U.S. patent application number 17/424918 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-09 for gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge that can be inserted into electrically heated smoking article, electrically heated smoking article including the same, and aerosol generating device and system therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is INNO-IT CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Seung Joo Han, Seung Kiu Jeong, Hyuk Won.
Application Number | 20220175015 17/424918 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220175015 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jeong; Seung Kiu ; et
al. |
June 9, 2022 |
Gel Aerosol-Forming Substrate Cartridge that Can be inserted into
Electrically Heated Smoking Article, Electrically Heated Smoking
Article Including the Same, and Aerosol Generating Device and
System Therefor
Abstract
The present invention provides a gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge that can be inserted into an electrically heated smoking
article, the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge comprising: a
gel aerosol-forming substrate containing glycerin and gelatin,
which exists in gel form, semi-solid form, or solidified form in a
first temperature range including room temperature, changes to a
liquid form in a second temperature range including 70.degree. C.,
and is vaporized into an aerosol in a temperature range of 150 to
400.degree. C.; a gel receptor that receives the gel
aerosol-forming substrate; and wrapping paper wrapped around the
side of the gel receptor in a cylindrical shape measuring 7 to 20
mm long and 5 to 8 mm in diameter, and also provides an
electrically heated smoking article comprising: a filter; the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge located upstream of the filter;
and a tobacco filler containing shredded tobacco located upstream
of the filter and located upstream or downstream of the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, wherein the filter, gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, and tobacco filler are wrapped
in wrapping paper to form a cigarette.
Inventors: |
Jeong; Seung Kiu;
(Gyeongsangnam-do, KR) ; Won; Hyuk; (Busan,
KR) ; Han; Seung Joo; (Gyeonggi-do, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INNO-IT CO., LTD. |
Busan |
|
KR |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/424918 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
January 28, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2020/001279 |
371 Date: |
July 22, 2021 |
International
Class: |
A24B 15/167 20060101
A24B015/167; A24F 40/42 20060101 A24F040/42; A24F 40/465 20060101
A24F040/465; A24F 40/57 20060101 A24F040/57; A24B 15/28 20060101
A24B015/28; A24B 15/18 20060101 A24B015/18; A24B 15/30 20060101
A24B015/30; A24D 1/20 20060101 A24D001/20; A24D 1/02 20060101
A24D001/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 24, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0009335 |
Sep 9, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0111764 |
Sep 10, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0112232 |
Sep 27, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0119221 |
Sep 27, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0119452 |
Oct 7, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0123735 |
Nov 21, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0150222 |
Jan 28, 2020 |
KR |
10-2020-0009697 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge that can be inserted
into an electrically heated smoking article, the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge comprising: a gel
aerosol-forming substrate containing glycerin and gelatin, which
exists in gel form, semi-solid form, or solidified form in a first
temperature range including room temperature, changes to a liquid
form in a second temperature range including 70.degree. C., and is
vaporized into an aerosol in a temperature range of 150 to
400.degree. C.; a gel receptor that receives the gel
aerosol-forming substrate; and wrapping paper wrapped around a side
of the gel receptor in a cylindrical shape and measuring 7 to 20 mm
long and 5 to 8 mm in diameter.
22. The gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge of claim 21,
wherein the gel aerosol-forming substrate further contains one or
more of water, agar, a thickener, starch powder, celluloses,
carboxymethyl ethers, natural food flavor, and fruit extract.
23. The gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge of claim 21,
wherein a content of the glycerin in the gel aerosol-forming
substrate is equal to or greater than 50 wt %.
24. The gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge of claim 21,
wherein the gel aerosol-forming substrate has a liquid composition
made up of 80 to 100 wt % glycerin VG and 0 to 20 wt % glycerin PG,
wherein 1 to 6 g of gelatin is contained in 100 ml of a mixture of
60 to 80% liquid composition and 20 to 40% water by volume.
25. The gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge of claim 24,
wherein the gel receptor contains the liquid composition in an
amount of 70 to 120 mg.
26. The gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge of claim 24,
wherein the liquid composition made up of 80 to 100 wt % glycerin
VG and 0 to 20 wt % glycerin PG is present in the gel receptor in
an amount of 0.13 to 0.32 mg/mm.sup.3 per unit volume of the gel
receptor.
27. The gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge of claim 21,
wherein the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge is inserted in
liquid form into the gel receptor in the second temperature range,
and exists in gel form, semi-solid form, or solidified form in the
first temperature range.
28. The gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge of claim 21,
wherein the gel receptor comprises a melamine-based foam resin
having a thickness of 2 to 3 mm and a cylindrical shape.
29. The gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge of claim 21,
wherein the gel receptor comprises pulp or a fabric containing pulp
having a cylindrical shape.
30. The gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge of claim 21,
wherein the gel receptor comprises a cotton woven or non-woven
fabric having a cylindrical shape.
31. The gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge of claim 21,
wherein the gel receptor comprises a bamboo fiber woven or
non-woven fabric having a cylindrical shape.
32. The gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge of claim 21,
wherein the wrapping paper comprises aluminum foil attached to
paper and is wrapped in a cylindrical shape so that the aluminum
foil comes into contact with the gel receptor.
33. An electrically heated smoking article, comprising: a filter;
the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge of claim 1 located
upstream of the filter; and a tobacco filler containing shredded
tobacco located upstream of the filter and located upstream or
downstream of the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, wherein
the filter, the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, and the
tobacco filler are wrapped in wrapping paper to form a
cigarette.
34. The electrically heated smoking article of claim 33, further
comprising a tubular body directly upstream of the filter.
35. An aerosol generating device for the electrically heated
smoking article of claim 33, which is grippable and portable-sized,
the aerosol generating device comprising: a cavity provided in the
device into which the smoking article can be inserted; at least one
of a resistance heater and an induction heater provided in the
device, and configured to heat an interior or exterior of the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge and the tobacco filler of the
smoking article; a rechargeable battery provided in the device and
configured as a direct current power source; and a control unit
provided in the device and configured to control the at least one
of the resistance heater and the induction heater by receiving
direct current power from the battery.
36. The aerosol generating device of claim 35, wherein the
resistance heater is either a pipe heater configured to heat the
exterior of the smoking article or an invasive heater inserted into
the smoking article and configured to heat the interior, wherein
the pipe heater is configured to heat the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge and/or the tobacco filler, and wherein the
invasive heater is inserted into the tobacco filler and configured
to heat the interior of the tobacco filler.
37. The aerosol generating device of claim 36, further comprising a
temperature sensor provided in the device and configured to sense
the temperature of the at least one of the resistance heater and
the induction heater, wherein the control unit is configured to
control the resistance heater according to a sensed value from the
temperature sensor.
38. The aerosol generating device of claim 35, wherein the
induction heater is either a heat pipe made of a susceptor material
and configured to heat the exterior of the smoking article, heated
by an excitation coil provided separately in the device, or a heat
blade made of a susceptor material that is inserted into the
smoking article and configured to heat the interior of the smoking
article, wherein the heat pipe is configured to heat the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge and/or the tobacco filler, and
wherein the heat blade is inserted into the tobacco filler and
configured to heat the interior of the tobacco filler.
39. The aerosol generating device of claim 38, further comprising a
temperature obtaining unit provided in the device and configured to
obtain the temperature of the induction heater, wherein the control
unit is configured to control an electrical current applied to the
excitation coil based on an input from the temperature obtaining
unit.
40. An aerosol generating system, comprising: the electrically
heated smoking article of claim 33; and an aerosol generating
device comprising: a cavity into which the smoking article can be
inserted; at least one of a resistance heater and an induction
heater configured to heat an interior or exterior of the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge and the tobacco filler of the
smoking article; a rechargeable battery configured to function as a
direct current power source; and a control unit configured to
control the at least one of the resistance heater and the induction
heater by receiving direct current power from the battery, all of
which are provided in the device, wherein an aerosol is generated
inside the electrically heated smoking article by inserting the
smoking article into the cavity and electrically heating the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge and tobacco filler of the
electrically heated smoking article.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge that can be inserted into an electrically
heated smoking article, an electrically heated smoking article
including the same, and an aerosol generating device and system
therefor, and more particularly, to a gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge that can be inserted into an electrically heated smoking
article comprising a tobacco substrate, for generating an aerosol
by heating instead of burning, and that can generate more aerosol
by heating, an electrically heated smoking article including the
same, and an aerosol generating device and system therefor.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent years, the demand for alternatives for addressing
the shortcomings of traditional cigarettes is increasing. For
instance, there is a growing demand for methods of generating an
aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material in a cigarette,
instead of burning tobacco.
[0003] Typically, a reconstituted tobacco slurry sheet, which is
the main ingredient of the tobacco substrate, is not easy to
manufacture because of its low tensile strength, and its physical
properties are weak because the tobacco substrate contains large
amounts of humectants. Moreover, the tobacco substrate contains a
liquid such as glycerin and is sensitive to the humidity in the
surroundings due to its hydrophilic nature, which makes it
difficult to control the environment of the manufacturing process.
Also, the tobacco substrate can contain only a limited amount of
liquid.
[0004] Aside from cigarettes comprising the tobacco substrate,
there have been proposed `hybrid` cigarettes, which generate more
aerosol from liquid contained in a cartomizer and let the user
inhale an aerosol derived from the liquid when they puff on the
cigarette. However, there are difficulties (expiration date,
deterioration, etc.) in managing the liquid contained in the
cartomizer, and contamination can occur as condensate is generated
in the airflow path through which the aerosol created by the
cartomizer moves.
[0005] This creates a need to provide a liquid into an electrically
heated smoking article which is disposed after used once and
produce an aerosol from the liquid.
SUMMARY
[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve the problems
occurring in the prior art and provide a gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge that can be inserted into an electrically
heated smoking article, an electrically heated smoking article
including the same, and an aerosol generating device and system
therefor.
