Patent Description:
Research is being conducted on technology for adding a flavor to an aerosol provided from a cigarette. For example, to add a flavor to the aerosol, a transfer jet nozzle system (TJNS) filter and the like, in which a flavor is sprayed to a filter of a cigarette, is used for manufacturing cigarettes.

When the flavoring liquid is added to the inside of the filter through an external surface of the filter as in the related art, there is a limit in the amount of the flavoring liquid inserted in a manufacturing process due to, for example, external contamination through transfer of the flavoring liquid to a cigarette paper covering the outside of the filter. Also, menthol applied in the filter may be transferred to an adjacent unflavored tube filter and the like over time, and the amount of migration of menthol may rapidly decrease during smoking. <CIT> relates to a method for producing multi-segment filters for the tobacco processing industry, wherein filter rods or filter segments are delivered to a form a group of filter segments. The method includes introducing a medium into the filter rods or filter segments before the filter rods or filter segments are delivered to the formed group of filter segments. <CIT> relates to a cigarette for heating a non-combustible tobacco. The cigarette comprises a reversal counter-sunk filter stick, a first hollow filter stick, a second hollow filter stick and a tobacco stick, wherein the reversal counter-sunk filter stick comprises a filter section and a hollow section; the first hollow filter stick is provided with a first axial cavity; the second hollow filter stick is provided with a second axial cavity; the equivalent diameter of the second axial cavity is greater than equivalent diameter of the first axial cavity; and the equivalent diameter of the second axial cavity is less than the diameter of the hollow section.

The present disclosure is devised to solve the above-described shortcomings and provide a smoking article and a method of manufacturing the same, the smoking article comprising a tube filter capable of significantly improving the taste of smoking and increasing an amount of migration of menthol, an amount of migration of nicotine, and an amount of smoke during smoking.

Technical goals of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned technical goals, and other technical goals that are not mentioned may be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field of the present disclosure from the following descriptions.

Various embodiments are to provide a smoking article and a method of manufacturing a smoking article. For example, a method of manufacturing a smoking article may comprise preparing a smoking material portion, a first tube filter flavored by a first flavoring liquid, and a mouthpiece flavored by a second flavoring liquid; and combining and packaging the smoking material portion, the first tube filter, and the mouthpiece with a wrapper, wherein the preparing comprises applying the first flavoring liquid inside the first tube filter through a hollow of the first tube filter. Technical goals to be achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the technical goals described above, and other technical goals may be derived from following embodiments.

When the tube filter is internally flavored according to embodiments of the inventive concept, a maximum amount of flavoring liquid, which is a larger amount of flavoring liquid compared to that in the existing TJNS flavoring treatment method, may be applied into the filter. In detail, considering a maximum flavoring amount applicable in the TJNS flavoring treatment method is about <NUM>/mm to about <NUM>/mm, a flavoring liquid may be applied up to about <NUM> times or twice more than the existing TJNS flavoring treatment method.

In addition, when a cigarette of an internally-flavored tube filter according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is used, loss of menthol applied to the TJNS filter that occurs during the cigarette storage period may be reduced, and at the same time, a migration amount of menthol to a cut tobacco filler portion may increase, and therefore, taste of menthol during smoking may be enhanced.

In addition, when the internally-flavored tube filter is located between the internally-moisturized tube filter and the TJNS filter, loss of flavor due to heat of the aerosol may be minimized.

Furthermore, the inside of the tube filter according to embodiments is flavored by the flavoring liquid free-falling into the hollow of the tube filter, and therefore, the flavoring liquid may be uniformly and sufficiently inserted into the tube without a complicated spray nozzle for spraying the flavoring liquid into the hollow of the tube. As a result, a manufacturing process may be simplified and manufacturing cost may be reduced.

In addition, when a flavoring treatment method, a treatment rate of flavoring liquid, a diameter of a flavoring nozzle, a separation distance between the flavoring nozzle and a steam nozzle and the like are applied to the process of manufacturing the tube filter, loss of flavor due to high-temperature steam may be minimized.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, provided is a method of manufacturing a smoking article, the method comprising: preparing a smoking material portion, a first tube filter flavored by a first flavoring liquid, and a mouthpiece flavored by a second flavoring liquid; and combining and packaging the smoking material portion, the first tube filter, and the mouthpiece with a wrapper, wherein the preparing comprises applying the first flavoring liquid inside the first tube filter through a hollow of the first tube filter.

In some embodiments, the applying may include applying the first flavor liquid to an inner surface of the first tube filter in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> per millimeter.

The applying may include comprises: applying the first flavoring liquid to the inner surface in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> per millimeter, using a flavoring nozzle having a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>, or applying the first flavoring liquid to the inner surface in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> per millimeter, using the flavoring nozzle having a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The preparing may include: spraying, by a steam spray nozzle, steam of <NUM> to <NUM> onto an external surface of a tube-shaped rod, before applying the first flavoring liquid; and cutting the tube-shaped rod into the first tube filter after the first flavoring liquid is applied, wherein the first flavoring liquid contained in the first tube filter after the cutting is from <NUM> % to <NUM> % of a total amount of the first flavoring liquid applied to the first tube filter before the cutting.

In some embodiments, the flavoring nozzle and the steam spray nozzle may be apart from each other by <NUM> to <NUM> in a longitudinal direction of the first tube filter.

In some embodiments, an amount of the first flavoring liquid applied in the hollow of the first tube filter may be <NUM> % to <NUM> % of an amount of the second flavoring liquid applied in the mouthpiece. Alternatively, an amount of the first flavoring liquid applied in the hollow of the first tube filter may be from <NUM> % to about <NUM> % of an amount of the second flavoring liquid treated in the mouthpiece. Alternatively, an amount of the first flavoring liquid applied in the hollow of the first tube filter may be from <NUM> % to <NUM> % of an amount of the second flavoring liquid applied in the mouthpiece.

According to some other embodiments, there is provided a method of manufacturing a smoking article, the method comprising: preparing a smoking material portion, a first tube filter moisturized by a moisturizing liquid, and a mouthpiece flavored by a flavoring liquid; and combining and packaging the smoking material portion, the first tube filter, and the mouthpiece with a wrapper, wherein the preparing comprises applying the moisturizing liquid by an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> per millimeter inside the first tube filter through a hollow of the first tube filter, and an amount of the moisturizing liquid applied inside the first tube filter is <NUM> % to <NUM> % of an amount of the flavoring liquid used in the mouthpiece.

According to some other embodiments, there is provided a smoking article, the smoking article comprising: a smoking material portion; a first tube filter located downstream of the smoking material portion and having a hollow formed therein; a mouthpiece located downstream of the first tube filter; and a wrapper covering the smoking material portion, the first tube filter, and the mouthpiece, wherein the first tube filter is a filter flavored by a first flavoring liquid or moisturized by a moisturizer, and the mouthpiece is a filter flavored by a second flavoring liquid.

The first tube filter may be a filter flavored by the first flavoring liquid, and a menthol content of the first tube filter may be higher than a menthol content of the mouthpiece.

In some embodiments, the smoking article may further comprise a cooling filter having an end contacting a downstream end of the first tube filter and having another end opposite the end, the other end contacting an upstream end of the mouthpiece, wherein the cooling filter comprises a polylactic acid fabric, a paper pipe, or a second tube filter.

In some other embodiments, the smoking article may further comprise a second tube filter having one end contacting a downstream end of the first tube filter and having another end opposite the end, the other end contacting an upstream end of the mouthpiece.

An inner diameter of the second tube filter may be greater than an inner diameter of the first tube filter, the first tube filter may be filter moisturized by the moisturizer, and the second tube filter may be a filter flavored by the first flavoring liquid.

Here, the first flavoring liquid and the second flavoring liquid may comprise <NUM> % to <NUM> % menthol and <NUM> % to <NUM> % propylene glycol (PG), and the moisturizer may comprise <NUM> % to <NUM> % glycerin and <NUM> % to <NUM> % PG.

In some embodiments, an amount of the first flavoring liquid applied to the second tube filter may be <NUM> to <NUM>.

An amount of the moisturizer of the first tube filter may be <NUM> to <NUM>.

Hereinafter, preferable embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Advantages and features of the present disclosure, and methods of achieving the same will be clearly understood with reference to the following embodiments described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein and may be embodied in various different forms. The embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to one of ordinary skill in the art, and the present disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, same reference numerals denote same components.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the present specification may be used as meanings that may be commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. In addition, unless explicitly and specifically defined, terms defined in generally-used dictionaries are not ideally or excessively interpreted.

