Nicotine granules comprising capsules, method for manufacturing same, and aerosol-generating article comprising same

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, nicotine granules with a core-shell structure and a method for manufacturing same are provided wherein the core includes a capsule containing a basic solution and the shell contains a nicotine raw material.

Description

Nicotine granules containing capsules, method for producing the same, and aerosol-generating article containing the same

[0001] The following examples relate to nicotine granules comprising capsules, a method for producing the same, and an aerosol-generating article comprising the same.

[0002] Recently, demand for products that replace traditional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, demand is growing for devices that generate aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette stick (e.g., electronic cigarettes). Accordingly, research is being conducted on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and the cigarette sticks (or aerosol-generating products) used therein. For example, Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustible flavor inhaler, a flavor source unit, and an atomizing unit.

[0003] An object of one embodiment is to provide a method for manufacturing nicotine granules and nicotine granules formed thereby, which can save the granule seed manufacturing process time and reduce the production time and cost of granules.

[0004] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same, which can amplify the amount of nicotine delivered according to a consumer's choice and can selectively provide various taste intensities with a single aerosol-generating article.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a nicotine granule having a core-shell structure,

[0006] The core comprises a capsule containing a base solution,

[0007] The above shell contains nicotine raw material,

[0008] Provides nicotine granules.

[0009]

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a medium portion and one or more filter portions are included,

[0011] The above medium provides an aerosol-generating article comprising the nicotine granules.

[0012]

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, in a method for manufacturing a nicotine granule comprising a capsule,

[0014] A capsule manufacturing step (S10) for manufacturing a capsule containing a base solution inside;

[0015] A curing step (S20) for curing the above capsule; and

[0016] A granule forming step (S30) of spraying nicotine raw material onto the outside of a capsule manufactured in the above hardening step;

[0017] A method for manufacturing nicotine granules, including:

[0018] A method for manufacturing nicotine granules according to one embodiment of the present invention omits and replaces the seed forming process for making beads without an existing adhesive, thereby reducing the production time and cost of granules, and the manufactured nicotine granules contain a base solution inside, so that the amount of nicotine transferred can be easily increased by rubbing the granules according to the consumer's choice, and can selectively provide various taste intensities with one aerosol-generating product.

[0019] An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to one embodiment may not heat the aerosol-generating article and may minimize instability due to free nicotine due to pH adjustment.

[0020] In addition, the aerosol-generating product can be used immediately without preheating the device, and sufficient nicotine delivery can be ensured even in non-heating mode to satisfy the user's smoking satisfaction, and the device's lifespan can be expected to increase as it is used in non-heating mode.

[0021]

[0022] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the detailed description of the present invention or the composition of the invention described in the claims.

[0023] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0024]

[0025] Figure 1 is a step-by-step flow chart of a method for manufacturing nicotine granules according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic drawing showing the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments may be modified in various ways, and the scope of the invention is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the embodiments are included within the scope of the invention.

[0029] The terms used in the examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood to not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0031] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. When describing embodiments, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0032] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of the embodiments. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0033] Components included in one embodiment and components with common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the descriptions given in one embodiment can be applied to other embodiments, and detailed descriptions will be omitted to the extent of overlap.

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

[0035] In the following examples, the term "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 cut filler, tobacco granules, or reconstituted tobacco. Reconstituted tobacco may be classified into slurry-type sheet tobacco and paper-type sheet tobacco depending on the manufacturing method. A liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include a liquid composition based on nicotine, tobacco extract, and / or various flavoring agents. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0036] In the following examples, the term "aerosol-generating article" may refer to an aerosol-forming substrate, i.e., an article containing a medium through which an aerosol passes and nicotine contained in the medium is transferred. A representative example of an aerosol-generating article may be a cigarette, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0037] In the following embodiments, an "aerosol generating device" may mean a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol forming substrate to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0038] In the following examples, "upstream" or "upstream direction" may refer to a direction away from the user's (smoker's) mouth, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" may refer to a direction toward the user's mouth. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" may be used to describe the relative positions of elements constituting an aerosol-generating article.

