Aerosol-generating article and aerosol-generating system comprising same

Abstract

This aerosol-generating article may comprise: an aerosol-generating rod that is heated to generate an aerosol; and an expansion part that is disposed inside the aerosol-generating rod and expands upon contact with the aerosol.

Description

Aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems containing the same

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system including the same, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating article having improved aerosol generating efficiency and an aerosol generating system including the same.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that generate aerosol by heating cigarettes (or "aerosol-generating articles") using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning the cigarette itself.

[0003] The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol generating substance, nicotine, a flavoring agent, and the like, and the aerosol generating device heats the aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol including nicotine and a flavoring agent.

[0004] Examples of how an aerosol generating device heats an aerosol generating article include an external heating type that uses a heater surrounding the outside of the aerosol generating article, and an internal heating type that uses a heater inserted into the inside of the aerosol generating article.

[0005] Aerosol-generating articles may shrink due to heat transferred from the heater, resulting in a decrease in volume. In the case of external heating methods, as the volume of the aerosol-generating article decreases, the distance between the heater surrounding the exterior of the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating article may increase, resulting in insufficient heating of the aerosol-generating article or a decrease in aerosol-generating efficiency.

[0006] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0007] An aerosol generating article according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating rod that is heated to generate an aerosol, and an expandable member disposed within the aerosol generating rod and that expands upon contact with the aerosol.

[0008] An aerosol generating system according to another embodiment may include an aerosol generating device including an aerosol generating article, an insertion space into which the aerosol generating article is inserted, and a heater surrounding the insertion space.

[0009] Aerosol-generating articles according to the embodiments can prevent volume reduction due to thermal shrinkage of the aerosol-generating article. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating device can efficiently heat the aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating efficiency can be improved.

[0010] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating article according to another embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the initial state of the heating section of a conventional aerosol generating product.

[0018] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the latter half of the heating section of a conventional aerosol generating product.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating the initial state of a heating section of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating the latter half of the heating section of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional side view showing the appearance of the expansion portion before expansion according to an example.

[0022] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the appearance of the expansion part after expansion according to an example.

[0023] Fig. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the appearance of the expansion portion before expansion according to another example.

[0024] Fig. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the appearance of the expansion part after expansion according to another example.

[0025] Figure 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the appearance of the expansion portion before expansion according to another example.

[0026] Fig. 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the appearance of the expansion portion after expansion according to another example.

[0027] An aerosol generating article according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating rod that is heated to generate an aerosol, and an expandable member disposed within the aerosol generating rod and that expands upon contact with the aerosol.

[0028] The above expansion member may have an expansion ratio of 5% to 50% in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article at a temperature of 100°C to 350°C.

[0029] The expansion member extends along the length of the aerosol generating rod and may have a length of 20% to 100% of the length of the aerosol generating rod.

[0030] The above-mentioned expansion member may include one or more expansion materials selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium silicate, and bentonite.

[0031] The above expansion member may comprise a compressed pulp sheet.

[0032] The above expansion member may include an oxidizer that causes an exothermic reaction when in contact with the aerosol.

[0033] The above oxidizing agent may include at least one transition metal salt selected from the group consisting of manganese oxide and chromium oxide.

[0034] The above expansion member includes a deformable member including a deformable material, and the deformable member can form a receiving space for receiving the oxidizer.

[0035] The above expansion member may include a structure supporting an expansion material, and the structure may include a preventive member disposed at at least one end of the expansion member to prevent the expansion material from expanding in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating rod.

[0036] The above-mentioned prevention member may include a porous material.

[0037] The above-mentioned expansion member includes a structure including a hollow portion therein and an expansion material positioned inside the hollow portion, and the structure may include a flexible material that is deformed by expansion of the expansion material.

[0038] The above-mentioned expansion member includes a structure including a hollow portion therein and an expansion material positioned inside the hollow portion, the structure includes a first structure and a second structure extending along a circumferential direction of the structure, and the first structure and the second structure can be detachably coupled in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0039] The aerosol generating article may include a shear plug disposed upstream of the aerosol generating rod, and the shear plug may have a tube shape including a hollow portion therein.

[0040] The aerosol generating rod comprises a first aerosol generating rod that is heated to generate an aerosol and a second aerosol generating rod that is heated to generate an aerosol comprising nicotine vapor, and the expansion member can be disposed inside the second aerosol generating rod.

[0041] An aerosol generating system according to another embodiment may include an aerosol generating device including an aerosol generating article, an insertion space into which the aerosol generating article is inserted, and a heater surrounding the insertion space.

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0043] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing specifications, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0044] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0046] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0047] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0048] Throughout the specification, an "aerosol generating device" may be a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0049] Throughout the specification, "aerosol-generating article" means an article used in smoking. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be a combustible cigarette, which is used by ignition and combustion, or a heated cigarette, which is used by heating by an aerosol-generating device.

[0050] Throughout the specification, an "aerosol generating system" may include an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. For example, the aerosol generating system may be a system that heats an aerosol generating article with an aerosol generating device and delivers the generated aerosol to a user.

[0051] Throughout the specification, the “longitudinal direction” of a component may refer to the direction in which the component extends along one directional axis of the component, wherein the one directional axis of the component may refer to the direction in which the component extends longer than the other directional axis transverse to the one directional axis. For example, the “longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article” may refer to the direction in which the aerosol-generating article extends in length.

[0052] Throughout the specification, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" may be determined based on the direction in which air moves when a user inhales an aerosol using the aerosol-generating article. For example, "upstream" may refer to the portion where air enters the interior of the aerosol-generating article from the exterior, and "downstream" may refer to the portion where air exits the interior of the aerosol-generating article to the exterior. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" may be used to indicate the relative position or direction between parts or segments that make up the aerosol-generating article.

[0053] Throughout the specification, "puff" refers to inhalation by the user. Inhalation may refer to drawing an aerosol into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0054] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an aerosol generating device (1) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), a heater (18), and a cartridge (19). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18) may be disposed inside a body (10) of the aerosol generating device (1). The body (10) may provide a space opened upwardly so that an aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted. The space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the body (10) by a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region of the aerosol generating article (2) including an aerosol generating rod. The lower end of the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the interior of the body (10), and the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) can protrude outside the body (10). The user can hold the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale air.

[0056] The heater (18) can heat the aerosol generating article (2). The heater (18) can extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) can be in the form of a tube having a hollow interior. The heater (18) can be positioned around the insertion space. The heater (18) can be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (18) can heat the insertion space or the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the insertion space. The heater (18) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0057] For example, the heater (18) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (18) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (18) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (18) may be electrically connected to a power source (11). The heater (18) may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0058] For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil surrounding a heater (18). The induction coil may heat the heater (18). The heater (18) may be a susceptor, and the heater (18) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (18) and generate an eddy current within the heater (18). The current may generate heat in the heater (18).