Furthermore, in the present specification, unless specifically mentioned in the context, singular forms may also include plural forms. "comprises" and/or "comprising" used in the specification does not exclude existence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations and/or devices in addition to the mentioned components, steps, operations, and/or devices.

Terms including an ordinal number such as "first" or "second" used in the specification may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

Throughout the specification, "a smoking article" may indicate an article capable of generating aerosol, such as a cigarette, a cigar, and the like. A smoking article may include an aerosol generating material or an aerosol generating substrate. In addition, the smoking article may include a solid material based on tobacco materials such as reconstituted tobacco, pipe cut tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco. A smoking material may include a volatile compound.

In addition, throughout the specification, "upstream" or "an upstream direction" indicates a direction away from a mouth of the user puffing the smoking article, and "downstream" or "a downstream direction" indicates a direction toward the mouth of the user puffing the smoking article. For example, in a smoking article <NUM> shown in <FIG>, a smoking material portion <NUM> is located at a downstream or a downstream direction of filters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the present specification, a case in which a tube filter according to embodiments of the present disclosure is applied to a heating-type cigarette <NUM> used together with an aerosol-generating device <NUM> such as an electric tobacco device is described example, but it is not limited thereto, and the tube filter according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to a combustive-type cigarette.

Referring to <FIG>, an aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a battery <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a heater <NUM>. A cigarette <NUM> may be inserted into an inner space of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may further include a vaporizer <NUM>.

<FIG> only illustrate some components of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, which are related to the relevant embodiments.

Also, <FIG> illustrate that the aerosol generating device <NUM> includes the heater <NUM>. However, the heater <NUM> may be omitted according to embodiments.

<FIG> also illustrates that the battery <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, the vaporizer <NUM>, and the heater <NUM> are arranged in series. <FIG> illustrates that the vaporizer <NUM> and the heater <NUM> are arranged in parallel.

When the cigarette <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may operate the heater <NUM> and/or the vaporizer <NUM> to generate aerosol from the cigarette <NUM> and/or the vaporizer <NUM>. The aerosol generated by the heater <NUM> and/or the vaporizer <NUM> passes through the cigarette <NUM> to be delivered to a user.

According to necessity, even when the cigarette <NUM> is not inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may heat the heater <NUM>.

For example, the battery <NUM> may supply power to heat the heater <NUM> or the vaporizer <NUM>, and may supply power for operation of the controller <NUM>. Also, the battery <NUM> may supply power for operations of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. (not illustrated) mounted in the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

Also, the controller <NUM> may check a state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device <NUM> to determine whether the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be operated.

It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The heater <NUM> may be heated by power supplied from the battery <NUM>. For example, when the cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the heater <NUM> may be inserted into a portion in the cigarette <NUM>, and the heater <NUM> that is heated may raise a temperature of an aerosol generating material in the cigarette <NUM>.

However, the heater <NUM> is not limited to the example described above and may include any heaters that may be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device <NUM> or may be set as a temperature desired by a user.

In detail, the heater <NUM> may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette <NUM> in an induction heating method, and the cigarette may include a susceptor which may be heated by the induction heater.

For example, the heater <NUM> may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element (not illustrated), and may heat the inside or the outside of the cigarette <NUM>, according to the shape of the heating element.

In addition, the heater <NUM> is not limited to the shapes illustrated in <FIG>, and may have various shapes.

The vaporizer <NUM> may generate aerosol by heating a liquid composition and the generated aerosol may pass through the cigarette <NUM> to be delivered to a user.

In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer <NUM> may move along an air flow passage of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, and the air flow passage may be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer <NUM> passes through the cigarette <NUM> to be delivered to the user.

The spices may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients, but is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, the heater <NUM>, and the vaporizer <NUM>. For example, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting haptic information. Also, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include at least one sensor (e.g., a puff detecting sensor, a temperature detecting sensor, a cigarette insertion detecting sensor, etc.). Also, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be formed as a structure where, even when the cigarette <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged.

Although not illustrated in <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> and an additional cradle (not illustrated) may together form a system.

The cigarette <NUM> may be similar to a general combustive cigarette. For example, the cigarette <NUM> may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating material and a second portion including a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette <NUM> may also include an aerosol generating material. For example, an aerosol generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

For example, the external air may flow into at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device <NUM>. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device <NUM> and/or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount and quality of smoke (i.e., a mixture of aerosols and air) may be adjusted by the user. As another example, the external air may flow into the cigarette <NUM> through at least one hole (not illustrated) formed in a surface of the cigarette <NUM>.

The cigarette <NUM> may have various structures. For example, the cigarette <NUM> may correspond to the smoking articles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> shown in <FIG>, but is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, the smoking articles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a smoking article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a smoking article <NUM> may comprise a smoking material portion <NUM>, a first filter segment <NUM>, a second filter segment <NUM>, a third filter segment <NUM>, and a wrapper <NUM>. Although not illustrated, at least one of the smoking material portion <NUM>, the first filter segment <NUM>, the second filter segment <NUM>, and the third filter segment <NUM> may be respectively packaged with separate wrappers before being packaged with the wrapper <NUM>. For example, the smoking material portion <NUM> may be packaged with a smoking material wrapper (not illustrated), and at least one of the first filter segment <NUM>, the second filter segment <NUM>, and the third filter segment <NUM> may be packaged with a filter wrapper (not illustrated).

A diameter of the smoking article <NUM> may be in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and a length of the smoking article <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a length of the smoking material portion <NUM> may be about <NUM>, a length of the first filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM>, a length of the second filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM>, and a length of the third filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM>. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The smoking material portion <NUM> includes an aerosol generating material that generates an aerosol when heated. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraetylene glycol, and oleyl alchol, but it is not limited thereto.

Also, the smoking material portion <NUM> may include other additives, such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid. For example, the flavors may include licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, cascarilla, white sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essense, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, mint oil, cinnamon, callaway, cognac, jasmine, camomille, menthol, cinnamon, ylang, salvia, spearmint, ginger, coriander, coffee, or the like. Also, the wetting agent may include glycerin, propylene glycol, or the like.

In some embodiments, the smoking material portion <NUM> may be filled with a reconstituted tobacco sheet. In some other embodiments, the smoking material portion <NUM> may be filled with a plurality of tobacco strands cut from the reconstituted tobacco sheet. The plurality of tobacco strands may be arranged in a same direction (i.e., parallel to each other) or in a random manner in the smoking material portion <NUM>.

For example, the reconstituted tobacco sheet may be manufactured by the following process. First, tobacco raw materials are pulverized to produce a slurry in which aerosol materials (for example, glycerin, propylene glycol, and the like), flavoring liquid, a binder (for example, guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), water, and the like are mixed. When producing the slurry, natural pulp or cellulose may be added, and one or more binders may be mixed together. A reconstituted tobacco sheet is formed by using the slurry, and tobacco strands may be produced by breaking or shredding a dried reconstituted sheet.

The tobacco raw materials may be tobacco leaf pieces, tobacco stems and/or tobacco fine powders produced during tobacco processing. The reconstituted tobacco sheet may include other additives such as lumber or cellulose fiber.

The aerosol generating material of about <NUM> % to about <NUM> $ may be added to the slurry, and the aerosol generating material of about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % may remain in the reconstituted tobacco sheet. Preferably, the aerosol generating material of about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % may remain in the reconstituted tobacco sheet. Also, before a process of packaging the smoking material portion <NUM> with a smoking material wrapper, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or moisturizer may be sprayed in the middle of the smoking material portion <NUM>.

The first filter segment <NUM> may be a tube-shape structure including a hollow <NUM> therein. A length of the first filter segment <NUM> may employ an appropriate length in a range about <NUM> to about <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

An external diameter of the first filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>, for example, about <NUM>. A diameter of the hollow <NUM> included in the first filter segment <NUM> may employ an appropriate diameter in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the diameter of the hollow <NUM> may be about <NUM>, about <NUM>, or about <NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

When manufacturing the first filter segment <NUM>, the hardness of the first filter segment <NUM> may be adjusted by adjusting a content of a plasticizer.

The first filter segment <NUM> may also be manufactured by inserting structures such as a film or tube made of same or different materials into an internal portion (that is, the hollow <NUM>).

The first filter segment <NUM> may be manufactured by using cellulose acetate. By doing so, when the heater <NUM> is inserted, an internal material of the smoking material portion <NUM> may be prevented from being pushed back (that is, in a downstream direction), and a cooling effect of the aerosol may also be generated.

