Flavour inhalation articles

Abstract

A flavoured inhalation article comprising a substrate portion for generating an aerosol by means of heating, and an upstream portion positioned on an upstream side of the substrate portion; the upstream portion comprising a central portion and a peripheral portion surrounding at least a portion of the central portion; and the central portion comprising a material that shrinks when heat is applied thereto, and a gap is formed between the central portion and the peripheral portion when the central portion shrinks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a flavored inhaled product. Background Technology

[0002] PTL 1 discloses a heated aerosol generating article comprising: an aerosol generating matrix; and an envelope at least partially surrounding the aerosol generating matrix rod, the envelope including a thermal control element on at least one surface of the envelope, the thermal control element comprising one or more circumferential bands of a heat-shrinkable material, and wherein, when the heat-shrinkable material is heated to a temperature above its shrinkage temperature, the inner diameter of each of the one or more circumferential bands of the heat-shrinkable material is reduced by at least 20% compared to the inner diameter of the corresponding circumferential band before heating, thereby deforming the portion of the aerosol generating matrix located below the thermal control element, thereby reducing the suction resistance (RTD) of the aerosol generating article.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] PTL 1: JP 2021-520791 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0007] In peripherally heated flavor inhalation products, the portion that generates aerosols is heated from the radially outer side, with heat conducted inwards. Since aerosols are generated via thermal conduction, they are primarily generated from the radially outer side in the initial stage, then the temperature gradually increases in the central area, causing aerosol generation to primarily occur from the center. From the perspective of efficient aerosol delivery, it is desirable for the main airflow path to change according to the amount of aerosol generated.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to improve aerosol delivery efficiency compared to when the amount of air passing through the radially inner portion is constant.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] In view of this purpose, this disclosure relates to a flavor inhalation article comprising a matrix portion for generating an aerosol by means of heating, and an upstream portion positioned on an upstream side of the matrix portion, wherein the upstream portion comprises a central portion and a peripheral portion surrounding at least a portion of the central portion, the central portion comprising a material that contracts when heat is applied thereto, and a gap is formed between the central portion and the peripheral portion when the central portion has contracted.

[0011] Here, the amount of contraction on the downstream side of the central portion can be greater than the amount of contraction on the upstream side of the central portion.

[0012] Furthermore, the ratio of the smallest dimension in the vertical direction of the central portion in the later stage of the smoking period using the matrix portion to the smallest dimension in the vertical direction of the central portion in the earlier stage of the smoking period using the matrix portion can be 0.4 to 0.7.

[0013] In addition, sheet members can be provided between the central part and the peripheral part, and a gap can be formed between the central part and the sheet members.

[0014] In addition, sheet components can be airtight.

[0015] Furthermore, in the early stage of the smoking period using the matrix portion, the airflow resistance on the inner side of the sheet member can be greater than the airflow resistance on the outer side of the sheet member, and in the later stage of the smoking period using the matrix portion, the airflow resistance on the inner side of the sheet member can be less than the airflow resistance on the outer side of the sheet member.

[0016] In addition, the surrounding area may include rolled paper.

[0017] In addition, the central portion may include cellulose acetate.

[0018] In addition, the matrix portion may include: a first aerosol source on the radially outer side, a second aerosol source on the radially inner side, and a sheet positioned between the first aerosol source and the second aerosol source.

[0019] Furthermore, the airflow resistance of the upstream portion during the early stage of the smoking period using the matrix portion can be greater than the airflow resistance of the upstream portion during the later stage of the smoking period using the matrix portion.

[0020] In addition, flavored inhalation articles may include a downstream portion located on the downstream side of the matrix portion, the downstream portion having a vent that allows air to flow in from the outside.

[0021] In addition, the downstream portion may include: a filter portion through which aerosols generated from the matrix portion pass; and a tubular member formed in a tubular shape between the matrix portion and the filter portion, with vent holes located in the tubular member.

