Flavor inhalation article and flavor inhalation system

Abstract

A flavour inhalation article (200) having a cylindrical shape and comprising: a tip plunger (210) positioned at one end of the flavour inhalation article (200) and comprising a first filter material (211) and a flavour material composition carried on the first filter material (211), the seasoning material composition comprises hydroxy propyl cellulose and a first seasoning material, a filter plunger (250) positioned at the other end of the flavor inhalation article (200) and comprising a second filter material (251); and a flavor generating portion (220) positioned between the tip plunger (210) and the filter plunger (250) and containing a flavor source (221).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a flavor inhalation article and a flavor inhalation system. BACKGROUND

[0002] A heated flavor inhaler is used as an alternative to a combustion-type flavor inhaler such as a cigarette, in which a tobacco filler material is heated rather than burned to deliver a tobacco flavor to a user. The heated flavor inhaler includes a tobacco filler material and an aerosol source. When the tobacco filler material is heated in the heated flavor inhaler, moisture in the tobacco filler material and the aerosol source are vaporized, tobacco flavor components migrate from the tobacco filler material into the generated vapor, and an aerosol (hereinafter also referred to as tobacco vapor) is generated.

[0003] An electrically heated flavor inhaler includes a flavor inhalation article including a tobacco filler material and a wrapper wrapped around the tobacco filler material, and a heating device for electrically heating the flavor inhalation article is referred to as a typical example of a heated flavor inhaler (see PTL 1).

[0004] LIST OF CITATIONS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] PTL 1: WO 2010 / 110226 A1 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the present application is to provide a technology capable of stably releasing a flavoring material over an entire inhalation period of a flavor inhalation article.

[0009] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0010] A first aspect provides

[0011] A flavor inhalation article having a columnar shape and including:

[0012] a tip plug positioned at one end of the flavor inhalation article and including a first filter material and a flavoring material composition carried on the first filter material, the flavoring material composition including hydroxypropyl cellulose and a first flavoring material;

[0013] a filter plug positioned at the other end of the flavor inhalation article and including a second filter material; and

[0014] a flavor generation portion positioned between the tip plug and the filter plug and containing a flavor source.

[0015] A second aspect provides

[0016] A flavor inhalation system comprising: the flavor inhalation article according to the first aspect; and

[0017] A heating device comprises a heater for heating the flavor inhalation product.

[0018] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0019] The present invention can provide a technology capable of stably releasing flavoring materials throughout the inhalation period of a flavor inhalation article. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing an example of a tobacco rod.

[0021] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a tip plunger.

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the first filter material.

[0023] Figure 4 1 and 2 are exploded oblique views showing different examples of tobacco rods.

[0024] Figure 5 1 and 2 are exploded oblique views showing different examples of tobacco rods.

[0025] Figure 6A is a schematic front view showing an example of an aerosol-generating device.

[0026] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A schematic top view of an aerosol-generating device is shown.

[0027] Figure 6C yes Figure 6A A schematic bottom view of an aerosol-generating device is shown.

[0028] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device taken along line III-III is shown.

[0029] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the heating element and the tobacco rod of the aerosol generating device.

[0030] Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of menthol.

[0031] Figure 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of menthol. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present application will be described below with reference to examples. The purpose of the following description is to describe details of the present application, and is not intended to limit the present application. The examples described below are more specific embodiments of any of the applications disclosed in any of the aspects or original claims given above. The matters set forth in the following description can be incorporated into each of the applications disclosed in each of the aspects or original claims given above, either individually or in combination.

[0033] Furthermore, the examples described below demonstrate configurations for implementing the technical concepts of the present application, which do not limit the materials, shapes, and structures of components, etc., to those specified below. Various modifications can be added to the technical concepts of the present application within the technical scope defined by the claims set forth in the patent.

[0034] [1] Flavored inhalation article

[0035] In a flavored inhalation article used in a conventional heat-type flavored inhaler, a smaller amount of flavoring material tends to be released as more puffs are taken. In response to this, the present inventors have found that by arranging a tip plug on the tip side (i.e., the side opposite the mouthpiece) of a flavored inhalation article, and carrying a combination of flavoring material and a specific flavoring material retainer on a filter material in the tip plug, a larger amount of flavoring material can be released in the latter half of the inhalation period, and thus the present application has been completed.

[0036] In other words, the flavored inhalation article according to the embodiment

[0037] has a columnar shape and includes:

[0038] a tip plug positioned at one end of the flavored inhalation article and including a first filter material and a flavoring material composition carried on the first filter material, the flavoring material composition including hydroxypropyl cellulose and a first flavoring material;

[0039] a filter plug positioned at the other end of the flavored inhalation article and including a second filter material; and

[0040] a flavor generation portion positioned between the tip plug and the filter plug and containing a flavor source.

[0041] In the present specification, a flavored inhalation article containing a tobacco flavor source as the flavor source will also be referred to as a "tobacco stick". Examples of tobacco sticks will be described below with reference to Figure 1 Examples of tobacco sticks will be described below with reference to

[0042] As Figure 1As shown, the tobacco rod 200 includes, from the end side (i.e., the side opposite to the mouthpiece), an end plug 210, a flavor generating portion 220, a hollow tube portion 230, a hollow filter portion 240, and a filter plug 250. These five components are connected by a second wrapper 270.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the end plug 210 is preferably adjacent to the flavor-generating portion 220, and the filter plug 250 is preferably spaced apart from the flavor-generating portion 220. When a user smokes the tobacco rod 200, the end plug 210 adjacent to the flavor-generating portion 220 facilitates continuous release of flavoring material from the flavor-generating portion 220 and release of flavoring material from the end plug 210. In addition, when the filter plug 250 is spaced apart from the flavor-generating portion 220, aerosol generated from the end plug 210 and the flavor-generating portion 220 by heating the tobacco rod 200 is easily cooled when being delivered to the filter plug 250.

[0044] The tobacco rod 200 has a columnar shape extending in one direction. The tobacco rod 200 preferably has a cylindrical shape extending in one direction. The length of the tobacco rod 200 is, for example, 50-100 mm. When the tobacco rod 200 is cylindrical, its diameter is, for example, 4-10 mm. The length of the end plug 210 is, for example, 5-20 mm, the length of the flavor generating portion 220 is, for example, 5-20 mm, the length of the hollow tube portion 230 is, for example, 10-30 mm, the length of the hollow filter portion 240 is, for example, 5-15 mm, and the length of the filter plug 250 is, for example, 5-15 mm. The lengths of these individual components may be appropriately modified based on manufacturability, required quality, and the like.

[0045] These components will be described below in order.

[0046] [End plug]

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the end plunger 210 is positioned at the end of the tobacco rod 200. The end plunger 210 includes a first filter material 211 and a first inner plunger wrap 212 wrapped around the first filter material 211. The end plunger 210 further includes a flavoring material composition carried on the first filter material 211, the flavoring material composition comprising hydroxypropyl cellulose and a first flavoring material.

[0048] The first filter material 211 may be a material generally used as a filter material in flavor inhalation products, and examples of the material include paper, plastic film, cellulose acetate, and nonwoven fabric, etc. The first filter material 211 is preferably paper.

