Non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system

Abstract

Provided is a non-combustion heating flavor inhalation system capable of reducing the amount of secondary components generated during use. The non-combustion heated flavor inhalation system comprises: a non-combustion heated flavor inhaler comprising a section comprising an aerosol source and a section comprising a tobacco component disposed downstream of the section comprising the aerosol source; and a heating device comprising a heater for heating the section containing the aerosol source and avoiding heating the section containing the tobacco component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-burning heating type flavor inhalation system. Background Art

[0002] The flavor of a burning type flavor inhaler (cigarette) is experienced by burning a tobacco rod containing a tobacco filling material. A non-burning heating type flavor inhaler is proposed as an alternative to the burning type flavor inhaler, and the flavor of the non-burning heating type flavor inhaler is experienced by heating but not burning the tobacco rod. In the non-burning heating type flavor inhaler, the tobacco rod is electrically heated at 200°C to 400°C to volatilize tobacco components for the user to inhale. The tobacco rod can be formed by wrapping a tobacco filling material with a paper wrapper or the like in a cylindrical form. For example, the tobacco rod can be formed as follows: a dry tobacco plant (mainly dry tobacco leaves) is first ground and mixed, the shape of the mixture is trimmed into a sheet form, and then the sheet is cut and wrapped with a paper wrapper. Alternatively, the tobacco rod can be formed as follows: the sheet is curled to form folds without cutting the forming material, and then the sheet is wrapped with a paper wrapper in this state. In addition to the tobacco plant, the tobacco filling material may include various volatile fragrances. The tobacco filling material may further contain an aerosol source such as glycerol or propylene glycol. When the tobacco rod is heated, the aerosol source volatilizes, and as the user inhales, the aerosol source is cooled in a cooling section provided downstream of the tobacco rod and liquefied to form an aerosol, and then the aerosol is supplied to the user's mouth. The aerosol is supplied to the user together with the tobacco components, so that the user can experience sufficient flavor.

[0003] For a non-burning heating type flavor inhaler that electrically heats a tobacco rod, examples of the heating method that can be cited include a method of heating the outer peripheral edge of the tobacco rod (for example, see PTL 1) and a method of heating the inside of the tobacco rod (for example, see PTL 2), etc. At the same time, PTL 3 and PTL 4 describe a tobacco rod having two segments as a tobacco rod for a non-burning heating type flavor inhaler.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] PTL 1: JP 2019-523639 A

[0007] PTL 2: JP 6000451 B2

[0008] PTL 3: WO 2019 / 105750 A1

[0009] PTL 4: WO 2019 / 110747 A1 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical Problem

[0011] However, when a tobacco rod section filled with a tobacco filler material containing an aerosol source is heated, nitrous acid undergoes a nitrosation reaction with amines contained in a small amount in the tobacco filler material, thereby generating nitroso compounds, and the tobacco filler material itself undergoes a chemical change, thereby forming carbonyl compounds and volatile components. Therefore, the aerosol may contain these secondarily generated components. It is desired to develop a heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler and a heat-not-burn type flavor inhalation system including such a heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler, which will suppress the formation of such secondarily generated components.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a heat-not-burn type flavor inhalation system that can reduce the amount of secondarily generated components formed during use.

[0013] Solution to the Problem

[0014] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0015] [1] A heat-not-burn type flavor inhalation system, comprising: a heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler including a section containing an aerosol source and a section containing a tobacco component provided downstream of the section containing the aerosol source; and

[0016] a heating device including a heater that heats the section containing the aerosol source but does not heat the section containing the tobacco component.

[0017] [2] The heat-not-burn type flavor inhalation system according to [1], wherein the aerosol source contained in the section containing the aerosol source is at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, triacetin, and 1,3-butanediol.

[0018] [3] The heat-not-burn type flavor inhalation system according to [1] or [2], wherein the section containing the aerosol source includes an aerosol source support member in which the aerosol source is supported by a carrier.

[0019] [4] The heat-not-burn type flavor inhalation system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the content of the aerosol source contained in the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler is 10 mg to 5000 mg.

[0020] [5] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the segment containing the aerosol source does not contain tobacco components.

[0021] [6] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in any one of [1] to [5], wherein the segment containing the tobacco components includes at least one type of tobacco material selected from the group consisting of tobacco particles, tobacco powder, cut tobacco, tobacco sheets, and tobacco extracts.

[0022] [7] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in any one of [1] to [6], wherein the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler further includes a flavoring component.

[0023] [8] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in [7], wherein the flavoring component is contained in a segment other than the segment containing the aerosol source.

[0024] [9] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in [7] or [8], wherein the flavoring component is contained in the segment containing the tobacco components.

[0025]

[10] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in [6], wherein the segment containing tobacco includes a flavor support and the tobacco material.

[0026]

[11] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler further includes at least one segment selected from the group consisting of: a cooling segment formed by a first cylindrical member having perforations; a central hole segment formed by a second cylindrical member; and a filtration segment.

[0027]

[12] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the heating temperature provided by the heater for the segment containing the aerosol source is 150°C to 400°C.

[0028] Advantageous Effects of the Present Invention

[0029] The present invention enables the provision of a heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system that can reduce the amount of secondarily generated components formed during use. Description of the Drawings

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 ​​is a schematic diagram showing an example of a heat - not - burn flavor inhalation system according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of a heater in a heat - not - burn flavor inhalation system according to an embodiment. Detailed Description

[0033] The heat - not - burn flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment includes: a heat - not - burn flavor inhaler that includes a segment containing an aerosol source and a segment containing a tobacco component disposed downstream of the segment containing the aerosol source; and a heating device that includes a heater which heats the segment containing the aerosol source but does not heat the segment containing the tobacco component.

[0034] In the heat - not - burn flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment, the aerosol source and the tobacco component are contained in different segments of the heat - not - burn flavor inhaler. That is, the aerosol source is contained in the segment containing the aerosol source, and the tobacco component is contained in the segment containing the tobacco component. In addition, the heater of the heating device heats the segment containing the aerosol source but does not heat the segment containing the tobacco component. That is, only the segment containing the aerosol source is heated by the heater. Therefore, the tobacco component is not heated more than necessary, and presumably, the amount of the secondary - generated components formed can be reduced. When the segment containing the aerosol source is heated by the heater, the aerosol source is vaporized and then cooled, so that an aerosol is generated. The aerosol source absorbs the tobacco component while passing through the segment containing the tobacco component and is supplied to the user together with the tobacco component.

[0035] There is no particular limitation on the heat - not - burn flavor inhaler according to this embodiment as long as it includes a segment containing an aerosol source and a segment containing a tobacco component. However, in addition to the segment containing the aerosol source and the segment containing the tobacco component, the heat - not - burn flavor inhaler may further include at least one segment selected from the group consisting of: a cooling segment formed by a first cylindrical member having perforations; a central - hole segment formed by a second cylindrical member; and a filtering segment.

[0036] Figure 1 (a) shows an example of the heat - not - burn flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. Figure 1 ​The heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 1 shown in (a) includes an aerosol generating rod member 2 and a mouthpiece section 3. The aerosol generating rod member 2 includes: a section 4 containing an aerosol source, the section containing the aerosol source including the aerosol source; and a section 5 containing a tobacco component, the section containing the tobacco component including the tobacco component and being provided downstream of the section 4 containing the aerosol source. The mouthpiece section 3 includes, in order from the upstream side: a cooling section 6 formed of a first cylindrical member having perforations; a central hole section 7 formed of a second cylindrical member; and a filtering section. Here, an end portion of the filtering section 8 constitutes the mouthpiece portion, "upstream" indicates the side opposite to the mouthpiece portion, and "downstream" indicates this side of the mouthpiece portion. That is, in Figure 1 (a), the section 4 containing the aerosol source is positioned on the upstream side, and the filtering section 8 is positioned on the downstream side. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the mouthpiece section 3 does not necessarily need to include the central hole section 7. Only the section 4 containing the aerosol source is heated by the heater of the heating device, and the aerosol source in the section 4 containing the aerosol source is vaporized and then cooled, so that an aerosol is generated. The aerosol source absorbs the tobacco component while passing through the section 5 containing the tobacco component. Thereafter, the aerosol travels to the mouthpiece section 3 and is inhaled by the user from the end portion of the filtering section 8.