[0022] Furthermore, the ratio of the amount of air flowing in from the upstream portion to the amount of air flowing in from the vent during the early stage of the smoking period when using the matrix portion may differ from the ratio of the amount of air flowing in from the upstream portion to the amount of air flowing in from the vent during the later stage of the smoking period when using the matrix portion.

[0023] Furthermore, the amount of air flowing in through the vent during the later stages of the smoking period when using the substrate portion can be reduced compared to the amount of air flowing in through the vent during the earlier stages of the smoking period when using the substrate portion.

[0024] In addition, the upstream portion may include vents in its side surface that allow air to flow in from the outside.

[0025] Advantages of the present invention

[0026] This disclosure enables improved aerosol delivery efficiency compared to when the amount of air passing through the radially inner portion is constant. Attached Figure Description

[0027] [ Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a flavor inhalation article according to an embodiment is shown.

[0028] [ Figure 2 [This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of an inhalation device according to an embodiment.]

[0029] [ Figure 3 An example of a cross-section of the end portion according to an embodiment is shown.

[0030] [ Figure 4 The image shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flavored inhalation article according to an embodiment during the later stage of smoking.

[0031] [ Figure 5 This shows the airflow path in the terminal portion during the early stages of smoking.

[0032] [ Figure 6 This shows the airflow path in the final part of the later stage of the smoking process.

[0033] [ Figure 7 The image shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a flavored inhalation product based on a first variant example.

[0034] [ Figure 8 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the matrix portion according to the first variant example.

[0035] [ Figure 9 The image shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a flavored inhalation product according to a second variant example. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0037] Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flavored inhalation product 1 according to this embodiment is shown. Figure 2This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0038] The flavor inhalation article 1 according to this embodiment includes: a matrix portion 10 for generating an aerosol by means of heating; a filter portion 30 for diluting nicotine and tar; and an end portion 70 disposed at an upstream end of the flavor inhalation article 1. Furthermore, the flavor inhalation article 1 may also include a cooling portion 20. Figure 1 In the example, the mouthpiece segment 50, which can be held in the user's mouth during inhalation, includes a cooling portion 20 and a filter portion 30. Furthermore, the matrix portion 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The direction of the centerline CL of the matrix portion 10 may also be referred to hereinafter as the "centerline direction". The flavored inhalation article 1 further includes a tipping paper 40 that wraps around the end portion 70, the matrix portion 10, the cooling portion 20, and the filter portion 30 (these portions are aligned in this order in the centerline direction), thereby integrating these portions into a single element. One end side in the centerline direction ( Figure 1 The left side in the middle) can be referred to as the first side in the following text, while the other end side in the direction of the centerline ( Figure 1 The right side (in the first side) may be referred to as the second side below. The first side is the end side inserted into the inhalation device 100 and is the upstream side in the aerosol flow during inhalation. The second side is the side opposite to the first side, the end side held in the user's mouth for inhalation, and is the downstream side in the aerosol flow during inhalation. Furthermore, the cross section along the centerline direction is referred to as the "longitudinal section," and the cross section cut along a plane orthogonal to the centerline direction is defined as the "cross section." Furthermore, the direction intersecting the centerline direction (e.g., the orthogonal direction) will be referred to as the "radial direction." The side on the centerline CL in the radial direction may be simply referred to as the "inner side," and the side in the radial direction away from the centerline CL may be simply referred to as the "outer side."

[0039] The nozzle section 50 is an example of the downstream section.

