Aerosol generator with smokeless function

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device that includes a housing that forms a storage space in which an aerosol-generating article is stored, a heater section that heats the aerosol-generating article stored in the storage space, a cartridge containing an aerosol forming agent, a cartridge heater section that heats the cartridge, and a control section that controls the aerosol generating device to operate in a selected mode from among a smoked mode and a smokeless mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generator having a smokeless function. Specifically, the present invention relates to an aerosol generator in which a user can select a smoky or smokeless function, and in a smoky mode, the user can easily select the heating temperature of a heater unit.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0145543 filed on October 28, 2021, and includes all the contents disclosed in the corresponding Korean patent application document as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternatives to overcome the disadvantages 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). Along with this, research on electric heating aerosol generators and cigarette sticks (or aerosol articles) applied thereto has been actively conducted.

[0004] On the other hand, if no visible smoke is generated during smoking, there is an advantage that a user can enjoy smoking without restrictions on location and environment. Also, due to such advantages, smokeless tobacco products such as snuff, snus, and chewing tobacco have been developed, but the exemplified smokeless tobacco products have a disadvantage that they cannot provide a smoking feeling like a combustible cigarette or a heated cigarette stick. On the other hand, there are also smokers who prefer to generate visible smoke and smoke according to their preference.

[0005] Not only is there a difference in preference depending on the presence or absence of the generation of visible smoke, but there is also a difference in the taste of tobacco that varies depending on the nicotine transfer amount, and smokers have a difference in preference for a strong tobacco taste or a mild tobacco taste according to their preference.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for research and development into aerosol generators that can simultaneously satisfy the differing preferences of a large number of smokers, based on the presence or absence of visible smoke and the variety of tobacco flavors. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-045149 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present inventors aim to provide an aerosol generator that can be operated in either a smoke-in or smoke-free mode by selection, allows adjustment of the heater temperature for heating tobacco granules when operating in smoke-in mode, and allows smokers to adjust the amount of nicotine and flavor components transferred according to their preference. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to the first aspect of the present invention,

[0010] The present invention provides an aerosol generator comprising: a housing that forms a containment space for containing an aerosol generating article; a heater unit for heating the aerosol generating article contained in the containment space; a cartridge containing an aerosol forming agent; a cartridge heater unit for heating the cartridge; and a control unit that controls the aerosol generator to operate in a set mode from among a smoked mode and a smokeless mode.

[0011] In one specific example of the present invention, the aerosol generating article includes a tobacco rod, the tobacco rod includes a first filter segment, a second filter segment, and a cavity segment formed by the first filter segment and the second filter segment, and the cavity segment can be filled with tobacco granules.

[0012] In one specific example of the present invention, the aerosol generating article further includes a filter rod located downstream of the tobacco rod, the filter rod may include a cooling segment and a mouthpiece segment.

[0013] In one specific example of the present invention, the control unit, in response to determining that the set mode is the smoke mode, can either operate both the heater unit and the cartridge heater unit, or operate only the cartridge heater unit.

[0014] In one specific example of the present invention, the heater unit can operate in one of three modes—strong mode, medium mode, and weak mode—to apply different heating temperatures to the aerosol-generating article.

[0015] In one specific example of the present invention, the heater section can be heated to maintain a temperature of 200 to 260°C in the strong mode, to maintain a temperature of 160 to 200°C in the medium mode, and to maintain a temperature of 150 to 180°C in the weak mode.

[0016] In one specific example of the present invention, the control unit can operate only the heater unit among the heater unit and the cartridge heater unit in response to determining that the set mode is the smokeless mode.

[0017] In one specific example of the present invention, the heater section can be heated to maintain a temperature of 200 to 260°C.

[0018] In one specific example of the present invention, the heater unit can be arranged to heat only the cavity segment.

[0019] In one specific example of the present invention, when the heater unit is first preheated and then leaves the set range, it can be driven in a form of reheating.

[0020] In one specific example of the present invention, the aerosol generator further includes a switch disposed on an outer wall surface of the housing, and the switch can be a means for setting a smoking or smokeless mode and setting any one of a strong mode, a medium mode, and a weak mode when the smoking mode is selected.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] The aerosol generator with a smokeless function according to the present invention can select a smoking or smokeless mode according to the preferences of smokers or the smoking place. When the smoking mode is activated, the smoker can adjust the heating temperature of tobacco particles in the strong, medium, and weak modes, and the transfer amounts of nicotine and flavor components can be varied according to each temperature, resulting in an effect of feeling the satisfaction of smoking.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a schematic exemplary view when the aerosol generator operates in the smokeless mode in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a schematic exemplary view when the aerosol generator operates in the smoking mode in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a schematic exemplary view of an aerosol article in one embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0024] The terms and words used in this specification and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner and concept appropriate to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention.

