Flavor inhalation article and flavor inhalation system

Abstract

A flavor inhalation article (200) having a cylindrical shape and comprising: a tip plunger (210) positioned at one end of the flavor inhalation article (200) and comprising a first filter material (211) and a first aerosol source loaded on the first filter material (211); 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 comprising a flavor source (221) and a second aerosol source supported on the 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 generating an aerosol 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 first aerosol source supported on the first filter 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 generating portion positioned between the tip plug and the filter plug, and containing a flavor source and a second aerosol source supported on the flavor source.

[0015] A second aspect provides

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

[0017] a heating device including a heater for heating the flavor inhalation article.

[0018] Advantages of the present invention

[0019] The present invention can provide a technology capable of stably generating an aerosol over an entire inhalation period of a flavor inhalation article. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF 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 plug.

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

[0023] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing different examples of a tobacco rod.

[0024] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing different examples of a tobacco rod.

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

[0026] Figure 6B is a schematic top view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 6A

[0027] is a schematic bottom view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 6C Figure 6A

[0028] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the III-III line of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 6B

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

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

[0031] Figure 10 is a graph showing a relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of glycerol delivered. 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. A flavor inhalation article

[0035] In a flavor inhalation article used in a conventional heat-type flavor inhaler, the amount of aerosol (mainstream smoke) generated decreases as more is drawn, which easily makes the user feel that the inhalation response decreases. In response to this, the inventors found that by arranging a tip plug on the tip side (i.e., the side opposite the mouthpiece) of a flavor inhalation article, and loading an additional aerosol source on the filter material in the tip plug, a larger amount of aerosol can be generated in the latter half of the inhalation period, and thus the present application is realized.

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

[0037] has a columnar shape and includes:

[0038] a tip plug positioned at one end of the flavor inhalation article and including a first filter material and a first aerosol source loaded on the first filter material;

[0039] a filter plug positioned at the other end of the flavor 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 and a second aerosol source loaded on the flavor source.

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

[0042] As Figure 1As shown, the tobacco stick 200 includes, from the end side (i.e., the side opposite to the mouthpiece), the following components in sequence: end insert 210, flavor generating portion 220, hollow tube portion 230, hollow filter portion 240, and filter insert 250. These five components are joined together by a second cover 270.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the end insert 210 is preferably adjacent to the flavor generating portion 220, and the filter insert 250 is preferably spaced apart from the flavor generating portion 220. When a user inhales on the tobacco stick 200, the end insert 210 adjacent to the flavor generating portion 220 facilitates the continuous generation of aerosols from both the flavor generating portion 220 and the end insert 210. Furthermore, when the filter insert 250 is spaced apart from the flavor generating portion 220, the aerosols generated from the end insert 210 and the flavor generating portion 220 by heating the tobacco stick 200 are easily cooled when delivered to the filter insert 250.

[0044] The tobacco stick 200 has a cylindrical shape extending in one direction. The tobacco stick 200 preferably has a cylindrical shape extending in one direction. The length of the tobacco stick 200 is, for example, 50-100 mm. When the shape of the tobacco stick 200 is cylindrical, its diameter is, for example, 4-10 mm. The length of the end insert 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 insert 250 is, for example, 5-15 mm. The lengths of these individual components can be appropriately modified according to manufacturability and desired quality, etc.

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

[0046] End plug

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the end insert 210 is positioned at the end of the tobacco stick 200. The end insert 210 includes a first filter material 211 and a first inner insert wrapping layer 212 surrounding the first filter material 211. The end insert 210 further includes a first aerosol source carried on the first filter material 211.

[0048] The first filter material 211 can be a material commonly used as a filter material in flavored inhalation products, and examples of such materials include paper, plastic film, cellulose acetate, and nonwoven fabrics. 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 An example of the tip plug 210 is shown. 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.

[0052] 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 shown. The corrugated sheet material has an alternating arrangement of ridge portions 211a and valley portions 211b.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Measurement device: VHX-8000 and VHX-H5M (3D profile measurement module) manufactured by KEYENCE.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Magnification: 80 times

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 mean of the spacing between adjacent flutes when the flutes of the corrugated sheet are stretched in planar form.

[0059] Corrugated sheets can be prepared by subjecting the membrane to well-known treatment methods for forming accordion-like flutes. This well-known treatment method can also be referred to as folding, embossing, or wrinkling. For example, JP H9-294577 A discloses a fluting method in which a substrate sheet for cigarette paper filters is passed between a pair of fluting rollers.