[0059] Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included inside the aerosol generating article (2), and the susceptor inside the aerosol generating article (2) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through an induction coil.

[0060] The cartridge (19) may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing substance including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco substance.

[0061] The cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the body (10) or may be detachably coupled to the body (10).

[0062] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the cartridge (19) is formed integrally with the body (10) and can communicate with the insertion space through an airflow channel (CN).

[0063] For example, referring to FIG. 2, a space is formed on one side of the body (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) is inserted into the space formed on one side of the body (10) so that the cartridge (19) can be mounted on the body (10). The airflow channel (CN) can be defined by a portion of the cartridge (19) and / or a portion of the body (10), and the cartridge (19) can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN).

[0064] The body (10) can be formed in a structure in which outside air can flow into the interior of the body (10) while the cartridge (19) is inserted. At this time, the outside air flowing into the body (10) can pass through the cartridge (19) and flow into the user's oral cavity.

[0065] The cartridge (19) may include a storage portion (C0) containing an aerosol generating material and / or a heater (CH) for heating the aerosol generating material in the storage portion (C0). A liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the storage portion (C0). Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The electrically conductive track of the heater (CH) may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that winds the liquid delivery means or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. The heater (CH) may be referred to as a cartridge heater (CH).

[0066] The cartridge (19) can generate an aerosol. The aerosol can be generated by heating the liquid delivery means by the cartridge heater (CH). The aerosol can be generated by heating the aerosol generating article (2) by the heater (18). Tobacco material can be added to the aerosol while the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (CH) and the heater (18) passes through the aerosol generating article (2), and the aerosol added with the tobacco material can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0067] The aerosol generating device (1) may be equipped with only a cartridge heater (CH) and the body (10) may not be equipped with a heater (18). In this case, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (CH) may be mixed with tobacco material and inhaled into the user's mouth as it passes through the aerosol generating article (2).

[0068] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably coupled to the body (10) so as to cover at least a portion of a cartridge (19) coupled to the body (10). An aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the body (10) through the cap.

[0069] The power source (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), the cartridge heater (CH), and the heater (18). When the aerosol generating device (1) includes an induction coil, the power source (11) can supply power to the induction coil.

[0070] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11), the sensor (13), the heater (18), and the cartridge (19). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device is in an operable state.

[0071] The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater (CH) and / or the heater (18) so that the operation of the cartridge heater (CH) and / or the heater (18) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (CH) and / or the heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the cartridge heater (CH) and / or the heater (18) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0072] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater (18), the temperature of the power source (11), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the cartridge (19) is mounted. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the cap is mounted.

[0073] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating article (2) may include an aerosol generating rod (21), a filter rod (22), and a shear plug (25). Additionally, the aerosol generating article (2) may be packaged by at least one wrapper (24).

[0075] The aerosol generating rod (21) may include an expansion member (26) disposed therein. The expansion member (26) will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 16 below.

[0076] The aerosol generating rod (21) may contain tobacco material and / or non-tobacco material. The tobacco material and non-tobacco material include nicotine and / or a nicotine salt and can be heated to generate an aerosol containing nicotine vapor. The tobacco material and non-tobacco material may have various shapes. For example, the tobacco material and non-tobacco material may have at least one of the following forms, but is not limited thereto: sheets, filaments, strands, particles, beads, granules, powders, and extracts.

[0077] The tobacco material may be manufactured using at least one tobacco raw material, including leaf tobacco raw material and reconstituted tobacco raw material. The leaf tobacco raw material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of flue tobacco, Burley tobacco, and Oriental tobacco. The reconstituted tobacco raw material may refer to tobacco raw material regenerated using tobacco byproducts. For example, the reconstituted tobacco raw material may include sheet tobacco.

[0078] Non-tobacco materials may be manufactured without using tobacco raw materials. For example, non-tobacco materials may be manufactured using cellulose, nicotine, organic acids, etc. Furthermore, non-tobacco materials may be manufactured using cellulose, nicotine salts, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0079] The tobacco and non-tobacco materials may include an aerosol-generating agent. For example, the aerosol-generating agent may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco material may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents and organic acids.

[0080] The aerosol generating rod (21) may include at least one sheet of plated leaf. The sheet of plated leaf may include at least one of a slurry-type sheet of plated leaf and a paper-making sheet of plated leaf. The slurry-type sheet of plated leaf and the paper-making sheet of plated leaf may be distinguished according to the manufacturing method. At least one sheet of plated leaf may be arranged to extend along the entire length of the aerosol generating rod (21). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating rod (21) may also include a plurality of plated leaf sheets manufactured by cutting or shredding the plated leaf sheets. In addition, the plated leaf sheets may be crimped to include wrinkles, and the aerosol generating rod (21) may include a crimped sheet of plated leaf or a plurality of plated leaf sheets manufactured from crimped sheet of plated leaf.

[0081] The aerosol generating rod (21) may include at least one of puffed ash and puffed stems. The puffed ash and puffed stems may be manufactured by puffing leaf tobacco raw materials and stems, which are by-products of leaf tobacco raw materials.

[0082] The filter load (22) may include a plurality of segments. Referring to FIG. 3, the filter load (22) may include a first segment (221) and a second segment (222). The first segment (221) and the second segment (222) may be arranged sequentially along the length direction of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0083] The first segment (221) can cool the aerosol. The high-temperature aerosol generated from the aerosol generating rod (21) can be cooled as it passes through the first segment (221).

[0084] The first segment (221) may include a filter material. For example, the first segment (221) may include at least one filter material selected from the group consisting of paper, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, polypropylene, and lyocell. The first segment (221) may be a cylindrical rod, or may be a tubular rod including an internal hollow space, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first segment (221) may be a tube formed of paper.

[0085] The first segment (221) may include a cooling material. For example, the cooling material may include a polymer material having a cooling function. The polymer material having a cooling function may contact a high-temperature aerosol and absorb heat from the aerosol. The polymer material having a cooling function may include, but is not limited to, polylactic acid. As another example, the first segment (221) may be a tubular rod having an inner hollow portion, and a polymer material having a cooling function may be applied to the surface of the inner hollow portion.

[0086] The second segment (222) can filter some components contained in the aerosol passing through the second segment (222). The second segment (222) can include a filter material. For example, the second segment (222) can include at least one filter material selected from the group consisting of paper, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, polypropylene, and lyocell. For example, the second segment (222) can be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow.

[0087] The second segment (222) may be a cylindrical rod or a tube-shaped rod including an internal hollow portion, but the shape of the second segment (222) is not limited thereto.

[0088] The second segment (222) can add flavoring to the aerosol passing through the second segment (222). For example, the second segment (222) can include a flavoring agent. The flavoring agent can be sprayed into the second segment (222) in a liquid state, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the flavoring agent may include plant-based flavorings such as cinnamon, sage, herbs, chamomile, sage, persimmon, lavender, bergamot, lemon, orange, jasmine, ginger, vanilla, spearmint, peppermint, acacia, coffee, celery, sandalwood, and cocoa. In other examples, the flavoring agent may include animal-based flavorings such as musk, ambergris, civet, and castor oil.

