Aerosol-generating sheet and aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating sheet is provided, comprising a support member coated with an aerosol-forming material. The aerosol generating sheet has two or more separated regions on the support member, and the aerosol-forming materials coated on adjacent regions are different from each other. An aerosol generating device capable of applying the aerosol generating sheet is provided. The aerosol generating device comprises a case that forms the exterior of the aerosol generating device and includes an inlet and an outlet of the aerosol generating sheet, and a heater located inside the case and heating the aerosol generating sheet. According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the aerosol generating sheet is smoked using the aerosol generating device, continuous smoking is possible with a new feed material each time.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating sheet and an aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative products that overcome the disadvantages of traditional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarette sticks (e.g., heated tobacco products). Accordingly, research on electric heating aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating products) applied thereto is actively underway.

[0003] To meet the diverse tastes of consumers, aerosol generating devices and aerosol generating products are evolving into various forms. In this technological field, research is primarily focused on adding means to incorporate various flavors while maintaining the form of cigarette stick-shaped aerosol generating products. While the aforementioned cigarette stick-shaped aerosol generating products have the advantage of being familiar to smokers, they have the disadvantages of a limited number of puffs that can be smoked from a single stick, and significant variations in the transfer amount of key ingredients, such as nicotine, per puff because aerosol is continuously generated from the same spot. Therefore, there is a need for modifications to the commonly used cigarette stick-shaped aerosol generating products as well.

[0004] Accordingly, the inventor completed the present invention after continuously researching a sheet-type aerosol generating article capable of compensating for the disadvantages of a cigarette stick-type aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device capable of applying the same. Prior art literature

[0005] Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2019-0140343 The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a new type of aerosol generating article, which is an aerosol generating sheet comprising an aerosol-forming material, and an aerosol generating device capable of generating aerosol by applying the same. means of solving the problem

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention,

[0008] The present invention provides an aerosol generating sheet comprising a support member coated with an aerosol-forming material.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating sheet has two or more separated regions on a support member, and the aerosol forming materials coated on adjacent regions are different from each other.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of length to width (length / width) of the aerosol generating sheet is 3 or more.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the two or more regions are separated in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the two or more regions are separated in the width direction.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating sheet further comprises a heat conductive member located on the side opposite to the side coated with an aerosol forming material with respect to a support member.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol-forming material comprises nicotine and an organic acid capable of forming a salt with nicotine.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nicotine and organic acid are each coated in different regions.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating sheet has perforations in the width direction at regular intervals.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present invention,

[0018] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device capable of applying the aerosol generating sheet described above.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating device comprises a case forming the exterior of the aerosol generating device and including an inlet and an outlet of an aerosol generating sheet, and a heater located inside the case and heating the aerosol generating sheet.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating device further comprises an input means located adjacent to an input port and an output means located adjacent to an output port, as means for automatically inputting and outputting an aerosol generating sheet.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating device has a passage for the movement of an aerosol generating sheet connecting an inlet and an outlet.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating device further includes a moving means located adjacent to the moving passage as a means for smoothly moving an aerosol generating sheet located within the moving passage.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating device further includes a cartridge mounted at a position adjacent to an inlet and capable of supplying an aerosol generating sheet filled inside.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating sheet is filled into the cartridge in a roll form or a zigzag form.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating device further includes a cutting means located adjacent to an inlet as a means for cutting an aerosol generating sheet introduced therein. Effects of the invention

[0026] An aerosol generating article according to one embodiment of the present invention is an aerosol generating sheet comprising an aerosol forming material, and such an aerosol generating sheet can be applied directly to an aerosol generating device without being processed into a shape such as a cigarette stick.

[0027] In the above-mentioned aerosol generating device, since the aerosol generating sheet generates aerosol while passing through a section heated by a heater inside the device, the aerosol in each puff can uniformly contain major components such as nicotine due to the supply of new raw materials each time.

