KR20240000128A - System for manufacturing aerosol generating medium, method for manufacturing aerosol generating article, aerosol generating article and aerosol generating system - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system according to various embodiments includes a chamber forming a manufacturing space, a medium raw material portion disposed in the manufacturing space, a heating portion that heats the medium raw material portion to release a transition material from the medium raw material portion, and the It may include a circulation unit for circulating the transfer material and a transition unit for transferring the transfer material.

Description

Aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system, aerosol-generating article manufacturing method, aerosol-generating article and aerosol-generating system

The description below relates to aerosol-generating media manufacturing systems, aerosol-generating article manufacturing methods, aerosol-generating articles, and aerosol-generating systems.

Recently, demand for alternative products that overcome the disadvantages of traditional cigarettes is increasing. For example, demand for devices that generate aerosol by electrically heating cigarette sticks (e.g. cigarette-type electronic cigarettes) is increasing. Accordingly, research on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating articles) applied thereto is actively underway. For example, Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustible flavor aspirator, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit.

The purpose of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating medium production system capable of producing an aerosol-generating medium from inexpensive raw materials, and an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system manufactured therefrom.

The purpose of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system capable of producing an aerosol-generating medium in a relatively short time, and an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system manufactured therefrom.

An object according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating system that does not heat the aerosol-generating article.

An aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system according to various embodiments includes a chamber forming a manufacturing space; a medium raw material unit disposed in the manufacturing space; a heating unit that heats the medium raw material portion to release the transition material from the medium raw material portion; a circulation unit for circulating the transition material; And it may include a transition portion that is transferred to the transition material.

The chamber may seal the manufacturing space so that the transition material is not released to the outside of the manufacturing space.

It may further include a storage portion in which a storage space is formed to store the transition portion.

The storage unit may have one side open so that the storage space communicates with the manufacturing space.

The storage unit may include a plastic material.

The medium raw material portion may be pH treated.

The heating unit heats the medium raw material portion to a temperature of 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less, and the transition material may be free nicotine.

The medium raw material part includes calcium carbonate (K ₂ CO ₃ ), At least one of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ₃ ) or calcium oxide (CaO) May contain ingredients.

The transition portion may include an acetate component.

The transition portion may include a lyocell component.

A method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to various embodiments includes providing a medium raw material portion to a chamber forming a manufacturing space; A heating step of heating the medium raw material portion to release the transition material from the medium raw material portion; A circulation step of circulating the transition material; A transition step of transferring the transition material to the transition zone; And it may include a processing step of processing the transition portion.

The processing step may include a cutting step of cutting the transition portion transferred by the transition material.

The processing step may further include a filter coupling step of coupling a flavored filter to the cut transition portion.

Aerosol-generating articles according to various embodiments may be manufactured according to the aerosol-generating article manufacturing method described above.

An aerosol-generating system according to various embodiments may include the above-described aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device, wherein the aerosol-generating device generates an aerosol from a liquid composition and releases the generated aerosol toward the aerosol-generating article. May include a vaporizer.

The aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system according to one embodiment can simplify the manufacturing of aerosol-generating articles.

An aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system according to an embodiment can reduce the manufacturing cost of an aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system according to one embodiment can stably manage the quality of aerosol-generating products.

The aerosol generating system according to one embodiment can ensure safety.

The effects of the aerosol-generating medium production system, the aerosol-generating article manufacturing method, the aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating system according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned may be known to those skilled in the art from the description below. can be clearly understood.

The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention along with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is limited to the matters described in such drawings. It should not be interpreted in a limited way.
Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of an aerosol-generating medium production system according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 is a flowchart of processing steps according to one embodiment.
Figure 4 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment.
Figure 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
Figures 6a and 6b are diagrams schematically showing an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating device is coupled with an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment.
Figure 7 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a vaporizer according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, since various changes can be made to the embodiments, the scope of rights is not limited or limited by these embodiments. It should be understood that all changes, equivalents, or substitutes for the embodiments are included in the scope of rights.

The terms used in the examples are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, 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 generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense. No.