[0025] The terms used in this invention are used solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly intends otherwise. In this invention, terms such as “includes” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood to preemptively exclude the possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0026] The terms "front side" and "rear side" used in this invention are defined based on the flow of aerosols.

[0027] As used in this invention, the term "aerosol-forming agent" may mean a substance that facilitates the formation of visible smoke and / or aerosol. Examples of aerosol-forming 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, aerosol-forming agents may be used interchangeably with terms such as humectants and wetting agents.

[0028] As used in this invention, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" may mean a substance capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol may include volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid. For example, a solid aerosol-forming substrate may include solid substances derived from tobacco raw materials such as flat tobacco leaves, shredded tobacco, or reconstituted tobacco, while a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include liquid compositions derived from nicotine, tobacco extracts, and / or various flavoring agents. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to such examples. The aerosol-forming substrate may further include an aerosol-forming agent to stably form visible smoke and / or aerosols.

[0029] The term "aerosol generator" as used in this invention may mean a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-forming substrate in order to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0030] The term "aerosol-generating article" as used in this invention may mean an article capable of generating aerosols. An aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate. A typical example of an aerosol-generating article is a cigarette, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0031] In this invention, the terms "upstream" or "upstream direction" may mean the direction away from the user's (smoker's) mouth, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" may mean the direction towards the user's mouth. The terms upstream and downstream may be used to describe the relative positions of the elements constituting the aerosol generating article. For example, in the aerosol generating article 20, the tobacco rod 21 is located upstream or in the upstream direction of the filter rod 22, and the filter rod 22 is located downstream or in the downstream direction of the tobacco rod 21.

[0032] The term "longitudinal direction" as used in this invention may mean the direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0033] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. However, the present invention can be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0035] Conventional aerosol generators have limitations in that they cannot satisfy the preferences of the majority of smokers. For example, it is difficult for users to directly control the generation of visible smoke, and although smokers may have preferences for specific tobacco flavors, the heater only operates at a certain temperature, limiting the types of tobacco flavors that can be offered.

[0036] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have invented an aerosol generator that allows smokers to select whether or not to generate visible smoke according to their personal preference and smoking location through the operation of a smoke-on or smoke-off mode, and in smoke-on mode, the temperature of the heater section that heats the granules is varied in multiple stages, allowing for the selection of tobacco flavor according to preference.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generator 10 includes a housing that forms a containment space in which an aerosol generating article 20 is contained, a heater unit 15 for heating the aerosol generating article 20 contained in the containment space, a cartridge 14 containing an aerosol forming agent, a cartridge heater unit 13 for heating the cartridge 14, and a control unit 12 that controls the aerosol generator 10 to operate in a set mode from among a smoked mode and a smokeless mode.

[0038] However, Figure 1 or Figure 2 only shows components relevant to the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, a person ordinary in the art to which this disclosure belongs will see that, in addition to the components shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, other general-purpose components may be included. For example, an aerosol generator may further include an input module (e.g., buttons, touchable display) for receiving input such as commands from the user, and an output module (e.g., LED, display, vibration motor) for outputting information such as the status of the device or smoking information. The individual components of the aerosol generator will be described below.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generator 10 includes a housing that forms a containment space for accommodating an aerosol generating article 20. Specifically, the housing can form the external appearance of the aerosol generator 10. The housing can also form a containment space for accommodating the aerosol generating article 20. Preferably, the housing is made of a material that can protect the internal components.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating article 20 contained in the containment space includes a tobacco rod 21, the tobacco rod 21 includes a first filter segment 211, a second filter segment 213, and a cavity segment 212 formed by the first and second filter segments, the cavity segment 212 can be filled with tobacco granules.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco rod 21 may include a first filter segment 211, a second filter segment 213, and a cavity segment 212 formed by the first and second filter segments. The tobacco rod 21 is a tobacco rod including a cavity or cavity segment 212 that can supply tobacco components (or flavor components) such as nicotine when heated.

