ARTICLE AND DEVICE FOR GENERATING AEROSOL

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0056287 on May 17, 2018 with the Korean Intellectual Property Office.

[0002] The present invention relates to article and device for generating aerosol.

[Background Art]

[0003] In general, tobacco refers to a perennial plant of the solanaceae family of the dicotyledoneae, but recently, collectively refers to products in which the leaves of tobacco are wrapped in cigarette paper and a filter part is formed on one side to be manufactured for smoking. There are thousands kinds of tobaccos worldwide and these tobaccos are available in a variety of shapes and forms.

[0004] Among these, in the case of combustion-type tobacco, such as cigarettes, cigars and pipe cigarettes, the smoke contains many components such as tar, nitroamine, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in addition to an aerosol containing nicotine.

[0005] As an alternative to compensate for the disadvantages of such a combustion-type tobacco, a method for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material in the cigarette has been widely used instead of a method for generating an aerosol by combusting the cigarette and the demand for this is increasing. Accordingly, researches on a heating-type cigarette or a heating-type device for generating aerosol have been actively conducted.

[0006] Specifically, the device for generating aerosol has a shape similar to that of a conventional combustion-type tobacco and generates mainstream smoke including an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material in the heating-type cigarette by a heater or ultrasonic vibration. Accordingly, the device for generating aerosol has advantages of minimizing the discharge of components such as tar even while functioning to satisfy the smoking needs of a smoker to form a new market of replacing the conventional combustion-type cigarettes.

[0007] However, despite these advantages, in the case of the device for generating aerosol, when the mainstream smoke to be generated is not sufficiently vaporized to contain a lot of liquid substances such as moisture, the satisfaction may not be provided to smokers, and thus, various techniques for solving this problem have been proposed.

[0008] For example, Korean Patent No. 1011453 relates to a cartridge constituting an electronic cigarette, which includes a liquid separation part having a structure capable of maximizing a contact area with the introduced smoke to effectively remove a liquid component, thereby improving the smoker's feeling of use.

[0009] Further, Korean Patent Publication No. 2016-0112769 discloses that a vapor re-evaporation heater is provided around a gas extraction hole to remove moisture or humidity included in an aerosol, thereby satisfying the needs of both smokers and non-smokers simultaneously.

[0010] In addition, Korean Patent Publication No. 2014-0135173 discloses that a sheet material including a plurality of channels extending in a longitudinal direction in a heating-type cigarette is provided as a cooling member to condense water vapor in a generated aerosol, thereby improving smoking satisfaction.

[0011] These patents have improved a problem of deteriorating the aerosol quality and the feeling of use to some extent by changing a structure of the device of generating the aerosol or a filter of the heating-type cigarette, but the effect thereof is not sufficient. In addition, in the heating-type cigarette, when using the sheet material as the cooling member, a separate process for manufacturing the sheet material is required, and at this time, a lot of costs and time are consumed and thus it is uneconomical. Accordingly, the needs for aerosol generating article and device for generating good-quality aerosols are increasing.

[Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0012] Korean Patent No. 1011453 (January 21, 2011), Electronic cigarette; Korean Patent Publication No. 2016-0112769 (September 28, 2016), Smokeless electronic cigarette apparatus; Korean Patent Publication No. 2014-0135173 (November 25, 2014), Aerosol generating article having an aerosol cooling element
CN 107 536 115 A relates to a smoking material-free heating incombustible cigarette. The cigarette does not contain a smoking material used for generating smoke, the cigarette comprises a tobacco section, a support part and an approaching lip section which are coaxially connected in sequence and an external package material limiting the tobacco section, the support part and the approaching lip section. The support part and/or the approaching lip section are/is provided with a unit increasing fragrance.
US 2013/133675 A1 relates to a smokeless flavor inhalator including a tobacco material as a flavor generator, and a heater for heating the tobacco material to allow flavor components to be released from the tobacco material while preventing smoke from being generated from the tobacco material. The heater has a carbon heat source and a cooling element. The carbon heat source and the cooling element cooperatively keep the heating temperature of the tobacco material at a temperature of 50 to 200° C. US20111277781 A1 discloses a smoking article that can be a traditional cigarette or a cigarette smoked in an electrically heated cigarette smoking system containing a rod of smokable material and a multi-component filter, the multi-component filter comprising a first plug, a second plug, a first cavity disposed between the first plug and the second plug and a second cavity disposed upstream of the first cavity. Into the first cavity a plurality of cellulosic granules containing a flavorant and a plurality of cellulosic granules containing a humectant or water. The second cavity may contain cellulosic granules that contain humectant and/or cellulosic granules containing water or both. The cellulosic granules are preferably in the form of spheroids, substantially round or oval in shape and have a diameter of 0.1 to 2.5 mm.

[Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

[0013] Accordingly, the inventors of the present invention have conducted various studies to solve the problems, and as a result, have confirmed that a cooling filter having a cavity structure filled with a particulate coolant was introduced therein to secure an improved cooling effect compared to a conventional sheet-type cooling filter and reduce costs and increase productivity even in terms of a process, and then completed the present invention.

[0014] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an article for generating aerosol having excellent filtering and cooling effects.

[0015] Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide a device for generating aerosol including the article for generating aerosol.

[Technical Solution]

[0016] In order to achieve the above objects, the present invention provides an article for generating aerosol including a medium part and a filter part, in which the filter part includes a cooling filter filled with a particulate coolant and the particulate coolant has a longitudinal length average of from 10 to 6 0 mm

[0017] A filling rate of the cooling filter may be from 50 to 90% by volume with respect to the total 100% by volume of the cooling filter.

[0018] The particulate coolant may have any one shape of a spherical shape, an elliptical shape, a cylindrical shape, a spindle-like shape, a scale-like shape, a plate-like shape, a fibrous shape, a rod-like shape, a core-shell shape or an amorphous shape.

