JP7655496B2 - Aerosol generating device providing a customized smoking experience and aerosol generating article applied thereto - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device that provides a customized smoking experience and an aerosol generating article applied thereto. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device that can provide a customized smoking experience according to user preferences through various adjustment functions such as flavor adjustment and atomization amount adjustment, and an aerosol generating article designed to be applied to the device.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative products that overcome the shortcomings of traditional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for devices that electrically heat cigarettes to generate aerosols and heated cigarettes that are applicable to such devices. As a result, active research is being conducted on heated aerosol generating devices and heated cigarettes.

In recent years, as user preferences have become more diverse, active research has been conducted into ways to provide a customized smoking experience. One of the products of such research is the crushable flavor capsule that is inserted into the filter. The crushable flavor capsule contains liquid fragrance inside, and depending on whether it is crushed or not, it can provide the user with a general flavor or an enhanced flavor.

However, the flavor capsule method has the disadvantage that the flavor liquid is released suddenly when crushed and the flavor release decreases toward the end of the smoking process, and it also has the disadvantage that it does not provide the ability to precisely adjust flavor intensity.

The technical problem that some embodiments of the present disclosure aim to solve is to provide an aerosol generating device that can provide a customized smoking experience according to the user's preferences.

Another technical problem that some embodiments of the present disclosure aim to solve is to provide an aerosol generating article that can be applied to the above-mentioned aerosol generating device to provide a customized smoking experience.

Yet another technical problem that some embodiments of the present disclosure aim to solve is to provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article to be applied thereto that can provide precise adjustment functions according to user preferences.

The technical problems of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field of this disclosure from the description below.

To solve the above technical problem, an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a housing that forms a storage space in which an aerosol-generating article is stored, and a heater section that heats the aerosol-generating article stored in the storage space to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate section and an additive storage section in which an additive is stored, and the heater section may include a heater that heats the aerosol-forming substrate section and a user-controlled heater that heats the additive storage section and is adjusted based on user input.

In some embodiments, the user input can be received through buttons formed on an exterior surface of the housing.

In some embodiments, the additive may be a flavoring agent.

In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may be a flavor sheet manufactured in sheet form.

In some embodiments, the additive may be a humectant.

In some embodiments, the additive storage section may include a first storage section and a second storage section, and the user-controlled heater may include a first heater that heats the first storage section and a second heater that heats the second storage section.

In some embodiments, the heating intensity of the user-controlled heater can be adjusted based on input from the user.

In some embodiments, the user-controlled heater is externally heated, the additive is a flavoring, and the flavoring may also be added to a wrapper of the additive container.

In some embodiments, the user-controlled heater is externally heated, the additive is a flavoring, and the flavoring may also be added to a wrapper of an adjacent segment of the additive housing.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure described above, an aerosol generating device can be provided that includes an aerosol generating article including an additive storage section and a user-controlled heater. The user-controlled heater can provide a customized smoking experience to a user by heating the additive storage section based on user input. For example, if the additive is a flavoring agent, a customized smoking experience can be provided through flavor adjustment, and if the additive is a humectant, a customized smoking experience can be provided through atomization amount adjustment.

The heating intensity of the user-controlled heater can also be adjusted based on user input, providing more precise control. For example, if the additive is a flavoring, more precise flavor control can be provided.

In addition, a flavor sheet manufactured in a sheet form can be used as a flavoring agent. The flavor sheet gradually releases the flavor fixed inside when heated, thereby ensuring superior flavor persistence compared to flavor capsules.

The effects of the technical ideas of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the description below.

1A to 1C are schematic illustrative diagrams of aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 1 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is an illustrative diagram for explaining the operating principle of a heater portion of a detailed structure of the aerosol-generating article according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an illustrative diagram for explaining the operating principle of a heater portion of a detailed structure of the aerosol-generating article according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is an illustrative diagram for explaining the operating principle of a heater portion of a detailed structure of an aerosol-generating article according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is an illustrative diagram for explaining the operating principle of a heater portion of a detailed structure of an aerosol-generating article according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is an illustrative diagram for explaining the operating principle of a heater portion of a detailed structure of an aerosol-generating article according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A to 1C are illustrative diagrams for explaining various methods of inserting flavor sheets according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 1A to 1C are illustrative diagrams for explaining various processing forms of flavor sheets according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 1A to 1C are illustrative diagrams for explaining various processing forms of flavor sheets according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present disclosure, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become apparent from the following detailed embodiments along with the accompanying drawings. However, the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and may be embodied in various different forms. The following embodiments are merely provided to complete the technical idea of the present disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the present disclosure of the scope of the present disclosure, and the technical idea of the present disclosure is only defined by the scope of the claims.

When assigning reference symbols to components in each drawing, care should be taken to assign the same symbols to the same components as much as possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. In addition, in describing this disclosure, if it is determined that a specific description of related publicly known configurations or functions may obscure the gist of this disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in a manner commonly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. In addition, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless clearly and specifically defined. The terms used herein are intended to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless otherwise specified in the text.

In addition, when describing components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. Such terms are merely used to distinguish the component from other components, and do not limit the essence, procedure, or order of the components. When a component is described as being "coupled," "bonded," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that other components may also be "coupled," "bonded," or "connected" between each component.

As used in this disclosure, "comprises" and/or "comprising" means that a referenced component, step, operation and/or element does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations and/or elements.