[0060] Figure 3 A corrugated sheet with triangular corrugations is shown, but the shape of the corrugations is not limited to this, and the shape can also be a sine wave or a rectangular wave, etc. When the shape of the corrugations is a triangular wave or a sine wave, the corrugation pitch can be the arithmetic mean of the spacing between the peaks of adjacent ridge portions 211a. When the shape of the corrugations is a rectangular wave, the corrugation pitch can be the arithmetic mean of the spacing between the centers of adjacent ridge portions 211a.

[0061] When the corrugated sheet is arranged in the direction of the corrugations (i.e., Figure 3 When folded in the direction shown (D) to form an overall cylindrical shape, it forms Figure 2 The first filter material 211 is shown. At this time, the ridge portion 211a and the valley portion 211b of the corrugated sheet form multiple airflow passages extending in the length direction of the first filter material 211.

[0062] In this way, when the first filter material 211 comprises a sheet formed into a corrugated shape and folded in the direction of the corrugations, the surface area of ​​the first filter material 211 contained in the end insert 210 can be increased, thereby increasing the amount of the first aerosol source carried on the first filter material 211. Therefore, the amount of aerosol generated from the end insert 210 can be increased. Furthermore, the advantage of the paper corrugated sheet is its stiffness (i.e., the ability to maintain the folded structure when subjected to folding deformation).

[0063] The first inner insert wrapping layer 212 used to wrap around the first filter material 211 can be the same as the insert wrapping layer used in cigarettes.

[0064] The first aerosol source carried on the first filter material 211 is a liquid that is heated at a predetermined temperature to generate a vapor. An aerosol source used in a conventional heat-type flavor inhaler can be used as the first aerosol source. Examples of the first aerosol source that can be cited include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The first aerosol source preferably contains glycerin. The first aerosol source can also consist of glycerin.

[0065] The first filter material 211 can carry only the first aerosol source, or can also carry a flavoring agent (e.g., menthol) and the first aerosol source.

[0066] The first aerosol source can be carried on the first filter material 211 by applying the first aerosol source to the first filter material 211. The first aerosol source can be applied to the first filter material 211 by, for example, coating or spraying.

[0067] Flavor generating portion

[0068] The flavor generating portion 220 is arranged downstream of the tip plug 210 in close proximity. The flavor generating portion 220 includes a flavor source 221 and a first wrapper 222 that wraps around the flavor source 221. The first wrapper 222 used can be the same as the wrapper used to wrap a tobacco filler material in a cigarette. The flavor generating portion 220 further contains a second aerosol source loaded on the flavor source 221.

[0069] 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 that are ready to be incorporated into a tobacco product.

[0070] The tobacco filler material preferably constitutes a plurality of shaped bodies each including a tobacco leaf. The plurality of shaped bodies are cut segments of sheet tobacco. The sheet tobacco means shaped bodies formed into a sheet from tobacco pieces or shredded tobacco produced by raw material factories and leaf fragments, cut fragments, and the like in a manufacturing factory. The plurality of shaped bodies are preferably cut segments 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, the width of each shaped body is, for example, 0.5-1.5 mm, and the length is, for example, 1-20 mm.

[0071] 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 generation portion 220.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The second aerosol source carried on the flavor source 221 can be the same type as the above-described first aerosol source, or can be a different type from the first aerosol source. 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. An aerosol source used in a conventional heat-type flavor inhaler can be used as the second aerosol source. Examples of the second aerosol source that can be cited include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The second aerosol source preferably contains glycerin. The second aerosol source can also consist of glycerin.

[0074] The type of the second aerosol source is preferably the same as the type of the first aerosol source. For example, when the first aerosol source is glycerin, the second aerosol source is glycerin.

[0075] The flavor source 221 can carry only the second aerosol source, or can also carry a flavorant (e.g., menthol) and the second aerosol source.

[0076] The second aerosol source can be carried on the flavor source 221 by applying the second aerosol source to the flavor source 221. The second aerosol source can be applied to the flavor source 221 by, for example, coating or spraying.

[0077] The "amount of the first aerosol source per unit length of the tip plug 210" is preferably greater than the "amount of the second aerosol source per unit length of the flavor generating portion 220". This configuration enables a sufficient amount of aerosol to be generated from the first aerosol source contained in the tip plug 210 even in the latter half of the inhalation period of the tobacco stick 200. This enables the aerosol to be stably generated without any reduction in the amount of aerosol generated even if the number of puffing actions increases.