In addition, when describing with reference to the accompanying drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments, the detailed descriptions are omitted.

Additionally, in describing the components of the embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is no need for another component between each component. It should be understood that may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

Components included in one embodiment and components including common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless stated to the contrary, the description given in one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, and detailed description will be omitted to the extent of overlap.

Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of an aerosol-generating medium production system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating medium production system 1 according to an embodiment can manufacture an aerosol-generating medium, thereby producing an aerosol-generating article (e.g., the aerosol-generating article 31 in FIG. 4). . For example, aerosol-generating media manufacturing system 1 can be used to manufacture media segments (e.g., media segment 311 in FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating medium production system 1 includes a chamber 11, a medium raw material unit 12, a heating unit 13, a circulation unit 14, a transition unit 15, and a storage unit 16. It can be included.

In one embodiment, the chamber 11 may form a manufacturing space 111 for manufacturing the aerosol-generating article 31. The manufacturing space 111 may include a medium raw material unit 12, a heating unit 13, a circulation unit 14, a transition unit 15, and a storage unit 16. In one embodiment, the chamber 11 may seal the manufacturing space 111 to prevent a transition material, which will be described later, from being released to the outside of the manufacturing space 111 . For example, an openable cover may be formed on one side of the chamber 11. In this structure, in the process of transferring the transfer material to the transfer unit 15, the cover is closed to seal the manufacturing space 111, and when the transfer is completed, the cover is opened to open the transfer unit 15 into the manufacturing space 111. can be taken out of the

In one embodiment, the medium raw material unit 12 may be disposed in the manufacturing space 111. In one embodiment, as the medium raw material unit 12 is heated, a transition material may be released from the medium raw material unit 12.

In one embodiment, the medium raw material portion 12 may include a material containing nicotine. For example, the medium raw material unit 12 may include at least one of sheet tobacco, wet granules, and leaf tobacco. However, this is an example, and the material of the medium raw material portion 12 is not limited to this. For example, the medium raw material portion 12 may include by-products such as fine powder or leaf powder. In this embodiment, the transition material released from the medium raw material unit 12 may be free nicotine.

In one embodiment, the medium raw material portion 12 may be chemically treated. For example, the medium raw material portion 12 may be pH treated to make it basic. For example, the medium raw material unit 12 contains calcium carbonate ( K ₂ CO ₃ ), It may be treated to contain at least one component of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ₃ ) or calcium oxide (CaO). Therefore, even if the medium raw material portion 12 is heated to a relatively low temperature, a large amount of free nicotine can be released. However, this is an example, and the chemical treatment method of the medium raw material unit 12 is not limited to this. The chemical treatment method can be adjusted in consideration of the temperature at which the medium raw material unit 12 is heated, the target release amount of free nicotine, etc.

In one embodiment, the heating unit 13 may heat the medium raw material unit 12 to release the transition material from the medium raw material unit 12. For example, as the heating unit 13 heats the medium raw material unit 12, free nicotine may be released from the medium raw material unit 12. For example, the heating unit 13 may heat the medium raw material unit 12 to a temperature of 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less. However, this is an example, and the temperature at which the heating unit 13 heats the medium raw material unit 12 is not limited to this.

For example, the heating unit 13 may be disposed below the medium raw material unit 12. In this structure, the movement of free nicotine released from the medium raw material unit 12 may not be hindered in the process of moving to the upper part of the manufacturing space 111. However, this is an example, and the arrangement of the heating unit 13 is not limited to this if the heating unit 13 can heat the medium raw material unit 12. For example, the heating unit 13 may heat the medium raw material unit 12 disposed in the manufacturing space 111 from outside the chamber 11.

In one embodiment, circulation 14 may circulate transition material. For example, the circulation unit 14 may circulate free nicotine in the manufacturing space 111 so that the free nicotine is efficiently transferred to the transfer unit 15. For example, the circulation unit 14 may include a fan, and the transition material may be circulated through rotation of the fan. However, this is an example, and the method by which the circulation unit 14 circulates the transition material is not limited to this.