[0039] In the following examples, "puff" means inhalation by the user, and inhalation means drawing into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0040]

[0041] Figure 1 is a step-by-step flow chart of a nicotine granule manufacturing process according to one embodiment.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, a method for manufacturing nicotine granules according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a step of manufacturing a capsule (S10), a step of curing the manufactured capsule (S20), and a step of forming granules using the cured capsule (S30).

[0043] By this configuration, nicotine granules can be efficiently produced without the seed formation process that takes a long time in granule manufacturing using a fluidized bed facility, and the production time and cost of the granules can be reduced.

[0044] When explaining each configuration, first, the capsule manufacturing step (S10) of the present embodiment forms a core (capsule) that encloses a base solution among nicotine granules forming a core-shell structure, and may include a step of forming a core of a base solution (S11), a step of coating a hydrophobic substance (S12), and a step of coating a hydrophilic substance (S13).

[0045] First, the step (S11) of forming a core of a base solution may be performed by introducing base solution microspheres into a low-temperature liquid such as liquid nitrogen, so that the base solution is cooled in the low-temperature liquid to form a spherical core. At this time, the time for which the base solution is immersed in the low-temperature liquid may be about 5 seconds to about 15 seconds, and when it is in this range, the spherical core can be formed best. Meanwhile, the base solution used in forming the core may include at least one substance among potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and calcium oxide (CaO), and the substances included in the base solution are not limited to the examples described above.

[0046] The step of coating with a hydrophobic substance (S12) may be to coat the core of the previously formed base solution by immersing it in a hydrophobic substance so as to surround the entire surface of the core. Since the hydrophobic substance can directly contact the previously formed base solution, it is not particularly limited as long as it can withstand the base solution and adhere well to the surface of the core. Specifically, the hydrophobic substance may include at least one selected from the group consisting of paraffin wax, embed, crystal palm, multi-wax, carnauba wax, candelia wax, castor wax, microcrytallin wax, gel wax, beeswax, stearic acid, and polyethylene wax. In addition, the composition and mixing ratio of the hydrophobic substance may vary depending on the selection of the base solution. The hydrophobic substance may be contained in a container at a temperature of about 80 degrees Celsius to about 140 degrees Celsius, and the core may be placed in the container to coat the hydrophobic substance on the surface of the core. When the temperature is within this range, the hydrophobic substance may be best adhered to the surface of the core. The time that the core is immersed in the hydrophobic substance may be about 0.5 seconds to about 3 seconds, and when the temperature is within this range, the hydrophobic substance may be best adhered to the surface of the core.

[0047] Thereafter, the step (S13) of coating a hydrophilic material may be performed by injecting the previously formed hydrophobic material-coated core into the hydrophilic material and coating the core so as to surround the entire surface of the coated hydrophobic material. The hydrophilic material is not particularly limited as long as it can adhere well to the surface of the hydrophobic material and allow the nicotine raw material slurry described later to be well laminated, but specifically, it may include at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate, carrageenan, gelatin, agar, and gum. In addition, the properties of the coated hydrophilic material can be controlled depending on the composition and mixing ratio of the hydrophilic material. The hydrophilic material may be contained in a container at room temperature, and the hydrophilic material may be coated by injecting the hydrophobic material-coated core into the container. When in this temperature range, the hydrophilic material may be best attached to the surface of the hydrophobic material. The time for which the core coated with the hydrophobic material is immersed in the hydrophilic material may be from about 0.5 seconds to about 10 seconds, and when it is in this range, the hydrophilic material may be best attached to the surface of the hydrophobic material.

[0048] Through the capsule manufacturing steps described above, it is possible to manufacture a seed capable of forming an initial capsule, i.e., a nicotine granule. In other words, without using an adhesive, an initial capsule having a size of 30 mesh or less, i.e., a size of approximately 595 μm or more, can be easily obtained as a seed capable of forming nicotine granules. By manufacturing an initial capsule having the above-described size, the production time and cost of the granules can be more effectively reduced.

[0049] In addition, as described above, by including a base solution inside the capsule, the medium portion containing the nicotine granules formed thereby can be rubbed to induce a reaction inside the granules, thereby maximizing the amount of nicotine transferred. If the user wishes to use the capsule without maximizing the amount of nicotine transferred, there is an advantage in that the user can select and control the amount of nicotine transferred by simply using it without rubbing the medium portion.