[0049] The paper used as a paper filter in a flavored inhalation article can be used as the paper used as the first filter material 211. The thickness of the paper used as the first filter material 211 is, for example, 20-1500 µm, and the basis weight is, for example, 20-50 g / m 2 The paper used as the first filter material 211 preferably has a rectangular shape, in which case one side thereof can have substantially the same length as the length of the tip plug 210, and the other side thereof can have a length of 100 mm to 300 mm. The thickness, basis weight, and size of the paper used as the first filter material 211 have been described, but these values represent the values of the paper before a forming process (e.g., a slitting process, etc.). When the first filter material 211 includes a material other than paper and has a sheet shape, such a first filter material 211 can have the same thickness and size as the paper.

[0050] The first filter material 211 does not contain a tobacco material, such as shredded tobacco or sheet tobacco.

[0051] Figure 2 Examples of the tip plug 210 are illustrated. In Figure 2 The tip plug 210 includes the first filter material 211 and a first inner plug wrap layer 212 wrapped around the first filter material 211. Here, the first filter material 211 includes a sheet material shaped into a corrugated shape and folded in a corrugation arrangement direction. As described above, the sheet material is preferably paper. Figure 3 The sheet material before folding, i.e., the sheet material shaped into a corrugated shape (hereinafter, referred to as a corrugated sheet material), is schematically illustrated. The corrugated sheet material has an alternating arrangement of ridge portions 211a and valley portions 211b.

[0052] The thickness of the corrugated sheet material (i.e., the sheet material after the shaping process) can also be measured in the manner described below after the corrugated sheet material has been incorporated into the tip plug 210 as the first filter material 211.

[0053] Measurement device: VHX-8000 and VHX-H5M (3D profile measurement module) manufactured by KEYENCE.

[0054] Measurement method: The end surface of the tip plug was observed under a microscope while the end surface was fixed to a base with the end surface facing vertically upward.

[0055] Magnification: 80 times

[0056] The thickness of the corrugated sheet material is substantially the same as the thickness of the sheet material before the shaping process. The thickness of the corrugated sheet material is thus, for example, 20-1500 µm.

[0057] The corrugation (i.e., flute) pitch of the corrugated sheet is 0.4-1.6 mm, and preferably, for example, 0.6-1.0 mm. The corrugation pitch indicates the arithmetic average of the interval between adjacent flutes when the flutes of the corrugated sheet are stretched in a planar form.

[0058] The corrugated sheet can be prepared by subjecting the film to a well-known processing method for forming flutes in an accordion shape. Such a well-known processing method can also be referred to as a folding forming, embossing, or a creping process. For example, JP H9-294577 A discloses a flute processing method in which a base sheet for a cigarette paper filter is passed between a pair of flute rollers.

[0059] Figure 3 The corrugated sheet having a triangular corrugation is shown, but the shape of the corrugation is not limited thereto, and the shape can also be that of a sine wave or a rectangular wave, etc. When the shape of the corrugation is a triangular wave or a sine wave, the corrugation pitch can be the arithmetic average of the interval between the peaks of adjacent ridge portions 211a. When the shape of the corrugation is a rectangular wave, the corrugation pitch can be the arithmetic average of the interval between the centers of adjacent ridge portions 211a.

[0060] When the corrugated sheet is folded in the arrangement direction of the corrugation (i.e., the direction D shown, Figure 3 to form an overall cylindrical shape, a first filter material 211 is formed as shown. Figure 2 At this time, the ridge portions 211a and the valley portions 211b of the corrugated sheet form a plurality of airflow passages extending in the length direction of the first filter material 211.

[0061] In this way, when the first filter material 211 includes a sheet shaped in a corrugated form and folded in the arrangement direction of the corrugation, the surface area of the first filter material 211 contained in the tip plug 210 can be increased, and thereby the amount of the flavor material composition carried on the first filter material 211 can be increased. Accordingly, the amount of the flavor material released from the tip plug 210 can be increased. In addition, the paper corrugated sheet is superior in that it has a crease resistance (i.e., a property of being able to maintain a folded structure when subjected to a folding deformation).

[0062] The first inner plug wrap layer 212 used to wrap around the first filter material 211 can be the same as the plug wrap layer used in a cigarette.

[0063] The flavoring material composition carried on the first filter material 211 includes hydroxypropyl cellulose and a first flavoring material. The hydroxypropyl cellulose functions as a flavoring material retainer. That is, the hydroxypropyl cellulose has an effect of stably retaining the first flavoring material during storage of the tobacco rod 200 in such a manner that the first flavoring material does not volatilize, and the hydroxypropyl cellulose has an effect of stably releasing the first flavoring material during use (i.e., during heating) of the tobacco rod 200.

[0064] The first flavoring material is a substance that provides an aroma or a taste. The first flavoring material can be a natural flavoring material or can be a synthetic flavoring material. The first flavoring material can be one type of flavoring material or can be a mixture of several types of flavoring materials. Any material used in combination with a tobacco filler material in a tobacco product can be used as the first flavoring material. The first flavoring material is, for example: a synthetic flavoring material such as menthol, jasmonate, maltol, β-ionone, citral, ethyl butyrate, or undecanolide; an essential oil such as peppermint oil, orange oil, styrax, or green tea extract; an oil resin such as vanilla oil resin; a plant extract such as a tobacco extract; or a combination thereof. The first flavoring material is preferably menthol. The first flavoring material can be included in the flavoring material composition in an amount such that a user can be provided with a pleasant aroma or taste.

[0065] The flavoring material composition preferably further includes a first aerosol source. The first aerosol source is a liquid that is heated at a predetermined temperature to generate a vapor. Examples of the first aerosol source that can be cited include glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The first aerosol source preferably includes glycerol. The first aerosol source can also consist of glycerol.

[0066] The composition of the flavoring material composition can be, for example: 2-40 mass% of hydroxypropyl cellulose, 8-98 mass% of menthol, 0-90 mass% of glycerol, and 0-60 mass% of propylene glycol.

[0067] The flavoring material composition can be carried on the first filter material 211, for example, by applying a liquid composition containing hydroxypropyl cellulose and a first flavoring material to the first filter material 211, and then drying the first filter material 211 to which the liquid composition has been applied. As described above, the liquid composition can further include a first aerosol source. In addition, the liquid composition can further include a solvent such as ethanol. The liquid composition can be applied to the first filter material 211, for example, by coating or spraying. The drying can be performed by allowing the first filter material 211 to which the liquid composition has been applied to stand at room temperature (e.g., 15°C-25°C).

[0068] Thus, the flavoring material composition is a dry composition, that is, a solid composition, formed on the first filter material 211. It should be noted that drying should be performed until the liquid composition is visually in a solid state, and the liquid such as a solvent can be completely removed or can be partially retained.

[0069] Further, the first aerosol source (for example, glycerin) can be carried on the first filter material 211 by preparing in advance the above-described liquid composition further including the first aerosol source and applying the liquid composition to the first filter material 211, or can be carried on the first filter material 211 by applying the first aerosol source separately from the above-described liquid composition to the first filter material 211. For example, the first aerosol source can be carried on the first filter material 211 by drying the above-described liquid composition to form the flavoring material composition, and then applying the first aerosol source on the flavoring material composition. Alternatively, the first aerosol source can be carried on the first filter material 211 by applying the first aerosol source to a region of the first filter material 211 different from a region to which the above-described liquid composition has been applied.