[0090] Flavoring agents may be alcohol compounds, such as geraniol, linalool, anethole, or eugenol. Flavoring agents may be aldehyde compounds, such as vanillin, benzaldehyde, or anisaldehyde. Flavoring agents may be ester compounds, such as isoamyl acetate, linalyl acetate, isoamyl propionate, or linalyl butyrate.

[0091] The second segment (222) may include at least one capsule (23). The at least one capsule (23) may be embedded within the filter material. The capsule (23) may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule (23) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is surrounded by a film. The film of the capsule (23) may be ruptured by external pressure to release the liquid contained within the film. The liquid released from the capsule (23) may be absorbed by the filter material of the second segment (222). The capsule (23) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] The second segment (222) may include an adsorbent. The adsorbent may adsorb a specific substance in a gas phase. For example, the adsorbent may include at least one of activated carbon, zeolite, alumina, silica gel, and bentonite.

[0093] The shear plug (25) can introduce outside air into the interior of the aerosol generating device (2). For example, the aerosol generated in the cartridge (19) of the aerosol generating device (1) can be introduced into the aerosol generating rod (21) through the shear plug (25).

[0094] The shear plug (25) may be positioned on one side opposite the filter rod (22) with respect to the aerosol generating rod (21). For example, the shear plug (25), the aerosol generating rod (21), and the filter rod (22) may be arranged sequentially along the length direction of the aerosol generating article (2). The shear plug (25) may prevent the tobacco material of the aerosol generating rod (21) from escaping toward the upstream end of the aerosol generating rod (21).

[0095] The shear plug (25) may include a filter material. For example, the shear plug (25) may include at least one filter material selected from the group consisting of paper, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, polypropylene, and lyocell. For example, the shear plug (25) may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow.

[0096] The shear plug (25) may be a tubular rod having a hollow portion inside. The aerosol generated in the cartridge (19) of the aerosol generating device (1) may be introduced into the aerosol generating rod (21) through the hollow portion of the shear plug (25). For example, the shear plug (25) may include a hollow portion extending from the upstream end to the downstream end of the shear plug (25). The cross-section of the hollow portion may have various shapes, such as a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, a cross, a Y-shape, etc., but is not limited thereto. As another example, the shear plug (25) may be a cylindrical rod that does not include a hollow portion.

[0097] The shear plug (25) can add flavoring to the aerosol passing through the shear plug (25). For example, the shear plug (25) can include a flavoring agent. The flavoring agent can be sprayed onto the shear plug (25) in a liquid state, but is not limited thereto.

[0098] The aerosol generating article (2) may include a wrapper (24) surrounding at least a portion of the aerosol generating rod (21), the filter rod (22), and the shear plug (25). The wrapper (24) may be a single wrapper, but may also be a combination of multiple wrappers (241, 242, 243, 24F, 24T).

[0099] The wrapper (24) may include paper. For example, the wrapper (24) may have a thickness of about 10 μm to about 150 μm and a weight of about 20 g / m 2 About 100g / m 2It may include paper having a basis weight of, but is not limited to, a paper having a basis weight of. When the wrapper (24) is a combination of multiple wrappers, the thickness and basis weight of the paper included in the multiple wrappers may be the same or different.

[0100] The aerosol generating article (2) may be wrapped in layers by two or more wrappers. For example, the aerosol generating rod (21) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (241), the filter rod (22) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (242), the shear plug (25) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (243), and the aerosol generating rod (21), the filter rod (22), and the shear plug (25) may be re-wrapped by a final wrapper (24F).

[0101] The first wrapper (241) can surround the aerosol generating rod (21). The first wrapper (241) can include a thermal conductivity enhancing material. The thermal conductivity enhancing material can include, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. The thermal conductivity enhancing material can evenly distribute heat transferred to the aerosol generating rod (21) by improving the thermal conductivity of the first wrapper (241). For example, the first wrapper (241) can be a laminated sheet in which paper and metal foil are laminated. The first wrapper (241) can be a laminated sheet in which paper is arranged on one side of the metal foil, or can be a laminated sheet in which paper is arranged on both sides of the metal foil.

[0102] The second wrapper (242) can surround the filter load (22). The second wrapper (242) is illustrated as surrounding only the second segment (222) of the filter load (22), but is not limited thereto.

[0103] The second wrapper (242) may be oil-resistant. As the second wrapper (242) is oil-resistant, the flavoring agent contained in the second segment (222) and / or the capsule (23) may be prevented from leaking to the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the second wrapper (242) may include at least one oil-resistant material among polyvinyl alcohol and silicone. The surface of the second wrapper (242) may be coated with the oil-resistant material.

[0104] The third wrapper (243) may surround the shear plug (25). The third wrapper (243) may include a thermally conductive material. The thermally conductive material may include, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the third wrapper (243) may be a laminated sheet in which paper and metal foil are laminated. The third wrapper (243) may be a laminated sheet in which paper is placed on one side of the metal foil, or may be a laminated sheet in which paper is placed on both sides of the metal foil.

[0105] The final wrapper (24F) can enclose the aerosol generating rod (21), the filter rod (22), and the shear plug (25) in one piece. The final wrapper (24F) can protect the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2) so that the aerosol generating article (2) can be smoothly inserted into the aerosol generating device (1).

[0106] The wrapper (24) may include a tip paper (24T). The tip paper (24T) may surround a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) extending along the length of the aerosol-generating article (2) from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article (2). For example, the tip paper (24T) may surround an area corresponding to the entire second segment (222) and a portion of the first segment (221). The tip paper (24T) may come into contact with the user's mouth during use of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0107] The outer surface of the tip paper (24T) may be coated with a material such as a sweetener and a lip release agent. The sweetener may provide a sweet taste to the user. For example, the sweetener may include, but is not limited to, sucralose, citric acid, etc. The lip release agent may enable the tip paper (24T) to be easily separated after the user's mouth comes into contact with it. For example, the lip release agent may include, but is not limited to, at least one of nitrocellulose, ethyl acetate, polyamide, and isopropyl alcohol.

[0108] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an aerosol generating device (1) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), and a heater (18). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18) may be disposed inside a body (10) of the aerosol generating device (1). The body (10) may provide a space opened upwardly so that an aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted. The space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the body (10) by a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region of the aerosol generating article (2) including an aerosol generating rod. The lower end of the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the interior of the body (10), and the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) can protrude outside the body (10). The user can hold the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale air.

[0110] The heater (18) can heat the aerosol generating article (2). The heater (18) can extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) can be in the form of a tube having a hollow interior. The heater (18) can be positioned around the insertion space. The heater (18) can be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (18) can heat the insertion space or the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the insertion space. The heater (18) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0111] For example, referring to FIG. 4, the heater (18) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (18) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (18) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (18) may be electrically connected to a power source (11). The heater (18) may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11). The heater (18) may be a hollow heater that is arranged to surround at least a portion of an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into an insertion space to heat the outside of the inserted aerosol generating article (2), or may be a heater in the shape of a needle, rod, tube, or the like that is inserted into the inside of an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into an insertion space to heat the inside.

