Fragrance-supporting constituent member for flavor-producing product, method for producing same, flavor-producing product, coating solution, and method for producing same

Abstract

A flavor-supporting constituent member of a flavor-generating product includes a constituent member of the flavor-generating product, and a flavor composition supported on the constituent member and containing particles containing menthol and hydroxypropyl cellulose (the viscosity of a 2 mass% aqueous solution thereof at 20 DEG C is 100 mPa.s or less), and glycerin as a dispersion medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spice-loaded constituent member of a flavor-generating article and a method for manufacturing the same, as well as a flavor-generating article and a coating liquid, and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0002] Among known flavor-generating articles including flavor sources such as tobacco flavor sources, there are flavor inhalers and smokeless tobacco. Users taste flavors from flavor inhalers by inhalation, and users taste tobacco flavors from smokeless tobacco by directly inserting the product into the nasal cavity or oral cavity. Flavor inhalers can be broadly classified into combustion-type flavor inhalers represented by conventional cigarettes, heat-not-burn flavor inhalers called heated tobacco products, and non-heated flavor inhalers from which users inhale flavors without burning or heating the flavor source.

[0003] These flavor-generating articles must provide stable flavors to users during the usage period. However, the problem is that when volatile flavor components such as menthol in a flavor-generating article are added to the flavor source in the form of a solution, the flavor components dissipate during long-term storage, and the flavor effect does not last. So far, there have been various reports on solving the problem of flavor component dissipation during storage.

[0004] For example, PTL 1 discloses that when a constituent member of a flavor-generating article is made to load a coating liquid containing a spice and a spice retention agent to be sprayed thereon, its volatilization can be suppressed and the spice can be incorporated into the flavor-generating article.

[0005] Citation List

[0006] Patent Document

[0007] PTL 1 WO 2013 / 011899 A1 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical Problem

[0009] The inventors focused on the following problems: increasing the viscosity of the coating liquid containing a spice and a spice retention agent can increase the difficulty of spice volatilization, but also increase the difficulty of applying the coating liquid to the constituent member of the flavor-generating article, while decreasing the viscosity of the coating liquid can increase the ease of applying the coating liquid to the constituent member of the flavor-generating article, but also increase the ease of spice volatilization. The challenge faced by the present invention is to solve the above problems, that is, to achieve both the ease of applying the coating liquid to the constituent member of the flavor-generating article and the storage stability of the spice.

[0010] Solution to the Problem

[0011] In a first aspect, there is provided a spice-loaded constituent member of a flavor-generating article, comprising:

[0012] Constituent members of a flavor generating article; and

[0013] A perfume composition loaded on the above-mentioned constituent members, the perfume composition containing particles comprising menthol and hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2% by mass aqueous solution at 20°C,

[0014] and glycerol as a dispersion medium.

[0015] A second aspect provides a flavor generating article, the flavor generating article including the perfume-loaded constituent member of the first aspect.

[0016] A third aspect provides a method for manufacturing a coating liquid for coating a constituent member of a flavor generating article, the method comprising:

[0017] Preparing a liquid mixture by mixing menthol and hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2% by mass aqueous solution at 20°C at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of menthol; and

[0018] Mixing the above liquid mixture with glycerol.

[0019] A fourth aspect provides a method for manufacturing a perfume-loaded constituent member of a flavor generating article, the method comprising:

[0020] Manufacturing a coating liquid according to the method of the third aspect; and

[0021] Applying the above coating liquid to a constituent member of a flavor generating article.

[0022] A fifth aspect provides a coating liquid for coating a constituent member of a flavor generating article, the coating liquid containing particles comprising menthol and hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2% by mass aqueous solution at 20°C, and glycerol as a dispersion medium.

[0023] Effects of the Invention

[0024] The present invention enables both ease of application of a coating liquid to a constituent member of a flavor generating article and perfume storage stability. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Figure 1 Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing an example of a perfume-loaded constituent member.

[0026] Figure 2 Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a method for preparing a coating liquid. ​​​​

[0027] Figure 3A Figure 3A is a schematic front view showing an example of an aerosol generating device.

[0028] Figure 3B Figure 3B is Figure 3A a schematic top view of the aerosol generating device shown.

[0029] Figure 3C Figure 3C is Figure 3A a schematic bottom view of the aerosol generating device shown.

[0030] Figure 4 Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing an example of a tobacco rod.

[0031] Figure 5 Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III of the aerosol generating device shown Figure 3B .

[0032] Figure 6 Figure 6 is a graph showing the viscosity of the coating liquid.

[0033] Figure 7 Figure 7 is a graph showing the viscosity of the coating liquid.

[0034] Figure 8 Figure 8 is a graph showing the menthol aroma retention rate of the coating liquid.

[0035] Figure 9 Figure 9 is a graph showing the menthol aroma retention rate of the coating liquid.

[0036] Figure 10 Figure 10 is a graph showing the relationship between viscosity and menthol aroma retention rate.

[0037] Figure 11 Figure 11 is a graph showing the relationship between viscosity and menthol aroma retention rate.

[0038] Figure 12 Figure 12 is a graph showing the transmission spectrum of the coating liquid.

[0039] Figure 13 Figure 13 is a graph showing the relationship between viscosity and menthol aroma retention rate. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0040] Figure 14 Figure 14 is a graph showing the relationship between the puff count and the menthol content.

[0041] Figure 15 Figure 15 is a graph showing the relationship between the puff count and the glycerin content. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The inventors of the present invention have newly discovered that if a coating liquid containing low-viscosity hydroxypropyl cellulose, menthol, and glycerin is prepared by the specific method shown below, a coating liquid having low viscosity but high perfume storage stability can be provided. Figure 2 A coating liquid having low viscosity but high perfume storage stability can be provided if a coating liquid containing low-viscosity hydroxypropyl cellulose, menthol, and glycerin is prepared by the specific method shown.

[0043] <1> Perfume-Loaded Component

[0044] The perfume-loaded component of the flavor-generating article (hereinafter simply referred to as the "perfume-loaded component") includes:

[0045] A component of the flavor-generating article; and

[0046] A perfume composition loaded on the above component, the perfume composition containing particles including menthol and hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2% by mass aqueous solution at 20°C,

[0047] and glycerin as a dispersion medium.

[0048] (Flavor-Generating Article)

[0049] The flavor-generating article includes a flavor inhaler and a smokeless tobacco product. A user inhales a flavor (e.g., a tobacco flavor) from the flavor inhaler, and the user directly inserts the smokeless tobacco product into the nasal cavity or oral cavity to taste the tobacco flavor.

[0050] The flavor inhaler is any inhaler including a flavor source, and a user uses the inhaler to taste the flavor derived from the flavor source by inhalation. The flavor source included in the flavor inhaler is preferably a tobacco flavor source. Specific flavor inhalers include a combustion-type flavor inhaler that provides a flavor to a user by burning the flavor source; a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler (also referred to as a heat-not-burn tobacco stick) that provides a flavor to a user by heating the flavor source without burning it; and a non-heating flavor inhaler that provides a flavor to a user without burning or heating the flavor source.

[0051] Smokeless tobacco is a product containing a flavor source, and a user tastes the flavor derived from the flavor source therefrom by directly inserting the product into the nasal cavity or oral cavity. The flavor source included in the smokeless tobacco is preferably a tobacco flavor source. Snuff and chewing tobacco are known types of smokeless tobacco. ​​​​

[0052] (Constituent members of flavor generating articles)

[0053] "Constituent members of flavor generating articles" are the basic members for loading fragrance compositions. For this reason, the constituent members of flavor generating articles are also referred to as "basic members" in the following description.