[0028] In addition, since the aerosol generating sheet has a shape that is easy to supply continuously to an aerosol generating device, the smoker can smoke as much as they want without being limited by the number of puffs when smoking and then stop smoking. When smoking ends, the unused aerosol generating sheet can be used immediately thereafter by cutting between the used aerosol generating sheet and the unused aerosol generating sheet.

[0029] Since most aerosol-generating sheets are emitted in the form of ash during smoking, disposal of the emissions can also be easy. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary aerosol generating sheet coated with two or more aerosol-forming materials in the longitudinal direction according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary aerosol generating sheet coated with two or more aerosol-forming materials in the width direction according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary aerosol generating sheet additionally including a heat-conducting member according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary aerosol generating device to which an aerosol generating sheet is applied according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary aerosol generating device equipped with a cartridge filled with an aerosol generating sheet in a roll form according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary aerosol generating device equipped with a cartridge filled with an aerosol generating sheet in a zigzag shape according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary aerosol generating device including a cutting means for cutting an aerosol generating sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0031] The following describes specific embodiments in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are assigned the same numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known configurations or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments, such detailed description is omitted.

[0032] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the specific examples. These terms are intended merely to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by these terms. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, another component may also be "connected," "combined," or "connected" between the components.

[0033] Components included in any one embodiment and components having a common function shall be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the description in any one embodiment may also apply to other embodiments, and specific descriptions shall be omitted to the extent of overlap.

[0035] The present invention provides an aerosol generating sheet that can be applied directly to an aerosol generating device without processing it into a shape such as a cigarette stick. The aerosol generating sheet includes a support member coated with an aerosol forming material.

[0036] The above-mentioned aerosol-forming substance refers to a substance capable of supplying the main component that a smoker intends to inhale into the aerosol. The above-mentioned main component may be, for example, nicotine, as well as flavorings or sweeteners. The above-mentioned aerosol-forming substance is distinguished from an aerosol-generating substance that generates an aerosol for the delivery of such main component, and the aerosol-generating substance will be described later.

[0037] Nicotine-related substances may include, for example, solid materials based on tobacco raw materials such as sheet tobacco, cut tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco, and may include liquid compositions based on nicotine, tobacco extracts, and / or various flavoring agents, but are not necessarily limited thereto. In the aerosol generating sheet according to the present invention, the solid material may be included as a support member, and the liquid composition may be included as an aerosol-forming material coated on the support member. When nicotine is included in the support member as a solid material, the aerosol-forming material coated on the support member may mainly consist of flavorings or sweeteners, and when nicotine is not included in the support member, nicotine may be coated on the support member as an aerosol-forming material in the form of a liquid composition.

[0038] The nicotine substance as the aerosol-forming substance refers to a substance containing a nicotine component and may include nicotine, nicotine salts, or a combination thereof. The nicotine salt is a nicotine substance existing in a salt state and may be formed (generated), for example, by combining nicotine with an organic acid. Since the nicotine salt is absorbed relatively less into the body than nicotine, it can provide a softer throat hit than nicotine. Examples of the organic acid may include, but are not limited to, benzoic acid, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, and citric acid. Additionally, the nicotine salt may be formed by combining nicotine and an organic acid in a ratio of approximately 1:1 (e.g., molar ratio), but is not limited thereto.

[0039] The above-described support member forms a basic shape such that the aerosol generating article according to one embodiment of the present invention becomes a sheet. In this specification, the term “sheet” may refer to a thin layer element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness. In the art, the term “sheet” may be used interchangeably with terms such as “web” or “film.” If nicotine is a sheet-shaped solid material, it can form the support member itself; however, the support member according to one embodiment of the present invention is a sheet formed through a sheet-forming agent and serves as a base upon which an aerosol-forming material can be coated.