[0019] The particulate coolant may include at least one selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, polyhydroxybutyrate, cellulose acetate, polycaprolactone, polyglycolic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoate, starch-based materials, sugar-based materials and cellulose-based materials.

[0020] The filter part further includes a tube filter which is located in front of the cooling filter and has a hollow hole having a size at which the particulate coolant does not pass.

[0021] The tube filter has a cross-sectional area ratio of an outside of the tube filter and an inside of the hollow hole of from 1:0.10 to 1:0.24.

[0022] The tube filter may have a circumference ratio of the outside of the tube filter and the inside of the hollow hole of from 1:0.60 to 1:0.90.

[0023] The tube filter may include one hollow hole, and the hollow hole may have a shape of forming 3 to 8 straight channels extending toward an outer circumferential surface of the tube filter from a central axis of the tube filter.

[0024] The filter part may further include a mouthpiece filter at the rear side of the cooling filter.

[0025] Further, the present invention provides a device for generating aerosol including the article for generating aerosol.

[Advantageous Effects]

[0026] The article for generating aerosol of the present invention includes a cooling filter having a cavity structure filled with a particulate coolant therein to increase a contact with the aerosol, thereby securing an improved cooling effect.

[0027] Further, the article for generating aerosol of the present invention further includes a tube filter which is disposed in front of the cooling filter and has a hollow hole having a size at which the particulate coolant does not pass, thereby improving filtration performance for foreign substances and pyrolysis components in an aerosol flow.

[0028] Therefore, the aerosol generated from the article for generating aerosol of the present invention is excellent in quality, thereby improving the user's satisfaction with smoking and increasing productivity and economics in terms of process and cost.

[Description of Drawings]

[0029] 

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an article for generating aerosol according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an article for generating aerosol in the prior art.

FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating cross sections of a tube filter.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a device for generating aerosol according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Best Mode]

[0030] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0031] Terms and words used in the present specification and claims should not be construed as limited to ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed in a sense and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can properly define the concept of a term to describe his invention in the best way possible.

[0032] The terminology used in the present invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The singular forms include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is to be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" as used in the present invention, are intended to designate the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but not to preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] The terms "front" and "rear" used in the present invention are defined based on an aerosol flow.

[0034] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an article for generating aerosol (or a heating-type cigarette) according to the present invention.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, an article for generating aerosol 3 of the present invention includes a medium part 310 and a filter part 320. The medium part 310 and the filter part 320 have cylindrical shapes and the same outer diameters to have an integrated shape in which the medium part 310 and the filter part 320 are connected to each other. At this time, the filter part 320 includes a tube filter 321, a cooling filter 322 and a mouthpiece filter 323.

[0038] However, the article for generating aerosol 3 illustrated in FIG. 1 is only an embodiment, and some components may be omitted. For example, in the article for generating aerosol 3, et the mouthpiece filter 323 may not be included.

[0039] The medium part 310 may include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol. The length of the medium part 310 may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0040] In addition, the medium part 310 may contain other additives, such as a flavoring agent, a wetting agent and/or a cellulose acetate compound. For example, the flavoring agent may include licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, cascarilla, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, mint oil, caraway, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, ylang ylang, salvia, spearmint, ginger, coriander, coffee or the like. In addition, the wetting agent may include glycerin, propylene glycol or the like.

[0041] As an example, the medium part 310 may be filled with tobacco cut fillers. At this time, the tobacco cut fillers may be generated by finely crushing a tobacco sheet.

[0042] In order for the wide tobacco sheet to be filled in the medium part 310 in a narrow space, a process for allowing the tobacco sheet to be easily folded is additionally required. Accordingly, compared to filling the medium part 310 with the tobacco sheet, it is easier to fill the medium part with the tobacco cut fillers, and productivity and efficiency of the process for producing the medium part 310 may be further increased.

[0043] As another example, the medium part 310 may be filled with a plurality of tobacco strands in which the tobacco sheet is finely cut. For example, the medium part 310 may be formed by combining the plurality of tobacco strands in the same direction (in parallel) or randomly. One tobacco strand may be formed in a cuboid shape having a horizontal length of 1 mm, a vertical length of 12 mm, and a thickness (height) of 0.1 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0044] Compared to the filling of the medium part 310 with the tobacco sheet, the medium part 310 filled with the tobacco strands may generate a larger amount of aerosol. If the tobacco sheet or the tobacco strands are filled in the same space, compared to the tobacco sheet, the tobacco strands ensure a larger surface area. The large surface area means that there is more opportunity for the aerosol generating material to contact external air. Accordingly, when the medium part 310 is filled with the tobacco strands, a larger amount of aerosol may be generated than the medium part filled with the tobacco sheet.

[0045] In addition, when the article for generating aerosol 3 is separated from a holder when applied to a device for generating aerosol, the medium part 310 filled with the tobacco strands may be more easily separated than the medium part filled with the tobacco sheet. In addition to this, compared to the tobacco sheet, a frictional force generated when the tobacco strands are in contact with a heater for heating is smaller. Accordingly, when the medium part 310 is filled with the tobacco strands, the medium part may be more easily separated from the holder than the medium part filled with the tobacco sheet.

[0046] The tobacco sheet may be formed by crushing the tobacco raw material in a slurry form and then drying the slurry. For example, 15% to 30% of an aerosol generating material may be added to the slurry. The tobacco raw material may be tobacco leaf pieces, tobacco stems, tobacco dust generated during tobacco processing and/or major side strips of tobacco leaves. In addition, other additives such as wood cellulose fibers may be included in the tobacco sheet.