[0078] For example, the ratio of the "amount of the first aerosol source per unit length of the tip plug 210" to the "amount of the second aerosol source per unit length of the flavor generating portion 220" is preferably 1:1-3:1. The ratio of the "amount of the first aerosol source per unit length of the tip plug 210" to the "amount of the second aerosol source per unit length of the flavor generating portion 220" is more preferably 2:1-3:1. This configuration enables the aerosol to be even more stably generated in the latter half of the inhalation period of the tobacco stick 200.

[0079] For example, when the first aerosol source and the second aerosol source are glycerin, the "amount of the first aerosol source per unit length of the tip plug 210" is, for example, 1-10 mg / mm, and is preferably 1.5-5 mg / mm, and the "amount of the second aerosol source per unit length of the flavor generating portion 220" is, for example, 1-10 mg / mm, and is preferably 1.5-4 mg / mm.

[0080] Hollow tube portion

[0081] The hollow tube portion 230 is disposed adjacent to the 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 (central hole filter) formed to penetrate the center in a transverse cross section of a cylindrical cellulose acetate fiber bundle.

[0082] 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 stick 200. The hollow tube portion 230 can be omitted.

[0083] Furthermore, in order to appropriately adjust the airflow resistance of the tobacco stick 200, an opening portion (vent hole) can be provided in the hollow tube portion 230 to inhale 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%.

[0084] Hollow filter portion

[0085] The hollow filter section 240 is arranged adjacently downstream of the hollow tube section 230. The hollow filter section 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.

[0086] The third filter material 241 is formed of high-density fiber and has one or more channels (hollow sections). 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 draws on the tobacco rod 200, air and aerosol thus flow only through the channels, while largely not flowing through the gaps between the fibers.

[0087] When it is desired to suppress the reduction in the components of the aerosol 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 section 240. Replacing a portion of the filter plug 250 by the hollow filter section 240 is effective in increasing the amount of aerosol delivered. Alternatively, the hollow filter section 240 can be omitted.

[0088] Filter plug

[0089] 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.

[0090] The second filter material 251 can be a material that is generally used as a filter material on the mouthpiece side of a flavored inhalation article, and cellulose acetate can be listed as an example thereof.

[0091] The hollow filter section 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.

[0092] Second wrap

[0093] As Figure 1As shown, the above components (i.e., the tip plug 210, the flavor generating portion 220, the hollow tube portion 230, and the joint body including the hollow filter portion 240 and the filter plug 250) are jointed by the second wrapper 270. In Figure 1 Particularly, the second wrapper 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 wrapper 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.

[0094] The second wrapper 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 wrapper 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 wrapper 270. The portion coated with the lip feel separating agent serves as a mouthpiece of the tobacco rod 200.

[0095] Method of jointing components

[0096] 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 jointed by using the outer plug wrap layer 260 and the second wrapper 270, but the method of jointing the five components is not limited to this example.

[0097] Different examples of the method of jointing components will be described with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 . 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 functions as the 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 jointed, but the components of the actual tobacco rod are contiguous without the gaps.

[0098] In the tobacco rod 200 shown in Figure 4 , the five components are jointed by using the outer plug wrap layer 280, the outer plug wrap layer 260, and the second wrapper 270. Specifically, as Figure 4As shown, the outer plug wrap 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 a first joined body 285. Further, the outer plug wrap 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 a 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 the form shown, for example. Figure 4 As shown, the outer plug wrap 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 a first joined body 285. Further, the outer plug wrap 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 a second joined body 265. The second wrapper 270 further joins the first joined body 285 and the second joined body 265. Here, the second wrapper 270 covers the entire 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 the form shown, for example. Figure 4 As shown, the outer plug wrap 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 a first joined body 285. Further, the outer plug wrap 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 a second joined body 265. The second wrapper 270 further joins the first joined body 285 and the second joined body 265. Here, the second wrapper 270 covers the entire 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 the form shown, for example. As shown, the outer plug wrap 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 a first joined body 285. Further, the outer plug wrap 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 a second joined body 265. The second wrapper 270 further joins the first joined body 285 and the second joined body 265. Here, the second wrapper 270 covers the entire 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 the form shown, for example.