[0050]

[0051] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the curing step (S20) is a step of curing the capsule manufactured by the capsule manufacturing step (S10), and the capsule can be cured using ethanol or the like. Through this, a capsule having a desired hardness can be obtained, and moisture absorption prevention of the capsule can also be implemented.

[0052]

[0053] The granule forming step (S30) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a step of spraying nicotine raw material onto the outside of the capsule using the capsule that has undergone the above-described hardening step as a seed, and the nicotine raw material may be formed by crushing leaf tobacco.

[0054] Specifically, it includes a process of spraying a slurry obtained by crushing leaf tobacco containing nicotine onto the outer surface of the capsule, thereby causing the nicotine raw material to be laminated onto the surface of the capsule and increasing the size of the granules. The nicotine raw material laminated onto the surface of the capsule in this way forms a shell in a core-shell structure. Thereafter, a size selection process is performed to obtain nicotine granules of a desired size.

[0055]

[0056] Meanwhile, by additionally spraying a base solution onto the surface of the completed nicotine granules, pH-treated nicotine granules having a pH of 7.0 or more and 9.5 or less can be formed. By performing the pH treatment as described above, free nicotine (nicotine in a gaseous state) can be transferred from the medium substrate even under non-heating conditions or relatively low temperature conditions. That is, by adjusting the pH of the nicotine granules in the medium portion to a range of 7.0 or more and 9.5 or less, volatile free nicotine can be transferred under non-heating conditions, and a sufficient level of taste intensity can be implemented.

[0057]

[0058] FIG. 2 is a drawing schematically showing the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Nicotine granules manufactured according to one embodiment of the present invention may be included in a medium portion, and ultimately included in an aerosol-generating article comprising the medium portion and one or more filter portions.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating article (12) according to one embodiment may include a medium portion (122), a first filter portion (121), a second filter portion (123), and a wrapper (125).

[0061] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article (12) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (125). The wrapper may have at least one hole formed therein to allow external air to enter or internal gas to escape. The wrapper (125) may comprise a material having high thermal conductivity.

[0062] For example, the first filter unit (121) may be wrapped by the first wrapper (1251), the medium unit (122) may be wrapped by the second wrapper (1252), and the second filter unit (123) may be wrapped by the third wrapper (1253). In addition, the entire aerosol-generating article (12) may be repackaged by the fourth wrapper (1254).

[0063] In one embodiment, the first wrapper (1251), the second wrapper (1252), and the third wrapper (1253) may be manufactured from porous paper. For example, the porosity of each of the first wrapper (1251), the second wrapper (1252), and the third wrapper (1253) may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of each of the first wrapper (1251), the second wrapper (1252), and the third wrapper (1253) may be within a range of 70 μm to 80 μm. In addition, the basis weight of each of the first wrapper (1251), the second wrapper (1252), and the third wrapper (1253) may be 20 g / m. 2 ~ 25g / m 2 may be included within the scope of.

[0064] For example, the second wrapper (1252) may include an aluminum component. For example, the second wrapper (1252) may be a combination of a general filter paper and a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. Additionally, the second wrapper (1252) may be made of sterile filter paper (MFW).

[0065] In one embodiment, the third wrapper (1253) may be made of PLA paper. Here, the PLA paper refers to three layers of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper (1253) may be within a range of 100 μm to 120 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the third wrapper (1253) is 80 g / m. 2 ~ 100g / m 2 may be included within the scope of.

[0066] In one embodiment, the fourth wrapper (1254) may be made of sterile paper (MFW). For example, the weight of the fourth wrapper (1254) is 57 g / m 2 ~ 63g / m 2 It can be included within the range of . In addition, the thickness of the fourth wrapper (1254) can be included within the range of 64㎛ to 70㎛.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first filter unit (121) may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. Furthermore, the first filter unit (121) may be composed of a paper filter, a porous molding, or the like. For example, the length of the first filter unit (121) may be 4 to 15 mm, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the first filter unit (121) may be colored or flavored.