[0042] Specifically, the first filter segment 211 can form the cavity segment 212, perform filtering and cooling functions for the aerosol, and can be located downstream of the cavity segment 212. The second filter segment 213 can form the cavity segment 212 and prevent the tobacco granules from falling out. Furthermore, when the aerosol generating article 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, the second filter segment 213 can ensure that the cavity segment 212 is positioned appropriately within the aerosol generating device 10, preventing the tobacco rod 21 from detaching to the outside and preventing liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod 21 from flowing into the aerosol generating device 10 during smoking.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the suction resistance of the first filter segment 211 or the second filter segment 213 may be approximately 40 mmH2O / 60 mm to 150 mmH2O / 60 mm, preferably approximately 50 mmH2O / 60 mm to 80 mmH2O / 60 mm. Within this numerical range, appropriate suction can be ensured. Furthermore, appropriate suction increases the probability of vortex flow generation within the cavity segment 212, thereby achieving the effect of uniform heating of a large number of tobacco granules 214. In addition, it has been confirmed that when the filter segment is a paper filter, an appropriate atomization amount is ensured within the exemplified numerical range.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first filter segment 211 and the second filter segment 213 may each contain a paper material.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first filter segment 211 may include a paper material, in other words, it may consist of a paper filter. The paper material may preferably be arranged in the longitudinal direction to ensure a smooth airflow path, but is not limited thereto. Since the paper material hardly denatures with heat, it can be more easily applied to the tobacco rod portion than cellulose acetate fibers, which melt or shrink when heated above a certain temperature.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first filter segment 211 may include a water-resistant or oil-resistant paper material. When the first filter segment 211 includes the water-resistant or oil-resistant paper material, the problem of reduced visible atomization due to the absorption of smoke components (e.g., moisture, aerosol-forming agent components) contained in the aerosol as they pass through the first filter segment 211 can be greatly reduced (e.g., the problem of reduced atomization in smoke mode). For example, when the first filter segment 211 includes a general paper material, the aforementioned smoke components may be absorbed due to the hygroscopicity of the paper material, potentially reducing the visible atomization. However, if the water-resistant or oil-resistant paper material is applied, the absorption of the aforementioned smoke components is almost completely eliminated, thus resolving this problem of reduced atomization.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first filter segment 211 can be made of a cellulose acetate filter. In this case, the effect of improving the removal capacity of the first filter segment 211 can be achieved.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second filter segment 213 may include a paper material, or in other words, may consist of a paper filter. The paper material may preferably be arranged in the longitudinal direction to ensure a smooth airflow path, but is not limited thereto. The paper material is heat-resistant and has the effect of greatly mitigating the problem of tobacco granules falling off due to the melting or shrinking of cellulose acetate fibers when they come into contact with the internal heating element.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second filter segment 213 may include a water-resistant or oil-resistant paper material, and as described above in the description of the first filter segment 211, the water-resistant or oil-resistant paper material has the effect of greatly reducing the problem of reduced visible atomization.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cavity segment 212 is formed by the first filter segment 211 and the second filter segment 213. The cavity segment 212 is a segment having a cavity and can be located between the first filter segment 211 and the second filter segment 213. That is, the cavity segment 212 can be formed by the first filter segment 211 and the second filter segment 213.