[0037] Figure 2 An example of the heat-not-burn type flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment is shown. Figure 2 The heat-not-burn type flavor inhalation system shown includes: the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 1 described above; and a heating device 27 for heating only the section 4 containing the aerosol source of the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 1 from the outside. Figure 2 (a) shows the state before the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 1 is inserted into the heating device 27, and Figure 2 (b) shows the state in which the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 1 has been inserted into the heating device 27 to be heated. Figure 2 The heating device 27 shown includes: a main body 28, a heater 29, a metal tube 30, a battery unit 31, and a control unit 32. The main body 28 includes a cylindrical recess 33, and the heater 29 and the metal tube 30 are provided on the inner side surface of the recess 33 at a position facing the section 4 containing the aerosol source of the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 1 inserted into the recess 33. The heater 29 can be a heater using resistance, and the heater 29 provides heating according to a command from the control unit 32 that performs temperature control by means of electric power supplied from the battery unit 31. The heat emitted from the heater 29 is transferred to the section 4 containing the aerosol source of the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 1 through the metal tube 30 having a relatively high thermal conductivity.

[0038] Figure 2(b) is a schematic illustration. Thus, there is a gap between the outer peripheral edge of the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 1 and the inner peripheral edge of the metal tube 30. However, in practice, for the purpose of efficient heat transfer, there is preferably no gap between the outer peripheral edge of the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 1 and the inner peripheral edge of the metal tube 30. In addition, Figure 2 the heater 29 in Figure 3 only heats the side surface of the section 4 of the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 1 containing the aerosol source, but the heater 29 can also heat the side surface and the bottom surface of the section 4 containing the aerosol source. For example, as in the case of the heater 29 shown in

[0039] In addition, Figure 2 the heater 29 in Figure 3 heats the section 4 of the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 1 containing the aerosol source from the outside (external heating), but this heater can also heat the section 4 containing the aerosol source from the inside (internal heating) or heat the section 4 containing the aerosol source from the outside and from the inside. When the heater provides heating from the inside, it is preferably a rigid plate-shaped heater, a blade-shaped heater, or a column-shaped heater, rather than using the metal tube 30. Examples of such heaters that can be cited include ceramic heaters in which molybdenum or tungsten, etc. is applied to a ceramic substrate. For example, as in the case of the heater 29 shown in Figure 3 (b), the inside of the section 4 containing the aerosol source can be heated in its entire axial direction. In addition, for example, as in the case of the heater 29 shown in

[0040] the external heating type heater for heating the side surface of the section 4 containing the aerosol source can be combined with the internal heating type heater for heating the inside of the section 4 containing the aerosol source in its entire axial direction. In addition, a sensor material can be provided inside the section 4 containing the aerosol source, and the section 4 containing the aerosol source can be heated by induction heating. Microwave heating can be implemented instead of induction heating.

[0040] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the "heater that heats the section containing the aerosol source but does not heat the section containing the tobacco component" means a heater that directly heats the section containing the aerosol source but does not directly heat the section containing the tobacco component. For example, when the heater is an external heating type heater, the heater 29 is provided at a position facing the section 4 containing the aerosol source, but no heater is provided at a position facing the section 5 containing the tobacco component. When the heater is an internal heating type heater, the heater is positioned inside the section containing the aerosol source, but no heater is positioned inside the section containing the tobacco component. In addition, the section containing the tobacco component is indirectly heated by heat transfer from the section containing the aerosol source that has been heated by the heater, but this indirect heating does not correspond to the heating provided by the heater of this embodiment.

[0041] The heating temperature provided by the heater for the segment containing the aerosol source is preferably from 150°C to 400°C, more preferably from 180°C to 320°C. The aerosol source is sufficiently vaporized when the heating temperature reaches 150°C or higher. In addition, a heating temperature of 400°C or lower can sufficiently prevent burning. It should be noted that the heating temperature represents the temperature of the heater.

[0042] (the segment containing the aerosol source)

[0043] The segment containing the aerosol source according to this embodiment contains an aerosol source. Examples of aerosol sources that can be cited include glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, triacetin, and 1,3-butanediol. One type of aerosol source can be used, or two or more types of aerosol sources can be used in combination. At the same time, from the perspective of being able to more greatly reduce the amount of secondary generated components formed, the segment containing the aerosol source according to this embodiment preferably does not contain tobacco components. In addition, when the non-burning flavor inhaler includes a flavoring component to be described later, the flavoring component is preferably not included in the segment containing the aerosol source, that is, it is preferably included in a segment other than the segment containing the aerosol source.

[0044] The segment containing the aerosol source preferably includes an aerosol source support in which the aerosol source is supported by a carrier. From the perspective of being able to sufficiently hold the aerosol source, the carrier is preferably a porous material. Examples of porous materials that can be cited include non-woven fabrics, dietary fiber sheets, and paper, etc. The amount of the aerosol source contained in the heating non-burning flavor inhaler that the aerosol source support has is preferably from 10 mg to 5000 mg, more preferably from 10 mg to 200 mg, and even more preferably from 20 mg to 120 mg. For example, the aerosol source can also be supported by another carrier other than the porous material, such as a metal foil, wood, carbon, cellulose powder, alumina powder, silica, or fiber.

[0045] As Figure 1As shown in (a), the segment 4 containing the aerosol source may include, for example: a cylindrical wrapper 10; and an aerosol source support 9 filling the interior of the wrapper 10. When the carrier of the aerosol source support is a non-woven fabric, there is no particular limitation on the thickness of the non-woven fabric, but the thickness may be, for example, from 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm. In addition, when the carrier of the aerosol source support is paper, there is no particular limitation on the thickness of the paper, but the thickness may be, for example, from 50 µm to 200 µm. In terms of the filling form, for example, a plurality of aerosol source carrier sheets may be stacked and folded into an S shape, and then the folded sheets may be filled into the interior of the wrapper in this state. In addition, the aerosol source carrier sheet may be creased, and then the creased sheet may be filled into the interior of the wrapper in this state.

[0046] From the perspective of suppressing the leakage of the aerosol source, the wrapper is preferably a wrapper with relatively low liquid permeability. Examples of only a few liquid-permeable wrappers that can be cited include: metal foil; a laminated sheet including a metal foil and paper; a polymer film; a laminated sheet including a polymer film and paper; and paper surface-coated with a coating agent that hinders liquid penetration (such as modified cellulose, modified starch, polyvinyl alcohol, and vinyl acetate, etc.). The wrapper preferably includes a metal foil. In addition to the perspective of preventing liquid penetration, from the perspective of being able to achieve a uniform temperature distribution in the longitudinal direction of the segment containing the aerosol source, the metal foil has excellent thermal conductivity. In addition, by using a laminated sheet including a metal foil and paper as the wrapper, an appearance similar to that of a normal burning-type flavor inhaler (cigarette) can be achieved, where the metal foil is positioned inside and the paper is positioned outside.

[0047] From the perspective of improving the retention of the aerosol source, the segment containing the aerosol source preferably further includes a thickening agent. For example, aerosol sources such as glycerol or propylene glycol are liquids at normal temperature, and when a large amount of aerosol source is contained in a non-woven fabric or the like, the aerosol source may flow out of the non-woven fabric. However, by further incorporating a thickening agent into the non-woven fabric or the like, the outflow of the aerosol source to the outside can be suppressed, thereby improving the handling properties. Examples of thickening agents that can be cited include: polysaccharide thickening agents (such as gellan gum, tamarind gum, agar, carrageenan, pectin, and alginate), proteins (such as collagen and gelatin), modified celluloses (such as HPC, CMC, and HPMC), shellac, paraffin wax, beeswax, starch, processed starch, and oils and fats, etc. One type of thickening agent may be used, or two or more types of thickening agents may be used in combination. When the segment containing the aerosol source contains a thickening agent, the content of the thickening agent also depends on the type of thickening agent used, but preferably, relative to 100 parts by mass of the aerosol source, the content of the thickening agent is from 0.1 part by mass to 5.0 parts by mass.