[0099] As shown, the outer plug wrap 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 a first joined body 285. Further, the outer plug wrap 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 a second joined body 265. The second wrapper 270 further joins the first joined body 285 and the second joined body 265. Here, the second wrapper 270 covers the entire 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 the form shown, for example. Figure 5 As shown, the outer plug wrap 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 a first joined body 285. Further, the outer plug wrap 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 a second joined body 265. The second wrapper 270 further joins the first joined body 285 and the second joined body 265. Here, the second wrapper 270 covers the entire 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 the form shown, for example. Figure 5 As shown, the outer plug wrap 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 a first joined body 285. Further, the outer plug wrap 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 a second joined body 265. The second wrapper 270 further joins the first joined body 285 and the second joined body 265. Here, the second wrapper 270 covers the entire 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 the form shown, for example. Figure 5 As shown, the outer plug wrap 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 a first joined body 285. Further, the outer plug wrap 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 a second joined body 265. The second wrapper 270 further joins the first joined body 285 and the second joined body 265. Here, the second wrapper 270 covers the entire 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 the form shown, for example. Figure 5 As shown, the outer plug wrap 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 a first joined body 285. Further, the outer plug wrap 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 a second joined body 265. The second wrapper 270 further joins the first joined body 285 and the second joined body 265. Here, the second wrapper 270 covers the entire 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 the form shown, for example. As shown, the outer plug wrap 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 a first joined body 285. Further, the outer plug wrap 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 a second joined body 265. The second wrapper 270 further joins the first joined body 285 and the second joined body 265. Here, the second wrapper 270 covers the entire 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 the form shown, for example.

[0100] Advantageous effects

[0101] As described above, the flavor inhalation article according to the present application includes a tip plug upstream of a flavor generation portion that contains a flavor source and an aerosol source, and the tip plug includes a first filter material and an additional aerosol source loaded on the first filter material. In a conventional flavor inhalation article without the tip plug, the amount of aerosol generated from the flavor generation portion decreases as the number of suction actions increases, whereas the flavor inhalation article according to the present application enables the generation of aerosol originating from the tip plug in the latter half of the inhalation period. In this way, the flavor inhalation article according to the present application is able to stably generate aerosol throughout the inhalation period.

[0102] 2. A flavor inhalation system

[0103] The tobacco rod 200 described above can be combined with a heating device to configure a flavor inhalation system. In other words, on the other hand, there is provided

[0104] A flavor inhalation system including: the flavor inhalation article described above; and

[0105] a heating device including a heater for heating the flavor inhalation article.

[0106] Examples of the flavor inhalation system will be described below Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C and Figure 7 In this example, the flavor inhalation system is formed of the aerosol generation device 100 and the tobacco rod 200. The aerosol generation device 100 is an example of a heating device.

[0107] Figure 6A is a schematic front view of the aerosol generation device that is an example of an aerosol generation device. Figure 6B is a schematic plan view of the aerosol generation device shown in Figure 6A . Figure 6C is a schematic bottom view of the aerosol generation device shown in Figure 6A . Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the III-III line of the aerosol generation device shown in Figure 6B .

[0108] 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 a tobacco rod accommodated in a cylindrical body 150 of an 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.

[0109] The aerosol generating device 100 is configured to generate an aerosol containing a flavor by heating the tobacco rod 200.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 1, Figure 6A to Figure 6C 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 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.

[0111] The outer case 101 includes an opening (not depicted) for receiving the 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 the outer surface of the outer case 101 between a closed position (position shown in FIG. 2) Figure 6A and Figure 6B a position shown in FIG. 3) for closing the opening of the outer case 101 and an open position (position shown in FIG. 4) Figure 7 for opening the opening. For example, the 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 to enter the inside of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0112] The switch unit 103 is used to turn on and off the operation of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the user can heat without burning the tobacco rod, which is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, to heat the tobacco rod from a power source (see reference numeral 121 in FIG. 1) to a heating element (see reference numeral 131 in FIG. 1) by operating the switch unit 103. Figure 7 Figure 7 ​The switch unit 103 is a switch for turning on / off the power supply to the aerosol generating device 100 (see reference numeral 140 in FIG. 1). It should be noted 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 herein, the switch of the switch unit 103 is located inside the outer housing 101.

[0113] 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.

[0114] The tobacco rod used in the aerosol generating device 100 represents the tobacco rod 200 described in the above "1. Flavored inhalation article" section.

[0115] The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is described next. Figure 7 is along the Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 taken along the III-III line shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, Figure 7 The inner housing 110 (corresponding to an example of an envelope) is disposed inside the outer housing 101 of the aerosol generating device 100, as shown in FIG. 1. The inner housing 110 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. Note that the inner housing 110 is preferably PEEK from the perspective of heat resistance and strength. The power source unit 120 and the atomization unit 130 are disposed in the internal space of the inner housing 110.

[0116] The power source unit 120 includes a power source 121. The power source 121 can be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power source 121 is electrically connected to the atomization unit 130. The power source 121 is thereby able to supply power to the atomization unit 130 in order to properly heat the tobacco rod 200.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 3, Figure 7 The atomization unit 130 includes, as shown in FIG. 3, a metal cylindrical body 150 extending 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 abutting the opening of the cylindrical body 150.