[0007] In view of this, the present invention provides a gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge that can be inserted into an
electrically heated smoking article, the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge comprising: a gel aerosol-forming substrate
containing glycerin and gelatin, which exists in gel form,
semi-solid form, or solidified form in a first temperature range
including room temperature, changes to a liquid form in a second
temperature range including 70.degree. C., and is vaporized into an
aerosol in a temperature range of 150 to 400.degree. C.; a gel
receptor that receives the gel aerosol-forming substrate; and
wrapping paper wrapped around the side of the gel receptor in a
cylindrical shape measuring 7 to 20 mm long and 5 to 8 mm in
diameter.
[0008] The present invention also provides an electrically heated
smoking article comprising: a filter; the above gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge located upstream of the filter; and a tobacco
filler containing shredded tobacco located upstream of the filter
and located upstream or downstream of the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge, wherein the filter, gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge, and tobacco filler are wrapped in wrapping
paper to form a cigarette.
[0009] The present invention also provides an aerosol generating
device for the above electrically heated smoking article, which is
grippable and portable-sized, the aerosol generating device
comprising: a cavity provided in the device into which the smoking
article can be inserted; at least one of a resistance heater and an
induction heater provided in the device, that can heat the interior
or exterior of a gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge and
tobacco filler of the smoking article; a rechargeable battery
provided in the device to function as a direct current power
source; and a control unit provided in the device to control the
heaters by receiving direct current power from the battery.
[0010] The present invention also provides an aerosol generating
system comprising: the above electrically heated smoking article;
and an aerosol generating device comprising: a cavity into which
the smoking article can be inserted; at least one of a resistance
heater and an induction heater that can heat the interior or
exterior of a gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge and tobacco
filler of the smoking article; a rechargeable battery functioning
as a direct current power source; and a control unit for
controlling the heaters by receiving direct current power from the
battery, all of which being provided in the device, wherein an
aerosol is generated inside the electrically heated smoking article
by inserting the smoking article into the cavity and electrically
heating the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge and tobacco
filler of the electrically heated smoking article.
[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge that can be
inserted into an electrically heated smoking article, the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge comprising: a gel
aerosol-forming substrate containing glycerin and gelatin, which
exists in gel form, semi-solid form, or solidified form in a first
temperature range including room temperature, changes to a liquid
form in a second temperature range including 70.degree. C., and is
vaporized into an aerosol in a temperature range of 150 to
400.degree. C.; a gel receptor that receives the gel
aerosol-forming substrate; and wrapping paper wrapped around the
side of the gel receptor in a cylindrical shape measuring 7 to 20
mm long and 5 to 8 mm in diameter.
[0012] The gel aerosol-forming substrate may additionally contain
one or more among water, agar, a thickener, starch powder,
celluloses, carboxymethyl ethers, natural food flavor, and fruit
extract.
[0013] Preferably, the content of glycerin in the gel
aerosol-forming substrate may be equal to or greater than 50 wt
%.
[0014] The gel aerosol-forming substrate may contain a liquid
composition made up of 80 to 100 wt % glycerin VG and 0 to 20 wt %
glycerin PG, wherein 1 to 6 g of gelatin may be contained in 100 ml
of a mixture of 60 to 80% liquid composition and 20 to 40% water by
volume, and flavorings may be optionally added in an amount that is
10% or less of the total weight of the liquid composition.
[0015] The gel receptor may contain the liquid composition in an
amount of 70 to 120 mg.
[0016] Preferably, the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge may
be inserted in liquid form into the gel receptor in the second
temperature range, and exist in gel form, semi-solid form, or
solidified form in the first temperature range.
[0017] The gel receptor may be made by crumpling or rolling a strip
made of a melamine-based foam resin with a thickness of 2 to 3 mm
into a cylindrical shape or by processing a melamine-based foam
resin into a cylindrical shape, and optionally have a weight of
0.01 to 0.013 mg/mm.sup.3 per unit volume.
[0018] The gel receptor may be made by crumpling, folding, or
rolling pulp or a fabric containing pulp into a cylindrical shape
or by processing the same into a cylindrical shape, and optionally
have a weight of 0.25 to 0.4 mg/mm.sup.3 per unit volume.
[0019] The gel receptor may be made by crumpling or rolling a
cotton woven or non-woven fabric into a cylindrical shape or by
processing the same into a cylindrical shape, and optionally have a
weight of 0.2 to 0.35 mg/mm.sup.3 per unit volume.
[0020] The gel receptor may be made by crumpling or rolling a
bamboo fiber woven or non-woven fabric into a cylindrical shape or
by processing the same into a cylindrical shape, and optionally
have a weight of 0.15 to 0.25 mg/mm.sup.3 per unit volume.
[0021] Preferably, the liquid composition made up of 80 to 100 wt %
glycerin VG and 0 to 20 wt % glycerin PG may be present in the gel
receptor, in an amount of 0.13 to 0.32 mg/mm.sup.3 per unit volume
of the gel receptor.
[0022] The wrapping paper may be made by attaching aluminum foil to
paper, and may be wrapped in a cylindrical shape so that the
aluminum foil comes into contact with the gel receptor.
[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an electrically heated smoking article comprising: a
filter; the above gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge located
upstream of the filter; and a tobacco filler containing shredded
tobacco located upstream of the filter and located upstream or
downstream of the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, wherein
the filter, gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, and tobacco
filler are wrapped in wrapping paper to form a cigarette.
[0024] Preferably, a tubular body may be provided directly upstream
of the filter.
[0025] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an aerosol generating device for the above
electrically heated smoking article, which is grippable and
portable-sized, the aerosol generating device comprising: a cavity
provided in the device into which the smoking article can be
inserted; at least one of a resistance heater and an induction
heater provided in the device, that can heat the interior or
exterior of a gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge and tobacco
filler of the smoking article; a rechargeable battery provided in
the device to function as a direct current power source; and a
control unit provided in the device to control the heaters by
receiving direct current power from the battery.
[0026] The resistance heater may be either a pipe heater for
heating the exterior of the smoking article or an invasive heater
inserted into the smoking article to heat the interior, wherein the
pipe heater may heat the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge
and/or tobacco filler, and the invasive heater may be inserted into
the tobacco filler and heat the interior of the tobacco filler.
[0027] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a
temperature sensor provided in the device to sense the temperatures
of the heaters, wherein the control unit may control the resistance
heater according to a sensed value from the temperature sensor.
[0028] The induction heater may be either a heat pipe made of a
susceptor material that heats the exterior of the smoking article,
heated by an excitation coil provided separately in the device, or
a heat blade made of a susceptor material that is inserted into the
smoking article to heat the interior of the smoking article,
wherein the heat pipe may heat the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge and/or tobacco filler, and the heat blade may be inserted
into the tobacco filler and heat the interior of the tobacco
filler.
[0029] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a
temperature obtaining unit provided in the device to obtain the
temperature of the induction heater, wherein the control unit may
control the electrical current applied to the excitation coil based
on an input from the temperature obtaining unit.
[0030] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: the
above electrically heated smoking article; and an aerosol
generating device comprising: a cavity into which the smoking
article can be inserted; at least one of a resistance heater and an
induction heater that can heat the interior or exterior of a gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge and tobacco filler of the
smoking article; a rechargeable battery functioning as a direct
current power source; and a control unit for controlling the
heaters by receiving direct current power from the battery, all of
which being provided in the device, wherein an aerosol is generated
inside the electrically heated smoking article by inserting the
smoking article into the cavity and electrically heating the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge and tobacco filler of the
electrically heated smoking article.
[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to solve
the problems occurring in the prior art when the user inhales an
aerosol derived from a gel aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol
derived from a tobacco substrate together, by providing a gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge that can be inserted into an
electrically heated smoking article and an electrically heated
smoking article including the same.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 conceptually shows a partial exploded perspective
view and cross-sectional view of an electrically heated smoking
article according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 2 conceptually shows components of the smoking article
of FIG. 1 and a construction of wrapping paper wrapped around
them.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a process of
manufacturing a gel receptor rod in order to obtain the gel
receptor of FIG. 2.
[0035] FIG. 4 conceptually shows a process of cutting the gel
receptor rod of FIG. 3 in order to manufacture a gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge according to the present
invention.
[0036] FIGS. 5 through 12 are conceptual diagrams given below to
show various embodiments of an aerosol generating device for
generating an aerosol from the electrically heated smoking article
according to the present invention:
[0037] FIG. 5 schematically shows a cross-section of an aerosol
generating device combined with a pipe-shaped resistance heater and
an invasive resistance heater according to a first embodiment to
which the electrically heated smoking article is applied;
[0038] FIG. 6 schematically shows a cross-section of an aerosol
generating device having a one-piece, pipe-shaped resistance heater
according to a second embodiment to which the electrically heated
smoking article is applied;
[0039] FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross-section of an aerosol
generating device having a two-piece, pipe-shaped resistance heater
according to a third embodiment to which the electrically heated
smoking article is applied;
[0040] FIG. 8 schematically shows a cross-section of an aerosol
generating device combined with a pipe-shaped resistance heater and
an invasive resistance heater according to a fourth embodiment,
different from the first embodiment, to which the electrically
heated smoking article is applied;
[0041] FIG. 9 schematically shows a cross-section of an aerosol
generating device having a heat pipe made of a susceptor material
and a heat blade made of a susceptor material, which are heated by
induction heating, according to a fifth embodiment to which the
electrically heated smoking article is applied;
[0042] FIG. 10 schematically shows a cross-section of an aerosol
generating device having a heat pipe made of a susceptor material
and a pipe-shaped resistance heater, which are heated by induction
heating, according to a sixth embodiment to which the electrically
heated smoking article is applied;
[0043] FIG. 11 schematically shows a cross-section of an aerosol
generating device having a one-piece heat pipe made of a susceptor
material and heated by induction heating according to a seventh
embodiment to which the electrically heated smoking article is
applied; and
[0044] FIG. 12 schematically shows a cross-section of an aerosol
generating device having a two-piece heat pipe made of a susceptor
material and heated by induction heating according to an eighth
embodiment to which the electrically heated smoking article is
applied.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Certain embodiments will now be illustrated in the drawings
and described in detail in the description, although various
changes and modification can be made thereto. Features and
advantages of the present invention and the manner of obtaining
them will become more apparent by reference to the following
description of the embodiments of the invention, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The present invention
may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
[0046] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are
intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context
clearly indicates otherwise.