[0048] There is no particular limitation on the axial length of the segment containing the aerosol source, but the axial length can be, for example, 5 mm to 15 mm. Further, there is no particular limitation on the circumferential length of the segment containing the aerosol source, but the circumferential length can be, for example, 15 mm to 24 mm.

[0049] (Segment containing tobacco components)

[0050] The segment containing tobacco components according to this embodiment includes tobacco components. The segment containing tobacco components according to this embodiment may include a tobacco material containing tobacco components, preferably including tobacco materials such as, for example, tobacco particles, tobacco powder, cut tobacco, tobacco sheets, and tobacco extracts.

[0051] The whole tobacco or a tobacco part can be used as a tobacco starting material, which is a starting material for tobacco materials, and the tobacco parts that can be cited include leaves, veins, stalks, roots, flowers, and mixtures thereof. There is no particular limitation on the type of tobacco starting material, but yellow tobacco, burley tobacco, oriental tobacco, or local varieties, etc. can be cited. One type of tobacco can be used, or two or more types of tobacco can be used in combination. The tobacco starting material used can be in the state of fresh leaves that have not been dried immediately after harvesting, etc., or can be a material that has been dried and aged after harvesting, or a combination thereof can be used. Further, midrib tobacco or expanded tobacco obtained by processing the above tobacco starting materials can also be used. These tobaccos can be used alone, or multiple types of tobacco and multiple tobacco parts can be used in combination. In addition, a tobacco extract obtained by extracting a tobacco starting material using a protic solvent or an aprotic solvent, etc. can also be appropriately used as a desired flavor source and used as a tobacco starting material.

[0052] <Tobacco particles>

[0053] Tobacco particles can be obtained by molding a composition including aged tobacco leaves or a tobacco extract into, for example, a particulate form. There is no particular limitation on the method for molding tobacco particles, but tobacco particles can be obtained, for example, by mixing tobacco powder and a binder, etc., kneading the mixture in the presence of water, granulating the obtained kneaded material in a wet extrusion granulator (forming the obtained kneaded material into a long columnar shape), and then cutting the particulate material into a short columnar shape or a spherical shape.

[0054] During extrusion granulation, the kneaded material is preferably extruded at ambient temperature and a pressure of 2 kN or greater. By means of this high-pressure extrusion, the temperature of the kneaded material at the outlet of the extrusion granulator instantaneously and sharply rises from ambient temperature to, for example, 90 °C to 100 °C, and 2 mass% to 4 mass% of water and volatile components are evaporated. Therefore, the amount of water blended to prepare the kneaded material can increase the amount of water evaporated from the desired amount in the tobacco particles. The tobacco particles obtained by extrusion granulation can be further dried as needed to adjust the moisture content.

[0055] The average particle size (D50) of the molded tobacco particles can be 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0056] <Tobacco powder>

[0057] The powdery tobacco starting material can be used as tobacco powder. The tobacco powder can be prepared by any method, but preferably, the tobacco starting material undergoes a normal drying process and is then coarsely ground in a normal coarse grinder and then finely ground. The drying process and the coarse grinding can be carried out in a well-known manner, and the average particle size of the coarsely ground tobacco powder is preferably in the range between several hundred micrometers and several millimeters. There is also no limitation on the method of fine grinding, and a wet grinding method or a dry grinding method can be used. Wet grinding can be carried out by adding a liquid dispersion medium to the coarsely ground tobacco powder and mixing the materials, and then treating the mixture in a wet fine grinder (for example, MIC-2 manufactured by Nara Machinery). Preferably, the rotation speed of the grinder is generally set at 1100 rpm to 1300 rpm, and the grinding time is about 5 minutes to 100 minutes. In addition, dry grinding can be carried out by treating the coarsely ground tobacco powder in a dry fine grinder (such as a jet mill).

[0058] The average particle size of the tobacco powder can be about 30 µm. The average particle size of the tobacco powder can be adjusted by the grinding conditions, and the average particle size can be increased, for example, by shortening the fine grinding time or reducing the viscosity of the dispersion medium, etc. It should be noted that the average particle size of the tobacco powder in this example is obtained by means of the laser diffraction scattering method. Specifically, the average particle size is measured using a laser diffraction type particle size distribution measuring device with a refractive index of 1.60 to 0.101 (for example, the nano particle size distribution measuring device SALD-2100 (trade name) manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation).

[0059] <Cut tobacco>

[0060] The cut tobacco can be, for example, aged tobacco leaves that have been cut into a predetermined size. There are no particular restrictions on the aged tobacco leaves used in the cut tobacco, but aged tobacco leaves that have been stalked and separated into leaves and main veins can be cited. In addition, materials obtained by cutting tobacco sheets (to be described later) into a predetermined size (hereinafter also referred to as "cut tobacco sheets") can also be cited as cut tobacco. In addition to the above, a blend of cut tobacco obtained by cutting aged tobacco leaves and cut tobacco sheets can be cited as cut tobacco.

[0061] There are no particular restrictions on the size or preparation method of the cut tobacco. Materials obtained by cutting aged tobacco leaves into a width of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm and a length of 3 mm to 10 mm can be cited as an example. Materials obtained by cutting processed tobacco leaves into a width of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm and a length greater than the length of the above cut tobacco (preferably, the length opposite to the filled material) can be cited as another example (hereinafter also referred to as "tow-type cut tobacco"). From the perspective of easy moldability, tow-type cut tobacco preferably uses tobacco sheets.

[0062] <Tobacco sheet>

[0063] Tobacco sheets can be obtained by molding a composition including aged tobacco leaves or tobacco extracts, etc. into, for example, a sheet form. There are no particular restrictions on the aged tobacco leaves used in the tobacco sheets, but aged tobacco leaves that have been stalked and separated into leaves and main veins can be cited, for example. As mentioned in this specification, "sheet" means a shape having a pair of substantially parallel main surfaces and side surfaces.

[0064] Tobacco sheets can be molded by well-known methods (such as sheet molding, casting, or rolling). Details of various types of tobacco sheets molded by such methods are disclosed in "Dictionary of Tobacco [Tobacco Dictionary], Tobacco Academic Studies Center [Tobacco Academic Research Center], March 31, 2009".

[0065] Examples of methods for molding tobacco sheets by means of the sheet molding method that can be cited include methods having the following steps.

[0066] (1) A step of coarsely grinding aged tobacco leaves and then mixing / stirring with a solvent (such as water) to thereby extract the aqueous components from the aged tobacco leaves.

[0067] (2) A step of separating the water extract including the aqueous components from the residue.

[0068] (3) A step of drying and concentrating the water extract under reduced pressure.

[0069] (4) A step of adding pulp to the residue and fibrillating the material in a refiner to obtain a mixture (homogenization step).

[0070] (5) A step of forming the fibrillated mixture of the residue and pulp into paper.

[0071] (6) A step of adding the concentrated aqueous extract to the sheet formed of paper and drying to form a tobacco sheet.

[0072] Examples of methods for molding tobacco sheets by means of a casting method that can be cited include methods having the following steps.

[0073] (1) A step of mixing the ground and aged tobacco with water, pulp, and a binder to obtain a mixture (homogenization step).

[0074] (2) A step of thinly spreading (casting) the mixture and drying to form a tobacco sheet.

[0075] Examples of methods for molding tobacco sheets by means of a roll pressing method that can be cited include methods having the following steps.

[0076] (1) A step of mixing the ground and aged tobacco with water, pulp, and a binder to obtain a mixture (homogenization step).

[0077] (2) A step of introducing the mixture between a plurality of rolling rollers and performing roll pressing.