[0118] The cylindrical body 150 is configured to surround a 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 a 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.

[0119] Further, as shown in Figure 7 , a bottom member 136 is provided at a bottom portion of the cylindrical body 150. The bottom member 136 abuts 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 that positions the tobacco rod 200. Here, an accommodation portion for accommodating at least a portion of the tobacco rod 200 is formed by the cylindrical body 150 and the bottom member 136.

[0120] 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 that is abutted by the tobacco rod 200, and such an uneven portion can define a first airflow path that 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, resin, and can be formed of, in particular, 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, for example. Note that the bottom member 136 is preferably formed of a material with low thermal conductivity so as to suppress heat transfer to the heat-insulating portion 132 or the like.

[0121] The heat-insulating portion 132 is generally substantially cylindrical and is arranged 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 to cover the cylindrical body 150, and the heat-insulating portion 132 can be arranged to cover the cover element 133, as shown in Figure 8 .

[0122] An insertion guide 134 is disposed between the sliding cover 102 in the closed position and the cylindrical body 150. The insertion guide 134 is made of resin, for example, and may specifically be formed of, 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 the insertion guide 134 may also be formed of metal, glass, or ceramic. Furthermore, from a heat resistance perspective, the insertion guide 134 is preferably made of PEEK. When the sliding cover 102 is in the open position, the insertion guide 134 communicates with the outside of the aerosol generating device 100, and guides the tobacco stick 200 into the cylindrical body 150 when it is inserted into the insertion guide 134. The insertion guide 134 allows for easy insertion of the tobacco stick 200 into the cylindrical body 150.

[0123] 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 insulation portion 132. The first holding portion 137 is arranged to hold the end portions of both the cylindrical body 150 and the heat insulation portion 132 on the negative Z-axis side. The second holding portion 138 is arranged to hold the end portions of both the cylindrical body 150 and the heat insulation portion 132 on the sliding cover 102 side (positive Z-axis side).

[0124] 3. Positional relationship between the heating element and the tobacco stick in the aerosol generating device

[0125] Reference Figure 8 The preferred positional relationship between the heating element 140 of the aerosol generating device 100 and the tobacco stick 200 is described.

[0126] Figure 8 The image shows the state in which the tobacco stick 200 is inserted into the cylindrical body 150 of the aerosol generating device 100. Figure 8 The gap between the circumferential outer surface of the tobacco stick 200 and the cylindrical body 150 is shown to illustrate the clear distinction between the tobacco stick 200 and the cylindrical body 150. However, the circumferential outer surface of the tobacco stick 200 is preferably inserted into the cylindrical body 150 in a state of contact with the cylindrical body 150 so that the tobacco stick 200 is effectively heated by the heat of the cylindrical body 150.

[0127] When the tobacco stick 200 is inserted into the cylindrical body 150, the circumferential outer surface of the tobacco stick 200 may or may not contact the cylindrical body 150. Furthermore, when the tobacco stick 200 is inserted into the cylindrical body 150, a portion of the circumferential outer surface of the tobacco stick 200 may contact the cylindrical body 150. When a perfectly circular tobacco stick 200 is inserted into an elliptical cylindrical body 150, a portion of the circumferential outer surface of the tobacco stick 200 may contact the cylindrical body 150.

[0128] like Figure 8 As shown, a cylindrical body 150, a heating element 140 surrounding the cylindrical body 150, and a flexible insulating layer 141 supporting the heating element 140 constitute a heater 160. A cover element 133 is further arranged to cover the cylindrical body 150, and a heat-insulating portion 132 is further arranged to cover the cover element 133. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a bottom member 136 that abuts against the end insert 210 when the tobacco stick 200 is inserted into the cylindrical body 150.

[0129] exist Figure 8 In this design, the length of the heating element 140 is denoted by L1, the length of the portion of the heating element 140 facing the flavor-generating portion 220 is denoted by L2, the length of the portion of the heating element 140 facing the end insert 210 is denoted by L3, and the length of the portion of the heating element 140 facing the hollow tube portion 230 is denoted 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.

[0130] When the tobacco stick 200 is inserted into the cylindrical body 150 and the end insert 210 abuts against the bottom member 136, the majority of the heating element 140 is therefore preferably located facing the flavor-generating portion 220 rather than the end insert 210. More specifically, when the tobacco stick 200 is inserted into the cylindrical body 150 and the end insert 210 abuts against 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 insert 210".

