Aerosol generating article

Abstract

An aerosol generating article according to one embodiment comprises at least one of a medium segment filled with a medium, a first segment disposed upstream of the medium segment, and a second segment disposed downstream of the medium segment, wherein the first segment or the second segment is composed of a cellulose acetate filter containing a plasticizer, and the content of the plasticizer may be set to a range in which no indentation occurs in the first segment or the second segment.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to aerosol-generating articles. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for products that replace 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 is being conducted on electric heating aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating products) applied thereto. For example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, a flavor inhalation source unit, and an atomization unit. The problem to be solved

[0003] The objective according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating article that does not require heating.

[0004] The objective according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating article capable of ensuring a uniform amount of nicotine transfer and uniform taste during smoking.

[0005] The objective according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating article capable of ensuring sufficient nicotine transfer even in a non-heated state.

[0006] The objective according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article that does not produce defects such as indentations. means of solving the problem

[0007] An aerosol generating article according to one embodiment comprises a medium segment filled with a medium, and at least one of a first segment disposed upstream of the medium segment and a second segment disposed downstream of the medium segment, wherein the first segment or the second segment is composed of a cellulose acetate filter containing a plasticizer, and the content of the plasticizer may be set to a range in which no indentation occurs in the first segment or the second segment.

[0008] In one embodiment, the content of the plasticizer may be substantially equal to 11% or lower than 11%. The content of the plasticizer may be substantially equal to 4% or higher than 4%.

[0009] The above plasticizer may be either triacetin (TA) or triethyl citrate (TEC).

[0010] The above medium may include at least one component of tobacco granules, reconstituted tobacco, and tobacco sticks, or a combination thereof.

[0011] In one embodiment, the medium is pH treated, and nicotine transferred from the medium can be adsorbed on the first segment or the second segment. The medium may be pH treated to a range of 7.0 or higher and 9.5 or lower.

[0012] An aerosol generating article according to one embodiment comprises a first segment and a second segment disposed downstream of the first segment, wherein nicotine is adsorbed to the first segment or the second segment, and the first segment or the second segment is composed of a cellulose acetate filter containing a plasticizer, and the content of the plasticizer may be 4% or more and 11% or less.

[0013] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises 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 may be transferred from the medium segment.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first segment or the second segment may be manufactured by cutting a filter portion into which pro-nicotine released from a medium raw material containing nicotine has been transferred. Effects of the invention

[0015] An aerosol generating article according to one embodiment can achieve aerosol migration without heating the aerosol generating article.

[0016] An aerosol generating article according to one embodiment can ensure uniform nicotine transfer during smoking.

[0017] An aerosol generating article according to one embodiment can ensure uniformity of flavor during smoking.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating article can be used immediately without preheating the device.

[0019] An aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment may not contain defects such as indented parts.

[0020] According to an aerosol generating article of one embodiment, the service life of the device can be increased as it is used in a non-heating mode.

[0021] The effects of the aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment. Figure 4 shows the results of the sinkhole test according to the plasticizer content. Figure 5 shows a test of nicotine transfer rate by segment of an aerosol-generating product. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, various modifications may be made to the embodiments, and the scope of the rights is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions to the embodiments are included within the scope of the rights.

[0024] The terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as intended to be limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0026] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the embodiments, such detailed description is omitted.

[0027] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments. 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 each component.

[0028] Components included in any one embodiment and components having common functions 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.

[0029] In the following embodiments, "humectant" may refer to a substance capable of facilitating 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, humectants may be used interchangeably with terms such as aerosol-forming agent, wetting agent, etc.

[0030] In the following embodiments, "aerosol-forming substrate" may refer to a material capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol may include volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid. For example, a solid aerosol-forming substrate may include a solid material based on tobacco raw materials, such as tobacco sticks, tobacco granules, or reconstituted tobacco. Reconstituted tobacco may be classified into slurry-type sheet tobacco and paper-type sheet tobacco depending on the method of manufacture. A liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include a liquid composition material based on nicotine, tobacco extracts, and / or various flavoring agents. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0031] In the following embodiments, "aerosol generating article" may refer to an article that contains an aerosol-forming substrate, i.e., a medium, through which an aerosol passes and nicotine contained in the medium is transferred. Representative examples of aerosol generating articles may include cigarettes, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0032] In the following embodiments, the "aerosol generating device" may refer to a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol forming material to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0033] In the following embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" may mean a direction away from the user's (smoker's) bend, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" may mean a direction closer to the user's bend. The terms upstream and downstream may be used to describe the relative positions of the elements constituting the aerosol-generating article.