[0054] The basic member is, for example, tobacco filler. Tobacco filler is a tobacco material used as a tobacco flavor source in flavor generating articles. The tobacco filler material can be, for example, cut tobacco, shaped tobacco (such as sheet tobacco or tobacco granules), or a combination thereof. Cut tobacco means cut tobacco leaves (i.e., dried tobacco leaves) prepared to be incorporated into flavor generating articles. Sheet tobacco means shaped tobacco in which tobacco materials, such as tobacco fragments or cut tobacco produced from leaf fragments, shredded fragments, etc. in raw material factories and manufacturing factories, are formed into sheets or their cut products. Tobacco granules are tobacco materials formed into granular form, such as tobacco fragments or cut tobacco produced from leaf fragments, shredded fragments, etc. in raw material factories and manufacturing factories.

[0055] When the basic member in this specification is tobacco filler, the fragrance-loaded constituent member is called "fragrance-loaded tobacco filler". When the basic member is shaped tobacco, the fragrance-loaded constituent member is specifically called "fragrance-loaded shaped tobacco". Similarly, when the basic member is sheet tobacco, the fragrance-loaded constituent member is called "fragrance-loaded sheet tobacco".

[0056] Figure 1 Examples of fragrance-loaded constituent members are shown, where sheet tobacco is used as the basic member. Figure 1 Fragrance-loaded sheet tobacco 1 is shown, in which fragrance composition 1b is formed on sheet tobacco 1a. Since sheet tobacco 1a has voids, fragrance composition 1b has entered Figure 1 the voids in sheet tobacco 1a in

[0057] Alternatively, the basic member can be cigarette paper. Cigarette paper is a roll paper used to wrap tobacco filler in a flavor inhaler.

[0058] Alternatively, the basic member can be a filter. Specifically, the basic member can be the filter material (such as cellulose acetate fibers, paper or membrane) constituting the filter, or the filter rod wrapper wrapped around the filter material. When the basic member is the filter material constituting the filter, the fragrance-loaded constituent member is called "fragrance-loaded filter material".

[0059] (Fragrance composition)

[0060] "Fragrance composition" is loaded on the basic member and contains the following components:

[0061] Hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C;

[0062] Menthol; and

[0063] Glycerol.

[0064] In the following description, "hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C" is also referred to as "low-viscosity hydroxypropyl cellulose".

[0065] The flavor composition can be formed by coating a base member with a coating liquid containing low-viscosity hydroxypropyl cellulose, menthol, and glycerol, and drying the base member coated with the coating liquid. The drying can be carried out, for example, by allowing the base member coated with the coating liquid to stand at room temperature (e.g., 15°C - 25°C). Drying should be continued until the coating liquid is significantly solidified. The flavor composition can be present so as to form a layer on the surface of the constituent member of the flavor-generating article, or can be present only in the recesses when there are irregularities on the surface of the constituent member of the flavor-generating article.

[0066] The "low-viscosity hydroxypropyl cellulose" used in the present invention has a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C. The viscosity of the hydroxypropyl cellulose used in the present invention in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C is preferably 50 mPa·s or less, more preferably 30 mPa·s or less, and still more preferably 10 mPa·s or less. The lower limit of the viscosity is not particularly limited and is, for example, 1.0 mPa·s.

[0067] In the present specification, the viscosity in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C refers to the viscosity measured at 20°C and 60 rpm using a B-type viscometer (JIS Z8803:2011).

[0068] Low-viscosity hydroxypropyl cellulose is commercially available, and examples include Celny SSL (viscosity in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C: 2.0 - 2.9 mPa·s, Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.), Celny SL (viscosity in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C: 3.0 - 5.9 mPa·s, Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.), and Celny L (viscosity in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C: 6.0 - 10.0 mPa·s, Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.).

[0069] With respect to 100 parts by mass of menthol, the content of low-viscosity hydroxypropyl cellulose in the fragrance composition is preferably 20 - 70 parts by mass. With respect to 100 parts by mass of menthol, the content of low-viscosity hydroxypropyl cellulose in the fragrance composition is more preferably 30 - 70 parts by mass, and still more preferably 40 - 60 parts by mass.

[0070] With respect to 100 parts by mass of menthol, the content of glycerol in the fragrance composition is preferably 40 - 120 parts by mass. With respect to 100 parts by mass of menthol, the content of glycerol in the fragrance composition is more preferably 60 - 110 parts by mass, and still more preferably 80 - 100 parts by mass.

[0071] <2> Method for manufacturing a fragrance-loaded component

[0072] The above-mentioned fragrance-loaded component can be manufactured by the following method. That is, on the other hand, a method for manufacturing a component of a flavor-generating article is provided, and the method includes:

[0073] Preparing a liquid mixture by mixing menthol and hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of menthol;

[0074] Mixing the above liquid mixture with glycerol to prepare a coating liquid; and

[0075] Applying the above coating liquid onto a component of a flavor-generating article.

[0076] The method for preparing the coating liquid and the subsequent method for coating the coating liquid are described in sequence as follows.

[0077] <2-1> Method for preparing the coating liquid

[0078] The method for preparing the coating liquid is shown in Figure 2 as follows. As Figure 2 shown, first, low-viscosity hydroxypropyl cellulose and menthol are mixed at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of menthol (S1), and the resulting mixture is mixed with glycerol (S2) to prepare a coating liquid.

[0079] The melting point of menthol is about 43°C. Therefore, "a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of menthol" means a temperature of 43°C or higher. Therefore, the step of mixing low-viscosity hydroxypropyl cellulose and menthol (S1) can be carried out at a temperature in the range of, for example, 45°C - 100°C, preferably 50°C - 100°C, or more preferably 60°C - 100°C. The step of mixing the mixture with glycerol (S2) can be carried out at any temperature, but is preferably carried out at the same temperature as the mixing step (S1).

[0080] The preferred composition of the coating liquid is the same as the preferred composition of the flavor composition. That is, relative to 100 parts by mass of menthol, the content of low-viscosity hydroxypropyl cellulose in the coating liquid is preferably 20 - 70 parts by mass. Relative to 100 parts by mass of menthol, the content of low-viscosity hydroxypropyl cellulose in the coating liquid is more preferably 30 - 70 parts by mass, and still more preferably 40 - 60 parts by mass. Relative to 100 parts by mass of menthol, the content of glycerol in the coating liquid is preferably 40 - 120 parts by mass. Relative to 100 parts by mass of menthol, the content of glycerol in the coating liquid is more preferably 60 - 110 parts by mass, and still more preferably 80 - 100 parts by mass.

[0081] By using Figure 2 The coating liquid prepared by the two-stage mixing method shown allows obtaining a "low-viscosity, turbid coating liquid" (see Examples 1 and 4 below).

[0082] The inventors of the present invention believe the reasons for obtaining a "low-viscosity, turbid coating liquid" are as follows. In the first mixing step (S1), hydroxypropyl cellulose is dissolved in menthol. When glycerol is mixed in the subsequent mixing step (S2), the hydroxypropyl cellulose and menthol mixture phase is mixed with the glycerol phase, and during its stirring, it is considered that the hydroxypropyl cellulose and menthol mixture is dispersed in glycerol in the form of droplets. In this case, it is considered that hydroxypropyl cellulose interacts with glycerol at the interface between the droplets and menthol, and the hydroxypropyl cellulose and menthol mixture exists in the form of droplets, where menthol is protected by the interaction between hydroxypropyl cellulose and glycerol. That is, it seems that the "low-viscosity, turbid coating liquid" has particles containing hydroxypropyl cellulose and menthol colloidal-dispersed in glycerol.