First, let us clarify some terms used in the various embodiments of this disclosure.

In the following embodiments, "aerosol-forming substrate" may mean a substance capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol may include a volatile compound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid or liquid.

For example, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may include a solid material based on tobacco raw materials, such as tabular tobacco, shredded tobacco, or reconstituted tobacco, and the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include a liquid composition based on nicotine, tobacco extract, and/or various flavoring agents. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the examples listed above.

In the following embodiments, "aerosol generating device" may refer to a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into a user's lungs through the user's mouth. For some examples of aerosol generating devices, see Figures 1 to 3.

In the following embodiments, "aerosol-generating article" may refer to an article capable of generating an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate. A representative example of an aerosol-generating article is a cigarette, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In the following embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" may mean a direction away from the user's mouth, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" may mean a direction toward the user's mouth. The terms upstream and downstream may be used to describe the relative positions of elements that make up the aerosol-generating article. For example, in the aerosol-generating article 150-1 illustrated in FIG. 4, the filter portion 152 is located downstream or in the downstream direction of the aerosol-forming substrate portion 151, and the aerosol-forming substrate portion 151 is located upstream or in the upstream direction of the filter portion 152.

In the following embodiments, "longitudinal direction" may mean the direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

In the following embodiments, "puff" refers to the user's inhalation, which can refer to drawing air through the user's mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

In the following embodiments, a "sheet" may refer to a thin layer element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness. In the art, the term sheet may be used interchangeably with terms such as web and film.

In the following embodiments, "flavor sheet" or "flavoring sheet" may refer to a material that contains a flavoring agent or a fragrance and is manufactured in sheet form.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, aerosol generating devices 100-1 to 100-3 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary aerosol generating device 100-1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 1 illustrates an aerosol generating article 150 housed within the device 100-1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100-1 may include a housing, a heater unit 140, a battery 130, and a control unit 120. However, this is merely a preferred embodiment for achieving the object of the present disclosure, and it goes without saying that some components may be added or omitted as necessary. In addition, each component of the aerosol generating device 100-1 shown in FIG. 1 indicates a functional element that is functionally divided, and multiple components may be embodied in a form that is integrated with each other in an actual physical environment, or a single component may be embodied in a form that is separated into multiple smaller functional elements. Each component of the aerosol generating device 100-1 will be described below.

The housing can form the exterior appearance of the aerosol generating device 100-1. The housing can also form a storage space in which the aerosol generating article 150 is stored. The housing is preferably made of a sturdy material so as to protect the internal components.

In some embodiments, a user interface module may be formed on the outer surface of the housing. The aerosol generating device 100-1 may provide a customized smoking experience by adjusting the heater unit 140 based on user input received through the user interface module. The user interface module may be embodied in various forms, such as a button, a touchable display, and the like. This embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4 and subsequent drawings.

Next, the heater unit 140 may be arranged to heat the aerosol-generating product 150 contained in the storage space. The aerosol-generating product 150 includes a solid aerosol-forming substrate, and can generate an aerosol by being heated. The generated aerosol can be inhaled through the user's mouth. The operation, heating temperature, etc. of the heater unit 140 can be controlled by the control unit 120.

In some embodiments, the heater section 140 may include a user-controlled heater (hereinafter referred to as a "controlled heater") that is adjustable based on user input. For example, the heater section 140 may include a basic heater that heats the aerosol-generating article 150 according to a preset temperature profile and a controlled heater. The user can be provided with a customized smoking experience by directly controlling the controlled heater. This embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4 and subsequent figures.

Next, the battery 130 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100-1. For example, the battery 130 can supply power so that the heater unit 140 can heat the aerosol-forming substrate included in the aerosol-generating article 150, and can supply power necessary for the control unit 120 to operate.

The battery 130 can also supply the power necessary to operate electrical components installed in the aerosol generating device 100-1, such as a display (not shown), a sensor (not shown), and a motor (not shown).

Next, the control unit 120 can generally control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100-1. For example, the control unit 120 can control the operation of the heater unit 140 and the battery 130, and can also control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 100-1. The control unit 120 can control the power supplied by the battery 130, the heating temperature of the heater unit 140, etc. The control unit 120 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 100-1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 100-1 is in an operable state.

The control unit 120 may be implemented by at least one processor. The processor may be implemented by an array of a number of logic gates, or may be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can obviously understand that the control unit 120 may be implemented by other forms of hardware.

Meanwhile, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, a customized smoking experience can be provided through an additive storage unit of the aerosol-generating article 150 and a controllable heater for heating the additive storage unit. In this case, the additive stored in the additive storage unit is a substance that can change the smoking experience and the degree of expression of which can be changed by heating, and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, flavoring agents, moisturizing agents, sound generating agents, etc. This embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 4 and subsequent drawings.

Below, other types of aerosol generating devices 100-2 and 100-3 will be briefly described with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device 100-2 in which a vaporizer 1 and an aerosol generating article 150 are arranged in parallel, and Figure 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device 100-3 in which a vaporizer 1 and an aerosol generating article 150 are arranged in series. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device is not limited to that illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, and the arrangement of the components can be changed depending on the design method.

2 and 3, the vaporizer 1 may include a liquid storage tank for storing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, a wick for absorbing the aerosol-forming substrate, and a vaporization element for vaporizing the absorbed aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The vaporization element may be embodied in various forms, such as a heating element, a vibration element, and the like. In some embodiments, the vaporizer 1 may be designed to have a structure that does not include a wick.