[0034] In the following embodiments, "puff" refers to the user's inhalation, and inhalation refers to a situation in which something is drawn into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment, FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are schematic diagrams of an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3 schematically shows the structure of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an aerosol generating system (1) according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating device (11) and an aerosol generating article (12).

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2a and FIGS. 2b, an aerosol generating device (11) according to one embodiment may include a battery (111), a control unit (112), a vaporizer (113), and an elongated cavity (115).

[0038] The aerosol generating device (11) illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b is illustrated only with components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it can be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that other general-purpose components may be included in the aerosol generating device (11) in addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device (11) may be in the form of a stick or a holder.

[0039] In one embodiment, the battery (111) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (11). For example, the battery (111) can supply current to the vaporizer (113) so that the vaporizer (113) can heat the liquid composition. Additionally, the battery (111) can supply power required to operate a display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (11).

[0040] In one embodiment, the battery (111) may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the example described above. For example, the battery (111) may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, and a lithium-ion battery.

[0041] For example, the battery (111) may have the shape of a cylinder 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 have a range of 120 mAh to 250 mAh, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the battery (111) may 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 10 C, and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10 C to 20 C, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, for static use, the battery (111) may be manufactured so that at least 80% of the total capacity is secured even after 2,000 charge / discharge cycles.

[0042] In one embodiment, the control unit (112) generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device (11). Specifically, the control unit (112) controls the operation of the battery (111), the vaporizer (113), as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device (11). Additionally, the control unit (112) may check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device (11) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (11) is in an operable state.

[0043] 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 a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0044] In one embodiment, the vaporizer (113) can heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol and can release the generated aerosol toward the inserted aerosol generating article (12) so that the generated aerosol passes through the aerosol generating article (12) inserted into the elongated cavity (115). Thus, a tobacco flavor can be added to the aerosol that has passed through the aerosol generating article (12), and the user can inhale the aerosol with the tobacco flavor by inhaling one end of the aerosol generating article (12) into the mouth. According to one embodiment, the vaporizer (113) may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer. According to one embodiment, the vaporizer (113) may be coupled to the aerosol generating device (11) so as to be replaceable.

[0045] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (11) may further include a heater (114). In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article (12) can transfer nicotine even under non-heating conditions. Additionally, in a low-temperature heating mode through the heater (114), the transfer of nicotine can be promoted to increase the amount of nicotine transferred. The low-temperature heating mode by the heater (114) can achieve a higher level of smoky intensity compared to a non-heating board, and the amount of nicotine transferred can be easily controlled through the non-heating mode and the low-temperature heating mode.

[0046] The heater (114) can be 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) can be located outside the aerosol generating article (12). Thus, the heated heater (114) can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material inside the aerosol generating article (12).

[0047] For example, the heater (114) may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the heater (114) may include an electric conductive track, and the heater (114) may be heated as current flows through the electric conductive track. However, the heater (114) is not limited to the example described above and may be any heater capable of being heated to a desired temperature without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generator (11) or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0048] Meanwhile, as another example, the heater (114) may be an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater (114) may include an electrically conductive coil for heating an aerosol generating article (12) by an induction heating method, and the aerosol generating article (12) may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating heater.

[0049] For example, the heater (114) may include a tubular heat transfer element, a plate-shaped heat transfer element, a needle-shaped heat transfer element, or a rod-shaped heat transfer element, and depending on the shape of the heat transfer element, it may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol generating article (12).

[0050] Additionally, a plurality of heaters (114) may be arranged in the aerosol generating device (11). At this time, the plurality of heaters (114) may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol generating article (12) or placed outside the aerosol generating article (12). Additionally, some of the plurality of heaters (114) may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol generating article (12), and the remainder may be placed outside the aerosol generating article (12).

[0051] In one embodiment, an aerosol generating article (12) may be accommodated in the elongated cavity (115). In one embodiment, a heater (114) may be positioned to surround the outer surface of the elongated cavity (115) to heat the aerosol generating article accommodated in 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).

[0052] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (11) may include additional general-purpose components in addition to the battery (111), control unit (112), vaporizer (113), and elongated cavity (115). For example, the aerosol generating device (11) may include a sensing unit (116), an output unit (117), a user input unit (118), a memory (119), and a communication unit (120).

