JP2024524818A - Aerosol generating article and aerosol generating system - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating system according to various embodiments includes an aerosol generating article including a medium segment and an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article further including a first filter segment disposed upstream of the medium segment and a second filter segment disposed downstream of the medium segment, and nicotine can be adsorbed on at least one of the first filter segment and the second filter segment.

Description

The following examples relate to aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative products that overcome the shortcomings of traditional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarette sticks (e.g. cigarette-type electronic cigarettes). As a result, active research has been conducted on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating products) that are applied thereto. For example, Published Patent Application No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit.

An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating article that can selectively provide various flavor intensities, and an aerosol generating system including the same.

The objective of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system including the same that can promote sufficient nicotine transfer even under low-temperature heating conditions using a pH-treated medium segment.

The aerosol generating system according to various embodiments includes an aerosol generating article including a medium segment, a control unit including at least one processor, an elongated cavity in which the aerosol generating article is contained, and an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer that heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol and releases the generated aerosol toward the aerosol generating article, and the control unit can control the temperature to which the heater heats the medium segment.

The control unit can control the heater between a non-heating mode in which the heater does not heat the medium segment and a low-temperature heating mode in which the heater heats the medium segment at a low temperature.

In the low-temperature heating mode, the control unit can control the heater to heat the medium segment to a temperature between 0 degrees and 150 degrees.

The medium segment can be pH treated.

The aerosol-generating article may further include a first filter segment disposed upstream of the medium segment and a second filter segment disposed downstream of the medium segment.

Nicotine can be adsorbed to at least one of the first filter segment and the second filter segment.

Nicotine adsorbed to at least one of the first filter segment and the second filter segment can be transferred from the medium segment.

The medium segment can be pH treated to a pH range of 8.0 to 9.5.

The medium base material filled in the medium segment may contain at least one component of flat leaf tobacco and granular tobacco.

The aerosol generating device may further include a heater for heating the medium segment, and the aerosol generating article may further include a cooling segment between the medium segment and the second filter segment.

It may further include a thermally conductive wrapper surrounding the medium segment.

An aerosol generating system, wherein the thermally conductive wrapper comprises an aluminum component.

The aerosol-generating article according to various embodiments includes a pH-treated medium segment, a first filter segment disposed upstream of the medium segment, and a second filter segment disposed downstream of the medium segment, and nicotine can be adsorbed on the first filter segment and the second filter segment.

The nicotine adsorbed to the first filter segment and the second filter segment can be transferred from the medium segment.

The medium segment can be pH treated to a pH range of 8.0 to 9.5.

The aerosol generating system according to one embodiment can adjust the flavor intensity.

The aerosol generation system of one embodiment can promote the transfer of nicotine even under low-temperature heating conditions by using a pH-treated medium segment.

The effects of the aerosol generating system according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the description below.

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 concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters depicted in such drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, since various modifications can be made to the embodiments, the scope of the rights is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the embodiments are included in the scope of the rights.

The terms used in the examples are merely used for explanatory purposes and should not be construed as limiting. The singular term includes the plural term unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood to preclude the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

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 meanings consistent with the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formal unless expressly defined in this application.

When describing the embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same components regardless of the drawing numerals, and duplicate descriptions of these components will be omitted. When describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known technology may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments, the detailed description will be omitted.

Furthermore, in describing components of the embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are used to distinguish the components from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. When a component is described as being "coupled," "bonded," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component is directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that other components are also "coupled," "bonded," or "connected" between each component.

Components included in any of the embodiments and components having common functions will be described using the same names in the other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the description of any of the embodiments may also be applied to the other embodiments, and detailed descriptions will be omitted to the extent that they overlap.

In the following examples, "humectant" may refer to a substance that can facilitate 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, humectant may be used interchangeably with terms such as aerosol formers, wetting agents, etc.

In the following examples, "aerosol-forming substrate" may refer to a substance capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol may include a volatile compound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid. For example, a solid aerosol-forming substrate may include a solid substance based on tobacco raw materials such as tabular tobacco, shredded tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco, and 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.

In the following examples, "aerosol-generating article" can refer to an article that contains a medium and through which an aerosol passes and transfers the medium. A representative example of an aerosol-generating article is a cigarette, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

In the following examples, "aerosol generating device" may refer to a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into a user's lungs through the user's mouth.