The first filter segment <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may be an internally-flavored tube filter that is flavored through the internal portion (that is, the hollow <NUM>). In some other embodiments, the first filter segment <NUM> may be a tube filter moisturized through the hollow <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first filter segment <NUM> may be a tube filter that is flavored and moisturized through the hollow <NUM>. The first filter segment <NUM>, which is flavored, will be described in detail later.

The second filter segment <NUM> may function as a cooling member configured to cool the aerosol that is generated when the smoking material portion <NUM> is heated by the heater <NUM>. Accordingly, the user may puff the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The second filter segment <NUM> may be manufactured by using an extrusion method or a fiber-weaving method. The second filter segment <NUM> may be manufactured in various shapes to increase a surface area per unit area (that is, the surface area contacting the aerosol).

In some embodiment, the second filter segment <NUM> may cool, by phase transition, the aerosol that is delivered from the smoking material portion <NUM>. For example, materials for forming the second filter segment <NUM> may change its state by phase transition such as melting or glass transition that requires absorption of thermal energy. As this kind of endothermic reaction occurs at a temperature at which the aerosol enters the second filter segment <NUM>, a temperature of the aerosol passing through the second filter segment <NUM> may decrease.

A length or diameter of the second filter segment <NUM> may be variously determined according to shapes of the smoking article <NUM>. For example, a length of the second filter segment <NUM> may be appropriately employed in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Preferably, the length of the second filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

The second filter segment <NUM> may be manufactured by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the flavoring liquid may be applied to the fiber formed of polymer. Alternatively, the second filter segment <NUM> may be manufactured by weaving together a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid and a fiber made of polymer.

The second filter segment <NUM> may be manufactured by using a polymer material or biodegradable polymer material. For example, the polymer material may include gelatin, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto. Also, the biodegradable polymer material may include poly lactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), cellulose acetate, poly-epsilon-caprolacton (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHAs), and a starch-based thermoplastic resin, but is not limited thereto.

Preferably, the second filter segment <NUM> may be manufactured by only pure PLA. For example, the second filter segment <NUM> may have a three-dimensional structure shape manufactured by using one or more fiber strands made of pure PLA (hereinafter "fiber strand"). Here, a thickness and length of the fiber strand, the number of fiber strands included in the second filter segments, and shapes of the fiber strands may be various. As the second filter segment <NUM> is made of pure PLA, generation of specific substances may be prevented in a process in which the aerosol passes through the second filter segment <NUM>.

A manufacturing process of the second filter segment <NUM> may include a process of wrapping the second filter segment <NUM> with a wrapper made of paper or polymer material. Here, the polymer material may include gelatin, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto.

As the second filter segment <NUM> is formed of woven polymer fiber or crimped polymer sheet, the second filter segment <NUM> may include one or more channels extending in a longitudinal direction. Here, a channel indicates a passage through which gas (for example, air and/or aerosols) passes.

For example, the second filter segment <NUM> including a crimp polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness about <NUM> to about <NUM>, preferably about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Also, a total surface area of the second filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM><NUM>/mm to about <NUM><NUM>/mm. In addition, an aerosol cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area about <NUM><NUM>/mg to about <NUM><NUM>/mg.

In some embodiments, the second filter segment <NUM> may include a thread containing a volatile flavoring component. Here, the volatile flavoring component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may contain a sufficient amount of menthol to provide <NUM> or more menthol to the second filter segment <NUM>.

The second filter segment <NUM> may be formed by rolling a porous paper sheet instead of the woven polymer fiber as described above. That is, a rolled porous paper sheet may be in the second filter segment <NUM> such that an air flow (for example, aerosols) may pass through in a longitudinal direction of the second filter segment <NUM>.

In this case, the rolled porous paper sheet may be located in a cooling portion <NUM> while forming various patterns such that the air flow may pass in the longitudinal direction of the second filter segment <NUM>. For example, an air flow passage of a honeycomb pattern, an air flow passage of an irregular pattern, an air flow passage of a vortex shape, or an air flow passage of concentric circles may be formed in the second filter segment <NUM>.

The porous paper may include a material having elastic resilience and flexibility, and may be made of cellulose-based material used for a wrapper, such as birch and bamboo.

When the second filter segment <NUM> is formed of a porous paper sheet, a coating material including sucrose (for example, sucrose powder), distilled water, and starch syrup may be coated on the porous paper material. The starch syrup included in the coating material adjusts viscosity and suppresses precipitation of sugar/glucose crystals.

Materials included in the coating material are not limited to the above-described examples, and other materials may be added to improve efficiencies of a coating operation and drying operation of the second filter segment <NUM>.

In an embodiment, relative to a total concentration of the coating material coated on the porous paper, a concentration of sucrose (for example, sucrose powder) is <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, and a weight of the starch syrup relative to a total weight of the coating material may be <NUM> % or less, but not limited thereto.

In other embodiments, the second filter segment <NUM> may be an edible film. The edible film may include a biodegradable film material. For example, starch, cellulose, and their derivatives, that is, pectin, alginate, carrageenan, and chitosan, and the like may be used as the biodegradable film material. In addition, pullulan having extraordinary abilities of coating and film-forming may be further added to the edible film. The second filter segment <NUM> of an edible-film type may be formed by mixing the above-described biodegradable film material and sucrose. In another embodiment, the second filter segment <NUM> of a sheet type may have a viscosity same as that of wax. To have the viscosity same as that of wax, the second filter segment <NUM> may include sucrose, acidic solution, and distilled water. The acidic solution may include lemon juice, vinegar, and the like.

The third filter segment <NUM>, which is located at an end of a downstream of the smoking article <NUM>, may function as a mouthpiece to finally deliver the aerosol, which is delivered from the upstream, to the user. In some embodiments, the third filter segment <NUM> may include a cellulose acetate filter. Although not illustrated, the third filter segment <NUM> may be manufactured as a recess filter.

A length of the third filter segment <NUM> may be appropriately employed in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. For example, the length of the third filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the third filter segment <NUM> may include at least one capsule (not illustrated). The capsule may be, for example, a spherical or cylindrical capsule formed by flavoring liquid covered by a coating film.

In a process of manufacturing the third filter segment <NUM>, the third filter segment <NUM> may be manufactured to generate flavor by spraying the flavoring liquid thereon. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third filter segment <NUM>.

In some embodiments, an amount of the flavoring liquid inserted into the third filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The aerosol generated in the smoking material portion <NUM> is cooled as it passes through the second filter segment <NUM>, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third filter segment <NUM>.

Therefore, when the flavoring liquid is added to the third filter segment <NUM>, the flavor may be effectively delivered to the user.

However, if the flavoring liquid is added only to the third filter segment <NUM> as in the related arts, there is a limit in the amount of the flavoring liquid applicable in the manufacturing process due to external contamination through transfer of the flavoring liquid to the cigarette paper surrounding the outside of the filter. Also, as will be described later with reference to Table <NUM>, menthol applied to the third filter segment <NUM> is transferred to an adjacent unflavored tube filter and the like over time, and thus, the amount of migration of menthol rapidly decreases during smoking.

For this reason, there have been attempts to perform flavoring treatment not only on the third filter segment <NUM> but also on the first filter segment <NUM>. However, in a tube filter such as the first filter segment <NUM>, in general, when the hardness of a filter is low during the manufacturing process, crack or crush occurs during cutting the filter. For this reason, unlike general mono filters, some tube filters are made by increasing a plasticizer content and instantaneously hardening it through high-temperature steam treatment at around <NUM>. However, in this case, loss of flavor may occur due to high-temperature steam.

Thus, smoking articles according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first filter segment <NUM> that is manufactured by spraying flavor to the inside (i.e., a hollow) of the tube filter through an inner hole of a plastic rod of the tube filter forming apparatus. As a result, loss of flavor due to high-temperature steam may be minimized and the first filter segment <NUM> may be uniformly flavored.

The flavoring liquid injected into the first filter segment <NUM> may free-fall from a plastic rod nozzle <NUM> of a tube filter forming apparatus to be described later with reference to <FIG>. To increase hardness of the first filter segment <NUM>, before the flavoring liquid is inserted into the first filter segment <NUM>, steam with a high temperature and a high pressure is sprayed to the first filter segment <NUM> by a steam spray nozzle (not illustrated) of the tube filter forming apparatus. At this time, the plastic rod nozzle <NUM> may be separate from the steam spray nozzle (not illustrated) of the tube filter forming apparatus by about <NUM> to about <NUM> in the longitudinal direction D1, and preferably, about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a menthol content applied to the first filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % of a menthol content of the third filter segment <NUM>. Preferably, the menthol content applied to the first filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % of the menthol content of the third filter segment <NUM>. In other words, a flavoring amount applied to the first filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM>/ mm to about <NUM>/mm (that is, about <NUM> to about <NUM> per <NUM>).

