Ultra-low nicotine smoking product (embodiments)

Abstract

FIELD: smoking products.SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to embodiments of a smoking article with an ultra-low nicotine content. The smoking article comprises a part with a material and a part with a filter, where the part with the material contains tobacco material containing flue-cured tobacco, exploded tobacco and exploded stems, where the tobacco material contains from 50 to 60 wt.% flue-cured tobacco, from 20 to 30 wt.% exploded tobacco and from 10 to 30 wt.% exploded stems of the total mass, and where the tobacco material has a nicotine content of from 0.01% to 0.05%. A smoking product is provided that preserves the taste of tobacco while reducing the nicotine content in the tobacco material by using leaf tobacco with an ultra-low nicotine content in the smoking product and adjusting the ratio of components in the mixture of tobacco material.EFFECT: tobacco material has a nicotine content of 0.05% or less while maintaining the taste of tobacco and the combustibility of the smoking product.15 cl, 2 dwg, 10 ex, 2 tbl

Description

[0001] Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to a smoking article with ultra-low nicotine content.

[0003] Technology Level

[0004] Tobacco is generally a perennial plant belonging to the Solanaceae family of dicotyledons. More recently, it has also come to refer generally to a cigarette made for smoking, in which tobacco leaves are wrapped in cigarette paper, with a filter portion formed on one side. There are thousands of varieties of tobacco worldwide, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

[0005] The nicotine content of commercially available smoking products currently on the market is approximately 5% or less. However, there is a global trend toward reducing the nicotine content of smoking products.

[0006] Traditionally, methods such as using other plant leaves (herbal leaves, etc.) instead of loose leaf tobacco, dipping the loose leaf tobacco, or using an adsorbent were used to producing low-nicotine tobacco. However, these methods were difficult to achieve, meeting the preferences of smokers accustomed to the taste of existing loose leaf tobacco, sufficiently reducing the nicotine content, and making it easier to use due to the cumbersome processes.

[0007] Accordingly, it is necessary to develop a smoking product whose nicotine content in leaves can be reduced more easily compared to existing commercially available smoking products.

[0008] Description of the invention

[0009] Technical tasks

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a smoking article that maintains the taste of tobacco while reducing the nicotine content of the tobacco material by using leaf tobacco with an ultra-low nicotine content in the smoking article and adjusting the mixing ratio of the tobacco material.

[0011] However, the technical problems achieved are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned above are fully understood by a person skilled in the art from the following description.

[0012] Technical solutions

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a smoking article with an ultra-low nicotine content is proposed, comprising a portion with a material and a portion with a filter, where the portion with the material contains a tobacco material containing flue-cured tobacco, exploded tobacco and exploded stems, the tobacco material contains from 50 to 60% by weight of flue-cured tobacco, from 20 to 30% by weight of exploded tobacco and from 10 to 30% by weight of exploded stems of the total weight, and the tobacco material has a nicotine content of from 0.01 to 0.05%.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a smoking article with an ultra-low nicotine content is proposed, comprising a portion with a material and a portion with a filter, where the portion with the material contains tobacco material containing flue-cured tobacco, exploded tobacco and exploded veins, where the tobacco material has a nicotine content of 0.01 to 0.05%, and the tar and nicotine among the smoke components in the main smoke stream of the smoking article have a content ratio of 80:1-400:1.

[0015] Effects

[0016] When using a smoking article according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a smoking article with an ultra-low nicotine content, in which the tobacco material has a nicotine content of 0.05% or less while maintaining the tobacco taste and combustibility (or thermal conductivity) of the smoking article.

[0017] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, and should be understood to include all effects that may result from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description of the invention or the claims of the present invention.

[0018] Brief description of drawings

[0019] FIG. 1 is a view showing the results of organoleptic evaluation of tobacco taste in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 of ultra-low nicotine smoking articles according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a view showing the results of organoleptic evaluation of tobacco taste in Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 of ultra-low nicotine smoking articles according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] The best way to carry out an invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, since various changes may be made to the embodiments of the invention, the scope of the patent application is not narrowed or limited to these embodiments. It is understood that all modifications, equivalents, and replacements for the embodiments of the invention are included within the scope of rights.

[0023] The terms used in the embodiments of the invention are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as an intention to limit the scope of the present invention. The singular includes the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present description of the invention, it should be understood that terms such as "comprise," "have," or the like are intended to indicate the existence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the description, but do not exclude the possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain. Terms, such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary, are to be interpreted as having the meaning corresponding to the meaning in the context of the prior art and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense, unless otherwise expressly defined in this application.