[0040] The above sheet-forming agent may refer to a material that forms a sheet by coating a nicotine substance. The above sheet-forming agent may include, for example, cellulose-based materials such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and agar. However, it is not limited thereto. The above cellulose-based materials can not only form a sheet with excellent physical properties but also effectively coat and fix the nicotine substance, thereby improving the nicotine retention capacity and retention of the sheet.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sheet-forming agent may be a modified cellulose material. Here, "modified cellulose" may refer to cellulose in which a specific functional group is substituted within the molecular structure. Examples of the modified cellulose may include, but are not limited to, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC), and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). For instance, the HPMC may have a grade within the range of about 4 to 40,000 depending on the ratio of substitution of hydroxypropyl groups and methyl groups (or methoxy groups) and the molecular weight. Depending on the grade, the viscosity of the modified cellulose may be determined. More specifically, the physicochemical properties of the above HPMC are related to the ratio of methoxy groups, the ratio of hydroxypropyl groups, and the molecular weight. According to the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), HPMC types can be classified into HPMC1828, HPMC2208, HPMC2906, and HPMC2910, etc., based on the ratio of methoxy groups and hydroxypropyl groups. Here, the first two numbers represent the ratio of methoxy groups, and the last two numbers represent the ratio of hydroxypropyl groups. As a result of continuous experiments by the inventors, it was confirmed that nicotine sheets formed by modified cellulose materials exhibit excellent sheet physical properties and nicotine retention.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sheet-forming agent may be a hydrocolloidal material. Examples of the hydrocolloidal material include, but are not limited to, gelatin, agar, gellan gum, pectin, guar gum, xanthan gum, glucomannan, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), starch, etc. Since the hydrocolloidal material exhibits viscosity upon contact with a solvent (e.g., distilled water, ethanol (alcohol)), it can be attached to the wrapper of an aerosol-generating article without a separate adhesive, thereby simplifying the placement process of the nicotine sheet and freeing it from safety issues caused by adhesives.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support member coated with the aerosol-forming material may further include an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material can promote the transfer (release) of nicotine components contained in the aerosol-generating sheet by forming an aerosol as the aerosol-generating sheet is heated. For example, as the release of nicotine components fixed inside the sheet is promoted while the aerosol is formed, the amount of nicotine components transferred may be increased. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating material may act as a type of plasticizer to impart appropriate flexibility to the aerosol-generating sheet, thereby improving the overall physical properties of the aerosol-generating sheet. Examples of aerosol-generating materials may include glycerin and propylene glycol, but are not limited thereto. In the art, the term aerosol-generating material may be used interchangeably with terms such as humectant or wetting agent.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support member coated with the aerosol-forming material may further include LM-pectin (low methoxyl pectin). The LM-pectin is a low-ester pectin or low-methoxyl pectin that has undergone relatively little esterification, and specifically refers to pectin containing less than about 50% of carboxyl groups within its molecular structure. Since the LM-pectin has the characteristic of not gelling upon cooling, unlike carrageenan, the viscosity of the slurry-type sheet composition can be lowered (e.g., about 600 cp to 800 cp). In addition, the workability of the sheet manufacturing process can be improved accordingly.

[0045] The above LM-pectin may contain carboxyl groups within its molecular structure in an amount of less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 20%, or less than about 10%. As the content of carboxyl groups within the molecular structure of the above LM-pectin decreases, the viscosity of the slurry containing LM-pectin may decrease.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support member coated with the aerosol-forming material may further include a bulking agent. The bulking agent may be a substance that increases the total mass (i.e., dry mass) of components other than distilled water, thereby increasing the volume of the manufactured aerosol-generating sheet, and may not affect the original function of the aerosol-generating sheet. Specifically, the bulking agent may have the characteristic of increasing the volume of the aerosol-generating sheet without substantially increasing the viscosity of the slurry (i.e., sheet composition), while simultaneously not adversely affecting the nicotine retention of the nicotine sheet.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bulking agent may be a starch class, modified starch, or starch hydrolysate. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0048] Here, the modified starch refers to acetic acid starch, oxidized starch, hydroxypropyl phosphate distarch, hydroxypropyl starch, phosphate distarch, phosphate monostarch, phosphate distarch, etc.

