Method for producing liquid containing flavor component, and method for producing tobacco flavor liquid

Abstract

A method for producing a liquid containing a flavor component for use with an aerosol-generating flavor inhaler, the liquid containing a flavor component comprising an aerosol source and a flavor component derived from tobacco material, and the liquid containing a flavor component being converted into the aerosol by the flavor inhaler, the method comprises: heating the tobacco material at a temperature in the range of 80 DEG C to 100 DEG C, thereby reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material; heating the reduced moisture content tobacco material at a temperature above 100 DEG C, thereby vaporizing a high boiling flavor component from the tobacco material; and dissolving the vaporized high-boiling flavor component in a liquid used as at least part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a liquid containing a high-boiling flavor component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a liquid containing flavor components and a method for producing a tobacco-flavored liquid. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that tobacco material is heated to produce a gas containing flavor components, and then the gas is dissolved in a liquid to obtain a liquid containing flavor components, and this liquid containing flavor components is used as a tobacco flavor source in a flavor inhaler (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: WO2017 / 144705A1 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide a technique for obtaining a flavor-containing liquid with low water content for use in flavor inhalers that generate aerosols.

[0008] Solution to the problem

[0009] A first aspect provides a method for producing a flavor-containing liquid for use in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol, the flavor-containing liquid comprising an aerosol source and a flavor component derived from tobacco material, and the flavor-containing liquid being converted into the aerosol via the flavor inhaler, wherein the method includes:

[0010] The tobacco material is heated at a temperature ranging from 80°C to 100°C, thereby reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material.

[0011] Heating the tobacco material at a temperature above 100°C, thereby reducing its moisture content, vaporizes high-boiling-point flavor components from the tobacco material; and

[0012] The vaporized high-boiling-point flavor component is dissolved in at least a portion of the liquid used as the aerosol source to obtain a liquid containing the high-boiling-point flavor component.

[0013] The second aspect provides a liquid containing flavor components produced by the method according to the first aspect.

[0014] The third aspect provides:

[0015] A method for producing tobacco-flavored liquid, the method comprising:

[0016] Producing various types of liquids containing flavor components according to the method of the first aspect; and

[0017] Based on the content or type of the flavor component, select from the various types of liquids containing the flavor component:

[0018] (a) A type of liquid containing flavor components as a tobacco-flavored liquid; or

[0019] (b) Select and mix two or more types of liquids containing flavor components to prepare a tobacco liquid.

[0020] The fourth aspect provides a tobacco-flavored liquid produced by the method according to the third aspect.

[0021] The fifth aspect provides a flavor inhaler containing a tobacco flavor liquid according to the fourth aspect.

[0022] The sixth aspect provides:

[0023] A reconstituted tobacco material, comprising:

[0024] The tobacco-flavored liquid produced according to the method of the third aspect; and

[0025] The heated tobacco material is obtained after the various types of liquid containing flavor components have been obtained in accordance with the method of the third aspect.

[0026] The seventh aspect provides a flavor inhaler comprising reconstituted tobacco material according to the sixth aspect.

[0027] Advantages of the present invention

[0028] This invention provides a technique for obtaining a flavor-containing liquid with low water content for use in flavor inhalers that generate aerosols. Attached Figure Description

[0029] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for producing a liquid containing flavor components.

[0030] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a flavor component recovery system.

[0031] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of a heated flavor inhaler.

[0032] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the power supply unit in a heated flavor inhaler.

[0033] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a heated flavor inhaler.

[0034] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 It shows Figure 3 A block diagram of the main components of the power supply unit in a heated flavor inhaler.

[0035] [ Figure 7A ] Figure 7A This is a schematic front view showing an example of an aerosol generating device.

[0036] [ Figure 7B ] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A schematic top view of the aerosol generating device shown.

[0037] [ Figure 7C ] Figure 7C yes Figure 7A A schematic bottom view of the aerosol generating device shown.

[0038] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 This is a schematic side cross-section diagram showing an example of a flavor-producing article.

[0039] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 yes Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating apparatus shown along line III-III.

[0040] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 It is a chart showing the amount of water contained in a liquid containing flavor components.

[0041] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 This is a chart showing the amount of nicotine contained in a liquid containing flavoring components.

[0042] [ Figure 12 ] Figure 12 This is a radar chart showing the amount of aroma components contained in a liquid containing flavor components.

[0043] [ Figure 13 ] Figure 13 This is a ternary graph showing the relationship between solvent composition and menthol solubility. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The invention will now be described in detail, but this description is intended to illustrate the invention and not to limit it. The embodiments described below are more specific embodiments of any of the foregoing aspects. The matters set forth below may be incorporated individually or in combination into each of the foregoing aspects.

[0045] <1. Terminology Explanation>

[0046] The term "tobacco-flavored liquid" in this specification refers to a liquid used as a tobacco flavor source in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol. "Tobacco-flavored liquid" includes the liquid used as an aerosol source and various flavor components derived from tobacco materials. When the "tobacco-flavored liquid" is atomized in a flavor inhaler, the liquid used as an aerosol source becomes vapor, and the flavor components migrate into the vapor, thereby generating an aerosol (tobacco vapor).

[0047] The term "aerosol source" in this specification refers to the source (liquid) used to generate vapor (gas) when tobacco flavor liquid is atomized in a flavor inhaler. The term "aerosol source" refers to the source (liquid) of the dispersion medium (gas) used to generate aerosol (tobacco vapor), and does not include fine particles (such as flavor components) in the aerosol.

[0048] The term "liquid containing flavor components" in this specification refers to a liquid used as a starting material for tobacco flavored liquids. "Liquid containing flavor components" can be used as a tobacco flavored liquid without modification, or multiple types of liquids containing flavor components can be mixed to prepare a tobacco flavored liquid. Therefore, "liquid containing flavor components" is a liquid intended for use in flavor inhalers that generate aerosols. Similar to tobacco flavored liquids, "liquid containing flavor components" includes liquids used as aerosol sources and various types of flavor components derived from tobacco materials. Furthermore, similar to "tobacco flavored liquids," when "liquid containing flavor components" is atomized in a flavor inhaler, the liquid used as an aerosol source becomes vapor, and the flavor components migrate into the vapor, thereby generating an aerosol (tobacco vapor).

[0049] When referring to various types of liquids containing flavor components in this specification, the following specific names will be used: "liquid containing low-boiling-point flavor components", "liquid containing high-boiling-point flavor components", "liquid containing a first high-boiling-point flavor component", and "liquid containing a second high-boiling-point flavor component". That is, the term "liquid containing flavor components" is used as a general name for these liquids containing specific flavor components.

[0050] In this specification, the heating temperature when the tobacco material is heated refers to the temperature of the tobacco material itself. The "temperature of the tobacco material" can be obtained by measuring the temperature at the surface of the tobacco material. The "temperature of the tobacco material" is also referred to as the product temperature in this technical field.

[0051] <2. Method for producing liquids containing flavor components>

[0052] Methods for producing a liquid containing flavor components for use in flavored inhalers that generate aerosols include:

[0053] The tobacco material is heated at a temperature ranging from 80°C to 100°C to reduce its moisture content.

[0054] Heating tobacco materials at temperatures above 100°C to reduce their moisture content vaporizes high-boiling-point flavor components from the tobacco materials; and

[0055] The high-boiling-point flavor components that are vaporized are dissolved in at least a portion of the liquid used as an aerosol source, thereby obtaining a liquid containing the high-boiling-point flavor components.

[0056] The liquid containing flavor components produced by this method includes an aerosol source and flavor components derived from tobacco materials, and is converted into an aerosol by a flavor inhaler.

[0057] In the above method, one type of liquid containing high-boiling-point flavor components can be obtained, or multiple types of liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components can be obtained. In the latter case, high-boiling-point flavor components are vaporized as the temperature of the tobacco material increases, and the fractions of high-boiling-point flavor components vaporized in different temperature zones dissolve in separate liquids, thereby allowing the acquisition of multiple types of liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components. When obtaining multiple types of liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components, there is no particular limitation on the number of liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components; rather, 2 to 5 types of liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components can be obtained.

[0058] The above method will be described below using examples of obtaining two types of liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components. This example of the method is provided by... Figure 1 The flowchart is shown in the figure. That is, according to one embodiment, a method for producing a liquid containing flavor components for use in a flavored inhaler that generates aerosols includes:

[0059] (S1) The tobacco material is heated at a first temperature in the range of 80°C to 100°C, thereby vaporizing low-boiling-point flavor components from the tobacco material and reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material.

[0060] (S2) Dissolve the vaporized low-boiling-point flavor component in a liquid used as part of the aerosol source to obtain a liquid containing the low-boiling-point flavor component.

[0061] (S3) After heating at the first temperature, the tobacco material is heated at a second temperature above 100°C, thereby vaporizing the first high-boiling-point flavor component from the tobacco material;

[0062] (S4) The vaporized first high-boiling-point flavor component is dissolved in another part of the liquid used as the aerosol source to obtain a liquid containing the first high-boiling-point flavor component.

[0063] (S5) After heating at the second temperature, the tobacco material is heated at a third temperature higher than the second temperature, thereby vaporizing a second high-boiling-point flavor component from the tobacco material; and

[0064] (S6) The vaporized second high-boiling-point flavor component is dissolved in another part of the liquid used as the aerosol source to obtain a liquid containing the second high-boiling-point flavor component.

[0065] The flavor-containing liquids produced by this method each include an aerosol source and flavor components derived from tobacco materials, and are converted into aerosols by a flavor inhaler.

[0066] Similarly, in this embodiment, "first temperature," "second temperature," and "third temperature" all refer to the temperature of the tobacco material itself. The heating temperature and heating temperature range of the tobacco material will be mentioned in the following description, and these refer to the temperature of the tobacco material itself under all conditions.

[0067] The method according to the embodiments will now be described step by step.

[0068] [First heating step (S1)]

[0069] In the first heating step (S1), the tobacco material is heated at a first temperature within the range of 80°C to 100°C. The "first temperature within the range of 80°C to 100°C" in the first heating step (S1) refers to the temperature of the tobacco material. Low-boiling-point flavor components are vaporized from the tobacco material, and the moisture content of the tobacco material is also reduced by the first heating step (S1) (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0070] Cut tobacco prepared for inclusion in tobacco products (such as combustible or heated flavored inhalers) can be used as “tobacco material.” The statement “cut tobacco prepared for inclusion in tobacco products” refers to cut tobacco that has been prepared for inclusion in tobacco products through: drying processes on farms; long-term aging processes at raw material factories for one or more years; and various subsequent processes at the manufacturing plant such as blending and cutting.

[0071] Cut tobacco is cut tobacco leaves. Cut tobacco can be cut destemmed leaves, cut midrib leaves, cut reconstituted tobacco (specifically, tobacco material obtained when waste such as leaf waste, cut tobacco waste, midrib waste, and tobacco dust generated during factory operations is processed into a usable form), or mixtures thereof. Cut tobacco can be ground, and the resulting ground material can be used in the heating step (S1). Using ground cut tobacco as tobacco material allows for more efficient recovery of flavor components from the tobacco material. This enables an increase in the content of flavor components in liquids containing flavor components or tobacco-flavored liquids.

[0072] Any variety of cut tobacco can be used, such as flue-cured, Burley, or Oriental varieties. A single variety of cut tobacco or a blend of different varieties can be used.