For example, the circulation section 14 may be disposed on top of the transition section 15. Therefore, the free nicotine that is released from the medium raw material unit 12, passes through the transition unit 15, and moves to the upper part of the manufacturing space 111 is directed to the lower part of the manufacturing space 111 so as to face the transition unit 15 again. It can be moved to . In another example, the circulation section 14 may be arranged in plural numbers with the transition section 15 interposed therebetween. In this structure, the circulation unit 14 disposed below the transition unit 15 can move free nicotine toward the upper part of the manufacturing space 111 toward the transition unit 15. In addition, the circulation unit 14 disposed at the upper part of the transition unit 15 can move free nicotine toward the lower part of the manufacturing space 111 toward the transition unit 15.

In one embodiment, transition portion 15 may be transferred to a transition material. For example, free nicotine released from the medium raw material unit 12 may be transferred to the transition unit 15 in the process of being circulated by the circulation unit 14. For example, transition portion 15 may include an acetate component. However, this is an example, and the components of the transition portion 15 are not limited thereto. For example, the transition portion 15 may include a highly biodegradable lyocell component. Because of this, the aerosol-generating article 31 can be manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner.

For example, the transition part 15 may be disposed on the upper part of the medium raw material part 12. In this structure, free nicotine released from the medium raw material unit 12 can move upward and transfer to the transition unit 15. However, this is an example, and the arrangement of the transition portion 15 is not limited to this as long as the transition portion 15 can be efficiently transferred to the transition material.

In one embodiment, the storage unit 16 may form a storage space 161 for storing the transition unit 15. In this structure, the transition unit 15 may be stored in the storage unit 16 and placed in the manufacturing space 111. For example, the storage unit 16 may include a plastic material. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the phenomenon of nicotine being released again from the transition area 15 where it has been converted to free nicotine.

In one embodiment, the storage unit 16 may have one side open so that the storage space 161 communicates with the manufacturing space 111. For example, the upper surface of the storage portion 16 may be open. For example, a plurality of perforations may be formed on the lower surface of the storage unit 16. In this structure, free nicotine circulating in the manufacturing space 111 may contact the transition portion 15. However, this is an example, and the structure of the storage unit 16 is not limited to this, as long as the storage unit 16 does not impede the transfer of nicotine from the transfer unit 15.

In one embodiment, the heating unit 13 may heat the medium raw material unit 12 at a temperature of 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less. When free nicotine is released from the medium raw material unit 12, the released free nicotine can be circulated in the manufacturing space 111 by the circulation unit 14. Free nicotine may circulate in the manufacturing space 111 and transfer the transition unit 15 due to contact with the transition unit 15. For example, the transition area 15 may be exposed to free nicotine for a period of 2 to 3 days.

When the transition portion 15 is sufficiently transferred to the transition material (eg, free nicotine), it can be taken out of the chamber 11. The transition portion 15 may be manufactured into an aerosol-generating article 31 through additional processing steps. Details of the processing steps will be described later.

Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment, and Figure 3 is a flowchart of processing steps according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the method 2 for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment may be used to manufacture an aerosol-generating article (eg, the aerosol-generating article 31 of FIG. 4 ). In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article manufacturing method (2) may include a medium raw material portion providing step (21), a heating step (22), a circulation step (23), a transition step (24), and a processing step (25). You can.

In describing the method (2) for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, content that overlaps with the above-described content will be omitted as much as possible.

In one embodiment, the step of providing the medium raw material unit 21 may be a step of providing a medium raw material unit (eg, the medium raw material unit 12 in FIG. 1) to a chamber forming a manufacturing space. In one embodiment, the chamber can seal the manufacturing space to prevent transition material from being released outside of the manufacturing space. For example, the medium raw material unit 12 may be pH treated. For example, the medium raw material unit 12 contains calcium carbonate ( K ₂ CO ₃ ), It may contain at least one component of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ₃ ) or calcium oxide (CaO).

In one embodiment, the heating step 22 may be a step of heating the medium raw material portion 12 in order to release the transition material from the medium raw material portion 12. For example, the transfer agent may be free nicotine. For example, the heating step 22 may be a step of heating the medium raw material portion 12 to a temperature of 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less.