[0053] The sensing unit (116) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (11) or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device (11) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (112). Based on the detected information, the control unit (112) can control the aerosol generating device (11) to perform various functions such as restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating item (12) (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0054] The sensing unit (116) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (1161), an insertion detection sensor (1162), and a puff sensor (1163), but is not limited thereto.

[0055] A temperature sensor (1161) can detect the temperature at which the heater (114) (or aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device (11) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (114), or the heater (114) itself may serve as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor (1161) may be placed around the battery (111) to monitor the temperature of the battery (111).

[0056] The insertion detection sensor (1162) can detect 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 can detect a change in signal as the aerosol generating article (12) is inserted and / or removed.

[0057] The puff sensor (1163) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor (1163) can detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change, and pressure change.

[0058] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (1161 to 1163), the sensing unit (116) may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description may be omitted.

[0059] The output unit (117) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (11) and provide it to the user. The output unit (117) may include at least one of a display unit (1171), a haptic unit (1172), and a sound output unit (1173), but is not limited thereto. When the display unit (1171) and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit (1171) may also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0060] The display unit (1171) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (11) to the user. For example, information about the aerosol generating device (11) may refer to various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery (111) of the aerosol generating device (11), the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating item (12), or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device (11) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit (1171) can output the above information to the outside. The display unit (1171) may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Additionally, the display unit (1171) may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0061] The haptic unit (1172) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (11) to the user. For example, the haptic unit (1172) may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0062] The acoustic output unit (1173) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (11) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (1173) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0063] The user input unit (118) can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit (118) may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact capacitive method, pressure resistive method, infrared detection method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, integral tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Additionally, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generator (11) may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the battery (111) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0064] The memory (119) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (11), and can store data processed by the control unit (112) and data to be processed. The memory (119) may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), 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. The memory (119) can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (11), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0065] 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).

[0066] The short-range wireless communication unit (1201) may include, 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 infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0067] The wireless communication unit (1202) may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit (1202) may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device (11) within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0068] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (11) may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) and / or a terminal coupled to a cradle, which allows a user to control the functions of the aerosol generating device (11). For example, a user can execute various functions using the input device of the aerosol generating device (100). By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the time the user presses the input device (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.), a desired function among the multiple functions of the aerosol generating device (11) can be executed. As the user operates the input device, functions such as preheating the heating element of the steamer (113), controlling the temperature of the heating element of the steamer (113), cleaning the space into which the aerosol generating material is inserted, checking whether the aerosol generating device (11) is in an operable state, displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the battery (111), and resetting the aerosol generating device (11) may be performed. However, the functions of the aerosol generating device (11) are not limited to the examples described above.

[0069] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (11) may include a puff sensor (1163), a temperature sensor (1161), and / or an insertion detection sensor (1162). Additionally, the aerosol generating device (11) may be manufactured in a structure that allows external air to be introduced / extracted even when an aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (11) may include a vaporizer (113) and an elongated cavity (115) arranged in series, as shown in FIG. 2a. According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (11) may include a vaporizer (113) and an elongated cavity (115) arranged in parallel, as shown in FIG. 2b. Additionally, the arrangement of the battery (111), control unit (112), vaporizer (113), and elongated cavity (115) of the aerosol generating device (11) is not limited to FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b and may be of various forms. For example, a heater (e.g., heater (114) of FIG. 1) may be included in the aerosol generating device (11).

[0071] Through the airflow passage within the aerosol generating device (11), the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (113) can flow into the elongated cavity (115) and pass through the aerosol generating article (12). Thus, a tobacco flavor or nicotine can be added to the aerosol that has passed through the aerosol generating article (12), and the user can inhale the aerosol with the tobacco flavor or nicotine added by inhaling one end of the aerosol generating article (12) into the mouth.

[0072] A vaporizer (113) according to one embodiment may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery means, a heating element, and an airflow passage. Each component of the vaporizer (113) may be made of a polycarbonate material, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] In one embodiment, the liquid storage unit may store a liquid composition that can generate an aerosol upon heating. According to one embodiment, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, and according to another embodiment, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Additionally, the liquid composition may store a liquid with a volume of 0.1 to 2.0 mL, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the liquid storage unit may be interchangeably coupled within the vaporizer (113).

[0074] For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The flavoring may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavoring ingredients. The flavoring agent may include ingredients capable of providing a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the liquid composition may include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0075] In one embodiment, the liquid delivery means can deliver the liquid composition of the liquid storage unit to the heating element. In one embodiment, the liquid delivery means can be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, and can deliver the liquid composition of the liquid storage unit to the heating element using capillary action.