[0051] The cavity segment 212 can be manufactured in a variety of ways. For example, the cavity segment 212 can be manufactured in a form that includes a tubular structure such as a paper tube, or by wrapping a cavity formed by two filter segments with a wrapper of a suitable material, but the manufacturing method is not particularly limited as long as it can be filled with tobacco granules.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cavity segment 212 can be filled with tobacco granules 214. Generally, tobacco granules 214 have a significantly lower moisture and / or aerosol-forming agent content than other types of tobacco materials (e.g., shredded tobacco leaves, flat tobacco leaves, etc.), so the generation of visible smoke can be greatly reduced, and thus the smokeless function of the aerosol generator 10 can be easily realized. However, the diameter, density, filling rate, composition ratio of constituent materials, heating temperature, etc. of the tobacco granules can be varied and may differ depending on the embodiment.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the size of the tobacco granules 214 can be about 15 mesh to 50 mesh, preferably about 15 mesh to 45 mesh and about 20 mesh to 30 mesh. Within this numerical range, appropriate hardness and ease of manufacture of the tobacco granules 214 can be ensured, shedding phenomena can be minimized, and the probability of vortex flow generation within the cavity segment can be increased.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the density of the tobacco granules 214 is approximately 0.5 g / cm³. 3 ~1.2g / cm 3 It may be approximately 0.7 g / cm³, preferably about 0.7 g / cm³. 3 ~0.9g / cm 3 This is possible. Within this numerical range, the appropriate hardness of the tobacco granules 214 can be ensured, and the probability of vortex flow generation within the cavity segment 212 can increase.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hardness of the tobacco granules 214 may be about 70% or more, preferably 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more. Within this numerical range, the ease of manufacturing the tobacco granules 214 is improved, the phenomenon of pulverization is minimized, and the ease of manufacturing the aerosol generating article 20 can also be improved. In one embodiment of the present invention, the hardness of the tobacco granules 214 may be a value measured based on the national standard test method KSM-1802 ("Activated Carbon Test Method"). For details of the hardness measurement method and the meaning of the measured values, refer to the national standard KSM-1802.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filling rate of tobacco granules 214 in the cavity segment 212 may be about 80% by volume or less, preferably about 70% by volume or less. Within this numerical range, the probability of generating vortex airflow within the cavity segment 212 can increase. Furthermore, the filling rate of tobacco granules 214 is preferably about 60% by volume or more to ensure a suitable smoking taste.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco granules 214 may contain about 20% by weight or less of moisture, preferably about 10% by weight or less of moisture. Within this numerical range, the generation of visible smoke can be greatly reduced, and the smokeless function of the aerosol generator 10 can be easily realized.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco granules 214 may contain about 10% by weight or less of an aerosol-forming agent, preferably about 7% by weight, 5% by weight, 3% by weight, or 1% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent. Alternatively, the tobacco granules 214 may not contain an aerosol-forming agent. Within such numerical ranges, the generation of visible smoke can be greatly reduced, and the smokeless function of the aerosol generator 10 can be easily realized.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wet-based nicotine content of the tobacco granules 214 is approximately 1.0% to 4.0%, preferably approximately 1.5% to 3.5%. Within this numerical range, an appropriate level of flavor can be guaranteed.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dry-basis nicotine content of the tobacco granules 214 is approximately 1.2% to 4.2%, preferably approximately 1.7% to 3.7%. Within this numerical range, an appropriate level of flavor can be guaranteed.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol-generating article 20 can be packaged with at least one wrapper. Specifically, the aerosol-generating article 20 can be packaged with one wrapper. In other examples, the aerosol-generating article 20 can be superimposed with two or more wrappers. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be packaged with a first wrapper, and the filter rod 22 can be packaged with a second wrapper. The tobacco rod 21 and filter rod 22, each packaged with an individual wrapper, can then be joined together, and the entire aerosol-generating article 20 can be repackaged with a third wrapper. If the tobacco rod 21 or the filter rod 22 each consists of multiple segments, each segment can be packaged with an individual wrapper. The entire aerosol-generating article, with the segments packaged with individual wrappers joined together, can then be repackaged with another wrapper. The wrappers can also have at least one hole formed therein, through which external air can enter or internal gas can exit.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating article 20 further includes a filter rod 22 located downstream of the tobacco rod 21, the filter rod 22 may include a cooling segment 222 and a mouthpiece segment 221. The filter rod 22 is located downstream of the tobacco rod 21 and can perform a filtering function for the aerosol. For this purpose, the filter rod 22 may include a filter material such as paper or cellulose acetate fiber. The filter rod 22 may further include a wrapper that wraps the filter material.

[0063] The filter rod 22 can be manufactured in a variety of shapes. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, a tubular rod containing a hollow interior, or a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape. The filter rod 22 may also be manufactured to generate flavor. For example, a fragrance liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22, or a separate fiber coated with a fragrance liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22. Another example is that the filter rod 22 may contain at least one capsule (not shown) containing a fragrance liquid.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter rod 22 may include a cooling segment 222 and a mouthpiece segment 221. Specifically, the cooling segment 222 can be manufactured in a variety of forms, for example, a paper tube, a cellulose acetate filter with a hollow structure, a cellulose acetate filter with multiple pores, a filter filled with a polymer or biodegradable polymer, etc., but is not limited to these forms as long as it can perform the function of cooling an aerosol. The mouthpiece segment 221 may be, for example, a cellulose acetate filter (i.e., a filter made of cellulose acetate fibers), but is not limited to this.