As described above, when the internal flavoring treatment is performed on the tube filter according to embodiments of the present disclosure, considering that a maximum amount of flavoring liquid that may be applied to the TJNS flavoring treatment method in the related arts is about <NUM>/mm to about <NUM>/mm, a maximum amount of flavoring liquid is about <NUM> times or two times larger than that in the TJNS flavoring treatment method.

In addition, when a cigarette of an internally-flavored tube filter according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is used, a loss rate of menthol applied to the mouthpiece (that is, the third filter segment <NUM>) may be reduced, and at the same time, a menthol transfer amount to the cut tobacco filler portion (that is, the smoking material portion <NUM>) may be increased, and therefore, taste of menthol may be enhanced during smoking.

Furthermore, since internal flavoring of the tube filter according to embodiments of the present disclosure causes free-fall of the flavoring liquid into the hollow of the tube filter, the flavoring liquid may be uniformly and sufficiently inserted into the tube without a complicated spray nozzle for spraying the flavoring liquid into the hollow of the tube. As a result, the manufacturing process may be simplified and manufacturing cost may be reduced.

Further details regarding the internally-flavored tube filter (that is, the first filter segment <NUM>) will be described later with reference to <FIG>.

The wrapper <NUM> may be a porous wrapper or non-porous wrapper. As an example, a thickness of the wrapper <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM> and an air porosity may be about <NUM> CU to about <NUM> CU, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

As described above, at least one of the smoking material portion <NUM>, the first filter segment <NUM>, the second filter segment <NUM>, and the third filter segment <NUM> may be respectively packaged with separate wrappers before being packaged with the wrapper <NUM>. For example, the smoking material portion <NUM> may be packaged with a smoking material wrapper (not illustrated), and the first filter segment <NUM>, the second filter segment <NUM>, and the third filter segment <NUM> may be respectively packaged with a first filter wrapper (not illustrated), a second filter wrapper (not illustrated), and a third filter wrapper (not illustrated), but a method by which the smoking article <NUM> and the components thereof are packaged with the wrappers is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the wrappers may have different physical properties depending on an area to be covered by each of the wrappers.

For example, the smoking material wrapper surrounding the smoking material portion <NUM> may have a thickness of about <NUM> and a porosity of about <NUM> CU, the first filter wrapper surrounding the first filter segment <NUM> may have a thickness of about <NUM> and a porosity of about <NUM> CU, but embodiments are not limited thereto. Also, inner surface(s) of the smoking material wrapper and/or the first filter wrapper may further include an aluminum foil.

The second filter wrapper surrounding the second filter segment <NUM> and the third filter wrapper surrounding the third filter segment <NUM> may be manufactured by using a hard wrapper. For example, the second filter wrapper may have a thickness of about <NUM> and a porosity of about <NUM> CU, and the third filter wrapper may have a thickness of about <NUM> and a porosity of about <NUM> CU, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, a preset material may be added to the wrapper <NUM>. Here, an example of the preset material may include silicon, but is not limited thereto. Silicon has certain characteristics such as heat resistance, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any other material having the above-described characteristics may be applied (or coated) on the wrapper <NUM> without limitation.

The wrapper <NUM> may prevent the smoking article <NUM> from burning. For example, when the smoking material portion <NUM> is heat via the heater described with reference to <FIG>, the smoking article <NUM> is likely to burn. More particularly, when a temperature increases to be equal to or higher than an ignition point of any one of materials included in the smoking material portion <NUM>, the smoking article <NUM> may burn. However, the wrapper <NUM> includes an incombustible material, and therefore, burning of the smoking article <NUM> may be prevented.

In addition, the wrapper <NUM> may also prevent a holder of the aerosol-generating device <NUM> (see <FIG>) from being contaminated by materials generated in the smoking article <NUM>. By puffs of the user, liquid materials may be generated in the smoking article <NUM>. For example, as the aerosol generated in the smoking article <NUM> is cooled by external air, liquid materials (for example, moisture and the like) may be generated.

As the wrapper <NUM> packages the smoking material portion <NUM> and/or the first through third filter segments <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, leakage of the liquid materials generated in the smoking article <NUM> to the outside of the smoking article <NUM> may be prevented. Therefore, contamination in the holder of the aerosol-generating device <NUM> by the liquid materials generated in the smoking article <NUM> may be prevented.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a smoking article according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a smoking article <NUM> may comprise a smoking material portion <NUM>, a first filter segment <NUM>, a second filter segment <NUM>, a third filter segment <NUM>, and a wrapper <NUM>.

The smoking material portion <NUM>, the first filter segment <NUM>, the third filter segment <NUM>, and the wrapper <NUM> of the smoking article <NUM> may have substantially same configurations as those of the smoking material portion <NUM>, the first filter segment <NUM>, the third filter segment <NUM>, and the wrapper <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Thus, for simplicity of explanation, duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

Unlike the second filter segment <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, the second filter segment <NUM> in the present embodiment may be a tube-shape structure including a hollow <NUM> therein, like the first filter segment <NUM>. A shape of a cross-section of the hollow may include a polygon or circle, but a size and a shape of the hollow are not limited thereto.

The second filter segment <NUM> may adjoin the first filter segment <NUM> and may be at a downstream of the first filter segment <NUM>.

A diameter (i.e., outer diameter) of the second filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>, for example, about <NUM>. A length (i.e., a dimension in the longitudinal direction of the smoking article <NUM>) of the second filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>, for example, about <NUM>. An inner diameter of the second filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>, for example, about <NUM>.

In this case, the inner diameter of the second filter segment <NUM> may be greater than an inner diameter of the first filter segment <NUM>. For example, the inner diameter of the first filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM>, and the inner diameter of the second filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM>.

As the inner diameter of the first filter segment <NUM> is smaller than the inner diameter of the second filter segment <NUM>, main stream smoke (e.g., mixture of air and aerosols) exiting the <NUM> of the first filter segment <NUM> may expand in the hollow <NUM> of the second filter segment <NUM>, which slows down the movement of the diffused main stream smoke in the downstream direction. As a result, a contact area and contact time between the main stream smoke and external air flowing into the second filter segment <NUM> may increase, and accordingly, a cooling effect of the main stream smoke may be improved.

The second filter segment <NUM> may include a material through which external gas may be introduced into the hollow <NUM> of the second filter segment <NUM>, and the material may be formed of a mixture of a plurality of different materials. The material may be, for example, cellulose acetate tow.

In some embodiments, flavoring/moisturizing treatment may be applied to each of the first filter segment <NUM> and the second filter segment <NUM>. For example, the first filter segment <NUM> may be an internally-flavored tube filter on which internal flavoring treatment has been performed, and the second filter segment <NUM> may be an internally-moisturized tube filter on which internal moisturizing treatment has been performed. Alternatively, the first filter segment <NUM> may be an internally-moisturized tube filter on which internal moisturizing treatment has been performed, and the second filter segment <NUM> may be an internally-flavored tube filter on which internal flavoring treatment has been performed. Alternatively, each of the first filter segment <NUM> and the second filter segment <NUM> may be an internally flavored and moisturized tube filter on which both internal flavoring treatment and internal moisturizing treatment have been performed.

Preferably, the first filter segment <NUM> may be an internally-moisturized tube filter on which internal moisturizing treatment has been performed, and the second filter segment <NUM> may be an internally-flavored tube filter on which internal flavoring treatment has been performed. That is, the tube-shape second filter segment <NUM> that is internally flavored may be located downstream of the tube-shape first filter segment <NUM> that is internally moisturized, and may be located upstream of the third filter segment <NUM> that is a TJNS filter.

As described, the internally-flavored tube filter is located between the internally-moisturized tube filter and the TJNS filter, and therefore, loss of flavor due to heat of the aerosol may be minimized.

For example, the first filter segment <NUM> and/or the second filter segment <NUM> may comprise a menthol flavor in an amount of about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % (for example, about <NUM> to about <NUM> in a case where the menthol content of the third filter segment <NUM> is <NUM>) of the menthol content (for example, <NUM> to <NUM>) of the third filter segment <NUM>.