[0076] In one embodiment, the heating element is an element for heating a liquid composition delivered by a liquid delivery means, and may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc. Additionally, 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 delivery means. The heating element may be heated by an electric current supply and may heat the liquid composition by transferring heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0077] In one embodiment, the airflow passage may be positioned so that the generated aerosol is discharged toward the aerosol generating article (12) into which the generated aerosol is inserted. That is, the aerosol generated by the heating element may be discharged through the airflow passage.

[0078] In one embodiment, the control unit (112) can control the temperature of the heating element by controlling the current supplied to the heating element. Accordingly, the control unit (112) can control the amount of aerosol generated from the liquid composition by controlling the current supplied to the heating element. Additionally, the control unit (112) can control the supply of current to the heating element for a preset time when a user's 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 the user's puff is detected.

[0079] 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) can increase the amount of aerosol released from the vaporizer (113) by increasing the size of the air gap in the airflow passage, and decrease the amount of aerosol released from the vaporizer (113) by decreasing the size of the air gap in the airflow passage. For example, the control unit (112) can control the air gap in the airflow passage using a dial method.

[0080] In one embodiment, the control unit (112) can notify the user that the liquid composition is insufficient through a vibration motor or display when the liquid composition of the liquid storage unit is less than a preset amount.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating article (12) according to one embodiment may include a first segment (121), a medium segment (122), a second segment (123), and a wrapper (125).

[0082] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article (12) may be packaged by at least one wrapper (125). The wrapper (125) may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. The wrapper (125) may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity.

[0083] For example, the first segment (121) may be wrapped by the first wrapper (1251), the medium segment (122) may be wrapped by the second wrapper (1252), and the second segment (123) may be wrapped by the third wrapper (1253). Then, the entire aerosol generating article (12) may be repackaged by the fifth wrapper (1255).

[0084] In one embodiment, the first wrapper (1251), the second wrapper (1252), and the third wrapper (1253) may be made of porous rolled 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. Additionally, 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. Additionally, the basis weight of each of the first wrapper (1251), the second wrapper (1252), and the third wrapper (1253) may be within the range of 20 g / m2 to 25 g / m2.

[0085] For example, the second wrapper (1252) may contain an aluminum component. For example, the second wrapper (1252) may be a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, combined with a standard filter paper. Additionally, the second wrapper (1252) may be made of sterile paper (MFW).

[0086] In one embodiment, the fifth wrapper (1255) may be made of sterile paper (MFW). For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper (1255) may be in the range of 57 g / m2 to 63 g / m2. Additionally, the thickness of the fifth wrapper (1255) may be in the range of 64 µm to 70 µm.

[0087] In one embodiment, the first segment (121) may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. Additionally, the first segment (121) may be composed of a paper filter and a porous molded article, etc. For example, the length of the first segment (121) may be 4 to 15 mm, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the first segment (121) may be colored or flavored.

[0088] In one embodiment, the medium segment (122) may include at least one of a cavity, a cellulose acetate filter, or a paper filter, and the cavity, the cellulose acetate filter, or the paper filter may be filled with a granular medium. For example, the substrate of the granular medium filled in the medium segment (122) may include at least one component of granular tobacco (tobacco granules), reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco sticks. For example, the length of the medium segment (122) may be appropriately long within the range of 6 mm to 18 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] Generally, since the granular medium (e.g., tobacco granules) has a significantly lower moisture and / or aerosol-forming agent content than other types of tobacco materials (e.g., tobacco sticks, reconstituted tobacco, etc.), the generation of visible smoke can be greatly reduced, and accordingly, the smokeless function of the aerosol generating device (11) can be easily implemented. However, the density, filling rate, composition ratio of constituent materials, heating temperature, etc. of the granular medium (e.g., tobacco granules) may vary, and this may differ depending on the embodiment.

[0090] Additionally, the medium segment (122) may contain an aerosol generating substance such as glycerin. Additionally, the medium segment (122) may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Additionally, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the medium segment (122) by spraying it onto the medium segment (122).

[0091] In one embodiment, a pH-treated medium substrate may be included within the medium segment (122). For example, the medium substrate may be pH-treated to have basicity by a pH regulator, and the pH regulator is basic and may include at least one of, for example, potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and calcium oxide (CaO). However, the substances included in the pH regulator are not limited to the examples described above, and substances that produce less negative odor during smoking may be used. The basic pH regulator can increase the pH of the medium substrate included in the medium segment (122). Compared to a medium substrate not treated by a basic pH regulator, the amount of nicotine released when heated increases with the basic pH-treated medium substrate. That is, in the case of the basic pH-treated medium substrate, a sufficient nicotine yield can be achieved even if the medium segment (122) is heated at a low temperature.