[0070] [Flavor generating portion]

[0071] The flavor generating portion 220 is arranged downstream of the tip plug 210 adjacently. The flavor generating portion 220 includes a flavor source 221 and a first wrapper 222 wrapped around the flavor source 221. The first wrapper 222 used can be the same as a wrapper used to wrap a tobacco filler material in a cigarette.

[0072] The flavor source 221 is, for example, a tobacco filler material. The tobacco filler material includes tobacco leaves and releases a tobacco flavor upon heating. The tobacco leaves mean dried tobacco leaves ready to be incorporated into a tobacco product.

[0073] The tobacco filler material preferably constitutes a plurality of shaped bodies each including a tobacco leaf. The plurality of shaped bodies are cut sections of sheet tobacco. The sheet tobacco means shaped bodies in which tobacco material, such as tobacco shreds or shredded tobacco produced by leaf shreds, cut shreds, and the like in raw material factories and manufacturing factories, are formed into a sheet. The plurality of shaped bodies are preferably cut sections of sheet tobacco obtained by cutting sheet tobacco into a strip shape. In other words, the plurality of shaped bodies preferably each have a shape extending in a length direction of the flavor generating portion 220. In this case, each of the shaped bodies has a width of, for example, 0.5-1.5 mm and a length of, for example, 1-20 mm.

[0074] Alternatively, the tobacco filler material can be one sheet of sheet tobacco. For example, the first wrapper 222 can be filled with one sheet of sheet tobacco in an accordion-folded state, or the first wrapper 222 can be filled with one sheet of sheet tobacco in a spiral-wound state. In the case where the first wrapper 222 is filled with sheet tobacco, when one sheet of sheet tobacco is used as the tobacco filler material, the size of the sheet tobacco in the length direction is preferably comparable to the size of the length of the flavor generating portion 220.

[0075] In addition to the tobacco filler material, the flavor source 221 can include a flavor- containing sheet based on polysaccharide. The flavor-containing sheet is a sheet in which a flavor is contained in a polysaccharide gel, and is well known in the technical field. The flavor-containing sheet contains a flavor covered with polysaccharide, and thus can exhibit high storage stability of the flavor. The size of the flavor-containing sheet can be cut to a similar size as the tobacco filler material, and mixed and blended with the tobacco filler material, or can be placed inside or outside the first wrapper 222 so as to enclose the tobacco filler material.

[0076] In addition to the flavor source, the flavor generating portion 220 can further include a second flavoring material. In addition to the flavor source, the flavor generating portion 220 can further include a second flavoring material of the same type as the first flavoring material. As described above, the first flavoring material is a flavoring material contained in the tip plug 210. For example, when the tip plug 210 includes menthol as the first flavoring material, the flavor generating portion 220 can include menthol in addition to the flavor source.

[0077] When the flavor generating portion 220 contains a second flavoring material of the same type as the first flavoring material contained in the tip plug 210, the "amount of the first flavoring material per unit length of the tip plug 210" is preferably greater than the "amount of the second flavoring material per unit length of the flavor generating portion 220". This configuration enables a sufficient amount of the first flavoring material contained in the tip plug 210 to be released also in the latter half of the inhalation period of the tobacco stick 200. This enables the flavoring material to be stably released without any decrease in the amount of the flavoring material released even as more puffs are taken.

[0078] Alternatively, the flavor generating portion 220 need not include a second flavoring material of the same type as the first flavoring material. Also in this case, it is still possible to release the first flavoring material contained in the tip plug 210 in a sufficient amount in the latter half of the inhalation period of the tobacco stick 200. This enables the flavoring material to be stably released without any decrease in the amount of the flavoring material released even as more puffs are taken.

[0079] In summary, the flavor generating portion 220 optionally includes a second flavoring material of the same type as the first flavoring material (i.e., the flavor generating portion 220 can or can not include a second flavoring material of the same type as the first flavoring material), and the "amount of the first flavoring material per unit length on the tip plug 210" is preferably greater than the "amount of the second flavoring material per unit length on the flavor generating portion 220".

[0080] For example, when the first flavoring material and the second flavoring material are menthol, for example, the "amount of the first flavoring material per unit length on the tip plug 210" is 0 mg / mm - 5 mg / mm, preferably 1.0 - 4.5 mg / mm, and more preferably 1.5 - 4.0 mg / mm, and the "amount of the second flavoring material per unit length on the flavor generating portion 220" is 0 - 1.0 mg / mm, and preferably 0 - 0.9 mg / mm.

[0081] Similarly to the first flavoring material, the second flavoring material can be carried on the flavor source of the flavor generating portion 220 in the form of a flavoring material composition including hydroxypropyl cellulose and the second flavoring material, or the second flavoring material can be incorporated into the flavor generating portion 220 in the form of a mere flavoring material (i.e., in a form not combined with a flavoring material retainer such as hydroxypropyl cellulose).

[0082] Alternatively, the second flavoring material can be contained in the flavor generating portion 220 as a mixture of the above-described form of the flavoring material composition and the form of a mere flavoring material. The second flavoring material in the form of a mere flavoring material is released more easily than the second flavoring material in the form of the flavoring material composition at the beginning of the inhalation period of the tobacco rod 200. Therefore, when the second flavoring material is contained in the flavor generating portion 220 as the above-described mixture, a large amount of the second flavoring material in the form of a mere flavoring material is released first, followed by a large amount of the second flavoring material in the form of the flavoring material composition being released at the beginning of the inhalation period of the tobacco rod 200, and a large amount of the first flavoring material contained in the tip plug 210 is released in the latter half of the inhalation period. As a result, the flavoring materials can be stably released throughout the inhalation period.

[0083] In addition to the tobacco filler material, the flavor generating portion 220 can further include a second aerosol source. The second aerosol source can be of the same type as the above-described first aerosol source, or can be of a different type. As described above, the first aerosol source is an aerosol source contained in the tip plug 210. Similarly to the first aerosol source, the second aerosol source is a liquid that is heated at a predetermined temperature to generate a vapor. Examples of the second aerosol source that can be cited include glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The second aerosol source preferably includes glycerol. The second aerosol source can also consist of glycerol.

[0084] [Hollow tube portion]

[0085] The hollow tube portion 230 is adjacently disposed downstream of the flavor generating portion 220. According to one example, the hollow tube portion 230 is a paper tube formed by winding a paperboard into a cylindrical shape having a cavity on the inside. According to another example, the hollow tube portion 230 can be a filter having a central hole formed to penetrate the center of a transverse cross section of a cylindrical cellulose acetate tow.

[0086] The hollow tube portion 230 is capable of cooling the aerosol generated from the tip plug 210 and the flavor generating portion 220 by heating the tobacco rod 200. The hollow tube portion 230 can be omitted.

[0087] Further, in order to properly adjust the airflow resistance of the tobacco rod 200, an opening portion (vent hole) can be provided in the hollow tube portion 230 to draw in external air. The vent hole can be provided at a position within 10 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tube portion 230. The vent rate from the vent hole is 30-80%, and is preferably, for example, 40-70%.