[0131] exist Figure 8In the present specification, the "area of 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 the present specification, the "area of the region of the heating element 140 facing the flavor generating portion 220" is thus not limited to a region where the heating element 140 directly faces the flavor generating portion 220, and can also be a region where the heating element 140 faces the flavor generating portion 220 with another member interposed therebetween.

[0132] Similarly, in the present specification, the "area of the region of the heating element 140 facing the tip plug 210" is thus not limited to a region where the heating element 140 directly faces the tip plug 210, and can also be a region where the heating element 140 faces the tip plug 210 with another member interposed therebetween.

[0133] 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 "area of the region of the heating element 140 facing the flavor generating portion 220" is 89.2-446 mm 2 , and is preferably, for example, 111.5-334.5 mm 2 , and the "area of the region of the heating element 140 facing the tip plug 210" is 0-111.5 mm 2 , and is preferably, for example, 0-66.9 mm 2 .

[0134] When this configuration is employed, the heat of the heating element 140 is first transferred to the flavor generating portion 220, and then to the tip plug 210. In the first half of the inhalation period of the tobacco stick 200, it is thus easy to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol source contained in the flavor generating portion 220, and in the second half of the inhalation period of the tobacco stick 200, it is easy to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol source contained in the tip plug 210. Thus, an aerosol can be generated throughout the inhalation period.

[0135] In addition to the above-described 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 not facing the heating element 140" is more preferably greater than the "area of the region of the circumferential surface of the flavor generating portion 220 not facing 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 "area of the first region of the circumferential surface of the tip plug 210 not facing the heating element 140" SI occupies a proportion S1 / S FP of the area S FP"the ratio S2 / S FG " of the area S2 of the second region of the circumferential surface of the flavor- generating portion 220 not facing the heating element 140 to the area S FG " of the circumferential surface of the flavor-generating portion 220 is greater than 0.5, preferably greater than 0.75, and more preferably greater than, for example, 0.875.

[0136] 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 not facing 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 not facing 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.

[0137] When this configuration is also employed, the heat of the heating element 140 is likewise first transferred to the flavor-generating portion 220 and then to the tip plug 210. In the first half of the inhalation period of the tobacco rod 200, it is thus easy to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol source contained in the flavor-generating portion 220, and in the second half of the inhalation period of the tobacco rod 200, it is easy to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol source contained in the tip plug 210. Thus, it is possible to generate an aerosol over the entire inhalation period.

[0138] Examples

[0139] 1. Production of a tobacco rod

[0140] Example 1A

[0141] A glycerol-loaded paper filter was integrated into a commercially available Ploom X tobacco rod (Japan Tobacco, Inc.) to produce the tobacco rod of Example 1A.

[0142] The commercially available Ploom X tobacco rod has Figure 1The structure of the tobacco stick shown, without the end plug. In other words, the commercially available Ploom X tobacco stick includes, in order from the end side (i.e., the side opposite the mouthpiece), a flavor generation portion (20 mm in length), a hollow tube portion (20 mm in length), a hollow filter portion (12 mm in length), and a filter plug (8 mm in length). The flavor generation portion of this tobacco stick contains a cut piece of sheet tobacco as a flavor source, and also contains glycerin (30 mg) as an aerosol source.

[0143] Paper (thickness: 88 µm, basis weight: 35 g / m 2 , air permeability: 3000 CORESTA units) was formed into a corrugated shape to prepare a paper filter (see Figure 3 ). The paper used was rectangular, with a length of 180 mm in the direction of arrangement of the corrugations (i.e., the direction D shown), and a length of 8 mm in a direction orthogonal to the direction of arrangement of the corrugations. 12 mg of glycerin was loaded onto the surface of the paper filter. In this way, a glycerin-loaded paper filter was prepared. Figure 3

[0144] A portion (cross section 8 mm from the end) of the tobacco filler material was removed from the flavor generation portion of the commercially available Ploom X tobacco stick, and a glycerin-loaded paper filter (8 mm in length) was inserted therein so as to be folded in the direction of arrangement of the corrugations (see Figure 2 ). In this way, a tobacco stick having the structure shown in Figure 1 was produced. This tobacco stick will be referred to as the “tobacco stick of Example 1A”.

[0145] In the tobacco stick of Example 1A, the length of the end plug was 8 mm, the length of the flavor generation portion was 12 mm, the length of the hollow tube portion was 20 mm, the length of the hollow filter portion was 12 mm, and the length of the filter plug was 8 mm. In the tobacco stick of Example 1A, the end plug contained 12 mg of glycerin as a first aerosol source, and the flavor generation portion contained 18 mg of glycerin.