[0083] On the other hand, a "low-viscosity, turbid coating liquid" cannot be obtained by simultaneously mixing all of low-viscosity hydroxypropyl cellulose, menthol, and glycerol together to prepare a coating liquid that produces a solid substance (see Example 1 below). This solid substance seems to be a reaction product of glycerol and hydroxypropyl cellulose.

[0084] <2-2> Coating method of the coating liquid

[0085] The flavor-loaded component member can be manufactured by coating the component member of the flavor-generating article with the above coating liquid. The coating can be carried out by any method as long as the coating liquid is applied to the surface of the component member of the flavor-generating article. For example, the coating can be carried out by extruding using a slit feeder and thus adding the coating liquid to the surface of the component member of the flavor-generating article, or by applying the coating liquid to the surface of the component member of the flavor-generating article using a film applicator or the like.

[0086] As noted above, after the components of the flavor-generating article are coated with the coating liquid, the coating liquid is dried and cured. When cured, the coating liquid is referred to as a "perfume composition".

[0087] <2-3> Effects

[0088] The "low-viscosity, turbid coating liquid" is superior in terms of ease of application to the components of the flavor-generating article due to its low viscosity. The "low-viscosity, turbid coating liquid" is also excellent in terms of high menthol storage stability after being applied to the components of the flavor-generating article. In addition, the perfume-loaded component manufactured using the "low-viscosity, turbid coating liquid" is excellent in enabling the stable release of menthol throughout the puffing period of the flavor inhaler. These effects are demonstrated in coating liquids 1E and 2E in Examples 1-3 described below, coating liquids 10A and 10B in Example 4, and Examples 5 and 6.

[0089] <3> Coating Liquid and Its Manufacturing Method

[0090] The above coating liquid and its manufacturing method are one aspect of the present invention. That is, on the other hand, there is also provided a method for manufacturing a coating liquid for coating the components of a flavor-generating article, the method comprising:

[0091] Preparing a liquid mixture by mixing menthol and hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of menthol; and

[0092] Mixing the above liquid mixture with glycerol.

[0093] The method for manufacturing the coating liquid can be carried out as described in the "<2-1> Coating Liquid Preparation Method" section.

[0094] On the other hand, there is also provided a coating liquid produced by the above "method for manufacturing a coating liquid". As noted above, this coating liquid clearly has particles containing hydroxypropyl cellulose and menthol colloidal-dispersed in glycerol. On the other hand, there is also provided a coating liquid for coating the components of a flavor-generating article, the coating liquid comprising particles containing menthol and hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C, and glycerol as a dispersion medium.

[0095] The above-mentioned coating liquid is characterized in that when a transmission spectrum is obtained using a spectrophotometer in the wavelength range of 500 - 700 nm, it has a transmittance of 10% or less in the entire wavelength range of 500 - 700 nm (see Example 4 below). That is to say, the above-mentioned coating liquid is characterized in that it is turbid. The above-mentioned coating liquid is also characterized in that, as pointed out above, it has a low viscosity.

[0096] As pointed out above, using such a coating liquid to produce a flavor-loaded component enables both the ease of applying the coating liquid to the components of a flavor-generating article and the flavor storage stability.

[0097] <4> Flavor-generating article

[0098] The above-mentioned "flavor-loaded component" can be integrated into any flavor-generating article. That is to say, on the other hand, a flavor-generating article is provided, which comprises the above-mentioned "flavor-loaded component".

[0099] The flavor-generating article of the present invention has the same configuration as a common flavor-generating article, except that the components of the common flavor-generating article have been replaced by the above-mentioned "flavor-loaded component". In the flavor-generating article of the present invention, the above-mentioned "flavor-loaded component" can replace multiple components of a common flavor-generating article (for example, tobacco filler and filter), or the above-mentioned "flavor-loaded component" can replace one component of a common flavor-generating article (for example, tobacco filler). In addition, when the above-mentioned "flavor-loaded tobacco filler material" replaces the tobacco filler, the above-mentioned "flavor-loaded tobacco filler" can replace all tobacco filler materials, or the above-mentioned "flavor-loaded tobacco filler" can replace some tobacco filler.

[0100] As pointed out above, flavor-generating articles include combustible flavor inhalers, heat-not-burn flavor inhalers, non-heated flavor inhalers, and smokeless tobacco.

[0101] A "combustible flavor inhaler" is a flavor inhaler that provides flavor to a user by burning a flavor source such as tobacco filler (for example, cut tobacco or shaped tobacco). Examples of combustible flavor inhalers include cigarettes, pipes, kiseru (Japanese smoking pipes), cigars, and cigarillos.

[0102] A "heat-not-burn flavor inhaler" is a flavor inhaler that provides flavor to a user by heating but not burning a flavor source such as tobacco filler. As an example of a non-heated flavor inhaler,

[0103] a carbon heat source flavor inhaler that heats tobacco filler with heat from the combustion of a carbon heat source can be cited (see, for example, WO 2006 / 073065);

[0104] An electrically heated flavor inhaler, which includes a tobacco rod containing a tobacco filler material and a heating device for electrically heating the tobacco rod (see, for example, WO 2010 / 110226); or

[0105] A liquid atomizing flavor inhaler, in which a liquid aerosol source is heated by using a heater to generate an aerosol, and a flavor derived from a tobacco filler is inhaled together with the aerosol (see, for example, WO 2015 / 046385).

[0106] A "non-heated flavor inhaler" is a flavor inhaler that provides a flavor to a user without burning or heating a flavor source such as a tobacco filler. Examples of non-heated flavor inhalers are non-heated tobacco flavor inhalers (see, for example, WO2012 / 023515), which include an inhaler body having an air flow channel and tobacco particles disposed in the air flow channel, and air passes through the air flow channel through an inhalation cycle.

[0107] "Smokeless tobacco" is a product that a user directly inserts into the nasal cavity or oral cavity to taste the tobacco flavor. The former is called a nasal tobacco product, and the latter is called an oral tobacco product. Examples of the former are snuff, and examples of the latter are chewing tobacco.

[0108] Preferred aspects enable the above-mentioned "spice-loaded constituent member" to be integrated into a flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler is more preferably a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler.

[0109] A preferred embodiment provides a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, which includes:

[0110] A tobacco rod, which contains a flavor source, the flavor source includes the above-mentioned "spice-loaded tobacco filler" (such as spice-loaded formed tobacco), and a rolling paper wrapped around the above-mentioned flavor source; and

[0111] A heater to heat

[0112] The above-mentioned flavor source contained in the above-mentioned tobacco rod. The tobacco rod may further include a filter downstream of the flavor source (i.e., on the mouthpiece side).

[0113] Another preferred embodiment provides a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, which includes:

[0114] A tobacco rod, which includes a flavor source, the flavor source includes a tobacco filler, a mouthpiece filter rod disposed upstream of the flavor source (i.e., on the side opposite to the mouthpiece) and containing "spice-loaded filter material", and a rolling paper wrapped around the flavor source and the mouthpiece filter rod; and

[0115] A heater to heat

[0116] The above flavor source contained in the above tobacco rod.