[0066] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generator includes a heater unit 15 for heating the aerosol generating article contained in the containment space. Specifically, when the aerosol generating article 20 is contained in the containment space of the aerosol generator 10, the heater unit 15 can heat the aerosol generating article 20 using power supplied from the battery 11.

[0067] The heater unit 15 can be configured in a variety of forms and / or manners. For example, the heater unit 15 may be configured to include an electrically resistive heating element. Another example is that the heater unit 15 may include an electrically insulating substrate (e.g., a substrate formed of polyimide) and an electrically conductive track, and include a heating element that generates heat as current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the examples given above, and the heating element can be any element that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may already be set in the aerosol generator (e.g., if a temperature profile is pre-stored), or it may be set to a temperature desired by the user.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heater unit 15 may be configured to include a heating element that operates in an induction heating manner. Specifically, the heater unit 15 may include an inductor (e.g., an induction coil) for heating the aerosol generating article 20 in an induction heating manner, and a susceptor that is inductively heated by the inductor. The susceptor may be located inside or outside the aerosol generating article 20.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heater unit 15 may be configured to include a heating element that heats the aerosol generating article 20 from the inside (hereinafter abbreviated as "internal heating element"), a heating element that heats it from the outside (hereinafter abbreviated as "external heating element"), or a combination thereof. The internal heating element may be in the form of, for example, a tube, needle, or rod, and may be arranged to penetrate at least a part of the aerosol generating article, while the external heating element may be in the form of a plate, cylinder, or the like, and may be arranged to surround at least a part of the aerosol generating article 20. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the shape, number, arrangement, etc. of the heating elements can be designed in a variety of ways.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heater unit 15 can be arranged to heat only the cavity segment 212. Specifically, when the filter segment is heated, for example, if the filter segment is a cellulose acetate filter, the heat can cause the fibers to melt or shrink, and if it is a paper filter, the heat can increase the hygroscopicity of the paper material, leading to a decrease in the visible amount of atomization. To prevent this, it is preferable for the heater unit 15 to heat only the cavity segment 212. This also reduces the deformation and release of adhesive contained in the filter, thus preventing changes in the physical properties of the filter.

[0071] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generator 10 includes a cartridge 14 containing an aerosol forming agent and a cartridge heater unit 13 for heating the cartridge. The aerosol generator 10 may include a structure in which the heater unit 15 and the cartridge heater unit 13 are arranged in a row or in parallel inside, but the internal structure of the aerosol generator 10 is not particularly limited thereto.

[0072] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generator 10 includes a cartridge 14 containing an aerosol forming agent.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge 14 may include a liquid storage tank and a liquid transmission means. However, it is not limited thereto, and the cartridge 14 may further include other components. Furthermore, the cartridge 14 may be manufactured to be detachable from the cartridge heater unit 13, or it may be manufactured integrally with the cartridge heater unit 13.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid storage tank can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances (or nicotine-containing substances), or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract (e.g., tobacco extract), nicotine, flavorings, aerosol-forming agents, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. Flavorings may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. Flavoring agents may include components that can provide users with a variety of flavors or aromas. Vitamin mixtures may include, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Examples of aerosol-forming agents include, but are not limited to, glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid transmission means can transmit a liquid composition stored in a liquid storage tank to a cartridge heater. For example, the liquid transmission means may be, but is not limited to, a wick element such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics.

[0076] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generator 10 includes a cartridge heater unit 13 for heating the cartridge 14.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge heater unit 13 can heat a liquid aerosol-forming substrate (e.g., liquid composition) stored in the cartridge 14 to form an aerosol. For example, the cartridge heater unit 13 can heat a liquid composition transmitted by a liquid transmission means to form an aerosol. The formed aerosol can be transmitted to the user by passing through the aerosol-generating article 20. In other words, the aerosol formed by heating of the cartridge heater unit 13 can move along the airflow path of the aerosol generator 10, and the airflow path can be configured so that the formed aerosol can be transmitted to the user by passing through the aerosol-generating article 20. The operation of the cartridge heater unit 13, heating temperature, etc. can be controlled by the control unit 12.

[0078] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge heater section 13 may be, for example, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater section, etc., but is not limited thereto. The cartridge heater section 13 may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around a liquid transmission means, but is not limited thereto. In the art, the cartridge heater section 13 and the cartridge 14 may also be referred to by terms such as cartomizer, atomizer, vaporizer, etc.