The aerosol generated by the vaporizer 1 can pass through the aerosol generating article 150 and be inhaled through the user's mouth. The vaporization element of the vaporizer 1 can also be controlled by the control unit 120.

Above, the aerosol generating devices 100-1 to 100-3 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure have been generally described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Below, the operating principles of the aerosol generating article 150 and the heater unit 140 that can provide a customized smoking experience will be described in detail with reference to Figures 4 and subsequent figures.

First, the aerosol-generating article 150-1 and heater section 140 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

Figures 4 and 5 are illustrative diagrams for explaining the detailed structure of the aerosol-generating article 150-1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure and the operating principle of the heater section 140.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the aerosol-generating article 150-1 according to the present embodiment may include an aerosol-forming substrate portion 151, a filter portion 152, and an additive storage portion 153. However, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 only show components related to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will understand that the article may further include other general components in addition to the components shown. Also, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 only show examples of some of the aerosol-generating articles according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and the detailed structure of the aerosol-generating article may differ from those shown. Each component of the aerosol-generating article 150-1 will be described below.

The aerosol-forming substrate unit 151 is located upstream of the filter unit 152 and can perform the function of forming aerosol A. Specifically, the aerosol-forming substrate unit 151 may include an aerosol-forming substrate, and can form an aerosol through the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate unit 151 can form an aerosol by being heated by the heater unit 140. The formed aerosol can be delivered to the mouth of the user through the filter unit 152 by the puff. The aerosol-forming substrate unit 151 may further include a wrapper that wraps the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate portion 151 is manufactured in the form of a rod, and is sometimes referred to as an "aerosol-forming rod 151" or a "tobacco rod 151." Alternatively, it is sometimes referred to as a "medium portion 151."

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate 151 may further include a flavor sheet. For example, shredded flavor sheet and shredded tobacco (e.g. shredded leaf tobacco, shredded tabular leaves) may be combined and included in the aerosol-forming substrate 151. In this case, the flavor fixed inside the flavor sheet is gradually released by heating, so that the fragrance durability of the aerosol-generating article 150-1 can be greatly improved. The flavor sheet will be described in detail later.

Next, the filter unit 152 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate unit 151 and can perform a filtering function for the aerosol. To this end, the filter unit 152 may include a filter material. Examples of the filter material include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate fiber and paper. In addition, the filter unit 152 is located at the downstream end portion of the aerosol-generating article 150-1 and can function as a mouthpiece that comes into contact with the user's mouth. The filter unit 152 may further include a wrapper that encases the filter material (plug).

The filter portion 152 is also manufactured in the form of a rod, and is therefore sometimes referred to as a "filter rod 152," and can be manufactured in a variety of forms, such as a cylindrical type, a tube type having a hollow interior (e.g. a cellulose acetate filter in the form of a tube), a recessed type, etc. Alternatively, the filter portion 152 functions as a mouthpiece, and is therefore also referred to as a "mouthpiece portion 152."

Next, the additive storage unit 153 may store a predetermined additive. Here, the additive may be a substance capable of changing the user's smoking experience in any form, and the degree of its expression may be adjusted by heating. For example, the additive may include, but is not limited to, a flavoring agent capable of changing taste or olfactory experience elements, a moisturizing agent (humectant) capable of changing visual experience elements, a sound generating agent capable of changing auditory experience elements, and the like. The additive storage unit 153 may further include a wrapper.

The humectant may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The humectant can maintain the moisture at an appropriate level, soften the inherent taste, and enrich the amount of atomization.

Flavoring agents may include, for example, but are not limited to, 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, cinnamon, caraway, konjac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cinnamon, ylang-ylang, salvia, spearmint, ginger, coriander, clove extract (or clove substance), or coffee.

In some embodiments, a flavor sheet may be used as the flavoring agent. The flavor sheet may be processed in various forms, such as cut, rolled, or folded, and then inserted into the additive container 153. The flavor sheet may be heated to gradually release the flavoring agent fixed therein, thereby greatly improving the duration of the flavor. The flavor sheet will be described in detail below.

The sound generating agent may be a substance capable of generating sound when heated. For example, the sound generating agent may include a flavor sheet manufactured with a porosity. When heated, the internal pores (or the membrane forming the pores) of such a flavor sheet can burst to generate sound. The porous flavor sheet can be manufactured from a sheet composition including, for example, a solvent such as distilled water and/or ethanol, a hydrocolloid substance, and an oil-based flavoring. The flavor sheet manufactured from such a sheet composition has porosity and can function as a sound generating element in the aerosol generating article 150-1. For example, a hydrophilic hydrocolloid substance and a lipophilic flavoring are blended together with a solvent to form a large number of pores in the composition, and such a sheet composition can be dried to manufacture a porous flavor sheet. Further description of the flavor sheet will be provided below.

As shown, the additive storage section 153 may be located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 151. In this case, the high-temperature aerosol formed in the aerosol-forming substrate section 151 passes through the additive storage section 153, so that the stored additive can be expressed (transferred) well. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the additive storage section 153 may also be located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 151. For example, when the additive storage section 153 contains a moisturizing agent, the additive storage section 153 may also be located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 151.