[0025] Furthermore, in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components are assigned the same reference designations, regardless of the reference designations, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted. When describing embodiments of the invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of the relevant known technology may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the embodiments of the invention, their detailed description will be omitted.

[0026] Furthermore, when describing the components of the embodiments of the invention, terms such as “first”, “second”, “A”, “B”, “(a)”, “(b)”, etc. may be used. Such terms only serve to distinguish the components from other components, and such terms do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding components.

[0027] Components used in any one embodiment of the invention and components comprising a common function will be described using the same names in other embodiments of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, descriptions in any one embodiment of the invention may also be applicable to other embodiments of the invention, and detailed descriptions will be omitted if the scope overlaps.

[0028] Throughout the description, if a particular part is said to "contain" a particular component, it means that it may additionally contain other components, not to exclude other elements.

[0029] Throughout this description, "smoking article" may refer to an article capable of generating an aerosol, such as tobacco (cigarettes), cigars, and the like. A smoking article may contain an aerosol-generating material or an aerosol-generating substrate. Furthermore, a smoking article may include a solid tobacco-based material, such as homogenized tobacco sheet, shredded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco. Smoking articles may contain volatile compounds.

[0030] In addition, throughout the description, “upstream” or “in the upstream direction” refers to the direction away from the mouth of the user smoking the smoking article, and “downstream” or “in the downstream direction” refers to the direction away from the mouth of the user smoking the smoking article.

[0031] In the entire description, "ultra-low nicotine smoking product" may mean a smoking product in which the tobacco material has a nicotine content of 0.01% to 0.05%.

[0032] The smoking article material part can be produced as follows. Leaf tobacco, which has been inspected for foreign substances, is mixed, cut with a cutter, and then passed through a dryer. Then, in addition to mixing, it can be treated with a flavoring agent using a liquid flavoring agent in a flavoring unit to compensate for the insufficient flavor and aroma of leaf tobacco or to mask unwanted aroma and taste. The main raw materials of the tobacco material used in this process are flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco (air-cured tobacco), and Oriental tobacco (sun-cured tobacco). The auxiliary materials are reconstituted tobacco leaf, expanded tobacco (DIET), and expanded stem (STS).

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a smoking article with an ultra-low nicotine content can be provided. The smoking article can comprise a material portion and a filter portion, and the material portion can comprise a tobacco material comprising flue-cured tobacco, expanded tobacco (DIET) and expanded stems (STS). The tobacco material can contain from 50 to 60% by weight of flue-cured tobacco, from 20 to 30% by weight of expanded tobacco and from 10 to 30% by weight of expanded stems of the total weight. Moreover, the tobacco material can have a nicotine content of from 0.01 to 0.05%.

[0034] In another embodiment of the present invention, a smoking article with an ultra-low nicotine content may be provided, comprising a material portion and a filter portion, wherein the material portion comprises tobacco material comprising flue-cured tobacco, blown tobacco and blown stems, and the tobacco material has a nicotine content of 0.01 to 0.05%. In this case, tar and nicotine among the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article may have a content ratio of 150:1-330:1.

[0035] Flue-cured tobacco is one of the main raw materials for tobacco and is characterized by its high sugar content. When blended, this can play a key role in creating a unique flavor. However, increasing the flue-cured tobacco content can lead to problems, such as decreased combustibility (or thermal conductivity) of the smoking product and reduced absorption.

[0036] Exploded tobacco is leaf tobacco produced by rapidly expanding it using high-temperature steam after cooling the leaf tobacco by flue-curing it with carbon dioxide. This can contribute to combustibility (or thermal conductivity) during blending. When the content of expanded tobacco increases too much, the problem arises in that combustibility (or thermal conductivity) is excessively increased.

[0037] Exploded stems can play a role in regulating the amount of nicotine migration during mixing and imparting combustibility (or thermal conductivity). Exploded stems can be used as a filler for smoking products, and since stems are a byproduct of leaf tobacco, they also have a cost-saving effect. However, when the content of expanded stems increases, a problem may arise in that the tobacco flavor is reduced due to the development of negative smoking flavors, such as a pungent taste, an irritating taste, etc.

[0038] Thus, a smoking article can be provided that can control the nicotine content of the tobacco material and has excellent tobacco taste and appropriate combustibility (or thermal conductivity) when changing the content of flue-cured tobacco, blown tobacco, and blown stems.