[0047] The outer diameter of the medium part 310 may be from 5.0 to 8.0 mm, preferably from 6.5 to 7.5 mm. The outer diameter of the medium part 310 is not limited to the above-described numerical range.

[0048] As described above, the filter part 320 of the present invention includes a tube filter 321, a cooling filter 322 and may include a mouthpiece filter 323.

[0049] The tube filter 321 is located in front of the cooling filter, and may be a cellulose acetate filter.

[0050] In particular, the tube filter 321 of the present invention is characterized by including a hollow hole having a size at which the particulate coolant described above does not pass. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an article for generating aerosol in the prior art, and in the prior art, the tube filter 321 includes a hollow hole having a circular cross section therein, and in this case, the tube filter 321 just transmits the aerosol generated from the medium part 310, and has no filtering function. Compared to this, in the case of the aerosol generating article according to the present invention, the cross section of the inner hollow hole of the tube filter 321 is formed in a polygonal shape other than the circular shape to prevent the tobacco cut fillers included in the medium part 310 from being introduced and increase a surface area in contact with the aerosol to cool a hot aerosol generated from the medium part 310, thereby improving a cooling effect of the aerosol. Specifically, the tube filter 321 includes one hollow hole therein, and the hollow hole may be a shape of forming 3 to 8 straight channels extending toward an outer circumferential surface of the tube filter 321 from a central axis of the tube filter 321

[0051] For example, the cross section of the hollow hole of the tube filter 321 may be formed in various shapes such as a cross shape, a star shape, and a polygonal shape. Various examples of the cross section of the hollow hole of the tube filter 321 are as illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3C

[0052] The outer diameter of the tube filter 321 may correspond to the outer diameter of the medium part 310.

[0053] The inner diameter of the tube filter 321 may be from 5.0 to 8.0 mm, preferably from 6.5 to 7.5 mm

[0054] The tube filter 321 has a cross-sectional area ratio of an outside of the tube filter and an inside of the hollow hole of from 1:0.10 to 1:0.24, preferably from 1:0.13 to 1:0.22. Further, the tube filter may have a circumferential ratio of the outside of the tube filter and the inside of the hollow hole of from 1:0.60 to 1:0.90, preferably from 1:0.70 to 1:0.85. The cross-sectional area ratio and the circumferential ratio of the outside of the tube and the inside of the hollow hole of the tube filter are associated with the volume and the surface area of the hollow hole, and when the cross-sectional area ratio and the circumferential ratio are less than the above ranges, a passage in the tube filter 321 is narrowed so that the aerosol flow generated from the medium part 310 may be reduced. On the contrary, when the cross-sectional area ratio and the circumferential ratio exceed the above ranges, the passage in the tube filter 321 is increased so that a desired effect cannot be obtained.

[0055] The length of the tube filter 321 may be from 7 to 15 mm, preferably from 7 to 10 mm. The length of the tube filter 321 may be shorter than about 7 mm, but may have a length that does not impair a function of at least one filter part element (e.g. a cooling filter, a capsule, a mouthpiece filter, etc.). The length of the tube filter 321 is not limited to the above-described numerical range. On the other hand, the length of the tube filter 321 is extendable, and the entire length of the aerosol generating article 3 may be adjusted according to the length of the tube filter 321.

[0056] The cooling filter 322 cools the aerosol generated when the medium part 310 is heated by the heater of the aerosol generating apparatus. Therefore, a user may inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

[0057] In general, liquid substances may be generated therein by inhalation (puff) of the user in a combustion-type or non-combustion type (heating-type) cigarette. For example, an aerosol generated in the combustion-type or non-combustion type (heating-type) cigarette is cooled by external air to generate liquid substances (e.g. moisture, etc.).

[0058] In the case of a general combustion-type cigarette, since the smoke is generated by combusting at a high temperature of 800 °C or higher, the smoke is dry without moisture, so that a perceived temperature of the mainstream smoke felt by smokers is also not high. Compared to this, in the case of the aerosol generating article, the moisture content in the smoke is relatively high by vaporizing the aerosol generating material at a low temperature of about 200 °C. Accordingly, the perceived temperature of the mainstream smoke is high, which may be a factor that degrades the smoker's feeling of use. Therefore, in the case of the article for generating aerosol, a role of the cooling filter is very important for improving the quality and the feeling of use of the aerosol

[0059] Therefore, the cooling filter 322 of the present invention is manufactured by filling a particulate coolant 325, thereby increasing a specific surface area in contact with the aerosol and increasing a residence time of the aerosol in the cooling filter 322. Accordingly, the cooling effect of the aerosol may be further improved. In addition, in the article for generating aerosol in the prior art, a cooling material is provided in the form of a sheet or a fiber, and in this case, a lot of time and cost are consumed for processing, which is uneconomical. Compared to this, the present invention has an advantage in terms of improving process productivity and reducing production cost by manufacturing the cooling filter 322 in the form of a cavity filter filled with the particulate coolant 325.

[0060] The particulate coolant 325 has an average length in the longitudinal direction of from 1.0 to 6.0 mm, preferably from 2.0 to 5.0 mm, more preferably from 2.2 to 4.0 mm, and further more preferably from 2.4 to 3.5 mm. When the longitudinal length average of the particulate coolant 325 is less than the above range, there is a lack of weight, and thus misting occurs during processing and a processing problem may occur. On the contrary, when the longitudinal length average exceeds the above range, the surface area in contact with the aerosol is reduced, so that an effect of increasing the retention time in the cooling filter 322 cannot be obtained, and there is a problem in commercialization.

[0061] In the cooling filter 322, a filling rate of the particulate coolant 325 may be from 50 to 90% by volume, preferably from 55 to 80% by volume, more preferably from 60 to 75% by volume, with respect to the total 100% by volume of the cooling filter. When the filling rate is within the above-described range, sufficient air gaps may be included in the cooling filter 322, and the aerosol is cooled by sufficiently contacting the aerosol generated from the above-described medium part 310, thereby exhibiting an improved cooling effect.