Next, the heater section 140 may include a basic heater 141 that heats the aerosol-forming substrate section 151 and a controlled heater 142 that heats the additive containing section 153. The basic heater 141 may be for heating the aerosol-forming substrate section 151 to provide a basic (general) smoking experience, and the controlled heater 142 may be for providing a customized smoking experience by being controlled based on user input.

As mentioned above, the basic heater 141 can heat the aerosol forming substrate portion 151 based on a preset temperature profile. In other words, the basic heater 141 may be a heater controlled by the control unit 120 based on a preset temperature profile.

The basic heater 141 may be implemented in various forms. For example, the basic heater 141 may be implemented as an internal heating type as shown in FIG. 4, or as an external heating type as shown in FIG. 5. The basic heater 141 may also be implemented as an electric resistance heater, or as an induction heating type.

Next, the controlled heater 142 can provide a customized smoking experience by heating the additive containing portion 153. For example, as shown in the figure, the controlled heater 142 can be implemented as an external heating type, and at least a portion of the additive containing portion 153 can be heated externally. Also, the controlled heater 142 can provide a customized smoking experience by controlling (adjusting) the degree of heating for the additive containing portion 153 based on user input (i.e., by adjusting the expression degree of the contained additive). However, the specific control method can vary depending on the embodiment.

In some embodiments, the controlled heater 142 can be controlled to be activated or deactivated based on user input. For example, the controlled heater 142 can be turned on or off by user input. In this case, the user can be provided with a customized smoking experience by controlling the on/off of the controlled heater 142.

In addition, in some embodiments, the heating intensity of the controlled heater 142 can be controlled based on user input. For example, the controlled heater 142 can operate at a first heating intensity in response to a first user input, and at a second heating intensity in response to a second user input. In this case, the first user input and the second user input may be the same user input (e.g., a button press). According to this embodiment, the degree of additive expression (e.g., flavor intensity, atomization level) can be more precisely adjusted, providing a more customized smoking experience.

In addition, in some embodiments, the heating mode of the controlled heater 142 is controlled based on a user input. For example, the controlled heater 142 may operate in a manual mode by a first user input and in an automatic mode by a second user input. In this case, the first user input and the second user input may be the same user input (e.g., pressing a button). In the manual mode, the operation of the controlled heater 142 and the heating intensity may be controlled by the user input. In the automatic mode, the controlled heater 142 may operate regardless of the user input. For example, the control unit 120 may automatically control the controlled heater 142 based on the user's puff pattern. As a more specific example, the control unit 120 may turn on the controlled heater 142 or increase the heating intensity when the puff intensity becomes stronger, the puff interval becomes shorter, or the puff length becomes longer. In the opposite case, the control unit 120 may turn off the controlled heater 142 or decrease the heating intensity. In automatic mode, the control unit 120 can also operate the controlled heater 142 according to a preset temperature profile.

Meanwhile, the controlled heater 142 is controlled based on user input received through the user interface module. For example, the control unit 120 can control the controlled heater 142 based on user input received through the user interface module, but is not limited thereto.

The user interface module may be implemented in various forms, such as a button, a touchable display, a voice recognition module, etc. For example, the user interface module may be implemented as a button formed on the outer surface of the housing of the aerosol generating device (e.g. 150-1). In this case, the user can control the controllable heater 142 through a simple input of pressing a button, thereby improving user convenience.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the controlled heater 142 may be embodied as an external heating type, and a flavoring agent may be added to the additive storage unit 153. A flavoring agent (e.g. a flavor sheet) may also be added to the wrapper of the additive storage unit 153 or an adjacent segment (e.g. aerosol forming substrate unit 151, filter unit 152, filter unit 154, 155, 158 in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, etc.). In this case, the controlled heater 142 is activated, and the flavoring agent in the wrapper located near the controlled heater 142 is transferred quickly, so that the delay in flavor transfer can be minimized. In addition, even if the controlled heater 142 is activated (turned on) by the user, it takes a certain amount of time for the flavor to transfer. This is because a certain amount of time is required for the additive storage unit 153 to be sufficiently heated. In other words, the flavor transfer may be delayed until the controlled heater 142 sufficiently heats the additive storage unit 153, but according to the present embodiment, such a problem can be easily solved.

The detailed structure of the aerosol-generating article 150-1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure and the operating principle of the heater section 140 have been described above with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Based on the above, it is possible to provide a heater 142 that is a dedicated heater for the additive containing section 153 and is controlled by a user. The controlled heater 142 heats the additive containing section 153 based on user input, thereby providing a customized smoking experience according to the user's preferences.

The following describes the detailed structure of the aerosol-generating article 150-2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure and the operating principle of the heater section 140. However, for the sake of clarity of this disclosure, descriptions of content that overlaps with the above embodiment will be omitted.

Figure 6 is an illustrative diagram for explaining the detailed structure of the aerosol generating article 150-2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure and the operating principle of the heater section 140. For reference, in Figure 6 and subsequent figures, the illustration of the basic heater 141 has been omitted for ease of understanding.

As shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol-generating article 150-2 according to this embodiment may include a plurality of additive containing sections 153-1, 153-2, and the heater section 140 may also include a plurality of controlled heaters 142-1, 142-2. In this case, the first controlled heater 142-1 may heat the first additive containing section 153-1, and the second controlled heater 142-2 may heat the second additive containing section 153-2.

While FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which the aerosol-generating article 150-2 includes two additive storage sections 153-1, 153-2, the number of additive storage sections may be three or more. Also, while FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which the multiple additive storage sections 153-1, 153-2 are positioned adjacent to one another, the multiple additive storage sections 153-1, 153-2 do not have to be positioned adjacent to one another. For example, the first additive storage section 153-1 may be positioned upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 151, and the second additive storage section 153-2 may be positioned downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 151.

The additives placed in each additive storage section 153-1, 153-2 may be the same or different.

When the same additive is added, the degree of additive transfer can be controlled more precisely. For example, when the same flavoring agent is added to the two additive storage units 153-1, 153-2, the flavor intensity can be controlled more precisely by the two controlled heaters 142-1, 142-2. For example, the user can experience a very strong flavor by activating (turning on) both controlled heaters 142-1, 142-2, or can experience a medium flavor by activating (turning on) only one of the controlled heaters 142-1 or 142-2.

When different additives are added, a variety of smoking experiences can be provided to the user. For example, when different flavoring agents are added to the two additive containing units 153-1 and 153-2 and the two control type heaters 142-1 and 142-2 are both activated, the two flavors can be combined and transferred to the user. Or, when only one of the control type heaters 142-1 or 142-2 is activated, only the flavoring agent added to the corresponding additive containing unit 153-1 or 153-2 can be strongly transferred. As another example, when a flavoring agent and a moisturizer are added to the two additive containing units 153-1 and 153-2, respectively, and the two control type heaters 142-1 and 142-2 are both activated, both the flavor transfer and the amount of atomization can be increased.

The detailed structure of the aerosol-generating article 150-2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure and the operating principle of the heater unit 140 have been described above with reference to FIG. 6. As described above, the multiple additive containing units 153-1, 153-2 and the multiple controlled heaters 142-1, 142-2 can improve control precision and provide the user with a diverse smoking experience.

The detailed structure of the aerosol-generating article 150-3 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure and the operating principle of the heater section 140 are described below.

Figure 7 is an illustrative diagram illustrating the detailed structure of the aerosol-generating article 150-3 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure and the operating principle of the heater section 140.

As shown in FIG. 7, the aerosol-generating article 150-3 according to this embodiment may include an aerosol-forming substrate portion 151, an additive containing portion 153, and a plurality of filter portions (or filter segments) 154-156.

The first filter unit 154 may be located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate unit 151. The first filter unit 154 may provide a passageway for the aerosol formed in the aerosol-forming substrate unit 151, and may also perform a filtering or cooling function for the aerosol. As shown in the figure, the first filter unit 154 may be a filter structure having a hollow space. For example, the first filter unit 154 may be a tubular cellulose acetate filter or a paper tube, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Next, the second filter part 155 can perform a cooling function for the aerosol. The second filter part 155 can improve the user's smoking satisfaction by allowing the aerosol at the appropriate temperature to be delivered to the user. The second filter part 155 may be a structure having a hollow space or a cavity. For example, the second filter part 155 may be a cellulose acetate filter in the form of a paper tube or a tube. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

The second filter section 155 performs a cooling function and is sometimes referred to as the "cooling section 155" or "cooling segment 155."

Next, the third filter section 156 corresponds to the filter section 152 described above. Therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

The detailed structure of the aerosol-generating article 150-3 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure and the operating principle of the heater section 140 have been described above with reference to FIG. 7. Below, the detailed structure of the aerosol-generating article 150-4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and the operating principle of the heater section 140 will be described.

Figure 8 is an illustrative diagram illustrating the detailed structure of the aerosol-generating article 150-4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and the operating principle of the heater section 140.

As shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol-generating article 150-4 according to this embodiment may include a first filter portion 157, an aerosol-forming substrate portion 151, an additive containing portion 153, a second filter portion 158 and a third filter portion 159.

The first filter part 157 is located at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 150-4 and can prevent the aerosol-forming substrate part 151 from escaping to the outside. The first filter part 157 can also prevent the liquefied aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate part 151 from flowing to the aerosol generating device (e.g. 150-2). Alternatively, the first filter part 157 can perform the function of adjusting the aerosol-forming substrate part 151 to be positioned at an appropriate position inside the aerosol generating device (e.g. 150-2) when the aerosol-generating article 150-4 is inserted into the aerosol generating device (e.g. 150-2).

The first filter section 157 is located in front of the aerosol-forming substrate section 151, and is therefore sometimes referred to as the "front-stage filter section 157," "front-stage filter segment 157," or "front-stage plug 157."

Next, the second filter section 158 and the third filter section 159 correspond to the above-mentioned filter sections 155 and 156, respectively. Therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

The detailed structure of the aerosol-generating article 150-4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and the operating principle of the heater section 140 have been described above with reference to FIG. 8.

Meanwhile, in the above various embodiments, the flavoring agent added to the aerosol forming substrate unit 151 or the additive storage unit 153 may be a flavor sheet manufactured in a sheet form. The flavor sheet can gradually release the flavoring agent fixed therein by heating, so it can ensure superior flavor durability compared to liquid fragrance. However, the specific method of adding the flavor sheet and the processing form are various.

In some embodiments, the flavor sheet (10 in FIG. 9) may be dispensed in a shredded form. For example, the flavor sheet 10 may be mixed with tobacco shreds in a shredded form and dispensed into the aerosol-forming substrate portion 151. Alternatively, the flavor sheet 10 may be dispensed into the additive storage portion 153 in a shredded form.

