Aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems

Abstract

In various embodiments, an aerosol-generating article may include a first segment and a second segment disposed downstream of the first segment, wherein nicotine is adsorbed onto the first and second segments, the first segment includes a first plasticizer, and the second segment includes a second plasticizer, and the pH of the first plasticizer may be lower than the pH of the second plasticizer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for articles that replace traditional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, the demand for devices that generate aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette stick (e.g., cigarette-type electronic cigarettes) has been increasing. Therefore, research has been conducted on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating articles) applied thereto. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustible flavor inhaler, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating article that does not require heating and an aerosol generating system including the same.

[0004] An object according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating article that can ensure a uniform nicotine transfer amount during smoking and an aerosol generating system including the same.

[0005] An object according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating article that can ensure the uniformity of taste during smoking and an aerosol generating system including the same.

[0006] An object according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating article that can minimize the instability due to free nicotine by pH adjustment and an aerosol generating system including the same.

[0007] One embodiment aims to provide an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system containing the same that can selectively provide various flavor intensities with a single aerosol generating article. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Aerosol-generating articles according to various embodiments include a first segment and a second segment disposed downstream of the first segment, wherein nicotine is adsorbed on the first and second segments, the first segment contains a first plasticizer, the second segment contains a second plasticizer, and the pH of the first plasticizer may be lower than the pH of the second plasticizer.

[0009] In one embodiment, the content of the first plasticizer per unit length in the first segment may be the same as or greater than the content of the second plasticizer per unit length in the second segment.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first plasticizer may be triacetin (TA), and the second plasticizer may be triethyl citrate (TEC).

[0011] In one embodiment, the first segment or the second segment may contain cellulose acetate.

[0012] In one embodiment, the system further includes a medium segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment, wherein the medium segment comprises a pH-treated tobacco medium, and nicotine adsorbed on the first segment or nicotine adsorbed on the second segment can be transferred from the medium segment. The medium segment can be pH-treated to have a pH in the range of 7.0 to 9.5.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first segment or the second segment can be manufactured by cutting a filter portion to which free nicotine released from a nicotine-containing medium raw material has been transferred.

[0014] Various embodiments of an aerosol generating system include an aerosol generating article, a control unit including at least one processor, an elongated cavity containing the aerosol generating article, and an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer that heats a liquid phase composition to generate an aerosol and releases the aerosol toward the aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article includes a first segment and a second segment located downstream of the first segment, and the first segment or the second segment is composed of cellulose acetate on which nicotine is adsorbed, the first segment contains a first plasticizer, and the second segment contains a second plasticizer, and the pH of the first plasticizer may be lower than the pH of the second plasticizer.

[0015] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article further includes a medium segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment, the medium segment comprising a pH-treated tobacco medium, and nicotine adsorbed on the first segment or nicotine adsorbed on the second segment can be transferred from the medium segment.

[0016] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator further includes a heater for heating the first segment, the medium segment, or the second segment, and the control unit can control the temperature at which the heater heats the first segment, the medium segment, or the second segment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] An aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system containing the same, according to one embodiment, can achieve aerosol transfer without heating the aerosol generating article.

[0018] An aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system containing the same according to one embodiment can ensure a uniform amount of nicotine transfer during smoking.

[0019] The aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating system including the same according to one embodiment can ensure the uniformity of taste during smoking.

[0020] The aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating system including the same according to one embodiment can immediately utilize the aerosol generating article without preheating the device.

[0021] The aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating system including the same according to one embodiment can minimize the instability caused by free nicotine through pH adjustment.

[0022] The aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating system including the same according to one embodiment can selectively provide various taste intensities with one aerosol generating article.

[0023] The aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating system including the same according to one embodiment can ensure sufficient nicotine transfer even in the non-heating mode to satisfy the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0024] According to the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating system including the same according to one embodiment, by being used in the non-heating mode, an increase effect in the service life of the device can be expected.

[0025] The effects of the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating system including the same according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

[0027] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is coupled to an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is coupled to an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the nicotine transfer rate test for each segment of aerosol-generating articles. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, various modifications may be made to the embodiments, and the scope of the patent application will not be limited or restricted by such embodiments. All modifications, equivalents, or substitutes to the embodiments should be understood to be included within the scope of the patent.

[0029] The terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as intended to limit them. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “includes” or “having” indicate the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as preemptively excluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as those generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs. Commonly used, predefined terms should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as ideal or overly formal unless expressly defined herein.