[0047] It will be further understood that the terms "comprises",
"comprising", "includes" and/or "Including", when used herein,
specify the presence of stated features or components, but do not
preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or
components.
[0048] In the following embodiments, the terms "upstream" and
"downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of
segments of a smoking article in relation to the direction in which
a user draws in air through the smoking article. The smoking
article includes an upstream end (through which air enters) and an
opposite downstream end (through which air exits). In use, the user
draws on the downstream end of the smoking article and inhales air
that is drawn through the upstream end of the smoking article,
passes through the inside of the smoking article, and goes out to
the downstream end. The downstream end is downstream of the
upstream end. The term "end" may also be described as "extreme
end".
[0049] The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may
be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular
components. Because the size and thickness of each configuration
shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for better
understanding and ease of description, the present invention is not
limited thereto.
[0050] Example embodiments of the present invention will now be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so
that the present invention can be easily implemented by those
skilled in the art. However, the present invention may be
implemented in various different ways, without being limited to the
described embodiments.
[0051] A gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge which can be
inserted into an electrically heated smoking article for generating
an aerosol by heating, and an electrically heated smoking article
including the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For easy
explanation, components of the electrically heated smoking article
will be described individually, together with a description of the
gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge included therein. Here, the
electrically heated smoking article is intended to indicate a
smoking article which is heated by electric resistance heating or
induction heating, not by burning, to generate an aerosol for
inhalation by a user. The smoking article contains a proper amount
of aerosol-forming substrate and/or shredded tobacco to take an
equivalent number of puffs to a single traditional cigarette. The
smoking article does not generate any more aerosol after generating
a preset amount of aerosol and will be discarded by the user after
used once.
[0052] The electrically heated smoking article according to the
present invention comprises a gel aerosol-forming substrate
containing typical shredded tobacco and a liquid composition, like
glycerin, as an aerosol-forming substrate, which will be described
below. The electrically heated smoking article 50 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention has a laminate
structure composed of a tobacco filler 58 located at the upstream
end that contains shredded tobacco as an aerosol-forming substrate,
a gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 located directly
downstream thereof that contains a liquid composition as another
aerosol-forming substrate, a paper tube 54 located directly
downstream thereof that provides an aerosol passage, and a filter
52 functioning as a mouthpiece, all of which are wrapped in
wrapping paper 60. The relative positions of the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 of liquid composition and
the tobacco filler 58 of shredded tobacco may be reversed.
[0053] The gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge according to the
present invention comprises: a gel aerosol-forming substrate
containing glycerin and gelatin, which exists in gel form,
semi-solid form, or solidified form (hereinafter, simply referred
to as "gel form") in a first temperature range including room
temperature (for example, a temperature range below 50.degree. C.),
changes to a liquid form or a liquid in a second temperature range
including 70.degree. C. (for example, a temperature range of 50 to
100.degree. C.), and is vaporized into an aerosol in a temperature
range of 150 to 400.degree. C.; a gel receptor 56a that receives
the gel aerosol-forming substrate; and wrapping paper 61 wrapped
around the side of the gel receptor 56a in a cylindrical shape
measuring 7 to 20 mm long and 5 to 8 mm in diameter. The
cylindrical shape measuring 7 to 20 mm long and 5 to 8 mm in
diameter meets the standard for regular cigarettes or electrically
heated smoking articles being currently used. When the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 of the above standard is
inserted into the electrically heated smoking article 50 and
wrapped in a separate piece of wrapping paper 60, the user will see
no difference with the regular cigarettes and electrically heated
smoking articles.
[0054] Since the shredded tobacco 58a in itself cannot maintain its
form, it is wrapped in a separate piece of wrapping paper 62 to
form the tobacco filler 58. Also, the shredded tobacco 58a is
prepared in the same size (diameter) as the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56, and the aforementioned filter 52, paper
tube 54, gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56, and tobacco
filler 58 are wrapped in the wrapping paper 60, thereby obtaining
the electrically heated smoking article 50 shown in FIG. 1.
[0055] Specifically, the gel aerosol-forming substrate is a mixture
of glycerin and gelatin. For example, a mixture of glycerin and
gelatin and/or water may be obtained by stirring glycerin PG
(propylene glycol) or VG (vegetable glycerine) or a mixture of PG
and VG for 30 minutes while applying heat, so as to lower the
viscosity, adding 10 to 50 wt % gelatin and/or water as a gelling
additive, and stirring it until the additive dissolves in the
glycerin. The mixture is kept in gel form, semi-solid form, or
solidified form in the first temperature range including room
temperature (a temperature range below about 50.degree. C.),
changes to and exists in liquid form in the second temperature
range including 70.degree. C. (a temperature range of 50 to
100.degree. C.) when heated, and generates an aerosol at about
150.degree. C. or higher when further heated.
[0056] The above-described gel aerosol-forming substrate may
additionally contain one or more among water, agar, a thickener,
starch powder, celluloses, carboxymethyl ethers, natural food
flavor, and fruit extract. Preferably, the content of glycerin in
the gel aerosol-forming substrate is equal to or greater than 50 wt
%. If water is contained, it can soften the gelatin and therefore
reduce the time it takes to form a gel aerosol-forming substrate
mixture. The mixture may additionally contain agar, which also
becomes an advantage when forming the gel aerosol-forming substrate
mixture. In addition, the gel aerosol-forming substrate mixture may
contain, as additives, a thickener, starch powder, celluloses, and
carboxymethyl ethers. The gel aerosol-forming substrate mixture may
additionally contain natural food flavor or fruit extract. This
allows for giving the user a variety of tastes through a generated
aerosol. In any case, the content of glycerin in the gel
aerosol-forming substrate mixture is preferably equal to or greater
than 50 wt %, which minimizes the burnt taste of the generated
aerosol. Moreover, the gel aerosol-forming substrate mixture may or
may not contain nicotine.
[0057] Here, the gel aerosol-forming substrate contains a liquid
composition made up of 80 to 100 wt % glycerin VG and 0 to 20 wt %
glycerin PG, wherein 1 to 6 g of gelatin is contained in 100 ml of
a mixture of 60 to 80% liquid composition and 20 to 40% water by
volume, and flavorings are optionally added in an amount that is
10% or less of the total weight of the liquid composition.
Preferably, the gel receptor contains the liquid composition in an
amount of 70 to 120 mg. This numerical range indicates the amount
of liquid composition that provides an aerosol derived from the
liquid composition as well when the user inhales an aerosol from
the tobacco filler 58 of shredded tobacco in a single cigarette
stick for the electrically heated smoking article. If the amount of
liquid composition contained as the gel aerosol-forming substrate
in the gel receptor 56a is less than the above lower limit (70 mg),
the amount of aerosol derived from the liquid composition when the
user inhales an aerosol from the tobacco filler 58 of shredded
tobacco in the electrically heated smoking article would be
insufficient. Thus, the amount of liquid composition contained in
the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 should be equal to
or greater than the above lower limit (70 mg). If the amount of
liquid composition contained in the gel receptor 56a exceeds the
above upper limit (120 mg), the volume of the gel aerosol-forming
substrate, i.e., mixture, may become too large, making it difficult
for the gel receptor in the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge
56 of the above standard to hold the liquid composition. Thus, the
amount of liquid composition contained in the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge should be equal to or less than the above upper
limit (120 mg). A desirable range is between 80 and 110 mg, and a
more desirable range is between 90 and 105 mg.
[0058] Another characteristic of the present invention is that, as
described later, the gel aerosol-forming substrate may exist in a
liquid state in the manufacturing process, and, even in liquid
form, the gel receptor 56a in the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge of the above standard has a sufficient absorption rate to
keep the liquid composition having the above composition range in
the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge. That is, the liquid
composition remains absorbed in the gel receptor 56a in the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, without flowing out of the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge. Here, the absorption means
that the gel receptor is soaked with the liquid composition which
does not flow out. As described below, the filter 52, paper tube
54, gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56, and tobacco filler
58 are wrapped in the wrapping paper 60 to form the electrically
heated smoking article 50, wherein the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56 is brought into direct contact with the
tobacco filler 58, paper tube 54, or filter 52 without a separate
member upstream or downstream, and the liquid composition absorbed
by the gel receptor 56a in the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge 56 is stored in the gel receptor 56a, but does not flow
out toward the tobacco filler 58, paper tube 54, or filter 52. To
this end, the amount of liquid composition absorbed by the gel
receptor 56a is preferably 0.13 to 0.32 mg/mm.sup.3 per unit volume
of the gel receptor 56a. This numerical limitation is set for a
similar reason to why the numerical limitation is set on the amount
of liquid composition absorbed by the gel receptor 56a of the
present invention. That is, if the amount of liquid composition
absorbed by the gel receptor 56a is not sufficient, i.e., less than
the above lower limit (0.13 mg/mm.sup.3), the amount of aerosol
derived from the liquid composition when the user inhales an
aerosol from the shredded tobacco in the electrically heated
smoking article 50 would be insufficient. Thus, the amount of
liquid composition absorbed by the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge should be equal to or greater than the lower limit (0.13
mg/mm.sup.3). If the amount of liquid composition absorbed by the
gel receptor 56a exceeds the above upper limit (0.32 mg/mm.sup.3),
it would be difficult to keep the liquid composition absorbed in
the gel receptor in the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge of
the above standard, causing the liquid composition to flow out of
the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56.
[0059] As used herein, the term "gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge" refers to a cartridge 56 containing a gel
aerosol-forming substrate that exists in gel form at room
temperature, turns into liquid form in a temperature range
including 70.degree. C., e.g., from 50 to 100.degree. C., and is
vaporized into an aerosol in a temperature range, e.g., from 150 to
350.degree. C. when heated further. For example, the gel
aerosol-forming substrate is a gel mixture composed of a liquid
composition, like glycerin VG (and optionally glycerin PG),
gelatin, and water, that exists in gel form in a first temperature
including room temperature and changes to liquid form in a second
temperature range including 70.degree. C. The gel aerosol-forming
substrate changes to liquid form when heated by electrical
induction or resistance heating by a separate aerosol generating
device, and the liquid composition generates an aerosol when heated
further. According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the liquid composition is 100 wt % glycerin VG, and,
according to another preferred embodiment, the liquid composition
is 80 wt % glycerin VG and 20 wt % glycerin PG.