In some other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the flavor sheet 10 may be introduced in a rolled or folded form. For example, the flavor sheet 10 may be introduced into the aerosol forming substrate 151 or the additive storage 153 in an irregularly rolled or folded form (see 10-1), a spiral form (see 10-2), a concentric circular form (see 10-3), or a form folded multiple times (see 10-4; e.g., a form folded to ensure an airflow path in the length direction). When the flavor sheet 10 is introduced in the illustrated form, an airflow path is ensured in the length direction, ensuring smooth airflow and appropriate suction resistance. In addition, the contact area between the flavor sheet 10 and the high-temperature airflow is increased, and the amount of flavor transferred can also be increased.

In still other embodiments, the flavor sheet 10 can be applied (e.g., attached) to the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article (e.g., 150). For example, the flavor sheet 10 can be disposed inside the wrapper of the additive-containing section 153 or an adjacent segment thereof (e.g., the aerosol-forming substrate section 151, the filter section 152, 154, 156-159). If the wrapper includes a metal foil, the flavor sheet 10 can be disposed inside the metal foil. Alternatively, the flavor sheet 10 can constitute at least a part of the wrapper. For example, the flavor sheet 10 itself can function (be used) as the wrapper, or a wrapping material manufactured in a form in which the flavor sheet 10 and wrapping paper are integrated can be used as the wrapper.

In the above embodiment, the flavor sheet 10 may be processed through a specified process. However, the specific processing form may vary.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the flavor sheet 10 may be processed to be wrinkled or folded in the length direction (i.e., MD direction) of the aerosol-generating article (e.g. 150). For example, the flavor sheet 10 may be wrinkled or folded by at least one of a crimping process, a pleating process, a folding process, and a gathering process. Specifically, the crimping process is a process in which wrinkles are imparted to the surface of a sheet through the difference in roller pressure and speed of a crimping device, and is divided into a wet process and a dry process. The wet process may mean a process in which the base paper is wetted with water, softened, crimped, and then dried again. The dry process may mean a drying process using two dryers with different temperatures. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with the pleating, folding and gathering processes, and so further description thereof will be omitted. According to this example, a number of channels can be formed in the flavor sheet 10 in the length direction through at least one of the illustrated processes, and a smooth air flow and appropriate suction resistance can be ensured through the formed channels. In addition, the contact area between the flavor sheet 10 and the high-temperature air flow is increased, and the amount of flavor transferred can also be increased.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 11, the flavor sheet 10 may be processed to have a plurality of holes 101 formed therein. For example, the plurality of holes 101 may be formed in the flavor sheet 10 through a punching process. In this case, the diameter of the holes 101 may be about 0.05 mm to 5 mm, and preferably about 0.1 mm to 3 mm, about 0.2 mm to 2.5 mm, about 0.3 mm to 2.1 mm, or about 0.4 mm to 1.8 mm. Within these numerical ranges, smooth airflow and appropriate suction resistance can be ensured. In addition, the contact area between the flavor sheet 10 and the high-temperature airflow increases, and the amount of flavor transferred can also increase.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the flavor sheet 10 may be inserted into a filter section (e.g. 155, 158) or a hollow filter section (e.g. 154) that performs a cooling function. For example, the flavor sheet 10 may be inserted inside the filter section (e.g. 154, 155, 158) or attached to the inner wall. In this case, the aroma release and cooling performance of the aerosol-generating article (e.g. 150-3) may be improved. In addition, when the flavor sheet 10 comes into contact with a high-temperature aerosol, it absorbs the high-temperature heat and releases the fragrance, thereby improving both the aroma release and the cooling performance.

The flavor sheet 10 described above can be manufactured through a step of manufacturing a liquid (e.g., slurry) sheet composition and a step of drying the manufactured sheet composition. Here, the liquid state may include not only a liquid state but also a state in which a liquid and a solid are mixed (e.g., a slurry state). For example, the flavor sheet 10 can be manufactured by spreading (casting) the sheet composition on a predetermined substrate and drying it. However, the method is not limited to this, and the specific manufacturing method may be different.

The detailed composition of the sheet composition can be designed in various ways, but in some embodiments, the sheet composition can be formed by blending distilled water, a solvent such as ethanol, a polysaccharide substance (or a hydrocolloid substance), and a fragrance. The flavored sheet 10 manufactured from such a sheet composition has excellent fragrance retention and fragrance retention, and can greatly enhance the fragrance expression and fragrance persistence of an aerosol-generating article (e.g. 150). Each of the constituent substances of the sheet composition will be described below.

Solvents such as distilled water and ethanol may be used to adjust the viscosity of the slurry sheet composition.

Next, the polysaccharide substance is a substance that coats and fixes the flavoring, and may be a sheet-forming agent that forms a sheet. Examples of polysaccharide substances include cellulose-based substances such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and agar. Such cellulose-based substances have the property of absorbing hot air well through a phase change when they come into contact with a high-temperature air flow, so the flavor sheet 10 can be used not only as a flavoring material but also as a cooling material.