In one embodiment, the circulation step 23 may be a step of circulating the transition material. The transition material circulated in the circulation step 23 may cause the transition zone to transition.

In one embodiment, the transition step 24 may be a step of transferring the transition material to the transition region. For example, the transition portion may include an acetate component. For example, the transition zone may include a lyocell component.

In one embodiment, the processing step 25 may be a step of processing the transition portion. In one embodiment, the processing step 25 may include a cutting step 251 and a filter combining step 252.

In one embodiment, the cutting step 251 may be a step of cutting the transition portion metastasized by the transition material. The cutting step 251 may be a step of cutting the transition portion transferred by free nicotine to conform to the designated shape.

In one embodiment, the filter combining step 252 may be a step of combining a filter to the cut transition portion, and the filter may be a directional filter. For example, the filter combining step 252 may be a step of combining filters onto which a flavoring liquid has been sprayed. For example, the filter combining step 252 may be a step of inserting a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid into the filter. Additionally, the filter combining step 252 may be a step of inserting at least one capsule into the filter. Here, the capsule can perform the function of generating flavor. For example, a capsule may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

In another example, the filter combining step 252 in method 2 for making an aerosol-generating article may be omitted. For example, the transition portion cut after the cutting step 251 may be vacuum-packed in an aluminum bag in the form of a cigarette filter (eg, a filter tip) without going through the filter combining step 252. At this time, the cut transition portion can be applied in the form of a filter tip to an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 32 of FIGS. 5, 6a, and 6b) to transfer nicotine.

In this structure, the aerosol-generating article 31 may ultimately not include the medium raw material portion 12. Therefore, the quality of the aerosol-generating article 31 according to one embodiment is stable, and the manufacturing method can be simplified. In addition, since the medium raw material portion 12 only performs the role of releasing the transition material, it can be formed of an inexpensive material. For example, the medium raw material portion 12 may be formed of a by-product or low-value leaf that releases free nicotine.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 6A and 6B are an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment. It is a diagram schematically showing an aerosol generating system combined with an aerosol generating article, and Figure 7 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a vaporizer according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7 , the aerosol generating system 3 according to an embodiment may include an aerosol generating article 31 and an aerosol generating device 32.

When describing the aerosol generating system 3 with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, content that overlaps with the above-described content will be omitted as much as possible.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 31 may include a media segment 311, a filter segment 312, and a wrapper 313.

In one embodiment, the medium segment 311 may be the transition portion 15 cut in the cutting step 251 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. In one embodiment, the filter segment 312 may be a directional filter coupled to the transition portion 15 in the filter combining step 252 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

In another example, the aerosol-generating article 31 may omit the filter segment 312. For example, only the media segments 311 may be vacuum-packed in an aluminum bag in the form of a cigarette filter (eg, a filter tip). At this time, the medium segment 311, in which the filter segment 312 is omitted, can be applied in the form of a filter tip to an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 32 of FIGS. 5, 6a, and 6b) to transfer nicotine. there is.

In one embodiment, wrapper 313 may wrap media segment 311 and filter segment 312. In one embodiment, at least one hole may be formed in the wrapper 313 through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out. In one embodiment, the wrapper 313 may be made of PLA lamination. Here, PLA laminate refers to three layers of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the wrapper 313 may be within the range of 100um to 120um. Additionally, the basis weight of the wrapper 313 may be within the range of 80 g/m2 to 100 g/m2.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 , the aerosol generating device 32 according to one embodiment may include a battery 321, a control unit 322, a vaporizer 323, and an elongated cavity 324.

The aerosol generating device 32 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B shows only components relevant to this embodiment. Accordingly, those skilled in the art can understand that in addition to the components shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device 32. . Additionally, the aerosol generating device 32 may be in the form of a stick or a holder.

In one embodiment, battery 321 may supply power used by aerosol generating device 32 to operate. The battery 321 can supply power necessary for the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 32 to operate.

In one embodiment, the battery 321 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery 321, but is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the battery 321 may include a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery 321, a lithium titanate battery 321, and a lithium ion battery 321.