[0088] [Hollow filter portion]

[0089] The hollow filter portion 240 is adjacently disposed downstream of the hollow tube portion 230. The hollow filter portion 240 includes a third filter material 241 and a third inner plug wrap layer 242 wrapped around the third filter material 241. The third inner plug wrap layer 242 used can be the same as the plug wrap layer used in a cigarette. The third inner plug wrap layer 242 can be omitted.

[0090] The third filter material 241 is formed of high-density fibers and has one or more channels (hollow portions). Each of the one or more channels extends in the length direction of the tobacco rod 200 (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction). When a user puffs on the tobacco rod 200, air and aerosol thus flow only through the channels, while largely not flowing through the gaps between the fibers.

[0091] When it is desired to suppress the reduction of aerosol components due to filtration by the filter plug 250 in the tobacco rod 200, the length of the filter plug 250 (to be described below) can be reduced, and the filter plug 250 can be replaced by the hollow filter portion 240. Replacing a portion of the filter plug 250 by the hollow filter portion 240 is effective in increasing the amount of aerosol delivered. Alternatively, the hollow filter portion 240 can be omitted.

[0092] [Filter plug]

[0093] The filter plug 250 is located at the end portion of the tobacco rod 200 on the mouthpiece side. The filter plug 250 includes a second filter material 251 and a second inner plug wrap layer 252 wrapped around the second filter material 251. The second inner plug wrap layer 252 used can be the same as the plug wrap layer used in a cigarette. The airflow resistance of the filter plug 250 is 0-50 mmH2O, and is preferably, for example, 10-30 mmH2O.

[0094] The second filter material 251 can be a material generally used as a filter material on the mouthpiece side of a flavor inhalation article, and cellulose acetate can be listed as an example thereof.

[0095] The hollow filter portion 240 and the filter plug 250 are joined by an outer plug wrap layer 260. The outer plug wrap layer 260 used can be the same as the outer plug wrap layer used to join the filter segments of a multi-segment filter of a cigarette.

[0096] [Second Wrap]

[0097] As shown in FIG. 1, the above-described components (i.e., the tip plug 210, the flavor generating portion 220, the hollow tube portion 230, and the joined body including the hollow filter portion 240 and the filter plug 250) are joined by a second wrap 270. In this embodiment, the second wrap 270 is wrapped so as to cover all of the components except for the tip plug 210 and a portion of the tip plug 210, thereby exposing the tip plug 210 at the upstream end. Alternatively, the second wrap 270 can be wrapped so as to cover all of the components including the tip plug 210, without exposing the tip plug 210 at the upstream end. Figure 1 Figure 1 The second wrap 270 used can be the same as the tipping paper used in a cigarette. The outer surface of the end portion on the side of the second wrap 270 close to the filter plug 250 can be coated with a lip feel separating agent to facilitate separation of the user's lips from the second wrap 270. The portion coated with the lip feel separating agent serves as the mouthpiece of the tobacco rod 200.

[0098] The second wrap 270 used can be the same as the tipping paper used in a cigarette. The outer surface of the end portion on the side of the second wrap 270 close to the filter plug 250 can be coated with a lip feel separating agent to facilitate separation of the user's lips from the second wrap 270. The portion coated with the lip feel separating agent serves as the mouthpiece of the tobacco rod 200.

[0099] (Method of Joining Components)

[0100] Figure 1 The following example is shown: five components (i.e., the tip plug 210, the flavor generating portion 220, the hollow tube portion 230, the hollow filter portion 240, and the filter plug 250) are joined by using the outer plug wrap layer 260 and the second wrap 270, but the method of joining the five components is not limited to this example.

[0101] Reference will be made​Figure 4 and Figure 5 Different examples of methods of joining components are described. Figure 4 and Figure 5 are exploded perspective views showing different examples of a tobacco rod. In Figure 4 and Figure 5 elements having the same or similar function as components of the tobacco rod shown in Figure 1 are assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again. In Figure 4 and Figure 5 gaps are provided between adjacent components to make it easier to see how the components are joined, but the components of the actual tobacco rod are contiguous without gaps.

[0102] In the tobacco rod 200 shown in Figure 4 these five components are joined by using the outer plug wrap layer 280, the outer plug wrap layer 260 and the second wrapper 270. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4 the outer plug wrap layer 280 is wrapped so as to join the tip plug 210 and the flavor generating portion 220, while also covering them all. This joined body will be referred to as the first joined body 285. Further, the outer plug wrap layer 260 is wrapped so as to join the hollow filter portion 240 and the filter plug 250, while also covering them all. This joined body will be referred to as the second joined body 265. The second wrapper 270 further joins the first joined body 285, the hollow tube portion 230 and the second joined body 265. Here, the second wrapper 270 covers the entire hollow tube portion 230 and the second joined body 265 as well as a portion of the first joined body 285, while exposing the first joined body at the upstream end of the first joined body 285. These five components can be joined in a form such as that shown in Figure 4 It should be noted that in Figure 4 the outer plug wrap layer 280 covers the flavor generating portion 220 as far as its downstream end, but the flavor generating portion 220 can also be exposed at its downstream end, with the flavor generating portion 220 not being covered as far as its downstream end.

[0103] In the tobacco rod 200 shown in Figure 5 these five components are joined by using the outer plug wrap layer 280, the outer plug wrap layer 260 and the second wrapper 270. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5As shown, the outer plug wrap 280 engages the tip plug 210, the flavor generating portion 220, and the hollow tube portion 230. Here, the outer plug wrap 280 is wrapped so as to cover the entire tip plug 210 and the flavor generating portion 220 as well as a portion of the hollow tube portion 230. This engaged body will be referred to as a first engaged body 285. Further, the outer plug wrap 260 is wrapped so as to engage the hollow filter portion 240 and the filter plug 250 while also covering them entirely. This engaged body will be referred to as a second engaged body 265. The second wrapper 270 further engages the first engaged body 285 and the second engaged body 265. Here, the second wrapper 270 covers the entire second engaged body 265 as well as a portion of the first engaged body 285 while exposing the first engaged body at the upstream end thereof. These five components can be engaged in the form shown, for example. Figure 5 As shown in Figure 5 , the outer plug wrap 280 exposes the hollow tube portion 230 at the downstream end thereof without covering the hollow tube portion 230 as far as the downstream end thereof, but the hollow tube portion 230 can also be covered as far as the downstream end thereof.

[0104] (Advantageous Effects)

[0105] As described above, the flavor inhalation article according to the present application includes a tip plug upstream of a flavor generating portion including a flavor source, and this tip plug includes a first filter material and a flavoring material composition carried on the first filter material, the flavoring material composition including hydroxypropyl cellulose and a first flavoring material. In a conventional flavor inhalation article without a tip plug, a smaller amount of flavoring material is released from the flavor source as more puffs are taken, while the flavor inhalation article according to the present application enables flavoring material originating from the tip plug to be released in the latter half of the inhalation period. In this way, the flavor inhalation article according to the present application enables flavoring material to be steadily released throughout the inhalation period.