In the following examples, "upstream" or "upstream direction" can mean the direction away from the user's mouth, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" can mean the direction toward the user's mouth. The terms upstream and downstream are used to describe the relative positions of elements that make up the aerosol-generating article.

In the following examples, "puff" refers to inhalation by a user, where inhalation refers to drawing the gas through the user's mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment, FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment is coupled to an aerosol generating article, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vaporizer according to one embodiment, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment is coupled to an aerosol generating article.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, an aerosol generating system 1 according to one embodiment can include an aerosol generating device 11 and an aerosol generating article 12.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, an aerosol generating device 11 according to one embodiment may include a battery 111, a control unit 112, a vaporizer 113, a heater 114, and an elongated cavity 115.

The aerosol generating device 11 shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 3 shows only the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that in addition to the components shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 3, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device 11. In addition, the aerosol generating device 11 may be stick-shaped or holder-shaped.

In one embodiment, the battery 111 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 11. For example, the battery 111 can supply current to the vaporizer 113 so that the vaporizer 113 heats the liquid composition. The battery 111 can also supply the power required to operate the heater 114, display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 11.

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

For example, the battery 111 may be cylindrical 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 be in the range of 120 mAh to 250 mAh, but is not limited thereto. The battery 111 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, if the battery 111 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 111 may be, but is not limited thereto, 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be, but is not limited to, 10C to 20C. For static use, the battery 111 may be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity is secured even after 2000 charge/discharge cycles.

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, the heater 114, as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 11. The control unit 112 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 11 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 11 is in an operable state.

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 may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains will understand that the processor may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

In one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 can generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and can emit the generated aerosol toward the inserted aerosol-generating article 12 so that the generated aerosol passes through the aerosol-generating article 12 inserted in the elongated cavity 115. Thus, the aerosol passing through the aerosol-generating article 12 can be flavored with tobacco, and a user can inhale the aerosol flavored with tobacco by inhaling one end of the aerosol-generating article 12 with their 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 interchangeably coupled to the aerosol generating device 11.

In one embodiment, the heater 114 may be heated by power supplied from the battery 111. For example, when the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 11, the heater 114 may be located outside the aerosol-generating article 2. Thus, the heated heater 114 may increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol-generating article 2.

For example, the heater 114 may be an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater 114 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 114 may be heated as an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 114 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be already set in the aerosol generating device 11, or may be set to the desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 114 may be an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater 114 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol-generating article 2 by induction heating, and the aerosol-generating article 2 may include a susceptor that is heated by the induction heating heater.

For example, the heater 114 may include a tubular heat transfer element, a plate-shaped heat transfer element, a needle-shaped heat transfer element, or a rod-shaped heat transfer element, and the inside or outside of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be heated depending on the shape of the heat transfer element.

The aerosol generating device 11 may also be provided with a plurality of heaters 114. In this case, the plurality of heaters 114 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol-generating article 2, or may be arranged outside the aerosol-generating article 2. Also, some of the plurality of heaters 114 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol-generating article 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol-generating article 2.

In one embodiment, the elongated cavity 115 may house an aerosol-generating article 2. In one embodiment, the heater 114 may be disposed around the outer surface of the elongated cavity 115 to heat the aerosol-generating article housed in the elongated cavity 115. The heater 114 in one embodiment may be disposed around at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongated cavity 115.

On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 11 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 111, the control unit 112, the vaporizer 113, the heater 114, and the elongated cavity 115. For example, the aerosol generating device 11 may further include a detection unit 116, an output unit 117, a user input unit 118, a memory 119, and a communication unit 120.

The detection unit 116 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 11 or the state around the aerosol generating device 11, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 112. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 112 can control the aerosol generating device 11 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 114, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol generating article 12 (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

The detection unit 116 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1161, an insertion detection sensor 1162, and a puff sensor 1163, but is not limited to these.

The temperature sensor 1161 can sense the temperature to which the heater 114 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 11 can include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 114, or the heater 114 itself can act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1161 can be disposed around the battery 111 to monitor the temperature of the battery 111.

The insertion detection sensor 1162 can detect the insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article 12. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1162 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article 12.