[0092] In one embodiment, the medium segment (122) may contain tobacco granules with a pH adjusted to a range of 7.0 to 9.5. Alternatively, the medium segment (122) may contain tobacco granules with a pH adjusted to a range of 8.0 to 9.5.

[0093] By treating the nicotine-containing medium substrate with pH, ​​the transfer of free nicotine (gaseous nicotine) from the medium substrate can be facilitated 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 a range of 7.0 to 9.5 (or a range of 8.0 to 9.5), volatile free nicotine can be transferred under non-heating conditions and a sufficient level of smoky intensity can be achieved.

[0094] In addition, if the aerosol generating device (11) includes a heater (e.g., heater (114) of FIG. 1), the transfer of nicotine can be further promoted through low-temperature heating, thereby enabling a relatively higher level of smoky intensity than in a non-heating mode. Thus, in the aerosol generating article (12) according to one embodiment, the amount of nicotine transferred can be easily controlled through non-heating or low-temperature heating.

[0095] In one embodiment, the second segment (123) may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. Additionally, the second segment (123) may include at least one fragrance capsule. Alternatively, the second segment (123) may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter mixed with a flavoring substance.

[0096] In one embodiment, nicotine may be adsorbed on at least one of the first segment (121) and the second segment (123). As the medium segment (122) is pH-treated to a range of 7.0 to 9.5 (or a range of 8.0 to 9.5), the nicotine within the medium segment (122) can be actively transferred to the first segment (121) or the second segment (123) even under non-heating conditions. Thus, the nicotine transferred from the medium segment (122) can be adsorbed on at least one of the first segment (121) and the second segment (123). Since the first segment (121) or the second segment (123) also contains 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 can also contribute to providing sufficient nicotine delivery and smoking satisfaction even without heating.

[0097] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article (12) may undergo a nicotine transfer treatment process. For example, the nicotine transfer treatment process may be performed as follows. First, the medium segment (122) is pH treated to a range of 7.0 to 9.5 (or a range of 8.0 to 9.5), and the first segment (121) and the second segment (123) may be joined by a wrapper (125) with the medium segment (122) in between. Next, the aerosol generating article (12) undergoes a nicotine transfer period at room temperature. For example, the nicotine transfer period may be 4 weeks or more.

[0098] Table 1 below is a table showing the amount of nicotine transferred over time in an aerosol generating article composed of a first segment (121), a first medium segment (e.g., medium segment (122)), a second medium segment, and a second segment (123). The experiment below was conducted under temperature conditions of 22 degrees.

[0099] Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that after 4 weeks, nicotine is transferred and adsorbed to the first segment (121) and the second segment (123), and according to the smoke component analysis value, it can be seen that the amount of nicotine increased while the amount of vaporization remained constant.

[0100] division Nicotine transfer amount (mg / seg) Smoke component analysis value (mg / stick) hour Segment 1 First medium segment Second medium segment 2nd segment vapor production nicotine 0 weeks - - - - 37.8 0.15 4 weeks 0.33 0.60 1.05 0.27 38.8 0.31 6 weeks 0.35 0.55 0.98 0.31 38.6 0.32 8 weeks 0.37 0.66 0.75 0.30 39.0 0.31

[0101] In one embodiment, the first segment (121) or the second segment (123) of the aerosol generating article (12) may be manufactured by cutting a cellulose acetate filter portion into which free nicotine released from a medium raw material containing nicotine has been transferred.

[0102] For example, a medium raw material part comprising a material containing nicotine, such as sheet tobacco, wet tobacco granules, or leaf tobacco, may be provided, and such medium raw material part may be pH treated and contained in a sealed chamber. Subsequently, the release of free nicotine from said medium raw material part may be induced by heating. A filter part may be provided within said chamber, and for example, said filter part may be in the form of a block or cylinder containing a cellulose acetate component. Nicotine transfer may occur in which free nicotine moves from said medium raw material part to said filter part, and a circulation unit such as a fan may assist in the smooth transfer of nicotine. After a predetermined conditioning period (transfer period / adsorption period), a sufficient amount of nicotine is adsorbed onto said filter part, and said filter part may be cut to conform to a specified shape. The cut segments (filters) can be applied to the first segment (e.g., the first segment (121) of FIG. 3) or the second segment (e.g., the second segment (123) of FIG. 3) of the aerosol generating article.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, in an aerosol generating system (1) according to one embodiment, if the aerosol generating device (11) includes a heater (e.g., heater (114) of FIG. 1), the temperature at which the heater (114) heats the aerosol generating article (12) can be controlled through a control unit (112). For example, the control unit (112) can adjust the temperature of the heater (114) that heats at least one of the first segment (121), the medium segment (122), or the second segment (123).