[0146] Comparative Example 1A

[0147] The above-described commercially available Ploom X tobacco stick (Japan Tobacco Inc.) was used as the “tobacco stick of Comparative Example 1A”. In the tobacco stick of Comparative Example 1A, the flavor generation portion contained 30 mg of glycerin.

[0148] Example 2A

[0149] ​A tobacco rod was produced by the same procedure as for the tobacco rod of Example 1A, except that 26 mg of glycerol was loaded on the surface of the paper filter. The tobacco rod produced in this way will be referred to as "tobacco rod of Example 2A".

[0150] In the tobacco rod of Example 2A, the length of the end plug was 8 mm, the length of the flavor generation portion was 12 mm, the length of the hollow tube portion was 20 mm, the length of the hollow filter portion was 12 mm, and the length of the filter plug was 8 mm. In the tobacco rod of Example 2A, the end plug contained 26 mg of glycerol as the first aerosol source, and the flavor generation portion contained 18 mg of glycerol.

[0151] Comparative Example 2A

[0152] 14 mg of glycerol was injected into the flavor generation portion (containing 30 mg of glycerol) of the above-described commercially available Ploom X tobacco rod by a syringe. The tobacco rod produced in this way will be referred to as "tobacco rod of Comparative Example 2A". In the tobacco rod of Comparative Example 2A, the flavor generation portion contained 44 mg of glycerol.

[0153] 2. Evaluation by smoking test

[0154] The smoking test was performed by heating the produced tobacco rod with the aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Figure 6A to Figure 6C and Figure 7 As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the tobacco rod was heated with the tobacco rod inserted into the cylindrical body 150 so that the end plug 210 abutted the bottom member 136. In Examples 1A and 2A, during heating of the tobacco rod, the positional relationship of the heating element 140 with the tobacco rod was as follows (see FIG. 3). Figure 8 Figure 8

[0155] Length (L1) of the heating element 140: 14 mm

[0156] Length (L2) of the portion of the heating element 140 facing the flavor generation portion 220: 12 mm

[0157] Length (L3) of the portion of the heating element 140 facing the end plug 210: 0.5 mm

[0158] Length (L4) of the portion of the heating element 140 facing the hollow tube portion 230: 1.5 mm

[0159] Area of the region of the heating element 140 facing the flavor generation portion 220: 267.6 mm 2

[0160] ​​Area of the region of the heating element 140 facing the end plug 210: 11.15 mm 2

[0161] The area S1 of the first region of the circumferential surface of the end plug 210 not facing the heating element 140 occupies a proportion S1 / S of the area S of the circumferential surface of the end plug 210 FP FP : 0.9375

[0162] The area S2 of the second region of the circumferential surface of the flavor generating portion 220 not facing the heating element 140 occupies a proportion S2 / S of the area S of the circumferential surface of the flavor generating portion 220 FG FG : 0 A Cambridge filter (manufactured by Borgwaldt KC Inc., CM-133) was attached to the mouth end of the tobacco rod.

[0163] 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 sec / puff, and a smoking frequency of 2 puffs / min, 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 a Cambridge filter.

[0164] After the end of the smoking test, the Cambridge filter was shaken in 10 mL of methanol (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.; Special Grade Chemicals) for 10 minutes to obtain an analysis sample. 1 µL of the obtained analysis sample was collected in a microsyringe, and the amount of glycerol was analyzed in a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (manufactured by Agilent; GC-FID / TCD, GC: 7890B). Since glycerol is a major component of the aerosol (mainstream smoke), the amount of glycerol analyzed here corresponds to the amount of aerosol (mainstream smoke) generated. In the following description, the amount of glycerol analyzed here will also be referred to as the “amount of glycerol delivered”.

[0165] 3. Results

[0166] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The relationship between the number of puffs and the amount of glycerol delivered is shown. The results of Example 1A and Comparative Example 1A (when the amount of added glycerol was 30 mg / tobacco rod) are shown in Figure 9 . The results of Example 2A (when the amount of added glycerol was 44 mg / tobacco rod) are shown in Figure 10 . ​​

[0167] In the tobacco rod of Comparative Example 1A, a large amount of glycerol was delivered in the third to fifth puffs, but the amount of glycerol delivered decreased as the number of puffing actions increased in the latter half of the inhalation period. However, the tobacco rod of Example 1A can also maintain the amount of glycerol delivered without a large decrease in the amount in the latter half of the inhalation period.