[0062] The specific surface area of the coolant of the cooling filter may vary depending on the shape and size of the coolant particles, and may be, for example, from 10 to 500 m2/g.

[0063] The particulate coolant 325 may have any one shape of a spherical shape, an elliptical shape, a cylindrical shape, a spindle-like shape, a scale-like shape, a plate-like shape, a fibrous shape, a rod-like shape, a core-shell shape or an amorphous shape. Preferably, the particulate coolant 325 may have any one shape of spherical, elliptical and cylindrical shapes. On the other hand, the particulate coolant 325 more preferably has any one shape of elliptical and cylindrical shapes in terms of productivity and economic efficiency of the process, and more preferably has a spherical or elliptical shape in terms of commercialization.

[0064] The particulate coolant 325 may be made of a biodegradable or natural polymer material. As an example, the particulate coolant 325 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid; polyhydroxybutyrate; cellulose acetate; polycaprolactone; polyglycolic acid; polyhydroxyalkanoate; starch-based materials such as starch obtained from plants such as corn, and rice, tapioca, potato, etc., carboxymethyl starch, sulfoethyl starch, hydroxypropyl starch, modified starch, plasticized starch, and pre-gelatinized starch, sugar-based materials such as monosaccharides, polysaccharides, and oligosaccharides and cellulose-based material such as cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, and ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose. Preferably, the particulate coolant 325 may be polylactic acid.

[0065] The outer diameter of the cooling filter 322 may correspond to the outer diameter of the tube filter 321.

[0066] The length of the cooling filter 322 may be from 10 to 20 mm, preferably from 12 to 16 mm. The length of the cooling filter 322 is not limited to the above-described range.

[0067] The mouthpiece filter 323 is located at the rear side of the cooling filter 322 described above, and may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the mouthpiece filter 323 may be manufactured by a recess filter including a hollow hole, but is not limited thereto. The length of the mouthpiece filter 323 may be about from 5 to 15 mm, preferably from 10 to 15 mm. The length of the mouthpiece filter 323 is not limited to the above-described numerical range.

[0068] In addition, the outer diameter of the mouthpiece filter 323 may correspond to the outer diameter of the cooling filter 322.

[0069] In addition, the mouthpiece filter 323 may include at least one capsule 324 therein. The capsule 324 may have a structure in which a content liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. For example, the capsule 324 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape. A diameter of the capsule 324 may be at least 2 mm, preferably from 2 to 4 mm.

[0070] A material for forming the film of the capsule 324 may be starch and/or a gelling agent. For example, gellan gum or gelatin may be used as the gelling agent. In addition, as the material for forming the film of the capsule 324, a gelling aid may be further included. At this time, for example, calcium chloride may be used as the gelling aid. In addition, as the material for forming the film of the capsule 324, a plasticizer may be further included. At this time, glycerin and/or sorbitol may be used as the plasticizer. In addition, as the material for forming the film of the capsule 324, a coloring agent may be further included.

[0071] For example, menthol, essential oil of a plant, etc. may be used as the fragrance contained in the content liquid of the capsule 324. Moreover, as a solvent of the fragrance contained in the content liquid, for example, medium-chain triglyceride may be used. In addition, the content liquid may also contain other additives such as a pigment, an emulsifier and a thickener.

[0072] The article for generating aerosol according to the present invention includes the configuration as described above to have improved filtration and cooling performance, thereby improving the aerosol quality and the smoker's feeling of use. In particular, the temperature of the mainstream smoke produced when the aerosol generating article of the present invention is used in the apparatus may be 35°C or higher and less than 50°C, preferably from 45°C to 48°C. Generally, when the aerosol generated from the medium part is introduced into the cooling filter, the temperature is about 60°C. In the case of the article for generating aerosol in the prior art, the final temperature of the mainstream smoke obtained when the introduced aerosol passes through the cooling filter is about 50°C, but in the article for generating aerosol according to the present invention, the temperature of the mainstream smoke is from 45°C to 48°C to exhibit the improved cooling effect.

[0073] The article for generating aerosol 3 according to the present invention may be packaged by a wrapper. Specifically, the medium part 310 and the tube filter 321 may be packaged by a first wrapper 331. For example, the first wrapper 331 may be a paper-like packaging material having oil resistance.

[0074] In addition, the cooling filter 322 and the mouthpiece filter 323 may be packaged by a second wrapper 332. In addition, the entire article for generating aerosol 3 may be repackaged by a third wrapper 333. For example, the second wrapper 332 and the third wrapper 333 may be general paper-like packaging materials.

[0075] In addition, the article for generating aerosol 3 may include a fourth wrapper (not illustrated). At least one of the medium part 310 and the tube filter 321 may be packaged by the fourth wrapper. In other words, only the medium part 310 may be packaged by the fourth wrapper, and the medium part 310 and the tube filter 321 may be packaged by the fourth wrapper. For example, the fourth wrapper may be a paper-like packaging material.

[0076] The fourth wrapper may be produced by applying (or coating) a predetermined material on one side or both sides of the paper-like packaging material. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. Silicone has characteristics such as heat resistance with a small change depending on a temperature, oxidation resistance that oxidation is not performed, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if the predetermined material is not silicon, any material having the above-described characteristics may be applied (or coated) on the fourth wrapper without limitation.

[0077] The fourth wrapper may prevent the article for generating aerosol 3 of the present invention from being combusted. For example, when the medium part 310 is heated by a heater, there is a possibility that the aerosol generating article 3 is combusted. Specifically, when the temperature rises above an ignition point of any one of the materials included in the medium part 310, the article for generating aerosol 3 may be combusted. In this case, since the fourth wrapper includes a non-combustible material, the fourth wrapper may prevent the article for generating aerosol 3 from being combusted.