[0068] In one embodiment, the medium portion (122) may include a cavity, and the cavity may be filled with a medium. For example, the medium material filled in the medium portion (122) may include nicotine granules manufactured according to the method for manufacturing nicotine granules described in detail above. For example, the length of the medium portion (122) may be adopted as an appropriate length within the range of 6 mm to 18 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0069] In general, since nicotine granules have significantly lower moisture and / or aerosol-forming agent content than other types of tobacco materials (e.g., cut tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.), they can significantly reduce the generation of visible smoke, and thus the smokeless function of the aerosol generating device (11) can be easily implemented. However, the diameter, density, filling ratio, composition ratio of constituent materials, heating temperature, etc. of the nicotine granules can be varied, and this can vary depending on the embodiment. The diameter of the nicotine granules can be about 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm. Within this numerical range, the appropriate hardness and ease of manufacturing of the tobacco granules can be ensured, and the probability of vortex generation within the cavity can be increased.

[0070] Additionally, the medium (122) may include an aerosol-generating substance such as glycerin. Additionally, the medium (122) may contain other additives such as a flavoring agent, a humectant, and / or an organic acid. Additionally, a flavoring agent such as menthol or a moisturizer may be added to the medium (122) by spraying it onto the medium (122).

[0071] In one embodiment, the medium within the medium portion (122) may include pH-treated nicotine granules. For example, the nicotine granules may be pH-treated to have alkalinity with a pH adjuster such as a base solution, and may include, for example, at least one of potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and calcium oxide (CaO). However, the material included in the pH adjuster is not limited to the examples described above, and any material that produces less negative odor during smoking may be used. The pH adjuster such as a base solution may increase the pH of the medium substrate included in the medium portion (122). Compared to a medium substrate not treated with a pH adjuster such as a base solution, a medium substrate including nicotine granules treated with a basic pH increases the release amount of nicotine when heated. That is, in the case of a medium substrate treated with a basic pH, a sufficient nicotine yield can be achieved even when the medium portion (122) is heated at a low temperature.

[0072] In one embodiment, the nicotine granules may be adjusted to a pH range of 7.0 to 9.5. This pH treatment allows free nicotine to be transferred from the medium substrate even under non-heated or relatively low temperature conditions. That is, by adjusting the pH of the medium substrate of the medium portion (122) to a range of 7.0 to 9.5, volatile free nicotine can be transferred under non-heated conditions, thereby achieving a sufficient level of taste intensity.

[0073] In one embodiment, the first filter portion and / or the second filter portion may be manufactured from a cellulose acetate filter portion and may further include a plasticizer such as triacetin (TA) or triethyl citrate (TEC). This allows free nicotine in the medium portion to be adsorbed to at least one of the first filter portion and the second filter portion.

[0074] In one embodiment, a tube filter may be coupled to the downstream side of the medium portion (122) of the aerosol generating article (12).

[0075]

[0076] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating system (1) according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating device (11) and an aerosol generating article (12).

[0078] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device (11) according to one embodiment may include a battery (111), a control unit (112), a vaporizer (113), and a long cavity (114).

[0079] The aerosol generating device (11) illustrated in FIG. 3 only illustrates components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device (11) may further include other general-purpose components. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device (11) may be in the form of a stick or a holder.

[0080] In one embodiment, the battery (111) may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (11). For example, the battery (111) may supply current to the vaporizer (113) so that the vaporizer (113) may heat the liquid composition. Additionally, the battery (111) may supply power necessary for the operation of a display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (11).

[0081] In one embodiment, the battery (111) may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the battery (111) may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium ion battery.

[0082] For example, the battery (111) may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the capacity of the battery (111) may range from 120 mAh to 250 mAh, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the battery (111) may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, when 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. In addition, for static use, the battery (111) may be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity can be secured even when charging / discharging is performed 2000 times.

[0083] In one embodiment, the control unit (112) controls the overall 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). In addition, the control unit (112) can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (11) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (11) is operable.

[0084] In one embodiment, the control unit (112) includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable on the microprocessor. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the processor may be implemented using other types of hardware.