[0112] For example, referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) surrounding a heater (18). The induction coil (181) may heat the heater (18). The heater (18) is a susceptor, and the heater (18) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (181). The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (18) and generate an eddy current within the heater (18). The current may generate heat in the heater (18).

[0113] Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included inside the aerosol generating article (2), and the susceptor inside the aerosol generating article (2) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (181).

[0114] The power source (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18). When the aerosol generating device (1) includes an induction coil (181), the power source (11) can supply power to the induction coil (181).

[0115] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11) and the sensor (13). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the induction coil (181). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.

[0116] The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the operation of the heater (18) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (18) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0117] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater (18), the temperature of the power source (11), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the insertion space.

[0118] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating article (2) may include an aerosol generating rod (21) and a filter rod (22). Additionally, the aerosol generating article (2) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (24).

[0120] The aerosol generating rod (21) may include an expansion member (26) disposed therein. For example, the expansion member (26) may be disposed within the second aerosol generating rod, but is not limited thereto. The expansion member (26) will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 16 below.

[0121] The aerosol generating rod (21) may include a first aerosol generating rod (211) and a second aerosol generating rod (212). The first aerosol generating rod (211) and the second aerosol generating rod (212) may be arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the arrangement order of the first aerosol generating rod (211) and the second aerosol generating rod (212) may be changed. For example, the second aerosol generating rod (212) and the first aerosol generating rod (211) may be arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0122] The first aerosol generating rod (211) can be heated to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated from the first aerosol generating rod (211) may contain nicotine or may be substantially free of nicotine. The first aerosol generating rod (211) may include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the first aerosol generating rod (211) may include other additives, such as flavoring agents and organic acids.

[0123] The first aerosol generating rod (211) may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with a liquid aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating substrate may have a sheet shape. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may be a crimped sheet having wrinkles formed therein. The sheet-shaped aerosol generating substrate may be included in the first aerosol generating rod (211) in a rolled state. The aerosol generating substrate may be rolled about an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2), but is not limited thereto.

[0124] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a polymeric material. The polymeric material may comprise at least one of paper, cellulose, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be a paper sheet that does not emit an off-flavor due to heat even when heated to high temperatures.

[0125] The second aerosol generating rod (212) can be heated to generate an aerosol comprising nicotine vapor. For example, the second aerosol generating rod (212) can comprise tobacco material and / or non-tobacco material. The tobacco material and non-tobacco material can have various shapes. For example, the tobacco material and non-tobacco material can have at least one of the following forms, but are not limited thereto: sheets, slivers, strands, particles, beads, granules, powders, and extracts.

[0126] The tobacco material may be manufactured using at least one tobacco raw material, including leaf tobacco raw material and reconstituted tobacco raw material. The leaf tobacco raw material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of flue tobacco, Burley tobacco, and Oriental tobacco. The reconstituted tobacco raw material may refer to tobacco raw material regenerated using tobacco byproducts. For example, the reconstituted tobacco raw material may include sheet tobacco.

[0127] Non-tobacco materials may be manufactured without using tobacco raw materials. For example, non-tobacco materials may be manufactured using cellulose, nicotine, organic acids, etc. Furthermore, non-tobacco materials may be manufactured using cellulose, nicotine salts, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0128] The tobacco and non-tobacco materials may include an aerosol-generating agent. For example, the aerosol-generating agent may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco material may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents and organic acids.

[0129] For example, the second aerosol generating rod (212) may include a plurality of tobacco casings. The tobacco casings may be manufactured according to a manufacturing method including the steps of blending leaf tobacco raw materials, flavoring the blended leaf tobacco raw materials, and cutting the flavored leaf tobacco raw materials to manufacture the tobacco casings.

[0130] The step of blending the raw tobacco leaves may involve mixing different types of raw tobacco leaves in a set ratio. For example, the step of blending the raw tobacco leaves may involve blending yellow tobacco and Burley tobacco leaves. However, this is not a limitation, and a single type of raw tobacco leaf may also be used.

[0131] The flavoring step can suppress the occurrence of irritation and unpleasant tastes during smoking, and can impart moisturizing and aromatic properties to the tobacco sheet. The flavoring process can include a step of spraying a flavoring liquid onto the raw tobacco leaf. The flavoring liquid can be mixed with a sugar (e.g., sugar), an organic acid (e.g., citric acid, tartaric acid), an aerosol-generating substance (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol), a flavoring agent (licorice extract, cocoa, etc.), etc.

[0132] The second aerosol generating rod (212) may include at least one sheet of sheet metal. The sheet metal sheet may include at least one of a slurry-type sheet metal and a paper-making sheet metal. The slurry-type sheet metal and the paper-making sheet metal may be distinguished by their manufacturing method. At least one sheet of sheet metal may be arranged to extend along the entire length of the second aerosol generating rod (212). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second aerosol generating rod (212) may also include a plurality of sheet metal sheets manufactured by cutting or shredding the sheet metal. In addition, the sheet metal sheets may be crimped to include wrinkles, and the second aerosol generating rod (212) may include a crimped sheet of sheet metal or a plurality of sheet metal sheets manufactured from a crimped sheet metal.

[0133] The second aerosol generating rod (212) may include at least one of puffed charcoal and puffed stems. The puffed charcoal and puffed stems may be manufactured by puffing leaf tobacco raw materials and stems, which are byproducts of leaf tobacco raw materials.

[0134] The second aerosol generating rod (212) may comprise a plurality of tobacco granules. The tobacco granules may be particles having a diameter of about 100 μm to about 2,000 μm. For example, the tobacco granules may be particles having a diameter of about 200 μm to about 1,000 μm.

[0135] Tobacco granules can be manufactured by placing granule cores into a fluidized bed reactor and spraying a tobacco mixture into the interior of the fluidized bed reactor. In the fluidized bed reactor, the tobacco mixture adheres to the surface of the granule cores and agglomerates, and the size of the granule cores increases, thereby manufacturing tobacco granules. The granule cores may include tobacco fines manufactured by crushing tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, etc. Here, the tobacco fines may be particles having a diameter of about 10 μm to about 80 μm. In addition, the tobacco mixture may be a mixture of tobacco raw materials and a solvent (e.g., water).

[0136] As another example, tobacco granules can be manufactured by wet-extruding a tobacco mixture containing tobacco raw materials and a solvent, followed by spheroidization. The solvent may include water, alcohol (e.g., ethanol), and other solvents. Additives such as flavoring agents, organic acids, and pH regulators may also be added.

[0137] A plurality of tobacco granules may be positioned between the filter material. The filter material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, polypropylene, and lyocell. For example, the second aerosol generating rod (212) may include fibers of the filter material, and the plurality of tobacco granules may be uniformly dispersed between the fibers of the filter material.