[0073] The first heating step (S1) can preferably be performed by supplying a heated gas to the tobacco material. The temperature of the heated gas is, for example, between 105°C and 250°C. Here, the heated gas preferably comprises an inert gas and preferably has an oxygen concentration of no more than 10% by volume. For example, a mixture of nitrogen and air with an oxygen concentration of no more than 10% by volume can be used as the heated gas. In this way, by using a gas with a low oxygen concentration, the exothermic reaction caused by oxygen can be reduced, and any sudden increase in the temperature of the tobacco material can be prevented. The temperature of the tobacco material can be reliably controlled by using a gas with a low oxygen concentration, which therefore enables the stable production of a liquid containing flavor components of the desired quality.

[0074] As described above, in the first heating step (S1), the tobacco material is heated at a first temperature in the range of 80°C to 100°C. As mentioned above, the "first temperature in the range of 80°C to 100°C" in the first heating step (S1) refers to the temperature of the tobacco material. The temperature of the tobacco material can be obtained, for example, by measuring the temperature at the surface of the tobacco material using a contact thermometer.

[0075] The first heating step (S1) can preferably be performed by heating the tobacco material in a temperature range of 80°C to 100°C. For example, the heating including the first heating step (S1) can be performed by heating the tobacco material from room temperature (e.g., about 20°C) to 100°C while raising the temperature of the tobacco material.

[0076] The moisture content of the tobacco material can be reduced by vaporizing it through the first heating step (S1). Preferably, the first heating step (S1) is performed such that the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately after heating (hereinafter also referred to as "moisture content WC2") is no more than 20% of the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately before heating (hereinafter also referred to as "moisture content WC1"). That is, it is preferred that the ratio of moisture content WC2 to moisture content WC1 is no more than 20%. It is also preferred that the ratio of moisture content WC2 to moisture content WC1 is 8% or less. "Immediately before heating" means less than 2 hours before the start of the first heating step (S1), and preferably less than 1 hour before the start of the first heating step (S1). "Immediately after heating" means less than 2 hours after the end of the first heating step (S1), and preferably less than 1 hour after the end of the first heating step (S1).

[0077] The moisture content WC1 of the tobacco material immediately prior to heating in the first heating step (S1) can be obtained through the following procedure.

[0078] Immediately prior to the heating in the first heating step (S1), the tobacco material is dried at 100°C under open conditions for 1 hour. The mass of the dried sample is measured, the mass difference between the dried and undried samples is calculated, and the resulting difference is taken as the "moisture content". The "moisture content" is calculated based on the value of the "moisture content" using the following formula.

[0079] Moisture content WC1 [%] = (moisture content / mass of undried sample) × 100.

[0080] The "moisture content WC2" of the tobacco material immediately following the heating in the first heating step (S1) can be obtained by the same procedure as "moisture content WC1", except that the tobacco material immediately before drying in the first heating step (S1) is replaced with the tobacco material immediately after drying in the first heating step (S1).

[0081] The ratio of water content WC2 to water content WC1 [%] can be calculated using the following formula.

[0082] Ratio [%] = (Moisture content WC2 / Moisture content WC1) × 100.

[0083] The reduction of the moisture content of the tobacco material by the first heating step (S1) can reduce the moisture content of the liquid containing high-boiling-point flavor components (in this embodiment, the liquid containing the first high-boiling-point flavor component and the liquid containing the second high-boiling-point flavor component) obtained by further heating the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1).

[0084] Reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material through the first heating step (S1) also makes it possible for nicotine to vaporize more easily when the tobacco material is further heated after the first heating step (S1) (see...). Figure 11 (Fraction 2 in the text). This effect is due to the fact that if the tobacco material retains a large amount of moisture, the nicotine is not easily vaporized even when heated, but when the tobacco material has a low moisture content, the nicotine is easily vaporized by heating.

[0085] The first heating step (S1) can be performed over a period of time, for example, from 0.5 minutes to 60 minutes, and preferably from 1 minute to 20 minutes. This allows the moisture contained in the tobacco material to be vaporized, thereby reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material.

[0086] The method according to the embodiment may further include adding a humectant to the tobacco material before heating it in the first heating step (S1). Examples of humectants that can be used include glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, and triacetin. For example, the humectant may be added in an amount of 1-20 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material. If the humectant is added before the first heating step (S1), a greater amount of nicotine can be vaporized in subsequent heating steps (in this embodiment, the second heating step (S3) and the third heating step (S5)) even when the temperature of the tobacco material is 200°C or lower.

[0087] [Low-boiling-point flavor component dissolution step (S2)]

[0088] In the low-boiling-point flavor component dissolution step (S2), the low-boiling-point flavor component vaporized in the first heating step (S1) is dissolved in a liquid (hereinafter referred to as the "first trapping liquid") that serves as part of the aerosol source. This allows for the acquisition of a liquid containing the low-boiling-point flavor component (see [link to product]). Figure 1 ).

[0089] Liquids that can be used as aerosol sources in flavored inhalers can be used as first trapping liquids. Examples of usable first trapping liquids include propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-propanediol, glyceryl diacetate, polyethylene glycol, or liquid mixtures thereof. The first trapping liquid is preferably propylene glycol, glycerol, or a liquid mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol. More preferably, the first trapping liquid is propylene glycol, or a liquid mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol. In the case of a liquid mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol, a larger proportion of propylene glycol is preferred. The mass ratio of propylene glycol to glycerol can be from 9:1 to 1:9, and can preferably be from 7:3 to 5:5.

[0090] For example, the described first trapping liquid has a lower polarity than water. For example, the described first trapping liquid is suitable as a liquid for dissolving flavor components because the flavor components have relatively low polarity.

[0091] The dissolution step (S2) can preferably be performed by bubbling the gas containing low-boiling-point flavor components obtained in the first heating step (S1) through a first trapping liquid. In the dissolution step (S2), an amount of the first trapping liquid can be used for every 10g of tobacco material, for example, 0.5mL to 20mL, preferably 2mL to 10mL, and more preferably 3mL to 5mL. Using an amount of the first trapping liquid within the above range allows the resulting liquid containing flavor components to be used as a starting material for tobacco-flavored liquids without concentration.

[0092] A liquid containing a low-boiling-point flavor component is obtained through a dissolution step (S2). The liquid containing the low-boiling-point flavor component preferably has a water content of less than 25% by mass, and more preferably 20% or less by mass. For example, the water content of the liquid containing the low-boiling-point flavor component is 0.1% or more by mass. In this specification, the water content of the liquid containing the flavor component is indicated by a value measured by a gas chromatograph-thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD). Specifically, a sample obtained by diluting the liquid containing the flavor component with methanol is passed through a GC, where the sample is separated in a chromatographic column, and then water is measured by a TCD. The water is quantified based on the obtained measurement value, and the water content of the liquid containing the flavor component is calculated. Examples of measurement conditions are described below.

[0093] Equipment: Agilent 7890A

[0094] Column: DB-WAX (Agilent 122-7032)

[0095] Carrier gas: Helium

[0096] Flow rate: 30 mL / min

[0097] Inlet temperature: 250°C

[0098] Injection mode: Splitless

[0099] Injection volume: 1µL

[0100] Oven temperature: 60°C → 130°C (5°C / min) → 250°C (10°C / min)

[0101] TCD temperature: 250°C.

[0102] Note that when the liquid containing low-boiling-point flavor components is not used as the starting material for tobacco flavor liquid, the dissolution step (S2) can be omitted.

[0103] (Specific examples)

[0104] The first heating step (S1) and the dissolving step (S2) described above can be achieved, for example, by using... Figure 2 The flavor component recovery system 2 shown in the image is used to perform this. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the flavor component recovery system 2 includes a heating device 3, a dissolving device 4, and a gas flow path 5 connecting the two devices.

[0105] Figure 2 The heating device 3 shown includes: a heating container 3B for containing tobacco material 3A; a sintering filter 3C mounted on the bottom surface of the heating container 3B; a thermocouple 3D for measuring the temperature of the tobacco material 3A; a gas supply source 3E for containing gas supplied to the heating container 3B; a preheater 3F for heating the gas supplied from the gas supply source 3E to the heating container 3B; and a gas flow path 3G for supplying gas to the heating container 3B.

[0106] Figure 2 The dissolving device 4 shown is connected to the gas flow path 5. Figure 2 The heating device 3 is shown. The dissolving device 4 includes a cooling container 4B for containing the collected liquid 4A.

[0107] The operation of the flavor component recovery system 2 will be described below. Tobacco material 3A is first received in a heating container 3B. Gas is supplied from a gas supply source 3E to a preheater 3F and preheated thereby. The high-temperature gas is then supplied through a gas flow path 3G to a gas inlet located on the bottom surface of the heating container 3B. A sintering filter 3C mounted on the bottom surface of the heating container 3B is porous. Therefore, the high-temperature gas that has entered the heating container 3B through the gas inlet is supplied to the entire tobacco material 3A via the sintering filter 3C. The tobacco material 3A is heated by the supplied high-temperature gas. The temperature of the tobacco material 3A is measured by a thermocouple 3D. As described above, the gas supplied to the heating container 3B comprises an inert gas and preferably has an oxygen concentration of no more than 10% by volume.

[0108] The heating container 3B can be housed in an oven (not depicted). Tobacco material 3A can be heated from the outside of the heating container 3B in this manner. It should be noted that the first heating step (S1) is not limited to using... Figure 2 The heating device 3 shown is used to perform the operation, as long as the flavor components can be vaporized from the tobacco material.

[0109] When the tobacco flavoring material 3A is heated, flavor components are vaporized from the tobacco material 3A, and the gas containing the flavor components is discharged through the gas flow path 5 from the gas discharge hole provided on the top of the heating container 3B.

[0110] A gas containing flavor components is supplied to the dissolving device 4 through gas flow path 5. The gas containing flavor components can also be supplied to the dissolving device 4 by a pump. The gas containing flavor components is bubbled into the collecting liquid 4A inside the cooling container 4B. Therefore, the flavor components dissolve in the collecting liquid 4A, and a liquid containing the flavor components is obtained.

[0111] When the gas containing flavor components is bubbled into the trapping liquid 4A, the temperature of the trapping liquid 4A rises. Therefore, the dissolving device 4 may further include an external container (not shown) for containing ice water to cool the cooling container 4B from the outside. Furthermore, the dissolving device 4 may further include a coiled cooling pipe (not shown) connected to the end of the gas flow path 5. For example, the cooling pipe is a stainless steel coiled pipe. The gas is cooled as it passes through the cooling pipe. These additional components prevent the temperature of the trapping liquid 4A from rising.

[0112] It should be noted that the dissolution step (S2) is not limited to using... Figure 2 The dissolving device 4 shown is used to perform the operation, as long as the gas containing flavor components obtained in the first heating step (S1) can be dissolved in the trapping liquid 4A.

[0113] [Second heating step (S3)]

[0114] In the second heating step (S3), the tobacco material following the first heating step (S1) is heated at a second temperature above 100°C. This causes the first high-boiling-point flavor component to vaporize from the tobacco material (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0115] As described above, the "second temperature above 100°C" in the second heating step (S3) refers to the temperature of the tobacco material. The temperature of the tobacco material can be obtained, for example, by measuring the temperature at the surface of the tobacco material using a contact thermometer. For example, in the second heating step (S3), the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1) can be heated at a temperature in the range of above 100°C and not exceeding 200°C.