[0078] In addition, the fourth wrapper 334 may prevent the holder from being contaminated by the materials generated from the article for generating aerosol 3. As described above, a liquid material such as moisture may be generated in the article for generating aerosol 3 by inhalation of the smoker. As the fourth wrapper packages the medium part 310 and/or the tube filter 321, the liquid material generated in the article for generating aerosol 3 may be prevented from being leaked out of the article for generating aerosol 3. Accordingly, a phenomenon that the holder is contaminated by the liquid material generated in the article for generating aerosol 3 may be prevented.

[0079] Further, the present invention provides a device for generating aerosol 1 including the article for generating aerosol 3.

[0080] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a device for generating aerosol according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 4, the device for generating aerosol 1 (or a holder) includes a battery 110, a controller 120, and a heater 130. In addition, the holder 1 includes an inner space formed by a case 140. The article for generating aerosol may be inserted into the inner space of the holder 1.

[0082] Only components associated with the embodiment are illustrated in the holder 1 illustrated in FIG. 4. Accordingly, it may be understood to those skilled in the art associated with the embodiment that other universal components other than the components illustrated in FIG. 4 may be further included in the holder 1.

[0083] When the article for generating aerosol is inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 heats the heater 130. The temperature of an aerosol generating material in the article for generating aerosol rises by the heated heater 130, and as a result, an aerosol is generated. The generated aerosol is delivered to the user through a filter of the article for generating aerosol. However, even when the article for generating aerosol is not inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 may heat the heater 130.

[0084] The case 140 may be separated from the holder 1. For example, when the user rotates the case 140 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the case 140 may be separated from the holder 1.

[0085] In addition, the diameter of a hole formed by an end 141 of the case 140 may be made smaller than the diameter of a space formed by the case 140 and the heater 130, and in this case, the hole may serve as a guide of the cigarette inserted into the holder 1.

[0086] The battery 110 supplies power used for operating the holder 1. For example, the battery 110 may supply power so that the heater 130 may be heated, and may supply power required for operating the controller 120. In addition, the battery 110 may supply power required for operating a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like installed in the holder 1.

[0087] The battery 110 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the battery 110 may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery or the like.

[0088] Further, the battery 110 may have a cylindrical shape having a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. The capacity of the battery 110 may be 120 mAh or more, and may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, when the battery 110 is rechargeable, a charging rate (C-rate) of the battery 110 may be 10 C, and a discharging rate (C-rate) of the battery 110 may be from 16 C to 20 C, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for stable use, the battery 110 may be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity may be secured even when charging/discharging proceeds 8000 times.

[0089] Whether the battery 110 is fully charged or discharged may be determined by the level of power stored in the battery 110 relative to the total capacity of the battery 110. For example, when the power stored in the battery 110 is 95% or more of the total capacity, it may be determined that the battery 110 is fully charged. In addition, when the power stored in the battery 110 is 10 % or less of the total capacity, it may be determined that the battery 110 is fully discharged. However, a standard for determining whether the battery 110 is fully charged and discharged is not limited to the above-described example.

[0090] The heater 130 is heated by the power supplied from the battery 110. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the holder 1, the heater 130 is located inside the aerosol generating article. Accordingly, the heated heater 130 may raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating article.

[0091] The heater 130 may have a shape in which a cylinder and a cone are combined. For example, the heater 130 has a cylindrical shape having a diameter of about 2 mm and a length of about 23 mm, and the end 131 of the heater 130 may be finished at an acute angle, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the heater 130 may correspond to any form which may be inserted into the aerosol generating article without limitation. In addition, only a portion of the heater 130 may also be heated. For example, if the length of the heater 130 is 23 mm, only 12 mm from the end 131 of the heater 130 may be heated, and the remaining portion of the heater 130 may not be heated.

[0092] The heater 130 may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the heater 130 may include an electrically conductive track, and as the current flows through the electrically conductive track, the heater 130 may be heated.

[0093] For stable use, the heater 130 may be supplied with power according to the specifications of 3.2 V, 2.4 A, and 8 W, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the power is supplied to the heater 130, the surface temperature of the heater 130 may rise to 400°C or higher. The surface temperature of the heater 130 may rise to about 350°C before 15 seconds are exceeded from when the power starts to be supplied to the heater 130.

[0094] A separate temperature sensor may be provided in the holder 1. Alternatively, the holder 1 is not provided with a temperature sensor, and the heater 130 may also serve as a temperature sensor.

[0095] The heater 130 may be constituted by at least one electrically conductive track (a first electrically conductive track and a second electrically conductive track).

[0096] The electrically conductive track may include an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track may be made of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive track may be made of an electrically conductive ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy or a composite material of a ceramic material and metal.

[0097] Further, the holder 1 may include both an electrically conductive track that serve as a temperature sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0098] The controller 120 generally controls the operation of the holder 1. Specifically, the controller 120 controls the operations of other components included in the holder 1 as well as the battery 110 and the heater 130. In addition, the controller 120 may also determine whether the holder 1 is operable by checking a state of each of the components of the holder 1.

[0099] The controller 120 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, or may also be implemented in a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which programs that may be executed in the microprocessor are stored. In addition, it may be understood to those skilled in the art to which the embodiment belongs that the processor may be implemented with other types of hardware.

[0100] For example, the controller 120 may control the operation of the heater 130. The controller 120 may control an amount of power to be supplied to the heater 130 and a time at which the power is to be supplied so that the heater 130 may be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0101] In addition, the controller 120 may check the state of the battery 110 (e.g. the remaining amount of the battery 110, etc.), and generate an alarm signal if necessary.