[0060] According to another preferred embodiment, a gel mixture of
glycerin and gelatin and/or water may be obtained by stirring the
above liquid composition for 30 minutes while applying heat, so as
to lower the viscosity, adding gelatin and/or water as a gelling
additive, and stirring it until the additive dissolves in the
glycerin. In this case, 1 to 6 g of gelatin is contained in 100 ml
of a mixture of 60 to 80% liquid composition and 20 to 40% water by
volume.
[0061] According to yet another preferred embodiment, 1 g, 1.5 g,
and 2 g of gelatin were individually soaked and swelled in 10 ml of
cold water, mixed with and dissolved in 50 ml of a liquid
composition of 80 wt/a glycerin VG and 20 wt/a glycerin PG, and
then left for 6 hours or longer at room temperature. The gelation
went smoothly even at room temperature, and even more so with an
increasing amount of gelatin. An increase in viscosity and a low
level of gelation took place when the amount of gelatin was between
1 g to 1.5 g.
[0062] According to a further preferred embodiment, a gel
aerosol-forming substrate was obtained by soaking and swelling 5 g
of gelatin in 50 ml of cold water for 30 minutes, adding 100 ml of
a liquid composition of 80 wt % glycerin VG and 20 wt % glycerin
PG, and stirring and heating the mixture for 90 minutes at
75.degree. C.
[0063] The gel aerosol-forming substrate is kept in gel form in the
first temperature range (below about 50.degree. C.) including room
temperature, changes to and exists in liquid form in the second
temperature range (from 50 to 100.degree. C.) including 7010 when
heated, and generates an aerosol at about 120.degree. C. or higher
when heated further. As described later, the gel aerosol-forming
substrate is liquefied by heating in the second temperature range
during the manufacturing process, so as to be injected into the gel
receptor 56a, and the liquid is sprayed into the gel receptor 56a
or injected into it by a needle or the like so as to be absorbed
into the gel receptor 56a. Afterwards, the liquid is kept for 5 to
10 minutes at a low temperature, for example, about 4.degree. C.,
or kept for 1 hour or longer at room temperature, whereby the
liquid absorbed in the gel receptor 56a turns into gel form and
exists in the form of fine particles distributed over surfaces,
pores, networks, etc. in the gel receptor 56a.
[0064] Meanwhile, since the gel receptor provides sufficient
absorption of the liquid composition of the liquefied
aerosol-forming substrate, the liquid composition does not flow out
of the gel receptor. Preferably, the gel aerosol-forming substrate
additionally contains water, although it contains glycerin and
gelatin as the main constituents, as described earlier. If water is
contained, it can soften the gelatin and therefore reduce the time
it takes to form a gel aerosol-forming substrate. The gel
aerosol-forming substrate may additionally contain agar, which also
becomes an advantage when forming a gel. In addition, the gel
aerosol-forming substrate may contain, as additives, a thickener,
starch powder, celluloses, and carboxymethyl ethers. The gel
aerosol-forming substrate may additionally contain natural food
flavor or fruit extract. This allows for giving the user a variety
of tastes through a generated aerosol. In any case, the content of
glycerin in the gel aerosol-forming substrate is preferably equal
to or greater than 50 wt %, which minimizes the burnt taste of the
generated aerosol.
[0065] As described previously, the liquid composition contains 80
to 100 wt % glycerin VG and 0 to 20 wt % glycerin PG and further
contains flavorings added in an amount that is 10% or less of the
total weight of the resulting liquid composition. According to a
preferred embodiment, the present invention uses a liquid
composition made up of 100 wt % glycerin VG. According to another
preferred embodiment, the present invention uses a liquid
composition made up of 80 wt % glycerin VG and 20 wt % glycerin PG.
According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present
invention further contains flavorings added in an amount that is
10% or less of the total weight of the resulting liquid
composition. For example, the flavorings may include licorice,
sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon,
cardamom, celery, cascarilla, 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, or coffee, etc.
In addition, the liquid composition may or may not contain
nicotine.
[0066] According to the present invention, the gel receptor 56a may
be made of various materials. Although FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate
that the gel receptor 56a is formed in a rolled shape, this is only
for convenience of description and the construction of the gel
receptor 56a is not limited thereto. Various types of gel receptors
56a may be considered as stated below. Basically, a gel receptor
rod 57 may be obtained by crumpling or rolling the gel receptor
56a, inserting it through one side of a pipe structure 40 shown in
FIG. 3, pressing it into a shape with a narrower cross-section
through the other side, and wrapping it in the wrapping paper 61.
Before the gel receptor 56a is inserted into the pipe structure 40,
the liquefied gel aerosol-forming substrate is absorbed into the
gel receptor 56a through a liquid injection part such as a needle.
As the gel receptor 56a passes through the pipe structure 40, it
becomes dampened or soaked with the liquefied gel aerosol-forming
substrate, and is then wrapped in the wrapping paper 61 immediately
on the other side of the pipe structure 40 and cut to an
appropriate length, for example, 80 mm to 140 mm, thereby forming
the gel receptor rod 57. That is, the gel aerosol-forming substrate
mixture is liquefied by heating in the second temperature range
including 70.degree. C., injected into the gel receptor 56a through
an injection part such as a needle, and absorbed into the gel
receptor 56a. The gel receptor 56a may go through a proper cooling
process before being cut to form the gel receptor rod 57, or may be
cut and then kept at room temperature for an appropriate amount of
time, e.g., 1 hour, or at a low temperature, e.g., 4.degree. C.,
for 5 to 10 minutes, since it provides sufficient absorption of the
liquefied gel aerosol-forming substrate. In this manner, the gel
aerosol-forming substrate in liquid form inserted into the gel
receptor 56a is turned into a gel, thereby preventing or minimizing
the liquid composition from flowing out of the gel receptor 56a
during a subsequent operation (such as cutting to form cartridges
or wrapping to form a smoking article). That is, the gel receptor
rod 57 may come in the form of the gel receptor 56a dampened with
the gel aerosol-forming substrate in liquid form and wrapped in the
wrapping paper 61, or the gel receptor rod 57 may be wrapped in the
wrapping paper 61, with the gel aerosol-forming substrate existing
in gel form in the gel receptor 56a by means of a proper cooling
structure provided in the pipe structure. Alternatively, as
described earlier, the gel receptor rod 57 may hold the mixture in
gel form, which contains the aerosol-forming substrate inserted
into the gel receptor, as long as it is kept in the first
temperature range including room temperature for a predetermined
amount of time, and, as stated later, may be cut to a size that
fits into an individual smoking article 50.
[0067] This construction is a generalized process in existing
cigarette manufacturing lines, and has the advantage of using
existing cigarette manufacturing processes and equipment. That is,
the same process above applies to the conventional manufacturing of
filters, paper tubes, and shredded tobacco, and the cartridge 56
can be produced using the equipment and processes currently
used.
[0068] The gel aerosol-forming substrate may be easily absorbed
into the gel receptor to be described later, since it is inserted
in liquid form into the gel receptor in the second temperature
range including 70.degree. C., e.g., from 50 to 100.degree. C., and
may exist in gel form in spaces between surfaces, pores, and
networks present in the gel receptor, in the first temperature
including room temperature, e.g., below 50.degree. C. Thus, as long
as the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge is kept in the first
temperature range including room temperature, there is no or little
possibility that the liquid composition contained in the gel
aerosol-forming substrate might flow or leak out from the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge.
[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the gel receptor of the
present invention is made by crumpling or rolling a strip made of a
melamine-based foam resin with a thickness of 2 to 3 mm and
inserting it into the above-mentioned pipe structure 40 to form a
cylindrical shape. According to another preferred embodiment, the
gel receptor of the present invention is made by processing a
melamine-based foam resin into a cylindrical shape and inserting
and pressing it into the above-mentioned pipe structure 40, and
more preferably, the gel receptor made of the melamine-based foam
resin has a weight of 0.01 to 0.013 mg/mm.sup.3 per unit volume.
According to test results for the electrically heated smoking
article including the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge
corresponding to 100 mg of liquid composition, the liquid
composition remained absorbed in the gel receptor without flowing
out, during the test, and a much greater amount of aerosol than in
the existing heated cigarettes was observed, and a sufficient
amount of aerosol derived from the liquid composition was observed,
even compared to the existing hybrid types or the existing liquid
compositions absorbed.
[0070] According to a further preferred embodiment, the gel
receptor of the present invention is made by crumpling, folding, or
rolling pulp or a fabric containing pulp and inserting it into the
above-mentioned pipe structure 40 to form a cylindrical shape or by
processing it into a cylindrical shape and inserting and pressing
it into the above-mentioned pipe structure 40, and more preferably,
the gel receptor made of pulp or a fabric containing pulp has a
weight of 0.25 to 0.4 mg/mm.sup.3 per unit volume. According to
test results for the electrically heated smoking article including
the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge corresponding to 100 mg
of liquid composition, the liquid composition remained absorbed in
the gel receptor without flowing out, during the test, and a much
greater amount of aerosol than in the existing heated cigarettes
was observed, and a sufficient amount of aerosol derived from the
liquid composition was observed, even compared to the existing
hybrid types or the existing liquid compositions absorbed.
[0071] According to a yet further preferred embodiment, the gel
receptor of the present invention is made by crumpling or rolling a
cotton woven or non-woven fabric and inserting it into the
above-mentioned pipe structure 40 to form a cylindrical shape or by
processing it into a cylindrical shape and inserting and pressing
it into the above-mentioned pipe structure 40, and more preferably,
the gel receptor made of a cotton woven or non-woven fabric has a
weight of 0.2 to 0.35 mg/mm.sup.3 per unit volume. According to
test results for the electrically heated smoking article including
the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge corresponding to 100 mg
of liquid composition, the liquid composition remained absorbed in
the gel receptor without flowing out, during the test, and a much
greater amount of aerosol than in the existing heated cigarettes
was observed, and a sufficient amount of aerosol derived from the
liquid composition was observed, even compared to the existing
hybrid types or the existing liquid compositions absorbed.