[0106] Further, the flavoring material composition is carried on the first filter material of the tip plug in the flavor inhalation article according to the present application, and thus the amount of flavor source used can be reduced compared to a conventional flavor inhalation article without a tip plug.

[0107] [2] Flavor inhalation system

[0108] The tobacco rod 200 described above can be combined with a heating device to construct a flavor inhalation system. In other words, on the other hand, there is provided

[0109] A flavor inhalation system including: the flavor inhalation article described above; and

[0110] A heating device including a heater for heating a flavor inhalation article.

[0111] An example of a flavor inhalation system will be described below with reference to Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B 、 Figure 6C and Figure 7 An example of a flavor inhalation system will be described below with reference to

[0112] Figure 6A is a schematic front view of an example of an aerosol generating device. Figure 6B is a schematic top view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 6A . Figure 6C is a schematic bottom view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 6A . Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the III-III line of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 6B .

[0113] For ease of description, an X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinate system can be applied to the drawings. In this coordinate system, the Z-axis is oriented vertically upward, the X-Y plane is arranged to cut through the aerosol generating device 100 in a horizontal direction, 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 can also refer to the insertion direction of the tobacco rod accommodated in the cylindrical body 150 of the atomizing unit 130, which will be described later, or to the axial direction of the cylindrical body 150. In addition, the X-axis is a direction orthogonal to the Y-axis and the Z-axis, and the X-axis and the Y-axis are radial directions orthogonal to the axial direction of the cylindrical body 150 or the radial direction of the cavity 150.

[0114] The aerosol generating device 100 is configured to generate an aerosol containing a flavor by heating the tobacco rod 200.

[0115] As shown in Figure 6A to Figure 6C , the aerosol generating device 100 includes an outer case 101 (corresponding to an example of an enclosure), a sliding cover 102, and a switch unit 103. The outer case 101 constitutes the outermost case of the aerosol generating device 100, and the size of the outer case is determined to fit the user's hand. When the user uses the flavor inhalation system, the user can inhale the aerosol while holding the aerosol generating device 100 in his or her hand. The outer case 101 can be configured by assembling a plurality of members. The outer case 101 is made of, for example, resin, and can be formed of, for example, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer blend containing a plurality of types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum, in particular.

[0116] The outer case 101 includes an opening (not depicted) for receiving a tobacco rod, and the sliding cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer case 101 to close the opening. Specifically, the sliding cover 102 is configured to be movable along an outer surface of the outer case 101 between a closed position (position shown in Figure 6A and Figure 6B ) for closing the opening of the outer case 101 and an open position (position shown in Figure 7 ) for opening the opening. For example, a user can manually operate the sliding cover 102 to move the sliding cover 102 between the closed position and the open position. Accordingly, the tobacco rod can be permitted or restricted from entering the inside of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0117] The switch unit 103 is used to turn on and off the operation of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, a user can heat, without burning, a tobacco rod inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 by operating the switch unit 103 to supply power from a power source (see reference numeral 121 in Figure 7 to a heating element (see reference numeral 140 in Figure 7 ). It should be noted that the switch unit 103 can be a switch provided outside the outer case 101, or can be a switch located inside the outer case 101. If the switch is located inside the outer case 101, the switch is indirectly pressed by pressing the switch unit 103 on the surface of the outer case 101. In the example described herein, the switch of the switch unit 103 is located inside the outer case 101.

[0118] The aerosol generating device 100 can further include a terminal (not depicted). The terminal can be, for example, an interface for connecting the aerosol generating device 100 to an external power source. If the power source included in the aerosol generating device 100 is a rechargeable battery, connecting the external power source to the terminal allows current to flow from the external power source to the power source, thereby charging the power source. A data transmission cable can also be connected to the terminal to allow data related to the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 to be transmitted to an external device.

[0119] The tobacco rod used in the aerosol generating device 100 represents the tobacco rod 200 described in the “[1] Flavored inhalation article” section above.

[0120] The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is described next. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the III-III line of the aerosol generating device 100 shown in Figure 6B . As shown in Figure 7As shown, inner housing 110 (equivalent to an example of an enclosure) is disposed within outer housing 101 of aerosol-generating device 100. Inner housing 110 is made of, for example, a resin, and can specifically be formed from, for example, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a polymer blend containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. Note that from the perspectives of heat resistance and strength, inner housing 110 is preferably made of PEEK. Power supply unit 120 and atomization unit 130 are disposed within the interior space of inner housing 110.

[0121] The power supply unit 120 includes a power supply 121. The power supply 121 can 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 so as to properly heat the tobacco rod 200.

[0122] like Figure 7 As shown, the atomization unit 130 includes: a metal cylindrical body 150, which extends in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the tobacco rod 200; a heating element 140 covering a portion of the cylindrical body 150; a heat insulation portion 132; and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 134, which abuts the opening of the cylindrical body 150.

[0123] The cylindrical body 150 is configured to surround the periphery of the tobacco rod 200. The heating element 140 is generally substantially cylindrical and is arranged to cover the cylindrical body 150. The heating element 140 contacts the circumferential outer surface of the cylindrical body 150 and heats the tobacco rod 200 that has been inserted into the cylindrical body 150. For example, the heating element 140 can be a serpentine heat conductive wire provided on a flexible insulating layer 141 (see Figure 8 ). The heating element 140 , the insulating layer 141 and the cylindrical body 150 are components of the heater 160 .

[0124] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, the bottom member 136 is provided at the bottom portion of the cylindrical body 150. The bottom member 136 abuts against the tobacco rod 200 inserted into the cylindrical body 150 in the insertion direction of the tobacco rod 200 and can serve as a stopper for positioning the tobacco rod 200. Here, the accommodating portion for accommodating at least a portion of the tobacco rod 200 is formed by the cylindrical body 150 and the bottom member 136.

[0125] The bottom member 136 can be formed of, for example, a resin material. The bottom member 136 can have an uneven portion on a surface thereof which is abutted by the tobacco rod 200, and such an uneven portion can define a first airflow path which enables air to be supplied to an air intake port of the tobacco rod 200 (i.e., the air intake port communicates with the tobacco rod 200 accommodated in the accommodation portion). The bottom member 136 is made of, for example, a resin, and can be formed of, for example, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer blend containing a plurality of types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. Note that the bottom member 136 is preferably formed of a material having low thermal conductivity so as to inhibit heat transfer to the heat-insulating portion 132, etc.

[0126] The heat-insulating portion 132 is substantially cylindrical, and is arranged so as to cover the cylindrical body 150. The heat-insulating portion 132 can include, for example, an aerogel sheet. In Figure 7 the heat-insulating portion 132 is held by a first holding portion 137 and a second holding portion 138 which will be described later. Alternatively, a cover element 133 can be arranged so as to cover the cylindrical body 150, and the heat-insulating portion 132 can be arranged so as to cover the cover element 133, as Figure 8 indicated.

