (not shown). For example, the aerosol-generating article 20 may be wrapped in a single wrapper. For another example, the aerosol-generating article 20 may be wrapped in two or more overlapping wrappers. For example, a tobacco rod may be wrapped in a first wrapper, and a filter rod may be wrapped in a second wrapper. The tobacco rod and filter rod wrapped in separate wrappers may then be combined, and the entire aerosol-generating article 20 may be rewrapped in a third wrapper. If the tobacco rod or filter rod is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped in a separate wrapper. The entire aerosol-generating article 20, consisting of the combined segments wrapped in separate wrappers, may then be rewrapped in another wrapper. The wrapper may have at least one hole through which external air can enter or internal gas can escape.

[0080] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first filter segment 21 and cavity segment 22 of the aerosol-generating article 20 are accommodated in the accommodation space of the aerosol-generating device 10, and the first heater section 13 can be positioned to heat the first filter segment 21, and the second heater section 14 can be positioned to heat the cavity segment 23.

[0081] The first heater unit 13 and the second heater unit 14 may be driven in a manner that they are initially preheated and then reheated if the temperature deviates from the set range. The heating temperature range described below sets the range of the temperature profile to which the above-mentioned heating method is applied. Since the temperature may gradually decrease if not heated, the heater units are not necessarily driven to maintain a specific temperature. Nevertheless, a certain level of heat may be applied to maximize the temperature maintenance within the heating temperature range.

[0082] The first heater section 13, which heats the first filter segment 21, can be operated in a smoke mode or a smokeless mode. According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the smoke mode, the first heater section 13 is heated to maintain a temperature range of 180°C to 240°C, and in the smokeless mode, the first heater section 13 is not heated. Specifically, the temperature range can be adjusted to 180°C or higher, 190°C or higher, or 200°C or higher, or 240°C or lower, 230°C or lower, or 220°C or lower. The temperature range in the smoke mode is set so that a user can fully recognize the replenished aerosol or visible smoke while inhaling an aerosol-generating article 20, and such aerosol or visible smoke can be maintained until the end of smoking. If the temperature exceeds this range, the aerosol or visible smoke may be consumed before the end of smoking, and the paper material without the aerosol-forming agent may then be directly heated, resulting in a poor smoking taste.

[0083] The second heater unit 14, which heats the cavity segment 22, may be operated in one of a strong mode, a medium mode, and a weak mode. According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the strong mode, the second heater unit is heated to maintain a temperature range of 200°C to 260°C. In the medium mode, the second heater unit is heated to maintain a temperature range of 160°C to 200°C. In the weak mode, the second heater unit is heated to maintain a temperature range of 150°C to 180°C. Specifically, the temperature range in the strong mode may be adjusted to 200°C or higher, 205°C or higher, or 210°C or higher, or 260°C or lower, 255°C or lower, or 250°C or lower. The temperature range in the medium mode may be adjusted to 160°C or higher, 165°C or higher, or 170°C or higher, or 200°C or lower, 195°C or lower, or 190°C or lower. The temperature range of the weak mode can be adjusted to 150°C or more, 155°C or more, 160°C or more, or 180°C or less, 175°C or less, 170°C or less.

[0084] The temperature ranges of the strong, medium, and weak modes are set so as to be adjustable according to the user's preference within a range that allows tobacco components such as nicotine to be transferred to a certain extent without causing problems such as a burnt taste due to overheating, and the strong, medium, and weak modes ensure that the compositions of tobacco components in the aerosol are distinct, allowing the user to experience a variety of smoking sensations with a single aerosol generator 10 and aerosol-generating article 20. As described above, heating in the aerosol generator 10 is not continuous throughout smoking, so even if the temperature ranges of each mode partially overlap, the modes are clearly distinguishable when the overall temperature profile is taken into consideration.

[0085] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device 10 operating in a smoke mode, and FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device 10 operating in a smokeless mode. When the first heater section is operated in a smoke mode, the second heater section can be operated in all three modes: high, medium, and low. When the first heater section is operated in a smokeless mode, the second heater section can only be operated in high mode. This is because the amount of tobacco components transferred from the tobacco substance is very low in the smokeless mode, and the user may not feel any smoking sensation in the medium or low modes. When the first heater section is switched from the smoke mode to the smokeless mode, the heating temperature of the first heater section in the smoke mode is the same as that of the first heater section. If the temperature of the first heater section drops below 100°C, below 80°C, or below 60°C, the second heater section will be switched to high mode if it is in another mode.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 further includes a switch disposed on the outer wall surface of the housing. The switch sets the first heater to a smokeless mode or a smokeless mode, and the second heater to a high, medium, or low mode. The controller can control the temperatures of the first and second heaters depending on the switch settings.

[0087] Although the specific examples have been described above with reference to limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made from the above description. For example, the techniques described may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a different manner than described, or may be substituted or replaced by other components or equivalents, and still achieve suitable results. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10: Aerosol generator 11: Battery 12: Control unit 13: First heater section 14: Second heater section 20: Aerosol-generating items 21: First filter segment 22: Cavity segment 22A: Tobacco granules 23: Second filter segment 24: Cooling segment 25: Mouthpiece segment

Claims

1. a housing forming a storage space in which the aerosol-generating article is stored; a heater unit that heats the aerosol-generating article contained in the storage space; and a control unit for controlling the temperature of the heater unit; the heater section includes a first heater section and a second heater section arranged to heat different positions of the aerosol-generating article, the control unit controls to individually adjust the temperatures of the first heater unit and the second heater unit, the aerosol-generating article includes a first filter segment, a second filter segment, and a cavity segment; the cavity segment is formed by a first filter segment and a second filter segment; the cavity segments are filled with tobacco granules; the first filter segment is located upstream of the cavity segment and includes an aerosol-forming agent; the first filter segment and the cavity segment of the aerosol-generating article are accommodated in an accommodating space of an aerosol-generating device; the first heater portion is positioned to heat the first filter segment; The second heater portion is positioned to heat the cavity segment. Aerosol generator.

2. The first heater section is driven in a smoke mode or a smokeless mode, In the smoking mode, the first heater section is heated to maintain a temperature range of 180°C to 240°C, 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first heater section is not heated in the smokeless mode.

3. the second heater unit is driven in one of a strong mode, a medium mode, and a weak mode; In the high temperature mode, the second heater section is heated to maintain a temperature range of 200°C to 260°C, In the medium mode, the second heater unit is heated to maintain a temperature range of 160°C to 200°C, 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein in the weak mode, the second heater section is heated to maintain a temperature in the range of 150°C to 180°C.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the second heater section is driven in a high-power mode when the first heater section is at a temperature lower than 100°C.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first heater unit and the second heater unit are driven in a manner that they are initially preheated and then reheated when they deviate from a preset range.

6. The aerosol generating device further includes a switch disposed on an outer wall surface of the housing, 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the switch sets a smoke mode or a smokeless mode for the first heater section, and a strong mode, a medium mode or a weak mode for the second heater section.

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