For example, the battery 321 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the capacity of the battery 321 may range from 120 mAh to 250 mAh, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the battery 321 may be a rechargeable battery 321 or a disposable battery 321. For example, if the battery 321 is rechargeable, the charging rate (C-rate) of the battery 321 may be 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C, but are not limited thereto. Additionally, for static use, the battery 321 can be manufactured so that more than 80% of the total capacity can be secured even when charging/discharging is performed 2000 times.

In one embodiment, the control unit 322 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 32. Specifically, the control unit 322 controls the operation of the battery 321, the vaporizer 323, as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 32. Additionally, the control unit 322 may check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 32 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 32 is in an operable state.

In one embodiment, control unit 322 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory 328 storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that the present embodiment may be implemented with other types of hardware.

In one embodiment, the vaporizer 323 is capable of generating an aerosol and directing the generated aerosol through an aerosol-generating article 31 inserted into the elongated cavity 324. It can be emitted towards (31). Therefore, tobacco flavor may be added to the aerosol that passes through the aerosol-generating article 31, and the user inhales one end of the aerosol-generating article 31 with the mouth to inhale the aerosol with tobacco flavor added. can do. According to one embodiment, the vaporizer 323 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer. According to one embodiment, the vaporizer 323 may be coupled to the aerosol generating device 32 to be replaceable.

In one embodiment, elongated cavity 324 may contain an aerosol-generating article 31.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 32 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 321, the control unit 322, the vaporizer 323, and the elongated cavity 324. For example, the aerosol generating device 32 may include a sensing unit 325, an output unit 326, a user input unit 327, a memory 328, and a communication unit 329.

The sensing unit 325 may detect the state of the aerosol generating device 32 or the state surrounding the aerosol generating device 32 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 322. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 322 controls the aerosol generating device 32 to perform various functions such as limiting smoking, determining whether to insert an aerosol generating article 31 (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), displaying a notification, etc. ) can be controlled.

The sensing unit 325 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 3251, an insertion detection sensor 3252, and a puff sensor 3253, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 3251 can measure the temperature of the aerosol-generating article 31. The temperature sensor 3251 may be disposed around the battery 321 to monitor the temperature of the battery 321.

Insertion detection sensor 3252 may detect insertion and/or removal of aerosol-generating article 31. For example, the insertion detection sensor 3252 may 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 the aerosol-generating article 31 is inserted. And/or a signal change due to removal may be detected.

The puff sensor 3253 may detect the user's puff based on the airflow passage 3234 or various physical changes in the airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 3253 may detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change, and pressure change.

In addition to the above-mentioned sensors, the sensing unit 325 includes a temperature/humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor. It may further include at least one sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively deduced by a person skilled in the art from its name, detailed descriptions may be omitted.

The output unit 326 may output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 32 and provide it to the user. The output unit 326 may include at least one of a display unit 3261, a haptic unit 3262, and an audio output unit 3263, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 3261 and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 3261 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 3261 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 32 to the user. For example, information about the aerosol-generating device 32 may include the charging/discharging state of the battery 321 of the aerosol-generating device 32, the insertion/removal state of the aerosol-generating article 31, or the aerosol-generating device 32. It may mean a variety of information, such as a state in which use is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 3261 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 3261 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) or an organic light emitting display panel (OLED). Additionally, the display unit 3261 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting device.

The haptic unit 3262 may convert an electrical signal into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation and provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device 32 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 3262 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 3263 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 32 audibly to the user. For example, the audio output unit 3263 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The user input unit 327 may receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 327 includes a key pad, a dome switch, and a touch pad (contact capacitive type, pressure resistive type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, and integral type). Tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), jog wheel, jog switch, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 32 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and is connected to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface. This allows information to be transmitted and received or the battery 321 to be charged.

The memory 328 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 32, and can store data processed by the control unit 322 and data to be processed. The memory 328 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, or a card type memory 328 (for example, SD or XD memory (328, etc.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory) It may include at least one type of storage medium among (only memory), magnetic memory 328, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 328 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 32, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit 329 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 329 may include a short-range communication unit 3291 and a wireless communication unit 3292.

