Apparatus and method for manufacturing aerosol generating articles and medium segments

Abstract

Aerosol generating articles according to various embodiments include a first end face, a second end face opposite the first end face, a side face formed between the first end face and the second end face, a media segment, a first segment, and a second segment. The first segment is disposed downstream of the media segment, the second segment is disposed upstream of the media segment, the media segment includes a cylindrical frame and a media portion surrounding an outer surface of the frame, and the media portion is exposed to the outside through the side face of the aerosol generating article.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following embodiments relate to apparatus and methods for manufacturing aerosol generating articles and medium segments. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternatives that overcome the shortcomings of traditional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarette sticks (e.g., cigarette-type e-cigarettes). As a result, research is being actively conducted on electrically heated aerosol generators and cigarette sticks (or aerosol-generating articles) to which they are applied. For example, Published Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, a flavor source unit, and an atomizing unit. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0003] One object of this embodiment is to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article and a medium segment of an aerosol-generating article in which heat loss is reduced through heating by a laser heating device.

[0004] One object of this embodiment is to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article in which the medium is exposed to the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Aerosol-generating articles according to various embodiments include a first end face, a second end face opposite the first end face, a side face formed between the first end face and the second end face, a medium segment, a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment is located downstream of the medium segment and the second segment is located upstream of the medium segment, and the medium segment includes a cylindrical frame and a medium portion surrounding the outer surface of the frame, the medium portion being exposed to the outside through the side face of the aerosol-generating article.

[0006] An apparatus for manufacturing a medium segment according to an embodiment includes a base substrate included in a frame and a shaft that rotates such that the base substrate is wound in a diagonal pattern, and includes a frame forming section for forming the frame, a medium coating section for applying a medium to the frame formed in the frame forming section, an extrusion section for pressing the applied medium onto the frame, a drying section for drying the extruded medium, and a cutting section for cutting the medium segment to a specific length.

[0007] The medium coating section according to one embodiment may include a container containing a slurry-like medium and a nozzle connected to the container for supplying the medium to the frame.

[0008] A method for manufacturing a medium segment according to various embodiments includes the steps of forming the frame, applying a slurry-type medium to the frame, compressing and extracting the medium applied to the frame, and drying the slurry medium applied to the frame.

[0009] The steps for forming the frame according to one embodiment may include supplying a base substrate in a diagonal line with respect to the axial direction of the shaft, winding the base substrate around the outer surface of the shaft, and bonding the overlapping regions of the base substrate together.

[0010] In one embodiment, the base substrate can be composed of at least one of paper, cellulose, or a combination thereof.

[0011] The shape of the shaft cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft according to one embodiment can include at least one of circular, triangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, and star-shaped.

[0012] The step of applying the medium to the frame according to one embodiment can include supplying a slurry-type medium in a container to a nozzle and applying the medium from the nozzle to the frame.

[0013] In one embodiment, it can further include the step of cutting the medium segment to a certain length.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] The aerosol generating article according to one embodiment can reduce heat loss through heating by a laser heating chamber.

[0015] The medium segment manufacturing apparatus and method of the aerosol generating article according to one embodiment can manufacture an aerosol generating article in which the medium is exposed to the outside.

[0016] The effects of the aerosol generating article and the manufacturing apparatus and method of the medium segment according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and different effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a rolled tobacco according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a rolled tobacco according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of a medium segment manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of area A of a medium segment manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of Figure 4A. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a medium segment manufacturing method according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a medium segment manufacturing method according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected from commonly used terms, taking into account the functions of the present invention, but this may change depending on the intentions of the articulators working in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, there are terms that the applicant has arbitrarily selected, where their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not simply names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0019] When any part of the specification "includes" any component, this does not exclude other components unless otherwise stated, but rather means that it includes other components. Furthermore, terms such as "~part" and "~module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0020] As used herein, when an expression such as “at least one of the following” precedes an array of components, it modifies the entire component, not each of the individual components in the array. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” must be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0021] In the following embodiments, "aerosol-generating article" means an article that contains a medium, through which an aerosol passes and the medium is transferred. A typical example of an aerosol-generating article is a cigarette, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0022] In the following embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" means the direction away from the user's (smoker's) mouth, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" means the direction away from the user's mouth. The terms upstream and downstream are used to describe the relative positions of the elements constituting the aerosol generating article.