[0031] Furthermore, when explaining with reference to the attached drawings, the same components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals used in the drawings, and redundant explanations will be omitted. In the description of embodiments, if a specific explanation of related prior art is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiment, such detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0032] Furthermore, in describing the components of an embodiment, terms such as First, Second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are used to distinguish a component from other components, and the terms do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the component in question. When any component is referred to as being “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that the component is directly connected to or linked to the other component, but further components may be “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” between each component.

[0033] Components that have functions common to components included in any of the embodiments will be described using the same name in the other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the descriptions in one embodiment will also apply to the other embodiments, and specific descriptions will be omitted to the extent that they overlap.

[0034] In the following embodiments, “humectant” means a substance that facilitates the formation of visible smoke and / or aerosol. Examples of humectants include, but are not limited to, glycerin (GLY), propylene glycol (PG), ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In the art, the term humectant may be used interchangeably with terms such as aerosol-forming agent and wetting agent.

[0035] In the following embodiments, "aerosol-forming substrate" means a substance capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol may contain volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid. For example, a solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain solid substances based on tobacco raw materials, such as shredded tobacco, tobacco granules, or reconstituted tobacco. Reconstituted tobacco is classified into slurry-type reconstituted tobacco sheets and paper-type reconstituted tobacco sheets depending on its manufacturing method. A liquid-phase aerosol-forming substrate may contain liquid-phase compositions based on nicotine, tobacco extracts, and / or various flavoring agents. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to such examples.

[0036] In the following embodiments, "aerosol-generating article" refers to an aerosol-forming substrate, i.e., an article containing a medium through which an aerosol passes and nicotine contained in the medium is transferred. A typical example of an aerosol-generating article is a cigarette, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0037] In the following embodiments, "aerosol generator" means 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.

[0038] 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 towards the user's mouth. The terms upstream and downstream are used to describe the relative positions of the elements constituting the aerosol generating article.

[0039] In the following embodiments, "puff" means the user's inhalation, and inhalation means the situation in which the air is drawn into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0040] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment, Figures 2A and 2B schematically show an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is coupled to an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and Figure 3 schematically shows the structure of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, an aerosol generating system 1 according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generating device 11 and an aerosol generating article 12.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1, 2A, and 2B, an aerosol generator 11 according to one embodiment includes a battery 111, a control unit 112, a vaporizer 113, and an elongated cavity 115.

[0043] The aerosol generator 11 shown in Figures 2A and 2B only illustrates the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that the aerosol generator 11 also includes other general-purpose components in addition to those shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Furthermore, the aerosol generator 11 may be in stick form or holder form.

[0044] In one embodiment, the battery 111 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 11. For example, the battery 111 can supply current to the vaporizer 113 so that the vaporizer 113 can heat the liquid phase composition. The battery 111 also supplies power necessary for the operation of displays, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 11.

[0045] In one embodiment, the battery 111 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the examples described above. For example, the battery 111 may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium-ion battery.

[0046] For example, the battery 111 may be a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the capacity of the battery 111 may be in the range of 120 mAh to 250 mAh, but is not limited thereto. The battery 111 may also be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, if the battery 111 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 111 may be 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, for static use, the battery 111 may be manufactured so that more than 80% of its total capacity is maintained even after 2000 charge / discharge cycles.

[0047] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 11. Specifically, the control unit 112 controls the operation of not only the battery 111 and the vaporizer 113, but also other components included in the aerosol generator 11. The control unit 112 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 11 and determine whether or not the aerosol generator 11 is in an operational state.

[0048] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory containing a program executed by that microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0049] In one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 can heat a liquid-phase composition to generate an aerosol and release the generated aerosol towards an aerosol generating article 12 inserted into an elongated cavity 115, so that the generated aerosol passes through the aerosol generating article 12. Thus, the aerosol that has passed through the aerosol generating article 12 is infused with tobacco flavor, and the user can inhale the tobacco-flavored aerosol by inhaling one end of the aerosol generating article 12 into their mouth. In one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 may be called a cartomizer or atomizer. In one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 may be coupled to the aerosol generating device 11 so as to be interchangeable.

[0050] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 11 may further include a heater 114. Nicotine may be transferred even under non-heating conditions in the aerosol generating article 12 according to one embodiment. In addition, the low-temperature heating mode via the heater 114 can promote nicotine transfer and increase the amount of nicotine transferred. The low-temperature heating mode with the heater 114 can achieve a higher level of flavor intensity compared to a non-heated board, and the amount of nicotine transferred can be easily adjusted via the non-heating mode and the low-temperature heating mode.

[0051] The heater 114 is heated by power supplied from the battery 111. For example, when the aerosol generating article 12 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 11, the heater 114 is positioned outside the aerosol generating article 12. Therefore, the heated heater 114 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substance inside the aerosol generating article 12.