[0079] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generator 10 may further include a battery 11. The battery 11 can supply the power used to operate the aerosol generator 10. For example, the battery 11 can supply power so that the heater unit 15 heats the aerosol generating article 20, and can supply the power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present invention, the battery 11 can supply the power necessary for electrical components such as a display (not shown), a sensor (not shown), and a motor (not shown) installed in the aerosol generator 10 to operate.

[0081] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generator 10 may be equipped with a smokeless function. In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generator 10 can operate in a smoked mode or a smokeless mode. For example, an aerosol generator 10 can be provided that operates only in a smokeless mode, or in a mode selected from the smokeless mode and the smoked mode. This allows the user to use the aerosol generator 10 without being restricted by location or environment, greatly improving user convenience.

[0082] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generator 10 includes a control unit 12 that controls the aerosol generator 10 to operate in a set mode from among a smoked mode and a smokeless mode. Specifically, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the aerosol generator 10 in general. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the heater unit 15 and the battery 11, and can also control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generator 10. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied by the battery 11, the heating temperature of the heater unit 15, and so on. The control unit 12 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generator 10 and determine whether the aerosol generator 10 is in an operational state.

[0083] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 12 can be embodied by at least one control unit (processor). The control unit can be embodied by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller and memory storing a program that can be executed by the microcontroller. Furthermore, it will be obvious to a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs that the control unit can also be embodied by different forms of hardware.

[0084] In one embodiment of the present invention, the smoke mode may refer to a mode in which aerosols are generated by the aerosol generator 10, and visible smoke is also generated. There can be various ways to realize the smoke mode, and the specific method of realization may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0085] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 12 can, in response to determining that the set mode is the smoke mode, either operate both the heater unit 15 and the cartridge heater unit 13, or operate only the cartridge heater unit 13.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the heater unit 15 and the cartridge heater unit 13 are both operating in the smoke mode, the heater unit 15 can operate in one of three modes—strong mode, medium mode, and weak mode—to heat the aerosol generating article 20 at different temperatures. Specifically, the heater unit 15 heats the cavity segment 212 to heat the tobacco granules 214 filled inside it. The heating temperature increases in the order of weak mode, medium mode, and strong mode according to the smoker's preference. As a result, the nicotine and flavor components generated differ depending on the heating temperature of the tobacco granules in each mode, providing smokers with a variety of flavors.

[0087] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heater unit 15 can be heated to maintain a temperature of 200-260°C, preferably 210-240°C, more preferably 220-230°C, in the strong mode of the smoked mode, to maintain a temperature of 160-200°C, preferably 170-200°C, more preferably 190-200°C, in the medium mode of the smoked mode, and to maintain a temperature of 150-180°C, preferably 160-180°C, more preferably 170-200°C, in the weak mode of the smoked mode. By heating the tobacco granules at the temperatures of the heater unit 15, which are separated by each mode, different tobacco flavors can be provided in each mode. Specifically, in the strong mode, where the heating temperature of the tobacco granules is the highest, a large amount of nicotine is transferred, resulting in a strong sensation, and a strong tobacco flavor can be provided due to the large amount of nicotine transferred. Conversely, in the weak mode, where the heating temperature of the tobacco granules is the lowest, a mild tobacco flavor can be provided due to the small amount of nicotine transferred.

[0088] In one embodiment of the present invention, when only the cartridge heater unit 13 operates in the smoke mode, an aerosol containing visible smoke can be formed even if only the cartridge 14 is heated. Specifically, when only the cartridge heater unit 13 operates in the smoke mode, the operating temperature of the cartridge heater unit 13 may be 150 to 250°C, preferably 170 to 230°C, and more preferably 180 to 200°C.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the smoke mode, the heater unit 15 can be driven in such a manner that it is initially preheated and then reheated if it deviates from the set range. Specifically, in the strong mode, medium mode, and weak mode, the heating temperature of the heater unit 15 may decrease over time after being initially preheated and reaching the heating temperature range, and then deviate from the heating temperature range of each mode. In this case, the control unit 12 can operate the heater unit 15 so that it is reheated in order to reach the heating temperature range of each mode again.

[0090] In one embodiment of the present invention, the smokeless mode may mean a mode in which aerosols are generated by the aerosol generator 10 and no visible smoke is generated (or a mode in which the generation of visible smoke is minimized).