[0078] (3) A step of peeling the roll-pressed molded article from the rolling roller using a doctor blade, then transporting it on a mesh conveyor and drying it in a dryer.

[0079] As Figure 1 (a) shown, the segment 5 containing the tobacco component may include, for example: a cylindrical wrapper 12; and a tobacco material 11 filling the inside of the wrapper 12. The packing density of the tobacco material inside the wrapper can be appropriately set according to the filling form of the tobacco material, the expected flavor, the air flow resistance, etc. For example, packing densities that can be cited are 0.2 mg / mm 3 to 0.7 mg / mm 3 . The packing density is calculated by the ratio of the mass of the tobacco material to the internal volume of the rod formed by the wrapper.

[0080] There is no particular limitation on the axial length of the segment containing the tobacco component, but the axial length can be, for example, 5 mm to 15 mm. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the circumferential length of the segment containing the tobacco component, but the circumferential length can be, for example, 15 mm to 24 mm.

[0081] (Cooling section)

[0082] As shown in Figure 1 (a), the cooling section 6 can be a cylindrical member 13 formed by a first cylindrical member having perforations. The cylindrical member 13 can be, for example, a paper tube obtained by processing cardboard into a cylindrical shape.

[0083] The cooling section is positioned downstream of the aerosol-generating rod. The functions required of the cooling section are to cool and liquefy the tobacco components and the aerosol-source vapors (thereby forming an aerosol), while minimizing the reduction of the tobacco components and the aerosol-source vapors generated by the aerosol-generating rod during use due to filtration and adsorption. For example, during puffing, the difference in the internal temperature of the section at the inlet of the cooling section and the internal temperature of the section at the outlet portion of the cooling section can also reach 20 °C or more. It should be noted that although the temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet of the section can reach 20 °C or more when the tobacco components and the high-temperature vapor components of the aerosol source pass through the cellulose acetate fiber-filled section used as a filter member in a conventional combustion-type flavor inhaler, the tobacco components and the aerosol-source vapors are significantly reduced due to filtration and adsorption during passing through the fiber-filled section.

[0084] According to one mode, the cooling section can be a hollow tube obtained by processing a single sheet of paper or multiple bonded sheets of paper into a cylindrical shape. In addition to paper, the material constituting the tube can be a corrugated sheet of cellulose acetate fibers, or can be a plastic film including polyolefins or polyesters, etc. Furthermore, holes for introducing room-temperature external air are preferably present around the tube in order to increase the cooling effect provided by the contact between the external air and the high-temperature vapor. The cooling effect can also be increased by coating the inner surface of the tube with a polymer coating (such as polyvinyl alcohol) or a polysaccharide coating (such as pectin), utilizing the heat absorption of the coating or the heat of dissolution associated with a phase change. The air flow resistance of the cylindrical cooling section is 0 mmH2O.

[0085] According to another mode of the cooling section, the inside of the tube processed into a cylindrical shape is preferably also filled with a cooling sheet member. In this case, one or more air circulation channels are provided in the flow direction, such that a low level of removal of components during passing through the section can be achieved, while also providing cooling by means of the cooling sheet. The air flow resistance of the cooling section when filled with this cooling sheet is preferably from 0 mmH2O to 30 mmH2O. The air flow resistance (RTD) is the pressure required to push air through the entire length of an object in a test at a flow rate of 17.5 ml / sec at 22 °C and 101 kPa (760 Torr). RTD is typically expressed in units of mmH2O and is measured according to ISO 6565:2011. In the mode of using a cooling sheet as the filler, holes for introducing external air are also preferably formed in the tube member.

[0086] The total surface area of the cooling sheet member can be 300 mm 2 / mm to 1000 mm 2 / mm. This surface area is the surface area per length (mm) of the cooling sheet member in the air flow direction. The total surface area of the cooling sheet member is preferably 400 mm 2 / mm or greater, more preferably 450 mm 2 / mm or greater, while preferably 600 mm 2 / mm or less, more preferably 550 mm 2 / mm or less.

[0087] From the perspective of the cooling function, the cooling sheet member preferably has a large surface area. From the perspective of reducing the removal of tobacco components and aerosol sources due to filtration and adsorption, the cooling section filled with the cooling sheet member preferably has a low air flow resistance. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling sheet can be formed from a sheet that is a thin material that is creased, then slotted, pleated, and folded to form channels in the flow direction.

[0088] In some embodiments, the thickness of the material constituting the cooling sheet member can be, for example, 5 µm to 500 µm, or can also be 10 µm to 250 µm.

[0089] The material of the cooling sheet member can be a sheet member, such as a metal foil, a polymer sheet, and a paper with low air permeability. In one embodiment, the cooling section can include a sheet material selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, and aluminum foil.

[0090] Furthermore, from the perspective of reducing the environmental burden, it is also desirable to use paper as the material of the cooling sheet member. The paper used in the cooling sheet member preferably has a basis weight of 30 g / m 2 to 100 g / m 2 and a thickness of 20 µm to 100 µm. From the perspective of reducing the removal of tobacco components and aerosol source components in the cooling section, the paper serving as the cooling sheet material preferably has low air permeability, and an air permeability of 10 Coresta units or less is preferred. The cooling effect can also be increased by coating the paper serving as the cooling sheet member with a polymer coating (such as polyvinyl alcohol) or a polysaccharide coating (such as pectin) and utilizing the heat absorption of the coating or the heat of dissolution associated with a phase change.

[0091] In Figure 1(a), perforations 14 are provided that penetrate both the cylindrical member 13 and the nozzle liner 20 (to be described later). The presence of the perforations 14 allows external air to be introduced into the cooling section 6 during suction. Therefore, the aerosol vaporized component generated by heating the aerosol-generating rod 2 is liquefied because the aerosol vaporized component comes into contact with the external air, causing its temperature to decrease, thereby forming an aerosol. There is no particular limitation on the diameter (across the length of the perforation) of the perforations 14, but the diameter can be, for example, from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. There is no particular limitation on the number of perforations 14, and there can be one or two or more perforations. For example, a plurality of perforations 14 can be provided on the periphery of the cooling section 6.

[0092] Relative to the total volume of the gas inhaled by the user, the amount of external air introduced through the perforations 14 is preferably 85 vol% or less, more preferably 80 vol% or less. A ratio of the external air amount of 85 vol% or less enables sufficient suppression of the flavor reduction due to dilution with external air. It should be noted that this can also be referred to as the ventilation ratio. From the perspective of the cooling property, the lower limit of the ventilation ratio range is preferably 55 vol% or more, more preferably 60 vol% or more.

[0093] In some embodiments, when the aerosol passes through the cooling section and is inhaled by the user, the temperature of the generated aerosol can be reduced by 10°C or more. In another mode, the temperature can be reduced by 15°C or more, and in yet another mode, the temperature can be reduced by 20°C or more.

[0094] The cooling section can be formed in a rod shape with an axial length of, for example, from 7 mm to 30 mm. The axial length of the cooling section can be set to, for example, 20 mm.

[0095] In some embodiments, the cooling section has a substantially circular shape in its axial cross-section, and the circumferential length of the cooling section is preferably from 16 mm to 25 mm, more preferably from 20 mm to 24 mm, even more preferably from 21 mm to 23 mm.

[0096] (Central hole section)

[0097] The central hole section can be formed by a second cylindrical member. For example, the central hole section can be formed by a filling layer having one or more hollow portions and an inscribed wrapper (inner wrapper paper) covering the filling layer. Specifically, as Figure 1As shown in (a), the central hole section 7 can be formed by a second filling layer 15 having a hollow portion and a second inner wrapper 16 covering the second filling layer 15. The central hole section 7 has the function of increasing the strength of the mouthpiece section 3. The second filling layer 15 can be formed, for example, as a rod filled with high-density cellulose acetate fibers with an inner diameter of φ1.0 mm to φ5.0 mm, in which a plasticizer including triacetin is added (the amount of the plasticizer is 6% by mass to 20% by mass relative to the mass of cellulose acetate), and the plasticizer is cured. Since the second filling layer 15 has fibers with a high packing density, only air and aerosol flow through the hollow portion during suction, and hardly any air and aerosol flow through the second filling layer 15. The second filling layer 15 inside the central hole section 7 is a fiber-filled layer, so the user hardly feels discomfort when touching the outside during use. In addition, the shape of the central hole section 7 can also be maintained by thermoforming without providing the second inner wrapper 16.