[0117] [Examples of heat-not-burn flavor inhalers]

[0118] Reference is made below to Figure 3A 、 3B 、3C, 4 and 5 to describe examples of a heat-not-burn smoking system. In this example, the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler includes an aerosol generating device 100 and a tobacco rod 200. Figure 3A is a schematic front view of an example of an aerosol generating device. Figure 3B is Figure 3A a schematic top view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 3C is Figure 3A a schematic bottom view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a tobacco rod. Figure 5 is along Figure 3B a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the aerosol generating device shown in

[0119] An X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system can be applied to the drawings for ease of description. In this coordinate system, the Z-axis is oriented vertically upward, the X-Y plane is arranged to horizontally cut through the aerosol generating device 100, and the Y-axis is arranged to extend from the front surface to the rear surface of the aerosol generating device 100. The Z-axis may refer to the insertion direction of the tobacco rod to be accommodated in the chamber 150 of the atomization unit 130 described below, or may refer to the axial direction of the chamber 150. In addition, the X-axis is a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis and the Z-axis, and the X-axis and the Y-axis are radial directions perpendicular to the axial direction or the radial direction of the chamber 150.

[0120] The aerosol generating device 100 is configured, for example, to generate a flavored aerosol by heating a rod-shaped consumable material including the above-mentioned "flavor-loaded tobacco filler".

[0121] As Figure 3A - 3C shown, the aerosol generating device 100 includes an outer housing 101 (corresponding to an example of a housing), a sliding cover 102, and a switch unit 103. The outer housing 101 forms the outermost housing of the aerosol generating device 100, and the size of the outer housing is determined to be suitable for the user's hand. When the user uses the flavor inhaler, the user can manually hold the aerosol generating device 100 to inhale the aerosol. The outer housing 101 can be configured by assembling a plurality of components. The outer housing 101 is made of resin, for example, and can specifically be formed of, for example, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer blend containing various types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum.

[0122] The outer housing 101 has an opening (not shown) for receiving a tobacco stick, and the sliding cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 to close the opening. More specifically, the sliding cover 102 is configured to be able to move along the outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position ( Figure 3A and 3B the position shown) for closing the opening of the outer housing 101 and an open position ( Figure 5 the position shown) for opening the above-mentioned opening. For example, the user can move the sliding cover 102 between the closed position and the open position by operating the sliding cover 102. This will allow or restrict the entry of the tobacco stick into the interior of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0123] The switch unit 103 is used to turn on and off the operation of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the user can operate the switch unit 103 to heat without burning the tobacco stick, where the tobacco stick is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, to supply power from a power source (see Figure 5 reference numeral 121 in Figure 5 the drawings) to a heater (see

[0124] reference numeral 140 in the drawings). Note that the switch unit 103 can be a switch provided outside the outer housing 101, or can be a switch located inside the outer housing 101. If the switch is located inside the outer housing 101, the switch is indirectly pressed by pressing the switch unit 103 on the surface of the outer housing 101. In the example described here, the switch of the switch unit 103 is located inside the outer housing 101.

[0125] Next, the tobacco stick to be used with the aerosol generating device 100 is described. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the tobacco stick 200. In this example, the flavor inhaler is composed of the aerosol generating device 100 and the tobacco stick 200. As Figure 4 shown, the tobacco stick 200 includes a smokable material 201, a tubular member 204, a hollow filter portion 206, and a filter portion 205.

[0126] The smokable material 201 is wrapped with a first roll of paper 202. The tubular member 204, the hollow filter portion 206, and the filter portion 205 are wrapped with a second roll of paper 203 different from the first roll of paper 202. The second wrapping paper 203 also wraps a part of the first wrapping paper 202 that wraps the smokable material 201. Thus, the tubular member 204, the hollow filter portion 206, and the filter portion 205 are connected to the smokable material 201. However, the second roll of paper 203 can be omitted, and the first roll of paper 202 can be used to connect the tubular member 204, the hollow filter portion 206, and the filter portion 205 to the smokable material 201. A lip demolding agent 207 is applied to the outer surface of the second roll of paper 203, near the end on the filter portion 205 side, to facilitate the separation of the user's lips from the second roll of paper 203. The portion of the tobacco rod 200 to which the lip demolding agent 207 is applied serves as the mouthpiece of the tobacco rod 200.

[0127] The smokable material 201 contains the above-mentioned "flavor-loaded tobacco filler" as a flavor source. As pointed out above, the "flavor-loaded tobacco filler" can be used alone as a flavor source for a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, or can be mixed with tobacco fillers commonly used in heat-not-burn flavor inhalers and used as a flavor source. The flavor-loaded tobacco filler is, for example, flavor-loaded formed tobacco. The flavor-loaded formed tobacco is, for example, flavor-loaded sheet tobacco.

[0128] In addition, the first wrapping paper 202 that wraps the smokable material 201 can be a breathable sheet member. The tubular member 204 can be a paper tube or a hollow filter. In this example, the tobacco rod 200 includes the smokable material 201, the tubular member 204, the hollow filter portion 206, and the filter portion 205, but the configuration of the tobacco rod 200 is not limited to this. For example, the hollow filter portion 206 can be omitted, and the tubular member 204 and the filter portion 205 can be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0129] Next, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is described. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the Figure 3B III-III line of the aerosol generating device 100 shown. As Figure 5 shown, an inner housing 110 (equivalent to an example of the housing) is provided inside the outer housing 101 of the aerosol generating device 100. The inner housing 110 is made of, for example, resin, and can specifically be formed of, for example, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer blend containing various types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. Note that, from the perspectives of heat resistance and strength, the inner housing 110 is preferably PEEK. The power supply unit 120 and the atomization unit 130 are provided in the internal space of the inner housing 110.

[0130] The power supply unit 120 includes a power supply 121. The power supply 121 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power supply 121 is electrically connected to the atomization unit 130. The power supply 121 can thus supply power to the atomization unit 130 to appropriately heat the tobacco rod 200.

[0131] As Figure 5 shown, the atomization unit 130 includes a metal chamber 150 (corresponding to an example of a tubular portion) extending in the insertion direction of the tobacco rod 200 (i.e., the Z-axis direction), a heater 140 covering a part of the chamber 150, a heat insulation portion 132, and a substantially tubular insertion guide member 134 (corresponding to an example of a guide portion) adjacent to the opening of the chamber 150. The chamber 150 is configured to surround the tobacco rod 200. The heater 140 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 150 and thus heat the tobacco rod 200 inserted into the chamber 150.

[0132] Also as Figure 5 shown, a bottom member 136 (corresponding to an example of a contact unit) is provided at the bottom of the chamber 150. The bottom member 136 can contact the tobacco rod 200 inserted into the chamber 150 in the insertion direction of the tobacco rod 200 and serves as a stopper for positioning the tobacco rod 200. In this case, the chamber 150 and the bottom member 136 constitute a storage portion for accommodating at least a part of the tobacco rod 200. The bottom member 136 may be formed of, for example, a resin material. The bottom member 136 may have irregularities on its surface with which the tobacco rod 200 contacts, and it may define a first air flow path capable of supplying air to the tobacco rod 200 (i.e., communicating with the tobacco rod 200 received in the storage portion). The bottom member 136 is made of, for example, resin and may specifically be formed of, for example, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer blend containing various types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. Note that the bottom member 136 is preferably formed of a material with low thermal conductivity in order to suppress heat transfer to the heat insulation portion 132 and the like.