[0023] In the following embodiments, "puff" means the user's inhalation, which means the situation in which the substance is drawn into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0024] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating an aerosol generating article contained in an internal space.

[0025] The aerosol generator includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater is heated when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track.

[0026] The heater may include tubular heating elements, plate heating elements, needle heating elements, or rod heating elements, and heats the inside or outside of the aerosol generating article depending on the shape of the heating elements.

[0027] The aerosol-generating article includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be manufactured in sheet form or in strand form, or the tobacco sheet may be manufactured into finely cut tobacco. The tobacco rod may also be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0028] The filter rod may be an acetylcellulose filter. The filter rod may consist of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering out predetermined components contained in the aerosol.

[0029] In another embodiment, the aerosol generator may be a device that generates aerosols using a cartridge that holds an aerosol-generating substance.

[0030] The aerosol generator includes a cartridge for holding an aerosol-generating substance and a body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge may, but is not limited to, be detachably coupled to the body. The cartridge may be formed or assembled integrally with the body and fixed so that it cannot be attached or detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the body with the aerosol-generating substance contained inside. However, it is not limited to this, and the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0031] The cartridge may hold an aerosol-generating substance that exists in one of several states, such as liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance comprises a liquid-phase composition. For example, the liquid-phase composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0032] The cartridge operates via electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main unit, converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate an aerosol. An aerosol refers to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air are mixed.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the aerosol generator can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid-phase composition, and the generated aerosol may be transmitted to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid-phase composition moves along an airflow passage of the aerosol generator, and the airflow passage may be configured to allow the aerosol to be transmitted to the user through a cigarette.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the aerosol generator is a device that generates aerosols from an aerosol-generating substance using an ultrasonic vibration method. Here, the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a transducer.

[0035] The aerosol generator includes a transducer, which generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol-generating substance. The vibrations generated by the transducer may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibrations may be approximately 100 kHz to approximately 3.5 MHz, but is not limited to this range.

[0036] The aerosol generator further includes a core that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the core may be positioned to surround at least one region of the oscillator, or to be in contact with at least one region of the oscillator.

[0037] When a voltage (e.g., AC voltage) is applied to the transducer, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the transducer, and these heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core. The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core is converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the transducer, and as a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0038] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core may decrease due to the heat generated from the transducer, and the aerosol-generating material with reduced viscosity may be further broken down into fine particles by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer, thus generating an aerosol, but this is not the only possibility.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the aerosol generator may be a device that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol product contained in the aerosol generator using induction heating.

[0040] The aerosol generator includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil applies a magnetic field to the susceptor. Power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generator, forming a magnetic field inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field. The aerosol product is heated as the susceptor, located inside the coil, generates heat when a magnetic field is applied. Alternatively, the susceptor may be selectively placed inside the aerosol product.

[0041] In a further embodiment, the aerosol generator further includes a cradle.

[0042] The aerosol generator can be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater may be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are coupled together.

[0043] The following description, with reference to the attached drawings, is intended to be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art. The disclosure may be implemented in a form embodied in the aerosol generators of the various embodiments described herein, or in a different form, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0044] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0045] The following describes an example of cigarette 1, referring to Figures 1 and 2.

[0046] Figures 1 and 2 show examples of rolled cigarettes.

[0047] Referring to Figure 1, the cigarette 1 includes a tobacco rod 11 and a filter rod 12.

[0048] Figure 1 shows the filter rod 12 as a single segment, but is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 12 may consist of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 12 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering out a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 12 may optionally include at least one additional segment that performs other functions.

[0049] The diameter of the rolled cigarette 1 is in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be, but is not limited to, approximately 48 mm. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 11 may be approximately 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 12 may be approximately 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 12 may be approximately 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 12 may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to these dimensions.

[0050] A cigarette 1 can be wrapped by at least one flap 14. The flap 14 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gases exit. As an example, a cigarette 1 can be wrapped by one flap 14. As another example, a cigarette 1 can be superimposed on two or more flaps 14. For example, the tobacco rod 11 may be wrapped by a first flap 141, and the filter rod 12 may be wrapped by flap 242, 243, and 244. Alternatively, the entire cigarette 1 may be rewrapped by a single flap 145. If the filter rod 12 consists of multiple segments, each segment can be wrapped by flap 142, 143, and 144.