[0040] [Usage mode of flavor inhalation product 1]

[0041] The flavor inhalation product 1 according to this embodiment is used in a heated, non-burning inhalation device 100. For example... Figure 2As shown, the inhalation device 100 includes: a power supply unit 111 for storing and supplying power to each component of the inhalation device 100; a sensor unit 112 for detecting various types of information related to the inhalation device 100; and a notification unit 113 for notifying the user of information. The inhalation device 100 also includes: a memory unit 114 for storing various types of information for operating the inhalation device 100; a communication unit 115 for sending and receiving information between the inhalation device 100 and other devices; and a control unit 116 for controlling the overall operation within the inhalation device 100. Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 includes: a heating unit 121 for heating the flavored inhalation article 1; a holding portion 140 for holding the flavored inhalation article 1; an opening 142 for communicating with the outside of the internal space 141; and a heat insulation portion 144 for preventing heat from being transferred from the heating unit 121 to other components of the inhalation device 100. When the flavored inhalation product 1 is held in the holding portion 140, the user inhales from the inhalation device 100.

[0042] Heating unit 121 heats the matrix portion 10 of the flavor inhalation article 1. Heating unit 121 is formed of any material, such as metal or polyimide. For example, heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding portion 140. Then, when heating unit 121 generates heat, the aerosol source 11 contained in the flavor inhalation article 1 is heated from the outer periphery of the flavor inhalation article 1. Heating unit 121 generates heat when powered by power supply unit 111. As an example, power can be supplied when sensor unit 112 detects a predetermined user input. When the temperature of the flavor inhalation article 1 heated by heating unit 121 has reached a predetermined temperature, the user can inhale. Thereafter, when sensor unit 112 has detected that a predetermined user input has occurred, power can be stopped. As another example, power can be supplied to generate aerosol during the period when sensor unit 112 detects user inhalation.

[0043] exist Figure 2 In this configuration, the heating unit 121 is configured to have the same length as the matrix portion 10 of the flavor inhalation article 1 and to be located in the same position, while the flavor inhalation article 1 is held in the holding portion 140, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the heating unit 121 may be configured to have a length reaching the end portion 70, and the position and length of its arrangement may be appropriately selected, as long as the configuration allows for heating of the matrix portion 10.

[0044] The heat insulation portion 144 is configured to at least cover the outer periphery of the heating unit 121. For example, the heat insulation portion 144 is configured with a vacuum insulation material or an aerogel insulation material. It should be noted that the vacuum insulation material is an insulation material in which a high vacuum state is created, for example, by wrapping glass wool and silica (silica powder) in a resin film, so that the thermal conductivity of the gas is as close to zero as possible.

[0045] [Flavored Inhalation Product 1]

[0046] The flavor inhalation product 1 is a peripherally heated, non-burning flavor inhalation product. In the peripherally heated flavor inhalation product 1, the aerosol source 11 in the matrix portion 10 is arranged to gradually approach the heating unit and further outward, wherein heat is conducted from the radially outward to the inward.

[0047] The flavored inhalation article 1 has a substantially circular cross-section, and its perimeter can be appropriately modified according to the size of the product, but the perimeter is typically 16 mm to 27 mm, preferably 21 mm to 23 mm. It should be noted that when the cross-section is not circular, the above-mentioned perimeter is assumed by a circle having an area equal to that of the relevant cross-section, and the perimeter of that circle is applied.

[0048] The size of the flavored inhalation article 1 in the centerline direction can be appropriately modified according to the size of the product, but the size is usually 40 mm to 100 mm, preferably 50 mm to 70 mm.

[0049] [Matrix Part 10]

[0050] The matrix portion 10 includes: an aerosol source 11, which is heated to form vapor, thereby generating an aerosol; and a wrapping paper 12 covering the outer periphery of the aerosol source 11. By wrapping the aerosol source 11 with the wrapping paper 12, the matrix portion 10 is formed into a cylindrical shape. The aerosol source 11 can be, for example, a tobacco derivative (such as shredded tobacco), or a processed product obtained by shaping tobacco raw materials into granular, sheet, or powder form. Furthermore, the aerosol source 11 may also contain non-tobacco derivatives produced from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint or herbs). As an example, the aerosol source 11 may contain a flavoring agent. There is no particular limitation on the type of flavoring agent; in one example, the flavoring agent is menthol, chosen from the perspective of imparting a good flavor. Furthermore, one type of these flavoring agents can be used alone, or two or more types can be used in combination. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source 11 may contain a medication to be inhaled by a patient. With the flavor inhalation article 1 held in the holding portion 140, at least a portion of the matrix portion 10 is contained in the internal space 141 of the holding portion 140.