[0052] For example, the heater 114 may be an electrical resistance heater. For instance, the heater 114 includes an electrical conductive track, and the heater 114 is heated by the flow of current through the electrical conductive track. However, the heater 114 is not limited to the above example; any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature is acceptable. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generator 11, or it may be set by the user.

[0053] On the other hand, as a different example, the heater 114 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 114 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol generating article 12 by induction heating, and the aerosol generating article 12 may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0054] For example, the heater 114 may include a tube-type heat transfer element, a plate-type heat transfer element, a needle-type heat transfer element, or a rod-type heat transfer element, and may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol generating article 12 depending on the shape of the heat transfer element.

[0055] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 11 may have multiple heaters 114. Here, the multiple heaters 114 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol generating article 12, or they may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article 12. Alternatively, some of the multiple heaters 114 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol generating article 12, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article 12.

[0056] In one embodiment, an aerosol-generating article 12 can be contained in the elongated cavity 115. In one embodiment, the heater 114 can heat the aerosol-generating article contained in the elongated cavity 115 by being positioned to surround the outer surface of the elongated cavity 115. In one embodiment, the heater 114 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongated cavity 115.

[0057] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 11 may include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 111, control unit 112, vaporizer 113, and elongated cavity 115. For example, the aerosol generator 11 may include a detection unit 116, output unit 117, user input unit 118, memory 119, and communication unit 120.

[0058] The detection unit 116 detects the state of the aerosol generator 11 or the state of the area surrounding the aerosol generator 11 and transmits the detected information to the control unit 112. Based on the detected information, the control unit 112 can control the aerosol generator 11 to perform various functions such as restricting smoking, determining whether or not an aerosol generating item 12 (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.) has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0059] The detection unit 116 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 1161, insertion detection sensor 1162, and puff sensor 1163.

[0060] The temperature sensor 1161 detects the temperature at which the heater 114 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generator 11 may include a separate temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the heater 114, or the heater 114 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1161 may be positioned around the battery 111 to monitor the temperature of the battery 111.

[0061] The insertion detection sensor 1162 detects the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article 12. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1162 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may detect a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article 12.

[0062] The puff sensor 1163 can detect user puffs based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1163 can detect user puffs based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0063] In addition to the sensors 1161 to 1163 described above, the detection unit 116 may further include at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by those skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0064] The output unit 117 outputs information regarding the status of the aerosol generator 11 to the user. The output unit 117 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 1171, the haptic unit 1172, and the acoustic output unit 1173. If the display unit 1171 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 1171 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0065] The display unit 1171 visually provides the user with information regarding the aerosol generator 11. For example, information regarding the aerosol generator 11 may include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 111 of the aerosol generator 11, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating article 12, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 11 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display unit 1171 may also output this information externally. The display unit 1171 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) or an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED). Alternatively, the display unit 1171 may display the state of an LED light-emitting element.

[0066] The haptic unit 1172 converts electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 11. For example, the haptic unit 1172 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0067] The acoustic output unit 1173 provides the user with auditory information regarding the aerosol generator 11. For example, the acoustic output unit 1173 may convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0068] The user input unit 118 receives information input from the user and outputs information to the user. For example, the user input unit 118 may include, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 11 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via such a connection interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 111.

[0069] Memory 119 may store data processed by the control unit 112 and data to be processed, as hardware for storing various data processed within the aerosol generator 11. Memory 119 may include at least one type of storage medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 119 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 11, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

[0070] The communication unit 120 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 120 may include a short-range communication unit 1201 and a wireless communication unit 1202.

[0071] The short-range wireless communication unit (short-range wireless communication unit) 1201 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee® communication unit, an IrDA (Infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (Ultra Wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and others.

[0072] The wireless communication unit 1202 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 1202 can also verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 11 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0073] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 11 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) and / or terminals coupled to a cradle, allowing a user to control the functions of the aerosol generator 11. For example, a user may use the input device of the aerosol generator 11 to perform various functions. By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the duration for which the input device is pressed (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.), a desired function from among several functions of the aerosol generator 11 can be performed. By operating the input device, a user may perform functions such as preheating the heating element of the vaporizer 113, adjusting the temperature of the heating element of the vaporizer 113, cleaning the space into which the aerosol generating article is inserted, checking whether the aerosol generator 11 is operational, displaying the remaining battery charge (usable power) of the battery 111, or resetting the aerosol generator 11. However, the functions of the aerosol generator 11 are not limited to the examples described above.