[0049] The above starch hydrolysate refers to a substance obtained by a process including a process of hydrolyzing starch. The above starch hydrolysate may include, for example, a substance obtained by directly hydrolyzing starch (i.e., dextrin), or a substance obtained by hydrolyzing starch after heat treatment (i.e., indigestible dextrin). The above bulking agent may be, for example, dextrin, and more specifically, cyclodextrin.

[0050] The above starch hydrolysate may generally be a starch hydrolysate having a DE value in the range of about 2 to about 40, preferably a starch hydrolysate having a DE value in the range of about 2 to about 20. As a starch hydrolysate having a DE value in the range of about 2 to about 20, for example, Fine Index #100 (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), Fine Fiber (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), and TK-16 (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) may be utilized. Here, "DE" is an abbreviation for dextrose equivalent, and the DE value indicates the degree of starch hydrolysis, that is, the saccharification rate of starch. In one embodiment of the present invention, the DE value may be a value measured by the Willstatter-Schudel method. The characteristics of the above-mentioned starch hydrolysate (hydrolyzed starch), such as the molecular weight of the starch hydrolysate or the arrangement of sugar molecules constituting the starch hydrolysate, are not constant for each molecule but exist with a certain distribution or variation. Due to the distribution or variation of the characteristics of the starch hydrolysate, or differences in the cutting range, different physical properties (e.g., DE values) may be exhibited for each molecule of the starch hydrolysate. Thus, although the above-mentioned starch hydrolysate is a collection of molecules exhibiting different physical properties, the measurement result (i.e., DE value) in the Willstatter-Schudel method is treated as a representative value indicating the degree of starch hydrolysis.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the starch hydrolysate may be selected from the group consisting of a dextrin having a DE value of about 2 to about 5, an indigestible dextrin having a DE value of about 10 to about 15, and mixtures thereof. For example, Fine Index #100 (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) may be used as the dextrin having a DE value of about 2 to about 5. For example, Fine Fiber (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) may be used as the indigestible dextrin having a DE value of about 10 to about 15.

[0052] The detailed composition of the support member coated with the above-described aerosol-forming material can be designed in various ways, and this may vary depending on the specific example.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the content of the nicotine substance (e.g., nicotine, nicotine salt) may be about 0.01 to 49.99 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of a support member coated with an aerosol-forming substance, and specifically, may be about 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 parts by weight or more. It was confirmed that the smoky persistence of the aerosol-generating sheet is significantly improved within this numerical range.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the content of the aerosol generating material may be about 3 to 25 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of a support member coated with the aerosol forming material (e.g., based on a dry state), and specifically may be about 3 to 22 parts by weight, about 5 to 20 parts by weight, about 8 to 20 parts by weight, about 10 to 20 parts by weight, about 6 to 18 parts by weight, about 6 to 15 parts by weight, or about 10 to 18 parts by weight. Within these numerical ranges, it was confirmed that the amount of nicotine component transferred is significantly increased and the physical properties of the sheet are improved.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support member coated with the aerosol-forming material may comprise, based on 100 parts by weight of the total, about 2 to about 15 parts by weight of water, about 25 to about 90 parts by weight of modified cellulose, and about 0.1 to about 30 parts by weight of nicotine material.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support member coated with the aerosol-forming material may comprise, based on 100 parts by weight of the total, about 2 to about 15 parts by weight of water, about 1 to about 60 parts by weight of a hydrocolloidal material, about 1 to about 60 parts by weight of LM-pectin, and about 0.1 to about 30 parts by weight of a nicotine material.

[0057] A support member coated with the aerosol-forming material described above may be manufactured by applying (casting) a sheet composition in a liquid state (e.g., in a slurry state) comprising, for example, a solvent (e.g., distilled water, ethanol (alcohol), etc.), a sheet-forming agent, and a nicotine substance onto a predetermined substrate and drying it. However, it is not limited thereto, and the specific manufacturing method may vary.