[0051] The matrix portion 10 obtained by wrapping the aerosol source 11 with wrapping paper 12 preferably has a cylindrical shape, which satisfies the aspect ratio of 1 or greater as defined by Equation 1.

[0052] (Equation 1)

[0053] Aspect Ratio = h / w

[0054] In Equation 1, w is the cross-sectional width of the matrix portion 10, and h is the size of the matrix portion 10 in the centerline direction, preferably h ≥ w. The cross-sectional shape is not limited and can be polygonal, rounded polygonal, circular, or elliptical, etc., where the width w is the diameter when the cross-section is circular, the major axis when the cross-section is elliptical, the diameter of the circumcircle when the cross-section is polygonal, or the major axis of the circumcircle of the ellipse when the cross-section is rounded polygonal. The cross-sectional width of the aerosol source 11 constituting the matrix portion 10 is preferably 4 mm to 9 mm.

[0055] The size h of the matrix portion 10 in the centerline direction can be appropriately modified according to the size of the product, but is typically 8 mm or larger, preferably 10 mm or larger. Furthermore, the size h of the matrix portion 10 in the centerline direction is typically 70 mm or smaller, preferably 30 mm or smaller.

[0056] Furthermore, there is no particular limitation on the ratio of the size of the matrix portion 10 to the size of the flavor inhalation article 1 in the centerline direction, but from the perspective of balancing the delivery amount and aerosol temperature, this ratio is generally 10% or more, preferably 20% or more, more preferably 25% or more, and still more preferably 30% or more. In addition, the ratio of the size h of the matrix portion 10 to the size of the flavor inhalation article 1 is generally 80% or less, preferably 70% or less, more preferably 60% or less, even more preferably 50% or less, particularly preferably 45% or less, and most preferably 40% or less.

[0057] There are no particular limitations on the content of aerosol source 11 in matrix portion 10, but contents ranging from 200 mg to 800 mg can be listed, with 250 mg to 600 mg being preferred. These ranges are particularly suitable for matrix portion 10 having a perimeter of 22 mm and a size of 20 mm in the centerline direction.

[0058] The aerosol source 11 comprising shredded tobacco will be described herein. There are no particular limitations on the material of the shredded tobacco contained in the aerosol source 11, and known materials such as leaves or midribs can be used. Furthermore, shredded tobacco can be formed by grinding dried tobacco leaves to an average particle size of 20 µm to 200 µm, which can then be homogenized and processed into sheets (hereinafter also referred to as “homogenized sheets”), and then shredded. Additionally, the aerosol source 11 can be filled with material obtained by cutting homogenized sheets of similar size to the matrix portion 10 in the centerline direction and substantially horizontally, to form a so-called “filament-type” filling material.

[0059] In addition, the width of the shredded tobacco is preferably 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm in order to fill the aerosol source 11.

[0060] For the tobacco leaves used in the production of shredded tobacco and homogenized sheets, various types of tobacco can be used. Examples that can be listed include yellow tobacco, burley tobacco, oriental tobacco or natural type, as well as other red and yellow tobacco varieties, and their blends. Suitable variety blends can be used in the blends to achieve the desired flavor. Details about tobacco varieties are disclosed in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco, Tobacco Academic Studies Center, March 31, 2009". Several conventional methods exist for the production of homogenized sheets, namely, methods for grinding tobacco leaves and processing them into homogenized sheets. According to the first method, paper sheets are produced by using a papermaking process. According to the second method, a suitable solvent (such as water) is mixed with and homogenized with the ground tobacco leaves, and then the homogenized material is thinly cast onto a metal plate or strip and dried to produce cast sheets. According to the third method, a suitable solvent (such as water) is mixed with and homogenized with ground tobacco leaves, and the homogenized material is extruded into sheets and shaped to produce calendered sheets. Details regarding the types of homogenized sheets are disclosed in "Dictionary of Tobacco, Tobacco Academic Studies Center, March 31, 2009".