The puff sensor 1163 can sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel. For example, the puff sensor 1163 can sense a user's puff based on any of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

In addition to the above-mentioned sensors 1161 to 1163, the detection unit 116 may further include at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by a skilled technician, so a detailed description may be omitted.

The output unit 117 can output information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 11 to provide it to the user. The output unit 117 can include at least one of a display unit 1171, a haptic unit 1172, and an audio output unit 1173, but is not limited to these. When the display unit 1171 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1171 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 1171 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 11 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 11 can mean various information such as the charge/discharge state of the battery 111 of the aerosol generating device 11, the preheat state of the heater 114, the insertion/removal state of the aerosol generating article 12, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 11 is restricted (e.g., abnormal article detection), and the display unit 1171 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 1171 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Also, the display unit 1171 can be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

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

The acoustic output unit 1173 can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device 11 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 1173 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The user input unit 118 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 118 can be a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact type electrostatic capacitance type, pressure type resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral type tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 11 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 111.

The memory 119 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 11, and can store data processed by the control unit 112 and data to be processed. The memory 119 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (such as an SD or XD memory), a RAM (random access memory), a SRAM (static random access memory), a ROM (read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), or a combination of the above. The memory 119 may include at least one type of storage medium selected from the group consisting of a memory, a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 119 may store data related to the operation time of the aerosol generating device 11, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user.

The communication unit 120 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 120 may include a short-range communication unit 1201 and a wireless communication unit 1202.

The short-range wireless communication unit 1201 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark)) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

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

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) and/or a terminal coupled to the cradle that allows a user to control the functions of the aerosol generating device 11. For example, a user may use the input device of the aerosol generating device 100 to execute various functions. A desired function among the multiple functions of the aerosol generating device 11 may be executed by adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the time the user presses the input device (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.). As the user operates the input device, the function of preheating the heating element or heater module of the vaporizer 113, the function of adjusting the temperature of the heating element or heater module of the vaporizer 113, the function of cleaning the space into which the aerosol generating article is inserted, the function of checking whether the aerosol generating device 11 is in an operable state, the function of displaying the remaining capacity (available power) of the battery 111, the function of resetting the aerosol generating device 11, etc. may be executed. However, the functions of the aerosol generating device 11 are not limited to the above examples.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and/or an aerosol-generating article insertion detection sensor. The aerosol generating device 11 may also be fabricated with a structure that allows outside air to flow in/out even when the aerosol-generating article is inserted.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 may include a vaporizer 113 and an elongated cavity 115 arranged in series as shown in FIG. 2A. According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 may include a vaporizer 113 and an elongated cavity 115 arranged in parallel as shown in FIG. 2B. In addition, the arrangement of the battery 111, the control unit 112, the vaporizer 113, the heater 114, and the elongated cavity 115 of the aerosol generating device 11 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, and may be in various forms.

Looking at FIG. 2B, through the airflow passage in the aerosol generating device 11, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 113 can flow into the elongated cavity 115 and pass through the aerosol-generating article 12. Thus, the aerosol passing through the aerosol-generating article 12 can be flavored with tobacco, and the user can inhale the aerosol flavored with tobacco by inhaling one end of the aerosol-generating article 12 with their mouth.

The vaporizer 113 according to one embodiment may include a liquid storage section, a liquid transfer 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.

In one embodiment, the liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition that can generate an aerosol when heated. In one embodiment, the liquid composition can be a liquid that includes a tobacco-containing substance that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component, and in another embodiment, the liquid composition can be a liquid that includes a non-tobacco substance. The liquid composition can also store a liquid volume of 0.1 to 2.0 mL, but is not limited thereto. The liquid storage unit can also be replaceably coupled within the vaporizer 113.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, botanical extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. The fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, and the like. The flavorings 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.

In one embodiment, the liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage to the heating element. In one embodiment, the liquid transfer means can be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc., and can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage to the heating element using capillary action.

In one embodiment, the heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transmitted by the liquid transmission means, and may be a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure in which it is wound around the liquid transmission means. The heating element can be heated by a current supply, and can transmit heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element to heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

In one embodiment, the airflow passages may be positioned to emit the generated aerosol toward the inserted aerosol-generating article 12. That is, the aerosol generated by the heating element may be emitted through the airflow passages.