[0127] The insertion guide member 134 is provided between the sliding cover 102 in the closed position and the cylindrical body 150. The insertion guide member 134 is made of, for example, a resin, and can be formed of, for example, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer blend containing a plurality of types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. Note that the insertion guide member 134 can be formed of a metal, glass, or ceramic, etc. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, the insertion guide member 134 is preferably made of PEEK. The insertion guide member 134 communicates with the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 when the sliding cover 102 is in the open position, and guides the insertion of the tobacco rod 200 into the cylindrical body 150 when the tobacco rod 200 is inserted into the insertion guide member 134. The provision of the insertion guide member 134 allows the tobacco rod 200 to be easily inserted into the cylindrical body 150.

[0128] The aerosol generating device 100 further includes a first holding portion 137 and a second holding portion 138 for holding both ends of the cylindrical body 150 and the heat-insulating portion 132. The first holding portion 137 is arranged to hold end portions of both the cylindrical body 150 and the heat-insulating portion 132 on the Z-axis negative direction side. The second holding portion 138 is arranged to hold end portions of both the cylindrical body 150 and the heat-insulating portion 132 on the sliding cover 102 side (Z-axis positive direction side).

[0129] [3] Position relationship between heating element of aerosol generating device and tobacco rod

[0130] Reference will be made to Figure 8 A preferred position relationship between the heating element 140 of the aerosol generating device 100 and the tobacco rod 200 will be described.

[0131] Figure 8 A state in which the tobacco rod 200 is inserted into the cylindrical body 150 of the aerosol generating device 100 is shown. Figure 8 A gap provided between the circumferential outer surface of the tobacco rod 200 and the cylindrical body 150 is shown in order to show a clear distinction between the tobacco rod 200 and the cylindrical body 150, but the circumferential outer surface of the tobacco rod 200 is preferably inserted into the cylindrical body 150 in a state of contact with the cylindrical body 150 so that the tobacco rod 200 is effectively heated by the heat of the cylindrical body 150.

[0132] When the tobacco rod 200 is inserted into the cylindrical body 150, the circumferential outer surface of the tobacco rod 200 can or can not contact the cylindrical body 150. In addition, when the tobacco rod 200 is inserted into the cylindrical body 150, a portion of the circumferential outer surface of the tobacco rod 200 can contact the cylindrical body 150. When the tobacco rod 200, which is a circle, is inserted into the elliptical cylindrical body 150, it can be allowed that a portion of the circumferential outer surface of the tobacco rod 200 contacts the cylindrical body 150.

[0133] As Figure 8 shown, the cylindrical body 150, the heating element 140 surrounding the cylindrical body 150, and the flexible insulating layer 141 supporting the heating element 140 constitute the heater 160. The cover element 133 is further arranged to cover the cylindrical body 150, and the heat insulating portion 132 is further arranged to cover the cover element 133. In addition, as Figure 8 shown, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a bottom member 136 that abuts the end plug 210 when the tobacco rod 200 is inserted into the cylindrical body 150.

[0134] In Figure 8In the embodiment, the length of heating element 140 is represented by L1, the length of the portion of heating element 140 facing flavor generating portion 220 is represented by L2, the length of the portion of heating element 140 facing end plunger 210 is represented by L3, and the length of the portion of heating element 140 facing hollow tube portion 230 is represented by L4. L1 is, for example, 5-20 mm. L2 is 4-20 mm, preferably 5-15 mm, and more preferably, for example, 5-10 mm. L3 is 0-5 mm, preferably 0-3 mm, and more preferably, for example, 0-1 mm. L4 is 0-5 mm, and preferably, for example, 0-3 mm. L2 is preferably greater than L3.

[0135] When the tobacco rod 200 is inserted into the cylindrical body 150 and the end plunger 210 abuts the bottom member 136, the majority of the heating element 140 is therefore preferably located at a position facing the flavor-generating portion 220 rather than the end plunger 210. More specifically, when the tobacco rod 200 is inserted into the cylindrical body 150 and the end plunger 210 abuts the bottom member 136, the "area of ​​the region of the heating element 140 facing the flavor-generating portion 220" is preferably greater than the "area of ​​the region of the heating element 140 facing the end plunger 210."

[0136] exist Figure 8 , “the region of the heating element 140 facing the flavor-generating portion 220” indicates a region where the heating element 140 faces the flavor-generating portion 220 with the cylindrical body 150 interposed therebetween. In this specification, the “region of the heating element 140 facing the flavor-generating portion 220” is therefore not limited to a region where the heating element 140 directly faces the flavor-generating portion 220, and may also be a region where the heating element 140 faces the flavor-generating portion 220 with another component interposed therebetween.

[0137] Similarly, in this specification, “the region of heating element 140 facing end plunger 210 ” is therefore not limited to the region where heating element 140 directly faces end plunger 210 , and may also be the region where heating element 140 faces end plunger 210 with another component interposed therebetween.

[0138] For example, if the length of the heating element 140 is 14 mm, the length of the flavor generating portion 220 is 12 mm, and the length of the end plunger 210 is 8 mm, then the "area of ​​the region of the heating element 140 facing the flavor generating portion 220" is 89.2-446 mm 2 , and preferably, for example, 111.5-334.5 mm 2 , and the “area of ​​the region of the heating element 140 facing the end plunger 210 ” is 0-111.5 mm 2and preferably, for example, 0-66.9 mm 2 .

[0139] When this configuration is adopted, the heat of the heating element 140 is first transferred to the flavor generating portion 220 and then to the tip plug 210. Accordingly, the flavor components are easily released from the flavor source and the second flavoring material contained in the flavor generating portion 220 in the first half of the inhalation period of the tobacco stick 200, while the first flavoring material contained in the tip plug 210 is easily released in the second half of the inhalation period of the tobacco stick 200. As a result, the flavor components can be released throughout the inhalation period.

[0140] In addition to the above configuration, when the tobacco stick 200 is inserted into the cylindrical body 150 and the tip plug 210 abuts against the bottom member 136, the area of the region of the circumferential surface of the tip plug 210 that does not face the heating element 140 is more preferably greater than the area of the region of the circumferential surface of the flavor generating portion 220 that does not face the heating element 140. More specifically, when the tobacco stick 200 is inserted into the cylindrical body 150 and the tip plug 210 abuts against the bottom member 136, the ratio S1 / S FP of the area S1 of the first region of the circumferential surface of the tip plug 210 that does not face the heating element 140 to the area S FP of the circumferential surface of the tip plug 210 is more preferably greater than the ratio S2 / S FG of the area S2 of the second region of the circumferential surface of the flavor generating portion 220 that does not face the heating element 140 to the area S FG of the circumferential surface of the flavor generating portion 220.

[0141] For example, if the length of the heating element 140 is 14 mm, the length of the flavor generating portion 220 is 12 mm, and the length of the tip plug 210 is 8 mm, the ratio S1 / S FP of the area S1 of the first region of the circumferential surface of the tip plug 210 that does not face the heating element 140 to the area S FP of the circumferential surface of the tip plug 210 is 0.375-1, preferably 0.625-1, and more preferably, for example, 0.875-1, and the ratio S2 / S FG of the area S2 of the second region of the circumferential surface of the flavor generating portion 220 that does not face the heating element 140 to the area S FG of the circumferential surface of the flavor generating portion 220 is 0-0.667, preferably 0-0.583, and more preferably, for example, 0.167-0.583.