[0061] The moisture content of the aerosol source 11 relative to the total amount of the aerosol source 11 can be from 10% to 15% by mass, and a content of 11% to 13% by mass is preferred. Such a moisture content inhibits the formation of coating stains and improves the rolling applicability during the production of the matrix portion 10.

[0062] There are no particular limitations on the aerosol source 11, and depending on the intended use, the aerosol source may contain extracts from various types of natural substances and / or components thereof. Examples of extracts and / or components thereof include glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0063] There are no particular limitations on the amount of extracts and / or components contained in aerosol source 11, and from the perspective of generating sufficient aerosols and imparting good flavor, this amount is typically 5% or more by mass, preferably 10% or more by mass, relative to the total amount of aerosol source 11. Furthermore, the content of extracts and / or components in aerosol source 11 is typically 50% or less by mass, preferably 15% or more by mass and 25% or less by mass.

[0064] There are no particular restrictions on the packing density of aerosol source 11, but from the perspective of ensuring the performance of flavor inhalation article 1 and imparting a good flavor, the packing density is generally 250 mg / cm³. 3 Or greater, preferably 300 mg / cm 3 Furthermore, the packing density of aerosol source 11 is typically 400 mg / cm³. 3 Or less, preferably 350 mg / cm 3 Or smaller.

[0065] In addition, the aerosol source 11 may also include tobacco sheets. There may be one tobacco sheet, or two or more tobacco sheets.

[0066] For example, when the aerosol source 11 includes a tobacco sheet, one possible filling form is that the tobacco sheet, whose size on one side is equivalent to the size of the filling object in the centerline direction, is horizontally folded multiple times in the centerline direction of the filling object (forming a so-called "pleated sheet"). Another possible filling form is that the tobacco sheet, whose size on one side is equivalent to the size of the filling object in the centerline direction, is wound in a direction orthogonal to the centerline direction of the filling object.

[0067] For example, when the aerosol source 11 comprises two or more tobacco sheets, one filling configuration can be described in which multiple tobacco sheets, each with a size on one side equivalent to that of the filling object in the centerline direction, are wound in a direction orthogonal to the centerline direction of the filling object, such that the multiple tobacco sheets are arranged concentrically. "Concentrically arranged" means that the centers of all the tobacco sheets are located in substantially the same position.

[0068] Two or more tobacco sheets may all have the same composition or physical properties, or some or all of the tobacco sheets may have different compositions or physical properties. Furthermore, these tobacco sheets may each have the same thickness or different thicknesses.

[0069] There is no limitation on the thickness of each tobacco sheet, and from the perspective of balancing heat transfer and strength, the thickness is preferably 150 µm to 1000 µm, more preferably 200 µm to 600 µm.

[0070] The aerosol source 11 can be produced by: preparing multiple tobacco sheets with different widths; constructing a laminate stacked in such a way that the width decreases from a first side to a second side; and winding and shaping the laminate by passing it through a winding tube.

[0071] With this production method, multiple tobacco sheets are arranged concentrically around the center line CL, while also extending in the direction of the center line.

[0072] In this production method, the laminate is preferably configured such that non-contact portions are formed between adjacent tobacco sheets after the laminate has been wound and shaped. When non-contact portions (gap) exist between multiple tobacco sheets, it allows for the maintenance of flavor flow paths to improve the efficiency of flavor component delivery. Simultaneously, high heat transfer efficiency is ensured because heat from the heating unit 121 can be transferred to the outer tobacco sheet through the contact portions of the multiple tobacco sheets.