[0039] In the smoking article according to the present invention, when the content of flue-cured tobacco is less than 50% by mass, there is a problem that the original taste of the tobacco is insufficient, and when the content of flue-cured tobacco exceeds 60%, the nicotine content of the tobacco material may exceed 0.05%.

[0040] If the content of exploded tobacco is less than 20% by weight, the combustion speed of tobacco may be reduced, and if the content of exploded tobacco exceeds 30% by weight, there may be problems that the original taste of tobacco is insufficient and the absorbability is reduced.

[0041] At this time, the content of the exploded veins may be from 10 to 30% by mass, preferably from 15 to 25% by mass, and more preferably from 17 to 23% by mass. If the content of the exploded veins is less than 10% by mass, the tobacco material may have a nicotine content exceeding 0.05%, and when it exceeds 30% by mass, negative tastes such as pungent taste, irritating taste, etc. may be exhibited.

[0042] In this case, in the case of flue-cured tobacco, expanded tobacco, and expanded stems, they can be separated from at least one selected from the group consisting of thick leaves and thin leaves of flue-cured tobacco. However, in view of the above-mentioned efficiency, it is preferable that they be mixed while being separated from the thick leaves and thin leaves of flue-cured tobacco.

[0043] In a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco material has a nicotine content of 0.01 to 0.05%, and preferably 0.03 to 0.05%. The tobacco material used in the existing commercially available smoking article typically has a nicotine content of about 5% or less. In the present invention, the nicotine content in the smoking article can be reduced to a level that does not cause addiction by using a tobacco material in which the nicotine content is reduced by 95% or more compared to the tobacco material used in the commercially available smoking article.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco material may be obtained from a plant having one or more morphological characteristics from the following (1) to (16).

[0045] (1) The plant shape is elliptical;

[0046] (2) Plant height – 123-124 cm;

[0047] (3) The main color of the plant vein is green;

[0048] (4) The number of plant leaves is 24 to 25;

[0049] (5) The degree of development of axillary buds of the plant is 1.5;

[0050] (6) The presence or absence of the peduncle is characterized by the characteristics of the leaves, which are resistant to diseases;

[0051] (7) The angle between the stem and the leaf is average;

[0052] (8) The length of the leaf is 60 to 65cm;

[0053] (9) The width of the sheet is 30 to 35 cm;

[0054] (10) The leaf shape is broad elliptical;

[0055] (11) The cross-sectional shape of the sheet is convex;

[0056] (12) The longitudinal section of the leaf is moderately curved backwards;

[0057] (13) The degree of unevenness of the sheet surface is average;

[0058] (14) The wavy shape of the leaf edge is weak;

[0059] (15) The degree of development of the leaf ear is strong; and

[0060] (16) Leaf color is pale green.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco material may be obtained from a plant having one or more morphological characteristics from the following (17) to (32).

[0062] (17) Medium-sized ground-leaf plant;

[0063] (18) Early flowering season;

[0064] (19) Flowering period from 60 to 65 days;

[0065] (20) Flower length from 55 to 60 mm;

[0066] (21) Flower tube diameter from 5 to 6 mm;

[0067] (22) Flower corolla size from 28 to 32 mm;

[0068] (23) The degree of protrusion at the end of the corolla is strong;

[0069] (24) Corolla color is pink;

[0070] (25) The development of flower stamens is normal;

[0071] (26) The length of the pistil is small compared to the stamen;

[0072] (27) Flower shape is inverted conical;

[0073] (28) Flowers are located above the upper leaf;

[0074] (29) Flower density is average;

[0075] (30) Capsule shape is oval;

[0076] (31) Male sterility is absent; and

[0077] (32) No resistance to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and potato virus Y (PVY).

[0078] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco material may be obtained from a plant having one or more of the morphological characteristics from the above-described (1) to (32).

[0079] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco material may be obtained from tobacco (Latin name: Nicotiana tabacum L.) with the variety name KF 128, the variety of which is registered in the Korean Seed Variety Service. KF128 may have one or more of the above-mentioned characteristics.

[0080] At the same time, KF128 may have distinctive characteristics as shown below, (33) - (40), compared with K326, which is currently the main type of flue-cured tobacco cultivated in the United States.