[0074] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 11 includes a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and / or an aerosol generating article insertion detection sensor. The aerosol generator 11 may also be manufactured with a structure that allows external air to flow in / out even when an aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0075] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 11 includes a vaporizer 113 and an elongated cavity 115 arranged in series, as shown in Figure 2A. In another embodiment, the aerosol generator 11 includes a vaporizer 113 and an elongated cavity 115 arranged in parallel, as shown in Figure 2B. Furthermore, the arrangement of the battery 111, control unit 112, vaporizer 113, and elongated cavity 115 of the aerosol generator 11 is not limited to Figures 2A and 2B, but may be in various configurations. For example, the aerosol generator 11 may include a heater (e.g., heater 114 in Figure 1).

[0076] The aerosol generated by the vaporizer 113 flows into the elongated cavity 115 via the airflow passage within the aerosol generator 11 and can pass through the aerosol generating article 12. Therefore, the aerosol that has passed through the aerosol generating article 12 is flavored with tobacco or nicotine, and the user can inhale the aerosol flavored with tobacco or nicotine by inhaling one end of the aerosol generating article 12 with their mouth.

[0077] The vaporizer 113 according to one embodiment may include a liquid storage section, a liquid transmission means, a heating element, and an airflow passage. Each component of the vaporizer 113 is made of polycarbonate material, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] In one embodiment, the liquid storage unit can store a liquid-phase composition that generates an aerosol when heated. In one embodiment, the liquid-phase composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, and in another embodiment, the liquid-phase composition may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid-phase composition can store a liquid with a volume of 0.1 to 2.0 mL, but is not limited thereto. The liquid storage unit may also be interchangeably coupled within the vaporizer 113.

[0079] For example, the liquid phase composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. Flavorings include components that can provide users with a variety of flavors or aromas. Vitamin mixtures include, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. The liquid phase composition may also include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0080] In one embodiment, the liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid phase composition of the liquid storage unit to a heating element. In one embodiment, the liquid transfer means may be a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic, and can transfer the liquid phase composition of the liquid storage unit to the heating element using capillary development.

[0081] In one embodiment, the heating element is an element for heating the liquid phase composition transmitted by the liquid transmission means, and may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc. Alternatively, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transmission means. The heating element is heated by the fluid supply, and heat is transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0082] In one embodiment, the airflow passage is arranged so that the generated aerosol is discharged toward the aerosol generating article 12 into which it is inserted. That is, the aerosol generated by the heating element can be discharged through the airflow passage.

[0083] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 can control the temperature of the heating element by controlling the current supplied to the heating element. Therefore, the control unit 112 can control the amount of aerosol generated from the liquid phase composition by controlling the current supplied to the heating element. Furthermore, the control unit 112 can control the supply of current to the heating element for a preset time period when a user puff is detected. For example, the control unit 112 can control the supply of current to the heating element for 1 to 5 seconds from the time a user puff is detected.

[0084] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 can control the amount of aerosol released from the vaporizer 113 by controlling the opening and closing state of the airflow passage. Specifically, the control unit 112 may increase the amount of aerosol released from the vaporizer 113 by increasing the size of the pores in the airflow passage, or decrease the amount of aerosol released from the vaporizer 113 by decreasing the size of the pores in the airflow passage. For example, the control unit 112 can control the pores in the airflow passage using a dial.

[0085] In one embodiment, if the liquid phase composition in the liquid storage unit is less than a preset amount, the control unit 112 informs the user via a vibration motor or display that the liquid phase composition is insufficient.

[0086] Referring to Figure 3, an aerosol generating article 12 according to one embodiment includes a first segment 121, a medium segment 122, a second segment 123, and a wrapper 125.

[0087] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 12 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 125. The wrapper 125 may have at least one hole formed therein for external air to enter and internal gas to exit. The wrapper 125 may contain a material with high thermal conductivity.

[0088] For example, the first segment 121 is wrapped by the first wrapper 1251, the medium segment 122 is wrapped by the second wrapper 1252, the second segment 123 is wrapped by the third wrapper 1253, and the entire aerosol-generating article 12 is re-wrapped by the fifth wrapper 1255.

[0089] In one embodiment, the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be made of porous wrapping paper. For example, the porosity of each of the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be 35,000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of each of the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. Furthermore, the weight of each of the first wrapper 1251, the second wrapper 1252, and the third wrapper 1253 may be 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It may be included within the range.

[0090] For example, the second wrapper 1252 may contain an aluminum component. For example, the second wrapper 1252 may be made by bonding a metal wheel, such as aluminum foil, to a general filter wrapping paper. Alternatively, the second wrapper 1252 may be manufactured from sterile paper (MFW).