[0073] Examples of methods for constructing a laminate such that non-contact portions of the tobacco sheets are provided between multiple tobacco sheets, where the tobacco sheets do not come into contact with each other, include: using embossed tobacco sheets; laminating tobacco sheets without bonding the entire surface of adjacent tobacco sheets; laminating tobacco sheets by partial bonding between adjacent tobacco sheets; or laminating tobacco sheets over the entire surface or a portion thereof by light bonding between adjacent tobacco sheets, such that the tobacco sheets are peeled off after winding and forming.

[0074] When preparing the matrix portion 10 including the wrapping paper 12, the wrapping paper 12 can be arranged on the end face of the first side of the laminate.

[0075] Tobacco sheets can be produced using well-known methods such as sheet forming, grouting, or rolling. Alternatively, homogenized sheets as described above can also be used.

[0076] In the case of sheet forming, tobacco sheets can be produced by a method including the following steps: 1) Coarsely grind dried tobacco leaves, extract with water, and then separate the water extract and residue. 2) Dry and concentrate the water extract under reduced pressure. 3) Add pulp to the residue, fiberize the material using a refining machine, and then form it into paper. 4) Add the concentrated water extract to the sheet formed from the paper and dry it to form tobacco sheets. In this case, a step to remove some components (such as nitrosamines) can also be added (see JP 2004-510422 A).

[0077] In the case of a grouting process, tobacco sheets can be produced by a method including the following steps: 1) Mixing milled tobacco leaves with water, pulp, and binder. 2) Spreading (pouring) the mixture thinly and drying it. In this case, an additional step can be added: exposing the slurry obtained by mixing milled tobacco leaves with water, pulp, and binder to ultraviolet or X-ray radiation to remove some components (such as nitrosamines).

[0078] In addition to the above, nonwoven tobacco sheets can also be produced by a method comprising the following steps, as disclosed in WO 2014 / 104078 A1: 1) Mixing granular tobacco leaves with a binder. 2) Inserting the mixture between nonwoven fabrics. 3) Molding the laminate into a fixed shape by means of hot melt bonding, and obtaining a tobacco sheet in the form of a nonwoven fabric.

[0079] The type of tobacco starting material used in the above method can be the same as that described with respect to aerosol source 11 containing shredded tobacco.

[0080] There are no particular limitations on the composition of the tobacco sheet, but for example, the content of tobacco raw material (tobacco leaves) is preferably 50% to 95% by weight relative to the total mass of the tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the tobacco sheet may include a binder, and examples of such binders include guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The amount of binder is preferably 1% to 10% by weight relative to the total mass of the tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet may further include other additives. Examples of other additives include fillers such as pulp.

[0081] There are no particular limitations on the composition of the wrapping paper 12 used in the matrix portion 10, and it can be used in general forms, such as those including pulp as a major component. The pulp sheet can be formed from wood pulp (such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp), or produced from a mixture of non-wood pulp (such as linseed pulp, sisal pulp, or Spanish grass) typically used for wrapping paper 12 in tobacco products.

[0082] The types of pulp that can be used include chemical pulp, groundwood pulp, chemi-ground pulp, or thermomechanical pulp obtained by sulfate pulping, acid / neutral / alkaline sulfite pulping, or soda pulping.

[0083] Wrapping paper 12 is produced using pulp through a papermaking process employing a fourdrinier paper machine, a cylindrical die paper machine, or a combination of twodrinier and short die paper machines, etc. It should be noted that, if necessary, wet strength agents can be added to impart water resistance to the wrapping paper 12, or sizing agents can be added to adjust the printing conditions of the wrapping paper 12. Furthermore, internal papermaking additives can be added, such as aluminum sulfate, various types of anionic, cationic, nonionic, or amphoteric retention enhancers, drainage agents, and paper strength enhancers, as well as papermaking additives (such as dyes, pH adjusters, defoamers, resin control agents, and antiseptics).