[0133] The heat insulation portion 132 is generally tubular as a whole and is arranged to surround the chamber 150. For example, the heat insulation portion 132 may include aerogel sheets. The insertion guide member 134 is disposed between the sliding lid 102 in the closed position and the chamber 150. The insertion guide member 134 is made of resin, for example, and may specifically be formed of, for example, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer blend containing various types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. Note that the insertion guide member 134 may be formed of, for example, a metal, glass, or ceramic. Further, from the perspective of heat resistance, the insertion guide member 134 is preferably PEEK. The insertion guide member 134 communicates with the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 when the sliding lid 102 is in the open position, and guides the tobacco rod 200 into the chamber 150 when the tobacco rod 200 is inserted into the insertion guide member 134. The provision of the insertion guide member 134 facilitates the insertion of the tobacco rod 200 into the chamber 150.

[0134] The aerosol generating device 100 further has a first holding unit 137 and a second holding unit 138 that hold both ends of the holding chamber 150 and the heat insulation portion 132. The first holding unit 137 is arranged to directly or indirectly hold the end portions of the chamber 150 and the heat insulation portion 132 on the negative Z-axis side. The second holding unit 138 is arranged to hold the end portions of the chamber 150 and the heat insulation portion 132 on the sliding lid 102 side (positive Z-axis side).

[0135] <5> Preferred Embodiments

[0136] The following summarizes the preferred embodiments.

[0137] [A1] A flavor generating article fragrance-loaded constituent member, comprising a constituent member of the flavor generating article; and

[0138] A fragrance composition loaded on the above-mentioned constituent member, the fragrance composition containing particles including menthol and hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C,

[0139] and glycerol as a dispersion medium.

[0140] [A2] The fragrance-loaded constituent member according to [A1], wherein the viscosity of the above-mentioned hydroxypropyl cellulose is 50 mPa·s or less, preferably 30 mPa·s or less, more preferably 10 mPa·s or less, and still more preferably 6 mPa·s or less.

[0141] [A3] The flavor-loaded component as described in [A1], wherein the viscosity of the above-mentioned hydroxypropyl cellulose is 1-100 mPa·s, preferably 1-50 mPa·s, more preferably 1-30 mPa·s, still more preferably 1-10 mPa·s, still more preferably 2-10 mPa·s, and still more preferably 2-6 mPa·s.

[0142] [A4] The flavor-loaded component as described in any one of [A1]-[A3], wherein the content of the above-mentioned hydroxypropyl cellulose in the above-mentioned flavor composition is 20-70 parts by mass, preferably 30-70 parts by mass, and more preferably 40-60 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the above-mentioned menthol.

[0143] [A5] The flavor-loaded component as described in any one of [A1]-[A4], wherein the content of the above-mentioned glycerol in the above-mentioned flavor composition is 40-120 parts by mass, preferably 60-110 parts by mass, and more preferably 80-100 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the flavor composition.

[0144] [A6] The flavor-loaded component as described in any one of [A1]-[A5], wherein the above-mentioned flavor-generating article is a flavor inhaler, preferably a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler.

[0145] [A7] The flavor-loaded component as described in any one of [A1]-[A6], wherein the above-mentioned component of the flavor-generating article is tobacco filler, a filter, or cigarette paper.

[0146] [A8] The flavor-loaded component as described in any one of [A1]-[A7], wherein the above-mentioned component of the flavor-generating article is shaped tobacco, a filter, or cigarette paper.

[0147] [A9] The flavor-loaded component as described in any one of [A1]-[A8], wherein the above-mentioned component of the flavor-generating article is tobacco filler, preferably shaped tobacco, and more preferably sheet tobacco.

[0148] [B1] A flavor-generating article comprising the flavor-loaded component as described in any one of [A1]-[A9].

[0149] [B2] The flavor-generating article as described in [B1], wherein the flavor-generating article is a flavor inhaler, preferably a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler.

[0150] [C1] A method for manufacturing a coating liquid for a constituent member for coating a flavor-generating article, the method comprising preparing a liquid mixture by mixing menthol and hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of menthol; and

[0151] mixing the above liquid mixture with glycerol.

[0152] [C2] The method according to [C1], wherein the coating liquid has a transmittance of 10% or less in the entire wavelength range of 500 - 700 nm.

[0153] [C3] The method according to [C1] or [C2], wherein the viscosity of the above hydroxypropyl cellulose is 50 mPa·s or less, preferably 30 mPa·s or less, more preferably 10 mPa·s or less, and still more preferably 6 mPa·s or less.

[0154] [C4], The method according to [C1] or [C2], wherein the viscosity of the above hydroxypropyl cellulose is 1 - 100 mPa·s, preferably 1 - 50 mPa·s, more preferably 1 - 30 mPa·s, still more preferably 1 - 10 mPa·s, still more preferably 2 - 10 mPa·s, and still more preferably 2 - 6 mPa·s.

[0155] [C5] The method according to any one of [C1] - [C4], wherein the hydroxypropyl cellulose is mixed with the above menthol in an amount of 20 - 70 parts by mass, preferably 30 - 70 parts by mass, and more preferably 40 - 60 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the above menthol.

[0156] [C6] The method according to any one of [C1] - [C5], wherein glycerol is mixed with the above liquid mixture in an amount of 40 - 120 parts by mass, preferably 60 - 110 parts by mass, and more preferably 80 - 100 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the above menthol.

[0157] [C7] The method according to any one of [C1] - [C6], wherein the temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of menthol is 43°C or higher, preferably 45°C - 100°C or higher, more preferably 50°C - 100°C or higher, and still more preferably 60°C - 100°C.

[0158] [D1] A method for manufacturing a spice-loaded constituent member of a flavor-generating article, the method comprising manufacturing a coating liquid according to any one of [C1] - [C7]; and

[0159] Apply the above coating liquid to a constituent member of a flavor generating article.

[0160] [D2] The method according to [D1], wherein the flavor generating article is a flavor inhaler, preferably a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler.

[0161] [D3] The method according to [D1] or [D2], wherein the constituent member of the flavor generating article is tobacco filler, a filter, or cigarette paper.

[0162] [D4] The method according to any one of [D1]-[D3], wherein the constituent member of the flavor generating article is shaped tobacco, a filter, or cigarette paper.

[0163] [D5] The method according to any one of [D1]-[D4], wherein the constituent member of the flavor generating article is tobacco filler, preferably shaped tobacco, and more preferably sheet tobacco.

[0164] [E1] A coating liquid for coating a constituent member of a flavor generating article, the coating liquid comprising particles containing menthol and hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C, and glycerol as a dispersion medium.

[0165] [E2] The coating liquid according to [E1], which has a transmittance of 10% or less in the entire wavelength range of 500 - 700 nm.

[0166] [E3] The coating liquid according to [E1] or [E2], wherein the viscosity of the hydroxypropyl cellulose is 50 mPa·s or less, preferably 30 mPa·s or less, more preferably 10 mPa·s or less, and even more preferably 6 mPa·s or less.

[0167] [E4] The coating liquid according to [E1] or [E2], wherein the viscosity of the hydroxypropyl cellulose is 1 - 100 mPa·s, preferably 1 - 50 mPa·s, more preferably 1 - 30 mPa·s, even more preferably 1 - 10 mPa·s, even more preferably 2 - 10 mPa·s, and even more preferably 2 - 6 mPa·s.