[0091] In one embodiment, the fifth wrapper 1255 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). For example, the weighing capacity of the fifth wrapper 1255 is 57 g / m². 2 ~63g / m 2 It may be included within the range. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 1255 may be included within the range of 64um to 70um.

[0092] In one embodiment, the first segment 121 may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. Alternatively, the first segment 121 may be composed of a paper filter, a porous molded product, or the like. For example, the length of the first segment 121 may be 4 to 15 mm, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the first segment 121 may be colored or flavored.

[0093] In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may include a cavity, and the cavity may be filled with a medium. For example, the medium material filled in the medium segment 122 may contain at least one component from granular tobacco (tobacco granules), reconstituted tobacco, or shredded tobacco. For example, the length of the medium segment 122 is taken to be an appropriate length within the range of 6 mm to 18 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] Generally, tobacco granules contain significantly less moisture and / or aerosol-forming agents than other types of tobacco materials (e.g., shredded tobacco, recombined tobacco, etc.), thus greatly reducing the generation of visible smoke, and thus easily enabling the smokeless function of the aerosol generator 11. However, the diameter, density, packing rate, composition ratio of constituent materials, and heating temperature of the tobacco granules vary and can change depending on the embodiment. The diameter of the tobacco granules may be approximately 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm. Within this numerical range, appropriate hardness and ease of manufacture of the tobacco granules are ensured, and the probability of generating vortex airflow within the cavity increases.

[0095] Furthermore, the medium segment 122 may contain an aerosol-generating substance such as glycerin. The medium segment 122 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Additionally, a fragrance liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the medium segment 122 by spraying it.

[0096] In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may contain a pH-treated medium substrate. For example, the medium substrate may be pH-treated to be basic with a pH adjusting agent, which is basic and may contain at least one of the following substances: potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), or calcium oxide (CaO). However, the substance contained in the pH adjusting agent is not limited to the above examples, and a substance that produces less negative odor during smoking is used. The basic pH adjusting agent can increase the pH of the medium substrate contained in the medium segment 122. Compared to a medium substrate not treated with a basic pH adjusting agent, the basic pH-treated medium substrate releases more nicotine when heated. That is, in the case of a basic pH-treated medium substrate, a sufficient nicotine yield can be achieved even when the medium segment 122 is heated at a low temperature.

[0097] In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may contain a slurry or paper-type reconstituted tobacco sheet with a pH adjusted to the range of 7.0 to 9.5, or tobacco granules with a pH adjusted to the range of 7.0 to 9.5. The medium substrate may contain nicotine, and by pH treatment, free nicotine (gaseous nicotine) can be transferred from the medium substrate even under non-heating conditions or relatively low temperature conditions. That is, by adjusting the pH of the medium substrate of the medium segment 122 to the range of 7.0 to 9.5, volatile free nicotine can be transferred under non-heating conditions, and a sufficient level of flavor intensity can be achieved.

[0098] Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 11 includes a heater (for example, heater 114 in Figure 1), the transfer of nicotine can be further promoted through low-temperature heating, resulting in a relatively higher level of flavor intensity compared to the non-heating mode. Thus, in the aerosol generating article 12 according to one embodiment, the amount of nicotine transferred can be easily adjusted even through non-heating or low-temperature heating.

[0099] In one embodiment, the second segment 123 may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. The second segment 123 may also contain at least one fragrance capsule. For example, the second segment 123 may be a cellulose acetate filter into which at least one fragrance capsule is inserted. Alternatively, the second segment 123 may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter mixed with a fragrance substance.

[0100] In one embodiment, nicotine is adsorbed onto at least one of the first segment 121 and the second segment 123. By treating the medium segment 122 with a pH in the range of 7.0 to 9.5, the nicotine in the medium segment 122 actively becomes free nicotine even under non-heating conditions and is transferred to the first segment 121 or the second segment 123. Therefore, the nicotine transferred from the medium segment 122 is adsorbed onto at least one of the first segment 121 and the second segment 123. By having the first segment 121 or the second segment 123 contain nicotine along with the medium segment 122, the aerosol generating article 12 can be used immediately without preheating the aerosol generating device 11. This not only increases user convenience but also contributes to providing a satisfying smoking experience through sufficient nicotine transfer even without heating.

[0101] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 12 can undergo a nicotine transfer treatment process. For example, the nicotine transfer treatment process is carried out as follows: First, the medium segment 122 is pH-treated in the range of 7.0 to 9.5, and the first segment 121 and the second segment 123 are joined by a wrapper 125 with the medium segment 122 in between. Next, the aerosol-generating article 12 has a nicotine transfer period at room temperature. For example, the nicotine transfer period may be 4 weeks or longer.