[0051] The first and second flaps 141 and 142 can be made from general filter paper. For example, the first and second flaps 141 and 142 may be made from porous or non-porous paper. Alternatively, the first and second flaps 141 and 142 can be made from oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum-laminated packaging materials.

[0052] The third flap 143 can be made from hard-wound paper. For example, the basis weight of the third flap 143 is 88 g / m². 2 ~96g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 90 g / m² 2 ~94g / m 2 It may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. Furthermore, the thickness of the third trumpet 143 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0053] The fourth flap 144 can be made from oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth flap 144 is 88 g / m². 2 ~96g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 90 g / m² 2 ~94g / m 2It may be included within the range. Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 144 may be included within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably may be 125 μm.

[0054] The fifth wrapper 145 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 145 may be included within the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and preferably may be 60 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 145 may be included within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 67 μm.

[0055] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 145. Here, as an example of the predetermined substance, silicon is applicable, but it is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described properties, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 145 without limitation.

[0056] The fifth wrapper 145 can prevent the phenomenon of the wrapped cigarette 1 burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 11 is heated by the heating part, the wrapped cigarette 1 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 11, the wrapped cigarette 1 can burn. Even in such a case, since the fifth wrapper 145 contains a non-combustible substance, the phenomenon of the wrapped cigarette 1 burning can be prevented.

[0057] Furthermore, the fifth flap 145 can prevent the holder from being contaminated by substances generated in the cigarette 1. Liquid substances can be generated in the cigarette 1 by the user's puffing. For example, liquid substances (e.g., water) may be generated when the aerosol generated in the cigarette 1 is cooled by the outside air. By packaging the cigarette 1 with the fifth flap 145, liquid substances generated in the cigarette 1 can be prevented from leaking to the outside of the cigarette 1.

[0058] The tobacco rod 11 contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 11 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 11 by spraying it.

[0059] The tobacco rod 11 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 11 may be made from a sheet or from a strand. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 11 may be made from finely cut tobacco sheets. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 11 may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be, but is not limited to, metal foil such as aluminum foil. As an example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 11 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 11, improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 11 also functions as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 11 may include additional susceptors in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding its exterior.

[0060] The filter rod 12 can be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 12. For example, the filter rod 12 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod containing a hollow interior. The filter rod 12 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 12 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made of a different shape.

[0061] The first segment of the filter rod 12 can be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment can be a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. When the heating element is inserted through the first segment, it is possible to prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 11 from being pushed backward, and an aerosol cooling effect can also be generated. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment may be a suitable diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0062] The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by controlling the plasticizer content during its manufacture. Furthermore, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube of the same or different material into its interior (for example, hollow).

[0064] The second segment of the filter rod 12 cools the aerosol generated by the heating element heating the tobacco rod 11. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

[0065] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the form of the cigarette 1. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0066] The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a fragrance solution may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment may be made by weaving together a separate fiber coated with a fragrance solution and a polymer fiber. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed from a wound polymer sheet.

[0067] For example, polymers can be made from materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0068] By forming the second segment from woven polymer fibers or a wound polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where a channel means a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0069] For example, the second segment, which consists of a wound polymer sheet, can be formed from a material having a thickness between approximately 5 μm and approximately 300 μm, for example, between approximately 10 μm and approximately 250 μm. The total surface area of ​​the second segment is approximately 300 mm². 2 / mm and approximately 1000mm 2 It may be between / mm. Furthermore, the aerosol cooling element has a specific surface area of ​​approximately 10 mm². 2 / mg and approximately 100mm 2 It can be formed from materials between / mg.

[0070] On the other hand, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited to it. For example, the thread can be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0071] The third segment of the filter rod 12 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0072] The third segment may be manufactured in such a way that flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto it during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 11 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 12, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user via the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of increasing the persistence of the flavor transmitted to the user can be achieved.

[0073] Furthermore, the filter rod 12 may contain at least one capsule 13. Here, the capsule 13 may perform a function of generating flavor or a function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 13 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is enclosed in a film. The capsule 13 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] Referring to Figure 2, the cigarette 2 may further include a shear plug 23. The shear plug 23 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 21 opposite the filter rod 22. The shear plug 23 can prevent the tobacco rod 21 from detaching to the outside and can prevent liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod 21 from flowing into the aerosol generator during smoking.