In one embodiment, the control unit 112 can control the temperature of the heating element by controlling the current supplied to the heating element. Thus, the control unit 112 can control the amount of aerosol generated from the liquid composition by controlling the current supplied to the heating element. Furthermore, the control unit 112 can control the heating element to supply current for a pre-set time upon sensing a user's puff. For example, the control unit 112 can control the heating element to supply current for 1 to 5 seconds from the time the user's puff is sensed.

In one embodiment, the control unit 112 can control the amount of aerosol released from the vaporizer 113 by controlling the open/close state of the airflow passage. Specifically, the control unit 112 can increase the amount of aerosol released from the vaporizer 113 by increasing the size of the gap in the airflow passage, and can decrease the amount of aerosol released from the vaporizer 113 by decreasing the size of the gap in the airflow passage. For example, the control unit 112 can control the gap in the airflow passage using a dial system.

In one embodiment, when the liquid composition in the liquid storage unit is less than the preset amount, the control unit 112 can inform the user of the lack of liquid composition through a vibration motor or a display.

Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 11 according to one embodiment may include a housing, a heater 114, a battery 111, and a control unit 112. In this case, the aerosol generating article 12 may be heated by the heater 114 without a vaporizer.

Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 12 can include a first filter segment 121, a medium segment 122, a cooling segment 123, a second filter segment 124, and a wrapper 125.

In one embodiment, the first filter segment 121 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The first filter segment 121 may also be composed of a paper filter, a porous molding, or the like. For example, the length of the first filter segment 121 may be 4 to 15 mm, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the first filter segment 121 may be colored or scented.

In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may include a cavity, and the cavity may be filled with a medium. For example, the medium base material filled in the medium segment 122 may include at least one component of a sheet tobacco, granulated tobacco (tobacco granules), reconstituted tobacco, slurry tobacco, and shredded grass. For example, the length of the medium segment 122 may be an appropriate length within the range of 6 mm to 18 mm, but is not limited thereto.

Typically, tobacco granules have a significantly lower moisture and/or aerosol forming agent content than other types of tobacco materials (e.g. shredded tobacco, flat tobacco, etc.), and therefore can significantly reduce the generation of visible smoke, thereby facilitating the realization of the smokeless function of the aerosol generating device 11. However, the diameter, density, packing rate, composition ratio of constituent materials, heating temperature, etc. of the tobacco granules vary and may vary depending on the embodiment. The diameter of the tobacco granules may be about 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm. Within this numerical range, the appropriate hardness and ease of manufacture of the tobacco granules are ensured, and the probability of vortex current generation within the cavity can be increased.

The medium segment 122 may also include an aerosol generating material, such as glycerin. The medium segment 122 may also contain other additives, such as flavorings, humectants, and/or organic acids. The medium segment 122 may also be doped with a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a moisturizer, by being sprayed onto the medium segment 122.

In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may include a pH-treated medium substrate. For example, the medium substrate may be pH-treated by a pH adjuster to have a basic property, and the pH adjuster is basic and may include at least one of potassium carbonate ( _K2CO3 ), sodium bicarbonate ( _NaHCO3 ), and calcium oxide (CaO). However, the substance included _in the pH adjuster is not limited to the above examples, and any substance that generates less negative odor during smoking may be used. The basic pH adjuster may increase the pH of the medium substrate included in the medium segment 122. Compared to a medium substrate that is not treated with a basic pH adjuster, the basic pH-treated medium substrate releases more nicotine when heated. That is, in the case of a basic pH-treated medium substrate, a sufficient nicotine yield can be achieved even if the medium segment 122 is heated at a low temperature.

In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may include a slurry or a paper-type sheet having a pH adjusted to a range of 8.0 to 9.5, or may include tobacco granules having a pH adjusted to a range of 8.0 to 9.5. The medium base material may include nicotine, and by being pH-treated, free nicotine can be transferred from the medium base material even under non-heating conditions or under relatively low temperature conditions. That is, by adjusting the pH of the medium base material of the medium segment 122 to a range of 8.0 to 9.5, a low amount of volatile free nicotine can be transferred under non-heating conditions, and a low to medium level of smoking taste intensity can be achieved. In addition, by promoting the transfer of nicotine under low-temperature heating, the amount of nicotine transferred can be increased, and a medium to high level of smoking taste intensity can be achieved. In this way, in the aerosol-generating article 12 according to one embodiment, the amount of nicotine transferred can be easily adjusted even through non-heating or low-temperature heating.