[0138] Additionally, the filter material may include a sheet-like material. For example, the filter material may include a paper sheet. The paper sheet may be included in the second aerosol generating rod (212) in a rolled state. The rolled paper sheet may be rolled around an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2), but is not limited thereto. A plurality of tobacco granules may be uniformly dispersed within the rolled paper sheet. The paper sheet may be a crimped sheet having wrinkles formed therein.

[0139] The second aerosol generating rod (212) may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with a nicotine liquid composition. The aerosol generating substrate may be applied in the same or similar manner as described above with respect to the first aerosol generating rod (211).

[0140] A liquid nicotine composition may include nicotine. The nicotine may include freebase nicotine and a nicotine salt. Freebase nicotine may refer to neutral nicotine without protons. For example, when a base is added to a positively charged nicotine salt, the base is converted to a cation, and the nicotine salt may become freebase nicotine, which is neutral.

[0141] The nicotine salt may comprise an acid. For example, the nicotine salt may comprise at least one of acetic acid, benzoic acid, lactic acid, carbonic acid, citric acid, gallic acid, lauric acid, levulinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, oxalic acid, oxalacetic acid, palmitic acid, pyruvic acid, phosphoric acid, salicylic acid, sorbic acid, stearic acid, and tartaric acid.

[0142] The nicotine liquid composition may include an aerosol-generating agent. For example, the aerosol-generating agent may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The nicotine liquid composition may include other additives, such as flavoring agents and organic acids.

[0143] The nicotine liquid composition may comprise from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of nicotine, based on the total weight of the nicotine liquid composition. For example, the nicotine liquid composition may comprise from about 0.5% to about 3% by weight of nicotine, based on the total weight of the nicotine liquid composition.

[0144] The nicotine liquid composition may be impregnated in an amount of from about 0.05 g to about 5.0 g per 1 g of the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the nicotine liquid composition may be impregnated in an amount of from about 0.1 g to about 2.0 g per 1 g of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0145] The filter load (22) may include a plurality of segments. Referring to FIG. 6, the filter load (22) may include a first segment (221) and a second segment (222). The first segment (221) and the second segment (222) may be arranged sequentially along the length direction of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0146] The first segment (221) can cool the aerosol. The high-temperature aerosol generated from the aerosol generating rod (21) can be cooled as it passes through the first segment (221).

[0147] The first segment (221) may include a filter material. For example, the first segment (221) may include at least one filter material selected from the group consisting of paper, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, polypropylene, and lyocell. The first segment (221) may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod including an internal hollow space, but is not limited thereto.

[0148] The first segment (221) may include a cooling material. For example, the cooling material may include a polymer material having a cooling function. The polymer material having a cooling function may contact a high-temperature aerosol and absorb heat from the aerosol. The polymer material having a cooling function may include, but is not limited to, polylactic acid. As another example, the first segment (221) may be a tubular rod having an inner hollow portion, and a polymer material having a cooling function may be applied to the surface of the inner hollow portion.

[0149] The first segment (221) may include perforations (221P). The perforations (221P) may be formed along the circumference of the first segment (221) to form one or more rows. External air may be introduced into the interior of the first segment (221) through the perforations (221P). The external air introduced into the interior of the first segment (221) may be mixed with the high-temperature aerosol generated by the aerosol generating rod (21) to cool the aerosol. The perforations (221P) may be exposed to the exterior of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0150] The second segment (222) can filter some components contained in the aerosol passing through the second segment (222). The second segment (222) can include a filter material. For example, the second segment (222) can include at least one filter material selected from the group consisting of paper, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, polypropylene, and lyocell. For example, the second segment (222) can be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow.

[0151] The second segment (222) may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod including an internal hollow space, but the shape of the second segment (222) is not limited thereto. For example, the second segment (222) may include a hollow space with an open downstream end.

[0152] The second segment (222) can add flavoring to the aerosol passing through the second segment (222). For example, the second segment (222) can include a flavoring agent. The flavoring agent can be sprayed into the second segment (222) in a liquid state, but is not limited thereto.

[0153] The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the flavoring agent may include plant-based flavorings such as cinnamon, sage, herbs, chamomile, sage, persimmon, lavender, bergamot, lemon, orange, jasmine, ginger, vanilla, spearmint, peppermint, acacia, coffee, celery, sandalwood, and cocoa. In other examples, the flavoring agent may include animal-based flavorings such as musk, ambergris, civet, and castor oil.

[0154] Flavoring agents may be alcohol compounds, such as geraniol, linalool, anethole, or eugenol. Flavoring agents may be aldehyde compounds, such as vanillin, benzaldehyde, or anisaldehyde. Flavoring agents may be ester compounds, such as isoamyl acetate, linalyl acetate, isoamyl propionate, or linalyl butyrate.

[0155] The second segment (222) may include at least one capsule (23). The at least one capsule (23) may be embedded within the filter material. The capsule (23) may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule (23) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is surrounded by a film. The film of the capsule (23) may be ruptured by external pressure to release the liquid contained within the film. The liquid released from the capsule (23) may be absorbed by the filter material of the second segment (222). The capsule (23) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0156] The second segment (222) may include an adsorbent. The adsorbent may adsorb a specific gaseous substance. For example, the adsorbent may include at least one of activated carbon, zeolite, alumina, silica gel, and bentonite. The adsorbent may have a particle shape, and a plurality of adsorbent particles may be uniformly dispersed throughout the entire area of ​​the filter material, but is not limited thereto.

[0157] The aerosol generating article (2) may include a wrapper (24) surrounding at least a portion of the aerosol generating rod (21) and the filter rod (22). The wrapper (24) may be a single wrapper, but may also be a combination of multiple wrappers (241, 242, 243, 244, 24F, 24T).

[0158] The wrapper (24) may include paper. For example, the wrapper (24) may have a thickness of about 10 μm to about 150 μm and a weight of about 20 g / m 2About 100g / m 2 It may include paper having a basis weight of, but is not limited to, a paper having a basis weight of. When the wrapper (24) is a combination of multiple wrappers, the thickness and basis weight of the paper included in the multiple wrappers may be the same or different.

[0159] The aerosol generating article (2) may be wrapped in layers by two or more wrappers. For example, the first aerosol generating rod (211) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (241), the second aerosol generating rod (212) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (242), the first segment (221) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (243), the second segment (222) may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper (244), and the first aerosol generating rod (211), the second aerosol generating rod (212), the first segment (221), and the second segment (222) may be re-wrapped by a final wrapper (24F).

[0160] The first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) can surround the aerosol generating rod (21). For example, the first wrapper (241) can surround the first aerosol generating rod (211), and the second wrapper (242) can surround the second aerosol generating rod (212).