As another example, the first filter segment <NUM> and/or the second filter segment <NUM> may comprise moisturizer in an amount of about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % (for example, about <NUM> to about <NUM> in a case where the menthol content of the third filter segment <NUM> is <NUM>) of the menthol content (for example, <NUM> to <NUM>) of the third filter segment <NUM>.

As another example, the first filter segment <NUM> and/or the second filter segment <NUM> may comprise menthol moisturizer in an amount of about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % (for example, about <NUM> to about <NUM> in a case where the menthol content of the third filter segment <NUM> is <NUM>) of the menthol content (for example, <NUM> to <NUM>) of the third filter segment <NUM>. The menthol moisturizer may comprise, for example, menthol (e.g., <NUM> % to <NUM> %), PG (e.g., <NUM> % to <NUM> %), and glycerin (e.g., <NUM> % to <NUM> %).

Referring to <FIG>, a smoking article <NUM> may comprise a front-end filter segment <NUM>, a smoking material portion <NUM>, a first filter segment <NUM>, a third filter segment <NUM>, and a wrapper <NUM>.

The smoking material portion <NUM>, the first filter segment <NUM>, the third filter segment <NUM>, and the wrapper <NUM> of the smoking article may respectively and substantially have same configurations as those of the smoking material portion <NUM>, the first filter segment <NUM>, the third filter segment <NUM>, and the wrapper <NUM>. Thus, for simplicity of explanation, duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

Unlike the smoking articles <NUM> and <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, the smoking article <NUM> may further comprise the front-end filter segment <NUM> adjoining the smoking material portion <NUM> at an upstream end of the smoking material portion <NUM>.

The front-end filter segment <NUM> may prevent the smoking material portion <NUM> from being detached from the smoking article <NUM>, and may also prevent the liquefied aerosol from flowing into the aerosol generating device <NUM> (see <FIG>) during smoking. In addition, as the front-end filter segment <NUM> includes a channel, the aerosol entering the upstream end of the front-filter segment <NUM> may easily flow into the downstream end of the front-end filter segment <NUM>, and thus, the user may easily puff the aerosol.

In some embodiments, the front-end filter segment <NUM> may be manufactured by using cellulose acetate. A mono denier of a filament included in the cellulose acetate tow may be included in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and preferably, may be included in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> More preferably, the mono denier of the filament of the front-end filter segment <NUM> may be about <NUM>. A total denier of the front-end filter segment <NUM> may be included in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and preferably, may be included in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. More preferably, the total denier may be about <NUM>.

The front-end filter segment <NUM> may include a channel <NUM> extending from the upstream end to the downstream end. The channel <NUM> may be at the center of the front-end filter segment <NUM>. For example, a center of the channel <NUM> may be identical to the center of the front-end filter segment <NUM>.

Although <FIG> illustrates that a shape of a cross-section of the channel <NUM> is circular, the shape of the cross-section of the channel <NUM> is not limited thereto. For example, the shape of the cross-section of the channel <NUM> may include a three-leaf shape.

A surface area of the channel <NUM> may be in a range of about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>. For example, the surface area of the channel <NUM> may be about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM>, or about <NUM><NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

A ratio of the cross-sectional area of the channel <NUM> to a total cross-sectional area based on an outer diameter of the front-end filter segment <NUM> may be in a range of about <NUM> % to about <NUM> %. For example, the ratio may be about <NUM> %, about <NUM> %, or about <NUM> %, but is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the internal flavoring treatment and/or moisturizing treatment may be applied to the first filter segment <NUM>. For example, the first filter segment <NUM> may be an internally-flavored tube filter, an internally-moisturized tube filter, or an internally-flavored and moisturized tube filter.

As an example, the first filter segment <NUM> may comprise menthol flavor (e.g., menthol flavoring liquid or menthol fragrance) that amounts to <NUM> % to about <NUM>% of a menthol content of the third filter segment <NUM>. In some embodiment, the menthol flavor may comprise menthol in an amount of about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % (for example, <NUM> %) and PG in an amount of about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % (for example, <NUM> %).

As another example, the first filter segment <NUM> may comprise moisturizer that amounts to about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % of the menthol content of the third filter segment <NUM>. In some embodiment, the menthol flavor may comprise <NUM> % to about <NUM> % (for example, <NUM> %) glycerin and about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % (for example, <NUM> %) PG.

As another example, the first filter segment <NUM> may comprise menthol moisturizer that amounts to about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % of the menthol content of the third filter segment <NUM>. In some embodiments, the menthol moisturizer may comprise <NUM> % to <NUM> % (for example, <NUM> %) menthol, <NUM> % to <NUM> % (for example, <NUM> %) PG, and <NUM> % to <NUM> % (for example, <NUM> %) glycerin.

Hereinafter, configurations of the present disclosure and effects thereof will be described in more detail with reference to embodiments and comparative examples. However, the embodiments are used to describe the present disclosure in more detail, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments.

For clearer understanding of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM> and Experimental Example <NUM> to be described later, <FIG> and Table <NUM> will be referenced.

<FIG> illustrates a process of performing flavoring treatment on the inside of the tube filter according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Shapes, structures, sizes and the like of a tubular rod TF shown in <FIG> and a plastic rod <NUM> for forming a hollow TF_H in the tubular rod TF and performing flavoring treatment are shown in a simplified manner for clarity of explanation, and are not limited thereto.

In addition, for clarity of explanation, the tubular rod TF shown in <FIG> is divided in two regions, that is, a first region TF1 that is a lower half of the tubular rod and a second region TF2 that is an upper half of the tubular rod, but the first region and the second region are not physically divided. The tubular rod TF may be cut into a plurality of tube filters. Hereinafter, the tubular rod and the tube filter will be interchangeably used for description purposes.

By using the plastic rod <NUM> of an apparatus (not illustrated) for forming the tube filter TF, flavoring treatment is performed on the inside (that is, the hollow TF_H) of the tube filter TF by using a flavoring liquid including a menthol content of about <NUM> %.

In the present embodiment, a tube filter having an outer diameter of about <NUM> and an inner diameter of about <NUM> is used, and an amount of the flavoring liquid F inserted into the tube filter TF as the tube filter moves in the longitudinal direction D1 in the tube filter forming apparatus is about <NUM>/mm. The diameter of the plastic rod nozzle <NUM> is about <NUM>.

Although not shown, before the flavoring liquid F is inserted into the tube filter TF, steam having a high temperature and high pressure may be sprayed by the steam spray nozzle (not illustrated) of the tube filter forming apparatus, and the plastic rod nozzle <NUM> may be separated from the steam spray nozzle by about <NUM> in the longitudinal direction D1. A temperature of the steam may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The flavoring liquid F free-falls from the plastic rod <NUM> of the tube filter forming apparatus, more particularly, from the plastic rod nozzle <NUM> located at a tip portion of the plastic rod <NUM>, and is absorbed into a first region TF1 of the tube filter TF.

The tube filter TF is manufactured under same conditions as those of Embodiment <NUM>, except that an amount of the flavoring liquid F inserted into the tube filter TF as the tube filter TF moves in the longitudinal direction D1 in the tube filter forming apparatus is about <NUM>/mm.

The tube filter TF is manufactured by using the plastic rod nozzle <NUM> having a diameter of about <NUM> under same conditions as those of Embodiment <NUM>, except that an amount of the flavoring liquid F inserted into the tube filter TF as the tube filter TF moves in the longitudinal direction D1 in the tube filter forming apparatus is about <NUM>/mm.

To evaluate whether the tube filter is uniformly flavored, evaluation is performed on the tube filters that are manufactured by adjusting flavoring amounts according to Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> shows photographs of the second region TF2 (i.e., a top half portion opposite to the bottom half portion into which the flavoring liquid is directly applied by free-fall) to check whether the inside of the tube filter is uniformly flavored, and Table <NUM> shows the results regarding whether the flavoring is uniformly performed according to Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>.

As shown in Table <NUM> and (a) of <FIG>, the flavor is cut off in the tube filter of Embodiment <NUM> where the flavoring amount is <NUM>/mm, and therefore, it is found that flavoring is not uniformly performed in the tube filter. As shown in (b) of <FIG>, the flavor is not cut off in the tube filter of Embodiment <NUM>. In the tube filter of Embodiment <NUM> shown in (c) of <FIG>, it is found that the flavor is not cut off and the flavoring liquid is more uniformly applied in the tube filter. Although it is found that the tube filter of Embodiment <NUM> is also uniformly flavored, as the flavoring liquid used for internal flavoring is excessively diffused to the outer surface of the tube filter, a cigarette paper covering the tube filter is wet. Accordingly, it is found that the flavoring characteristic was excellent when the flavoring amount of the tube filter was <NUM>/mm to <NUM>/mm.