[0168] [E5] The coating liquid according to any one of [E1]-[E4], wherein the hydroxypropyl cellulose is mixed with the menthol in an amount of 20 - 70 parts by mass, preferably 30 - 70 parts by mass, and more preferably 40 - 60 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the menthol.

[0169] [E6] The coating liquid according to any one of [E1]-[E5], wherein the glycerol is mixed with the mixture in an amount of 40 to 120 parts by mass, preferably 60 to 110 parts by mass, and more preferably 80 to 100 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the menthol.

[0170] [E7] A coating liquid produced by the method according to any one of [C1]-[C7].

[0171] Examples

[0172] Example 1: Viscosity of the coating liquid

[0173] [1-1] Preparation of the coating liquid

[0174] (Coating liquids 1A-1E)

[0175] According to Figure 2 the method shown, coating liquids 1A-1E were prepared with the following compositions (mass ratio).

[0176] Coating liquid 1AHPC: Menthol: Glycerol = 2: 5: 0

[0177] Coating liquid 1BHPC: Menthol: Glycerol = 2: 5: 1

[0178] Coating liquid 1CHPC: Menthol: Glycerol = 2: 5: 2

[0179] Coating liquid 1DHPC: Menthol: Glycerol = 2: 5: 3

[0180] Coating liquid 1EHPC: Menthol: Glycerol = 2: 5: 4

[0181] Celny SSL (viscosity in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C: 2.0 - 2.9 mPa·s, Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.) was used as the low-viscosity hydroxypropyl cellulose (hereinafter referred to as HPC). First, HPC and menthol (manufactured by Takasago International Corporation) were mixed by stirring in a beaker in an 80°C bath at a mass ratio of 2: 5. Thereby, the HPC was dissolved in the menthol. Thereafter, glycerol (special grade reagent manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was added to the mixture and mixed by stirring in an 80°C bath. Coating liquids 1A-1E were thus prepared.

[0182] (Coating liquids 2A-2E)

[0183] Coating liquids 2A - 2E were prepared according to the same procedure as coating liquids 1A - 1E, except that the composition (mass ratio) of the coating liquids was changed as follows.

[0184] Coating liquid 2AHPC: menthol: glycerol = 3:5:0

[0185] Coating liquid 2BHPC: menthol: glycerol = 3:5:1

[0186] Coating liquid 2CHPC: menthol: glycerol = 3:5:2

[0187] Coating liquid 2DHPC: menthol: glycerol = 3:5:3

[0188] Coating liquid 2EHPC: menthol: glycerol = 3:5:4

[0189] (Coating liquids 3A - 3E)

[0190] Coating liquids 3A - 3E were prepared according to the same procedure as coating liquids 1A - 1E, except that high-viscosity HPC, namely Celny H (viscosity at 20 °C in a 2 mass% aqueous solution is 1000 - 4000 mPa·s; Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.) was used as HPC. Celny H has a higher viscosity than Celny SSL, and thus the blending ratio was reduced to 1 / 10.

[0191] The composition (mass ratio) of coating liquids 3A - 3E is shown below.

[0192] Coating liquid 3AHPC: menthol: glycerol = 0.2:5:0

[0193] Coating liquid 3BHPC: menthol: glycerol = 0.2:5:1

[0194] Coating liquid 3CHPC: menthol: glycerol = 0.2:5:2

[0195] Coating liquid 3DHPC: menthol: glycerol = 0.2:5:3

[0196] Coating liquid 3EHPC: menthol: glycerol = 0.2:5:4

[0197] (Coating liquids 4A - 4D)

[0198] The coating liquids 4A - 4D were prepared by the same procedure as the coating liquids 3A - 3E, except that the composition (mass ratio) of the coating liquids was changed as follows.

[0199] Coating liquid 4A: HPC : menthol : glycerin = 0.3 : 5 : 0

[0200] Coating liquid 4B: HPC : menthol : glycerin = 0.3 : 5 : 1

[0201] Coating liquid 4C: HPC : menthol : glycerin = 0.3 : 5 : 2

[0202] Coating liquid 4D: HPC : menthol : glycerin = 0.3 : 5 : 3

[0203] (Coating liquids 5A - 5B)

[0204] Coating liquid 5A was prepared by mixing low - viscosity HPC (Celny SSL), menthol, and glycerin in a mass ratio of 2 : 5 : 4 by stirring in a beaker in an 80°C bath.

[0205] In addition, coating liquid 5B was prepared by mixing low - viscosity HPC (Celny SSL), menthol, and glycerin in a mass ratio of 3 : 5 : 4 by stirring in a beaker in an 80°C bath.

[0206] Solid substances are produced in coating liquids 5A and 5B. The solid substances are considered to be the reaction products of glycerin and HPC. For this reason, the following viscosity measurements cannot be carried out with coating liquids 5A and 5B.

[0207] [1 - 2] Viscosity measurement

[0208] The viscosities (complex viscosities obtained by modulus measurement) of the coating liquids 1A - 1E, 2A - 2E, 3A - 3E, and 4A - 4D were measured using a rheometer. Haake RheoStress 1 (Thermo Scientific) was used as the rheometer. The viscosities were measured at 60°C.

[0209] [1 - 3] Results

[0210] The viscosities of the coating liquids 1A - 1E and 2A - 2E are shown in Figure 6 The viscosities of the coating liquids 3A - 3E and 4A - 4D are shown in Figure 7 In Figure 6 and 7 the horizontal axis shows the mass ratio of the glycerin content when the menthol content is 5.

[0211] When using low-viscosity HPC ( Figure 6 ), when the glycerol content exceeds a predetermined value (mass ratio of 2), the viscosity of the coating liquid tends to decrease. On the other hand, when using high-viscosity HPC, even when the amount of glycerol mixed increases, no tendency for the viscosity of the coating liquid to decrease is noticed ( Figure 7 ).

[0212] Example 2: Menthol aroma retention rate of coating liquid

[0213] [2-1] Preparation of coating liquid

[0214] Coating liquids 1A-1E, 2A-2E, 3A-3E, and 4A-4D were prepared as described above.

[0215] [2-2] Evaluation of menthol aroma retention rate

[0216] Filter paper strips (1 × 2 mm) were coated with the coating liquid and stored in an open system at room temperature for 2 weeks. After storage for 2 weeks, menthol was extracted from the paper strips using methanol as the extraction solvent. The extract was analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) to determine the menthol content (M1). A 6890 series GC-FID (DB-1 60 m × 320 μm × 1 μm (Agilent part number 123-1063)) was used as the GC-FID.

[0217] Similarly, the menthol content (M0) was determined by extracting menthol from the filter paper strips and performing GC-FID analysis immediately after applying the coating liquid to the filter paper strips.

[0218] The menthol storage stability (hereinafter referred to as "menthol aroma retention rate") was calculated by the following formula.

[0219] Menthol aroma retention rate [%] = (M1 / M0) × 100

[0220] [2-3] Results

[0221] The menthol aroma retention rates of coating liquids 1A-1E and 2A-2E are shown in Figure 8 The menthol aroma retention rates of coating liquids 3A-3E and 4A-4D are shown in Figure 9 In Figure 8 and 9 , the horizontal axis shows the mass ratio of glycerol content when the menthol content is 5.