[0116] The second heating step (S3) can preferably be performed by heating the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1) in a temperature range above 100°C and not higher than 200°C. For example, the second heating step (S3) can be performed by heating the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1) from the final temperature (e.g., 100°C) in the first heating step (S1) to up to 200°C while raising the temperature of the tobacco material.

[0117] The second heating step (S3) can be performed after the first heating step (S1) and by the same process as in the first heating step (S1). The second heating step (S3) can preferably be performed by supplying heated gas to the tobacco material. The temperature of the heated gas is, for example, between 105°C and 250°C. Here, the heated gas preferably comprises an inert gas and preferably has an oxygen concentration of no more than 10% by volume. For example, a mixture of nitrogen and air with an oxygen concentration of no more than 10% by volume can be used as the heated gas. As described above, by using a gas with a low oxygen concentration, the exothermic reaction caused by oxygen can be reduced, and any sudden increase in the temperature of the tobacco material can be prevented. The temperature of the tobacco material can be reliably controlled by using a gas with a low oxygen concentration, which therefore enables the stable production of a liquid containing flavor components of the desired quality.

[0118] The second heating step (S3) can be performed over a period of time, for example, from 0.5 minutes to 60 minutes, and preferably from 1 minute to 30 minutes. Various types of flavor components contained in the tobacco material can be vaporized through the second heating step (S3) (see...). Figure 11 and Figure 12 Therefore, a liquid containing multiple types of flavor components can be obtained in the subsequent dissolution step (the first high-boiling-point flavor component dissolution step (S4) in this embodiment).

[0119] [First high-boiling-point flavor component dissolution step (S4)]

[0120] In the first high-boiling-point flavor component dissolution step (S4), the first high-boiling-point flavor component, which was vaporized in the second heating step (S3), is dissolved in another portion of the liquid used as an aerosol source (hereinafter referred to as the "second trapping liquid"). This allows the obtaining of a liquid containing the first high-boiling-point flavor component (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0121] A liquid having the same composition as the first capturing liquid can be used as the second capturing liquid. The dissolving step (S4) can preferably be performed by bubbling the gas containing the first high-boiling-point flavor component obtained in the second heating step (S3) through the second capturing liquid. In the dissolving step (S4), for example, 0.5 mL to 20 mL, preferably 2 mL to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 mL to 5 mL of the second capturing liquid can be used per 10 g of tobacco material. The amount of the second capturing liquid used is preferably the same as that of the first capturing liquid. Using the amount of second capturing liquid within the above range allows the resulting liquid containing the flavor component to be used as a starting material for tobacco-flavored liquids without concentration.

[0122] A liquid containing a first high-boiling-point flavor component is obtained through a dissolution step (S4). The liquid containing the first high-boiling-point flavor component preferably has a water content of less than 25% by mass, and more preferably 20% or less by mass. For example, the water content of the liquid containing the first high-boiling-point flavor component is 0.1% or more by mass. In this specification, as described above, the water content of the liquid containing the flavor component indicates a value measured by a gas chromatograph-thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD).

[0123] The second heating step (S3) and the first high-boiling-point flavor component dissolution step (S4) can be achieved by using... Figure 2 The flavor component recovery system shown is used to perform this. In this case, the first captured liquid is recovered as a liquid containing low-boiling-point flavor components, and then a new captured liquid (i.e., the second captured liquid) is introduced into the cooling container 4B, and the second heating step (S3) can be started by continuously heating the tobacco material obtained after the first heating step (S1).

[0124] [Third heating step (S5)]

[0125] In the third heating step (S5), the tobacco material following the second heating step (S3) is heated at a third temperature higher than the second temperature. This causes the second high-boiling-point flavor component to vaporize from the tobacco material (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0126] As described above, the "third temperature higher than the second temperature" in the third heating step (S5) refers to the temperature of the tobacco material. The temperature of the tobacco material can be obtained, for example, by measuring the temperature at the surface of the tobacco material using a contact thermometer. For example, in the third heating step (S5), the tobacco material after the second heating step (S3) can be heated at a temperature in the range of 200°C higher than and 250°C.

[0127] The third heating step (S5) can preferably be performed by heating the tobacco material after the second heating step (S3) in a temperature range of above 200°C and not above 250°C. For example, the third heating step (S5) can be performed by heating the tobacco material after the second heating step (S3) from the final temperature (e.g., 200°C) in the second heating step (S3) to up to 250°C while raising the temperature of the tobacco material.

[0128] The third heating step (S5) can be performed after the second heating step (S3) and by the same process as in the second heating step (S3). The third heating step (S5) can preferably be performed by supplying heated gas to the tobacco material. The temperature of the heated gas is, for example, between 105°C and 250°C. Here, the heated gas preferably comprises an inert gas and preferably has an oxygen concentration of no more than 10% by volume. For example, a mixture of nitrogen and air with an oxygen concentration of no more than 10% by volume can be used as the heated gas. As described above, by using a gas with a low oxygen concentration, the exothermic reaction caused by oxygen can be reduced, and any sudden increase in the temperature of the tobacco material can be prevented. The temperature of the tobacco material can be reliably controlled by using a gas with a low oxygen concentration, which therefore enables the stable production of a liquid containing flavor components of the desired quality.

[0129] The third heating step (S5) can be performed over a time period of, for example, 0.5 minutes to 60 minutes, and preferably 1 minute to 30 minutes. Various types of flavor components contained in the tobacco material can be vaporized through the third heating step (S5) (see...). Figure 11 and Figure 12 Therefore, a liquid containing multiple types of flavor components can be obtained in the subsequent dissolution step (the second high-boiling-point flavor component dissolution step (S6) in this embodiment).

[0130] It should be noted that the tobacco material remaining after the third heating step (S5) can be used to produce reconstituted tobacco material. Reconstituted tobacco material will be described later.

[0131] [Second high-boiling-point flavor component dissolution step (S6)]

[0132] In the second high-boiling-point flavor component dissolution step (S6), the second high-boiling-point flavor component vaporized in the third heating step (S5) is dissolved in another portion of the liquid used as an aerosol source (hereinafter referred to as the "third trapping liquid"). This allows the obtaining of a liquid containing the second high-boiling-point flavor component (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0133] A liquid having the same composition as the first and second trapping liquids can be used as the third trapping liquid. The dissolution step (S6) can preferably be performed by bubbling the gas containing the second high-boiling-point flavor component obtained in the third heating step (S5) through the third trapping liquid. In the dissolution step (S6), for example, 0.5 mL to 20 mL, preferably 2 mL to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 mL to 5 mL of the third trapping liquid can be used per 10 g of tobacco material. The amount of the third trapping liquid used is preferably the same as that of the first and second trapping liquids. Using the amount of third trapping liquid within the above range allows the resulting liquid containing the flavor component to be used as a starting material for tobacco-flavored liquids without concentration.

[0134] A liquid containing a second high-boiling-point flavor component is obtained through a dissolution step (S6). The liquid containing the second high-boiling-point flavor component preferably has a water content of less than 25% by mass, and more preferably 20% or less by mass. For example, the water content of the liquid containing the second high-boiling-point flavor component is 0.1% or more by mass. In this specification, as described above, the water content of the liquid containing the flavor component indicates a value measured by a gas chromatograph-thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD).

[0135] The third heating step (S5) and the second high-boiling-point flavor component dissolution step (S6) can be achieved by using... Figure 2 The flavor component recovery system shown is used to perform this. In this case, the second captured liquid is recovered as a liquid containing the first high-boiling-point flavor component, and then a new captured liquid (i.e., the third captured liquid) is introduced into the cooling container 4B, and the third heating step (S5) can be started by continuously heating the tobacco material after the second heating step (S3).

[0136] Note that when the liquid containing the second high-boiling-point flavor component is not used as the starting material for the tobacco flavor liquid, the third heating step (S5) and the second high-boiling-point flavor component dissolution step (S6) can be omitted.

[0137] [Liquids containing flavor components]

[0138] The aforementioned "method for producing a liquid containing flavor components" enables the production of liquids containing low-boiling-point flavor components and liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components. The method according to the above embodiments enables the production of liquids containing low-boiling-point flavor components, liquids containing a first high-boiling-point flavor component, and liquids containing a second high-boiling-point flavor component. Therefore, the aforementioned "method for producing a liquid containing flavor components" enables the production of various types of liquids containing flavor components. These liquids containing flavor components will be collectively referred to as "liquids containing flavor components" in this specification.

[0139] Therefore, on the other hand, a liquid containing flavor components is provided, produced by the aforementioned "method for producing a liquid containing flavor components". Liquids containing flavor components can all have low water content (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0140] In the above embodiment, the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1) is heated in two temperature zones, and the vaporized flavor components dissolve in separate collectors, thereby obtaining two types of liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components. This embodiment is not limited, and the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1) can also be heated in three temperature zones, with the vaporized flavor components dissolving in separate collectors, thereby obtaining three types of liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components. Alternatively, the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1) can be heated in one temperature zone, and the vaporized flavor components can be dissolved in the collected liquid, thereby obtaining one type of liquid containing high-boiling-point flavor components.

[0141] <3. Methods for producing tobacco-flavored liquids>

[0142] As described above, a "liquid containing flavor components" can be used as a starting material for tobacco-flavored liquids used in flavor inhalers that generate aerosols. Therefore, a method for producing tobacco-flavored liquids includes:

[0143] Various types of liquids containing flavor components are produced according to the above-described "method for producing liquids containing flavor components"; and

[0144] Based on the content or type of flavor components, select from these various types of liquids containing flavor components:

[0145] (a) A type of liquid containing flavor components as a tobacco-flavored liquid; or

[0146] (b) Select and mix two or more types of liquids containing flavor components to prepare a tobacco liquid.

[0147] In the above method, liquids containing low-boiling-point flavor components and liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components can be prepared into various types of liquids containing flavor components, or various liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components can be prepared.

[0148] When selecting one type of flavor-containing liquid from a variety of flavor-containing liquids as a tobacco-flavored liquid, a liquid with a high content of flavor components (e.g., nicotine) can be chosen. This allows for the preparation of tobacco-flavored liquids with low water content and high flavor component content.

[0149] When selecting and mixing two or more types of flavor-containing liquids from a variety of flavor-containing liquids, one can first select a flavor-containing liquid with a high content of flavor component (e.g., nicotine). Next, one or more preferred flavor-type flavor-containing liquids can be selected from the remaining flavor-containing liquids, and then these flavor-containing liquids can be mixed. In this case, tobacco-flavored liquids are preferably prepared by mixing flavor-containing liquids in such a way that the blending ratio (usage rate) of the first selected flavor-containing liquid is greater than the blending ratio (usage rate) of all other flavor-containing liquids. This allows for the preparation of tobacco-flavored liquids with low water content and high flavor component content.