[0102] In addition, the controller 120 may check the presence and intensity of the user's inhalation, and may count the number of inhalation. In addition, the controller 120 may continuously check the time that the holder 1 is operating.

[0103] Meanwhile, the holder 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 110, the controller 120, and the heater 130 described above.

[0104] For example, the holder 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. As an example, when the display is included in the holder 1, the controller 120 may deliver, to the user through the display, information about the state of the holder 1 (e.g. whether the holder is usable, etc.), information about the heater 130 (e.g. start of preheating, progression of preheating, completion of preheating, etc.), information about the battery 110 (e.g. a remaining capacity of the battery 110, availability, etc.), information about reset of the holder 1 (e.g. reset timing, reset progression, reset completion, etc.), information about cleaning of the holder 1 (e.g. cleaning timing, need of cleaning, progression of cleaning, completion of cleaning, etc.), information about charging of the holder 1 (e.g. need of charging, progression of charging, completion of charging, etc.), information about the puff (e.g. the number of puffs, notice of puff termination, etc.), or information about safety (e.g. usage time elapsed, etc.). As another example, when the holder 1 includes the motor, the controller 120 may transmit the above-described information to the user by generating a vibration signal using the motor.

[0105] In addition, the holder 1 may include at least one input device (e.g. a button) that allows the user to control the function of the holder 1 and/or a terminal coupled with a cradle 2. For example, the user may perform various functions using the input device of the holder 1. The user may perform a desired function of multiple functions of the holder 1 by adjusting the number of times of pressing the input device (e.g. once, twice, etc.) or the time of pressing the input device (e.g. 0.1 sec, 0.2 sec, etc.). As the user operates the input device, the holder 1 may perform a function of preheating the heater 130, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 130, a function of cleaning the space into which the cigarette is inserted, a function of checking whether the holder 1 is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the battery 110, a reset function of the holder 1, and the like. However, the functions of the holder 1 are not limited to the examples described above.

[0106] In addition, the holder 1 may include an inhalation sensor, a temperature sensor, and/or an article for generating aerosol insertion sensor. For example, the inhalation sensor may be implemented by a general pressure sensor, and the article for generating aerosol insertion sensor may be implemented by a general capacitive sensor or a resistive sensor. In addition, the holder 1 may be manufactured in a structure that allows external air to flow in/out even when the cigarette is inserted.

[Mode for Invention]

[0107] Hereinafter, preferred Examples of the present invention will be provided in order to help the understanding of the present invention.

Preparation Examples

[Preparation Example 1] Preparation of particulate coolant

[0108] A spherical particulate coolant having an average length in the longitudinal direction of 3.4 mm and a material of polylactic acid was prepared by a polymer injection molding method.

[Preparation Example 2] Preparation of particulate coolant

[0109] An elliptical particulate coolant having an average length in the longitudinal direction of 2.4 mm and a material of polylactic acid was prepared by a method of melting and extruding a polymer material and then cutting the polymer material at predetermined lengths in water.

[Preparation Example 3] Preparation of tube filter

[0110] A cellulose acetate-made tube filter having a cross-shaped inner hollow cross section was prepared by a method of molding a cellulose acetate tow using a molding rod.

[Preparation Example 4] Preparation of tube filter

[0111] A cellulose acetate-made tube filter having a star-shaped internal hollow cross section was prepared by a method of molding a cellulose acetate tow using a molding rod.

Examples and Comparative Examples

[Example 1]

[0112] An article for generating aerosol including a medium part, a tube filter, a cooling filter and a mouthpiece filter was prepared.

[0113] At this time, the medium part used tobacco cut fillers based on a tobacco sheet, and the tube filter used the tube filter prepared in Preparation Example 3 above. In addition, the cooling filter was used to fill the particulate coolant prepared in Preparation Example 1 at a ratio of 70% by volume and the mouthpiece filter used an acetate filter.

[Example 2]

[0114] An article for generating aerosol was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 above, except that the particulate coolant prepared in Preparation Example 2 above was used when preparing the cooling filter.

[Example 3]

[0115] An article for generating aerosol was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 above, except that the tube filter prepared in Preparation Example 4 was used as a tube filter.

[Example 4]

[0116] An article for generating aerosol was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 above, except that the tube filter prepared in Preparation Example 4 above was used as a tube filter and the particulate coolant prepared in Preparation Example 2 above was used when preparing the cooling filter.

[Comparative Example 1]

[0117] An article for generating aerosol was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 above, except that a tube filter having a circular inner hollow cross section of a diameter of 35 mm was used and PLA woven fabric (made by Seoryong Co., Ltd.) was used as the cooling filter.

Experimental Example 1. Comparison of tube filters

[0118] The sizes of the inner hollow holes of the tube filters used in Example 1, Example 3, and Comparative Example 1 were measured to calculate cross-sectional areas, volumes, circumferences and surface areas of the inner hollow holes. A tube filter having the same outer diameter and length and no hollow hole therein was used as a control. The results obtained at this time were shown in Table 1 below.

[Table 1]

	Control (mm)	Comparative Example 1 (mm)	Example 1 (mm)	Example 3 (mm)
Cross-sectional area	38.48	9.62	8.38	5.72
Volume	538.78	134.70	117.30	80.14
Circumference	21.99	11.00	18.26	15.50
Surface area	307.88	153.94	255.64	217.00

Referring to Table 1, it was confirmed that when the cross section of the inner hollow hole was polygonal, the inner cross-sectional area and the volume were reduced and the inner circumference and the surface area were increased compared to the circular cross section of the inner hollow hole. Specifically, when describing a ratio to the control, in Comparative Example 1, the cross-sectional area and the volume were 25%, while in Examples 1 and 3, the cross-sectional area and the volume were reduced to 21.8% and 14.9%, respectively. On the other hand, the circumference and the surface area were 50.0% in Comparative Example 1 with the circular inner cross section, while in Examples with the cross-shaped and star-shaped inner cross sections, the circumference and the surface area were increased to 83.0% and 70.5%, respectively. From this, it was confirmed that while the volume of the passage through which the aerosol passes was decreased, a contact area with the aerosol increased.