[0161] The first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may include a thermal conductivity enhancing material. The thermal conductivity enhancing material may include, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. The thermal conductivity enhancing material can evenly distribute heat transferred to the first aerosol generating rod (211) and the second aerosol generating rod (212) by enhancing the thermal conductivity of the first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242). For example, the first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may be laminated sheets in which paper and metal foil are laminated. The first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may be laminated sheets in which paper is arranged on one side of the metal foil, or may be laminated sheets in which paper is arranged on both sides of the metal foil.

[0162] The third wrapper (243) and the fourth wrapper (244) can surround the filter load (22). For example, the third wrapper (243) can surround the first segment (221), and the fourth wrapper (244) can surround the second segment (222).

[0163] The third wrapper (243) may include a perforation (243P). For example, the third wrapper (243) may surround the first segment (221), and the perforation (243P) of the third wrapper (243) may be positioned corresponding to the perforation (221P) of the first segment (221).

[0164] The fourth wrapper (244) may be oil-resistant. As the fourth wrapper (244) is oil-resistant, the flavoring agent contained in the second segment (222) and / or the capsule (23) may be prevented from leaking to the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the fourth wrapper (244) may include at least one oil-resistant material among polyvinyl alcohol and silicone. The surface of the fourth wrapper (244) may be coated with the oil-resistant material.

[0165] The final wrapper (24F) can collectively surround the first aerosol generating rod (211), the second aerosol generating rod (212), the first segment (221), and the second segment (222). The final wrapper (24F) can protect the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2) so that the aerosol generating article (2) can be smoothly inserted into the aerosol generating device (1).

[0166] The final wrapper (24F) may include perforations (24FP). For example, the final wrapper (24F) may surround the first segment (221), and the perforations (24FP) of the final wrapper (24F) may be positioned corresponding to the perforations (221P) of the first segment (221).

[0167] The wrapper (24) may include a tip paper (24T). The tip paper (24T) may surround a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) extending along the length of the aerosol-generating article (2) from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article (2). For example, the tip paper (24T) may surround an area corresponding to the entire second segment (222) and a portion of the first segment (221). The tip paper (24T) may come into contact with the user's mouth during use of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0168] The tip paper (24T) may include a perforation (24TP). For example, the tip paper (24T) may surround the first segment (221), and the perforation (24TP) of the tip paper (24T) may be positioned corresponding to the perforation (221P) of the first segment (221).

[0169] The outer surface of the tip paper (24T) may be coated with a material such as a sweetener and a lip release agent. The sweetener may provide a sweet taste to the user. For example, the sweetener may include, but is not limited to, sucralose, citric acid, etc. The lip release agent may enable the tip paper (24T) to be easily separated after the user's mouth comes into contact with it. For example, the lip release agent may include, but is not limited to, at least one of nitrocellulose, ethyl acetate, polyamide, and isopropyl alcohol.

[0170] Figures 7 and 8 are drawings for explaining changes in the heating process of a conventional aerosol generating article (2).

[0171] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing the initial state of the heating section of a conventional aerosol generating article (2), and Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the latter state of the heating section of a conventional aerosol generating article (2). Here, the “heating section” may refer to a time length from the time when the heater (18) of the aerosol generating device (1) starts heating to the time when the heating is finished. In addition, a time length corresponding to the initial part of the entire heating section, for example, about half of the heating section may correspond to the “early part of the heating section,” and the remaining time length may correspond to the “later part of the heating section.”

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, it can be confirmed that the volume of the aerosol generating rod (21) is reduced in the latter half of the heating section compared to the beginning of the heating section. The aerosol generating article (2) includes the aerosol generating rod (21), and in the case of the external heating type, a heater (18) arranged adjacent to the outside of the aerosol generating rod (21) heats the aerosol generating rod (21). By the heating of the heater (18), moisture, aerosol generating material, nicotine, etc. are vaporized and released from the aerosol generating rod (21), and accordingly, the volume of the aerosol generating rod (21) can be reduced. When the volume of the aerosol generating rod (21) is reduced, the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating rod (21) can be contracted in a direction toward the central axis of the aerosol generating article (2). Accordingly, the distance between the aerosol generating rod (21) and the heater (18) may increase, and the heat transferred to the aerosol generating rod (21) may decrease. In the latter half of the heating section, heat may not be transferred to the center of the aerosol generating rod (21), and the aerosol generating efficiency may decrease, such as the amount of nicotine transferred being reduced compared to the beginning of the heating section.

[0173] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are drawings for explaining changes in the heating process of an aerosol generating article (2) according to one embodiment.

[0174] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the initial appearance of the heating section of an aerosol generating article (2) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the latter appearance of the heating section of an aerosol generating article (2) according to one embodiment.

[0175] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an aerosol generating article (2) according to one embodiment may include an expansion portion (26) disposed inside an aerosol generating rod (21). The expansion portion (26) may expand in volume upon contact with an aerosol. When the volume of the expansion portion (26) expands, the aerosol generating rod (21) may be prevented from shrinking in the direction of the central axis of the aerosol generating article (2), and the distance between the aerosol generating rod (21) and the heater (18) may be maintained constant. Accordingly, heat may be effectively transferred from the heater (18) toward the aerosol generating rod (21) even in the latter half of the heating section, and aerosol generating efficiency may be maintained.

[0176] In addition, the expansion portion (26) may expand in volume due to heat. For example, the temperature of the expansion portion (26) may rise due to heat transferred from the heater (18), and the volume of the expansion portion (26) may increase in proportion to the rising temperature. In the early stage of the heating section, the volume of the expansion portion (26) may not change due to insufficient heat transferred to the expansion portion (26), but in the latter stage of the heating section, the expansion portion (26) may gradually expand as the heating of the heater (18) continues. In the case of an external heating method, the central region of the aerosol generating rod (21) may have difficulty in effectively transferring heat compared to the outer region of the aerosol generating rod (21). The expansion of the expansion portion (26) may move the central region of the aerosol generating rod (21) toward the outer region, and in the latter stage of the heating section in which the expansion portion (26) has expanded, the heat of the heater (18) may also be effectively transferred to the central region of the aerosol generating rod (21). Accordingly, the aerosol generating article (2) according to the embodiment can maintain aerosol generating efficiency even in the latter half of the heating section and improve the amount of nicotine transferred.

[0177] The expansion member (26) can expand in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2). That is, the expansion member (26) can expand in a radial direction of the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the expansion member (26) can have an expansion ratio of about 5% to about 50% in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2) at a temperature of about 100° C. to about 350° C. The expansion ratio can mean a ratio of a difference between the volume of the expansion member (26) before expansion and the volume of the expansion member (26) after expansion, based on the volume of the expansion member (26) before expansion.

[0178] When the expansion ratio is less than about 5%, the volume reduction of the aerosol generating rod (21) may not be sufficiently prevented, and when the expansion ratio exceeds about 50%, the suction resistance of the aerosol generating rod (21) may become excessively high. For example, the expansion member (26) may have an expansion ratio of about 7% to about 40%, or an expansion ratio of about 10% to about 30%, in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2) at a temperature of about 100°C to about 350°C.