[0098] (Filter section)

[0099] There is no particular limitation on the configuration of the filter section, but the filter section can be formed by a single filling layer or multiple filling layers. As shown in Figure 1 (a), for example, the outside of the first filling layer 17 can be wrapped with a first inner wrapper 18 (inner wrapping paper) in the filter section 8. The air flow resistance of each section of the filter section can be appropriately changed by the amount and material of the filling material filling the filter section. For example, when the filling material is cellulose acetate fibers, the air flow resistance can be increased by increasing the amount of cellulose acetate fibers filling the filter section. When the filling material is cellulose acetate fibers, the packing density of the cellulose acetate fibers can be 0.13 g / cm 3 to 0.18 g / cm 3 . In addition, thicker cellulose acetate fibers are preferred as the filler in order to exhibit a lower air flow resistance at the same packing density. The thickness of a single cellulose acetate fiber is preferably 5 denier / filament to 20 denier / filament. From the perspective of high-speed production of the filter section, a thickness of 7 denier / filament to 13 denier / filament is even more preferred. It should be noted that the air flow resistance is a value measured by an air flow resistance measuring instrument (trade name: SODIMAX, manufactured by SODIM Company).

[0100] There is no particular limitation on the circumferential length of the filter section, but the circumferential length is preferably from 16 mm to 25 mm, more preferably from 20 mm to 24 mm, and even more preferably from 21 mm to 23 mm. The axial length of the filter section can be selected to be from 5 mm to 20 mm, and the axial length can be selected such that the air flow resistance is from 10 mmH2O / seg to 60 mmH2O / seg. The axial length of the filter section is preferably from 5 mm to 9 mm, more preferably from 6 mm to 8 mm. There is no particular limitation on the cross-sectional shape of the filter section, but the cross-sectional shape can be, for example, circular, elliptical or polygonal, etc.

[0101] As Figure 1 (a) shows, the central hole section 7 and the filter section 8 can be connected by an outer wrapper (outer wrapping paper) 19. For example, the outer wrapper 19 can be a cylindrical paper. In addition, the aerosol generating rod 2, the cooling section 6, and the connected central hole section 7 and filter section 8 can be connected by means of a mouthpiece liner 20. These connections can be formed, for example, by coating the inner surface of the mouthpiece liner 20 with glue (such as vinyl acetate-based glue), inserting the above three sections, and then the sections are wrapped by the mouthpiece liner 20. It should be noted that these sections can also be connected to multiple liners by multiple individual connectors. In addition, as Figure 1 (b) shows, the section 4 containing the aerosol source can also be fixed by means of a mouthpiece liner 20. In addition, as Figure 1 (c) shows, the section 4 containing the aerosol source and the section 5 containing the tobacco component can be connected by an outer wrapper 34, and then the aerosol generating rod 2, the cooling section 6, and the connected central hole section 7 and filter section 8 can be connected by means of a mouthpiece liner 20.

[0102] (Configuration of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler)

[0103] There is no particular limitation on the axial length of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler according to this embodiment, but the axial length is preferably from 40 mm to 90 mm, more preferably from 50 mm to 75 mm, and even more preferably from 50 mm to 60 mm. The circumferential length of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler is preferably from 16 mm to 25 mm, more preferably from 20 mm to 24 mm, and even more preferably from 21 mm to 23 mm. In an exemplary mode that can be cited, the length of the aerosol generating rod is 20 mm, the length of the cooling section is 20 mm, the length of the central hole section is 8 mm, and the length of the filter section is 7 mm. These individual section lengths can be appropriately modified according to manufacturability and required quality, etc. Additionally, when only a filter section is arranged on the downstream side of the cooling section without using the central hole section, the function of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler can still be achieved.

[0104] The content of the aerosol source included in the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment is preferably 10 mg to 5000 mg. By making this content 10 mg or more, a decrease in the amount of aerosol during use can be suppressed and the usage time can be extended. In addition, by making this content 5000 mg or less, the residue of the aerosol source that has not yet formed an aerosol in the flavor inhaler can be suppressed. This content is more preferably 10 mg to 200 mg, and even more preferably 20 mg to 120 mg.

[0105] (flavoring component)

[0106] From the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor, the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment may include a flavoring component. There is no particular limitation on the type of the flavoring component, and flavoring materials, taste materials, cooling agents, etc. can be cited as examples thereof. The nature of the flavoring component is not crucial, and solids and liquids, for example, can be cited. In addition, a single component can be used, or a plurality of components can be combined.

[0107] Flavoring materials selected from the following can be cited singly or in combination as examples of suitable flavoring agents for flavoring materials: tobacco extracts and tobacco components, sugar-containing and sugar-based flavoring agents, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), cocoa, chocolate, fruit juices and fruits, seasonings, liquors, herbs, spices, and flower-based flavoring agents, etc.

[0108] The flavoring material can adopt flavoring components of a wide range of types, such as those disclosed in, for example, "Published Collection of Well-Known Prior Arts (Flavor and Fragrance)" (published by the JPO on March 14, 2007); "Saishin Koryo no Jiten [Encyclopedia of Scents – Latest Edition] (popular edition)" (edited by Soichi ARAI, Akio KOBAYASHI, Izumi YAJIMA, Michiaki KAWASAKI, published by Asakura Publishing Co., Ltd. on February 25, 2012); and "Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products" (June 1972, R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY). In addition, in this embodiment, the flavoring component can be a flavoring component other than the tobacco component.

[0109] Flavoring materials selected from the following can be cited alone or in combination as examples of flavoring materials: isothiocyanates, indoles and their derivatives, ethers, esters, ketones, fatty acids, higher aliphatic alcohols, higher aliphatic aldehydes, higher aliphatic hydrocarbons, thioethers, thiols, terpenes, phenolic ethers, phenols, furfural and its derivatives, aromatic alcohols, aromatic aldehydes, and lactones. The flavoring material can also be a component that produces a cooling / warming sensation.