[0104] In one embodiment, the control unit (112) can control the heater (114) in a non-heating mode and a low-temperature heating mode. In the non-heating mode, the heater (114) does not heat the aerosol generating article (12), and at this time, the first segment (121), the medium segment (122), or the second segment (123) may not be heated. In the low-temperature heating mode, the heater (114) can heat the aerosol generating article (12) to a low temperature of 0 degrees or higher and 150 degrees or lower. At this time, at least one of the first segment (121), the medium segment (122), or the second segment (123) may be heated to a low temperature of 0 degrees or higher and 150 degrees or lower. As the aerosol generating article (12) switches between the non-heating mode and the low-temperature heating mode, the savory intensity may be adjusted. For example, in the non-heating mode, the amount of nicotine transferred from the first segment (121), the medium segment (122), or the second segment (123) is relatively low, so the flavor intensity may be relatively low. On the other hand, in the low-temperature heating mode, compared to the non-heating mode, the amount of nicotine transferred from the first segment (121), the medium segment (122), or the second segment (123) is relatively high, so the flavor intensity may be high. Therefore, in the low-temperature heating mode, sufficient flavor intensity can be secured even without treating the pH of the medium segment (122) to a high level.

[0105] Although FIG. 3 is illustrated as having a medium segment (122) between the first segment (121) and the second segment (123), the configuration of the aerosol generating article (12) according to one embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, an atomizing segment containing a humectant or another segment to which nicotine is transferred may be provided on the upstream side of the first segment (121). Alternatively, another segment to which nicotine is transferred may be applied between the first segment (121) and the medium segment (122). Alternatively, another segment to which nicotine is adsorbed may be provided at the downstream end of the second segment (123), or another segment to which nicotine is adsorbed may be provided between the second segment (123) and the medium segment (122).

[0106] Figure 4 shows the results of a sinkhole test according to the plasticizer content of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0107] In one embodiment, the first segment (121) or the second segment (123) may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter containing a plasticizer, and the content of the plasticizer may be set to a range in which no dimple occurs in the first segment (121) or the second segment (123).

[0108] In one embodiment, the content of the plasticizer may be substantially equal to or higher than 4%, and may be substantially equal to or lower than 11%. This will be explained in detail with reference to Table 2 and Figure 4 below.

[0109] division Experimental Example A Experimental Example B Experimental Example C Experimental Example D note Plasticizer content (%) 0 4 12 15 suction resistance 45.6 42.3 44.6 45.0 Similar level Filter Hardness (%) 79.0 84.9 86.7 90.8 Total Particulate Matter (TPM) (mg) 54.6 46.3 44.8 49.8 Dimple test Good Good error error Visual observation

[0110] Table 2 shows experimental examples according to the plasticizer content of the first segment (121) or the second segment (123). In experimental examples A to D, segments (e.g., the first segment (121) or the second segment (123)) were manufactured with different plasticizer contents, and in each case, filter hardness measurements, indentation tests, etc. were performed.

[0111] Referring to Table 2 and Figure 4, the plasticizer content in Experimental Example A was set to 0%. At this time, the hardness in Experimental Example A was measured to be lower compared to other experimental examples. Consequently, when the material was cut to manufacture it into a filter rod shape, the cut surface was not smooth. Furthermore, in Experimental Example A, there was a high probability of defects occurring where cellulose acetates remained in a thread-like form. This phenomenon appeared similarly until the plasticizer content was set to 4%.

[0112] Experimental Example B was a case where the plasticizer content was set to 4%, at which time sufficient filter hardness was secured and no dimples were observed. This phenomenon was similarly observed up to the plasticizer content being set to 11%.

[0113] Experimental Example C was a case where the plasticizer content was set to 12%, and although satisfactory values ​​were obtained for filter hardness, a sinking phenomenon was confirmed.

[0114] Experimental Example D was a case where the plasticizer content was set to 15%, and even in this case, while the filter hardness showed a satisfactory value, a sinking phenomenon was confirmed.