[0102] Table 1 below shows the amount of nicotine transferred over time to an aerosol generating article consisting of a first segment 121, a first medium segment (e.g., medium segment 122), a second medium segment, and a second segment 123. The following tests were conducted at a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius.

[0103] Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that after 4 weeks, nicotine is transferred and adsorbed in the first segment 121 and the second segment 123, and according to the analysis of the smoke components, the amount of atomization is kept constant and the amount of nicotine increases.

[0104] [Table 1]

[0105] In one embodiment, the first segment 121 or the second segment 123 of the aerosol generating article 12 can be manufactured by cutting a cellulose acetate filter portion to which free nicotine released from a nicotine-containing medium raw material has been transferred.

[0106] For example, a medium material section is provided that contains nicotine, such as a reconstituted tobacco sheet, wet tobacco granules, or tobacco leaves, and such a medium material section may be pH-treated and housed in a sealed chamber. Next, the release of free nicotine from the medium material section is induced via heating. A filter section is provided within the chamber, and the filter section may be in the form of a block or cylinder containing a cellulose acetate component. Nicotine transfer occurs, in which free nicotine moves from the medium material section to the filter section, and a circulation unit such as a fan can assist in the smooth transfer of nicotine. After a predetermined harmonization period (transfer / adsorption period) has elapsed, a sufficient amount of nicotine has been adsorbed onto the filter section, and the filter section is cut to suit a specified form. The cut filter can be applied to a first segment (e.g., the first segment 121 in Figure 3) or a second segment (e.g., the second segment 123 in Figure 3) of an aerosol generating article (e.g., aerosol generating article 12 in Figure 3).

[0107] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, in an aerosol generation system 1 according to one embodiment, if the aerosol generator 11 includes a heater (for example, heater 114 in Figure 1), the control unit 112 can control the temperature at which the heater 114 heats the aerosol generating article 12. For example, the control unit 112 can adjust the temperature at which the heater 114 heats the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123.

[0108] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 can control the heater 114 in non-heating mode and low-temperature heating mode. In non-heating mode, the heater 114 does not heat the aerosol generating article 12, and here, the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123 is not heated. In low-temperature heating mode, the heater 114 may heat the aerosol generating article 12 at a low temperature of 0 degrees Celsius or more and 150 degrees Celsius or less. Here, the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123 may be heated at a low temperature of 0 degrees Celsius or more and 150 degrees Celsius or less. The flavor intensity can be adjusted by switching the aerosol generating article 12 between non-heating mode and low-temperature heating mode. For example, in non-heating mode, the amount of nicotine transferred in the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123 is relatively low, so the flavor intensity is relatively low. On the other hand, in the low-temperature heating mode, the amount of nicotine transferred in the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123 is relatively higher compared to the non-heating mode, resulting in a relatively higher flavor intensity. Therefore, in the low-temperature heating mode, sufficient flavor intensity can be ensured without having to treat the pH of the medium segment 122 to a high level.

[0109] Figure 3 shows a medium segment 122 provided between the first segment 121 and the second segment 123, but the configuration of the aerosol generating article 121 according to one embodiment is not necessarily limited to this. For example, an atomizing segment containing a humectant or another segment to which nicotine has been transferred may be provided upstream of the first segment 121. Alternatively, a further segment to which nicotine has been transferred may be applied between the first segment 121 and the medium segment 122. Alternatively, a further segment to which nicotine has been adsorbed may be provided downstream of the second segment 123, or a further segment to which nicotine has been adsorbed may be provided between the second segment 123 and the medium segment 122. Alternatively, all segments may consist of nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter segments.

[0110] In one embodiment, the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the first segment 121 in the aerosol generating article 12 may be greater than or equal to the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the second segment 123. This will be explained in detail below.

[0111] Figure 4 shows the nicotine transfer rate test for each segment of aerosol-generating articles.

[0112] Referring to Figure 4, samples were prepared in which nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filters (CA filters) were applied to different segments, and the amount of residual nicotine and the amount of nicotine transferred in each case were analyzed. In test example (a) of Figure 4, the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter was placed in the upstreammost segment; in test example (b), the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter was placed in the second segment from the upstream; in test example (c), the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter was placed in the third segment from the upstream; and in test example (d), the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter was placed in the downstreammost segment. In test example (e), for comparison with the above test examples, nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filters were placed in all segments. Here, the smoking resistance or filtering effect was set to be the same in each test example.

[0113] Table 2 below shows the test results according to Figure 4.