[0081] (33) KF128 has long leaves compared with K326;

[0082] (34) KF128 has wide leaves compared with K326;

[0083] (35) KF128 has wide elliptical leaf shape, and K326 has narrow elliptical leaf shape;

[0084] (36) KF128 has a medium leaf tip shape, and K326 has a very pointed leaf tip shape;

[0085] (37) KF 128 has a medium degree of sheet surface roughness, and K326 has a high degree of sheet surface roughness;

[0086] (38) KF128 has slightly wavy leaf edge shape, and K326 has moderately wavy leaf edge shape;

[0087] (39) KF128 has short flower length compared with K326;

[0088] (40) KF 128 has a small whisk size compared to K326.

[0089] In a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco material may have a total nitrogen content of 0.05% to 1%. A nitrogen-containing substance among smoke components, in particular NO3, is a precursor of substances that cause irritation during smoking, and is also a component that causes odor. The use of a tobacco material with a low total nitrogen content can reduce irritation during smoking. In addition, it is possible to reduce the tobacco odor generated during / after smoking by reducing the odor-causing components themselves. Furthermore, there is an advantage in that it is possible to reduce the tobacco odor remaining in the mouth, on clothes, hands, etc. after smoking by reducing nitrogen compounds, which are odorizing components characteristic of tobacco, contained in the mainstream and sidestream smoke.

[0090] A smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may further comprise an auxiliary substance such as, but not limited to, a binder or other additive.

[0091] The binder is a material capable of increasing hardness to ensure good binding of shredded tobacco material, etc., and any material known in the relevant art can be used without limitation. For example, it may contain one or more selected from the group consisting of alginate; cellulose such as methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose; dextran; gum; gum derivatives such as hydroxyethyl guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, hydroxyethylated locust bean gum and hydroxypropylated locust bean gum; pectins such as fruit pectin, citrus pectin and tobacco pectin; starch such as modified or derivatized starch; pullulan; and konjac powder.

[0092] The other additive may further comprise one or more selected from the group consisting of a humectant, a plasticizer, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and a combination thereof; but not limited to them.

[0093] A humectant is a material that helps maintain the desired level of humidity in a part with a material, and may include, but is not limited to, glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.

[0094] The plasticizer is a preparation that improves moldability by plasticizing the material, and may include, for example, one or more compatible plasticizers selected from the group consisting of triacetin, dibutyl phthalate, dibutyl sebacate, diethyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, acetylated tributyl citrate, acetylated triethyl citrate, diacetylated monoglyceride, dibutyl sebacate, mineral oil, benzyl benzoate, chlorobutanol, glycerol monostearate, lanolin alcohol, and cellulose acetate phthalate, but not limited thereto.

[0095] Examples of tobacco fiber may include tobacco cellulose fiber, and when contained, the tensile strength of the tobacco material may be increased. However, examples of non-tobacco fiber are known in the art and may include non-tobacco cellulose fiber. Examples of suitable non-tobacco fiber may include one or more selected from the group consisting of hardwood fiber, softwood fiber, jute fiber, and flax fiber, but are not limited thereto.

[0096] In a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention, the portion with the material may have a mass of, for example, from 500 to 700 mg / cig.

[0097] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter portion may be located at the lower end of the smoking article and may be a single filter or a composite filter. A composite filter may be, for example, a double or triple filter.

[0098] The filter portion may contain at least one fiber from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, lyocell, polypropylene, polyester, and polylactic acid, but not limited to the examples described.

[0099] The filter portion may further contain activated carbon and a plasticizer. Activated carbon can reduce smoke components present in mainstream smoke. Not only ordinary activated carbon, but also superactivated carbon and composite activated carbon can be used as activated carbon. The plasticizer can impart hardness to the smoking article through interfiber bonding, and triacetin can be used as a plasticizer.

[0100] Furthermore, the filter portion may further comprise a capsule containing a flavoring liquid to enhance the tobacco flavor, and a filter treated with the flavoring substance may be used. The capsule containing the flavoring liquid exhibits crushability and can be crushed by applying pressure. For example, when crushed by hand, the flavoring liquid inside the capsule can wet the filter portion. Furthermore, the filter treated with the flavoring substance can be manufactured, for example, using a transfer jet nozzle system (TJNS) method, which sprays the flavored liquid onto the tow during the filter manufacturing process.If the capsule containing the aromatic liquid and the TJNS filter are used at the same time, it may be preferable for the filter containing the activated carbon to be located upstream of the capsule and the TJNS filter, since the components of the aromatic liquid are adsorbed on it when passing through the activated carbon, and there is a concern that its function may be reduced.

[0101] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter portion may have a draw resistance of 60 to 100 mm H2O. For example, the draw resistance may be 70 to 90 mm H2O or 77 to 85 mm H2O.