[0075] The filter rod 22 includes a first segment 221 and a second segment 222. Here, the first segment 221 corresponds to the first segment of the filter rod 12 in Figure 1, and the second segment 222 corresponds to the third segment of the filter rod 12 in Figure 1.

[0076] The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 2 can correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette 1 shown in Figure 1. For example, the length of the shear plug 23 may be approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 221 may be approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 222 may be approximately 14 mm, but are not limited to these dimensions.

[0077] A cigarette 2 can be wrapped by at least one flap 25. The flap 25 can have at least one hole formed therein for external air to enter or internal gas to exit. For example, the shear plug 23 can be wrapped by a first flap 251, the tobacco rod 21 by a second flap 252, the first segment 221 by a third flap 253, and the second segment 222 by a fourth flap 254. The entire cigarette 2 can also be rewrapped by a fifth flap 255.

[0078] Furthermore, at least one perforation 26 can be formed in the fifth trumpet 255. For example, the perforation 26 can be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 21, but is not limited to this. The perforation 26 can serve to transfer the heat generated by the heating section into the interior of the tobacco rod 21.

[0079] Furthermore, the second segment 222 may contain at least one capsule 24. Here, the capsule 24 may perform a function of generating flavor or a function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 24 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is enclosed in a film. The capsule 24 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0080] The first wrapper 251 may be made of general filter paper bonded with a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 251 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 251 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, preferably 6.3 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the first wrapper 251 is 50 g / m². 2 ~55g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 53 g / m² 2 That's fine.

[0081] The second and third flaps 252 and 253 can be made from general filter paper. For example, the second and third flaps 252 and 253 may be made from porous or non-porous paper.

[0082] For example, the porosity of the second flank 252 may be 35,000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second flank 252 may be within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second flank 252 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 23.5 g / m². 2 That's fine.

[0083] For example, the porosity of the third trumpet 253 may be 24,000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the third trumpet 253 may be within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third trumpet 253 is 20 g / m².2 ~25g / m 2 It may fall within the range, preferably 21 g / m² 2 That's fine.

[0084] The fourth flap 254 can be made from PLA laminate. Here, PLA laminate 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 flap 254 may be within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth flap 254 is 80 g / m². 2 ~100g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 88 g / m² 2 That's fine.

[0085] The fifth trumpet 255 can be manufactured using sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterile paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth trumpet 255 is 57 g / m². 2 ~63g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 60 g / m 2 This is also possible. Furthermore, the thickness of the fifth trumpet 255 may be within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0086] The fifth trumpet 255 may have a predetermined substance added to it. Here, an example of a predetermined substance is silicon, but it is not limited to silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that prevents oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, any substance that has the above-mentioned properties can be applied (or coated) to the fifth trumpet 255 without limitation, even if it is not silicon.

[0087] The shear plug 23 can be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the shear plug 23 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filament of the shear plug 23 may be 5.0. The cross-section of the filament constituting the shear plug 23 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 23 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 23 may be 28,000.

[0088] Furthermore, if necessary, the shear plug 23 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be manufactured in various ways.

[0089] The tobacco rod 21 can correspond to the tobacco rod 11 described above, as shown in Figure 1. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the tobacco rod 21 will be omitted below.

[0090] The first segment 221 can be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. The first segment 221 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the monodenier and total denier of the first segment 221 may be the same as the monodenier and total denier of the shear plug 23.

[0091] The second segment 222 can be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filament constituting the second segment 222 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 222 may be 9.0. The cross-section of the filament of the second segment 222 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 222 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000.

[0092] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an aerosol generating article 3 according to one embodiment. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the medium segment 31 of the aerosol generating article 3 according to one embodiment.

[0093] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article 3 may include all the components of the aerosol generating article according to the above-described embodiment (for example, aerosol generating article 1 in Figure 1, or aerosol generating article 2 in Figure 2). The components common to the aerosol generating article according to the above-described embodiment (for example, aerosol generating article 1 in Figure 1, or aerosol generating article 2 in Figure 2) have been described in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and will therefore be omitted below.

[0094] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article 3 includes a first end face 3a, a second end face 3b formed on the opposite side of the first end face 3a, and a side face 3c formed between the first end face 3a and the second end face 3b. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article 3 includes a medium segment 31, a first segment 32 positioned downstream of the medium segment 31, a second segment 33 positioned upstream of the medium segment 31, an internal wrapping paper 34, and an external flaps 35.