[0110] More specifically, flavoring materials that can be cited include: anisole acetate, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, balsam of Peru, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resin, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, cardamom oil, carob absolute, β-carotene, carrot juice, L-carvone, β-caryophyllene, cassia bark oil, cedarwood oil, celery seed oil, chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, citronella oil, DL-citronellol, sage extract, coffee, cognac oil, coriander oil, cumin aldehyde, costus oil, δ-decalactone, γ-decalactone, capric acid, dill herb oil, 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl caproate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl lactate, ethyl laurate, ethyl levulinate, ethyl maltol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl stearate, ethyl valerate, ethyl vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, 2-ethyl-3,(5 or 6)-dimethylpyrazine, 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptol, fenugreek absolute, broom absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, γ-heptalactone, γ-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexanol, hexyl phenylacetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid lactone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, Helichrysum italicum absolute, β-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, Jasminum officinale absolute, Cola acuminata extract, Labdanum oil, terpeneless lemon oil, Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, Angelica archangelica root oil, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, p-methoxybenzaldehyde, methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, Mimosa tenuiflora absolute, molasses, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, γ-nonalactone, nutmeg oil, δ-octalactone, octanal, octanoic acid, neroli oil, sweet orange oil, Iris germanica root oil, palmitic acid, ω-pentadecalactone, Piper nigrum oil, Citrus aurantium var. amara leaf oil, phenylethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, heliotropin, Prunus domestica extract, allyl ethyl guaiacol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidenephthalide, prune juice, pyruvic acid, Vitis vinifera extract, Rosa damascena oil, rum, Salvia officinalis oil, Santalum album oil, Mentha spicata oil, Styrax benzoin absolute, Tagetes erecta oil, tea distillate, α-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxabicyclo(8.3.0.0(4.9))tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, Thymus vulgaris oil, Solanum lycopersicum extract, 2-tridecanone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadienyl)-2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, Vanilla planifolia extract, vanillin, veratraldehyde, Viola odorata leaf absolute, citral, Citrus reticulata Blanco oil, 4-(acetoxymethyl)toluene, 2-methyl-1-butanol, ethyl 10-undecenoate, isoamyl hexanoate, 1-phenylethyl acetate, lauric acid, 8-mercaptomenthone, citronellal, hexyl butyrate, plant powder (herb powder, flower powder, spice powder, tea powder, cocoa powder, carob powder, coriander powder, licorice powder, orange peel powder, rose hip powder, Matricaria recutita powder, Aloysia triphylla powder, mint powder, leaf powder, Mentha spicata powder, black tea powder, etc.), camphor, isopulegol, cineole, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, 2-l-menthyloxyethanol (COOLACT (registered trademark) 5), 3-l-menthyloxy-1,2-propanediol (COOLACT (registered trademark) 10), l-menthyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (COOLACT (registered trademark) 20), p-menthane-3,8-diol (COOLACT (registered trademark) 38D), N-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-2-isopropyl-5,5-Dimethylcyclohexane-1-carboxamide (COOLACT® 370), N-(4-(cyanomethyl)phenyl)-2-isopropyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexanecarboxamide (COOLACT® 400), N-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-isopropyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexanecarboxamide, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), ethyl 2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamido)acetate (WS-5), N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide (WS-12), 2-isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutanamide (WS-23), 3-1-menthoxy-2-methylpropane-1,2-diol, 2-l-menthoxyethanol, 3-l-menthoxypropanol, 4-l-menthoxybutanol, menthyl lactate (FEMA 3748), menthone glycerol acetal (Frescolat MGA, FEMA3807, FEMA 3808), 2-(2-l-menthoxyethyl)ethanol, glyoxylic acid menthyl ester, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid menthyl ester, succinic acid menthyl ester (FEMA 3810), N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)-3-p-menthanecarboxamide (FEMA 4549), N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, N-(4-cyanomethylphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide, and N-(4-carbamoylphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide, etc.,

[0111] Ingredients that exhibit sweetness, sourness, saltiness, umami, bitterness, astringency, mellowness, spiciness, irritation, astringency, etc. can be cited as examples of flavoring materials. Sugars, sugar alcohols, and sweeteners, etc. can be cited as examples of ingredients that exhibit sweetness. Monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides, etc. can be cited as examples of sugars. Natural sweeteners and synthetic sweeteners, etc. can be cited as examples of sweeteners. Organic acids (and their sodium salts), etc. can be cited as examples of ingredients that exhibit sourness. Acetic acid, adipic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid, etc. can be cited as examples of organic acids. Caffeine (extract), naringin, and wormwood extract, etc. can be cited as examples of ingredients that exhibit bitterness. Sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, sodium acetate, and potassium acetate, etc. can be cited as examples of ingredients that exhibit saltiness. Monosodium glutamate, sodium inosinate, and sodium guanylate, etc. can be cited as examples of ingredients that exhibit umami. Tannins and kaki astringency phenols, etc. can be cited as examples of ingredients that exhibit astringency.

[0112] The flavoring component can be included in any section of the flavor inhaler and can also be included in multiple sections. For example, the flavoring component can be included in the section containing the aerosol source, can be included in the section containing the tobacco component, can be included in the cooling section, can be included in the central hole section, can be included in the filter section, or can be included in two or more of these sections. However, preferably, the flavoring component is included in the section other than the section containing the aerosol source, so that the flavoring component can be better held and maintained without being overheated. For example, the flavoring component can be included in at least one of the section containing the tobacco component, the cooling section, the central hole section, and the filter section. In addition, the flavoring component can be included separately in each section or can be included as a whole integrated in the flavor inhaler. When the flavoring component is included separately in each section, the flavoring component can be included in each section as a sheet containing the flavoring component or as a flavor support (such as particles supporting the flavoring component or activated carbon supporting the flavoring component). In addition, when the flavoring component is included as a whole integrated in the flavor inhaler, the flavoring component can be added by means of spraying, coating the wrapper, or filtration treatment, etc.

[0113] When the flavoring component is included in the section containing tobacco, the section containing tobacco preferably includes: a sheet containing the flavoring component, the sheet including a polysaccharide thickener and an extender; and tobacco material. Compared with adding a liquid flavoring material to the tobacco material, by incorporating the flavoring component into the section containing tobacco as a sheet containing the flavoring component, more flavoring material can be loaded in the flavor inhaler. In particular, the section containing tobacco preferably includes a sheet containing the flavoring component and tobacco particles. The mass ratio of the sheet containing the flavoring component to the tobacco particles included in the section containing tobacco (sheet containing the flavoring component: tobacco particles) can be selected as any ratio according to the flavor intensity.

[0114] (sheet containing the flavoring component)

[0115] The sheet containing the flavoring component can include the flavoring component, a polysaccharide thickener, and an extender, and can further include an emulsifier. The sheet containing the flavoring component can be produced, for example, by kneading starting materials including a polysaccharide thickener, the flavoring component, an emulsifier, and an extender in water to prepare a starting material slurry, and then spreading the slurry on a substrate and drying. It should be noted that the sheet containing the flavoring component can be free of tobacco components.

[0116] <polysaccharide thickener>

[0117] The polysaccharide thickener contained in the sheet containing the flavor component has the property of fixing and covering the flavor component dispersed in the sheet. The polysaccharide thickener may be, for example, a single-component system including carrageenan, agar, xanthan gum, gellan gum, psyllium gum, or konjac glucomannan; or may be a composite system including a combination of two or more components selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, locust bean gum, guar gum, agar, gellan gum, tamarind gum, xanthan gum, tara gum, konjac glucomannan, starch, cassia gum, and psyllium gum.

[0118] The polysaccharide thickener is preferably selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, agar, xanthan gum, gellan gum, and a mixture of gellan gum and tamarind gum. An aqueous solution of carrageenan, agar, xanthan gum, or gellan gum has the following properties: it forms a gel when cooled to a specific temperature or below (i.e., the aqueous solution loses fluidity and solidifies), and once the aqueous solution forms a gel, even if its temperature subsequently rises to the gel transition temperature, it can maintain the gel state and is not easily converted into a sol (these properties are hereinafter referred to as "temperature-responsive sol-gel transition characteristics"). Therefore, this has the following advantages: when the starting material slurry contains any one of carrageenan, agar, xanthan gum, and gellan gum as the polysaccharide thickener, by briefly cooling the starting material slurry to cause gel formation and drying the gelled starting material at a high temperature, a sheet can be produced in a short time.

[0119] The polysaccharide thickener is more preferably selected from the group consisting of agar, gellan gum, and a mixture of gellan gum and tamarind gum. When a mixture of gellan gum and tamarind gum is used as the polysaccharide thickener, the mass ratio of gellan gum to tamarind gum is preferably in the range of 1:1 to 3:1.

[0120] Relative to the total mass of the compositional components other than water in the starting material slurry (i.e., the mass of the dry matter), the amount of the polysaccharide thickener blended in the starting material slurry is preferably 10% by mass to 35% by mass, more preferably 12% by mass to 25% by mass. The amount (% by mass) of the blended polysaccharide thickener can be calculated using the value of the amount of the corresponding compositional component other than water blended in the starting material slurry.

[0121] <Flavor component>

[0122] The flavoring component mentioned above can be used as a flavoring component contained in a sheet containing the flavoring component. The flavoring component can be used in solid form, or the flavoring component can be used in the form of a solution or dispersion in a suitable solvent (e.g., propylene glycol, ethanol, benzyl alcohol, or triethyl citrate). A flavoring component that is easily dispersed in a solvent in the presence of an emulsifier (e.g., a hydrophobic flavoring material or an oil-soluble flavoring material, etc.) can be preferably used. It should be noted that when the flavoring component is solid, the shape such as powder, granule, or sheet is not limited.