[0150] For example, when preparing a liquid containing a low-boiling-point flavor component, a liquid containing a first high-boiling-point flavor component, and a liquid containing a second high-boiling-point flavor component by the method according to the embodiment,

[0151] Liquids containing the first high-boiling-point flavor component can be selected as tobacco flavor liquids, or

[0152] A liquid containing a first high-boiling-point flavor component and a liquid containing a second high-boiling-point flavor component can be selected, and they can then be mixed in such a way that the blending ratio (usage rate) of the liquid containing the first high-boiling-point flavor component is greater than the blending ratio (usage rate) of the liquid containing the second high-boiling-point flavor component, thereby preparing a tobacco-flavored liquid. This allows for the preparation of tobacco-flavored liquids with low water content and high flavor component content (see...). Figures 10 to 12 ).

[0153] When preparing tobacco-flavored liquids, it is preferable to select some liquids containing flavor components with high flavor component content, rather than selecting all of the various types of flavor component-containing liquids produced by the aforementioned "method for producing liquids containing flavor components". Alternatively, when all of the various types of flavor component-containing liquids produced by the aforementioned "method for producing liquids containing flavor components" have been selected, it is preferable to adjust the blending ratio (usage rate) so that the liquids containing flavor components with high flavor component content have a larger blending ratio (usage rate). That is, when preparing tobacco-flavored liquids, it is undesirable to mix all of the various types of flavor component-containing liquids produced by the aforementioned "method for producing liquids containing flavor components" at the same blending ratio (usage rate). If all of these various types of flavor component-containing liquids are mixed at the same blending ratio (usage rate), the aforementioned effect (i.e., the effect of obtaining a tobacco-flavored liquid with low water content and high flavor component content) will be reduced.

[0154] On the other hand, a tobacco-flavored liquid produced by the above-described "method for producing tobacco-flavored liquid" is provided.

[0155] <4. Beneficial Effects>

[0156] (Moisture content)

[0157] The inventors of this invention have made a new discovery that the amount of moisture volatilized when tobacco material is heated until its temperature reaches 100°C is approximately the same as the amount of moisture volatilized when the tobacco material is further heated to a temperature above 100°C by further increasing its temperature. This is believed to be because when the product temperature of the tobacco material is 100°C or lower, the moisture initially contained in the tobacco material (approximately 10 to 12% [wB] moisture) volatilizes and is recovered as a vapor component, but when the product temperature of the tobacco material exceeds 100°C, a dehydration reaction occurs within the tobacco material through heating, and the moisture produced by this reaction volatilizes and is recovered as a vapor component.

[0158] Based on these findings, the inventors of this invention have successfully obtained liquids containing flavor components with low water content. That is, both the liquids containing low-boiling-point flavor components and the liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components obtained by the above-described "method for producing liquids containing flavor components" have low water content (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0159] When used as a tobacco flavor liquid (i.e., atomized liquid) in a flavored inhaler, the flavored liquid with a low water content can be stably vaporized, thereby allowing for the stable production of aerosol (tobacco vapor).

[0160] Furthermore, liquids containing flavor components with low water content have the advantage of allowing flavor additives such as menthol to dissolve easily. Flavor additives such as menthol are typically added to the atomized liquid in flavor inhalers. Flavor additives are primarily low-polarity components and have poor solubility in high-polarity atomized liquids. Even if the flavor additive dissolves immediately after the atomized liquid has been produced, there is a possibility of precipitation of low-polarity components if exposed to low temperatures during transportation or storage.

[0161] Therefore, liquids containing flavor components preferably have a low water content.

[0162] When tobacco material is heated and the flavor components vaporized by heating are recovered in the collection liquid using conventional methods, the flavor-containing liquid contains a large amount of water. A concentration step is required to evaporate the water in order to reduce the water content of this flavor-containing liquid. In contrast, the above-described "method for producing a liquid containing flavor components" allows for obtaining a flavor-containing liquid with a low water content without performing a concentration step. The above-described "method for producing a liquid containing flavor components" has the outstanding feature of allowing for the acquisition of a flavor-containing liquid with a low water content through a simple process.

[0163] (Content of flavor components)

[0164] Furthermore, when a concentration step is performed using conventional methods to evaporate water from the liquid containing flavor components, there is a possibility that the flavor components may evaporate from the liquid, resulting in a weaker flavor (nicotine and / or aroma components). In contrast, the above-described "method for producing a liquid containing flavor components" allows for obtaining a liquid containing flavor components without performing a concentration step, thus preventing the flavor components from evaporating due to the concentration step. Therefore, the above-described "method for producing a liquid containing flavor components" allows for obtaining a liquid containing flavor components with low water content and a large amount of flavor components (nicotine and / or aroma components).

[0165] The aforementioned "method for producing liquids containing flavor components" also enables the production of various types of liquids containing flavor components with different flavor component contents and flavor types, because the type of flavor component vaporized is different at each heating temperature (see [link to documentation]). Figure 11 and Figure 12 Therefore, a tobacco-flavored liquid that provides the desired tobacco flavor (e.g., the complex flavor obtained when tobacco leaves are heated at high temperatures) can be formulated by selecting suitable liquids containing flavor components from these obtained liquids and mixing them in appropriate proportions as needed.

[0166] <5. Reconstituted Tobacco Materials>

[0167] The tobacco-flavored liquid can be used as an atomizing liquid in a vaporized flavor inhaler, or it can be used in combination with the remaining tobacco material after a liquid containing flavor components has been obtained in the above-described "method for producing tobacco-flavored liquid". In the method according to the above embodiment, the tobacco-flavored liquid can be used in combination with the remaining tobacco flavor material after the third heating step (S5). Therefore, another aspect provides a reconstituted tobacco material comprising:

[0168] The tobacco-flavored liquid produced by the above-described "method for producing tobacco-flavored liquid"; and

[0169] The heated tobacco material is obtained after obtaining various types of liquids containing flavor components in the above-mentioned "method for producing tobacco flavored liquid".

[0170] The following section will describe specific examples of reconstituted tobacco materials.

[0171] For example, reconstituted tobacco material can be a product obtained by drying a mixture containing a tobacco-flavored liquid and the remaining tobacco material after obtaining the liquid containing the flavor components. This product can be used as a tobacco flavor source in a flavor inhaler.

[0172] Alternatively, reconstituted tobacco material can be molded tobacco obtained by shaping a mixture of tobacco-flavored liquid and remaining tobacco material after obtaining the liquid containing flavor components into a specific shape, such as a sheet or granules. Molded tobacco can be used as a tobacco flavor source in flavor inhalers.

[0173] Alternatively, reconstituted tobacco material can be tobacco powder obtained by drying a mixture comprising a tobacco-flavored liquid and the remaining tobacco material after obtaining the liquid containing flavor components, and then grinding the dried material into a powder. The tobacco powder can be added to tobacco material (e.g., destemmed leaves or tobacco leaves) to enhance the flavor of the tobacco material. Tobacco material with enhanced flavor can be used as a tobacco flavor source in flavor inhalers.

[0174] Alternatively, reconstituted tobacco material can be a tobacco pulp obtained by drying a mixture comprising a tobacco-flavored liquid and the remaining tobacco material after obtaining the liquid containing the flavor components, grinding the dried material into a powder, and then suspending the powder in water. The tobacco pulp can be added to tobacco material (e.g., destemmed leaves or tobacco leaves) to enhance the flavor of the tobacco material. Tobacco material with enhanced flavor can be used as a tobacco flavor source in flavor inhalers.

[0175] Reconstituted tobacco materials can include additives such as binders, pH adjusters, preservatives, and antioxidants as needed.

[0176] As mentioned above, tobacco flavored liquids can have a low water content and contain a large number of flavor components (nicotine and / or aroma components). Therefore, when reconstituted tobacco materials are produced using tobacco flavored liquids and incorporated into flavored inhalers, they provide users with an excellent flavor.

[0177] <6. Flavor Inhaler>

[0178] The aforementioned "tobacco-flavored liquid" or "reconstituted tobacco material" can be incorporated into any flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol. That is, in another aspect, a flavor inhaler containing the aforementioned "tobacco-flavored liquid" is provided. Yet another aspect provides a flavor inhaler containing the aforementioned "reconstituted tobacco material." Possible flavor inhalers include combustion-type flavor inhalers, heated flavor inhalers, and unheated flavor inhalers.

[0179] A preferred aspect provides a flavor inhaler comprising the aforementioned "tobacco-flavored liquid" and an atomizing unit for vaporizing the tobacco-flavored liquid. More preferably, the flavor inhaler is a heated flavor inhaler. An even more preferred aspect provides a flavor inhaler comprising the aforementioned "tobacco-flavored liquid" and an atomizing unit for heating and vaporizing the tobacco-flavored liquid.

[0180] A preferred aspect provides a flavor inhaler comprising the aforementioned "reconstituted tobacco material" and an atomizing unit for atomizing the liquid components contained in the reconstituted tobacco material. More preferably, the flavor inhaler is a heated flavor inhaler. A more further aspect provides a flavor inhaler comprising the aforementioned "reconstituted tobacco material" and an atomizing unit for heating the reconstituted tobacco material and atomizing the liquid components contained in the reconstituted tobacco material.

[0181] A "combustion-type flavor inhaler" is a flavor inhaler used to provide a tobacco flavor to a user by burning tobacco filling material (such as cut or shaped tobacco). Examples of combustion-type flavor inhalers that may be cited include cigarettes, pipes, "kiseru" (Japanese smoking pipes), cigars, and cigarettes.

[0182] A heated flavor inhaler is a flavor inhaler that provides tobacco flavor to a user by heating, without burning, a tobacco flavor source such as tobacco filler material or tobacco flavor liquid. Examples of heated flavor inhalers that may be cited include:

[0183] A carbon-sourced flavor inhaler that uses the heat from the combustion of a carbon source to heat the tobacco filler material (see, for example, WO2006 / 073065).

[0184] An electrically heated flavor inhaler comprising a tobacco stick containing tobacco filler material and a heating device for electrically heating the tobacco stick (see, for example, WO2010 / 110226); and

[0185] Liquid atomized flavor inhaler, wherein an aerosol is generated by heating a liquid aerosol source using a heater, and flavors derived from tobacco filler materials are inhaled along with the aerosol (e.g., see WO2015 / 046385), etc.

[0186] A "non-heated flavor inhaler" is a flavor inhaler designed to deliver tobacco flavor to a user without burning or heating a tobacco flavor source, such as tobacco filler material or tobacco flavor liquid. Examples of non-heated flavor inhalers include:

[0187] A liquid atomized flavor inhaler comprising a tobacco flavor liquid and an atomizing unit for atomizing the tobacco flavor liquid using surface acoustic waves (see, for example, WO2017 / 167521).

[0188] [A representative example of a flavor inhaler 1]

[0189] The following text will use Figures 3 to 6 Examples of heated flavor inhalers containing the aforementioned "tobacco flavor liquid" are described. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of a heated flavor inhaler. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the power supply unit in a heated flavor inhaler. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a heated flavor inhaler. Figure 6 It shows Figure 3 A block diagram of the main components of the power supply unit in a heated flavor inhaler.

[0190] Figures 3 to 6 The heated flavor inhaler 1 shown has a rod shape extending in a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as "longitudinal direction A"). Figure 3 As shown, the heated flavor inhaler 1 is provided with a power supply unit 10, a first tobacco cartridge 20, and a second tobacco cartridge 30 arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction A. The first tobacco cartridge 20 is detachable from the power supply unit 10, and the second tobacco cartridge 30 is detachable from the first tobacco cartridge 20. In other words, the first tobacco cartridge 20 and the second tobacco cartridge 30 are each replaceable.