[0095] In one embodiment, the medium segment 31 includes a medium. For example, the medium includes, but is not limited to, solid substances based on tobacco raw materials such as sheet tobacco, shredded tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco, and liquid phase compositions based on nicotine, tobacco extracts, and / or various flavoring agents. For example, in one embodiment, a slurry medium can be compressed and attached to the medium segment. In one embodiment, the medium segment 31 includes a hollow tube 31a. In one embodiment, an aerosol generated by heating the medium segment 31 can move toward the second end face 3b through the hollow tube 31a formed in the medium segment 31. For example, the aerosol can be smoothly transmitted to the user's mouth through the hollow tube 31a formed in the medium segment 31. In one embodiment, the medium segment 31 includes a frame 312 and a medium portion 314. In one embodiment, the frame 312 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the frame 312 serves as a base to which the medium portion 314 is applied. In one embodiment, the frame 312 may be made of a material such as paper, synthetic resin, or non-ferrous metal. In one embodiment, the medium portion 314 may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the frame 312. In one embodiment, the medium portion 314 of the medium segment 31 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating article 3. For example, the medium segment 31 may have its flaps 34 and 35 peeled off around its periphery.

[0096] In one embodiment, the first segment 32 may be positioned in contact with the downstream side of the medium segment 31. In one embodiment, the first segment 32 includes a cooling section 321 and a filter section 322. In one embodiment, the cooling section 321 may include a cavity inside. In one embodiment, the cooling section 321 cools the aerosol generated in the medium segment 31. In one embodiment, the filter section 322 is shown as a single segment in Figure 3A, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter section 322 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter section 322 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering predetermined components contained in the aerosol. Also, if necessary, the filter section 322 may further include at least one segment that performs other functions. The filter section 322 may be an acetylcellulose filter. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter section 322. For example, the filter section 322 may be a cylindrical rod, a tubular rod with a hollow inside, or a recessed rod.

[0097] In one embodiment, the second segment 33 can prevent the medium from falling out of the medium segment 31. For example, the second segment 33 may include a shear plug. The shear plug may be located on one side facing the first segment 32. In one embodiment, the shear plug can prevent the medium from separating from the outside and prevent the aerosol that has been liquefied from the medium segment during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generator. In one embodiment, the shear plug may be made of acetylcellulose. For example, the shear plug may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to acetylcellulose tow. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the filament constituting the shear plug may be Y-shaped. In one embodiment, the shear plug may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be manufactured in various ways.

[0098] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 3 can be packaged by at least one flaps 34, 35. In one embodiment, the flaps 34, 35 include an inner wrapper 34 and an outer wrapper 35. In one embodiment, the inner wrapper 34 may surround at least a portion of the side surfaces of the first segment 32 and the second segment 33. In one embodiment, the inner wrapper 34 includes a first inner wrapper 341 surrounding at least a portion of the second segment 33, and a second inner wrapper 342 surrounding at least a portion of the first segment 32. In one embodiment, the inner wrapper 34 may be porous or non-porous wrapper. The inner wrapper 34 may also be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum-laminated paper packaging material. In one embodiment, the outer wrapper 35 surrounds the outermost edge of the side surface 3c of the aerosol-generating article 3 to maintain the shape of the aerosol-generating article 3. In one embodiment, the external flaps 35 include a first flaps 351 surrounding at least a portion of the second segment 33 and a second flaps 352 surrounding at least a portion of the first segment 32. The external flaps 35 can prevent the aerosol-generating article 3 from burning. For example, if the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the substances contained in the medium segment 31, the aerosol-generating article 3 will burn. In such a case, since the external flaps 35 contain a non-combustible material, they can prevent the aerosol-generating article 3 from burning.

[0099] Furthermore, the external flaps 35 can prevent the holder from being contaminated by substances generated in the aerosol generating article 3. Liquid substances may be generated within the aerosol generating article 3 by the user's puffing. For example, liquid substances (e.g., water) may be generated when the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating article 3 is cooled by external air. The external flaps 35 enclose the aerosol generating article 3, preventing liquid substances generated inside the aerosol generating article 3 from leaking to the outside. In one embodiment, the flaps 34 and 35 may have at least one hole (not shown) through which external air flows in or internal gases flow out.

[0100] Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of a medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of area A of the medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of Figure 4A.

[0101] In one embodiment, the medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a frame forming section 110, a medium coating section 120, an extrusion section 130, a drying section 140, and a cutting section 150.