[0091] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 12 can operate only the heater unit 15 of the heater unit 15 and the cartridge heater unit 13 in response to the determination that the set mode is the smokeless mode. Specifically, in response to the determination that the set mode is the smokeless mode, the control unit 12 can operate only the heater unit 15. In this case, the cartridge 14 is not heated, and only the aerosol generating article 20 is heated, thereby preventing the generation of visible smoke. Specifically, the liquid stored in the cartridge generates an aerosol containing visible smoke when heated, but since heating of the liquid is prevented, the generation of visible smoke can also be prevented.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the smokeless mode, the heater unit 15 can be heated to maintain a temperature of 200 to 260°C, preferably 210 to 240°C, and more preferably 220 to 230°C.

[0093] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating article 20 may be an article filled with tobacco granules 214. Since tobacco granules have a very low content of moisture and / or aerosol forming agents, using such an aerosol generating article makes it easier to realize the smokeless mode of the aerosol generator.

[0094] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the smokeless mode, the heater unit 15 can be driven in such a manner that it is initially preheated and then reheated if it deviates from the set range. Specifically, in the smokeless mode, the heating temperature of the heater unit 15 may decrease over time after the initial preheating reaches the heating temperature range, and then deviate from the heating temperature range of the smokeless mode. In this case, the control unit 12 can operate the heater unit 15 so that it is reheated in order to return to the heating temperature range of the smokeless mode.

[0095] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generator 10 further includes a switch disposed on the outer wall surface of the housing, the switch being a means for setting a smoke mode or a smokeless mode, and for setting one of the modes of strong mode, medium mode, and weak mode when smoke mode is selected. For example, a button-type switch may be disposed on the housing, with three buttons for strong, medium, and weak smoke modes and a smokeless mode button, allowing the user to set each mode. However, the invention is not particularly limited to this, as long as it is a means that allows the user to easily set the smoke or smokeless mode and the strong, medium, and weak modes while smoking.

[0096] The following examples are provided to aid in understanding the present invention, but these examples are provided only to facilitate understanding the present invention and the invention is not limited thereto.

[0097] Manufacturing example: Manufacturing of aerosol-generating articles

[0098] An aerosol generating article having the same structure as that shown in Figure 3 was manufactured. Specifically, the aerosol generating article has a circumference of approximately 22 mm and a length of approximately 48 mm, and consists of a first filter segment of approximately 5 mm, a cavity segment of approximately 18 mm, a second filter segment of approximately 5 mm, a cooling segment of approximately 10 mm, and a mouthpiece segment of approximately 10 mm. Tobacco granules with a size of approximately 30 to 40 mesh, containing approximately 85% tobacco powder, approximately 5% starch, and approximately 10% moisture were manufactured and then filled into the cavity segment to approximately 75% by volume. The paper width is approximately 150 mm and the basis weight is approximately 60 mg / m². 2 Creep paper (i.e., paper that has undergone the creeping process) was produced by creeping a base paper of approximately 0.5 to 1.2 mm, and a paper filter with a suction resistance of approximately 70 mmH2O / 60 mm was manufactured. The manufactured paper filter was cut and used as the first and second filter segments. Paper tubes were used as the cooling segments, and cellulose acetate was used as the mouthpiece segments.

[0099] Example: Evaluation of aerosol transfer characteristics in an aerosol generator

[0100] [Example 1]

[0101] The aerosol generating article produced by the manufacturing example described above was applied to an aerosol generating device that includes a smoke mode and a smokeless mode, a heater section for heating the cavity segment, and strong, medium, and weak modes, as described herein.

[0102] The aerosol generator was set to smoke mode, and the heater unit was set to high mode, and the aerosol generator was driven.

[0103] [Example 2]

[0104] The aerosol generator was driven in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the heater section of the aerosol generator was set to the medium mode.

[0105] [Example 3]

[0106] The aerosol generator was driven in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the heater section of the aerosol generator was set to the low mode.

[0107] [Example 4]

[0108] The aerosol generator was driven in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the aerosol generator was set to smokeless mode.