[0072] According to a yet further preferred embodiment, the gel
receptor of the present invention is made by crumpling or rolling a
bamboo fiber woven or non-woven fabric and inserting it into the
above-mentioned pipe structure 40 to form a cylindrical shape or by
processing it into a cylindrical shape and inserting and pressing
it into the above-mentioned pipe structure 40, and more preferably,
the gel receptor made of a bamboo fiber woven or non-woven fabric
has a weight of 0.15 to 0.25 mg/mm.sup.3 per unit volume. According
to test results for the electrically heated smoking article
including the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge corresponding
to 100 mg of liquid composition, the liquid composition remained
absorbed in the gel receptor without flowing out, during the test,
and a much greater amount of aerosol than in the existing heated
cigarettes was observed, and a sufficient amount of aerosol derived
from the liquid composition was observed, even compared to the
existing hybrid types or the existing liquid compositions
absorbed.
[0073] According to a preferred embodiment, the wrapping paper 61
forming the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 may come in
the form of laminated paper made by attaching aluminum foil to
paper, and is wrapped in a cylindrical shape so that the aluminum
foil comes into contact with the gel receptor 56a. Thus, the
aluminum foil may eliminate or minimize the possibility that the
gel aerosol-forming substrate in liquid form dampening the gel
receptor 56a may flow out through the side of the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56. That is, as can be seen
from the construction of the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gel receptor 56a is wrapped
in a separate piece of wrapping paper 61 before it is wrapped in
the wrapping paper 60 used to form the smoking article. In this
case, the wrapping paper 61 may come in the form of paper with
aluminum foil attached to it, and it is desirable that the gel
receptor 56a be wrapped in a cylindrical shape so that the aluminum
foil comes into contact with the gel receptor 56a.
[0074] The tobacco filler 58 may contain tobacco-based solid
substances such as reconstituted tobacco and shredded tobacco. In
one embodiment, the tobacco filler 58 may be stuffed with a
corrugated reconstituted tobacco sheet. The reconstituted tobacco
sheet may have corrugations as it is substantially horizontally
rolled around the axis of cylinder, folded, compressed, or
shrunken. The porosity may be determined by adjusting the gaps
between the corrugations of the reconstituted tobacco sheet.
[0075] In another embodiment, the tobacco filler 58 may be stuffed
with shredded tobacco. Here, the shredded tobacco may be formed by
finely cutting a tobacco sheet (or reconstituted tobacco slurry
sheet). Also, the tobacco filler 58 may be formed by combining
multiple strands of tobacco together in the same direction
(parallel) or randomly. Specifically, the tobacco filler 58 may be
formed by combining multiple strands of tobacco together, and may
have a plurality of longitudinal channels through which aerosol can
pass. The longitudinal channels may be regular or irregular
depending on the size and arrangement of the strands of
tobacco.
[0076] The tobacco filler 58 may additionally comprise at least one
among ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol,
triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The
tobacco filler may further comprise glycerin and propylene
glycol.
[0077] Furthermore, the tobacco filler 58 may contain other
additives such as flavorings and/or organic acids. Examples of the
flavorings 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, etc. Meanwhile, a tobacco substrate receiving
portion 11a and 11b may partially contain glycerin or propylene
glycol.
[0078] In some cases, the electrically heated smoking article may
be manufactured in such a way that the liquid composition contains
nicotine without using the tobacco filler of shredded tobacco, and
the tube and the filter are sequentially laminated on the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge and wrapped in the wrapping
paper.
[0079] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrically heated smoking
article 50 according to the present invention may comprise the
paper tube 54 for providing an aerosol passage, wherein PLA may be
inserted into the tube to reduce the temperature of the aerosol to
prevent the user from getting burned when inhaling the aerosol. The
paper tube 54 also may be wrapped in a separate piece of wrapping
paper (not shown). In this case, regular paper will suffice as the
wrapping paper for the paper tube 54.
[0080] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the filter 52 functioning as a
mouthpiece allows aerosol to pass therethrough and blocks the
inflow of liquid. As stated above, the gel aerosol-forming
substrate in the gel receptor 56a is kept in gel form or the like
within the gel receptor 56a, in the first temperature range
including room temperature, but the liquid composition may
partially flow out in an abnormal environment, such as when the
surroundings where the smoking article is stored reach the second
temperature range or when excessive external force is applied only
to the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 in that
circumstance, in which case the filter serves to prevent the inflow
of liquid (the paper tube may function similarly). The filter may
be made of pulp in a cylindrical or tube shape. On the other hand,
the filter may contain a flavoring component to increase the user's
satisfaction. Examples of the flavoring component may include
licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender,
cinnamon, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, 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, or coffee, etc.
[0081] Basically, the above-described gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge 56 may be made by employing the same process and
equipment used to add a flavoring component to the filter 52. In
this case, there will be no significant difficulties in achieving
mass production and quality control since the existing process and
equipment are used.
[0082] The electrically heated smoking article 50 is usually
wrapped in wrapping paper 60, 61, and 62 composed of multiple
layers, such as first wrapping paper 61 wrapped around the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, second wrapping paper 62
wrapped around the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge and the
tobacco filler of shredded tobacco altogether, downstream or
upstream from the first wrapping paper 61, third wrapping paper
(not shown) wrapped around the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge, the tobacco filler of shredded tobacco, and the tube
altogether, and fourth wrapping paper 60 wrapped around the whole
parts of the electrically heated smoking article. In this manner,
the electrically heated smoking article can be obtained through a
number of stages of wrapping. In some cases, a process of forming
the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge can be carried out
separately or through a continuous line.
[0083] Alternatively, in order to reduce the manufacturing time and
cut down the manufacturing cost, packaging of different materials
or different thicknesses may be added to the inside of the
outermost wrapping paper wrapped around the whole parts of the
electrically heated smoking article to wrap them altogether.
[0084] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56 according to one embodiment of the present
invention, the gel receptor 56a, with the gel aerosol-forming
substrate containing the liquid composition received in it, is
wrapped in the wrapping paper 61 serving as a housing. In addition,
the paper tube 54 and the filter 52 are stacked sequentially at the
downstream end of the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56.
The filter and the tube are wrapped in the wrapping paper 60,
together with the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge.
[0085] The gel aerosol-forming substrate in the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56 is kept in gel form or the like in the gel
receptor in the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56, in the
first temperature range, and the liquid composition contained in
the gel aerosol-forming substrate does not flow out of the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56, and is vaporized by heating
to generate an aerosol.
[0086] Preferably, the wrapping paper 60, 61, and 62 is made of a
material that does not deform when heated to a high temperature or
when in contact with liquid, or that does not generate harmful
components. Alternatively, the wrapping paper may be made of a
metal thin film or metal foil, or, as described above, may be made
by adding a metal thin film or thin metal sheet to wrapping paper
or by laminating them together. According to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention, the wrapping paper 61 serving as a
housing for the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 is
composed of paper and aluminum foil laminated together, and the gel
receptor 56a is placed on the aluminum foil adjoining it, in the
second temperature range during manufacture or storage, thereby
preventing the gel aerosol-forming substrate from turning into a
liquid state and flowing out of the side of the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56.
[0087] The filter 52 provided downstream of the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56 may have a hollow portion for generating an
airflow, but a filter with no hollow portion may also be used. The
filter may be composed of one or more segments and may include at
least one of a tube filter, a cooling structure and a recess
filter, for example. The tube filter has an inner hollow portion.
The tube filter and the recess filter may be made of cellulose
acetate, and the tube functioning as the cooling structure may be
made of pure polylactic acid (PLA) or a combination of polylactic
acid and another degradable polymer.
[0088] More specifically, the filter 52 may be made of acetate,
paper, PP, etc. and the wrapping paper wrapped around the filter
may be classified as regular paper, porous paper, perforated paper,
non-wrapped acetate (NWA), etc. In addition, the filter type may be
classified as a mono filter composed of one segment or a composite
(double, triple, etc.) filter composed of a number of segments. The
filter may be made from acetate tow, plasticizer, activated
charcoal, X-DNA, and wrapping paper. The acetate tow refers to an
aggregate of continuous filaments of cellulose acetate, which plays
a major role in determining draw resistance, which is the most
important characteristic of the filter. The properties of the
acetate tow are determined by denier.
[0089] The plasticizer makes cellulose acetate fibers soft and
flexible to form bonds at the contact points between the fibers and
make a fiber bundle more rigid. Triacetin is used as a plasticizer
for cigarette filters.
[0090] The activated charcoal, which is one of the absorbents,
contains carbon as the main constituent and can be classified by
particle size and nature. Source materials used for the activated
charcoal include plant materials, such as wood, sawdust, and fruit
stones (coconut husk, bamboo, peach seeds, etc.).
[0091] X-DNA refers to functional particles that are extracted from
sea algae and then condensed and processed. As compared with the
activated charcoal mainly used for cigarette filters, X-DNA does
not affect the taste of cigarettes and exhibits strong
anticarcinogenic effects.
[0092] The wrapping paper serves to maintain the shape of a filter
plug during the manufacture of the filter. The wrapping paper is
required to satisfy physical properties, such as porosity, tensile
strength, extension, thickness, glue adhesion, etc., in its
manufacture.
[0093] For example, the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56
may be 14.0 mm long, the filter 52 or the tube 54 may be 2.5 mm
long, and the tobacco filler 58 containing shredded tobacco may be
9.0 mm long. Alternatively, for example, the filter 52 may be 10
mm, the paper tube 54 may be 16 mm, the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56 may be 10 mm, and the tobacco filler 58 may
be 12 mm.