[0102] In one embodiment, the frame forming section 110 includes a base substrate 112 and a shaft 114. In one embodiment, the base substrate 112 may form the frame (e.g., frame 312 in Figures 3A and 3B) of the medium segment (e.g., medium segment 31 in Figures 3A and 3B) of an aerosol generating article (e.g., aerosol generating article 3 in Figures 3A and 3B). In one embodiment, the base substrate 112 may be positioned obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 114. In one embodiment, the shaft 114 may rotate in one direction (e.g., in the direction of the arrow in Figure 4A). By rotating the shaft 114 in one direction according to one embodiment, the base substrate 112 is continuously wound on the shaft 114. In one embodiment, the shaft 114 may rotate in one direction by bearings (not shown). In one embodiment, the base substrate 112 can be stored in a rolled state with a substrate that extends continuously in one direction. In one embodiment, the base material 112 may be composed of at least one material from among paper, cellulose, synthetic resin, non-ferrous metal, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the shaft 114 may be composed of a material having high rigidity and strength. For example, the shaft 114 may be composed of at least a portion from among ferrous metal, non-ferrous metal, aluminum, and stainless steel. In one embodiment, the shape of the cross-section of the shaft 114 (for example, the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 114) may include at least one from among a circle, triangle, square, hexagon, octagon, or star shape.

[0103] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 3B, the medium coating section 120 includes a container 122 and a nozzle 124. The medium coating section 120 according to one embodiment can coat the surface of the frame 312 formed by the frame forming section 110 with a medium. The container 122 according to one embodiment may contain a medium in solid form and a solution in liquid form. The medium and solution mixed in the container 122 according to one embodiment may be stored in a slurry. The slurry medium has increased viscosity compared to the medium in solid form. In one embodiment, the slurry medium is sprayed or discharged toward the frame 312 via the nozzle 124. In one embodiment, since the frame 312 is fixed to the outer surface of the shaft 114 and rotates in one direction with the shaft 114, the medium sprayed or discharged via the nozzle 124 can be evenly coated toward the outer surface of the frame 312. In one embodiment, the slurry medium evenly coated toward the outer surface of the frame 312 can form the medium section 314 of the medium segment 31.

[0104] In one embodiment, the extrusion section 130 can press a slurry-like medium applied to the outer surface of the frame 312 so that it adheres smoothly to the frame 312. In one embodiment, the extrusion section 130 is formed adjacent to the medium coating section 120. In one embodiment, the extrusion section 130 may be formed protruding from a device including the container 122 and nozzle 124 of the medium coating section 120. In one embodiment, the extrusion section 130 may be formed to surround the periphery of the shaft 114. In one embodiment, the extrusion section 130 includes an inclined element 132. In one embodiment, the inclined element 132 may be formed to inclin toward the shaft 114 by moving away from the medium coating section 120. In one embodiment, the medium applied to the frame 312 by the inclined element 132 can be pressed more firmly toward the frame 312 by passing through the extrusion section 130.

[0105] In one embodiment, the drying section 140 can dry the extruded medium. The medium that has passed through the extrusion section 130 according to one embodiment is firmly pressed against the frame 312, but remains wet because the medium is coated in a slurry form in the medium coating section 120. In one embodiment, the drying section 140 can evaporate and solidify the liquid in the slurry medium contained in the medium section 314. In one embodiment, the drying section 140 includes one or more drying elements 140a. The drying according to one embodiment may be located on the lower part or on both sides of the shaft 114. The drying element 140a according to one embodiment sprays dry air toward the shaft 114. The drying element 140a according to one embodiment can apply direct heat to the shaft 114. The drying element 140a according to one embodiment includes two or more drying elements 140a, and the multiple drying elements 140a may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 114.

[0106] In one embodiment, the cutting unit 150 can cut the medium segment 31 to a specific length. In one embodiment, the cutting unit 150 may include a blade-shaped cutting element. In one embodiment, the cutting unit 150 may move toward the shaft 114 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 114 at pre-set time intervals. In one embodiment, the medium segment 31 cut by the cutting unit 150 may be included as a component of an aerosol generating article (for example, aerosol generating article 3 in Figure 3A).

[0107] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method S for manufacturing a medium segment (e.g., medium segment 31 in Figure 3A) of an aerosol generating article (e.g., aerosol generating article 3 in Figure 3A) according to one embodiment.