[0191] (Power supply unit)

[0192] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the power supply unit 10 houses a power supply 12, a charger 13, a control unit 50, and various types of sensors within a cylindrical power supply unit housing 11. The power supply 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, and preferably a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0193] A discharge terminal 41 is disposed on a top portion 11a, which is located on one end side (first cartridge 20 side) of the power supply unit housing 11 in the longitudinal direction A. The discharge terminal 41 is configured to protrude from the top of the top portion 11a toward the first cartridge 20 and is configured to be electrically connected to a load 21 in the first cartridge 20.

[0194] Furthermore, an air supply section 42 for supplying air to the load 21 in the first smoke cartridge 20 is provided on the top portion 11a, near the discharge terminal 41.

[0195] A charging terminal (not shown) that can be electrically connected to an external power source capable of charging the power source 12 is provided on the bottom portion 11b, which is located on the other end side of the power supply unit housing 11 in the longitudinal direction A (the side opposite to the first cartridge 20).

[0196] Furthermore, a user-operable control unit 14 is provided on the side of the top portion 11a of the power supply unit housing 11. The control unit 14 is composed of a button switch or a touch panel, etc., and is used to enable / disable the control unit 50 and various types of sensors to reflect the user's intentions.

[0197] like Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 50, which performs various types of controls in the heated flavor inhaler 1, is connected to the charger 13, the operating section 14, various types of sensor devices, and the memory 18. These sensor devices include an inhalation sensor 15 for detecting inhalation actions, a voltage sensor 16 for measuring the voltage of the power supply 12, and a temperature sensor 17 for detecting temperature. The memory stores information such as the number of inhalation actions or the number of times the load 21 is energized. The inhalation sensor 15 can be composed of a capacitive microphone or a pressure sensor, etc. The control unit 50 is specifically a processor (MCU: microcontroller unit). More specifically, the processor is a circuit incorporating circuit elements such as semiconductor components.

[0198] (First smoke bomb)

[0199] like Figure 5 As shown, the first cartridge 20 includes, inside the cylindrical cartridge shell 27: a reservoir 23 for storing the aforementioned "tobacco flavor liquid" 22; an electrical load 21 for atomizing the tobacco flavor liquid 22; a wick 24 for drawing the tobacco flavor liquid from the reservoir 23 to the load 21; an aerosol flow path 25 through which the aerosol generated by the atomization of the tobacco flavor liquid 22 flows to the second cartridge 30; and an end cap 26 that accommodates a portion of the second cartridge 30.

[0200] The reservoir 23 is divided around the perimeter of the aerosol flow path 25 and stores tobacco-flavored liquid 22. The reservoir 23 may contain a porous body, such as a resin mesh or cotton, which may be impregnated with the tobacco-flavored liquid 22. Alternatively, the reservoir 23 may store only the tobacco-flavored liquid 22 without containing a porous body such as a resin mesh or cotton.

[0201] The wick 24 is a liquid holding member that uses capillary action to draw tobacco flavor liquid 22 from the reservoir 23 to the load 21, and is formed of glass fiber or porous ceramic or the like.

[0202] The load 21 atomizes the tobacco-flavored liquid 22 using electricity supplied from the power source 12 via the discharge terminal 41, without associated combustion. The load 21 is composed of a heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch. It should be noted that the load 21 should be an element capable of generating an aerosol by atomizing the tobacco-flavored liquid 22, and is, for example, a heating element or an ultrasonic generator. Possible heating elements include heating resistors, ceramic heaters, and dielectric heaters, etc.

[0203] The aerosol flow path 25 is located downstream of the load 21, on the center line L of the power supply unit 10.

[0204] The end cap 26 includes: a cartridge receiving portion 26a that receives a portion of the second cartridge 30; and a communication path 26b that provides communication between the aerosol flow path 25 and the cartridge receiving portion 26a.

[0205] (Second smoke cartridge)

[0206] The second cartridge 30 stores flavor source 31, such as Figure 5 As shown. The second cartridge 30 is detachably housed in a cartridge receiving portion 26a provided in the end cap 26 of the first cartridge 20. A mouthpiece 32 for user use is formed at the end portion of the second cartridge 30 on the side opposite to the first cartridge 20. It should be noted that the mouthpiece 32 is not limited to a non-separable structure integrated with the second cartridge 30, but can also be detachable from the second cartridge 30. Configuring the mouthpiece 32 as a separate element from the power supply unit 10 and the first cartridge 20 allows the mouthpiece 32 to remain hygienic.

[0207] The second tobacco cartridge 30 imparts additional flavor to the aerosol by passing the aerosol generated from the tobacco-flavored liquid 22 atomized by the load 21 through the flavor source 31. For example, tobacco filler materials such as sheet tobacco or tobacco pellets can be used as the flavor source 31. The flavor source 31 can be combined with the aforementioned "reconstituted tobacco material." Flavors such as menthol can also be added to the flavor source 31.

[0208] In the heated flavor inhaler 1, an aerosol with added flavor can be generated by the tobacco flavor liquid 22, the flavor source 31, and the load 21. That is, the tobacco flavor liquid 22 and the flavor source 31 can be regarded as an aerosol generation source for generating the aerosol.

[0209] The heated flavor inhaler 1 has a configuration where the tobacco flavor liquid 22 and the flavor source 31 are separate elements, but it can also have a configuration where the tobacco flavor liquid 22 and the flavor source 31 are formed as a single element. Alternatively, the heated flavor inhaler 1 does not need to include a second cartridge 30. When the second cartridge 30 is omitted from the heated flavor inhaler 1 in this way, only the aerosol generated by the atomization of the tobacco flavor liquid 22 is supplied to the mouthpiece.

[0210] In the heated flavor inhaler 1, air flowing in from the air inlet (not shown) located in the power supply unit housing 11 passes through the air supply section 42 near the load 21 in the first tobacco cartridge 20, such as... Figure 5 As indicated by arrow B in the diagram. Load 21 atomizes the tobacco flavored liquid 22 drawn from or moving from the reservoir 23 via the wick 24. The generated atomized aerosol flows through the aerosol flow path 25 along with air flowing in from the air inlet port and is supplied to the second cartridge 30 via the connecting path 26b. The aerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 has an additional flavor imparted to it by passing through the flavor source 31 and is supplied to the mouthpiece 32.

[0211] The heated flavor inhaler 1 is also provided with a notification unit 45 for disseminating various types of information. The notification unit 45 may be composed of a light-emitting element, a vibrating element, or a sound output element. Furthermore, the notification unit 45 may be a combination of two or more of these elements. The notification unit 45 may be located in either the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, or the second cartridge 30, but is preferably located in the power supply unit 10 to shorten the wiring from the power source 12. For example, the notification unit 45 may be positioned around the operating section 14, where the area around the operating section 14 is light-transmitting, and the notification unit 45 emits light through a light-emitting element such as an LED.

[0212] [Representative Example 2 of Flavor Inhalers]

[0213] The following will use... Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C , Figure 8 and Figure 9An example of a heated flavor inhaler incorporating the aforementioned "reconstituted tobacco material" is described. In this example, the heated non-combustible flavor inhaler comprises an aerosol generating device 100 and a flavor generating article 200. Figure 7A This is a schematic front view showing an example of an aerosol generating device. Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A schematic top view of the aerosol generating device shown. Figure 7C yes Figure 7A A schematic bottom view of the aerosol generating device shown. Figure 8 This is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram of an example of a flavor-producing product. Figure 9 yes Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating apparatus shown along line III-III.

[0214] An orthogonal XYZ coordinate system can be applied to the accompanying drawings for ease of description. In this coordinate system, the Z-axis is vertically upward, the XY plane is arranged to tangent to the aerosol generating device 100 in the 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 may refer to the insertion direction of the flavor-generating article housed in the chamber 150 (hereinafter) of the atomizing unit 130, or it may refer to the axial direction of the chamber 150. Furthermore, the X-axis is orthogonal to the Y-axis and Z-axis, and the X-axis and Y-axis are radial directions orthogonal to the axial direction of the chamber 150 or the radial direction of the chamber 150.

[0215] The aerosol generating device 100 is configured to generate flavored aerosols by heating a rod-shaped flavor generating article having a flavor source containing the aforementioned "reconstituted tobacco material".

[0216] like Figures 7A to 7C As shown, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a housing 101 (corresponding to an example of an encapsulation), a sliding cover 102, and a switching unit 103. The housing 101 constitutes the outermost shell of the aerosol generating device 100, and the size of the housing is determined to be suitable for a user's hand. When the user uses the flavor inhaler, the user can manually hold the aerosol generating device 100 to inhale the aerosol. The housing 101 can be configured by assembling multiple components. The housing 101 is formed of resin, for example, and can specifically be formed of, for example, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polymer blends containing multiple types of polymers, or metals (such as aluminum).

[0217] The housing 101 has an opening (not depicted) for receiving a flavor-generating article, and a sliding cover 102 is slidably attached to the housing 101 to close the opening. Specifically, the sliding cover 102 is configured to be in a closed position along the outer surface of the housing 101 for closing the opening of the housing 101. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The position shown) and the opening position used to open the opening ( Figure 9 The sliding cover 102 can be moved between the positions shown. For example, the user can manually operate the sliding cover 102 to move it between the closed and open positions. Thus, it is possible to allow or restrict flavor-generating articles from entering the interior of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0218] The switching unit 103 is used to turn the aerosol generating device 100 on and off. For example, a user can operate the switching unit 103 to heat, without burning, a flavor-generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, from a power source (see [link to product]). Figure 9 (See attached figure 121) to the heater (see figure 121) Figure 9 (Ref. 140) Power supply. It should be noted that the switch unit 103 may be a switch disposed outside the housing 101 or a switch located inside the housing 101. If the switch is located inside the housing 101, the switch is indirectly pressed by pressing the switch unit 103 on the surface of the housing 101. In the example described herein, the switch of the switch unit 103 is located inside the housing 101.

[0219] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include terminals (not depicted). The terminals may be, for example, interfaces 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 terminals allows current to flow from the external power source to the power source, thereby charging the power source. Data transmission cables may also be connected to the terminals to allow data related to the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 to be transmitted to an external device.

[0220] The flavor-generating products used in the aerosol generating apparatus 100 will be described next. Figure 8 This is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram of an example of the flavor-generating article 200. In this example, the flavor inhaler consists of an aerosol generating device 100 and a flavor-generating article 200. Figure 8 As shown, the flavor-generating article 200 includes a suction material 201, a tubular component 204, a hollow filter portion 206, and a filter portion 205.

[0221] The removable material 201 is wrapped with a first wrapping paper 202. The tubular member 204, the hollow filter portion 206, and the filter portion 205 are wrapped with a second wrapping paper 203, which is different from the first wrapping paper 202. The second wrapping paper 203 also wraps the portion of the removable material 201 within the first wrapping paper 202. Thus, the tubular member 204, the hollow filter portion 206, and the filter portion 205 are connected to the removable material 201 in this manner. However, the second wrapping paper 203 can be omitted, and the tubular member 204, the hollow filter portion 206, and the filter portion 205 can be connected to the removable material 201 using the first wrapping paper 202. A lip release agent 207 is applied to the outer surface of the second wrapping paper 203 near the end portion on the filter portion 205 side to make it easier for the user's lips to separate from the second wrapping paper 203. The portion of flavor-generating product 200 to which lip de-adhesive 207 is applied serves as the mouthpiece of flavor-generating product 200.