[0123] Relative to the total mass of the sheet containing the flavoring component, the amount of the flavoring component contained in the sheet is preferably less than 18% by mass. Relative to the total mass of the sheet containing the flavoring component, the amount of the flavoring component contained in the sheet is more preferably 2.5% by mass or more and less than 18% by mass, even more preferably 2.5% by mass to 12% by mass, and most preferably 3% by mass to 6% by mass.

[0124] <Emulsifier>

[0125] Any emulsifier can be used as an emulsifier contained in a sheet containing the flavoring component. For example, lecithin, specifically Sunlecithin A-1 (trade name, manufactured by Taiyo Kagaku Co., Ltd.) can be used as an emulsifier. Relative to the mass of the polysaccharide thickener in the sheet, the amount of the emulsifier contained in the sheet is preferably 0.5% by mass to 5% by mass, more preferably 1.0% by mass to 4.5% by mass. The amount of the emulsifier contained in the sheet can be calculated by using the values of the amounts of the emulsifier and the polysaccharide thickener blended in the starting material slurry.

[0126] <Bulking material>

[0127] The role of the bulking material contained in a sheet containing the flavoring component is to increase the total mass of the compositional components other than water (i.e., the mass of dry matter) in the starting material slurry and ultimately increase the volume of the sheet containing the flavoring component. That is, the bulking material is a substance that only has the role of increasing the volume of the sheet containing the flavoring component and does not affect the inherent function of the sheet containing the flavoring component. Specifically, the bulking material is a substance that only has the role of increasing the volume of the sheet containing the flavoring component and satisfies the following requirements (i) and (ii):

[0128] (i) It basically does not increase the viscosity of the starting material slurry; and

[0129] (ii) It does not affect the flavoring material retention function of the sheet containing the flavoring component.

[0130] For example, the incremental material does not contain a substance (such as starch) that increases the viscosity of the starting material slurry. Herein, "substantially not increasing the viscosity of the starting material slurry" means that the substance does not cause the viscosity of the slurry to increase to such an extent that it becomes difficult to produce a sheet (i.e., to such an extent that it becomes difficult to knead and emulsify the starting material slurry). In addition, "not affecting the flavor retention function of the sheet containing the flavor component" means that the substance does not cause the flavor retention function of the sheet to decrease to such an extent that the inherent function of the sheet containing the flavor component (i.e., the function as a flavor component in a flavor inhaler) cannot be exhibited. It should be noted that the incremental material is a substance that is permitted to be added as an additive to a flavor inhaler in the present technical field.

[0131] In addition, a substance that does not affect the flavor of the flavor inhaler is preferably used as the incremental material. In addition, a substance that does not affect the steps of producing the sheet is preferably used as the incremental material. For example, a substance that does not cause significant shrinkage of the sheet during the drying step is preferred.

[0132] The incremental material is preferably a starch hydrolysis product. A starch hydrolysis product means a substance obtained by a method including a step of hydrolyzing starch. A starch hydrolysis product is, for example, a substance obtained by directly hydrolyzing starch (i.e., dextrin), or a substance obtained by hydrolyzing starch after heat treatment (i.e., resistant dextrin).

[0133] A starch hydrolysis product can be prepared by a method including a hydrolysis step using starch as a starting material, or a commercially available starch hydrolysis product can be used. When preparing a starch hydrolysis product, starch from a natural source can be used as the "starch" serving as the starting material. Usually, starch from a plant source can be used, such as corn starch, wheat starch, potato starch, or sweet potato starch, etc. In addition, a starch hydrolysis product having a desired DE value can be obtained by controlling the hydrolysis conditions.

[0134] The starch hydrolysis product is usually a starch hydrolysis product having a DE value in the range of 2 to 40, preferably a starch hydrolysis product having a DE value in the range of 2 to 20. Examples of starch hydrolysis products having a DE value in the range of 2 to 20 that can be used include: Pinedex #100 (trade name, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), Pinefiber (trade name, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), and TK-16 (trade name, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).

[0135] DE (an abbreviation for "dextrose equivalent") is a value representing the degree of starch hydrolysis, i.e., the saccharification rate of starch. In this example, the DE value is a value measured by the Willstatter-Schudel method. By the Willstatter-Schudel method, the DE value is measured as a specific numerical value. The properties of hydrolyzed starch (starch hydrolysis product), such as properties like the molecular weight of the starch hydrolysis product and the arrangement of sugar molecules constituting the starch hydrolysis product, are not consistent for each molecule of the starch hydrolysis product, and there is a certain distribution or variation in these properties. Due to the distribution or variation of the properties of the starch hydrolysis product or the difference in the cutting sections, the starch hydrolysis product exhibits different physical properties (e.g., DE value) in each of its molecules. Therefore, the starch hydrolysis product is a collection of molecules showing different physical properties, but the measurement result from the Willstatter-Schudel method (i.e., the DE value) is regarded as a representative value indicating the degree of starch hydrolysis.

[0136] More preferably, the starch hydrolysis product is selected from the group consisting of: dextrin with a DE value of 2 to 5, resistant dextrin with a DE value of 10 to 15, and mixtures thereof. Examples of dextrin with a DE value of 2 to 5 that can be used include Pinedex#100 (trade name, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.). Examples of resistant dextrin with a DE value of 10 to 15 that can be used include Pinefiber (trade name, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).

[0137] The addition amount of the bulking material can enable the function of the bulking material to be exhibited (i.e., increase the volume of the sheet) and not affect the flavor of the flavor inhaler. Relative to the mass of the polysaccharide thickener, the amount of the bulking material contained in the sheet is preferably 100% by mass to 500% by mass, more preferably 200% by mass to 500% by mass. The amount of the bulking material contained in the sheet can be calculated by using the values of the amounts of the bulking material and the polysaccharide thickener blended in the starting material slurry.

[0138] By adding the bulking material to the starting material of the sheet containing the flavoring component, even if the blending concentration of the flavoring component in the composition of the sheet containing the flavoring component is low, the sheet containing the flavoring component can be stably produced under actual production conditions. Specifically, the role of the bulking material is to increase the mass of the dry matter in the starting material slurry and increase the volume of the sheet, so the drying time required to produce a sheet with a desired thickness can be shortened. In addition, the bulking material basically does not increase the viscosity of the starting material slurry, so it does not pose an obstacle to the kneading operation and spreading operation of the starting material slurry.

[0139] (Other components)

[0140] The sheet containing the flavoring component may further include water. That is, the water contained in the starting material slurry may remain in the sheet containing the flavoring component after drying. When water remains in the sheet containing the flavoring component, the water content is preferably less than 10% by mass, more preferably 3% to 9% by mass, and even more preferably 3% to 6% by mass relative to the total mass of the sheet. The water content of the sheet can be determined by using GC-TCD.

[0141] The sheet containing the flavoring component may further include a humectant. Examples of humectants that can be used include hyaluronic acid and magnesium chloride. The sheet containing the flavoring component may further include a colorant. Examples of colorants that can be used include cocoa, caramel, food dyes (such as Blue No. 2), polyphenols (such as chlorogenic acid), and melanoidins. The sheet containing the flavoring component may have a thickness of, for example, 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm, and preferably may have a thickness of 0.06 mm to 0.10 mm.

[0142] Examples

[0143] Specific examples of this embodiment will be described below, but the present invention is not limited by these examples.