[0108] In one embodiment, the medium segment manufacturing method S includes the steps of: forming a frame (e.g., frame 312 in Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B); applying a slurry medium to the frame 312 (S2); compressing and extracting the medium applied to the frame 312 (S3); drying the medium applied to the frame 312 (S4); and cutting a medium segment (e.g., medium segment 31 in Figure 3A) to a certain length (S5).

[0109] In one embodiment, step S1 for forming the frame 312 consists of a frame forming section (e.g., frame forming section 110 in Figure 4A) of an apparatus for manufacturing a medium segment 31 of an aerosol generating article (e.g., aerosol generating article 3 in Figure 3A) (e.g., medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 in Figure 4A). In one embodiment, step S1 for forming the frame 312 may form the frame (e.g., frame 312 in Figures 3A and 3B) of the medium segment (e.g., medium segment 31 in Figures 3A and 3B) of the aerosol generating article (e.g., aerosol generating article 3 in Figures 3A and 3B). In one embodiment, the base substrate (e.g., base substrate 112 in Figure 4A) may be positioned diagonally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shaft (e.g., shaft 114 in Figure 4A). In one embodiment, the shaft 114 may rotate in one direction. By rotating the shaft 114 in one embodiment in one direction, the base substrate 112 is continuously wound on the shaft 114. In one embodiment, the shaft 114 may rotate in one direction by bearings (not shown). In one embodiment, the base substrate 112 may be stored in a rolled state, with the substrate extending continuously in one direction. In one embodiment, the base substrate 112 may be composed of at least one material from paper, cellulose, synthetic resin, non-ferrous metal, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the shaft 114 is composed of a material having high rigidity and strength. For example, the shaft 114 may be composed of at least a portion from ferrous metal, non-ferrous metal, aluminum, or stainless steel.

[0110] Figure 6 is a detailed flowchart of the frame formation step S1 of a medium segment manufacturing method according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the frame formation step S1 includes a step T1 in which a base material is supplied diagonally with respect to the axial direction of the shaft, a step T2 in which the base material is wound around the outer surface of the shaft, and a step T3 in which the overlapping regions of the base material are bonded together.

[0111] In one embodiment, step S2 of applying a slurry medium to the frame 312 consists of the medium coating section 120 of an apparatus for manufacturing medium segments 31 (e.g., medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 in Figure 4A). Step S2 of applying a slurry medium to the frame 312 according to one embodiment involves applying the medium to the surface of the frame 312 formed by a frame forming section (e.g., frame forming section 110 in Figure 4A). Inside the container according to one embodiment (e.g., container 122 in Figure 4B), there may be a medium in solid form and a solution in liquid form. The medium and solution mixed in the container 122 according to one embodiment may be stored in slurry form. The slurry medium has increased viscosity compared to the medium in solid form. In one embodiment, the slurry medium is sprayed or discharged toward the frame 312 through a nozzle (e.g., nozzle 124 in Figure 4B). In one embodiment, the frame 312 is fixed to the outer surface of the shaft (e.g., the shaft 114 in Figures 4A and / or 4B) and rotates in one direction with the shaft 114, so that the medium sprayed or discharged through the nozzle 124 can be evenly applied to the outer surface of the frame 312. In one embodiment, the slurry-like medium evenly applied to the outer surface of the frame 312 can form the medium portion (e.g., the medium portion 314 in Figures 3A to 4B) of a medium segment (e.g., the medium segment 31 in Figures 3A, 3B and / or 4A).

[0112] In one embodiment, step S3, which compresses and extracts the medium applied to the frame 312, consists of an extrusion section 130 of an apparatus for manufacturing the medium segment 31 (for example, the medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 in Figure 4A). In one embodiment, step S3, which compresses and extracts the medium applied to the frame 312, can cause the medium to be pressed so that the slurry-like medium applied to the outer surface of the frame 312 adheres smoothly to the frame 312. In one embodiment, the medium applied to the frame 312 via step S3, which compresses and extracts the medium, can be firmly pressed by the frame 312.

[0113] In one embodiment, step S4, which dries the medium applied to the frame 312, consists of the drying section 140 of an apparatus for manufacturing medium segments (e.g., medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 in Figure 4A) (e.g., medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 in Figure 4A). The medium, after undergoing step S3 of compressing and extracting the medium according to one embodiment, is firmly pressed to the frame 312, but since the medium was applied in a slurry form in step S2 of applying the medium to the frame, it can still be kept in a wet state. In one embodiment, step S4, which dries the medium, solidifies the slurry-like medium contained in the medium section (e.g., medium section 314 in Figures 3A to 4B) by evaporating the liquid.