[0222] When using low-viscosity HPC, the menthol aroma retention rate was not significantly reduced by increasing the amount of glycerol mixed ( Figure 8On the other hand, when using high-viscosity HPC, the menthol aroma retention rate significantly decreases as the amount of glycerol mixed in the coating liquid (coating liquids 3A - 3E) with a relatively small amount of HPC mixed increases ( Figure 9 ). When using high-viscosity HPC, the menthol aroma retention rate also does not significantly decrease as the amount of glycerol mixed in the coating liquid (coating liquids 4A - 4D) with a large amount of HPC added increases ( Figure 9 ). However, having a high viscosity, the coating liquid is thus difficult to apply to the constituent members of the flavor-generating article (see Figure 7 ).

[0223] [Example 3] Relationship between viscosity and menthol aroma retention rate

[0224] Based on the viscosity results in Example 1 and the menthol aroma retention rate results in Example 2, the relationship between viscosity and menthol aroma retention rate is plotted. Figure 10 Shows the relationship between viscosity and menthol aroma retention rate when using low-viscosity HPC. Figure 11 Shows the relationship between viscosity and menthol aroma retention rate when using high-viscosity HPC.

[0225] From these results, it was found that although having a low viscosity, the coating liquid can still exhibit a high menthol aroma retention rate. The data points of the coating liquid that can exhibit a high menthol aroma retention rate despite the low viscosity are Figure 10 the two data points circled in. Starting from the coating liquid with the lowest viscosity, the composition (mass ratio) of the coating liquid is as follows.

[0226] Celny SSL : menthol : glycerol = 3 : 5 : 4 (coating liquid 2E)

[0227] Celny SSL : menthol : glycerol = 2 : 5 : 4 (coating liquid 1E)

[0228] Considering the difficulty of achieving both ease of application and flavor storage stability in the coating liquid, since the menthol aroma retention rate generally increases as the viscosity of the coating liquid increases, it is particularly excellent in achieving both ease of application and flavor storage stability in the above coating liquid.

[0229] In addition, through a procedure similar to that in Examples 1 and 2, propylene glycol was used instead of glycerol to study the viscosity and menthol aroma retention rate of the coating liquid. However, when using propylene glycol instead of glycerol, the menthol aroma retention rate of the coating liquid decreases as the viscosity decreases. That is, when using propylene glycol instead of glycerol, it is impossible to prepare a coating liquid showing a low viscosity and a high menthol aroma retention rate.

[0230] [Example 4] Viscosity of Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

[0231] The results in Example 1 ( Figure 6 ) showed that when using low-viscosity HPC (Celny SSL), when the glycerol content exceeded a predetermined value (mass ratio of 2), the viscosity of the coating liquid tended to decrease. The coating liquid with such a reduced viscosity had a characteristically cloudy appearance. The cloudy coating liquid may have particles containing HPC and menthol colloidal-dispersed in glycerol. Therefore, coating liquids in Example 4 were prepared using HPCs of different viscosities to see if it would cause the above-mentioned cloudiness.

[0232] [4-1] Preparation of Coating Liquid

[0233] The types of HPC used, sold by Nippon Soda Co., Ltd., are as follows. The viscosities shown in parentheses indicate the viscosities in a 2 mass% aqueous solution at 20°C.

[0234] Celny SSL (2.0 - 2.9 mPa·s)

[0235] Celny SL (3.0 - 5.9 mPa·s)

[0236] Celny L (6.0 - 10.0 mPa·s)

[0237] Celny M (150 - 400 mPa.s)

[0238] Celny H (1000 - 4000 mPa·s)

[0239] Coating liquids having the following compositions (i.e., mass ratios) were prepared using the above HPCs. The coating liquids were prepared by a procedure similar to the procedure for preparing coating liquids 1A - 1E in Example 1.

[0240] Coating liquid 10A Celny SSL : menthol : glycerol = 2 : 5 : 4

[0241] (Coating liquid 10A is the same as coating liquid 1E in Example 1.)

[0242] Coating liquid 10B Celny SSL : menthol : glycerol = 3 : 5 : 4

[0243] (Coating liquid 10B is the same as coating liquid 2E in Example 1.)

[0244] Coating liquid 10C Celny SL : menthol : glycerol = 1 : 5 : 3

[0245] Coating liquid 10D Celny L : menthol : glycerol = 1 : 5 : 3

[0246] Coating liquid 10E Celny M : menthol : glycerol = 0.5 : 5 : 3

[0247] Coating liquid 10F Celny H : menthol : glycerol = 0.2 : 5 : 2

[0248] (Coating liquid 10F is the same as coating liquid 3C in Example 1.)

[0249] Coating liquid 10G was also prepared as a conventional coating liquid as follows.

[0250] Coating liquid 10G was prepared by mixing low-viscosity HPC (Celny SSL), menthol, ethanol, propylene glycol, and glycerol in a mass ratio of 0.15: 5 : 2.9 : 0.18 : 0.18 by stirring in a beaker in an 80°C bath.

[0251] Coating liquids 10H and 10I were also prepared by procedures similar to those of coating liquids 5A and 5B in Example 1.

[0252] That is, coating liquid 10H was prepared by mixing low-viscosity HPC (Celny SSL), menthol, and glycerol in a mass ratio of 2 : 5 :4 by stirring in a beaker in an 80°C bath. In addition, coating liquid 10I was prepared by mixing low-viscosity HPC (Celny SSL), menthol, and glycerol in a mass ratio of 3 : 5 : 4 by stirring in a beaker in an 80°C bath.

[0253] [4-2] Transmittance measurement

[0254] The transmittance of the coating liquid in the wavelength range of 500 - 700 nm was measured using a UV-1800 UV spectrophotometer (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). As a blank, the transmittance of tap water was measured in the wavelength range of 500 - 700 nm.

[0255] [4-3] Results

[0256] The measurement results are shown in Table 12. As Figure 12 shown, the transmittance of each coating liquid and tap water (as a blank) is shown as a constant value indicated below in the entire wavelength range of 500 - 700 nm. In addition, the corresponding coating liquid and tap water (as a blank) were observed with the naked eye, and the turbidity or transparency of the liquid was noted in parentheses.

[0257] Coating liquid 10A: approximately 6% (turbid)

[0258] Coating liquid 10B: approximately 5% (turbid)

[0259] Coating liquid 10C: approximately 2% (turbid)

[0260] Coating liquid 10D: approximately 2% (turbid)

[0261] Coating liquid 10E: approximately 38% (fairly transparent)

[0262] Coating liquid 10F: approximately 49% (fairly transparent)

[0263] Coating liquid 10G: approximately 100% (completely transparent)

[0264] Coating liquid 10H: unmeasurable

[0265] Coating liquid 10I: unmeasurable

[0266] Tap water (blank): approximately 100% (completely transparent)

[0267] Solid substances are generated in coating liquids 10H and 10I. The solid substances are considered to be reaction products of glycerin and HPC. For this reason, the transmittance of coating liquids 10H and 10I cannot be measured.

[0268] The above results show that when Celny SSL (2.0 - 2.9 mPa·s), Celny SL (3.0 - 5.9 mPa·s), or Celny L (6.0 - 10.0 mPa·s) is used as HPC, the coating liquid is turbid. In view of these results, it is considered that when using HPC with a viscosity of, for example, 100 mPa·s or less, preferably 50 mPa·s or less, more preferably 30 mPa·s or less, and still more preferably 10 mPa·s or less, the coating liquid is turbid.