[0094] The relative lengths of the filter 52, paper tube 54, gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56, and tobacco filler 58 and
the relative positioning of the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge 56 and tobacco filler 58 may be associated with the
temperature of an aerosol the user inhales that is generated from
the electrically heated smoking article by means of an aerosol
generating device 100 to be described later. The temperature of an
aerosol generated from the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge
56 and the temperature of an aerosol generated from the tobacco
filler 58 are different, and high-temperature aerosol can be cooled
further as the paper tube 54 becomes longer. Thus, the temperatures
of aerosols generated from the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge 56 and tobacco filler 58 and the relative positioning of
the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and tobacco filler
58 may be taken into account, and the relative lengths and
positioning of the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and
tobacco filler 58 may vary with the amounts of liquid composition
and shredded tobacco dependent on the volumes of the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and tobacco filler 58 and
the heating method used by the aerosol generating device to be
described later. It would not be difficult for a person of ordinary
skill in the art to satisfy the above conditions when making an
electrically heated smoking article the same size as the
electrically heated smoking articles currently on the market.
[0095] As described above, according to a preferred embodiment for
manufacturing the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 shown
in FIG. 3, a gel aerosol-forming substrate is first made into a
liquid by heating in the second temperature range, and then a gel
receptor 56a formed in a cylinder shape by the pipe structure 40 is
passed through spray equipment or a liquid injection part such as a
needle before it is inserted into the pipe structure 40, and enough
of the liquid is sprayed or injected into the gel receptor 56a, and
the gel receptor 56a becomes dampened or soaked with the liquid as
it passes through the pipe structure 40. Afterwards, the gel
receptor with the liquid absorbed in it is wrapped in, for example,
wrapping paper (or a laminate of paper and aluminum foil), and cut
to a required length (for example, 140 mm, 100 mm, or 80 mm) to
form a gel receptor rod 57. As described later, the gel receptor
rod 57 may be cut up into a gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge
56 of a desired length (for example, 14 mm, 10 mm, or 8 mm), and
then packed (wrapped) together with other segments (the tube,
filter, and tobacco filler) of the electrically heated smoking
article, thereby making an electrically heated smoking article 50
for generating an aerosol. As described previously, the liquid
inserted into the gel receptor 56a turns into a gel while
maintaining the first temperature range, once the gel receptor 56a
passes through the pipe structure 40 or goes into storage after
being cut to form the gel receptor rod 57 or the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56. In turn, the gel exists in
the form of fine particles distributed over surfaces, pores,
networks, etc. in the gel receptor 56a.
[0096] FIG. 4 is a view schematically illustrating a process of
cutting the gel receptor rod 57 in order to manufacture a gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention. As described
previously, the gel receptor rod 57, which is 140 mm, 100 mm, or 80
mm long, for example, may be inserted into a groove in an index
table 70 and moved to a conveyor belt 90 by the rotation of the
index table. At this point, rotary blades 80 are placed on the
moving path along the index table 70, and the gel receptor rod 57
is cut into ten gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridges 56 of a
desired length, for example, 14 mm, 10 mm, or 80 mm by the rotary
blades. Ten rotary blades 80 may be placed at equal intervals to
cut a 140-mm gel receptor rod 57 into ten 14-mm gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridges 56, a 100-mm gel receptor rod 57 into ten
10-mm gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridges 56, or an 80-mm gel
receptor rod 57 into ten 8-mm gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridges 56. As described previously, since the same process and
equipment used to add flavoring components to the filter in the
conventional manufacturing of cigarettes are employed, there will
be no significant difficulties in achieving mass production and
quality control.
[0097] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the filter 52 functioning as a mouthpiece is located at
the downstream end of the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge
56, and the tobacco filler 58 containing shredded tobacco is
located at the upstream end of the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge 56. By packing these segments (filter, gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, and tobacco filler) together,
an electrically heated smoking article for generating an aerosol
can be made. As described previously, if necessary, the tube 54
which provides an aerosol passage may be located between the filter
52 and the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56. All of these
segments--filter, tube, gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge,
and tobacco filler--are arranged side by side and packed together,
thereby obtaining an electrically heated smoking article 50 for
generating an aerosol. In an actual manufacturing line, 10 or more
sets of these segments are arranged and wrapped, and then cut into
a number of electrically heated smoking articles.
[0098] In any case, the liquid composition, which is the
aerosol-forming substrate contained in the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56, turns into a gel, and the gel exists in the
form of fine particles distributed over surfaces, pores, networks,
etc. in the gel receptor within the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge. The liquid composition, even in liquid form, is absorbed
by the gel receptor 56a and therefore does not flow out of the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge. Nevertheless, in the process
of manufacturing an electrically heated smoking article or after
completing the electrically heated smoking article, the liquid
composition may flow out due to high-temperature heat or physical
pressure applied to the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, or
may be vaporized into an aerosol and exit to the outside. First of
all, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the tobacco filler is located upstream of the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge, and the filter is located downstream of the
gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, and therefore it is
unlikely that the liquid composition may flow out through the
filter or tobacco filler even if high-temperature heat or external
physical force is applied to the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge. Since the gel aerosol-forming substrate turns into a
liquid in the second temperature range including 70.degree. C. and
the liquid composition starts to generate an aerosol at about
120.degree. C. or higher, any loss of the liquid composition during
the manufacturing process can be prevented by performing process
control at 100.degree. C. or lower, preferably, in the first
temperature range below 50.degree. C., in the process of wrapping
or making the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge. In cases
where a high temperature equal to or higher than a temperature
where the liquid composition starts to vaporize is required during
the manufacturing process, the liquid composition may be controlled
in such a way that it is additionally absorbed by estimating the
amount of liquid composition lost during the process and adding the
estimated amount of loss to a required amount of liquid
composition.
[0099] Hereinafter, embodiments of an aerosol generating device 100
for generating an aerosol by heating the electrically heated
smoking article 50 according to the present invention will be
described. The aerosol generating device 100 to be described below
is a grippable and portable-sized aerosol generating device that
comprises an aerosol-forming substrate such as a liquid composition
or shredded tobacco within the smoking article, as in the
electrically heated smoking article 50 according to the present
invention, has a cavity into which the electrically heated smoking
article 50 wrapped in wrapping paper in the shape of a traditional
cigarette is inserted, and forms an aerosol by heating the
aerosol-forming substrate of the smoking article inserted into the
cavity by a heater provided in the aerosol generating device. As
stated below, the heater may be a resistance heater or induction
heater, which may be heated up to 100 to 400.degree. C. to heat the
aerosol-forming substrate within the electrically heated smoking
article 50 inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating
device, thereby generating an aerosol. According to a preferred
embodiment, the target temperature may range between 200 and
350.degree. C., and more preferably, between 250 and 320.degree. C.
(for example, the target temperature may be set to 280.degree. C.).
In some cases, the target temperature may range between 150 and
250.degree. C. (for example, the target temperature may be set to
180.degree. C.), and may vary depending on whether an aerosol is
generated from the liquid composition (glycerin, etc.), the tobacco
filler, or the tobacco filler with the liquid composition such as
glycerin absorbed in it. In any of these cases, an aerosol
generated in the electrically heated smoking article 50 is inhaled
into the mouth of the user through the tube 54 and the filter 52.
Thus, if the temperature of the generated aerosol is too high, even
if the aerosol is cooled through the inhalation, the user may feel
discomfort or get burned. Moreover, too much aerosol may be
generated, making it difficult to take multiple puffs. With this
taken into consideration, the target temperature of a heating
element should be preset. For these reasons, the above upper limit
is set on the target temperature of the heating element.
[0100] According to a preferred embodiment, the temperature of a
generated aerosol measured after it passes through the tube 54 and
the filter 52 may be a mouth end temperature. The temperature of
the aerosol should be lower than 50.degree. C., preferably,
45.degree. C. or lower. A desirable temperature range for the
aerosol at the mouth end is 25 to 45.degree. C., and a more
desirable temperature range for the aerosol at the mouth end is 30
to 40.degree. C.
[0101] The aerosol generating device 100 commonly comprises a
rechargeable battery 110 that is provided into the device and
functions as a DC power source and a control unit 120 that controls
the output from the battery 110. FIG. 5 depicts a conceptual
diagram of the aerosol generating device 100, together with the
electrically heated smoking article 50, and schematically shows a
cross-section of the aerosol generating device 100 to explain the
heating method for each embodiment. For convenience of explanation,
the electrically heated smoking article 50 will be described
basically with respect to a construction in which the filter 52,
the tube 54, the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56, and
the tobacco filler 58 are arranged in the order named and wrapped
in the wrapping paper 60. It should be noted that, as explained
earlier, the relative positions of the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56 and tobacco filler 58 may be reversed.
[0102] The following descriptions are provided only for
illustrative purposes, and the scope of the present invention is
not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art to which the present
invention pertains will easily understand that an aerosol
generating system within the scope of the present invention can be
constructed by deleting or adding some of the components of the
aerosol generating device exemplified below or combining it with
another device.
[0103] As stated above, FIG. 5 is a view schematically illustrating
a cross-section of an aerosol generating device 100 according to a
first embodiment of the present invention, along with a conceptual
diagram of an exemplary aerosol generating system to which the
present invention may apply.
[0104] The aerosol generating system comprise an aerosol generating
device 100 and an electrically heated smoking article 50. Here, the
electrically heated smoking article 50 is constructed by wrapping
the filter 52, paper tube 54, gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge 56, and tobacco filler 58 in the wrapping paper 60, as
described above, and is inserted into a cavity formed in the
aerosol generating device 100.
[0105] The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a pipe heater
130b using electrical resistance, for generating an aerosol by
heating a liquid composition absorbed by the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56, and an invasive heater 130a using
electrical resistance, for generating an aerosol by heating the
shredded tobacco, etc. in the tobacco filler 58. Additionally, the
aerosol generating device 100 comprises a battery 110 for supplying
power to the heaters 130a and 130b and a control unit 120
configured to control the power supply to the heaters 130a and 130b
from the battery 110.