[0179]

[0180] Examples 1 to 5: Aerosol generating article comprising an expanding member

[0181] An aerosol generating article (2) including an expansion portion (26) as shown in FIG. 3 was manufactured, and the expansion ratio of the expansion portion (26) was set to be 3% (Example 1), 5% (Example 2), 20% (Example 3), 50% (Example 4), and 70% (Example 5).

[0182]

[0183] Comparative Example 1: Aerosol generating article without expansion member

[0184] An aerosol generating article identical to the aerosol generating article (2) illustrated in FIG. 3 was manufactured, except that the expansion member (26) was removed.

[0185]

[0186] Experimental example

[0187] The aerosol generating articles of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1 were heated using the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 1. For the aerosol generating articles of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1, the nicotine transfer amount per puff up to 30 puffs was measured, and the nicotine transfer amount of the initial puff (1 to 10 puffs) and the nicotine transfer amount of the later puff (21 to 30 puffs) were each added up. In addition, the volume change rate of the aerosol generating rod after use and the aspiration resistance of the aerosol generating rod were measured. The measured results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0188]

[0189] Volume change of aerosol generating rod (%) Aspiration resistance (mmH2O) Initial puff nicotine transfer amount (mg) Late puff nicotine transfer amount (mg) Comparative Example 1-16 150.26 60.151 Example 1-11 150.26 60.169 Example 2-7 160.26 80.194 Example 3+2 160.26 90.218 Example 4+6 210.27 70.200 Example 5+9 350.22 30.207

[0190] As shown in Table 1, in the case of Comparative Example 1, which does not include an expansion portion, the volume of the aerosol generating rod was somewhat reduced, and the amount of nicotine transferred in the later puff was shown to decrease compared to the amount of nicotine transferred in the initial puff.

[0191] In contrast, in Examples 1 to 5 including an expanding portion, the absolute value of the rate of change in the volume of the aerosol generating rod decreased, and it was confirmed that the amount of nicotine transferred in the later puff was greater than in Comparative Example 1. Accordingly, it was confirmed that the aerosol generating article including an expanding portion can provide a relatively uniform amount of nicotine transferred throughout the entire heating section.

[0192] Meanwhile, in the case of Example 1, where the expansion ratio of the expansion portion was 3%, it was confirmed that the amount of nicotine transferred in the later puff was less than in the other examples. In addition, in the case of Example 5, where the expansion ratio of the expansion portion was 70%, it was confirmed that the suction resistance was somewhat high and the overall amount of nicotine transferred was reduced.

[0193] The expansion portion (26) extends along the length of the aerosol generating rod (21) and may have a length of about 20% to about 100% of the length of the aerosol generating rod (21). If the expansion portion (26) has a length less than about 20% of the length of the aerosol generating rod (21), it may be difficult to prevent shrinkage over the entire length range of the aerosol generating rod (21). For example, the expansion portion (26) may have a length of about 25% to about 90% of the length of the aerosol generating rod (21), or a length of about 30% to about 80% of the length of the aerosol generating rod (21).

[0194] The expansion member (26) can expand upon contact with an aerosol. For example, the expansion member (26) can expand upon contact with an aerosol generated from an aerosol generating rod (21) and / or an aerosol generated from a cartridge (19) of an aerosol generating device (1).

[0195] The expansion member (26) may include an expansion material that expands upon contact with moisture contained in the aerosol. The expansion material may be a material that reacts with moisture contained in the aerosol (e.g., foams) or absorbs moisture upon contact with the moisture contained in the aerosol. For example, the expansion material may include one or more expansion materials selected from the group consisting of carboxymethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium silicate, and bentonite. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any material that expands upon contact with moisture may be included without limitation.

[0196] As another example, the expansion member (26) may include a compressed pulp sheet. The compressed pulp sheet may absorb moisture contained in the aerosol, and the absorbed moisture may move between the fibers constituting the compressed pulp sheet to expand the pulp sheet. For example, the compressed pulp sheet may be wound around an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating rod (21), but is not limited thereto. As another example, the expansion member (26) may include a laminated sheet in which a plurality of compressed pulp sheets are laminated.

[0197] The expansion member (26) can expand upon contact with an aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol. For example, the expansion member (26) can include an oxidizer that reacts with the aerosol-generating material (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.). The oxidizer can cause an exothermic reaction with the vapor of the aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol, and the expansion member (26) can expand due to the generated heat. The oxidizer can include one or more transition metal salts selected from the group consisting of manganese oxide and chromium oxide. As an example, the oxidizer can be potassium permanganate.

[0198] The expansion member (26) may include a deformable member that includes a deformable material and forms a receiving space for receiving an oxidizer. The deformable material may include a material having flexibility and heat resistance, and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, styrene-butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, fluorine rubber, and the like. The pressure inside the receiving space may increase due to the exothermic reaction between the oxidizer and the aerosol-generating substance, and the deformable member may be deformed by the increased pressure. At least a portion of the deformable member may include a porous material to allow vapor of the aerosol-generating substance to enter the receiving space.

[0199] Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing the appearance of an expansion part (26) before expansion according to an example, and Fig. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing the appearance of an expansion part (26) after expansion according to an example.

[0200] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the expansion member (26) may include an expansion material (262), a structure (261) that supports the expansion material (262), and a preventing member (2611) that prevents the expansion material (262) from expanding in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating rod (21).

[0201] The structure (261) can support the position of the expansion material (262). The structure (261) can extend along the length direction of the aerosol generating rod (21), and the expansion material (262) can be arranged to have a uniform thickness on the surface of the structure (261). The structure (261) can have a sheet shape or a rod shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0202] The blocking member (2611) may be disposed at an end of the structure (261). Although the drawing illustrates that the blocking member (2611) is disposed at both ends of the structure (261), this is not limiting. For example, the blocking member (2611) may be disposed at one end of the structure (261). When the expanding material (262) expands in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating rod (21), the contraction of the aerosol generating rod (21) may not be prevented, or a component (e.g., tobacco material) included in the aerosol generating rod (21) may escape toward the upstream or downstream of the aerosol generating rod (21). The blocking member (2611) may prevent the expanding material (262) from expanding in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating rod (21) and may induce the expanding portion (26) to expand in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating rod (21). The prevention member (2611) can extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating rod (21) so as to prevent expansion of the expansion material (262) in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating rod (21).

[0203] The barrier member (2611) may include a porous material. The porous material may allow aerosols moving from upstream to downstream to pass through, and may facilitate contact between the aerosol and the expanding material (262). For example, the barrier member (2611) may include, but is not limited to, cellulose acetate tow or a porous mesh.

[0204] Fig. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the appearance of an expansion part (26) before expansion according to another example, and Fig. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the appearance of an expansion part (26) after expansion according to another example.

[0205] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the expansion member (26) may include a structure (261) including a hollow space therein and an expansion material (262) positioned inside the hollow space.