[0084] For example, the basis weight of the base paper for wrapping paper 12 is typically 20 gsm or greater, preferably 25 gsm or greater. Meanwhile, the basis weight is typically 65 gsm or less, preferably 50 gsm or less, and even more preferably 45 gsm or less.

[0085] There are no particular limitations on the thickness of the wrapping paper 12, and from the perspective of hardness, air permeability and ease of adjustment during papermaking, the thickness is generally 10 μm or greater, preferably 20 μm or greater, and more preferably 30 μm or greater. In addition, the thickness of the wrapping paper 12 is generally 100 μm or less, preferably 75 μm or less, and more preferably 50 μm or less.

[0086] The shape of the wrapping paper 12 can be square or rectangular.

[0087] When the aerosol source 11 is wrapped in a cylindrical shape by the wrapping paper 12, one end of the wrapping paper 12 and the opposite end of the wrapping paper 12 may overlap by about 2 mm in the circumferential direction and be glued together to form a cylindrical paper tube shape, which internally encapsulates the aerosol source 11. The size of the rectangular wrapping paper 12 can be determined by the size of the matrix portion 10.

[0088] In addition to the pulp mentioned above, the wrapping paper 12 may also include filling material. The content of the filling material relative to the total mass of the wrapping paper 12 may be from 10% to 60% by mass, preferably from 15% to 45% by mass.

[0089] In the wrapping paper 12, the content of the filling material is preferably 15% to 45% by weight within the preferred basis weight range (25 gsm to 45 gsm).

[0090] Additionally, if the basis weight is 25 gsm to 35 gsm, the content of the filling material is preferably 15% to 45% by mass, and if the basis weight is 35 gsm to 45 gsm, the content of the filling material is preferably 25% to 45% by mass.

[0091] Calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, or kaolin can be used as filling materials, but calcium carbonate is preferred from the perspective of improving flavor and whiteness.

[0092] Various additives other than the base paper and filling materials can also be added to the wrapping paper 12. For example, water resistance improvers can be added to improve water resistance. Water resistance improvers include wet strength agents (WS agents) and sizing agents. Examples of wet strength agents include urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE), etc. In addition, examples of sizing agents include rosin soap, alkyl ketone dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and highly saponified polyvinyl alcohol with a saponification degree of 90% or more.

[0093] Paper strength enhancers can be added as additives, such as polyacrylamide, cationic starch, oxidized starch, CMC, polyamide epichlorohydrin resin, or polyvinyl alcohol. It is known that trace amounts of oxidized starch are specifically used to improve air permeability (JP 2017-218699 A).

[0094] A coating agent may be added to at least one of the two surfaces (i.e., the front and back surfaces) of the wrapping paper 12. There are no particular limitations on the coating agent, but an agent that can form a film on the paper surface and reduce liquid permeability is preferred. Examples include: polysaccharides, such as alginate and its salts (e.g., sodium salts) and pectin; cellulose derivatives, such as ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and nitrocellulose; and starch and its derivatives (e.g., ether derivatives, such as carboxymethyl starch, hydroxyalkyl starch, and cationic starch; and ester derivatives, such as acetic acid starch, phosphate starch, and octenyl succinate starch).

[0095] [Contact sheet 40]

[0096] The tipping paper 40 is wrapped around the outer peripheral surfaces of the end portion 70, the matrix portion 10, the cooling portion 20, and the filter portion 30.

[0097] There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the paper 40, and it can have, for example, a square or rectangular shape.

[0098] There are no particular restrictions on the basis weight of the butt packing paper 40, and the basis weight is typically 32 gsm to 60 gsm, preferably 33 gsm to 55 gsm, and more preferably 34 gsm to 53 gsm.