Experimental Example 2. Evaluation of Performance

[0119] The following experiments were performed to evaluate the filtration and cooling performance of the aerosol generating articles prepared in Examples and Comparative Example.

[0120] Eight puffs were performed under the same conditions as smoking. At this time, a volume of each puff was 55 ml, aduration of the puff was 2 seconds, and an interval between puffs was 30 seconds. The smoke component and temperature obtained therefrom were measured. The results obtained at this time were shown in Table 2 below.

[Table 2]

			Comparative Examle 1	Exmpl. 1	Exmpl. 2	Exmpl. 3	Exmpl. 4
Smoke component (mg/cig.)	TPM (total particulate matter)		45.62	45.55	45.17	45.83	43.34
	Tar		16.93	16.73	17.12	17.27	16.55
	Nicotine		0.82	0.81	0.81	0.86	0.81
	Propylene glycol		-	0.23	0.24	0.27	0.23
	Glycerin		3.13	3.60	3.46	3.97	3.36
	Moisture		27.87	28.02	27.25	27.69	25.98
Temperature (°C)	Mainstream smoke		50.0	46.9	44.8	47.9	47.8
	Mouthpiece filter	front end	65.4	49.1	54.3	54.3	56.4
		Surface	68.0	57.0	49.6	56.9	53.2

[0121] Through Table 2 above, it was confirmed that in the case of the articles for generating aerosol of Examples, the moisture content in the smoke to be generated was lower than that of Comparative Example and the temperatures of the mainstream smoke and the front end and the surface of the mouthpiece filter which was an inlet were also low.

[0122] In addition, as result of analysis of the smoke component, it was confirmed that the transition amounts of TPM and nicotine components of Examples and Comparative Example were similar.

[0123] From these results, it was confirmed that the filtration and cooling performance of the article for generating aerosol of the present invention was superior to that of Comparative Example.

Experimental Example 3. Evaluation of sensory properties

[0124] The following experiments were performed to evaluate the sensory properties of the aerosol generating articles prepared in Examples and Comparative Example.

[0125] The evaluation of sensory properties was conducted by blind testing of the aerosol generating articles of Examples and Comparative Example for a group of highly trained tobacco taste-related sensory property experts. Specifically, seven items were evaluated: atomization amount (amount of smoke), suckability, heat sensation of the inlet, heat sensation of the mainstream smoke, smoking strength, irritation, and overall tobacco taste, and evaluated based on a 5-point scale. The results obtained at this time were shown in Table 3 below.

[Table 3]

	Comparative Example 1	Example 1	Example 2	Example 4
Atomization amount	3.9	4.6	4.4	4.1
Suckability	3.9	4.1	4.0	3.8
Heat sensation of inlet	4.2	3.8	3.7	3.9
Heat sensation of mainstream smoke	4.2	3.8	3.7	3.8
Smoking strength	4.0	4.3	4.2	4.1
Irritation	3.8	4.1	3.9	3.7
Overall tobacco taste	3.9	4.3	4.1	4.0

[0126] Referring to Table 3 above, as a result of evaluating the sensory properties, it was seen that the overall properties were equal to or higher than those of Comparative Example 1, which was a conventional product. Particularly, it was confirmed that Examples had higher satisfaction than Comparative Example in the case of the smoking strength related to the intensity of the tobacco taste (nicotine component) felt by a smoker and the irritation related to bitter taste felt after smoking, which are negative properties.

[Description of Symbols]

[0127] 

3: Article for generating aerosol

310: Medium part

320: Filter part

321: Tube filter

322: Cooling filter

323: Mouthpiece filter

324: Capsule

325: Particulate coolant

1: Device for generating aerosol

110: Battery

120: Controller

130: Heater

131: End of heater

140: Case

141: End of case

Claims

1. An article for generating aerosol (3) comprising a medium part (310) and a filter part (320),

wherein the filter part (320) includes a cooling filter (322) filled with a particulate coolant (325) and

the particulate coolant (325) has an average length in the longitudinal direction of from 1.0 to 6.0 mm,

wherein the filter part (320) further comprises a tube filter (321) which is located in front of the cooling filter (322) and has a hollow hole having a size at which the particulate coolant (325) does not pass, and

wherein the tube filter (321) has a cross-sectional area ratio of an outside of the tube filter (321) and an inside of the hollow hole of from 1:0.10 to 1:0.24.

2. The article for generating aerosol of claim 1, wherein a filling rate of the cooling filter (322) is from 50 to 90% by volume with respect to the total 100 % by volume of the cooling filter (322).

3. The article for generating aerosol of claim 1, wherein the particulate coolant (325) has any one shape of a spherical shape, an elliptical shape, a cylindrical shape, a spindle-like shape, a scale-like shape, a plate-like shape, a fibrous shape, a rod-like shape, a core-shell shape or an amorphous shape.

4. The article for generating aerosol of claim 1, wherein the particulate coolant (325) includes at least one selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, polyhydroxybutyrate, cellulose acetate, polycaprolactone, polyglycolic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoate, starch-based materials, sugar-based materials and cellulose-based materials.

5. The article for generating aerosol of claim 1, wherein the tube filter (321) has a circumference ratio of the outside of the tube filter (321) and the inside of the hollow hole of from 1:0.60 to 1:0.90.

6. The article for generating aerosol of claim 1, wherein the hollow hole has a shape of forming 3 to 8 straight channels extending toward an outer circumferential surface of the tube filter (321) from a central axis of the tube filter (321).