The short-range wireless communication unit (3291) includes a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit (3292), a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, It may include, but is not limited to, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication unit, and an Ant+ communication unit.

The wireless communication unit 3292 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, and a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 3292 may use subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol-generating device 32 within the communication network.

In one embodiment, aerosol-generating device 32 may include at least one input device (e.g., button) and/or a terminal coupled to a cradle that allows a user to control functions of aerosol-generating device 32. You can. For example, a user can execute various functions using the input device of the aerosol generating device 100. By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the time the user presses the input device (e.g., 0.1 second, 0.2 second, etc.), the plurality of aerosol generating devices 32 You can execute the desired function among the functions. As the user operates the input device, the function of cleaning the space where the aerosol-generating article 31 is inserted, the function of checking whether the aerosol-generating device 32 is in an operable state, and the remaining amount of the battery 321 (available power) ), a reset function of the aerosol generating device 32, etc. may be performed. However, the function of the aerosol generating device 32 is not limited to the examples described above.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 32 may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and/or an aerosol-generating article 31 insertion detection sensor 3252. Additionally, the aerosol generating device 32 may be manufactured in a structure that allows external air to flow in/out even when the aerosol generating article 31 is inserted.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 32 may include a vaporizer 323 and an elongated cavity 324 arranged in series, as shown in FIG. 6A. According to another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 32 may include a vaporizer 323 and an elongated cavity 324 arranged in parallel, as shown in FIG. 6B. In addition, the arrangement form of the battery 321, control unit 322, vaporizer 323, and elongated cavity 324 of the aerosol generating device 32 is not limited to FIGS. 6A and 6B and may have various forms. .

Referring to FIG. 6B, through the airflow passage 3234 in the aerosol generating device 32, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 323 may enter the elongated cavity 324 and pass through the aerosol-generating article 31. there is. Therefore, tobacco flavor may be added to the aerosol that passes through the aerosol-generating article 31, and the user inhales one end of the aerosol-generating article 31 with the mouth to inhale the aerosol with tobacco flavor added. can do.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 32 may not include a separate heater to heat the aerosol-generating article 31. Since the medium segment 311 includes a transition portion where the transition material is transferred, the transition material can be inhaled by the user just by passing the aerosol even if the aerosol-generating article 31 is not heated. For example, as the aerosol passes through the medium segment 311, free nicotine may be released from the medium segment 311 and inhaled by the user.

Referring to FIG. 7, the vaporizer 323 according to one embodiment may include a liquid storage unit 3231, a liquid delivery means 3232, a heating element 3233, and an airflow passage 3234. Each component of the vaporizer 323 may be made of polycarbonate, but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the liquid storage unit 3231 may store a liquid composition that can generate an aerosol when heated. According to one embodiment, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances including volatile tobacco flavor components, and according to another embodiment, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. Additionally, the liquid composition can store a liquid of 0.1 to 2.0 mL, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the liquid storage portion 3231 may be exchangeably coupled within the vaporizer 323.

For example, liquid compositions may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavors, or vitamin mixtures. Flavors may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavor ingredients. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide various flavors or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the liquid composition may contain aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

In one embodiment, the liquid delivery means 3232 may deliver the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir 3231 to the heating element 3233. In one embodiment, the liquid delivery means 3232 may be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, and the liquid composition of the liquid storage unit 3231 using capillary action. Can be delivered to the heating element 3233.

In one embodiment, the heating element 3233 is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means 3232, and may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, or a ceramic heater. Additionally, the heating element 3233 may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid delivery means 3232. The heating element 3233 can be heated by supplying an electric current and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element 3233, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, aerosols may be generated.

In one embodiment, the airflow passage 3234 may be arranged such that the generated aerosol is released toward the inserted aerosol-generating article 31. That is, the aerosol generated by the heating element 3233 may be released through the airflow passage 3234.