[0144] [Example 1]

[0145] Prepare an aqueous solution comprising glycerol, hydroxypropyl cellulose (trade name: CELNY, manufactured by Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.) and plant fiber (trade name: Herbacel AQPlus CF-D / 100, manufactured by Sumitomo Pharma & Chemical Co., Ltd.) in a mass ratio of 9:7:4. Coat the aqueous solution on a non-woven fabric (trade name: Taiko TCF, manufactured by Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) and dry it, thereby obtaining an aerosol source support having a glycerol content of about 30% by mass per unit area weight. Figure 1 The section 4 of the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 1 shown in (a) containing the aerosol source is filled with 300 mg of this aerosol source support as the aerosol source support 9. In addition, Figure 1 The section 5 of the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 1 shown in (a) containing the tobacco component is filled with 50 mg of tobacco particles pretreated with an alkali as the tobacco material 11. The content of the aerosol source (glycerol) contained in the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler is about 90 mg.

[0146] Insert the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler into Figure 2In the heating device 27 shown, only the section 4 containing the aerosol source was heated at 295 °C. Thereafter, the amount of each component contained in the smoke drawn was measured by sucking from the mouthpiece portion. Using a smoking machine (trade name: SM450RH, manufactured by CERULEAN), sucking was performed once every 30 seconds, for 2 seconds each time, 55 ml each time, for a total of 11 times. The amounts of TSNA (tobacco-specific nitrosamines), Carb (carbonyl compounds), and VOC (volatile organic compounds) contained in the mainstream smoke obtained by sucking were measured by the following respective methods. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0147] (1) TSNA

[0148] The mainstream smoke was captured using a Cambridge filter (manufactured by Borgwalt: 400 filter of 44 mm), extracted with an aqueous ammonium acetate solution, and then the amount of TSNA was analyzed by means of LC-MS / MS (Sciex: TQ7500). NNN (N'-nitrosonornicotine), NAT (N'-nitrosoanatabine), NAB (N'-nitrosoanabasine), and NNK (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone) were analyzed as TSNA.

[0149] (2) Carb

[0150] The mainstream smoke was captured using an impinger (2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH), phosphoric acid, acetonitrile, and water, 22 °C), and after treatment with a Trizma base solution, the amount of Carb was analyzed by means of HPLC (Agilent Technologies: 1290Infinity II LC system). Acetaldehyde, acetone, propionaldehyde, crotonaldehyde, MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), and n-butyraldehyde were analyzed as Carb.

[0151] (3) VOC

[0152] The mainstream smoke was captured using an impinger (methanol, -70 °C), and thereafter the amount of VOC was analyzed by means of GC-MS (Agilent Technologies: 7890A / 5975C). 1,3-Butadiene, isoprene, acrylonitrile, benzene, and toluene were analyzed as VOC.

[0153] [Comparative Example 1]

[0154] Put Figure 1(a) The aerosol - generating rod 2 of the heat - not - burn type flavor inhaler 1 shown is combined into a single segment containing both glycerol (the aerosol source) and the tobacco component, rather than being divided into two segments (segment 4 containing the aerosol source and segment 5 containing the tobacco component). In addition, a heat - not - burn type flavor inhaler was prepared, and the amounts of TSNA, Carb, and VOC contained in the mainstream smoke were measured in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0155] [Table 1]

[0156]

[0157] As can be seen from Table 1, compared with Comparative Example 1 in which a mixture of glycerol (the aerosol source) and the tobacco component is directly heated without dividing the aerosol - generating rod into two segments (a segment containing the aerosol source and a segment containing the tobacco component), the amount of the secondarily - generated components formed in Example 1 using the heat - not - burn type flavor inhalation system according to the embodiment is reduced.

[0158] The embodiments include the following aspects.

[0159] [1] A heat - not - burn type flavor inhalation system, comprising: a heat - not - burn type flavor inhaler including a segment containing an aerosol source and a segment containing a tobacco component disposed downstream of the segment containing the aerosol source; and

[0160] a heating device including a heater that heats the segment containing the aerosol source but does not heat the segment containing the tobacco component.

[0161] [2] The heat - not - burn type flavor inhalation system as disclosed in [1], wherein the aerosol source contained in the segment containing the aerosol source is at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, triacetin, and 1,3 - butanediol.

[0162] [3] The heat - not - burn type flavor inhalation system as disclosed in [1] or [2], wherein the segment containing the aerosol source includes an aerosol - source support in which the aerosol source is supported by a carrier.

[0163] [4] The heat - not - burn type flavor inhalation system as disclosed in any one of [1] to [3], wherein the content of the aerosol source contained in the heat - not - burn type flavor inhaler is 10 mg to 5000 mg.

[0164] [5] The heat - not - burn type flavor inhalation system as disclosed in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the segment containing the aerosol source does not contain a tobacco component.

[0165] [6] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system disclosed in any one of [1] to [5], wherein the segment containing the tobacco component includes at least one type of tobacco material selected from the group consisting of tobacco particles, tobacco powder, cut tobacco, tobacco sheets, and tobacco extracts.

[0166] [7] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system disclosed in any one of [1] to [6], wherein the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler further includes a flavoring component.

[0167] [8] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system disclosed in [7], wherein the flavoring component is contained in a segment other than the segment containing the aerosol source.

[0168] [9] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system disclosed in [7] or [8], wherein the flavoring component is contained in the segment containing the tobacco component.

[0169]

[10] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system disclosed in [6], wherein the segment containing tobacco includes a flavor support and the tobacco material.

[0170]

[11] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system disclosed in any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler further includes at least one segment selected from the group consisting of: a cooling segment formed by a first cylindrical member having perforations; a central hole segment formed by a second cylindrical member; and a filter segment.

[0171]

[12] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system disclosed in any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the heating temperature provided by the heater for the segment containing the aerosol source is 150°C to 400°C.

[0172] List of reference numerals

[0173] 1 Heat-not-burn flavor inhaler

[0174] 2 Aerosol generating rod

[0175] 3 Mouthpiece segment

[0176] 4 Segment containing the aerosol source

[0177] 5 Segment containing the tobacco component

[0178] 6 Cooling segment

[0179] 7 Central hole segment

[0180] 8 Filter segment

[0181] 9 Aerosol source support

[0182] 10 Wrapper

[0183] 11 Tobacco material

[0184] 12 Wrapper

[0185] 13 Cylindrical member

[0186] 14 Perforation

[0187] 15 Second filling layer

[0188] 16 Second inner wrapper

[0189] 17 First filling layer

[0190] 18 First inner wrapper

[0191] 19 Outer wrapper

[0192] 20 Mouthpiece liner

[0193] 27 Heating device

[0194] 28 Body

[0195] 29 Heater

[0196] 30 Metal tube

[0197] 31 Battery unit

[0198] 32 Control unit

[0199] 33 Recess

[0200] 34 Outer wrapper

Claims

1. A heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system, comprising: A heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler comprising a segment containing an aerosol source and a segment containing a tobacco component disposed downstream of the segment containing the aerosol source; and a heating device, the heating device comprising a heater that heats the segment containing the aerosol source but does not heat the segment containing the tobacco component.

2. The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein, The aerosol source contained in the segment containing the aerosol source is at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, triacetin, and 1,3-butanediol.

3. The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The segment containing the aerosol source includes an aerosol source support member in which the aerosol source is supported by a carrier.

4. The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The content of the aerosol source contained in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler is 10 mg to 5000 mg.

5. The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The segment containing the aerosol source does not contain a tobacco component.

6. The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The segment containing the tobacco component includes at least one type of tobacco material selected from the group consisting of tobacco particles, tobacco powder, cut tobacco, tobacco sheet, and tobacco extract.

7. The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler further includes a flavoring component.

8. The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to claim 7, wherein, The flavoring component is contained in a segment other than the segment containing the aerosol source.

9. The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The flavoring component is contained in the segment containing the tobacco component.

10. The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to claim 6, wherein, The segment containing the tobacco includes a flavor support member and the tobacco material.

11. The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler further includes at least one segment selected from the group consisting of a cooling segment formed by a first cylindrical member having perforations, a central hole segment formed by a second cylindrical member, and a filter segment.

12. The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The heating temperature provided by the heater to the segment containing the aerosol source is 150°C to 400°C.

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