In some embodiments, the sheet composition may include modified cellulose from among various polysaccharide materials. Here, "modified cellulose" may refer to cellulose in which a specific functional group has been substituted in the molecular structure. Examples of modified cellulose include, but are not limited to, HPMC, MC, CMC, and EC. For example, HPMC may have a grade within the range of about 4 to 40,000 depending on the ratio of hydroxypropyl groups and methyl groups (or methoxy groups) substituted and the molecular weight. The viscosity of the modified cellulose can be determined depending on the grade. More specifically, the physicochemical properties of HPMC are related to the ratio of methoxy groups, the ratio of hydroxypropyl groups, and the molecular weight, and according to the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), the types of HPMC can be classified into HPMC1828, HPMC2208, HPMC2906, HPMC2910, etc. depending on the ratio of methoxy groups and hydroxypropyl groups. Here, the first two numbers may represent the ratio of methoxy groups, and the last two numbers may represent the ratio of hydroxypropyl groups. As a result of the inventors' sustained experiments, it was confirmed that the flavored sheet 10 made from a sheet composition containing modified cellulose has excellent sheet physical properties and aroma retention.

Next, examples of flavorings include menthol, nicotine, nicotine salts, tobacco leaf extract, tobacco leaf extract containing nicotine, natural plant flavorings (e.g. cinnamon, sage, herbs, chamomile, dried grass, sweet tea, cloves, lavender, cardamom, clove fragrance, nutmeg, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, lemon, orange, cinnamon, caraway, jasmine, ginger, coriander, vanilla extract, spearmint, peppermint, cassia, coffee, celery, cascarilla, sandalwood, cocoa, ylang-ylang, fennel, anise, licorice, St. John's bread, plum extract, peach extract, etc.), sugars (e.g. glucose , fructose, isomerized sugar, caramel, etc.), cocoa (powder, extract, etc.), esters (e.g. isoamyl acetate, linalyl acetate, isoamyl propionate, linalyl butyrate, etc.), ketones (e.g. menthone, ionone, damascenone, ethylmatol, etc.), alcohols (e.g. geraniol, linalool, anethole, eugenol, etc.), aldehydes (e.g. vanillin, benzaldehyde, anisaldehyde, etc.), lactones (e.g. γ-undecalactone, γ-nonalactone, etc.), animal flavors (e.g. musk, ambergris, civet, castoreum, etc.), and hydrocarbons (e.g. limonene, pinene, etc.). The flavor may be used as a solid, or dissolved or dispersed in a suitable solvent, such as propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, or triethyl citrate. In addition, fragrances that are easily dispersed in a solvent by the addition of an emulsifier, such as hydrophobic fragrances and oil-soluble fragrances, may be used. These fragrances may be used alone or as a mixture. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the examples given above.

In some embodiments, a flavoring having a melting point of about 80° C. or less may be used. In this case, when the flavor sheet 10 comes into contact with an airflow of 80° C. or more, the flavoring undergoes a phase change and further absorbs the hot air, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the flavor sheet 10. Considering that the temperature of a heated aerosol is generally 80° C. or more, the use of such a flavoring can effectively increase the cooling performance of most aerosol-generating articles (e.g. 150). In addition, the phase-changed flavoring can be easily vaporized, thereby increasing the fragrance expression of the aerosol-generating article (e.g. 150). An example of a flavoring having a melting point of about 80° C. or less includes, but is not limited to, menthol.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the sheet composition may further include LM-pectin (low methoxyl pectin). LM-pectin is a low ester pectin or low methoxyl pectin that has been esterified relatively little, and specifically, it may mean a pectin that contains less than about 50% carboxyl groups inside the molecular structure. Unlike carrageenan, LM-pectin has the property of not gelling when cooled, so the viscosity of the slurry sheet composition can be reduced (e.g., about 600 cp to 800 cp). In addition, the slurry sheet composition can be produced without an emulsifier, and there is no need to worry about safety issues caused by emulsifiers.

LM-pectin may contain less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 20%, or less than about 10% of carboxy groups within its molecular structure. The lower the carboxy group content within the molecular structure of the LM-pectin, the lower the viscosity of a slurry containing the LM-pectin.

In some embodiments, the sheet composition may further include a bulking agent. The bulking agent may be a substance that increases the total mass (i.e., dry mass) of the components other than distilled water to increase the volume of the flavor sheet 10 produced, and does not affect the original function of the flavor sheet 10. Specifically, the bulking agent may have properties that increase the volume of the flavor sheet 10 and do not substantially increase the viscosity of the slurry, while at the same time not adversely affecting the flavor retention function of the flavor sheet 10. Preferably, the bulking agent may be starches, modified starches, or starch hydrolysates. However, the bulking agent is not limited thereto.

Modified starch includes starch acetate, oxidized starch, hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate, hydroxypropyl starch, distarch phosphate, monostarch phosphate, phosphorylated distarch phosphate, etc.

Starch hydrolysate refers to a substance obtained by a process that includes a step of hydrolyzing starch. The starch hydrolysate may include, for example, a substance obtained by direct hydrolysis of starch (i.e., dextrin) or a substance obtained by hydrolyzing starch after heat treatment (i.e., resistant dextrin). The bulking agent may be, for example, dextrin, and more specifically, cyclodextrin.

The starch hydrolysate may generally be a starch hydrolysate having a DE value in the range of about 2 to about 40, preferably a starch hydrolysate having a DE value in the range of about 2 to about 20. Examples of starch hydrolysates having a DE value in the range of about 2 to about 20 that can be used include Pine Index #100 (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), Pine Fiber (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), and TK-16 (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).