[0168] The tobacco rod of Example 2A can also maintain the amount of glycerol delivered without a decrease in the amount in the latter half of the inhalation period. The tobacco rod of Example 2A can maintain the amount of glycerol delivered at a higher level than the amount of glycerol delivered by the tobacco rod of Example 1A, even if the number of puffing actions increases in the latter half of the inhalation period.

[0169] However, in the tobacco rod of Comparative Example 2A, the phenomenon of exudation into the wrapper (reference numeral 222) of the flavor generation section was confirmed. This is believed to be because a large amount (44 mg) of glycerol was added to the flavor generation section. Therefore, the tobacco rod of Comparative Example 2A was not subjected to the smoking test. Figure 1

[0170] These results indicate that, by arranging the tip plug in the tip side of the tobacco rod and loading the aerosol source on the filter material in the tip plug, the generation of aerosol can be shifted to the latter half of the inhalation period, thereby enabling stable generation of aerosol throughout the inhalation period.

[0171] Furthermore, from the results of Example 1A and Example 2A, it can be seen that the "amount of glycerol per unit length of the tip plug" is preferably greater than the "amount of glycerol per unit length of the flavor generation section". Furthermore, from the results of Example 1A and Example 2A, it can be seen that, when the "amount of glycerol per unit length of the tip plug" is at least twice the "amount of glycerol per unit length of the flavor generation section", aerosol can be generated even more stably in the latter half of the inhalation period.

[0172] Note that the present application is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the gist of the present application in the implementation stage. Furthermore, the embodiments can be implemented in a suitable combination, in which case, a combined effect thereof is achieved. The embodiments further include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted using a combination of the constituent requirements selected from the disclosed plurality of constituent requirements. For example, if the problem can still be solved and the effect 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.

[0173] List of Reference Numerals

[0174] ​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

[0175] 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 flavor inhalation article having a cylindrical shape and comprising: An end insert, the end insert being positioned at one end of the flavor inhalation article and including a first filter material and a first aerosol source loaded on the first filter material; A filter insert, which is positioned at the other end of the flavor inhalation article and includes a second filter material; as well as The flavor generating section is located between the end insert and the filter insert, and includes a flavor source and a second aerosol source loaded on the flavor source.

2. The flavored inhalation article as described in any one of claims 1, wherein, The end insert is adjacent to the flavor-generating portion, and the filter insert is spaced apart from the flavor-generating portion.

3. The flavored inhalation article as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first filter material comprises a sheet that is shaped into a corrugated shape and folded in the direction of the corrugation arrangement.

4. The flavored inhalation article as described in claim 3, wherein, The sheet material is paper.

5. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first aerosol source contains glycerol.

6. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The flavor source is tobacco filling material.

7. The flavored inhalation article of claim 6, wherein, The tobacco filling material comprises multiple molded bodies, each of which includes tobacco leaves.

8. The flavored inhalation article as claimed in claim 7, wherein, Each of the multiple molded bodies has a shape that extends along the length direction of the flavor-producing portion.

9. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The second aerosol source is of the same type as the first aerosol source.

10. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The second aerosol source contains glycerol.

11. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The amount of the first aerosol source on the end insert per unit length is greater than the amount of the second aerosol source on the flavor-generating portion per unit length.

12. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The ratio of the amount of the first aerosol source on the end insert per unit length to the amount of the second aerosol source on the flavor-generating portion per unit length is 2:1 to 3:

1.

13. A flavor inhalation system, comprising: Flavored inhalation articles as described in any one of claims 1 to 12; as well as A heating device, comprising a heater for heating flavored inhalation products.

14. The flavor inhalation system of claim 13, wherein, The heater includes a cylindrical body and a heating element surrounding the cylindrical body, into which the flavor inhalation product is inserted. The heating device further includes a bottom member that abuts against the end insert when the flavor inhalation product is inserted into the cylindrical body. When the flavor inhalation product is inserted into the cylindrical body and the end insert abuts against the bottom member, the area of ​​the heating element facing the flavor-generating portion is larger than the area of ​​the heating element facing the end insert.

15. The flavor inhalation system of claim 14, wherein, When the flavor inhalation product is inserted into the cylindrical body and the end insert abuts against the bottom member, the area S1 of the first region of the circumferential surface of the end insert that does not face the heating element occupies the area S of the circumferential surface of the end insert. FP The ratio S1 / S FP The area S2 of the second region, which is larger than the circumferential surface of the flavor-generating portion and does not face the heating element, occupies the area S of the circumferential surface of the flavor-generating portion. FG The ratio S2 / S FG .

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