[0222] The smokeable material 201 contains the aforementioned "reconstituted tobacco material" as a tobacco flavor source. Furthermore, the first wrapping paper 202 enclosing the smokeable material 201 can be a breathable sheet component. The tubular component 204 can be a paper tube or a hollow filter. In this example, the flavor-generating article 200 includes the smokeable material 201, the tubular component 204, the hollow filter portion 206, and the filter portion 205; however, the configuration of the flavor-generating article 200 is not limited to this. For example, the hollow filter portion 206 can be omitted, and the tubular component 204 and the filter portion 205 can be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0223] The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 will be described next. Figure 9 yes Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 shown along line III-III. (See figure) Figure 9 As shown, the inner shell 110 (corresponding to an example of an encapsulation) is disposed inside the outer shell 101 of the aerosol generating device 100. The inner shell 110 is made of resin, for example, and may specifically be formed of, for example, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polymer blends containing various types of polymers, or metals (such as aluminum). Note that, from the perspective of heat resistance and strength, the inner shell 110 is preferably PEEK. A power supply unit 120 and an atomizing unit 130 are disposed within the internal space of the inner shell 110.

[0224] The power supply unit 120 includes a power source 121. The power source 121 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power source 121 is electrically connected to the atomizing unit 130. This allows the power source 121 to supply power to the atomizing unit 130 to properly heat the flavor-producing article 200.

[0225] like Figure 9 As shown, the atomizing unit 130 includes: a metal chamber 150 (corresponding to an example of a tubular member) extending along the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the flavor generating article 200; a heater 140 covering a portion of the chamber 150; a heat insulation portion 132; and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 134 (corresponding to an example of a guide portion) abutting the opening of the chamber 150. The chamber 150 is configured to surround the periphery of the flavor generating article 200. The heater 140 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 150 and includes a heating unit for heating the flavor generating article 200 inserted into the chamber 150.

[0226] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, a bottom member 136 (corresponding to an example of the abutment portion) is disposed on the bottom portion of the chamber 150. The bottom member 136 abuts against the flavor generating article 200 inserted into the chamber 150 in the insertion direction of the flavor generating article 200, and can also serve as a stop for positioning the flavor generating article 200. Here, a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the flavor generating article 200 is formed by the chamber 150 and the bottom member 136. For example, the bottom member 136 can be formed of a resin material. The bottom member 136 may have an uneven portion on its surface abutted by the flavor generating article 200, and this uneven portion may define a first airflow path that allows air to be supplied to the air inlet port of the flavor generating article 200 (i.e., the first airflow path communicates with the flavor generating article 200 received in the receiving portion). The bottom member 136 is made of resin, for example, and may specifically be formed of, for example, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polymer blends containing a variety of types of polymers, or metals (such as aluminum). Note that the bottom member 136 is preferably formed of a material with low thermal conductivity in order to suppress heat transfer to the insulating portion 132, etc.

[0227] The heat insulation portion 132 is generally cylindrical and is arranged to cover the chamber 150. For example, the heat insulation portion 132 may include an aerogel sheet. An insertion guide member 134 is disposed between the sliding cover 102 in the closed position and the chamber 150. The insertion guide member 134 is made of resin, for example, and may be specifically formed of, for example, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polymer blends containing multiple types of polymers, or metals (such as aluminum). Note that the insertion guide member 134 may be formed of metal, glass, or ceramic, etc. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, the insertion guide member 134 is preferably formed of PEEK. When the sliding cover 102 is in the open position, the insertion guide member 134 is in communication with the outside of the aerosol generating device 100, thereby guiding the flavor generating article 200 into the chamber 150 after it has been inserted into the insertion guide member 134. The insertion guide member 134 allows the flavor-producing article 200 to be easily inserted into the chamber 150.

[0228] The aerosol generating device 100 further includes a first retaining portion 137 and a second retaining portion 138 for retaining the two ends of the retaining chamber 150 and the heat insulation portion 132. The first retaining portion 137 is arranged to retain the end portion of the chamber 150 and the heat insulation portion 132 located on the negative Z-axis side. The second retaining portion 138 is arranged to retain the end portion of the chamber 150 and the heat insulation portion 132 located on the sliding cover 102 side (positive Z-axis side).

[0229] <7. Preferred Embodiments>

[0230] The following summarizes preferred embodiments.

[0231] [A1] A method for producing a flavor-containing liquid for use in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol, the flavor-containing liquid comprising an aerosol source and a flavor component derived from tobacco material, and the flavor-containing liquid being converted into the aerosol by the flavor inhaler, wherein the method comprises:

[0232] The tobacco material is heated at a temperature ranging from 80°C to 100°C to reduce its moisture content.

[0233] Heating the tobacco material at a temperature above 100°C, thereby reducing its moisture content, vaporizes high-boiling-point flavor components from the tobacco material; and

[0234] The vaporized high-boiling-point flavor component is dissolved in at least a portion of the liquid used as the aerosol source to obtain a liquid containing the high-boiling-point flavor component.

[0235] [A2] The method disclosed in [A1] involves performing heating to reduce the moisture content of the tobacco material such that the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately after the heating is no more than 20% of the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately before the heating.

[0236] [A3] The method disclosed in [A1] or [A2], wherein heating is performed to reduce the moisture content of the tobacco material, such that the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately after the heating is no greater than 8% of the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately before the heating.

[0237] [A4] The method disclosed in any of [A1]-[A3], wherein the liquid containing the high-boiling-point flavor component has a water content of less than 25% by mass.

[0238] [A5] The method disclosed in any of [A1]-[A4], wherein the liquid containing the high-boiling-point flavor component has a water content of 20% or less by mass.

[0239] [A6] The method disclosed in any one of [A1]-[A5], wherein heating to vaporize the high-boiling-point flavor component from the tobacco material comprises heating the tobacco material with reduced moisture content at a temperature in the range of above 100°C and not exceeding 200°C.

[0240] [A7] The method disclosed in any of [A1]-[A6], wherein the heating for vaporizing the high-boiling-point flavor component from the tobacco material is performed by heating the tobacco material with reduced moisture content from 100°C to 200°C while simultaneously raising the temperature of the tobacco material.

[0241] [A8] The method disclosed in any of [A1]-[A7] further includes adding a humectant to the tobacco material before heating the tobacco material at a temperature in the range of 80°C to 100°C.

[0242] [A9] The method disclosed in [A8] wherein the wetting agent is glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, or triacetylglycerol.

[0243] [A10] The method disclosed in [A8] or [A9], wherein the wetting agent is added in an amount of 1-20 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material.

[0244] [A11] The method disclosed in any of [A1]-[A10], wherein heating to vaporize the high-boiling-point flavor component from the tobacco material is performed by supplying heated gas to the tobacco material.

[0245] [A12] The method disclosed in [A11] wherein the heated gas comprises an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of no more than 10% by volume.

[0246] [A13] The method disclosed in any one of [A1]-[A12], wherein the liquid used to dissolve the high-boiling-point flavor component is propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-propanediol, glyceryl diacetate, polyethylene glycol, or a liquid mixture thereof; preferably propylene glycol, glycerol, or a liquid mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol; and more preferably propylene glycol, or a liquid mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol.

[0247] [A14] The method disclosed in any one of [A1]-[A13], wherein the liquid used to dissolve the high-boiling-point flavor component is a liquid in an amount of 0.5 mL to 20 mL, preferably 2 mL to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 mL to 5 mL per 10 g of the tobacco material.

[0248] [A15] The method disclosed in any of [A1]-[A14], wherein the heating to reduce the moisture content of the tobacco material is performed by heating the tobacco material from room temperature (e.g., 20°C) to 100°C while raising the temperature of the tobacco material.

[0249] [A16] The method disclosed in any of [A1]-[A15], wherein heating to reduce the moisture content of the tobacco material is performed by supplying heated gas to the tobacco material.

[0250] [A17] The method disclosed in [A16] wherein the heated gas comprises an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of no more than 10% by volume.

[0251] [A18] The method disclosed in any one of [A1]-[A17] further includes dissolving a low-boiling-point flavor component vaporized from the tobacco material by heating the tobacco material at a temperature in the range of 80°C to 100°C in a liquid that serves as another part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a liquid containing the low-boiling-point flavor component.

[0252] [A19] The method disclosed in any of [A18], wherein the liquid containing the low-boiling-point flavor component has a water content of less than 25% by mass.

[0253] [A20] The method disclosed in [A18]-[A19], wherein the liquid containing the low-boiling-point flavor component has a water content of 20% or less by mass.

[0254] [A21] The method disclosed in any one of [A18]-[A20], wherein the liquid used to dissolve the low-boiling-point flavor component is propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-propanediol, glyceryl diacetate, polyethylene glycol, or a liquid mixture thereof; preferably propylene glycol, glycerol, or a liquid mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol; and more preferably propylene glycol, or a liquid mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol.

[0255] [A22] The method disclosed in any one of [A18]-[A21], wherein the liquid used to dissolve the low-boiling-point flavor component is a liquid in an amount of 0.5 mL to 20 mL, preferably 2 mL to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 mL to 5 mL per 10 g of the tobacco material.

[0256] [A23] The method disclosed in any of [A1]-[A22], wherein the high-boiling-point flavor component is vaporized while the temperature of the tobacco material is increased, and the fractions of the high-boiling-point flavor component vaporized in different temperature zones are dissolved in separate liquids, thereby obtaining a variety of types of liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components.

[0257] [A24] The method disclosed in any of [A1]-[A23], wherein the high-boiling-point flavor component is vaporized while the temperature of the tobacco material is increased, and the fractions of the high-boiling-point flavor component vaporized in 2-5 different temperature zones are dissolved in separate liquids to obtain 2-5 types of liquids containing the high-boiling-point flavor component.

[0258] [A25] The method disclosed in any of [A1]-[A24], wherein the high-boiling-point flavor component is vaporized while the temperature of the tobacco material is increased, and the fractions of the high-boiling-point flavor component vaporized in two different temperature zones are dissolved in separate liquids, thereby obtaining two types of liquids containing the high-boiling-point flavor component.

[0259] [A26] The method disclosed in any of [A23]-[A25], wherein each of the plurality of liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components has a water content of less than 25% by mass.

[0260] [B1] A method for producing a flavor-containing liquid for use in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol, the flavor-containing liquid comprising an aerosol source and a flavor component derived from tobacco material, and the flavor-containing liquid being converted into the aerosol by the flavor inhaler, wherein the method comprises:

[0261] (S1) The tobacco material is heated at a first temperature in the range of 80°C to 100°C, thereby vaporizing low-boiling-point flavor components from the tobacco material and reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material.

[0262] (S2) Dissolve the vaporized low-boiling-point flavor component in a liquid used as part of the aerosol source to obtain a liquid containing the low-boiling-point flavor component.

[0263] (S3) After heating at the first temperature, the tobacco material is heated at a second temperature above 100°C, thereby vaporizing the first high-boiling-point flavor component from the tobacco material;

[0264] (S4) The vaporized first high-boiling-point flavor component is dissolved in another part of the liquid used as the aerosol source to obtain a liquid containing the first high-boiling-point flavor component.