[0085] In one embodiment, the vaporizer (113) can heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol and can emit the generated aerosol toward an aerosol-generating article (12) inserted into an elongated cavity (114) such that the generated aerosol passes through the aerosol-generating article (12). Accordingly, a tobacco flavor can be added to the aerosol passing through the aerosol-generating article (12), and a user can inhale the aerosol with the tobacco flavor by inhaling one end of the aerosol-generating article (12) with the mouth. In one embodiment, the vaporizer (113) can be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer. In one embodiment, the vaporizer (113) can be coupled to the aerosol-generating device (11) so as to be replaceable.

[0086] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (11) may further include a heater. The aerosol generating article (12) according to one embodiment can transfer nicotine even under non-heated conditions. Furthermore, in a low-temperature heating mode using the heater, the transfer of nicotine can be promoted, thereby increasing the amount of nicotine transferred. The low-temperature heating mode using the heater can realize a higher nicotine taste intensity than the non-heated board, and the amount of nicotine transferred can be easily controlled through the non-heating mode and the low-temperature heating mode.

[0087] The heater 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 can be located outside the aerosol-generating article (12). Accordingly, the heated heater can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol-generating article (12).

[0088] For example, the heater may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater is not limited to the above-described examples, and any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature may be used without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device (11), or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0089] Meanwhile, as another example, the heater may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater may include an electrically conductive coil for inductively heating the aerosol-generating article (12), and the aerosol-generating article (12) may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0090] For example, the heater 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 may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol-generating article (12) depending on the shape of the heat transfer element.

[0091] In addition, a plurality of heaters may be arranged in the aerosol generating device (11). At this time, the plurality of heaters may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article (12) or may be arranged on the exterior of the aerosol generating article (12). In addition, some of the plurality of heaters may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article (12), and the remainder may be arranged on the exterior of the aerosol generating article (12).

[0092] In one embodiment, the elongated cavity (114) can accommodate an aerosol-generating article (12). In one embodiment, a heater can be disposed surrounding an outer surface of the elongated cavity (114) to heat the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the elongated cavity (114). In one embodiment, the heater can be disposed surrounding at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongated cavity (114).

[0093] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (11) may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery (111), control unit (112), vaporizer (113), and elongated cavity (114). For example, the aerosol generating device (11) may include a sensing unit, an output unit, a user input unit, a memory, and a communication unit.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (11) may include vaporizers (113) and elongated cavities (114) arranged in series or parallel.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (113) can flow into the elongated cavity (114) through the airflow passage in the aerosol generating device (11) and pass through the aerosol generating article (12). Accordingly, 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 added with tobacco flavor or nicotine by inhaling one end of the aerosol generating article (12) with the mouth.

[0096] 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.

[0097] In one embodiment, the liquid reservoir can store a liquid composition capable of generating an aerosol upon heating. In one embodiment, the liquid composition can be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, and in another embodiment, the liquid composition can be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material. Furthermore, the liquid composition can store a volume of liquid ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 mL, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the liquid reservoir can be exchangeably coupled within the vaporizer (113).

[0098] For example, the liquid composition may include water, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients. The flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Additionally, the liquid composition may include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0099] In one embodiment, the liquid delivery means can transfer the liquid composition from the liquid reservoir to the heating element. In one embodiment, the liquid delivery means can be a wick, such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics, that can transfer the liquid composition from the liquid reservoir to the heating element using capillary action.

[0100] 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, or the like. Furthermore, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by a current supply and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0101] In one embodiment, the airflow passage may be arranged such that the generated aerosol is emitted toward the inserted aerosol-generating article (12). That is, the aerosol generated by the heating element may be emitted through the airflow passage.

[0102] 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. In addition, the control unit (112) can control to supply current to the heating element for a preset period of time when the user's puff is detected. For example, the control unit (112) can control to supply current to the heating element for 1 to 5 seconds from the time the user's puff is detected.

[0103] In one embodiment, the control unit (112) can control the opening / closing state of the airflow passage to control the amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer (113). Specifically, the control unit (112) can increase the size of the gap in the airflow passage to increase the amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer (113), and can decrease the size of the gap in the airflow passage to decrease the amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer (113). For example, the control unit (112) can control the gap in the airflow passage using a dial method.