Meanwhile, unlike in Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, in an experiment where the diameter of the plastic rod nozzle <NUM> is <NUM> and the flavoring amount is about <NUM>/mm to about <NUM>/mm, nozzle-imperforation occurs due to occurrence of menthol crystallization, and therefore, the experiment is excluded from the Table <NUM>. In addition, in an experiment in which the diameter of the plastic rod nozzle <NUM> is <NUM> and the flavoring amount is about <NUM>/mm to about <NUM>/mm, the flavoring liquid does not uniformly fall, and therefore, the experiment is excluded from the Table <NUM>.

From the above-described results, it is found that a uniform flavoring characteristic is most excellent in a case where the flavoring amount applied to the inside of the tube filter is <NUM>/mm to <NUM>/mm. More preferably, it is most advantageous in resolving issue of occurrence of menthol crystallization and securing uniform flavoring to apply a flavoring amount in a range of <NUM>/mm to <NUM>/mm through the plastic rod nozzle <NUM> having a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM> or to apply a flavoring amount in a range of <NUM>/mm to <NUM>/mm through the plastic rod nozzle <NUM> having a diameter of about <NUM> to <NUM>.

The tube filter of Embodiment <NUM>, in which the amount of flavoring liquid is about <NUM>/mm, was stored for about twenty four hours after manufacture, and the tube filter was cut into the first region TF1 and the second region TF2.

A tube filter is manufactured and cut under same conditions as those of Embodiment <NUM>, except that an amount of the flavoring liquid is about <NUM>/mm.

To check whether the flavoring is diffused in the tube filter, menthol contents in cutoff tube regions in Embodiments <NUM> and <NUM> are analyzed and shown in Table <NUM>.

As shown in Table <NUM>, it is found that menthol included in the flavoring liquid inserted into the hole in the first region TF1 is diffused to the entire tube filter. In detail, the menthol content in the second region TF2 may be about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % of the menthol content in the first region TF1. Preferably, the menthol content in the second region TF2 may be about <NUM> % to about <NUM> % of the menthol content in the first region TF1.

A heating-type cigarette having a same structure as the smoking article <NUM> shown in <FIG> is used. That is, the heating-type cigarette includes a front-end plug, a medium portion (i.e., smoking material portion <NUM>), a tube filter, and a mouthpiece.

The above-described internal flavoring process is not performed on a <NUM>-long tube filter, and a <NUM>-long transfer jet nozzle system (TJNS) filter on which <NUM> of menthol has been sprayed is used as a mouthpiece.

A heating-type cigarette is manufactured under same conditions as those of Comparative Example <NUM>, except using a <NUM>-long tube filter on which internal flavoring treatment has been performed by using <NUM> (that is, about <NUM> % of the menthol flavor content of the TJNS filter) of menthol flavor. An amount of the flavoring liquid applied in the manufacturing of the tube filter is about <NUM>/mm.

A heating-type cigarette is manufactured under same conditions as those of Comparative Example <NUM>, except using a <NUM>-long tube filter on which internal flavoring treatment is performed by using <NUM> (that is, about <NUM> % of the menthol flavor content of the TJNS filter) of menthol flavor. An amount of the flavoring liquid applied in the manufacturing of the tube filter is about <NUM>/mm.

A heating-type cigarette is manufactured under same conditions as those of Comparative Example <NUM>, except using a <NUM>-long tube filter on which internal flavoring treatment is performed by using <NUM> (that is, about <NUM> % of the menthol flavor content of the TJNS filter) of the menthol flavor. An amount of the flavoring liquid applied in the manufacturing of the tube filter is about <NUM>/mm.

To examine changes in the physical properties of a cigarette according to internal flavoring treatment of the tube filter, weights, draw resistance, circumferences, circularities, and dilution rates of the cigarettes in the above-described Comparative Example <NUM> and Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM> are analyzed and shown in <FIG>.

As shown in Table <NUM>, there is tendency that the weight and draw resistance of the cigarette slightly increase in proportion to the amount of the flavoring liquid, but the physical properties meet the standard of mass production with little differences from the Comparative Example <NUM> in which flavoring treatment is not performed.

To analyze smoke components of the cigarette to which the internally-flavored tube filter is applied, smoke components of main stream smoke are analyzed during smoking of the cigarettes in Comparative Example <NUM> and Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM> after two weeks from manufacture. Smoke collection for component analysis is repeated three times for each sample, and a component analysis result based on a mean value for three times of collection results is shown in <FIG>. The cigarettes are tested according to Health Canada (HC) smoking condition by using an automatic smoking device in a smoking room in which a temperature is about <NUM> and moisture is about <NUM> %.

As shown in <FIG>, it is found that amounts of the components except the menthol content did not show significant differences from Comparative Example <NUM> and Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM>, but on the other hand, an amount of migration of menthol linearly increased according to increase in the flavoring amount of the tube filter included in the cigarette of each embodiment.

To check a migration pattern of the menthol flavor during storage preservation according to application of the internal flavoring of the tube filter, menthol contents of respective segments of the cigarette are analyzed over time.

As shown in Table <NUM>, in Comparative Example <NUM> and the Embodiments, it is found that menthol in the cigarette tend to move from a segment having a high content to a segment having a low content. For example, although the tube filter in the Comparative Example <NUM> is not flavored during the manufacturing, but menthol of <NUM> is detected from the tube filter after a day from the manufacturing, which is presumed to have been transferred from the mouthpiece portion (the TJNS filter). Menthol contents in the mouthpiece portions of the cigarettes after a day from the manufacturing did not show significant differences between Comparative Example <NUM> and the Embodiments. However, a menthol content in the mouthpiece portion measured four weeks after manufacture in the Comparative Example <NUM> shows a loss rate that mounts to about <NUM> % (that is, decreased from <NUM> to <NUM>) of the menthol content measured one day after manufacture. It is presumed that most of the decreased menthol is transferred toward the tube filter. When a menthol loss amount in the mouthpiece portion increases as shown in Comparative Example <NUM>, this causes decrease in an amount of migration of menthol into the main stream smoke and degradation in menthol taste during smoking.

Unlike Comparative Example <NUM>, in Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM> in which the internally-flavored tube filter is applied, it is found that a loss rate of menthol applied to the mouthpiece decreased.

Particularly, in Embodiment <NUM> in which menthol of a same amount as the menthol content in the mouthpiece (that is, <NUM> % compared to a menthol content in the mouthpiece) is internally flavored in the tube filter, it is found that the loss rate of the menthol content in the mouthpiece rapidly decreased to about <NUM> % (that is, decreased from <NUM> to <NUM>) despite in the same storage period.

Furthermore, in Embodiment <NUM> in which a larger amount of menthol than the menthol content in the mouthpiece (that is, <NUM> % of the menthol content in the mouthpiece) is used to internally-flavor the tube filter, it is found that the menthol content in the mouthpiece rather increased by about <NUM> % (from <NUM> to <NUM>).

Meanwhile, it is found that the menthol included in the mouthpiece and/or the tube filter is also transferred to the cut tobacco filler portion (i.e., smoking material portion) over time. An amount of menthol transferred to the cut tobacco filler portion linearly increased according to increase in the flavoring amount of the tube filter. In detail, after four weeks from the manufacture, a menthol content in the cut tobacco filler portion in Comparative Example <NUM> is about <NUM>, a menthol content in the cut tobacco filler portion in Embodiment <NUM> is about <NUM>, a menthol content in the cut tobacco filler portion in Embodiment <NUM> is about <NUM>. <NUM>, a menthol content in Embodiment <NUM> after four weeks from manufacture is about <NUM>, and a menthol content in Embodiment <NUM> after four weeks from manufacture is about <NUM>.

Considering that the menthol residual in the mouthpiece and the menthol transferred to the cut tobacco filler portion may help increase an amount of migration of menthol during smoking, it is expected that the cigarettes in Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM>, preferably Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM>, provide high flavor intensity and high flavor satisfaction during smoking.

To confirm whether the amount of migration of menthol is increased as expected in Experimental Example <NUM>, amounts of migration of menthol during smoking of the cigarettes in Comparative Example <NUM> and Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM> after two weeks and four weeks from manufacture are analyzed and shown in Table <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the amount of migration of menthol in all of Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM> increased than that of Comparative Example <NUM>, and it is found that the difference becomes more significant over time.