[0058] An aerosol-forming material according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a flavoring or sweetening component in addition to nicotine. The flavoring component enriches the aroma of the tobacco article and is not particularly limited as long as it is a flavoring component commonly used in the relevant art. The flavoring component may be, for example, eucalyptus, orange, mandarin, citrus, lemon, peppermint, mint, menthol, wintergreen, coffee, vanilla, lime, apple, peach, or a combination thereof. The sweetening component enriches the taste of the tobacco article and is not particularly limited as long as it is a sweetening component commonly used in the relevant art. The sweetening component may be mannitol, maltitol, xylitol, sucralose, glucose, dextrose, maltose, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame, or a combination thereof.

[0059] The aerosol generating sheet according to the present invention can be applied in various forms to achieve various purposes. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating sheet has two or more separated regions on a support member, and the aerosol forming materials coated on adjacent regions are different from each other. Here, the fact that the aerosol forming materials are different is interpreted in the broadest possible sense; for example, the main components constituting the aerosol forming materials themselves may be different from each other, or even if the main components are the same, the ratio of each component may be different. Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the aerosol generating sheet will be described in detail based on the attached drawings.

[0060] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary aerosol generating sheet coated with two or more aerosol-forming materials in the longitudinal direction according to one embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the sheet refers to a thin-layer element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness; however, for the aerosol generating sheet to be applied within an aerosol generating device and for the aerosol generating sheet to be used continuously, it may be desirable for the difference between the width and length to be greater than a certain level. In this specification, the terms “width direction” and “length direction” define the side that is relatively longer with respect to the top or bottom surface of the sheet as the “length direction” and the side that is relatively shorter as the “width direction.” According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating sheet may have a length-to-width ratio (length / width) of 3 or more, 3.5 or more, 4 or more, 4.5 or more, or 5 or more. When the width of the aerosol generating sheet is short and the length of the aerosol generating sheet is long, it may be advantageous to miniaturize the aerosol generating device to which the aerosol generating sheet is applied. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the width of the aerosol generating sheet may be 0.5 cm to 3 cm, 0.75 cm to 2.5 cm, or 1 cm to 2 cm.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, two or more aerosol-forming materials (11) can be applied separately in the longitudinal direction on the support member (12) of the aerosol-generating sheet (100). When considering that the aerosol-generating sheet (100) moves in the longitudinal direction in the aerosol-generating device and passes through the heater to generate aerosol, the ratio of each component of the aerosol-forming material (11) passing through the heater can always be constant for each puff, so the smoker can consistently inhale an aerosol with a consistent scent. In addition, when coating the aerosol-forming material (11) on the sheet-shaped support member (12), the process can be carried out by spraying the aerosol-forming material (11) onto the support member (12) while moving the support member (12) in the longitudinal direction while fixing a device capable of supplying two or more aerosol-forming materials (11), so excellent processability can be achieved.

[0062] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary aerosol generating sheet coated with two or more aerosol forming materials in the width direction according to one embodiment of the present invention. When considering that the aerosol generating sheet (100) moves in the length direction in an aerosol generating device and passes through a heater to generate aerosol, the ratio of each component of the aerosol forming material (11) passing through the heater may not be constant for each puff, so it is possible to implement a variable aerosol scent for each puff, thereby providing smokers with variety in smoking. When coating the aerosol forming material (11) on a sheet-shaped support member (12), moving the support member (12) in the length direction can increase processability, but processability can also be increased by coating the aerosol forming material (11) in the same length direction and then cutting in a different direction.