[0106] The above-mentioned invasive heater 130a according to the
first embodiment may be in the shape of a blade or stick needle
with a heater pattern printed on the outside. In any case, a
temperature sensor pattern, along with the heater pattern, may be
provided so as to sense the temperature on the surface of the
invasive heater 130a and control the power supply to the invasive
heater 130a according to the sensed value. In a case where the
invasive heater is inserted into the tobacco filler 58 and heats
the tobacco filler 58 to form an aerosol inside the tobacco filler
58, as in the first embodiment, it may help immediately generate an
aerosol since it heats the tobacco filler 58 by contact with the
tobacco filler 58. As described above, the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56 is formed by crumpling or rolling physically
connected materials; therefore, there is a possibility that the
invasive heater 130a may not be properly inserted and, even if so,
the gel receptor may not be properly separated when the invasive
heater 130a is removed. Thus, it is desirable that the invasive
heater 130a be inserted only as far as the tobacco filler 58.
[0107] Likewise, the above-mentioned pipe heater 130b according to
the first embodiment is a pipe with a heater line or planar heating
element pattern printed or provided on the outside. Like the
invasive heater 130a, the pipe heater 130b has a temperature sensor
pattern so as to sense the temperature and control the power supply
to the pipe heater 130b according to the sensed value. The pipe
heater 130b heats the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 of
the electrically heated smoking article 50 from the side of the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 so that an aerosol is
generated as the aerosol-forming substrate existing in gel form in
the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge is heated.
[0108] An aerosol may be generated by heating an aerosol-forming
substrate within a temperature range of 150 to 350.degree. C. by
the above heaters, and the generated aerosol is inhaled through the
mouth of the user via the paper tube 54 and the filter 52. In an
example, the invasive heater 130a may heat the shredded tobacco in
the tobacco filler 58 within a temperature range of 150 to
250.degree. C. to generate an aerosol derived from the shredded
tobacco, and the pipe heater 130b may heat the gel receptor in the
gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 within a temperature
range of 250 to 350.degree. C. to generate an aerosol derived from
the liquid composition in the gel receptor. The above temperature
conditions may be reversed. Within the above temperature range, the
wrapping paper is not combusted but may be partially scorched.
[0109] Needless to say, the heater patterns of the heaters 130a and
130b, the sensing unit, and the control unit are electrically
connected, and the battery and the control unit also are
electrically connected.
[0110] FIG. 6 is a view schematically illustrating a cross-section
of an aerosol generating system according to a second embodiment of
the present invention.
[0111] The electrically heated smoking article 50 is constructed in
the same manner as in the first embodiment.
[0112] An aerosol generating device 100 according to the second
embodiment has a single resistance pipe heater 132 corresponding to
the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and tobacco filler
58. Like the pipe heater 130b according to the above-described
first embodiment, this pipe heater is a pipe with a heater line or
planar heating element pattern printed or provided on the outside.
The pipe heater 132 according to the second embodiment also has a
temperature sensor pattern so as to sense the temperature and
control the power supply to the pipe heater 132 according to the
sensed value. The pipe heater 132 heats the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56 of the electrically heated smoking article
50 from the side of the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56
to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate existing
in gel form in the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, and
also heats the tobacco filler 58 of the electrically heated smoking
article 50 from the side of the tobacco filler 58 to generate an
aerosol from the shredded tobacco, etc. in the tobacco filler 58.
The pipe heater 132 of the second embodiment heats the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler 58 to
basically the same temperature. The target temperature may be
within a temperature range of 150 to 350.degree. C., and may be
adjusted according to the sensed temperature. Within the above
temperature range, the wrapping paper is not combusted but may be
partially scorched.
[0113] In order for the electrically heated smoking article to be
used in this device, the amount of aerosol generated from the
liquid composition and the amount of aerosol generated from the
shredded tobacco may be property adjusted by adjusting the relative
positions of the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and
tobacco filler 58 or their relative volumes (or heights).
[0114] Needless to say, the heater pattern of the pipe heater 132,
the sensing unit, and the control unit 120 are electrically
connected, and the battery and the control unit also are
electrically connected. It is desirable that the pipe heater 132
only covers the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and the
tobacco filler 58 but not the paper tube 54 or the filter 52.
[0115] FIG. 7 is a view schematically illustrating a cross-section
of an aerosol generating system according to a third embodiment of
the present invention.
[0116] The electrically heated smoking article 50 is constructed in
the same manner as in the foregoing embodiment.
[0117] An aerosol generating device 100 according to the third
embodiment has a resistance pipe heater 132a corresponding to the
gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and a resistance pipe
heater 132b corresponding to the tobacco filler 58. Like the pipe
heater according to the above-described embodiment, these pipe
heaters are pipes with a heater line or planar heating element
pattern printed or provided on the outside. The pipe heaters 132a
and 132b according to the third embodiment also have a temperature
sensor pattern so as to sense the temperature and control the power
supply to the pipe heaters 132a and 132b according to the sensed
value. The pipe heater 132a heats the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge 56 of the electrically heated smoking article 50 from the
side of the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 to generate
an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate existing in gel form
in the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, and the pipe heater
132b heats the tobacco filler 58 of the electrically heated smoking
article 50 from the side of the tobacco filler 58 to generate an
aerosol from the shredded tobacco, etc. in the tobacco filler 58.
The pipe heaters 132a and 132b of the third embodiment allow the
gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler
58 to be heated to different temperatures. The target temperature
may be within a temperature range of 150 to 350.degree. C., and may
be adjusted according to the sensed temperature. The generated
aerosol is inhaled through the mouth of the user via the paper tube
54 and the filter 52. In an example, the pipe heater 132b may heat
the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 within a temperature
range of 150 to 250.degree. C. to generate an aerosol derived from
the shredded tobacco, and the pipe heater 132a may heat the gel
receptor in the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 within a
temperature range of 250 to 350.degree. C. to generate an aerosol
derived from the liquid composition in the gel receptor. The above
temperature conditions may be reversed. Within the above
temperature range, the wrapping paper is not combusted but may be
partially scorched.
[0118] By employing the construction of the third embodiment, it is
possible to properly generate an aerosol from the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler 58,
in an electrically heated smoking article that has the construction
shown in the drawing, or in an electrically heated smoking article
in which the relative positions of the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56 and tobacco filler 58 are reversed, without
problems with the invasive heater (such as having residues coming
off from the electrically heated smoking article after use or not
being easily inserted into the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge), and it is also possible to set and control the
temperatures of the pipe heaters 132a and 132b to an optimum
temperature for each aerosol-forming substrate to generate an
aerosol.
[0119] Needless to say, the heater pattern of the pipe heaters 132a
and 132b, the sensing unit, and the control unit 120 are
electrically connected, and the battery and the control unit also
are electrically connected. It is desirable that the pipe heaters
132a and 132b only cover the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler 58 but not the paper tube 54 or
the filter 52.
[0120] FIG. 8 is a view schematically illustrating a cross-section
of an aerosol generating system according to a fourth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0121] The electrically heated smoking article 50 is constructed in
the same manner as in the foregoing embodiment.
[0122] An aerosol generating device 100 according to the fourth
embodiment has a single resistance pipe heater 134b corresponding
in height to the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and
tobacco filler 58 and an invasive heater 134a that can be inserted
into the tobacco filler 58.
[0123] Like the above-described pipe heater, the pipe heater 134b
has a heater line or planar heating element pattern printed or
provided on the outside, and also has a temperature sensor pattern
so as to sense the temperature and control the power supply to the
pipe heater 134b according to the sensed value. The pipe heater
134b heats the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 of the
electrically heated smoking article 50 from the side of the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 to generate an aerosol from
the aerosol-forming substrate existing in gel form in the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, and also heats the tobacco
filler 58 of the electrically heated smoking article 50 from the
side of the tobacco filler 58 to generate an aerosol from the
shredded tobacco, etc. in the tobacco filler 58. The pipe heater
134b of the fourth embodiment heats the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler 58 to basically the
same temperature.
[0124] However, unlike the second embodiment, the fourth embodiment
provides the invasive heater 134a having the same construction as
described above, that can be inserted into the tobacco filler 58.
With this construction, an additional heating source can be
provided to the tobacco filler 58, which means that it is possible
to better cope with the aerosol-forming substrate provided in the
electrically heated smoking article. In any case, the target
temperature may be within a temperature range of 150 to 350.degree.
C., and may be adjusted according to the sensed temperature. In an
example, the pipe heater 134b may heat the aerosol-forming
substrate existing in gel form in the gel receptor in the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and the shredded tobacco in
the tobacco filler 58 within a temperature range of 150 to
250.degree. C. to generate an aerosol derived from them, and,
additionally, the invasive heater 134a may heat the shredded
tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 within a temperature range of 250
to 350.degree. C. to generate an aerosol derived from the shredded
tobacco. The above temperature conditions may be reversed. Within
the above temperature range, the wrapping paper is not combusted
but may be partially scorched.
[0125] Needless to say, the heater patterns of the invasive heater
134a and pipe heater 134b, the sensing unit, and the control unit
120 are electrically connected, and the battery and the control
unit also are electrically connected. It is desirable that the pipe
heater 134b only covers the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge
56 and the tobacco filler 58 but not the paper tube 54 or the
filter 52. It is desirable that the invasive heater 134a is
inserted only into the tobacco filler 58 due to the above-mentioned
reason.
[0126] FIGS. 9 through 12 illustrate an aerosol generating system
to which an induction heater is applied, according to fifth through
eighth embodiments of the present invention. The electrical
components used for induction heating are parts for induction
heating, which include an excitation coil 136a, 136c, 138b, 140a,
and 140b wound multiple times in a cylindrical shape, and a
susceptor (magnetic heating element) which reacts with the
excitation coil 136a, 136c, 138b, 140a, and 140b so that induction
heating occurs due to eddy current losses. Here, the susceptor is a
metal heat pipe 135, 136d, 138a, 142a, and 142b provided inside the
excitation coil 136a, 136c, 138b, 140a, and 140b to be surrounded
by the excitation coil 136a, 136c, 138b, 140a, and 140b in the
device, which is made of a hollow cylindrical thin plate defining a
cavity into which the electrically heated smoking article 50 can be
inserted, and which is heated to a temperature of 400.degree. C. or
lower by induction heating due to eddy current losses, by reaction
with the excitation coil 136a, 136c, 138b, 140a, and 140b. The
susceptor may be heated to a temperature of 1,000.degree. C. or
higher depending on the magnitude of the alternating current
applied to the excitation coil 136a, 136c, 138b, 140a, and 140b,
whereas, in the present invention, the susceptor functioning as a
heating element is heated to a temperature of 400.degree. C. or
lower, as stated above. The temperature of the heat pipe 135, 136d,
138a, 142a, and 142b may be sensed by a temperature sensor that
makes physical contact with the surface of the heat pipe 135, 136d,
138a, 142a, and 142b, or the temperature of the susceptor may be
calculated based on current and voltage changes detected by a
current sensor and voltage sensor which measure changes in the
current and voltage for heating the susceptor depending on the
inductance or reactance varying with changes in the temperature of
the susceptor functioning as the heat pipe 135, 136d, 138a, 142a,
and 142b.