[0102] A smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a filter wrapping paper surrounding the filter portion, a mouthpiece paper surrounding the filter wrapping paper, and a cigarette paper.

[0103] The filter wrapping paper may surround the filter portion to form a filter segment. For example, the filter wrapping paper may have an oil-proof function to prevent the contents from seeping into the mouthpiece paper by crushing the capsules contained in the filter portion.

[0104] The mouthpiece paper is the paper that connects the cigarette and filter and may contain perforations. The perforations serve to dilute the smoke components of the smoking product by increasing the degree of tobacco dilution.

[0105] Cigarette paper is a thin, lightweight paper used for rolling and smoking cigarettes, primarily made from flax and wood pulp. Additives used in cigarette paper can include filler and combustion enhancer. Filler can increase whiteness and opacity, regulate porosity, and reduce the paper's odor during combustion. Combustion enhancer can either promote or inhibit combustion.

[0106] In the smoking article according to the present invention, the smoking article may have an out-of-capsule draw resistance (UPD) and an in-capsule draw resistance (EPD) of 80 to 100 mmH2O and 120 to 155 mmH2O, respectively. Here, UPD refers to the draw resistance when smoking without blocking the filter perforations, and EPD refers to the draw resistance when smoking after blocking the filter perforations.

[0107] For the smoking article according to the present invention, the UPD / EPD value may be from 0.5 to 0.9, preferably from 0.51 to 0.8. By decreasing the UPD / EPD value, the suction is improved, and the feeling of smoke volume can be enhanced.

[0108] The circumference of the smoking product can range from 15 to 30 mm, preferably from 16 to 27 mm. For example, the circumference of the smoking product can be 24.2 mm for regular cigarettes, 21.7 mm for slim cigarettes, and 16.7 mm for ultra-slim cigarettes.

[0109] The smoking product may have a hardness of 55 to 98%. For example, the smoking product may have a hardness of 60 to 96% or 70 to 80%.

[0110] However, it is not limited to the described range.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present invention, the smoking article may have an air dilution rate of 10 to 60%. For example, the air dilution rate may be 20 to 60% or 30 to 40%.

[0112] In one embodiment of the present invention, the resin among the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article may be contained in an amount of 4 to 8 mg / sig.

[0113] In one embodiment of the present invention, nicotine among the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article may be contained in an amount of 0.02 to 0.05 mg / cig. For example, nicotine may be contained in an amount of 0.02 to 0.04 mg / cig.

[0114] In one embodiment of the present invention, carbon monoxide among the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article may be contained in an amount of 3 to 18 mg / cig. For example, carbon monoxide may be contained in an amount of 5 to 11 mg / cig.

[0115] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tar and nicotine among the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article may have a relative content of 80:1 to 400:1. For example, the tar and nicotine among the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article may have a relative content of 100:1 to 400:1, 111:1 to 334:1, 90:1 to 355:1, 112:1 to 355:1, 125:1 to 296:1, 175:1 to 210:1, or 180:1 to 200:1.

[0116] A smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may be of a combustible or non-combustible type. A combustible smoking article may be a conventional cigarette. A non-combustible smoking article includes an electric smoking article, which is heated indirectly by electrical energy rather than by direct combustion.

[0117] In the case of an electric smoking article, it may include a non-combustible smoking article and an aerosol-generating device into which the non-combustible smoking article can be inserted. The electric smoking article may be a product that enables smoking in such a way that it heats the inserted smoking article using electrical energy to generate an aerosol and releases the aerosol after such aerosol is inhaled by the user.

[0118] A non-combustible smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may have various designs.

[0119] For example, a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a support structure and a cooling structure between the material portion and the filter portion.

[0120] The support structure can be located downstream of the material portion and can be a tube-shaped structure including a cavity therein. The support structure serves to support the material portion so that it does not move when the material portion is inserted into the aerosol generating device, and can serve to spread the spray. The support structure can be manufactured, for example, using cellulose acetate, and the hardness of the support structure can be adjusted by changing the amount of plasticizer added during the manufacturing of the support structure. Alternatively, the support structure can be manufactured by inserting a structure, such as a film, tube, or the like, made of a homogeneous or non-homogeneous material, into the cavity.

[0121] The cooling structure may be located downstream of the supporting structure. When a smoker inhales the aerosol generated by heating the material portion, heat may be generated, particularly during the first puff, which may lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction in the smoker. The cooling structure may serve as a cooling element that cools the aerosol generated by heating the material portion. Consequently, the smoker can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

[0122] As another example, a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a pre-filter segment and a support structure, as well as a material portion and a filter portion.