[0063] An aerosol generating sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises, as an aerosol forming material, nicotine and an organic acid capable of forming a salt with nicotine, respectively, rather than a nicotine salt, and the nicotine and the organic acid may be coated in different regions. The nicotine salt is a substance with higher stability compared to the nicotine and organic acid, which are precursors before the formation of the nicotine salt. Therefore, in order to increase the migration efficiency of the nicotine salt in a heated aerosol generating system according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the aerosol generating material passes through the heating section of a heater in a shorter time than in a conventional heated aerosol generating system, it may be desirable to coat the nicotine and the organic acid separately.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary aerosol generating sheet additionally comprising a heat-conducting member according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the heat-conducting member (13) may be located on the opposite side of the surface coated with the aerosol forming material (11) with respect to the support member (12). The heat-conducting member (13) is not particularly limited as long as it is a material commonly used in the art. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat-conducting member (13) comprises aluminum.

[0065] As described above, in a heating aerosol generation system according to one embodiment of the present invention, where the aerosol generating material passes through the heating section of the heater in a shorter time than in a conventional heating aerosol generation system, it may be an important task to effectively transfer the aerosol generating material. According to one embodiment of the present invention, if a heat conducting member (13) is positioned on the lower surface of a support member (12), the aerosol generating sheet (100) can be preheated by receiving heat from the heating section even if it is not located in the heating section by the heater. Furthermore, if the aerosol generating sheet (100) is only coated with an aerosol generating material (11) and passes through the heating section, its durability is significantly reduced due to heating or combustion, and it may not be easy to discharge such an aerosol generating sheet (100) to the outside. At this time, the aerosol generating sheet (100) including the heat conducting member (13) can have sufficient durability even after passing through the heating section.

[0066] In order to apply the aerosol generating sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention, a special type of aerosol generating device is required. Below, specific embodiments of the aerosol generating device are described in detail based on the attached drawings.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary aerosol generating device to which an aerosol generating sheet is applied according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a case (21) and a heater (22). The case (21) forms the exterior of the aerosol generating device (200) and includes an inlet and an outlet for an aerosol generating sheet (100). The aerosol generating sheet (100) is introduced through the inlet formed by the case (21) of the aerosol generating device (200) and is discharged through the outlet. The case (21) may have a suitable size and shape so that the aerosol generating sheet (100) is applied and components such as a heater (22) can be included inside. However, as shown in FIG. 4, the size and shape of the end portion where the smoker's mouth may touch may be adjusted to have a diameter similar to that of a conventional cigarette so that the smoker can smoke familiarly.

[0068] The heater (22) is located inside the case (21) and heats the aerosol generating sheet (100) that is introduced through the inlet of the case (21) before it is discharged through the outlet. The heater (22) can be configured in various forms or methods, and is not particularly limited as long as it is a form or method generally used in the relevant technical field. However, since the aerosol generating sheet (100) has a shape with a large surface area on its top and bottom surfaces, a shape that can effectively heat the top and bottom surfaces may be preferred. In the case of the aerosol generating sheet (100), since the thickness is very thin, a method of heating the outside of the aerosol generating sheet (100) may be preferred rather than a method of heating the inside of the aerosol generating sheet (100).

[0069] The heater (22) may be configured to include, for example, an electric resistive heating element. For instance, the heater (22) may include an electric insulating substrate (e.g., a substrate formed of polyimide) and an electric conductive track, and may include a heating element that generates heat as current flows through the electric conductive track.

[0070] The above-described aerosol generating device (200) may further include means for automatically introducing and discharging an aerosol generating sheet to control the time the aerosol generating sheet (100) remains in a heating section by a heater. Specifically, the introduction means (23) may be located adjacent to the introduction port, and the discharge means (24) may be located adjacent to the discharge port. Here, "adjacent to" a certain point means not only a position that is in complete contact with a certain point, but also a position that does not particularly impair the functionality of a specific means even if separated by a certain distance. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the introduction means (23) and the discharge means (24) may be considered adjacent not only when they are located in contact with the introduction port and the discharge port, respectively, but also when a cutting means (26) is located between the introduction means (23) and the introduction port, as shown in FIG. 7. In some cases, the introduction port may be interpreted as a concept that includes the cutting means (26).