Accordingly, in the cigarette in which the internally-flavored tube filter is applied as in Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, it is found that the amount of migration of menthol did not simply increase according to increase in the flavoring amount applied to the cigarette, but the amount of migration of menthol was stably secured over time. Particularly, in Embodiment <NUM> employing a tube filter on which internal flavoring treatment has been performed by using menthol of about <NUM> % of the menthol content in the mouthpiece, it is found that the difference in the amount of migration of menthol between two weeks and four weeks after manufacture has significantly decreased. As a result, the increase in the amount of migration of menthol compared to Comparative Example <NUM> is <NUM> %, which is significantly higher than those of other Embodiments.

A heating-type cigarette having a same structure as that of the smoking article <NUM> shown in <FIG> is used. That is, the heating-type cigarette includes a medium portion, a tube filter, a cooling filter, and a mouthpiece.

The above-described internal flavoring process is not performed on the tube filter having a length of <NUM>, and a <NUM>-long transfer jet nozzle system (TJNS) filter having been sprayed <NUM> of menthol flavor is used as the mouthpiece.

A heating-type cigarette is manufactured under same conditions as those of Comparative Example <NUM>, except using a <NUM>-long tube on which internal flavoring treatment has been performed by using <NUM> (that is, about <NUM> % of the menthol flavor content of the TJNS filter) of menthol flavor. An amount of the flavoring liquid applied in the manufacturing of the tube filter is about <NUM>/mm.

A heating-type cigarette is manufactured under same conditions as those of Comparative Example <NUM>, except using a <NUM>-long tube on which internal flavoring treatment is performed by using <NUM> (that is, about <NUM> % of the menthol flavor content of the TJNS filter) of the menthol flavor. An amount of the flavoring liquid applied in the manufacturing of the tube filter is about <NUM>/mm.

To examine changes in the physical properties of a cigarette according to internal flavoring treatment of the tube filter, weights, draw resistance, circumferences, circularities, and dilution rates of the cigarettes according to Comparative Example <NUM> and Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM> are analyzed and shown in <FIG>.

As shown in Tables <NUM> and <NUM>, there is tendency that the weight and draw resistance of the cigarettes slightly increase in proportion to the amount of the flavoring liquid, but the physical properties meet the standard of mass production with little differences from the Comparative Example <NUM> where the cigarette is not flavored.

An amount of the flavoring liquid inserted while manufacturing the tube filter is about <NUM>/<NUM> (that is, about <NUM>/mm). A menthol content in the flavoring liquid is about <NUM> %, and a propylene glycol (PG) content is about <NUM> %. The flavoring treatment was performed at a position apart from the steam spray nozzle by about <NUM> in the longitudinal direction D1 (see <FIG>).

Flavoring treatment was performed under same conditions as those of Comparative Example <NUM>, except that the flavoring treatment is performed at a position apart by about <NUM> from the steam spray nozzle.

Flavoring treatment was performed under same conditions as those of Embodiment <NUM>, except that the flavoring treatment was performed at a position apart by about <NUM> from the steam spray nozzle.

Flavoring treatment is performed under same conditions as those of Comparative Example <NUM>, except that the flavoring treatment is performed at a position apart by about <NUM> from the steam spray nozzle.

Flavoring treatment is performed under same conditions as those of Embodiment <NUM>, except that the flavoring treatment is performed at a position apart by about <NUM> from the steam spray nozzle.

To check a loss rate of flavor in an internal flavoring process of the tube filter, menthol contents input during the manufacturing of the tube filter and menthol contents included in the manufactured tube filters are analyzed and shown in Table <NUM> and Table <NUM>.

A loss rate for each flavoring amount in the tube filter may be found from Table <NUM>. As shown in Table <NUM>, loss rates of flavor are approximately <NUM> % on average, and therefore, it is found that loss of flavor caused due to high-temperature steam, which necessarily follows processes of forming and manufacturing of the tube filter, is not significant.

From Table <NUM>, loss rates of the flavor according to separation distances between the flavoring nozzle (that is, the plastic rod nozzle <NUM> shown in <FIG>) and the steam nozzle may be found. As shown in FIG. <NUM>, in Comparative Examples <NUM> through <NUM>, in which separation distances are <NUM> or less, it is found that the menthol content in the tube compared to the input amount of the menthol is <NUM> % or less due to loss of flavor influenced by high-temperature steam. That is, the loss rate of the flavor is <NUM> % or greater.

In Comparative Example <NUM> in which a separation distance is <NUM>, it is found that the loss rate of the flavor rather increased compare to that of Embodiment <NUM>, which is presumably because the flavoring liquid spraying position is too far from the steam spraying position, so the tube is overly hardened beyond the hardness of the tube filter optimized for insertion and diffusion of the flavor while being transferred to the flavoring nozzle.

To check a migration pattern of the menthol flavor over time in a cigarette including the internal-flavored tube filter, menthol contents of respective segments are analyzed by separating the segments of the cigarette according to elapsed periods.

As shown in Table, <NUM>, a total amount of menthol in the second week from manufacture in Embodiment <NUM> increased by about <NUM> % compared to a total amount of menthol in the second week from manufacture in Comparative Example <NUM>, and a total amount of menthol in the fourth week from manufacture in Embodiment <NUM> increased by about <NUM> % compared to a total amount of menthol in the fourth week from manufacture of Comparative Example <NUM>. In Comparative Example <NUM> and Embodiment <NUM>, a menthol content in the acetate portion (that is, the mouthpiece portion) in the fourth weeks from manufacture in Comparative Example <NUM> decreased by about <NUM> % compared to the second week from manufacture, but on the other hand, a menthol content in the fourth week in Embodiment <NUM> decreased by about <NUM> % compared to the second week.

Therefore, it is found that the loss rate of the flavor, especially a loss rate of the flavor in the acetate portion in Embodiment <NUM> where the internally-flavored tube filter is applied is noticeably less than that of Comparative Example <NUM> to which the internally-flavored tube filter is not applied.

A menthol content in the medium portion in the fourth week in Embodiment <NUM> increased by about <NUM> compared to the menthol content of the medium portion in the second week, and a total amount of menthol in the fourth week in Comparative Example <NUM> increased by about <NUM> compared to a total amount of menthol compared to the total amount of menthol in the fourth week in Comparative Example <NUM>.

According to the above-described result, it is expected that the cigarette in Embodiment <NUM>, to which the internally-flavored tube filter is applied, will be more advantageous in terms of the amount of migration of menthol during smoking compared to the cigarette in Comparative Example <NUM>, to which the internally-flavored tube filter is not applied.

To analyze smoke components of the cigarettes to which the internally-flavored tube filters are applied, smoke components of the main stream smoke are analyzed for the cigarettes in Comparative Example <NUM> and Embodiment <NUM> after two weeks from manufacture.

As shown in Table <NUM>, it is found that amounts of the components except the menthol content do not show significant differences in Comparative Example <NUM> and Embodiment <NUM>, but on the other hand, an amount of migration of menthol increased by about <NUM> % in Embodiment <NUM> compared to that of Comparative Example <NUM>.

After smoking the cigarettes in Embodiment <NUM> and Comparative Example <NUM>, the segments of the cigarettes are separated for analysis on an amount of menthol, an amount of nicotine, and an amount of glycerin remaining in each segment.

As shown in FIG. <NUM>, there was substantially no difference in the residual amount of nicotine and glycerin of each segment between Comparative Example <NUM> and Embodiment <NUM>, but the residual amount of menthol for each segment was <NUM> % higher in Embodiment <NUM> compared to Comparative Example <NUM>.

A heating-type cigarette having a same structure as the smoking article <NUM> shown in <FIG> is used. That is, the heating-type cigarette includes a medium portion, a tube filter, a cooling filter, and a mouthpiece. The cooling filter is formed of poly lactic acid (PLA) fabric.

Internal flavoring/moisturizing processes are not performed on the tube filter having a length of <NUM> and an inner diameter of <NUM>, and a <NUM>-long TJNS filter, on which <NUM> of menthol flavor has been sprayed, is used as the mouthpiece.

A heating-type cigarette is manufactured under same conditions as those of Comparative Example <NUM>, except using a <NUM>-long tube filter on which internal moisturizing process has been performed by using a <NUM> (that is, <NUM> % of a menthol flavor content of the TJNS filter) of moisturizer. A PG content in the moisturizer is about <NUM> %, and a glycerin content is about <NUM> %.