[0123] The pre-filter segment may be located upstream of the material portion. The pre-filter segment may serve to identify the product as a special smoking article used in an aerosol generating device. The pre-filter segment may be made, for example, of cellulose acetate. A cavity or microchannels may be formed in the center of the pre-filter segment, preventing tobacco material from being removed from the material portion but merely providing a channel for airflow.

[0124] However, the above-described examples are only examples of a non-combustible type smoking article in which the present invention can be used, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0125] The aerosol generating device may contain, in whole or in part, a battery, controller, evaporator, and heater. The arrangement of these components may vary depending on the design of the aerosol generating device.

[0126] The battery can supply the power necessary for the operation of the aerosol generating device. For example, the battery can supply power to heat the heater and can supply power to operate the controller. Additionally, the battery can supply power to operate the display, sensor, motor, etc., installed in the aerosol generating device.

[0127] The controller can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. For example, the controller can control the operation of the battery, heater, and other components that may be included in the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the controller can determine whether the aerosol generating device is operational by checking the status of each component of the aerosol generating device.

[0128] A vaporizer can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition. The vaporizer may include, for example, a liquid storage portion, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element, but is not limited to them. When a smoking article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device can generate an aerosol from the smoking article and / or the vaporizer by operating the heater and / or the vaporizer. The generated aerosol passes through the smoking article and is delivered to the smoker. The vaporizer may be referred to as a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to them.

[0129] The heater may be heated by power from a battery. For example, when a smoking article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, a heater may be inserted into certain areas of the smoking article to heat the interior of the smoking article, the exterior of the smoking article, or both the interior and exterior of the smoking article, thereby atomizing an aerosol of volatile substances within the smoking article. The heater may have various shapes, such as a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, or a columnar shape, and there may be one or more heaters. The heater may be a resistive electric heater or an induction heater.

[0130] The aerosol generating device may also comprise general-purpose components in addition to the above-described components.

[0131] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0132] 1. Manufacturing of smoking articles

[0133] The ultra-low nicotine smoking articles were manufactured according to Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1-3. The design details of the examples and comparative examples are shown in Table 1 below. The components and contents of the material part are as follows.

[0134] Example 1

[0135] The material portion contained a tobacco material containing flue-cured tobacco, exploded tobacco, and exploded stems, and the tobacco material was mixed from 55% by weight of flue-cured tobacco, 25% by weight of exploded tobacco, and 20% by weight of exploded stems of the total mass.

[0136] Example 2

[0137] The material portion contained a tobacco material containing flue-cured tobacco, exploded tobacco, and exploded stems, and the tobacco material was mixed from 55.3% by weight of flue-cured tobacco, 22.3% by weight of exploded tobacco, and 22.4% by weight of exploded stems of the total mass.

[0138] Comparative example 1

[0139] The material portion contained tobacco material containing flue-cured tobacco and exploded stems, and the tobacco material was mixed from 78.9% by weight of flue-cured tobacco and 19.4% by weight of exploded stems of the total mass.

[0140] Comparative example 2

[0141] The material portion contained a tobacco material containing flue-cured tobacco, exploded tobacco, and exploded stems, and the tobacco material was mixed from 45.0% by weight of flue-cured tobacco, 20.0% by weight of exploded tobacco, and 35.0% by weight of exploded stems of the total mass.

[0142] Comparative example 3

[0143] The material portion contained a tobacco material containing flue-cured tobacco, exploded tobacco, and exploded stems, and the tobacco material was mixed from 63.2% by weight of flue-cured tobacco, 24.0% by weight of exploded tobacco, and 12.7% by weight of exploded stems of the total mass.

[0144] [Table 1]

[0145] Tested positions Example 1 Example 2 Comparative example 1 Comparative example 2 Comparative example 3 Cigarette construction Overall length (mm) 84 84 83 84 84 Filter length (mm) 24 24 25 24 24 Length of part with material (mm) 60 60 58 60 60 Mouthpiece paper length (mm) 29 29 30 29 29 Cigarette circumference (mm) 24.6 24.6 24.8 24.6 24.6 Part with material Weight (mg / sig) 575 673 652 681 646 Part with filter Type Acemono + acemono (activated carbon) Acemono + acemono (activated carbon) Acemono + paper filter Acemono + acemono (activated carbon) Acemono + acemono (activated carbon) Tightening resistance (mm H2O) 85 77 90 76 75 UPD of the smoking product (mm H2O) 97 86 126 85 85 EPD of a smoking product (mm H2O) 125 153 143 147 147

[0146] Hereinafter, "acemono" refers to a filter made of cellulose acetate tow. Examples 1 and 2 and comparative examples 2 and 3 are examples in which activated carbon is added to the acemono filter portion. Comparative example 1 is a filter with a dual combination of acemono and paper filters and does not contain activated carbon.