[0142] When this configuration is also adopted, the heat of the heating element 140 is also first transferred to the flavor generating portion 220 and then to the end plunger 210. Therefore, the flavor components are easily released from the flavor source and the second flavoring material contained in the flavor generating portion 220 in the first half of the inhalation period of the tobacco rod 200, while the first flavoring material contained in the end plunger 210 is easily released in the second half of the inhalation period of the tobacco rod 200. As a result, the flavor components can be released throughout the entire inhalation period.

[0143] Examples

[0144] [1] Production of tobacco sticks

[0145] (Example 1A)

[0146] A paper filter carrying flavoring material was incorporated into a commercially available Ploom X tobacco rod (Japan Tobacco, Inc.) to produce the tobacco rod of Example 1A.

[0147] The commercially available Ploom X tobacco sticks have Figure 1 The tobacco rod structure shown in FIG. lacks an end plug. In other words, the commercially available Ploom X tobacco rod comprises, in order from the end side (i.e., the side opposite the mouthpiece), a flavor generating portion (20 mm long), a hollow tube portion (20 mm long), a hollow filter portion (12 mm long), and a filter plug (8 mm long). The flavor generating portion of this tobacco rod contains cut pieces of sheet tobacco as a flavor source, but does not contain menthol.

[0148] Paper (thickness: 88 µm, basis weight: 35 g / m 2 , air permeability: 3000 CORESTA units) are formed into a corrugated form to prepare a paper filter (see Figure 3 The paper used is rectangular, in which the direction of arrangement of the corrugations (ie, Figure 3 The length in the direction D) shown is 180 mm, and the length in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the corrugations is 8 mm. A flavoring material composition having the following composition was placed on the surface of the paper filter so that the amount of menthol placed was 18 mg. This method produced a flavoring material-carrying paper filter.

[0149] 2% by mass of hydroxypropyl cellulose

[0150] 98% menthol by mass

[0151] A portion of the tobacco filler material (a section of 8 mm from the tip) was removed from the flavor generation portion of a commercially available Ploom X tobacco stick, and a paper filter (length 8 mm) carrying a flavoring material was inserted therein so as to be folded in the arrangement direction of the corrugations (see Figure 2 ). A tobacco stick having the structure shown in Figure 1 was produced in this way. This tobacco stick will be referred to as “tobacco stick of Example 1A”. In the tobacco stick of Example 1A, the tip plug had a length of 8 mm, the flavor generation portion had a length of 12 mm, the hollow tube portion had a length of 20 mm, the hollow filter portion had a length of 12 mm, and the filter plug had a length of 8 mm. In the tobacco stick of Example 1A, the tip plug contained 18 mg of menthol, and the flavor generation portion contained 18 mg of glycerol.

[0152] (Comparative Example 1A)

[0153] A 70 mass% menthol dilution (ethanol dilution) was injected by syringe into the filter plug of a commercially available Ploom X tobacco stick so that the amount of injected menthol was 18 mg. The tobacco stick produced in this way will be referred to as “tobacco stick of Comparative Example 1A”. The tobacco stick of Comparative Example 1A did not have a tip plug, contained 18 mg of glycerol in the flavor generation portion, and contained 18 mg of menthol in the filter plug.

[0154] (Comparative Example 2A)

[0155] A 70 mass% menthol dilution (ethanol dilution) was injected by syringe into the flavor generation portion of a commercially available Ploom X tobacco stick so that the amount of injected menthol was 18 mg. The tobacco stick produced in this way will be referred to as “tobacco stick of Comparative Example 2A”. The tobacco stick of Comparative Example 2A did not have a tip plug, and contained 18 mg of menthol and 18 mg of glycerol in the flavor generation portion.

[0156] (Comparative Example 3A)

[0157] A 70 mass% menthol dilution (ethanol dilution) was injected by syringe into the flavor generation portion of a commercially available Ploom X tobacco stick so that the amount of injected menthol was 14 mg. A 70 mass% menthol dilution (ethanol dilution) was injected by syringe into the filter plug of a commercially available Ploom X tobacco stick so that the amount of injected menthol was 4 mg. The tobacco stick produced in this way will be referred to as “tobacco stick of Comparative Example 3A”. The tobacco stick of Comparative Example 3A did not have a tip plug, contained 14 mg of menthol and 18 mg of glycerol in the flavor generation portion, and contained 4 mg of menthol in the filter plug.

[0158] (Example 1B)

[0159] A tobacco stick was produced by the same procedure as the tobacco stick of Production Example 1A, except that the above-mentioned flavoring material composition was carried on the surface of the paper filter in such a manner that the amount of carried menthol was 12 mg. The tobacco stick produced in this way will be referred to as “tobacco stick of Example 1B”. In the tobacco stick of Example 1B, the end plug contained 12 mg of menthol, and the flavor generation portion contained 18 mg of glycerol.

[0160] (Comparative Example 1B)

[0161] A 70 mass% menthol dilution (ethanol dilution) was injected by a syringe into the flavor generation portion of a commercially available Ploom X tobacco stick so that the amount of injected menthol was 12 mg. The tobacco stick produced in this way will be referred to as “tobacco stick of Comparative Example 1B”. The tobacco stick of Comparative Example 1B did not have an end plug, and contained 12 mg of menthol and 18 mg of glycerol in the flavor generation portion.

[0162] [2] Evaluation by smoking test

[0163] The smoking test was performed by heating the produced tobacco sticks with the aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the tobacco sticks were heated with the tobacco stick inserted into the cylindrical body 150 so that the end plug 210 abutted the bottom member 136. In Examples 1A and 1B, the positional relationship of the heating element 140 and the tobacco stick during heating of the tobacco stick was as follows (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). Figure 6A to Figure 6C Figure 7 The smoking test was performed by heating the produced tobacco sticks with the aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the tobacco sticks were heated with the tobacco stick inserted into the cylindrical body 150 so that the end plug 210 abutted the bottom member 136. In Examples 1A and 1B, the positional relationship of the heating element 140 and the tobacco stick during heating of the tobacco stick was as follows (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). Figure 8 Figure 8

[0164] Length (L1) of the heating element 140: 14 mm

[0165] Length (L2) of the portion of the heating element 140 facing the flavor generation portion 220: 12 mm

[0166] Length (L3) of the portion of the heating element 140 facing the end plug 210: 0.5 mm

[0167] Length (L4) of the portion of the heating element 140 facing the hollow tube portion 230: 1.5 mm

[0168] Area of the region of the heating element 140 facing the flavor generation portion 220: 267.6 mm 2

[0169] ​​​Area of the region of the heating element 140 facing the end plug 210: 11.15 mm 2

[0170] Area of the first region of the circumferential surface of the end plug 210 not facing the heating element 140 S1 accounts for 0.9375 of the area S of the circumferential surface of the end plug 210 FP FP

[0171] Area of the second region of the circumferential surface of the flavor generating portion 220 not facing the heating element 140 S2 accounts for 0 of the area S of the circumferential surface of the flavor generating portion 220 FG FG

[0172] A Cambridge filter (manufactured by Borgwaldt KC, CM-133) was attached to the mouth end of the tobacco rod. The tobacco rod was provided for smoking test using a smoking machine. Specifically, under the conditions of a puff volume of 27.5 ml / sec, a smoking time of 2 seconds / puff, and a smoking frequency of 2 puffs / minute, the sample was automatically smoked using an automatic smoking machine (manufactured by Borgwaldt KC Inc., LM5E-SP), and the particles in the tobacco smoke from each puff were captured in the Cambridge filter.