[0114] [Table 2]

[0115] Referring to Figure 4 and Table 2, a comparison of test example (a), where the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter is positioned upstream, and test example (d), where the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter is positioned downstream, reveals that the amount of nicotine transferred is greater in test example (d). Furthermore, comparing test examples (a), (b), (c), and (d) in order, it can be seen that the amount of nicotine transferred increases as the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter is positioned further downstream than upstream.

[0116] Furthermore, in test example (a), it can be seen that not all of the nicotine transferred in the first segment is transferred to the oral cavity, but remains in the second, third, and fourth segments. The same trend can be seen in test examples (b) and (c). This can also be confirmed through test example (e), which shows a tendency for the amount of residual nicotine to increase as you move from the upstream to the downstream segments.

[0117] The further downstream the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter is placed, the greater the amount of nicotine transferred due to the decrease in filtering effect. Therefore, nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filters placed downstream can primarily contribute to nicotine transfer during the puff phase at the beginning of smoking.

[0118] The further upstream the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine has been transferred is positioned, the greater the filtering effect of the cellulose acetate filters positioned further downstream becomes. Therefore, the cellulose acetate filters to which nicotine has been transferred positioned upstream can primarily be involved in nicotine transfer during puffing in the later stages of smoking.

[0119] In one embodiment, the amount of nicotine adsorbed to the first segment 121 of the aerosol generating article 12 is greater than the amount of nicotine adsorbed to the second segment 123. Therefore, during the initial puff of smoking, mainly nicotine from the second segment 123 is transferred to the oral cavity; during the middle puff of smoking, a portion of the nicotine from the first segment 121 is transferred to the oral cavity; and during the later puff of smoking, the remaining nicotine from the first segment 121 is transferred to the oral cavity. At this time, the remaining nicotine from the first segment 121 is transferred to the oral cavity after being adsorbed (filtered) to the second segment 123.

[0120] In other words, the reason why a large amount of nicotine is transferred to the first segment 121 is to ensure uniformity of the smoking experience, as the nicotine adsorbed to the first segment 121 contributes to the later stages of smoking, while the nicotine adsorbed to the second segment 123 contributes to the early stages of smoking. That is, in order for the nicotine adsorbed to the first segment 121 to reach the oral cavity, it must pass through more obstacles than the nicotine adsorbed to the second segment 123, so it is preferable that more nicotine is adsorbed to the first segment 121.

[0121] Therefore, since the amount of nicotine adsorbed on the first segment 121 of the aerosol generating article 12 according to one embodiment is greater than the amount of nicotine adsorbed on the second segment 123, the amount of nicotine transferred to the oral cavity becomes uniform during continued smoking, thereby ensuring uniformity of the smoking experience.

[0122] In one embodiment, the first segment 121 contains a first plasticizer, and the second segment 123 contains a second plasticizer, and the pH of the first plasticizer may be lower than or the same as the pH of the second plasticizer. That is, the first plasticizer may have a higher acidity than or the same acidity as the second plasticizer.

[0123] For example, when the first segment 121 and the second segment 123 contain cellulose acetate, a plasticizer is included, but the first segment 121 and the second segment 123 contain different plasticizers. Here, the pH of the first plasticizer contained in the first segment 121 is lower than or the same as the pH of the second plasticizer contained in the second segment 123, so that the amount of nicotine adsorbed by the first segment 121 is greater than or the same as the amount of nicotine adsorbed by the second segment 123.

[0124] In one embodiment, the first plasticizer may be triacetin (TA), and the second plasticizer may be triethyl citrate (TEC).

[0125] Table 3 below shows the test results for nicotine transfer amounts for each type of plasticizer.

[0126] [Table 3]

[0127] Referring to [Table 3], in each test example, after filling the cavity filter (for example, medium segment 122 in Figure 3) with pH-treated tobacco medium, the amount of nicotine transferred to the acetate filter (for example, the first segment 121 or second segment 123 in Figure 3) was measured. In each test example, the test was performed with two samples (sample 1 and sample 2), and the average value (avg) was calculated. At this time, the same amount of plasticizer was added to each acetate filter as a baseline.

[0128] Test examples (a) and (e) were conducted under the same conditions with an inhalation resistance of 100 mmH2O. In test example (a), 4% triacetin (TA) was applied as a plasticizer, and in test example (e), 4% triethyl citrate (TEC) was applied as a plasticizer. Comparing the average amount of nicotine transferred to the acetate filters in test example (a) and test example (e), it was found that the amount per acetate filter segment was 0.98 mg when 4% triacetin (TA) was applied and 0.68 mg when 4% triethyl citrate (TEC) was applied.