[0265] (S5) After heating at the second temperature, the tobacco material is heated at a third temperature higher than the second temperature, thereby vaporizing a second high-boiling-point flavor component from the tobacco material; and

[0266] (S6) The vaporized second high-boiling-point flavor component is dissolved in another part of the liquid used as the aerosol source to obtain a liquid containing the second high-boiling-point flavor component.

[0267] [B2] The method disclosed in [B1] wherein the heating is performed at the first temperature such that the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately after the heating is not greater than 20% of the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately before the heating.

[0268] [B3] The method disclosed in [B1] or [B2], wherein the heating is performed at the first temperature such that the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately after the heating is no greater than 8% of the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately before the heating.

[0269] [B4] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B3], wherein the liquid containing the first high-boiling-point flavor component has a water content of less than 25% by mass.

[0270] [B5] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B4], wherein the liquid containing the first high-boiling-point flavor component has a water content of 20% or less by mass.

[0271] [B6] The method disclosed in any one of [B1]-[B5], wherein heating at the second temperature comprises heating the tobacco material with reduced moisture content at a temperature in the range of above 100°C and not exceeding 200°C.

[0272] [B7] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B6], wherein the heating at the second temperature is performed by heating the tobacco material with reduced moisture content from 100°C to 200°C while simultaneously raising the temperature of the tobacco material.

[0273] [B8] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B7] further includes adding a humectant to the tobacco material before heating the tobacco material at the first temperature.

[0274] [B9] The method disclosed in [B8] wherein the wetting agent is glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, or triacetylglycerol.

[0275] [B10] The method disclosed in [B8] or [B9], wherein the humectant is added in an amount of 1-20 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material.

[0276] [B11] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B10], wherein heating at the second temperature is performed by supplying heated gas to the tobacco material.

[0277] [B12] The method disclosed in [B11] wherein the heated gas comprises an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of no more than 10% by volume.

[0278] [B13] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B12], wherein the liquid used to dissolve the first high-boiling-point flavor component is propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-propanediol, glyceryl diacetate, polyethylene glycol, or a liquid mixture thereof; preferably propylene glycol, glycerol, or a liquid mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol; and more preferably propylene glycol, or a liquid mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol.

[0279] [B14] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B13], wherein the liquid used to dissolve the first high-boiling-point flavor component is a liquid in an amount of 0.5 mL to 20 mL, preferably 2 mL to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 mL to 5 mL per 10 g of the tobacco material.

[0280] [B15] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B14], wherein heating at the first temperature is performed by heating the tobacco material from room temperature (e.g., 20°C) to 100°C while simultaneously raising the temperature of the tobacco material.

[0281] [B16] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B15], wherein heating at the first temperature is performed by supplying heated gas to the tobacco material.

[0282] [B17] The method disclosed in [B16] wherein the heated gas comprises an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of no more than 10% by volume.

[0283] [B18] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B17], wherein the liquid containing the low-boiling-point flavor component has a water content of less than 25% by mass.

[0284] [B19] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B18], wherein the liquid containing the low-boiling-point flavor component has a water content of 20% or less by mass.

[0285] [B20] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B19], wherein the liquid used to dissolve the low-boiling-point flavor component is propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-propanediol, glyceryl diacetate, polyethylene glycol, or a liquid mixture thereof; preferably propylene glycol, glycerol, or a liquid mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol; and more preferably propylene glycol, or a liquid mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol.

[0286] [B21] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B20], wherein the liquid used to dissolve the low-boiling-point flavor component is a liquid in an amount of 0.5 mL to 20 mL, preferably 2 mL to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 mL to 5 mL per 10 g of the tobacco material.

[0287] [B22] The method disclosed in any one of [B1]-[B21], wherein heating at the third temperature comprises heating the tobacco material at a temperature in the range of above 200°C and not above 250°C.

[0288] [B23] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B22], wherein the heating at the third temperature is performed by heating the tobacco material from 200°C to 250°C while simultaneously raising the temperature of the tobacco material.

[0289] [B24] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B23], wherein heating at the third temperature is performed by supplying heated gas to the tobacco material.

[0290] [B25] The method disclosed in [B24] wherein the heated gas comprises an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of no more than 10% by volume.

[0291] [B26] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B25], wherein the liquid containing the second high-boiling-point flavor component has a water content of less than 25% by mass.

[0292] [B27] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B26], wherein the liquid containing the second high-boiling-point flavor component has a water content of 20% or less by mass.

[0293] [B28] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B27], wherein the liquid used to dissolve the second high-boiling-point flavor component is propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-propanediol, glyceryl diacetate, polyethylene glycol, or a liquid mixture thereof; preferably propylene glycol, glycerol, or a liquid mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol; and more preferably propylene glycol, or a liquid mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol.

[0294] [B29] The method disclosed in any of [B1]-[B28], wherein the liquid used to dissolve the second high-boiling-point flavor component is a liquid in an amount of 0.5 mL to 20 mL, preferably 2 mL to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 mL to 5 mL per 10 g of the tobacco material.

[0295] [C1] A liquid containing flavor components produced by the method disclosed in any one of [A1]-[A26] and [B1]-[B29].

[0296] [D1] A method for producing a tobacco-flavored liquid, the method comprising:

[0297] Producing various types of liquids containing flavor components according to the methods disclosed in any of [A18]-[A26] and [B1]-[B29]; and

[0298] Based on the content or type of flavor components, select from these various types of liquids containing flavor components:

[0299] (a) A type of liquid containing flavor components as a tobacco-flavored liquid; or

[0300] (b) Select and mix two or more types of liquids containing flavor components to prepare a tobacco liquid.

[0301] [D2] The method disclosed in [D1], wherein the method does not include concentrating the liquid containing the flavor components.

[0302] [D3] A tobacco-flavored liquid produced by the method disclosed in [D1] or [D2].

[0303] [D4] A flavored inhaler comprising a tobacco flavored liquid as disclosed in [D3].

[0304] [D5] A flavored inhaler comprising a tobacco flavored liquid as disclosed in [D3] and an atomizing unit for atomizing the tobacco flavored liquid.

[0305] [E1] A reconstituted tobacco material, comprising:

[0306] Tobacco-flavored liquids produced by methods disclosed in [D1] or [D2]; and

[0307] Heated tobacco material, which is obtained after obtaining the various types of liquid containing flavor components in a method disclosed in [D1] or [D2].

[0308] [E2] A flavored inhaler comprising reconstituted tobacco material as disclosed in [E1].

[0309] Example

[0310] [Example 1]

[0311] In Example 1, a liquid containing a low-boiling-point flavor component and two types of liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components were prepared according to the method of the above embodiments, and the water content, nicotine content and aroma component amount of each liquid containing flavor components were measured.

[0312] 1-1. Preparation of liquids containing flavor components

[0313] (1) Examples of the present invention

[0314] Glycerin is added to Brazilian flue-cured cut tobacco at a rate of 20% relative to the weight of the cut tobacco. The cut tobacco with added glycerin is then used as tobacco material. Figure 2 The flavor component recovery system shown prepares a liquid containing flavor components from tobacco material. The specific process is described below.

[0315] (First heating step and low-boiling-point flavor component dissolution step)

[0316] Place 13g of tobacco material in Figure 2 In the heating container 3B shown, 5g of propylene glycol is placed... Figure 2The cooling container 4B shown serves as the first collected liquid. A mixture of nitrogen and air (N2 / air mixture) adjusted to an oxygen concentration of 8% by volume is supplied from the gas supply source 3E to the preheater 3F and heated at 250°C. The heated gas is supplied to the heating container 3B at a flow rate of 1 [L / min] and is also supplied to the tobacco material. Furthermore, the heating container 3B is placed in a hot air oven set to 250°C, and the tobacco material is also heated from outside the container. As the tobacco material is heated, flavor components vaporize from the tobacco material, and the gas containing the flavor components is supplied from the heating container 3B to the dissolving device 4. The flavor components are dissolved in the first collected liquid in the dissolving device 4.

[0317] The product temperature of the tobacco material is measured using thermocouple 3D, and the first trapping liquid is replaced when the product temperature of the tobacco material reaches 100°C. Specifically, the first trapping liquid is recovered when the product temperature of the tobacco material reaches 100°C, and a new trapping liquid (second trapping liquid) is placed in cooling container 4B. 5g of propylene glycol is used as the second trapping liquid. The recovered first trapping liquid (i.e., the liquid containing low-boiling-point flavor components) will be referred to as "fraction 1". It should be noted that the "moisture content WC2" of the tobacco material immediately after the product temperature of the tobacco material has reached 100°C is no more than 20% of the "moisture content WC1" of the tobacco material immediately before heating.

[0318] (Second heating step and first high-boiling-point flavor component dissolution step)

[0319] The tobacco material is then heated further, and the second trapping liquid is replaced when the product temperature of the tobacco material reaches 200°C. Specifically, the second trapping liquid is recovered when the product temperature of the tobacco material reaches 200°C, and a new trapping liquid (the third trapping liquid) is placed in cooling container 4B. 5g of propylene glycol is used as the third trapping liquid. The recovered second trapping liquid (i.e., the liquid containing the first high-boiling-point flavor component) will be referred to as "fraction 2".

[0320] (Third heating step and second high-boiling-point flavor component dissolution step)

[0321] The tobacco material is then heated until it reaches a product temperature of 250°C, and heating is stopped after maintaining this temperature for 10 minutes. The third collected liquid is recovered at the point where heating is stopped. The recovered third collected liquid (i.e., the liquid containing the second high-boiling-point flavor component) will be referred to as "fraction 3".

[0322] (2) Comparative Examples

[0323] Glycerin is added to Brazilian flue-cured cut tobacco at a rate of 20% relative to the weight of the cut tobacco. The cut tobacco with added glycerin is then used as tobacco material. Figure 2 The flavor component recovery system shown prepares a liquid containing flavor components from tobacco material. The specific process is described below.

[0324] Place 13g of tobacco material in Figure 2 In the heating container 3B shown, 5g of propylene glycol is placed... Figure 2 The cooling container 4B shown serves as the collecting liquid. A mixture of nitrogen and air (N2 / air mixture) adjusted to an oxygen concentration of 8% by volume is supplied from the gas supply source 3E to the preheater 3F and heated at 250°C. The heated gas is supplied to the heating container 3B at a flow rate of 1 [L / min] and is also supplied to the tobacco material. Furthermore, the heating container 3B is placed in a hot air oven set to 250°C, and the tobacco material is also heated from outside the container. When the tobacco material is heated, flavor components vaporize from the tobacco material, and the gas containing the flavor components is supplied from the heating container 3B to the dissolving device 4. The flavor components are dissolved in the collecting liquid in the dissolving device 4.

[0325] The product temperature of the tobacco material was measured using thermocouple 3D, reaching 250°C, and heating was stopped after maintaining this temperature for 10 minutes. The collected liquid was recovered at the time heating was stopped. The recovered collected liquid will be referred to as the "comparative example recovered liquid".