In one embodiment, the control unit 322 may control the temperature of the heating element 3233 by controlling the current supplied to the heating element 3233. Accordingly, the control unit 322 can control the amount of aerosol generated from the liquid composition by controlling the current supplied to the heating element 3233. Additionally, the control unit 322 may control supply of current to the heating element 3233 for a preset time when detecting a user's puff. For example, the controller 322 may control current to be supplied to the heating element 3233 for 1-5 seconds from the time the user's puff is detected.

In one embodiment, the control unit 322 may control the amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer 323 by controlling the open/closed state of the airflow passage 3234. Specifically, the control unit 322 can increase the amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer 323 by increasing the size of the air gap in the air flow passage 3234, and by reducing the size of the air gap in the air flow passage 3234, The amount of aerosol emitted from the vaporizer 323 can be reduced. For example, the control unit 322 may control the air gap in the airflow passage 3234 using a dial method.

In one embodiment, when the liquid composition in the liquid storage unit 3231 is less than a preset amount, the control unit 322 may inform the user of the lack of liquid composition through a vibration motor or a display.

Although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings as described above, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described method, and/or components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form than the described method, or other components are used. Alternatively, appropriate results may be achieved even if substituted or substituted by an equivalent.

Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments and equivalents of the claims also fall within the scope of the following claims.

1: Aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system
11: Chamber
12: Medium raw material section
13: heating unit
14: Circulation section
15: anterior region
16: storage unit
2: Method for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles
21: Medium raw material provision step
22: Heating step
23: Circulation stage
24: Transition stage
25: Processing steps
3: Aerosol generating system
31: Aerosol-generating articles
32: Aerosol generating device

Claims (15)

In the manufacturing system for manufacturing an aerosol-generating medium,
A chamber forming a manufacturing space;
a medium raw material unit disposed in the manufacturing space;
a transition unit disposed in the manufacturing space and adsorbing the transition material released from the medium raw material unit;
Including,
An aerosol-generating medium is produced from the transition portion,
Aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system.
According to paragraph 1,
Further comprising a heating unit that heats the medium raw material unit to activate the release of the transition material from the medium raw material unit,
Aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system.
According to paragraph 1,
Further comprising a circulation unit for circulating the transition material,
Aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system.
According to paragraph 1,
The chamber seals the manufacturing space, and the transition material is not released to the outside of the manufacturing space.
Aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system.
According to paragraph 4,
Further comprising a storage portion in which a storage space in which the transition portion is seated is formed,
Aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system.
According to clause 5,
One side of the storage part is open and the other side is perforated, the storage space is in communication with the medium raw material part, and the storage part includes a plastic material,
Aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system.
According to paragraph 1,
The medium raw material portion is pH treated,
Aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system.
In clause 7,
The medium raw material part includes calcium carbonate (K ₂ CO ₃ ), Containing at least one component of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ₃ ) or calcium oxide (CaO),
Aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system.
In clause 7,
The medium raw material portion includes at least one of tobacco fines, by-products containing tobacco leaf powder, leaflets, leaf tobacco, or wet granules containing nicotine, and the transfer material is free nicotine,
Aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system.
According to paragraph 1,
The transition portion contains an acetate component,
Aerosol-generating medium manufacturing system.
In a manufacturing method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article,
A step of providing a medium raw material unit to a chamber forming a manufacturing space;
A heating step of heating the medium raw material portion to release the transition material from the medium raw material portion;
A circulation step of circulating the transition material;
A transition step of transferring the transition material to the transition zone; and
A processing step of processing the transition portion to produce an aerosol-generating article; and
Including,
Method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article.
According to clause 11,
The processing step is,
Including a cutting step of cutting the transition portion metastasized by the transition material,
Method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article.
According to clause 12,
The processing step is,
After the cutting step, further comprising a filter coupling step of coupling a filter to the cut transition portion,
Method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article.
In aerosol-generating articles,
Contains a medium segment,
The medium segment is manufactured by cutting the transition portion where free nicotine released from the medium raw material portion containing nicotine is adsorbed,
Aerosol-generating articles.
According to clause 14,
Further comprising a filter segment disposed downstream of the media segment,
Aerosol-generating articles.

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