[0115] When the plasticizer content exceeded 11%, as in Experimental Example C or Experimental Example D, the cellulose acetate filter hardened or melted, and a phenomenon of indentation or shrinkage occurred. When such indentation occurred, it not only lowered the quality (aesthetics) of the product but also had the problem of impairing the uniformity of taste.

[0116] Accordingly, the content of the plasticizer included in the first segment (121) or the second segment (123) may be 4% or more and 11% or less, and the first segment (121) or the second segment (123) has sufficient hardness and does not have defects due to indentation.

[0117] When the medium segment (122) includes a cellulose acetate filter and the tobacco medium is contained within the cellulose acetate filter, the content of the plasticizer included in the medium segment (122) can also be set to 4% or more and 11% or less.

[0118] For example, the plasticizer may be either triacetin (TA) or triethyl citrate (TEC).

[0119] Figure 5 shows a test of nicotine transfer rate by segment of an aerosol-generating product.

[0120] In one embodiment, the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the first segment (121) of the aerosol generating article (12) may be equal to or greater than the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the second segment (123). This will be explained in detail below.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 5, samples were prepared in which nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filters (CA filters) were applied to different segments, and the residual nicotine and nicotine transfer amounts in each case were analyzed. In Experimental Example (a) of FIG. 5, a nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter was placed in the uppermost segment; in Experimental Example (b), a nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter was placed in the second-to-upper segment; in Experimental Example (c), a nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter was placed in the third-to-upper segment; and in Experimental Example (d), a nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter was placed in the lowest-to-downper segment. In Experimental Example (e), a nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter was placed in all segments for comparison with the previous experiments. At this time, the smoking resistance or filtering effect was set to be the same in each experiment.

[0122] Table 3 below shows the experimental results according to Figure 5.

[0123] division Nicotine residue (mg) Transfer amount (mg) First segment second segment third segment Fourth segment nicotine (a) 0.03 0.10 0.09 0.05 0.12 (b) - 0.13 0.10 0.07 0.13 (c) - - 0.15 0.08 0.14 (d) - - - 0.20 0.19 (e) 0.03 0.18 0.29 0.36 0.66

[0124] Referring to Figure 5 and Table 3, when comparing Experimental Example (a), in which a nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter is placed on the upstream side, with Experimental Example (d), in which a nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter is placed on the downstream side, it can be seen that the amount of nicotine transfer in Experimental Example (d) is greater. Additionally, when comparing Experimental Examples (a), (b), (c), and (d) in order, it can be seen that the amount of nicotine transfer increases as the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter is placed on the downstream side rather than the upstream side.

[0125] Furthermore, examining Experimental Example (a), it can be observed that not all nicotine transferred from the first segment is transferred toward the oral cavity, but remains in the second, third, and fourth segments. The same trend is observed in Experimental Examples (b) and (c). This can also be confirmed through Experimental Example (e), which shows a tendency for the amount of residual nicotine to increase as it moves from the upstream to the downstream segments.

[0126] As the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter is positioned downstream, the amount of nicotine transferred may increase due to a decrease in the filtering effect. Therefore, the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter placed downstream may primarily be involved in nicotine transfer during the initial puff of smoking.

[0127] As the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter is positioned upstream, the filtering effect by the cellulose acetate filter positioned further downstream increases, so the nicotine-transferred cellulose acetate filter positioned upstream can primarily be involved in the transfer of nicotine during the puff in the later stages of smoking.

[0128] 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), nicotine from the second segment (123) may mainly be transferred to the oral cavity during the initial puff of smoking, some nicotine from the first segment (121) may be transferred to the oral cavity during the middle puff of smoking, and the remaining nicotine from the first segment (121) may be transferred to the oral cavity during the later puff of smoking. At this time, the remaining nicotine from the first segment (121) may be transferred to the oral cavity after undergoing adsorption (filtering) to the second segment (123).

[0129] That is, the reason the amount of nicotine transferred to the first segment (121) is large is to ensure uniformity of the smoking taste, and the nicotine adsorbed to the first segment (121) contributes to the latter part of smoking, while the nicotine adsorbed to the second segment (123) contributes to the early part of smoking. That is, since the nicotine adsorbed to the first segment (121) must pass through more obstacles than the nicotine adsorbed to the second segment (123) in order to reach the oral cavity, it is desirable for more nicotine to be adsorbed to the first segment (121).