Here, "DE" is an abbreviation for dextrose equivalent, and the DE value indicates the degree of hydrolysis of starch, i.e., the saccharification rate of starch. In the present disclosure, the DE value may be a value measured by the Willstatter-Schudel method. The properties of hydrolyzed starch (starch hydrolysate), such as the molecular weight of the starch hydrolysate and the arrangement of the sugar molecules constituting the starch hydrolysate, are not constant for each molecule of the starch hydrolysate, but exist with any distribution or variation. Depending on the distribution or variation of the properties of the starch hydrolysate, or differences in the sections cut, the starch hydrolysate can express different physical properties (e.g., DE value) for each molecule. Thus, starch hydrolysates are a collection of molecules that exhibit different physical properties, but the measurement results using the Willstatter-Schudel method (i.e., the DE value) are treated as a representative value that indicates the degree of starch hydrolysis.

Preferably, the starch hydrolysate can be selected from the group consisting of dextrin having a DE value of about 2 to about 5, resistant dextrin having a DE value of about 10 to about 15, and mixtures thereof. As a dextrin having a DE value of about 2 to about 5, for example, Pine Index #100 (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) can be used. As a resistant dextrin having a DE value of about 10 to about 15, for example, Pine Fiber (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) can be used.

In some embodiments, the sheet composition may further include a plasticizer. The plasticizer can improve the physical properties of the sheet by imparting appropriate flexibility to the flavor sheet 10. The plasticizer may include, for example, at least one of glycerin and propylene glycol, but is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the sheet composition may further include an emulsifier. The emulsifier can increase the amount of aroma retained by the flavor sheet 10 by allowing the highly fat-soluble flavoring and the water-soluble polysaccharide substance to mix well. Examples of emulsifiers include, but are not limited to, lecithin.

On the other hand, the flavor sheet 10 manufactured from the above-mentioned sheet composition may have a variety of content ratios (composition ratios).

In some embodiments, the flavor sheet 10 may contain about 20 to 60 parts by weight of polysaccharide material and about 10 to 50 parts by weight of flavoring, based on a total of 100 parts by weight. Of course, the flavor sheet 10 may further contain an appropriate amount of moisture. It has been confirmed that the flavor sheet 10 configured in this manner significantly increases the flavor expression, flavor persistence, and cooling performance of an aerosol-generating article (e.g. 150).

In some embodiments, the flavor sheet 10 may contain, based on a total of 100 parts by weight, about 2 to about 15 parts by weight of moisture, about 25 to about 90 parts by weight of modified cellulose, and about 0.1 parts by weight of flavoring.

In some embodiments, the flavor sheet 10 may contain, based on a total of 100 parts by weight, about 2 to about 15 parts by weight of moisture, about 1 to about 60 parts by weight of polysaccharide substance, about 1 to about 60 parts by weight of LM-pectin, and about 0.1 to about 60 parts by weight of flavoring.

In some embodiments, the plasticizer may be included in an amount of about 0.1 to about 15 parts by weight, preferably about 1 to 10 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the total flavor sheet 10. For example, the flavor sheet 10 may include about 20 to 60 parts by weight of a polysaccharide material, about 10 to 50 parts by weight of a flavoring, and about 1 to 10 parts by weight of a plasticizer, based on 100 parts by weight of the total. Within such numerical ranges, a sheet having appropriate flexibility (physical properties) is formed, and processing of the flavor sheet 10 (e.g. crimping, rolling, folding, etc.) is easy, and workability can be improved. For example, if too little plasticizer is added, the flexibility of the sheet is reduced and it may be easily broken during processing, and if too much plasticizer is added, the sheet may not be well formed.
The flavor sheets 10 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can understand that the present disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical ideas or essential features thereof. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted according to the claims below, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of the technical ideas defined by the present disclosure.

Claims (10)

a housing forming a storage space in which an aerosol-generating article is stored;
a heater unit that heats the aerosol-generating article contained in the storage space to generate an aerosol,
The aerosol-generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate portion and an additive containing portion in which an additive is contained,
The heater unit includes a heater that heats the aerosol-forming substrate unit based on a preset temperature profile, and a user-controlled heater configured to heat the additive receiving unit while adjusting a heating intensity based on a user input;
the user-controlled heater is configured to operate in a manual mode via a first user input and in an automatic mode via a second user input, wherein in the manual mode the heating intensity of the user-controlled heater is controlled by a user input and in the automatic mode the heating intensity of the user-controlled heater is controlled based on a pre-defined temperature profile regardless of user input;
in the manual mode, the user-controlled heater operates at a first heating intensity in response to a third user input and at a second heating intensity in response to a fourth user input;
In the automatic mode, the heating intensity of the user-controlled heater is controlled based on a user's puff pattern.
Aerosol generator. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the user input is received through a button formed on the exterior surface of the housing. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the additive is a flavoring agent. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the flavoring agent is a flavoring sheet manufactured in a sheet form. The flavoring agent is a flavor sheet manufactured in a sheet form,
The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , wherein the flavor sheet is inserted into the additive container in a cut form. The flavoring agent is a flavor sheet manufactured in a sheet form,
The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , wherein the flavor sheet is inserted into the additive container in a rolled or folded form. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the additive is a humectant. The additive storage section includes a first storage section and a second storage section,
7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the user-controlled heater includes a first heater for heating the first container and a second heater for heating the second container. the user-controlled heater is externally heated;
The additive is a flavoring agent,
7. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the flavouring agent is also added to a wrapper of the additive container. the user-controlled heater is externally heated;
The additive is a flavoring agent,
7. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the flavouring agent is also added to a wrapper of an adjacent segment of the additive containing portion.

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