[0173] An analysis sample was obtained by shaking the Cambridge filter in 10 mL of methanol (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.; special grade chemicals) for 10 minutes after the smoking test. 1 μL of the obtained analysis sample was collected in a microsyringe, and the amount of menthol was analyzed in a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (manufactured by Agilent; GC-FID / TCD, GC: 7890B).

[0174] [3] Results

[0175] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of menthol is shown. The results of Example 1A and Comparative Examples 1A to 3A (when the amount of added menthol was 18 mg) are shown in Figure 9 . The results of Example 1B and Comparative Example 1B (when the amount of added menthol was 12 mg) are shown in Figure 10 .

[0176] ​​​​The tobacco rod of Example 1A can also release the flavoring material in the latter half of the inhalation period, without the amount of the released flavoring material decreasing. On the other hand, in the case of the tobacco rods of Comparative Examples 1A to 3A, a larger amount of the flavoring material is released in the former half of the inhalation period, but the amount of the released flavoring material decreases as more puffs are taken.

[0177] The tobacco rod of Example 1B can also release the flavoring material in the latter half of the inhalation period, without the amount of the released flavoring material decreasing. On the other hand, in the case of the tobacco rod of Comparative Example 1B, a larger amount of the flavoring material is released in the former half of the inhalation period, but the amount of the released flavoring material decreases as more puffs are taken.

[0178] These results indicate that, by arranging the tip plug on the tip side of the tobacco rod, and carrying the flavoring material on the filter material in the tip plug together with the hydroxypropyl cellulose, the flavoring material can be stably released in the latter half of the inhalation period, without the amount of the released flavoring material decreasing. At the same time, this tobacco rod includes a flavor generation section downstream of the tip plug, and the flavor generation section contains a cut piece of sheet tobacco as a flavor source, similarly to a conventional tobacco rod. It is considered that the flavoring material originating from the flavor generation section is released mainly in the former half of the inhalation period, similarly to a conventional tobacco rod. Therefore, it is considered that the tobacco rods of Examples 1A and 1B can release the flavoring material originating from the flavor generation section in the former half of the inhalation period, and can release the flavoring material originating from the tip plug in the latter half of the inhalation period, and as a result, the flavoring material can be stably released throughout the inhalation period.

[0179] Note that the present application is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the present application. Furthermore, the embodiments can be implemented in suitable combinations, in which case, the combined effects thereof are achieved. The embodiments further include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted using combinations selected from among the disclosed plurality of constituent requirements. For example, if the problem can still be solved and the effects can still be achieved when some of the constituent requirements are deleted from the constituent requirements disclosed as a whole from the embodiments, then the configuration from which those constituent requirements have been deleted can be extracted as an invention.

[0180] List of Reference Signs

[0181] 100…aerosol generating device, 101…outer housing, 102…sliding cover, 103…switch unit, 110…inner housing, 120…power supply unit, 121…power source, 130…atomization unit, 132…heat insulation portion, 133…cover element, 134…insertion guide member, 136…bottom member, 137…first holding portion, 138…second holding portion, 140…heating element, 141…insulation layer, 150…cylindrical body, 160…heater

[0182] 200…tobacco rod, 210…end plug, 211…first filter material, 211a…ridge portion, 211b…valley portion, 212…first inner plug wrap layer, 220…flavor generating portion, 221…flavor source, 222…first wrapper, 230…hollow tube portion, 240…hollow filter portion, 241…third filter material, 242…third inner plug wrap layer, 250…filter plug, 251…second filter material, 252…second inner plug wrap layer, 260…outer plug wrap layer, 265…second joint body, 270…second wrapper, 280…outer plug wrap layer, 285…first joint body.

Claims

1. A flavoured inhalation article having a cylindrical shape and comprising: a tip plug positioned at one end of the flavoured inhalation article and comprising a first filter material and a flavouring material composition carried on the first filter material, the flavouring material composition comprising hydroxypropyl cellulose and a first flavouring material; a filter plug positioned at the other end of the flavoured inhalation article and comprising a second filter material; and a flavour generation portion positioned between the tip plug and the filter plug and containing a flavour source.

2. A flavoured inhalation article according to any one of claim 1, wherein, The tip plug abuts the flavour generation portion and the filter plug is spaced apart from the flavour generation portion.

3. A flavoured inhalation article according to claim 1 or 2 wherein, The first filter material comprises a sheet material shaped as a corrugation and folded in a corrugation arrangement direction.

4. A flavoured inhalation article according to claim 3 wherein, The sheet material is paper.

5. A flavoured inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein, The flavouring material composition further comprises a first aerosol source.

6. A flavoured inhalation article according to claim 5 wherein, The first aerosol source comprises glycerol.

7. A flavoured inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein, The first flavouring material is menthol.

8. A flavoured inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein, The flavour source is a tobacco filler material.

9. A flavoured inhalation article according to claim 8 wherein, The tobacco filler material constitutes a plurality of shaped bodies, each shaped body comprising tobacco leaf.

10. A flavoured inhalation article according to claim 9 wherein, The plurality of shaped bodies each have a shape extending in a length direction of the flavour generation portion.

11. A flavoured inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein, The flavour generation portion further comprises a second flavouring material of the same type as the first flavouring material.

12. A flavoured inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein, The flavour generation portion further comprises a second aerosol source.

13. A flavoured inhalation article according to claim 12 wherein, The second aerosol source comprises glycerol.

14. A flavoured inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein, The flavour generation portion optionally comprises a second flavouring material of the same type as the first flavouring material, and The amount of the first flavouring material per unit length of the tip plug is greater than the amount of the second flavouring material per unit length of the flavour generation portion.

15. A flavor inhalation system comprising: The flavoured inhalation article of any one of claims 1 to 14; and a heating device comprising a heater for heating the flavoured inhalation article.

16. The flavor inhalation system of claim 15, wherein, The heater comprises a cylindrical body and a heating element surrounding the cylindrical body, the flavoured inhalation article being inserted into the cylindrical body, The heating device further comprises a bottom member abutting the tip plug when the flavoured inhalation article is inserted into the cylindrical body, and The area of the region of the heating element facing the flavour generation portion is greater than the area of the region of the heating element facing the tip plug when the flavoured inhalation article is inserted into the cylindrical body and the tip plug abuts the bottom member.

17. The flavor inhalation system of claim 16, wherein, When the flavored inhalation article is inserted into the cylindrical body and the end plug abuts the bottom member, the area S1 of the first region of the circumferential surface of the end plug not facing the heating element occupies a proportion S1 / S FP of the area S of the circumferential surface of the end plug. FP The area S2 of the second region of the circumferential surface of the flavor generating portion not facing the heating element occupies a proportion S2 / S FG of the area S of the circumferential surface of the flavor generating portion. FG .

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