[0147] 2. Experimental Example 1: Analysis of Nicotine, NO3, and Ammonia Contents in Tobacco Materials

[0148] The nicotine, NO3, and ammonia contents of the tobacco materials according to Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1–3 were analyzed as follows. The analysis was performed using an automatic analysis method. 0.5 g of the material powder was immersed in a 5% acetic acid solution, the extract was filtered and subjected to color analysis. The component contents were then analyzed by visible wavelength absorption analysis using continuous flow analysis (CFA) equipment. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0149] [Table 2]

[0150] Content (%) Example 1 Example 2 Comparative example 1 Comparative example 2 Comparative example 3 Nicotine 0.05 or less 0.05 0.08 0.05 0.06 NO3 0,34 0.34 1.99 0.48 0.23 Ammonia 0,05 0.05 0.45 0.05 0.05

[0151] 3. Experimental Example 2: Analysis of Mainstream Smoke Components of Smoking Article

[0152] The analysis results of the mainstream smoke components according to Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1-3 are shown in Table 3 below.

[0153] [Table 3]

[0154] Classification TPM (total particulate matter) (mg / sig) Resin (mg / sig) Nicotine (mg / cig) Carbon monoxide (mg / sig) Number of puffs Example 1 7,9 7,1 0,036 10,6 6,5 Example 2 5,0 4,5 0,024 5,0 8,4 Comparative example 1 8,4 7,7 0,046 17,1 5,8 Comparative example 2 4,5 4,0 0,025 5,1 8,4 Comparative example 3 4,6 4,6 0,027 5,0 8,2

[0155] When comparing the results of Example 1, in which the number of puffs was about 6, with Comparative Example 1, the nicotine content in the mainstream smoke was reduced by 0.01 mg / cig in Example 1 compared with Comparative Example 1. The ratio of the tar content to the nicotine content was 197:1 in Example 1 and 167:1 in Comparative Example 1, and it can be seen that the reduction ratio of the nicotine content is greater than the reduction ratio of the tar content in the mainstream smoke in Example 1.

[0156] When comparing the results of Example 2, in which the number of puffs was 8 or more, with Comparative Examples 2 and 3, the nicotine content in the mainstream smoke was reduced by 0.001 to 0.003 mg / cig in Example 2 compared with Comparative Examples 2 and 3. The ratio of the tar content to the nicotine content was 188:1 in Example 2, 160:1 in Comparative Example 2, and 170:1 in Comparative Example 3, and it can be seen that the reduction ratio of the nicotine content is greater than the reduction ratio of the tar content in the mainstream smoke in Example 2.

[0157] At the same time, the carbon monoxide content in the main smoke streams of examples 1 and 2 showed reduced results compared to comparative examples 1-3.

[0158] 4. Experimental Example 3: Evaluation of Tobacco Taste

[0159] Organoleptic evaluation was conducted to compare the taste of tobacco in Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The organoleptic evaluation was quantified by confirming the cigarette taste perceived by the smoker during smoking and was conducted with 17 members of the evaluation panel, and the evaluation was based on a total score of 7 points. The results of the organoleptic evaluation are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0160] FIG. 1 is the result of the organoleptic evaluation protocol of tobacco flavors according to Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 under the same conditions. Compared with Comparative Example 1, Example 1 showed results in which the taste and odor were reduced, the aftertaste became cleaner, and the overall taste of tobacco was improved.

[0161] FIG. 2 is the result of the organoleptic evaluation of tobacco flavors according to Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 under the same conditions. Compared with Comparative Example 2, Example 2 showed results in which irritation, taste, and odor were reduced, the aftertaste became cleaner, and the overall taste of tobacco was improved.

[0162] 5. Experimental Example 4: Measurement of Flammability

[0163] The combustibility in the present invention refers to the time required for a smoking article to burn 30 mm under natural conditions. The combustibility in Example 1 was measured using an automatic time-distance analysis method. Specifically, the time required for 30 mm of natural combustion according to Example 1 was measured 10 times and then repeated to obtain the resulting value. In this case, the pre-treatment was carried out under the conditions of a temperature of 22 ± 1 °C and a humidity of 60 ± 2%, and the experiment was carried out under the conditions of a temperature of 22 ± 2 °C and a humidity of 60 ± 5%.