[0114] In one embodiment, step S5, which cuts the medium segment 31 to a specific length, is performed by the cutting section 150 of an apparatus for manufacturing the medium segment 31 (for example, the medium segment manufacturing apparatus 100 in Figure 4A). In one embodiment, the step of cutting the medium segment 31 to a specific length is activated at pre-set intervals. In one embodiment, the medium segment 31 cut by step S5 may be included as a component of an aerosol generating article (for example, the aerosol generating article 3 in Figure 3A).

[0115] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and a person with ordinary skill in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, and other components may be combined or assembled in a different manner than described, or substituted or replaced by other components or equivalents, and still achieve appropriate results.

[0116] Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is defined by equivalents to the claims, etc.

Claims

1. Aerosol-generating article, It includes a first end face, a second end face opposite the first end face, a side face formed between the first end face and the second end face, a medium segment, a first segment and a second segment, The first segment is located downstream of the medium segment, and the second segment is located upstream of the medium segment. The aforementioned medium segment is It includes a cylindrical frame and a medium surrounding the outer surface of the frame, the medium being exposed to the outside through the side surface of the aerosol generating article, The medium segment includes a hollow tube formed within the frame, and the aerosol generated by heating the medium segment moves toward the second end face through the hollow tube. The medium portion includes a medium that is evenly applied to the outer surface of the frame, in an aerosol generating article.

2. An apparatus for manufacturing a medium segment contained in an aerosol generating article, The aerosol generating article is It includes a first end face, a second end face opposite the first end face, a side face formed between the first end face and the second end face, a medium segment, a first segment and a second segment, The first segment is located downstream of the medium segment, and the second segment is located upstream of the medium segment. The aforementioned medium segment is It includes a cylindrical frame and a medium surrounding the outer surface of the frame, the medium being exposed to the outside through the side surface of the aerosol generating article, The aforementioned device is A frame forming section includes a base material contained within the frame and a shaft that rotates such that the base material is wound up in a diagonal pattern, and the frame forming section includes the base material contained within the frame, A medium coating section for applying a medium to the frame formed in the frame forming section, An extrusion section for pressing the applied medium onto the frame, A drying section for drying the extruded medium, A cutting unit for cutting the medium segment to a specific length, A medium segment manufacturing apparatus, including a medium segment manufacturing apparatus.

3. The aforementioned medium coating portion is A container containing a slurry-like medium, A nozzle connected to the container and used to supply a medium to the frame, The medium segment manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, including the following:

4. A method for manufacturing a medium segment of an aerosol generating article, The aerosol generating article is It includes a first end face, a second end face opposite the first end face, a side face formed between the first end face and the second end face, a medium segment, a first segment and a second segment, The first segment is located downstream of the medium segment, and the second segment is located upstream of the medium segment. The aforementioned medium segment is It includes a cylindrical frame and a medium surrounding the outer surface of the frame, the medium being exposed to the outside through the side surface of the aerosol generating article, The aforementioned method, The step of forming the frame, The steps include applying a slurry-type medium to the frame, The steps include compressing and extracting the medium applied to the frame, The steps include drying the slurry medium applied to the frame, A method for manufacturing a medium segment, including the above.

5. The step of forming the frame is: A step of supplying the base material in a diagonal line with respect to the axial direction of the shaft, The steps include winding the base substrate onto the outer surface of the shaft, The steps include bonding the overlapping regions of the base substrate, A method for manufacturing a medium segment according to claim 4, including the following:

6. The method for manufacturing a medium segment according to claim 5, wherein the base material is composed of at least one of paper, cellulose, or a combination thereof.

7. The method for manufacturing a medium segment according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the shape of the shaft cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft includes at least one of a circle, triangle, square, hexagon, octagon, and star shape.

8. The step of applying the medium to the frame is: The steps include supplying a slurry-type medium to the nozzle in a container, The steps include applying a medium to the frame from the nozzle, A method for manufacturing a medium segment according to claim 4, including the following:

9. The method for manufacturing a medium segment according to claim 4, further comprising the step of cutting the medium segment to a certain length.

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