In one embodiment, the cooling segment 123 can generate a cooling effect on the aerosol. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature. For example, the cooling segment 123 may be a tubular structure made of cellulose acetate and having a hollow space inside. For example, the cooling segment 123 may be made of cellulose acetate tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin). For example, the cooling segment 123 may be a tubular structure made of paper and having a hollow space inside.

For example, the diameter of the hollow included in the cooling segment 123 may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 4 mm to 8 mm, but is not limited thereto. The length of the cooling segment 123 may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. The cooling segment 123 is not limited to the above examples, and may be applicable without limitation as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

In one embodiment, the second filter segment 124 may be a filter that includes at least one scent capsule. For example, the second filter segment 124 may be a cellulose acetate filter into which at least one scent capsule is inserted. The second filter segment 124 may also be a filter that is mixed with a scented substance.

In one embodiment, nicotine can be adsorbed to at least one of the first filter segment 121 and the second filter segment 124. By subjecting the medium segment 122 to a pH treatment in the range of 8.0 to 9.5, the nicotine in the medium segment 122 can be actively transferred even under non-heating conditions. Therefore, the nicotine transferred in the medium segment 122 can be adsorbed to at least one of the first filter segment 121 and the second filter segment 124. By containing nicotine not only in the medium segment 122 but also in the first filter segment 121 or the second filter segment 124, sufficient transfer of nicotine can be ensured even in the case of non-heating or low-temperature heating.

The aerosol-generating article 12 according to one embodiment may undergo a nicotine transfer process. For example, the nicotine transfer process may be performed as follows. First, the medium segment 122 may be pH-treated in the range of 8.0 to 9.5, and the first filter segment 121 and the second filter segment 124 may be bonded by the wrapper 125 with the medium segment 122 in between. Next, the aerosol-generating article 12 undergoes a nicotine transfer period at room temperature. The nicotine transfer period may be 4 weeks or more.

The following Table 1 shows the amount of nicotine transferred over time to the first filter segment 121, the first medium segment (e.g., medium segment 122), the second medium segment, and the second filter segment 124. The experiment was conducted at a temperature of 22 degrees. The experiment according to the following Table 1 was conducted with the second medium segment applied instead of the cooling segment 123, and the same/similar experimental results can be obtained even when the cooling segment 123 is applied instead of the second medium segment.

Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that after four weeks, nicotine is transferred to the first filter segment 121 and the second filter segment 124. Furthermore, according to the smoke component analysis values, it can be seen that the amount of nicotine increases while the amount of atomization remains constant.

In addition, even after four weeks had passed, there was no significant change in the amount of nicotine transferred to the first filter segment 121 and the second filter segment 124, indicating that the amount of nicotine transferred was stable. Furthermore, when the smoke component analysis values were examined, it was found that the amount of atomization and the amount of nicotine were also stable.

As a result, it is found that it is ideal to transfer nicotine to the first filter segment 121 and the second filter segment 124 for four weeks. It is also found that even after four weeks have passed, the amount of nicotine transferred, the amount of atomized smoke components, and the amount of nicotine remain stable. Therefore, it is preferable to set the nicotine transfer process period to four weeks.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 12 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 125. The wrapper 125 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air may enter or internal gas may exit. The wrapper 125 may include a material with high thermal conductivity.

For example, the first filter segment 121 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 1251, the media segment 122 may be wrapped in a second wrapper 1252, the cooling segment 123 may be wrapped in a third wrapper 1253, and the second filter segment 124 may be wrapped in a fourth wrapper 1254. The entire aerosol-generating article 12 may then be repackaged in a fifth wrapper 1255.

In one embodiment, the first wrapper 1251 may include an aluminum component. The first wrapper 1251 may be a typical filter paper with a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, bonded to it. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 1251 may be within the range of 40 μm to 80 μm. Also, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 1251 may be within the range of 6 μm to 20 μm.

In one embodiment, the second wrapper 1252 and the third wrapper 1253 may be made of porous wrapping paper. For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 1252 may be 35,000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second wrapper 1252 may be within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 1252 may be within the range of 20 g/m ² to 25 g/m ² .

For example, the second wrapper 1252 can include an aluminum component. For example, the second wrapper 1252 can be a typical filter paper with a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, bonded to it. The second wrapper 1252 can also be made of a sterile paper (MFW).