A heating-type cigarette is manufactured under same conditions as those of Comparative Example <NUM>, except using a <NUM>-long tube filter on which internal moisturizing treatment has been performed by using <NUM> (that is, <NUM> % of menthol flavor content of the TJNS filter of moisturizer.

A heating-type cigarette having a same structure as the smoking article <NUM> shown in <FIG> is used. That is, the heating-type cigarette includes a medium portion, a tube filter, a cooling tube filter, and a mouthpiece. The cooling tube filter has a tube shape having a hollow, like the tube filter, and an inner diameter of the cooling tube filer is <NUM>.

Internal flavoring/moisturizing processes are not performed on the tube filter having a length of <NUM> and an inner diameter of <NUM>, and internal flavoring/moisturizing processes are also not performed on the cooling tube filter having a length of <NUM> and an inner diameter of <NUM>. A <NUM>-long TJNS filter, on which <NUM> of menthol flavor has been sprayed, is used as the mouthpiece.

A heating-type cigarette is manufactured under the same conditions as those of Comparative Example <NUM>, except using a <NUM>-long tube filter on which internal moisturizing treatment has been performed by using <NUM> (that is, <NUM> % of the menthol flavor content of the TJNS filter) of moisturizer. A PG content in the moisturizer is about <NUM> %, and a glycerin content is about <NUM> %.

A heating-type cigarette is manufactured under the same conditions as those of Comparative Example <NUM>, except using a <NUM>-long tube filter on which internal moisturizing treatment has been performed by using <NUM> (that is, <NUM> % of the menthol flavor content of the TJNS filter) of moisturizer.

A <NUM>-long tube filter on which internal flavoring treatment has been performed by using <NUM> (that is, about <NUM> % of menthol flavor content of the TJNS filter) is used, and a <NUM>-long cooling tube filter on which internal moisturizing treatment has been performed by using <NUM> (that is, <NUM> % of the menthol flavor content of the TJNS filter) of moisturizer is used. Except the above-described condition, a heating-type cigarette is manufactured under the same conditions as those of Comparative Example <NUM>.

A <NUM>-long tube filter on which internal moisturizing treatment has been performed by using <NUM> (that is, <NUM> % of the menthol flavor content of the TJNS filter) is used, and a <NUM>-long cooling tube filter on which internal flavoring treatment has been performed by using <NUM> (that is, about <NUM> % of the menthol flavor content of the TJNS filter) of menthol flavor is used. Except the above-described condition, a heating-type cigarette is manufactured under same conditions as those of Comparative Example <NUM>.

To examine change in physical properties of the cigarette according to flavoring and moisturizing of the tube filter and/or the cooling tube filter, weights, hardness, circumferences, and circularities of the cigarettes in the above-described Comparative Examples <NUM> and <NUM>, Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM> are analyzed and shown in Table <NUM>.

Table <NUM> shows specifications of the cigarettes according to the Comparative Example <NUM> and <NUM> and Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM>.

As shown in FIG. <NUM>, there is tendency that the weight of the cigarette slightly increases in proportion to the amount of the flavoring liquid/moisturizer, but the physical properties meet the standard of mass production with little differences from Comparative Examples <NUM> and <NUM> where a cigarette is not flavored or moisturized.

To examine change in physical properties of the cigarette according to application of flavoring and/or moisturizing treatment on the inside of the tube filter and/or the cooling tube filter, temperatures of main stream smoke of the cigarettes in the above-described Comparative Examples <NUM> and <NUM> and Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM> are measured and shown in Table <NUM>.

As shown in Table <NUM>, both Embodiments <NUM> and <NUM> show main smoke temperatures lower than those of Comparative Example <NUM>, and all of Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM> show main smoke temperatures lower than those of Comparative Example <NUM>.

Particularly, Embodiment <NUM>, in which <NUM> % of moisturizer is applied to the inside of the tube filter, is analyzed to have a maximum temperature which is about <NUM> lower and an average temperature which is about <NUM> lower, compared to Comparative Example <NUM>.

In addition, Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, in which <NUM> % of moisturizer is applied to the inside of the cooling tube filter, are analyzed to have a maximum temperature which is about <NUM> lower and an average temperature which is about <NUM> lower, compared to Comparative Example <NUM>.

For analysis on smoke components of the cigarette, smoke components of main stream smoke of the cigarettes two weeks after being manufactured according to Comparative Examples <NUM> and <NUM>, and Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM> are analyzed and shown in FIG. Amounts of migration of menthol in Embodiments <NUM> and <NUM> in which flavoring treatment and moisturizing treatment were performed are separately shown in Table <NUM>.

As shown in Table <NUM>, both Embodiments <NUM> and <NUM> show higher nicotine contents in main stream smoke compared to Comparative Example <NUM>, and all of Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM> show higher nicotine contents in main stream smoke compared to Comparative Example <NUM>. From the result, it is expected the cigarettes in Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM> (especially, in Embodiments <NUM> and <NUM> through <NUM>) may provide better taste and higher satisfaction during smoking than the cigarettes in the Comparative Examples.

In addition, although not shown in the Table <NUM>, according to the above-described experiment, the cigarettes in the Embodiments <NUM> through <NUM> produce greater amount of smoke than those in the Comparative Examples.

In addition, in Embodiments <NUM> and <NUM> in which a tube filter is internally-flavored by using menthol flavor and a cooling tube filter is internally moisturized by using the moisturizer, it is found that satisfaction of flavor during smoking increased as well as the amount of nicotine and an amount of smoke.

As shown in Table <NUM>, it is found that the amounts of migration of menthol have increased, compared to Comparative Example <NUM>, in both of Embodiments <NUM> and <NUM> in which moisturizing treatment and flavoring treatment have been performed. Especially, in Embodiment <NUM> in which moisturizing treatment is performed on a first tube MT at the upstream and flavoring treatment is performed on a second tube (that is, a cooling filter tube (CFT)) disposed between the first tube MT and the acetate filter (TJNS filter), it is found the amount of migration of menthol is higher than that of Embodiment <NUM>.

As shown in Tables <NUM> through <NUM>, considering there were no significant differences except the amounts of migration of menthol between Embodiments <NUM> and <NUM>, it is found that cooling performance was similar in Embodiments <NUM> and <NUM>. However, Embodiment <NUM> turns out to be more advantageous in terms of loss of flavor, and it is presumed that the loss of flavor due to heat of the aerosol is minimized as the internally-flavored tube filter is between the internally-moisturized tube filter and the TJNS filter.

A tube filter on which internal flavoring treatment has been performed by using menthol of the same amount as menthol included in the mouthpiece is used. The cigarette in Embodiment <NUM> having the same structure as the smoking article <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and a tube filter on which internal flavoring treatment has been performed by using menthol of the same amount as menthol included in the mouthpiece are used. Sensory evaluation during smoking/after smoking according to the cigarette in Embodiment <NUM> having the same structure as the smoking article <NUM> shown in <FIG> is performed.

The evaluation was conducted on a total of sixty one evaluation panel members, based on a <NUM> to <NUM> rating scale.

<FIG> shows a result of satisfaction assessment of smoking articles according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the scores in draw resistance adequacy, menthol intensity, and menthol flavor satisfaction during smoking in Embodiment <NUM> are higher than those of Comparative Example <NUM>. Also, all scores in Embodiment <NUM> were higher than those of Comparative Example <NUM>.

Particularly, the menthol intensity during smoking in Embodiment <NUM> increased by about <NUM> % compared to that of Comparative Example <NUM>, and in Embodiment <NUM>, increased by about <NUM> % compared to that of Comparative Example <NUM>. At the same time, total satisfaction after smoking increased in Embodiment <NUM> by about <NUM> % compared to that of Comparative Example <NUM>, and increased in Embodiment <NUM> by about <NUM> % compared to that of Comparative Example <NUM>. Accordingly, it is found that the taste of menthol during smoking may be improved and general smoking satisfaction may also be improved during smoking when the internally-flavored tube filter according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is used.

Claim 1:
A method of manufacturing a smoking article (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a tube filter, the method comprising:
preparing a smoking material portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a first tube filter (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) flavored by a first flavoring liquid, and a mouthpiece (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) flavored by a second flavoring liquid; and
combining and packaging the smoking material portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the first tube filter, and the mouthpiece (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) with a wrapper (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the preparing comprises applying the first flavoring liquid inside the first tube filter (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) through a hollow (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the first tube filter (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).