[0164] As a result, the flammability in Example 1 was measured to be 5 minutes and 38 seconds.

[0165] 6. Experimental Example 5: Measurement of Air Dilution Rates

[0166] The air dilution rates of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1 were measured. As a result, the air dilution rates of Examples 1 and 2 were 32% and 56.1%, respectively, and it was confirmed that the air dilution rates were improved compared with the air dilution rate of 13% in Comparative Example 1.

[0167] Based on the above-mentioned experimental embodiments of the invention, when the invention described in the claims of the present invention is used, it is possible to provide a smoking article with an ultra-low nicotine content that maintains tobacco flavor and combustibility (or thermal conductivity) while maintaining the nicotine content in the tobacco material at only 0.05% or less.

[0168] Although the above-mentioned embodiments of the invention are described using limited drawings, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and changes based on the above description. For example, the corresponding results can be achieved if the described methods are carried out in a manner different from the described method, and / or the described elements of the system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or mixed in a form different from the described method, or replaced or substituted with other elements or equivalents.

[0169] Therefore, other embodiments, other embodiments of the invention and equivalents of the patented claims are included within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. A smoking product with an ultra-low nicotine content, comprising a part with a material and a part with a filter, where the portion with the material contains tobacco material containing flue-cured tobacco, exploded tobacco and exploded veins, wherein the tobacco material contains from 50 to 60% by weight of flue-cured tobacco, from 20 to 30% by weight of blown tobacco and from 10 to 30% by weight of blown stems of the total mass, and where the tobacco material has a nicotine content of 0.01 to 0.05%.

2. A smoking product with an ultra-low nicotine content according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco material is obtained from tobacco Nicotiana tabacum L.

3. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article of claim 1, wherein the flue-cured tobacco, the blown tobacco and the blown stems are separated from at least one selected from the group consisting of thick leaf and thin leaf flue-cured tobacco.

4. A smoking article with an ultra-low nicotine content according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco material is a mixture of leaf tobacco with a total nitrogen content of from 0.05 to 1%.

5. A smoking product with an ultra-low nicotine content according to claim 1, wherein the smoking product has an air dilution rate of 10 to 60%.

6. A smoking product with an ultra-low nicotine content according to claim 1, wherein the tar among the smoke components in the main smoke stream of the smoking product is contained in an amount of 4 to 8 mg / cig.

7. A smoking product with an ultra-low nicotine content according to claim 1, wherein nicotine among the smoke components in the main smoke stream of the smoking product is contained in an amount of from 0.02 to 0.05 mg / cigarette.

8. A smoking product with an ultra-low nicotine content according to claim 1, wherein carbon monoxide among the smoke components in the main smoke stream of the smoking product is contained in an amount of 3 to 18 mg / cig.

9. A smoking product with an ultra-low nicotine content, comprising a part with a material and a part with a filter, where the portion with the material contains tobacco material containing flue-cured tobacco, exploded tobacco and exploded veins, where the tobacco material has a nicotine content of from 0.01 to 0.05%, and where tar and nicotine among the smoke components in the main smoke stream of a smoking product have a relative content of 80:1 - 400:

1.

10. A smoking article with an ultra-low nicotine content according to claim 9, wherein the tobacco material is obtained from tobacco Nicotiana tabacum L.

11. A smoking article with an ultra-low nicotine content according to claim 9, wherein the tobacco material is a mixture of leaf tobacco with a total nitrogen content of from 0.05 to 1%.

12. A smoking product with an ultra-low nicotine content according to claim 9, wherein nicotine among the smoke components in the main smoke stream of the smoking product is contained in an amount of from 0.02 to 0.05 mg / cigarette.

13. A smoking article with an ultra-low nicotine content according to claim 1 or 9, wherein the value of the resistance to draw when smoking without overlapping perforations (UPD) to the resistance to draw when smoking after overlapping perforations of the filter (EPD) is from 0.5 to 0.

9.

14. A smoking article with an ultra-low nicotine content according to claim 1 or 9, wherein the part with the material has a mass of 500 to 700 mg / cigarette.

15. A smoking article with an ultra-low nicotine content according to claim 1 or 9, wherein the portion with the filter may have a draw resistance of 60 to 100 mm H2O.

Images