In one embodiment, the porosity of the third wrapper 1253 may be, but is not limited to, 35,000 CU, the thickness of the third wrapper 1253 may be within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and the basis weight of the third wrapper 1253 may be within the range of 20 g/m ² to 25 g/m ² .

In one embodiment, the fourth wrapper 1254 may be made of PLA laminate, which means a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 1254 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 1254 may be in the range of 80 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² .

In one embodiment, the fifth wrapper 1255 may be made of a sterile paper (MFW). For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 1255 may be in the range of 57 g/m ² to 63 g/m ^2. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 1255 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, in an aerosol generating system 1 according to one embodiment, the control unit 112 can control the temperature to which the heater 114 heats the aerosol generating article 12. For example, the control unit 112 can adjust the temperature to which the heater 114 heats the medium segment 122.

In one embodiment, the control unit 112 can control the heater 114 between a non-heating mode and a low-temperature heating mode. In the non-heating mode, the heater 114 may not heat the aerosol-generating article 12, and in this case the medium segment 122 may not be heated. In the low-temperature heating mode, the heater 114 can heat the aerosol-generating article 12 to a low temperature of 0 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less. Here, the medium segment 122 can be heated to a low temperature of 0 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 12 can be switched between a non-heating mode and a low-temperature heating mode to adjust the flavor intensity. In the non-heating mode, the amount of free nicotine transferred through the medium segment 122 is small, and the flavor intensity may be low. In the low-temperature heating mode, the amount of free nicotine transferred through the medium segment 122 is large compared to the non-heating mode, and the flavor intensity may be high. Therefore, in the low-temperature heating mode, sufficient flavor intensity can be ensured without treating the medium segment 122 to a high pH. This can reduce the occurrence of unpleasant odors caused by treating the medium segment 122 to a high pH.

The above description of the embodiment is merely illustrative, and a person having ordinary skill in the art would understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents described in the claims should be interpreted as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

The features and aspects of any of the above-described embodiments may be combined with the features and aspects of any of the other embodiments without resulting in obvious technical conflicts.

Claims (13)

1. An aerosol generation system comprising:
an aerosol-generating article comprising a media segment;
an aerosol generating device including a control unit including at least one processor, an elongated cavity in which the aerosol-generating article is contained, and a vaporizer that heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol and emits the generated aerosol toward the aerosol-generating article;
Including,
The aerosol-generating article comprises:
a first filter segment disposed upstream of the media segment;
a second filter segment disposed downstream of the media segment;
At least one of the first filter segment and the second filter segment has nicotine adsorbed thereon.
Aerosol generation systems. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein nicotine adsorbed to at least one of the first filter segment and the second filter segment is transferred from the medium segment. The aerosol generating system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the medium segment is pH treated. The aerosol generating system of claim 3, wherein the medium segment is pH-treated to have a pH in the range of 8.0 to 9.5. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the medium base material filled in the medium segment includes at least one component of tabular tobacco and granular tobacco. The aerosol generating device further includes a heater for heating the medium segment;
the aerosol-generating article further comprises a cooling segment between the media segment and the second filter segment.
10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1. The aerosol generating system of claim 6, further comprising a thermally conductive wrapper surrounding the medium segment. The aerosol generating system of claim 7, wherein the thermally conductive wrapper comprises an aluminum component. The control unit controls the temperature to which the heater heats the medium segment,
The aerosol generating system of claim 6 , wherein the control unit controls the heater between a non-heating mode in which the heater does not heat the medium segment and a low-temperature heating mode in which the heater heats the medium segment at a low temperature. The aerosol generating system of claim 9, wherein in the low-temperature heating mode, the control unit controls the heater to heat the medium segment to a temperature between 0 degrees and 150 degrees. 1. An aerosol-generating article comprising:
a pH treated media segment;
a first filter segment disposed upstream of the media segment;
a second filter segment disposed downstream of the media segment;
An aerosol-generating article, wherein nicotine is adsorbed to at least one of the first filter segment and the second filter segment. The aerosol-generating article of claim 11, wherein the nicotine adsorbed to the first filter segment and the second filter segment is transferred from the medium segment. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 11, wherein the medium segment is pH-treated to have a pH in the range of 8.0 to 9.5.

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