[0206] The structure (261) may have a tubular shape including a hollow space therein. The structure (261) may have the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol generating rod (21). Accordingly, shrinkage of the aerosol generating rod (21) can be uniformly prevented around the entire circumference of the aerosol generating rod (21). For example, the cross-section of the structure (261) may have a circular shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0207] The aerosol may pass through the hollow portion of the structure (261) and may come into contact with an expanding material (262) located in the hollow portion. The expanding material (262) expands upon coming into contact with the aerosol, and as the expanding material (262) expands, pressure in the structure (261) may increase from the center of the structure (261) toward the outside. The structure (261) may include a deformable flexible material, and the flexible material may expand due to the pressure of the expanding expanding material (262). The flexible material may include, but is not limited to, styrene-butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, fluorine rubber, and the like, for example.

[0208] The expansion material (262) may have a length of about 20% to about 80% of the length of the hollow body. If the expansion material (262) has a length less than about 20% of the length of the hollow body, it may be difficult to induce expansion over the entire length of the structure (261). If the expansion material (262) has a length greater than about 80% of the length of the hollow body, the expansion material (262) may escape outside the hollow body during the expansion process. For example, the expansion material (262) may have a length of about 30% to about 70% of the length of the hollow body, or about 40% to about 60% of the length of the hollow body.

[0209] Fig. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the appearance of an expansion part (26) before expansion according to another example, and Fig. 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the appearance of an expansion part (26) after expansion according to another example.

[0210] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the expansion member (26) may include a structure (261) including a hollow space therein and an expansion material (262) positioned inside the hollow space.

[0211] The structure (261) may have a tubular shape including a hollow space therein. The structure (261) may have the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol generating rod (21). Accordingly, shrinkage of the aerosol generating rod (21) can be uniformly prevented around the entire circumference of the aerosol generating rod (21). For example, the cross-section of the structure (261) may have a circular shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0212] The structure (261) may include a first structure (261a) and a second structure (261b) extending along the circumferential direction of the structure (261). The first structure (261a) and the second structure (261b) may extend along the circumferential direction of the structure (261) to form a hollow space therein, and may be detachably coupled in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the structure (261).

[0213] The aerosol can pass through the cavity formed by the first structure (261a) and the second structure (261b) and can come into contact with the expanding material (262) located in the cavity. The expanding material (262) expands upon coming into contact with the aerosol, and the first structure (261a) and the second structure (261b) can be separated in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the structure (261) by the pressure applied as the expanding material (262) expands.

[0214] The first structure (261a) and the second structure (261b) may include a rigid material. Accordingly, even if the expansion material (262) has a shorter length than the lengths of the first structure (261a) and the second structure (261b), expansion may occur along the entire length of the first structure (261a) and the second structure (261b). For example, the first structure (261a) and the second structure (261b) may include, but are not limited to, a material such as a heat-resistant plastic or metal.

[0215] As described above with respect to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating article (2) according to one embodiment may include a shear plug (25) disposed upstream of the aerosol generating rod (21). The shear plug (25) may be a tubular rod having a hollow portion therein. The aerosol generated in the cartridge (19) of the aerosol generating device (1) may be introduced into the aerosol generating rod (21) through the hollow portion of the shear plug (25). The expansion member (26) may be expanded by contacting the aerosol introduced into the aerosol generating rod (21) from the cartridge (19).

[0216] As another example, as described above with respect to FIG. 6, an aerosol generating rod (21) according to one embodiment may include a first aerosol generating rod (211) that is heated to generate an aerosol and a second aerosol generating rod (212) that is heated to generate an aerosol including nicotine vapor. An expansion member (26) may be disposed inside the second aerosol generating rod (212). The expansion member (26) may prevent contraction of the second aerosol generating rod (212), thereby uniformly maintaining the amount of nicotine transferred during the latter half of the heating section.

[0217] An aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating article (2) and an aerosol generating device (1). For example, the aerosol generating system may include at least one of the aerosol generating articles (2) of FIGS. 3 and 6 described above and at least one of the aerosol generating devices (1) of FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5.

[0218] An aerosol generating system may include an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted and a heater (18) surrounding the insertion space. The aerosol generating article (2) may be heated by the heater (18) surrounding the insertion space. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating system may prevent shrinkage of the aerosol generating article (2), so that a distance between the aerosol generating article (2) and the heater (18) may be maintained. Accordingly, the aerosol generating article (2) may be effectively heated, and the aerosol generating efficiency may be improved.

[0219] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0220] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0221] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

comprising an aerosol generating rod that is heated to generate an aerosol; An aerosol generating article comprising an expanding member disposed inside the aerosol generating rod and expanding upon contact with the aerosol or by heat. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating article, wherein the expansion member has an expansion ratio of 5% to 50% in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article at a temperature of 100°C to 350°C. In the first paragraph, The above expansion portion extends along the length direction of the aerosol generating rod, An aerosol generating article having a length of 20% to 100% of the length of the aerosol generating rod. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating article, wherein the expansion member comprises at least one expansion material selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium silicate, and bentonite. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating article, wherein the expansion member comprises a compressed pulp sheet. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating article, wherein the expansion member comprises an oxidizer that causes an exothermic reaction upon contact with the aerosol. In paragraph 6, An aerosol generating article, wherein the oxidizing agent comprises at least one transition metal salt selected from the group consisting of manganese oxide and chromium oxide. In paragraph 6, The above expansion member includes a deformable member including a deformable material, An aerosol generating article wherein the above-mentioned deformation member forms a receiving space for receiving the oxidizer. In the first paragraph, The above expansion member includes a structure that supports the expansion material, An aerosol generating article, wherein the structure comprises a preventive member disposed at at least one end of the expansion member to prevent the expansion material from expanding in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating rod. In paragraph 9, An aerosol generating article, wherein the above-mentioned preventing member comprises a porous material. In the first paragraph, The above expansion member includes a structure including a hollow space therein and an expansion material positioned inside the hollow space, An aerosol generating article, wherein the structure comprises a flexible material that is deformed by expansion of the expanding material. In the first paragraph, The above expansion member includes a structure including a hollow space therein and an expansion material positioned inside the hollow space, The structure includes a first structure and a second structure extending along the circumferential direction of the structure, An aerosol generating article, wherein the first structure and the second structure are detachably coupled in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the structure. In the first paragraph, The aerosol generating article comprises a shear plug disposed upstream of the aerosol generating rod, An aerosol generating article, wherein the above shear plug has a tube shape including a hollow space inside. In the first paragraph, The aerosol generating rod comprises a first aerosol generating rod that is heated to generate an aerosol and a second aerosol generating rod that is heated to generate an aerosol comprising nicotine vapor, An aerosol generating article, wherein the expansion member is disposed inside the second aerosol generating rod. Aerosol generating article of paragraph 1; and An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device including an insertion space into which the aerosol generating article is inserted and a heater surrounding the insertion space.

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