[0326] 1-2. Measurement Methods

[0327] The water content of "Fraction 1", "Fraction 2", "Fraction 3" and "Comparative Example Recovery Liquid" was determined by gas chromatography-thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD). Furthermore, the nicotine content of "Fraction 1", "Fraction 2", "Fraction 3" and "Comparative Example Recovery Liquid" was determined by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Additionally, the amounts of aroma components in "Fraction 1", "Fraction 2", "Fraction 3" and "Comparative Example Recovery Liquid" were measured by gas chromatography-mass selective detector (GC-MSD). The amounts of aroma components were determined by classifying them into seven aromatic families (amines, phenols, pyrazines, furans, ketones, vapor phase, organic acids, and hydrocarbons).

[0328] 1-3. Results

[0329] Moisture content measurement results in Figure 10 The results of nicotine content measurements are shown in [the image / image]. Figure 11 As shown in the image.

[0330] The water content of the "comparative example recovered liquid" was approximately 35% by mass, while the water content of "fraction 1," "fraction 2," and "fraction 3" was no greater than 16% by mass in all cases. Figure 10 The results show that a liquid containing flavor components with low water content can be produced by the method according to the present invention.

[0331] Both "Fractions 1" and "Fractions 3" have a low nicotine content of 0.5% by mass. Meanwhile, "Fraction 2" has a high nicotine content of 3.6% by mass, which is higher than the nicotine content of the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid". Figure 10 and Figure 11 The results show that a liquid containing flavor components with low water content and high nicotine content can be produced by the method according to the present invention.

[0332] The measurement results of the amount of aroma components are in Figure 12 As shown in the image. Figure 12 This is a radar chart showing the amount of aroma components contained in a liquid containing flavor components. Figure 12 In this table, the amounts of aroma components in "Fraction 1", "Fraction 2", and "Fraction 3" are expressed as relative values, with the amount of aroma components in the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid" assumed to be 1. The amount of aroma components is determined by... Figure 12 Logarithmic scale representation in .

[0333] from Figure 12 The results show that "Fragment 1", "Fragment 2", and "Fragment 3" possess different aromatic properties. Compared to aroma components from other families, "Fragment 1" has relatively high levels of organic acids and hydrocarbons. "Fragment 2" contains a good balance of aroma components from all families, similar to the "Comparative Example Recovery Liquid". Compared to aroma components from other families, "Fragment 3" has relatively low levels of pyrazine-based aroma components.

[0334] Summarize Figures 10 to 12 The results, “Fraction 1”, “Fraction 2”, “Fraction 3” and “Comparative Example Recovered Liquid” can be characterized as follows.

[0335] The "Comparative Example Recycled Liquid" exhibits both high water and high nicotine content, displaying a complex flavor profile derived from the complex tobacco flavor acquired when tobacco leaves are heated at high temperatures, but is judged to have a burnt sensation. "Fraction 1," compared to the "Comparative Example Recycled Liquid," has not only lower water content but also significantly lower nicotine content, and exhibits a fairly strong grassy aroma with an acidic odor. "Fraction 2," compared to the "Comparative Example Recycled Liquid," has lower water content but higher nicotine content, and displays a complex flavor profile derived from the complex tobacco flavor acquired when tobacco leaves are heated at high temperatures, but has a weak burnt sensation. "Fraction 3" exhibits both low water and low nicotine content, and produces a strong aromatic scent and a burnt sensation.

[0336] By selecting "Fraction 2" as the tobacco flavor liquid, a tobacco flavor liquid with low water content and a complex tobacco flavor derived from tobacco leaves can be obtained. Alternatively, by blending "Fraction 3" with "Fraction 2" as the main component in a small blending ratio, a tobacco flavor liquid with low water content and a complex tobacco flavor derived from tobacco leaves can be formulated.

[0337] [Example 2]

[0338] In Example 2, the relationship between the solvent composition of a liquid containing flavor components and the solubility of menthol was investigated.

[0339] 2-1. Evaluation Methods

[0340] "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid" and "Fraction 2" were prepared as described in Example 1. Furthermore, mixed solvents were prepared by mixing water, propylene glycol (PG), and glycerol (G) in various proportions. Here, the proportions of water, propylene glycol (PG), and glycerol (G) varied in increments of 5% by mass. Specifically, the proportion of water varied from 0% to 100% by mass in increments of 5% by mass, and when the proportion of water was x% by mass, the proportion of propylene glycol varied from 0% to (100-x)% by mass in increments of 5% by mass, with the remainder made up to 100% by mass from glycerol. 231 types of mixed solvents were prepared in this manner.

[0341] 9% by mass of menthol was dissolved in each of the following: “Comparative Example Recovered Liquid,” “Fraction 2,” and “Mixed Solvents of 231 Types.” Specifically, 9% by mass of menthol was added to each liquid, the liquid was shaken at room temperature (approximately 20°C) for 40 minutes, and then subjected to sonication for 30 minutes. The solubility of menthol was then visually assessed. Menthol was assessed as insoluble in the liquid when it was in an emulsion state, when it underwent phase separation, and when it precipitated in the liquid.

[0342] The concentrations of propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol (G) were measured using LC-RID (liquid chromatograph-refractive index detector) to establish the solvent composition of “Comparative Example Recovery Liquid” and “Fraction 2”.

[0343] 2-2. Results

[0344] The evaluation results of menthol solubility in "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid", "Fraction 2", and "231 Types of Mixed Solvents" were presented in [the following context]. Figure 13 As shown in the image. Figure 13 This is a ternary plot showing the relationship between solvent composition and menthol solubility. Figure 13 In the diagram, the left hypotenuse of the triangle represents a solvent containing 0% water by mass, and the right vertex of the triangle represents a solvent containing 100% water by mass. Figure 13 In the diagram, the right hypotenuse of the triangle represents a solvent containing 0% propylene glycol (PG) by mass, and the left vertex of the triangle represents a solvent containing 100% propylene glycol (PG) by mass. Figure 13 In the diagram, the base of the triangle represents a solvent containing 0% glycerol (G) by mass, and the top vertex of the triangle represents a solvent containing 100% glycerol (G) by mass. Figure 13 In the diagram, the solvent component in which menthol is dissolved is represented by “○”, and the solvent component in which menthol is not dissolved is represented by “×”.

[0345] The results of “231 types of mixed solvents” show that solvents with a low proportion of water and a high proportion of propylene glycol are preferred as solvents for dissolving menthol.

[0346] 9% by weight of menthol is insoluble in the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid". The solvent components of the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid" are 35% by weight of water, 55% by weight of propylene glycol and 10% by weight of glycerin.

[0347] Meanwhile, 9% menthol by mass was dissolved in "Fraction 2". Even after the solution was allowed to stand at 5°C, no menthol precipitate was observed after the menthol had dissolved in "Fraction 2". The solvent composition of "Fraction 2" was 18.1% water by mass, 78.2% propylene glycol by mass, and 3.6% glycerol by mass.

[0348] These results show that liquids containing flavor components with low water content have excellent menthol solubility.

[0349] List of reference numerals

[0350] 2. Flavor component recovery system; 3. Heating equipment; 3A. Tobacco material; 3B. Heating container; 3C. Sintering filter; 3D. Thermocouple; 3E. Gas supply source; 3F. Preheater; 3G. Gas flow path; 4. Dissolving equipment; 4A. Liquid trap; 4B. Cooling container; 5. Gas flow path

[0351] 1. Heated flavor inhaler; 10. Power supply unit; 20. First cartridge; 30. Second cartridge; 11. Power supply unit housing; 11a. Top portion; 11b. Bottom portion; 12. Power supply; 13. Charger; 14. Operating part; 15. Inhalation sensor; 16. Voltage sensor; 17. Temperature sensor; 18. Memory; 21. Load; 22. Tobacco flavor liquid; 23. Storage container; 24. Wedge; 25. Aerosol flow path; 26. End cap; 26a. Cartridge receiving part; 26b. Communication path; 27. Cartridge housing; 31. Flavor source; 32. Mouthpiece; 41. Discharge terminal; 42. Air supply part; 45. Notification unit; 50. Control unit.

[0352] 100. Aerosol generating device; 101. Outer shell; 102. Sliding cover; 103. Switching unit; 110. Inner shell; 120. Power supply unit; 121. Power supply; 130. Atomizing unit; 132. Heat insulation part; 134. Insertion guide member; 136. Bottom member; 137. First holding part; 138. Second holding part; 140. Heater; 150. Chamber; 200. Flavor generating product; 201. Suckable material; 202. First wrapping paper; 203. Second wrapping paper; 204. Tubular member; 205. Filter part; 206. Hollow filter part; 207. Lip de-adhesive.

Claims

1. A method for producing a flavor-containing liquid for use in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol, the flavor-containing liquid comprising an aerosol source and a flavor component derived from tobacco material, and the flavor-containing liquid being converted into the aerosol by the flavor inhaler, wherein, The method includes: The tobacco material is heated at a temperature ranging from 80°C to 100°C, thereby reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material. Heating the tobacco material at a temperature above 100°C, thereby reducing its moisture content, vaporizes high-boiling-point flavor components from the tobacco material; and The vaporized high-boiling-point flavor component is dissolved in at least a portion of the liquid used as the aerosol source to obtain a liquid containing the high-boiling-point flavor component.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The process involves heating the tobacco material to reduce its moisture content, such that the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately after heating is no more than 20% of the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately before heating.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The liquid containing high-boiling-point flavor components has a water content of less than 25% by mass.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Heating to vaporize the high-boiling-point flavor component from the tobacco material involves heating the tobacco material with reduced moisture content at a temperature in the range of above 100°C and not exceeding 200°C.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising adding a humectant to the tobacco material before heating the tobacco material at a temperature in the range of 80°C to 100°C.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Heating is performed to vaporize the high-boiling-point flavor component from the tobacco material by supplying heated gas to the tobacco material.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The heated gas includes inert gases and has an oxygen concentration of no more than 10% by volume.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising dissolving a low-boiling-point flavor component vaporized from the tobacco material by heating the tobacco material at a temperature in the range of 80°C to 100°C in a liquid that serves as another part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a liquid containing the low-boiling-point flavor component.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The liquid containing low-boiling-point flavor components has a water content of less than 25% by mass.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, As the temperature of the tobacco material increases, the high-boiling-point flavor component is vaporized, and the fractions of the high-boiling-point flavor component vaporized in different temperature zones dissolve in separate liquids, thereby obtaining various types of liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, Each of these various types of liquids containing high-boiling-point flavor components has a water content of less than 25% by mass.

12. A liquid containing flavor components produced by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A method for producing a tobacco-flavored liquid, the method comprising: Producing various types of liquids containing flavor components according to any one of claims 8 to 11; as well as Based on the content or type of the flavor component, select from the various types of liquids containing the flavor component: (a) A type of liquid containing flavor components as a tobacco-flavored liquid; or (b) Select and mix two or more types of liquids containing flavor components to prepare a tobacco liquid.

14. A tobacco-flavored liquid produced by the method of claim 13.

15. A flavor inhaler comprising the tobacco flavor liquid as claimed in claim 14.

16. A flavor inhaler comprising a tobacco flavor liquid as claimed in claim 14, and an atomizing unit for atomizing the tobacco flavor liquid.

17. A reconstituted tobacco material, comprising: Tobacco-flavored liquid produced by the method as described in claim 13; as well as Heated tobacco material, which is obtained after the various types of liquid containing flavor components have been obtained in the method of claim 13.

18. A flavor inhaler comprising the reconstituted tobacco material as described in claim 17.

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