[0130] Accordingly, 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 during smoking can be uniform, and thus the uniformity of the smoking taste can be ensured.

[0131] In one embodiment, the plasticizer content of the first segment (121) of the aerosol generating article (12) may be higher than the plasticizer content of the second segment (123). When the first segment (121) and the second segment (123) include cellulose acetate, a plasticizer may be included. Since the plasticizer content of the first segment (121) is higher than the plasticizer content of the second segment (123), the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the first segment (121) may be set to be equal to or greater than the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the second segment (123).

[0132] Additionally, in one embodiment, a first plasticizer may be applied to the first segment (121) of the aerosol generating article (12) according to one embodiment, and a second plasticizer may be applied to the second segment (123), and the pH of the first plasticizer may be lower than or equal to the pH of the second plasticizer. For example, the first plasticizer may be triacetin (TA) and the second plasticizer may be triethyl citrate (TEC). Through this, the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the first segment (121) may be set to be equal to or greater than the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the second segment (123).

[0133] In one embodiment, the first segment (121) of the aerosol generating article (12) may be composed of cellulose acetate having a first density, and the second segment (123) may be composed of cellulose acetate having a second density, and the first density may be greater than the second density. Or, the suction resistance of the first segment (121) may be greater than or equal to the suction resistance of the second segment (123). Or, the monodenier of the cellulose acetate of the first segment (121) may be lower than or equal to the monodenier of the cellulose acetate of the second segment (123). As a result, the amount of nicotine adsorbed (transferred) to the first segment (121) may be greater than or equal to the amount of nicotine adsorbed to the second segment (123).

[0134] In one embodiment, the longitudinal length (length from upstream to downstream) of the first segment (121) of the aerosol generating article (12) may be longer than or equal to the longitudinal length of the second segment (123). Through this, the amount of nicotine adsorbed (transferred) to the first segment (121) may be greater than or equal to the amount of nicotine adsorbed to the second segment (123).

[0135] In one embodiment, the second segment (123) may be composed of a tube filter including a hollow formed in the longitudinal direction.

[0136] According to the aerosol generating article (12) in one embodiment, the aerosol generating article (12) can be used immediately without preheating the aerosol generating device (11), thereby increasing user convenience, and sufficient nicotine transfer can be guaranteed even in a non-heating mode, thus satisfying the user's smoking satisfaction. In addition, since the aerosol generating device (11) according to one embodiment may not include a heater, the effect of increasing the lifespan of the device can be expected. Furthermore, according to the aerosol generating article (12) in one embodiment, the probability of defective products such as indentation can be reduced.

[0137] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the limited drawings, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, suitable results may be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or if 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.

[0138] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below. Explanation of the symbols

[0139] 1: Aerosol generation system 11: Aerosol generator 111: Battery 112: Control unit 113: Steamer 114: Heater 115: Slender cavity 12: Aerosol-generating items 121: Segment 1 122: Medium segment 123: 2nd Segment 125: Rapper

Claims

Claim 1 An aerosol generating article comprising: a medium segment filled with a medium; and at least one of a first segment disposed upstream of the medium segment and a second segment disposed downstream of the medium segment; wherein the first segment or the second segment is composed of a cellulose acetate filter containing a plasticizer, the content of the plasticizer is set to a range in which no indentation occurs in the first segment or the second segment, nicotine transferred from the medium is adsorbed in the first segment or the second segment, and the content of the plasticizer is 4% or more and 11% or less. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 In claim 1, the aerosol generating article, wherein the plasticizer is either triacetin (TA) or triethyl citrate (TEC). Claim 5 In claim 1, the medium comprises at least one of tobacco granules, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco sticks, or a combination thereof, an aerosol generating article. Claim 6 In claim 5, the medium is an aerosol-generating article that is pH-treated. Claim 7 In claim 6, the above medium is an aerosol generating article that is pH-treated so as to be in the range of 7.0 or higher and 9.5 or lower. Claim 8 An aerosol generating article comprising: a first segment; a second segment disposed downstream of the first segment; and a medium segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment; wherein nicotine is adsorbed on the first segment or the second segment, and the nicotine adsorbed on the first segment or the nicotine adsorbed on the second segment is transferred from the medium segment, and the first segment or the second segment is composed of a cellulose acetate filter containing a plasticizer, and the content of the plasticizer is 4% or more and 11% or less. Claim 9 In claim 8, the medium segment comprises an aerosol generating article comprising a pH-treated tobacco medium. Claim 10 delete

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