[0109] Table 1 below shows the aerosol transfer characteristics generated by driving the aerosol generator according to Examples 1 to 4. Specifically, the aerosol transfer characteristics were measured in a smoking room with a temperature of approximately 22±2°C and a humidity of approximately 60±5%. The measurement was performed five times for each sample under CRM81 conditions, which is the standard measurement method for liquid e-cigarettes, where 55 ml was inhaled for 3 seconds and a 27-second wait was made. The measurement was repeated based on 9 puffs per measurement, and the generated aerosol was collected for each measurement. The mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation (CV) for the results were calculated and are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1] *TPM:Total particulate matter / PG:Propylene glycol / Gly:Glycerin

[0110] According to Table 1, in Examples 1-3 of the smoke mode, propylene glycol and glycerin components that generate smoke were generated at least 35 times and 28 times more, respectively, compared to Example 4 of the smokeless mode. This confirmed that smokers can choose between smoke mode or smokeless mode depending on their preference or smoking location, thereby improving their satisfaction with smoking.

[0111] Furthermore, comparing Example 1 (smoky mode, strong mode) and Example 4 (smoky mode), where the heating conditions of the heater section were the same, in Example 1, 22.6 mg / stick of tar excluding nicotine and 0.84 mg / stick of nicotine were transferred, while in Example 4, 10.5 mg / stick of tar excluding nicotine and 0.19 mg / stick of nicotine were transferred, indicating that the tobacco granule components were transferred much more smoothly by aerosol.

[0112] Furthermore, for Examples 1 to 3, which differ in the heating temperature of the tobacco granules via the heater unit within the smoke mode, the amount of nicotine transferred, which is closely related to each smoker's smoking habits, was measured. The results showed that the amount of nicotine transferred was highest in Example 1's "strong mode," which had the highest heating temperature, followed by the "medium mode" in Example 2, and then the "weak mode" in Example 3, in that order of decreasing temperatures. This indicates that higher heating temperatures provide a stronger tobacco flavor due to the transfer of more nicotine, while lower heating temperatures result in less nicotine transferred and a gradually milder tobacco flavor.

[0113] Through the results described above, it was confirmed that the aerosol generator of the present invention can provide a variety of tobacco flavors to suit the smoker's preferences by selecting strong, medium, or weak modes within the smoke mode, thereby improving satisfaction with smoking.

[0114] Although the present invention has been described in relation to the preferred embodiments mentioned above, various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the appended claims include such modifications and variations insofar as they fall within the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 10: Aerosol generator 11: Battery 12: Control Unit 13: Cartridge heater section 14: Cartridge 15: Heater section 20: Aerosol-generating articles 21: Tobacco Rod 22: Filter Rod 211: First filter segment 212: Cavity Segment 213: Second filter segment 214: Tobacco granules 221: Mouthpiece Segment 222: Cooling segment

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article, The aerosol generating device is A housing that forms a containment space in which the aerosol-generating article is contained, A heater unit for heating the aerosol-generating article contained within the aforementioned containment space, Cartridge containing aerosol-forming agent, A cartridge heater section for heating the aforementioned cartridge, and Includes a control unit that controls the aerosol generator to operate in a set mode, either a smoke mode or a smokeless mode, The aerosol generating article includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod located downstream of the tobacco rod. The tobacco rod includes a first filter segment, a second filter segment, and a cavity segment formed by the first and second filter segments. The cavity segment is filled with tobacco granules. The filter rod is an aerosol generating system comprising a cooling segment and a mouthpiece segment.

2. The control unit, The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, which, in response to the determination that the set mode is the smoke mode, operates both the heater unit and the cartridge heater unit, or operates only the cartridge heater unit.

3. The aforementioned heater section is The aerosol generating system according to claim 2, which operates by varying the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article in one of the following modes: strong mode, medium mode, and weak mode.

4. The aforementioned heater section is In the aforementioned high-power mode, the device is heated to maintain a temperature of 200 to 260°C. In the aforementioned intermediate mode, the temperature is heated to be maintained at 160-200°C. The aerosol generating system according to claim 3, wherein the system is heated so as to maintain a temperature of 150 to 180°C in the weak mode.

5. The control unit, The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein, in response to the determination that the set mode is the smokeless mode, only the heater unit among the heater unit and the cartridge heater unit is operated.

6. The aforementioned heater section is The aerosol generating system according to claim 5, which is heated to maintain a temperature of 200 to 260°C.

7. The aforementioned heater section is The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured to heat only the cavity segment.

8. The aforementioned heater section is The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, which is driven in such a way that it is initially preheated and then reheated when it leaves a set range.

9. The aerosol generator further includes a switch located on the outer wall surface of the housing, The aerosol generating system according to claim 3, wherein the switch is a means for setting a smoke mode or a smokeless mode, and when smoke mode is selected, setting one of the modes: strong mode, medium mode, and weak mode.

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