[0129] Similarly, test examples (b) and (f) were tested under the same conditions with an inhalation resistance of 140 mmH2O. Test example (b) was treated with 4% triacetin (TA) as a plasticizer, and test example (f) was treated with 4% triethyl citrate (TEC) as a plasticizer. In this case, the average nicotine transfer amount per acetate filter segment in test example (b) was 1.04 mg, and the average nicotine transfer amount per acetate filter segment in test example (f) was 0.74 mg.

[0130] Therefore, under the same conditions, the amount of nicotine transfer is lower when triethyl citrate (TEC) is applied compared to when triacetin (TA) 4% is applied.

[0131] Furthermore, both Test Example (c) and Test Example (g) were tested under the same conditions, with an inhalation resistance of 100 mmH2O. In Test Example (c), 7% triacetin (TA) was applied as a plasticizer, while in Test Example (g), 7% triethyl citrate (TEC) was applied as a plasticizer. Comparing the average amount of nicotine transferred to the acetate filters of Test Example (c) and Test Example (g), it was found that the amount per acetate filter segment was 1.19 mg when 7% triacetin (TA) was applied and 0.91 mg when 7% triethyl citrate (TEC) was applied.

[0132] Similarly, test examples (d) and (h) were tested under the same conditions with an aspiration resistance of 140 mmH2O. Test example (d) was treated with 7% triacetin (TA) as a plasticizer, while test example (h) was treated with 7% triethyl citrate (TEC) as a plasticizer. In this case, the average nicotine transfer amount per acetate filter segment in test example (d) was 1.26 mg, and the average nicotine transfer amount per acetate filter segment in test example (f) was 1.01 mg.

[0133] Therefore, under the same conditions, the amount of nicotine transferred is lower when triethyl citrate (TEC) is applied compared to when triacetin (TA) 7% is applied.

[0134] Therefore, by setting the pH of the first plasticizer in the first segment 121 of the smoking article 12 according to one embodiment to be the same as or lower than the pH of the first plasticizer in the second segment 123, the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the first segment 121 can be set to be the same as or higher than the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the second segment 123.

[0135] According to one embodiment of the aerosol generating article 12 and the aerosol generating system 1 including it, the aerosol generating article 12 can be used immediately without preheating the aerosol generating device 11, thereby increasing user convenience, ensuring sufficient nicotine transfer even in non-heating mode, and satisfying the user's smoking satisfaction. Furthermore, since the aerosol generating device 11 according to one embodiment may not include a heater, an effect of increasing the device's lifespan can be expected.

[0136] The above-described embodiments are illustrative only, and a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the scope of protection of the invention is not determined by the attached claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims.

[0137] The features and aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with features and aspects of any other embodiments, unless there is an obvious technical conflict.

Claims

1. Aerosol-generating article, Segment 1 and A second segment is located downstream of the first segment, A medium segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment, Includes, Nicotine is adsorbed onto the first and second segments. The first segment contains a first plasticizer, the second segment contains a second plasticizer, and the pH of the first plasticizer is lower than the pH of the second plasticizer. The nicotine adsorbed on the first segment and the nicotine adsorbed on the second segment are transferred from the medium segment to an aerosol-generating article.

2. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the content of the first plasticizer per unit length of the unit included in the first segment is the same as or greater than the content of the second plasticizer per unit length of the unit included in the second segment.

3. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the first plasticizer is triacetin (TA) and the second plasticizer is triethyl citrate (TEC).

4. The aerosol generating article according to claim 3, wherein the first segment or the second segment comprises cellulose acetate.

5. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the medium segment comprises a pH-treated tobacco medium.

6. The aerosol generating article according to claim 5, wherein the medium segment is pH-treated so that its pH is in the range of 7.0 to 9.

5.

7. Aerosol generation system, Aerosol-generating items and An aerosol generating apparatus comprising a control unit including at least one processor, an elongated cavity containing the aerosol generating article, and a vaporizer that heats a liquid phase composition to generate an aerosol and releases the aerosol toward the aerosol generating article, Includes, The aerosol generating article is Segment 1 and A second segment is located downstream of the first segment, A medium segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment, Includes, The first segment or the second segment is composed of cellulose acetate to which nicotine is adsorbed. The first segment contains a first plasticizer, the second segment contains a second plasticizer, and the pH of the first plasticizer is lower than the pH of the second plasticizer. An aerosol generating system in which nicotine adsorbed on the first segment or nicotine adsorbed on the second segment is transferred from the medium segment.

8. The aerosol generating system according to claim 7, wherein the medium segment comprises a pH-treated tobacco medium.

9. The aerosol generating device further includes a heater for heating the first segment, the medium segment, or the second segment. The aerosol generating system according to claim 8, wherein the control unit controls the temperature at which the heater heats the first segment, the medium segment, or the second segment.

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