7. The article for generating aerosol of claim 1, wherein the filter part (320) further comprises a mouthpiece filter (323) at the rear side of the cooling filter (322).

8. A device for generating aerosol (1) comprising the article for generating aerosol (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Ansprüche

1. Artikel zum Erzeugen von Aerosol (3), der ein Mittelteil (310) und ein Filterteil (320) umfasst,

wobei das Filterteil (320) einen Kühlfilter (322) umfasst, der mit einem partikelförmigen Kühlmittel (325) gefüllt ist, und

das partikelförmige Kühlmittel (325) in Längsrichtung eine mittlere Länge von 1,0 bis 6,0 mm aufweist,

wobei das Filterteil (320) ferner einen Rohrfilter (321) umfasst, der vor dem Kühlfilter (322) angeordnet ist und ein hohles Loch aufweist, das eine Größe hat, bei der das partikelförmige Kühlmittel (325) nicht hindurch gelangen kann, und

wobei der Rohrfilter (321) ein Querschnittsflächenverhältnis einer Außenseite des Rohrfilters (321) zu einer Innenseite des hohlen Lochs von 1:0,10 bis 1:0,24 aufweist.

2. Artikel zum Erzeugen von Aerosol nach Anspruch 1, wobei ein Füllverhältnis des Kühlfilters (322) im Bereich von 50 bis 90 Vol.-% in Bezug auf 100 Vol.-% des Gesamtvolumens des Kühlfilters (322) liegt.

3. Artikel zum Erzeugen von Aerosol nach Anspruch 1, wobei das partikelförmige Kühlmittel (325) eine Kugelform, eine elliptische Form, eine Zylinderform, eine Spindelform, die Form einer Waagschale, eine Plättchenform, eine Faserform, eine Stangenform, eine Kern-Hülle-Form oder eine amorphe Form aufweist.

4. Artikel zum Erzeugen von Aerosol nach Anspruch 1, wobei das partikelförmige Kühlmittel (325) wenigstens ein Material enthält, das aus der Gruppe ausgewählt ist, die aus Polylactiden, Polyhydroxybutyrat, Celluloseacetat, Polycaprolacton, Polyglykolsäure, Polyhydroxyalkanoat, Materialien auf Stärkebasis, Materialien auf Zuckerbasis und Materialien auf Zellulosebasis besteht.

5. Artikel zum Erzeugen von Aerosol nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Rohrfilter (321) ein Umfangsverhältnis der Außenseite des Rohrfilters (321) zur Innenseite des hohlen Lochs im Bereich von 1:0,60 bis 1:0,90 aufweist.

6. Artikel zum Erzeugen von Aerosol nach Anspruch 1, wobei das hohle Loch eine Form hat, die 3 bis 8 geradlinige Kanäle bildet, die sich von der Mittelachse des Rohrfilters (321) zu einer Außenumfangsfläche des Rohrfilters (321) erstrecken.

7. Artikel zum Erzeugen von Aerosol nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Filterteil (320) an der Rückseite des Kühlfilters (322) ferner einen Mundstückfilter (323) umfasst.

8. Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen von Aerosol (1), die den Artikel zum Erzeugen von Aerosol (3) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7 umfasst.

Revendications

1. Article destiné à produire un aérosol (3) comportant une partie de milieu (310) et une partie de filtre (320),

dans lequel la partie de filtre (320) inclut un filtre de refroidissement (322) rempli d'un fluide de refroidissement particulaire (325) et

le fluide de refroidissement particulaire (325) a une longueur moyenne dans la direction longitudinale de 1,0 à 6,0 mm,

dans lequel la partie de filtre (320) comporte en outre un filtre à tube (321) qui est situé à l'avant du filtre de refroidissement (322) et a un trou creux ayant une taille à laquelle le fluide de refroidissement particulaire (325) ne passe pas, et

dans lequel le filtre à tube (321) a un rapport d'aire de section transversale d'un extérieur du filtre à tube (321) et d'un intérieur du trou creux de 1:0,10 à 1:0,24.

2. Article de production d'aérosol selon la revendication 1, dans lequel un taux de remplissage du filtre de refroidissement (322) est de 50 à 90 % en volume par rapport au 100 % en volume total du filtre de refroidissement (322).

3. Article de production d'aérosol selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le fluide de refroidissement particulaire (325) a une forme quelconque parmi une forme sphérique, une forme elliptique, une forme cylindrique, une forme analogue à une broche, une forme analogue à une échelle, une forme analogue à une plaque, une forme fibreuse, une forme analogue à une tige, une forme de noyau-enveloppe ou une forme amorphe.

4. Article de production d'aérosol selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le fluide de refroidissement particulaire (325) inclut au moins un élément choisi parmi le groupe constitué d'acide polylactique, de polyhydroxybutyrate, d'acétate de cellulose, de polycaprolactone, d'acide polyglycolique, de polyhydroxyalcanoate, de matériaux à base d'amidon, de matériaux à base de sucre et de matériaux à base de cellulose.

5. Article de production d'aérosol selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le filtre à tube (321) a un rapport de circonférence de l'extérieur du filtre à tube (321) et de l'intérieur du trou creux de 1 :0,60 à 1 :0,90.

6. Article de production d'aérosol selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le trou creux a une forme formant 3 à 8 canaux rectilignes s'étendant vers une surface circonférentielle extérieure du filtre à tube (321) à partir d'un axe central du filtre à tube (321).

7. Article de production d'aérosol selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la partie de filtre (320) comporte en outre un filtre d'embout buccal (323) sur le côté arrière du filtre de refroidissement (322).

8. Dispositif pour produire un aérosol (1) comportant l'article destiné à produire un aérosol (3) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7.

Drawing