[0104] In one embodiment, the control unit (112) can notify the user of a shortage of liquid composition through a vibration motor or a display when the liquid composition in the liquid storage unit is less than a preset amount.

[0105] In one embodiment, the control unit (112) can control the temperature at which the heater heats the aerosol-generating article (12). For example, the control unit (112) can regulate the temperature at which the heater heats the medium.

[0106] In one embodiment, the control unit (112) can control the heater between a non-heating mode and a low-temperature heating mode. In the non-heating mode, the heater may not heat the aerosol-generating article (12), and the medium portion may not be heated at this time. In the low-temperature heating mode, the heater may low-temperature heat the aerosol-generating article (12) to a temperature of 0 degrees Celsius or higher and 150 degrees Celsius or lower. In this case, the medium portion may be low-temperature heated to a temperature of 0 degrees Celsius or higher and 150 degrees Celsius or lower.

[0107] As the aerosol-generating article (12) switches between non-heating mode and low-temperature heating mode, the taste intensity can be adjusted. In non-heating mode, the amount of nicotine transferred from the medium portion is relatively low, so the taste intensity can be relatively low. In low-temperature heating mode, compared to the non-heating mode, the amount of nicotine transferred from the medium portion is relatively high, so the taste intensity can be relatively high. Therefore, in low-temperature heating mode, sufficient taste intensity can be secured even without increasing the pH of the medium portion.

[0108]

[0109] The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection for the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0110] The features and aspects of any of the above-described embodiments may be combined with the features and aspects of any other embodiments without resulting in an obvious technical conflict.

Claims

1. In nicotine granules having a core-shell structure, The above core comprises a capsule containing a base solution, The above shell contains nicotine raw material, Nicotine granules.

2. In paragraph 1, Nicotine granules, wherein the inner surface of the membrane of the above capsule is composed of a hydrophobic material.

3. In paragraph 1, Nicotine granules, wherein the outer surface of the membrane of the above capsule is composed of a hydrophilic material.

4. In paragraph 1, The size of the above capsule is 30 mesh or less, nicotine granules.

5. Containing a medium section and one or more filter sections, An aerosol-generating article, wherein the medium comprises nicotine granules as described in claim 1.

6. In paragraph 5, An aerosol-generating article comprising nicotine granules that have been pH-treated so that the pH is 7.0 or more and 9.5 or less.

7. In paragraph 5, The above filter part is an aerosol-generating article in which free nicotine released from the medium part is transferred and adsorbed.

8. In paragraph 5, An aerosol-generating article further comprising a tube filter on the downstream side of the medium portion.

9. In paragraph 5, The above filter part contains cellulose acetate (CA), An aerosol-generating article comprising one or more plasticizers selected from the group consisting of triacetin and triethyl citrate (TEC).

10. A method for manufacturing nicotine granules containing capsules, A capsule manufacturing step (S10) for manufacturing a capsule containing a base solution inside; A curing step (S20) for curing the above capsule; and A granule forming step (S30) of spraying nicotine raw material onto the outside of a capsule manufactured in the above-mentioned hardening step; A method for manufacturing nicotine granules, comprising:

11. In paragraph 10, The above capsule manufacturing step (S10) is Step of forming a core of a base solution (S11); Step (S12) of coating a hydrophobic material on the outside of the core; and Step (S13) of coating a hydrophilic material on the outside of a core coated with a hydrophobic material; A method for manufacturing nicotine granules, comprising:

12. In paragraph 10, A method for producing nicotine granules, further comprising a step of spraying a base solution onto granules produced from the granule formation step.

13. In paragraph 10, A method for manufacturing nicotine granules, wherein the size of the capsule is 30 mesh or less.

14. In paragraph 10, A method for manufacturing nicotine granules, wherein the above nicotine raw material is formed by crushing leaf tobacco.

15. In paragraph 10, A method for manufacturing nicotine granules, wherein the granule formation step includes a process of increasing the size of the granules by layering tobacco medium raw materials onto the capsules in a fluidized bed granulator.

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