[0127] In order for induction heating to occur, the control unit
receives direct current power from the battery 110 and supplies an
alternating current having a resonance frequency or an alternating
current having a frequency different from the resonance frequency
to the excitation coil. By controlling the alternating current
applied to the excitation coil based on changes in the temperature
of the susceptor, the susceptor may be heated to a desired
temperature, be maintained at that temperature, or have temperature
changes.
[0128] FIG. 9 is a view schematically illustrating a cross-section
of an aerosol generating system according to a fifth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0129] The electrically heated smoking article 50 is constructed in
the same manner as in the foregoing embodiment.
[0130] An aerosol generating device 100 according to the fifth
embodiment has an induction heat pipe 135 corresponding to the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and an induction heat blade
136b corresponding to the tobacco filler 58. Both the heat pipe 135
and the heat blade 136b are constructed of a susceptor, and are
heated by induction heating. The heat pipe 135 heats the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 of the electrically heated
smoking article 50 from the side of the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56 to generate an aerosol from the
aerosol-forming substrate existing in gel form in the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, and the heat blade 136b heats
the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 of the electrically
heated smoking article 50 to generate an aerosol.
[0131] Since the heat pipe 135 and heat blade 136b functioning as a
susceptor are provided separately, a desired heating temperature
condition can be achieved by adjusting their material or
thickness.
[0132] The temperature condition to be achieved by control may be
the same as or similar to what has been stated earlier. That is,
the heat pipe 135 and heat blade 136b of the fifth embodiment allow
the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and the tobacco
filler 58 to be heated to different temperatures. The target
temperature may be within a temperature range of 150 to 300.degree.
C., and may be adjusted according to the sensed temperature. The
generated aerosol is inhaled through the mouth of the user via the
paper tube 54 and the filter 52. In an example, the heat blade 136b
may heat the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 within a
temperature range of 150 to 200.degree. C. to generate an aerosol
derived from the shredded tobacco, and the heat pipe 135 may heat
the gel receptor in the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56
within a temperature range of 250 to 300.degree. C. to generate an
aerosol derived from the liquid composition in the gel receptor.
The above temperature conditions may be reversed. Within the above
temperature range, the wrapping paper is not combusted but may be
partially scorched.
[0133] Needless to say, the excitation coil 136a, the sensing unit,
and the control unit 120 are electrically connected, and the
battery and the control unit also are electrically connected. It is
desirable that the heat pipe 135 only covers the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 but not the paper tube 54 or
the filter 52. Also, it is desirable that the heat blade 136b be
inserted only as far as the tobacco filler 58, like the electrical
resistance-type invasive heater.
[0134] FIG. 10 is a view schematically illustrating a cross-section
of an aerosol generating system according to a sixth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0135] The electrically heated smoking article 50 is constructed in
the same manner as in the foregoing embodiment.
[0136] An aerosol generating device 100 according to the sixth
embodiment is an example of a combination of an induction heat pipe
136d corresponding to the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge
56 and a resistance pipe heater 136e corresponding to the tobacco
filler 58.
[0137] The heat pipe 136d functioning as a susceptor heats the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 of the electrically heated
smoking article 50 from the side of the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56 to generate an aerosol from the
aerosol-forming substrate existing in gel form in the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge.
[0138] Also, the resistance pipe heater 136e heats the tobacco
filler 58 of the electrically heated smoking article 50 from the
side of the tobacco filler 58 to generate an aerosol from the
shredded tobacco, etc. in the tobacco filler 58.
[0139] In order for the electrically heated smoking article to be
used in this device, the amount of aerosol generated from the
liquid composition and the amount of aerosol generated from the
shredded tobacco may be property adjusted by adjusting the relative
positions of the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and
tobacco filler 58 or their relative volumes (or heights).
[0140] The heat pipe 136d and pipe heater 136e of the sixth
embodiment allow the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and
the tobacco filler 58 to be heated to different temperatures. The
target temperature may be within a temperature range of 150 to
350.degree. C., and may be adjusted according to the sensed
temperature. The generated aerosol is inhaled through the mouth of
the user via the paper tube 54 and the filter 52. In an example,
the heat pipe 136d may heat the shredded tobacco in the tobacco
filler 58 within a temperature range of 150 to 250.degree. C. to
generate an aerosol derived from the shredded tobacco, and the pipe
heater 136e may heat the gel receptor in the gel aerosol-forming
substrate cartridge 56 within a temperature range of 250 to
350.degree. C. to generate an aerosol derived from the liquid
composition in the gel receptor. The above temperature conditions
may be reversed. Within the above temperature range, the wrapping
paper is not combusted but may be partially scorched.
[0141] Needless to say, the excitation coil 136c, the heater
pattern of the pipe heater 136e, the sensing unit, and the control
unit 120 are electrically connected, and the battery and the
control unit also are electrically connected. It is desirable that
the heat pipe 136d and the pipe heater 136e only cover the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler 58
but not the paper tube 54 or the filter 52.
[0142] FIG. 11 is a view schematically illustrating a cross-section
of an aerosol generating system according to a seventh embodiment
of the present invention.
[0143] The electrically heated smoking article 50 is constructed in
the same manner as in the foregoing embodiment.
[0144] The aerosol generating device 100 according to the seventh
embodiment works by heating both the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler 58 by an induction heat pipe
138a. As the heat pipe 138a is heated, an aerosol is generated from
the aerosol-forming substrate existing in gel form in the gel
receptor in the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56, and, at
the same time, an aerosol is generated from the shredded tobacco,
etc. in the tobacco filler 58. The heat pipe 138a of the seventh
embodiment heats the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and
the tobacco filler 58 to basically the same temperature. The target
temperature may be within a temperature range of 150 to 350.degree.
C., and may be adjusted according to the sensed temperature. Within
the above temperature range, the wrapping paper is not combusted
but may be partially scorched.
[0145] In order for the electrically heated smoking article to be
used in this device, the amount of aerosol generated from the
liquid composition and the amount of aerosol generated from the
shredded tobacco may be properly adjusted by adjusting the relative
positions of the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and
tobacco filler 58 or their relative volumes (or heights).
[0146] Needless to say, the excitation coil 138b, the sensing unit,
and the control unit 120 are electrically connected, and the
battery and the control unit also are electrically connected. It is
desirable that the heat pipe 138a only covers the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler 58
but not the paper tube 54 or the filter 52.
[0147] FIG. 12 is a view schematically illustrating a cross-section
of an aerosol generating system according to an eighth embodiment
of the present invention.
[0148] The electrically heated smoking article 50 is constructed in
the same manner as in the foregoing embodiment.
[0149] An aerosol generating device 100 according to the eighth
embodiment has an induction heat pipe 142a corresponding to the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and an induction heat pipe
142b corresponding to the tobacco filler 58. Excitation coils 140a
and 140b for heating them by induction are provided respectively.
The heat pipe 142a heats the gel aerosol-forming substrate
cartridge 56 of the electrically heated smoking article 50 from the
side of the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 to generate
an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate existing in gel form
in the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, and the heat pipe
142b heats the tobacco filler 58 of the electrically heated smoking
article 50 from the side of the tobacco filler 58 to generate an
aerosol from the shredded tobacco, etc. in the tobacco filler 58.
The heat pipes 142a and 142b of the eighth embodiment allow the gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler 58 to
be heated to different temperatures. The target temperature may be
within a temperature range of 150 to 350.degree. C., and may be
adjusted according to the sensed temperature. The generated aerosol
is inhaled through the mouth of the user via the paper tube 54 and
the filter 52. In an example, the heat pipe 142b may heat the
shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 within a temperature
range of 150 to 250.degree. C. to generate an aerosol derived from
the shredded tobacco, and the heat pipe 142a may heat the gel
receptor in the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 within a
temperature range of 250 to 350.degree. C. to generate an aerosol
derived from the liquid composition in the gel receptor. The above
temperature conditions may be reversed. Within the above
temperature range, the wrapping paper is not combusted but may be
partially scorched.
[0150] In order for the electrically heated smoking article to be
used in this device, the amount of aerosol generated from the
liquid composition and the amount of aerosol generated from the
shredded tobacco may be property adjusted by adjusting the relative
positions of the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and
tobacco filler 58 or their relative volumes (or heights).
[0151] Needless to say, the excitation coils 140a and 140b, the
sensing unit, and the control unit 120 are electrically connected,
and the battery and the control unit also are electrically
connected. It is desirable that the heat pipes 142a and 142b only
cover the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge 56 and the
tobacco filler 58 but not the paper tube 54 or the filter 52.
[0152] A person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present
invention pertains will understand that the present invention may
be implemented in a modified form within the scope which does not
deviate from the essential characteristics of the present
invention. Therefore, the methods disclosed in the above should be
considered from an explanatory point of view, not a limited point
of view. The scope of the present invention is defined by the
claims, not the foregoing description, and all of the differences
within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted to be
included in the scope of the present invention.
[0153] According to the present invention, it is possible for the
user to inhale an aerosol derived from a liquid and an aerosol
derived from a tobacco substrate together, by providing a gel
aerosol-forming substrate cartridge that can be inserted into an
electrically heated smoking article and an electrically heated
smoking article including the same.
* * * * *