[0071] The above-described aerosol generating device (200) may include a passage for the movement of an aerosol generating sheet connecting an inlet and an outlet to facilitate the smooth input and output of the aerosol generating sheet (100). The movement passage may determine the direction of movement of the aerosol generating sheet from the inlet to the outlet. The movement passage does not have a closed structure connecting the inlet and the outlet; it may be preferable to have an open structure for the efficient transfer of the generated aerosol, provided that it can effectively guide the aerosol generating sheet toward the outlet.

[0072] The above-described aerosol generating device (200) may further include a moving means (25) located adjacent to the moving passage as a means for efficiently moving an aerosol generating sheet located within the moving passage. Here, the term “adjacent” to a certain point is used with the same meaning as described above. Due to the presence of the moving means (25), the aerosol generating sheet (100) extending from the inlet to the outlet can receive a suitable level of tension within the aerosol generating device (200), and the aerosol generating sheet (100) that has been tightened by this can be effectively heated in the heating section by a heater.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the input means (23), the discharge means (24), or the moving means (25) may include rollers. The rollers may be designated as a first roller used in the input means (23), a second roller used in the discharge means (24), and a third roller used in the moving means (25), and the first to third rollers may be composed of one, a pair, or more. The first to third rollers may be moved by external power to achieve the intended functionality, but power is not necessarily required to move all of the rollers.

[0074] The aerosol generating device (200) may further include a cartridge (110) that is mounted at a location adjacent to the input port and can supply an aerosol generating sheet (100) filled inside. Although the cartridge (110) may be considered a separate component from the aerosol generating device (200) in that it is configured to be filled with an aerosol generating sheet (100), the cartridge (110) may be considered as one component of the aerosol generating device (200) in that it must be mounted at a location adjacent to the input port. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, when the input means (23) protrudes outward, the cartridge (110) may be mounted to fit the input means (23), and when the input means (23) is recessed inward, the cartridge (110) may be mounted at a separate coupling location.

[0075] The aerosol generating sheet (100) in the cartridge (110) can be filled in various forms. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary aerosol generating device equipped with a cartridge filled with an aerosol generating sheet in a roll form according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, when the aerosol generating sheet (100) is supplied in a rolled form in a roll form, it is possible to fill as much as possible without damaging the aerosol generating sheet (100), and it may also be advantageous to continuously feed the aerosol generating sheet (100) into the aerosol generating device (200).

[0076] Additionally, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary aerosol generating device equipped with a cartridge filled with an aerosol generating sheet in a zigzag shape according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, when the aerosol generating sheet (100) is supplied in a folded form in a zigzag shape, the folded position of the aerosol generating sheet (100) represents the same length, so it may be easy to manage the amount of the aerosol generating sheet (100).

[0077] The above-described aerosol generating device (200) has the advantage of allowing a smoker to continue smoking for as long as desired by continuously feeding an aerosol generating sheet (100). The time at which smoking ends may vary depending on the smoker or the time of smoking, and therefore, it may be important to cleanly remove the used aerosol generating sheet (100) at the time smoking ends in order to manage the aerosol generating sheet (100). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating sheet (100) may have perforations in the width direction at regular intervals. Here, the regular interval may be based on the length of the aerosol generating sheet (100) used per puff, and at this time, the standard may be, for example, 1 puff, 2 puffs, 5 puffs, etc.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary aerosol generating device including a cutting means for cutting an aerosol generating sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention. As described above, even without forming a separate perforation line on the aerosol generating sheet (100), the aerosol generating device (200) can effectively remove the used aerosol generating sheet (100) by further including a cutting means (26). The cutting means (26) may be located adjacent to an inlet. When the cutting means (26) is located adjacent to an inlet, the cartridge can be cleanly separated after cutting the aerosol generating sheet (100).