[0269] [Example 5] Relationship between viscosity and menthol aroma retention rate

[0270] Example 4 shows that Celny SSL (2.0 - 2.9 mPa·s), Celny SL (3.0 - 5.9 mPa·s), and Celny L (6.0 - 10.0 mPa·s) are available HPCs. Therefore, in Example 5, these three types of HPCs are used to prepare coating liquids with various compositions to study the relationship between the viscosity of the coating liquid and the menthol aroma retention rate.

[0271] The measurement of the viscosity of the coating liquid and the evaluation of the menthol aroma retention rate were carried out by a procedure similar to that in Examples 1 and 2. The relationship between the viscosity of the coating liquid and the menthol aroma retention rate is similar to the relationship in the graph of Example 3. The results are shown in Figure 13 as follows. Figure 13 The results from Example 3 are also shown (i.e., the results from Figure 10 ).

[0272] In view of Figure 13 the results in, it was found that the coating liquid, despite its low viscosity, could exhibit a high menthol aroma retention rate. The data points of the coating liquid that can exhibit a high menthol aroma retention rate despite the low viscosity are the five data points circled in Figure 13 . Starting from the coating liquid with the lowest viscosity, the composition (mass ratio) of the coating liquid is as follows.

[0273] Celny SSL: menthol : glycerol = 3 : 5 : 5

[0274] Celny SSL: menthol : glycerol = 3 : 5 : 4

[0275] Celny SSL: menthol : glycerol = 2 : 5 : 5

[0276] Celny SSL: menthol : glycerol = 2 : 5 : 4

[0277] Celny SL: menthol : glycerol = 2 : 5 : 5

[0278] Considering the difficulty of achieving both ease of application and fragrance storage stability in the coating liquid, since the menthol aroma retention rate generally increases with the increase in the viscosity of the coating liquid, it is particularly excellent to achieve both ease of application and fragrance storage stability in the above coating liquid.

[0279] [Example 6] Inhalation evaluation using a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler

[0280] In Example 6, sheet tobacco was coated with a coating liquid to produce flavor-loaded sheet tobacco, and inhalation evaluation was carried out by incorporating the flavor-loaded sheet tobacco thus produced into a tobacco rod.

[0281] [6-1] Tobacco rod production

[0282] (Example of the present invention)

[0283] Tobacco filler material (sheet tobacco) was extracted from a commercially available tobacco rod (see Figure 4); The sheet tobacco was coated with 10 mg of a coating liquid having the following composition (by mass ratio) and cooled. Thus, the flavor-loaded sheet tobacco 20A was produced.

[0284] Coating liquid Celny SSL : menthol : glycerol = 2 : 5 : 4

[0285] Note that this coating liquid has the same composition as the coating liquid 1E in Example 1. The flavor-loaded sheet tobacco 20A was restored to the original tobacco rod to produce the tobacco rod 20A.

[0286] (Comparative Example)

[0287] In the comparative example, a 100% menthol solution obtained by melting solid menthol was used as the coating liquid. The sheet tobacco was similarly coated with 10 mg of this coating liquid and cooled. Thus, the flavor-loaded sheet tobacco 20B was produced. The flavor-loaded sheet tobacco 20B was restored to the original tobacco rod to produce the tobacco rod 20B.

[0288] [6-2] Evaluation of menthol and glycerol contents

[0289] In Figure 3A - 3C and the aerosol generating device shown in 5, the tobacco rods 20A and 20B were heated and inhaled by an automatic smoking machine (i.e., Borgwaldt RM-300). Smoke was collected for each puff. A impinger containing 10 mL of methanol cooled with dry ice was used to collect the smoke from each puff.

[0290] The menthol and glycerol contents of the collected smoke were evaluated by GC measurement (Agilent 6890 series GC-FID).

[0291] [6-3] Results

[0292] The relationship between the number of puffs and the menthol content is shown in Figure 14 The relationship between the number of puffs and the glycerol content is shown in Figure 15 Smoke with a menthol content such that the examples of the present invention release a greater amount of menthol in later puffs than the comparative example (when coated with 100% menthol liquid). It was also confirmed that the amount of glycerol in the smoke was sufficient for the entire puffing period up to the tenth puff.

[0293] The menthol content of the smoke is such that the examples of the present invention release a greater amount of menthol in later puffs than the comparative example (when coated with 100% menthol liquid). It was also confirmed that the amount of glycerol in the smoke was sufficient for the entire puffing period up to the tenth puff.

[0294] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be changed within the scope of not deviating from its gist at the embodiment stage. The embodiments can also be combined appropriately, and in this case, a combined effect is obtained. The above embodiments can also include various inventions, and various inventions can be obtained by combining the constituent requirements selected from among the plurality of them disclosed. For example, even if some of the constituent requirements indicated in the embodiments are omitted, if the problems of the present invention can be solved and an effect can be obtained, the configuration in which the constituent requirement is omitted can be deduced as the present invention.

[0295] List of Reference Numerals

[0296] 1… Flavor-loaded sheet tobacco, 1a… Sheet tobacco, 1b… Flavor composition

[0297] 100… Aerosol generating device, 101… Outer housing, 102… Slide cover, 103… Switch unit, 110… Inner housing, 120… Power supply unit, 121… Power supply, 130… Atomization unit, 132… Heat insulation part, 134… Insertion guide member, 136… Bottom member, 137… First holding unit, 138… Second holding unit, 140… Heater, 150… Chamber, 200… Tobacco rod, 201… Suction material, 202… First roll paper, 203… Second roll paper, 204… Tubular member, 205… Filter part, 206… Hollow filter part, 207… Lip demulcent.

Claims

1. A flavor-generating article spice-loading component, which includes a component of the flavor-generating article; and a spice composition loaded on the above-mentioned component, the spice composition containing particles comprising menthol and hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2% by mass aqueous solution at 20°C, and glycerol as a dispersion medium.

2. The fragrance-loaded structural component according to claim 1, wherein, The hydroxypropyl cellulose content of the above-mentioned spice composition is 20-70 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the above-mentioned menthol.

3. The fragrance-loaded component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The glycerol content of the above-mentioned spice composition is 40-120 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the above-mentioned menthol.

4. The perfume-loaded structural member according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The above-mentioned component of the flavor-generating article is formed tobacco, a filter, or cigarette paper.

5. A flavor-generating article, which comprises the spice-loading component according to any one of claims 1-4.

6. A method for manufacturing a coating liquid for coating a component of a flavor-generating article, the method comprising preparing a liquid mixture by mixing menthol and hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2% by mass aqueous solution at 20°C at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of menthol; and mixing the above-mentioned liquid mixture with glycerol.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The coating liquid has a transmittance of 10% or less in the entire wavelength range of 500-700 nm.

8. A method for manufacturing a spice-loading component of a flavor-generating article, the method comprising manufacturing a coating liquid according to the method of claim 6 or 7, and applying the above-mentioned coating liquid to the above-mentioned component of the flavor-generating article.

9. A coating liquid for coating a component of a flavor-generating article, the coating liquid containing particles comprising menthol and hydroxypropyl cellulose having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less in a 2% by mass aqueous liquid at 20°C, and glycerol as a dispersion medium.

10. The coating liquid according to claim 9, which has a transmittance of 10% or less in the entire wavelength range of 500-700 nm.

11. A coating liquid manufactured by the method according to claim 6 or 7.

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