[0079] The aerosol generating device (200) may further include a filter (not shown) capable of filtering aerosols generated by heating an aerosol generating sheet (100). The filter is not particularly limited as long as it is one commonly used in the relevant art. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the filter may include cellulose acetate. The filter may be included in the aerosol generating device (200) in a replaceable form.

[0080] The aerosol generating sheet (100) and the aerosol generating device (200) according to the present invention can be implemented as a single aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system can be controlled so that the aerosol generating sheet (100) described above passes through a heating section within the aerosol generating device (200) at an appropriate speed. The aerosol generating system can be designed so that the smoker can adjust the supply speed of the aerosol generating sheet (100) in various ways. For example, if the aerosol generating sheet (100) is supplied quickly, the amount of aerosol generated may decrease, and conversely, if the aerosol generating sheet (100) is supplied slowly, the amount of aerosol generated may increase. The aerosol generating system can provide information to the smoker so that they can manage their smoking level by separately displaying the number of puffs smoked by the smoker, the remaining amount of the aerosol generating sheet, etc.

[0082] Although the embodiments described above have been explained with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from the description above. For example, appropriate results can be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents. Explanation of the symbols

[0083] 11: Aerosol-forming substances 12: Lack of support 13: Lack of heat conduction 21: Case 22: Heater 23: Injection means (first roller, located at the inlet of the aerosol generating sheet) 24: Discharge means (second roller, located at the discharge port of the aerosol generating sheet) 25: Means of transport (3rd roller, located inside the aerosol generator) 26: Cutting means (blade) 100: Aerosol generating sheet 110: Aerosol generating sheet supply cartridge 200: Aerosol generator F: Aerosol flow

Claims

Claim 1 An aerosol generating sheet comprising a support member formed into a sheet shape through a sheet-forming agent, wherein an aerosol-forming material is coated on two or more regions and the sheet-forming agent is a cellulose-based material that forms a sheet by coating and fixing a nicotine material containing a nicotine component, and wherein the cellulose-based material comprises at least one material selected from ethylcellulose (EC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and agar. Claim 2 The aerosol generating sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratio of length to width (length / width) is 3 or more. Claim 3 An aerosol generating sheet according to claim 2, characterized in that the two or more regions are separated in the longitudinal direction. Claim 4 An aerosol generating sheet according to claim 2, characterized in that the two or more regions are separated in the width direction. Claim 5 The aerosol generating sheet of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating sheet further comprises a heat conductive member located on the opposite side of the surface coated with an aerosol forming material with respect to a support member. Claim 6 An aerosol generating sheet according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol forming material comprises nicotine and an organic acid capable of forming a salt with nicotine, and wherein the nicotine and the organic acid are each coated in different regions. Claim 7 The aerosol generating sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that the aerosol generating sheet has perforations in the width direction at regular intervals. Claim 8 An aerosol generating device capable of applying an aerosol generating sheet according to claim 1, comprising: a case forming the exterior of the aerosol generating device and including an inlet and an outlet of the aerosol generating sheet; and a heater located inside the case and heating the aerosol generating sheet. Claim 9 The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises, as means for automatically feeding and discharging an aerosol generating sheet, a feeding means located adjacent to an feeding port and a discharging means located adjacent to an discharging port. Claim 10 The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the aerosol generating device has a passage for moving an aerosol generating sheet connecting an inlet and an outlet, and the aerosol generating device further includes a moving means located adjacent to the passage as a means for smoothly moving an aerosol generating sheet located within the passage. Claim 11 The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a cartridge mounted at a position adjacent to an inlet and capable of supplying an aerosol generating sheet filled inside. Claim 12 An aerosol generating device according to claim 11, characterized in that the aerosol generating sheet in the cartridge is filled in a roll form or a zigzag form. Claim 13 The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a cutting means positioned adjacent to an inlet as a means for cutting an aerosol generating sheet being introduced. Claim 14 An aerosol generating device according to claim 8, characterized in that the aerosol generating device further comprises a filter capable of filtering aerosols generated by heating an aerosol generating sheet.

Images