[0099] There are no particular limitations on the air permeability of the butt-packed paper 40, and it is typically from 0 CORESTA units to 30,000 CORESTA units, and preferably greater than 0 CORESTA units and not greater than 10,000 CORESTA units. Here, "air permeability" is a value measured according to ISO 2965:2009 and is expressed as the permeability of 1 cm / min through the two surfaces of the paper under a pressure difference of 1 kPa. 2 Gas velocity per surface area (cm) 3). 1 CORESTA unit (1 CU) constitutes a cm at 1 kPa. 3 / (min cm 2 ).

[0100] There are no particular restrictions on the composition of the packaging paper 40, and it can be used in general forms, such as those including pulp as a major component. The pulp sheet can be formed from wood pulp (such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp), or produced from a mixture of non-wood pulps (such as linseed pulp, sisal pulp, or Spanish straw) typically used for wrapping paper in tobacco products. These pulps can be used alone, or several types of pulp can be used in combination in any proportion.

[0101] The forms of pulp that can be used include chemical pulp, groundwood pulp, chemi-ground wood pulp, or thermomechanical pulp obtained by means of sulfate pulping, acid / neutral / alkaline sulfite pulping, or soda pulping. It should be noted that the tipping paper 40 is produced by the above-described production methods, or commercially available products can be used.

[0102] In addition to the materials mentioned above, the tipping paper 40 may also include filler materials, examples of which may include metal carbonates (such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate), metal oxides (such as titanium oxide, titanium dioxide, and aluminum oxide), metal sulfates (such as barium sulfate and calcium sulfate), metal sulfides (such as zinc sulfide), quartz, kaolin, talc, diatomaceous earth, gypsum, etc., and preferably calcium carbonate, especially from the perspective of improving whiteness and opacity and increasing heating rate. Furthermore, these filler materials may be used alone, or two or more filler materials may be used in combination.

[0103] Various additives other than the materials and filling materials mentioned above can also be added to the tipping paper 40. For example, the tipping paper 40 may include water resistance improvers to improve water resistance. Water resistance improvers include wet strength agents (WS agents) and sizing agents. Examples of wet strength agents include urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE), etc. In addition, examples of sizing agents include rosin soap, alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and highly saponified polyvinyl alcohol with a saponification degree of 90% or more.

[0104] A coating agent may be applied to at least one of the two surfaces (i.e., the front surface and the back surface) of the tipping paper 40. There are no particular limitations on the coating agent, but a coating agent that can form a surface film and reduce liquid permeability is preferred.

[0105] A portion of the outer surface of the tipping paper 40 may be coated with a lip-release material. A lip-release material is a material configured to facilitate easy separation (substantially without adhesion) of the contact between the lips and the tipping paper 40 when the user holds the flavor-inhaling filter portion 30 of the product 1 in their mouth. Lip-release materials may include, for example, ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, or nitrocellulose. For example, the outer surface of the tipping paper 40 may be coated with a lip-release material by applying an ethyl cellulose-based or methyl cellulose-based ink to the outer surface of the tipping paper 40.

[0106] [Cooling section 20]

[0107] The cooling section 20 is a part disposed adjacent to the matrix section 10 and the filter section 30 and formed by winding a sheet 21 in a manner that makes the cylindrical (or similar) cross-section hollow. The cooling section 20 generates an aerosol by cooling the vapor generated by heating the matrix section 10. The cooling section 20 is a cylindrical metal component.

[0108] The cooling section 20 has a substantially circular cross-section, and its perimeter can be appropriately modified according to the size of the product, but it is preferably approximately the same as the perimeter of the filter 31, which will be described later. It should be noted that when the cross-section is not circular, the above-mentioned perimeter is assumed by a circle having an area equal to that of the relevant cross-section, and the perimeter of that circle is applied.

[0109] The size of the cooling portion 20 in the centerline direction can be appropriately modified according to the size of the product, but is typically 5 mm or larger, preferably 10 mm or larger, more preferably 15 mm or larger. Furthermore, the size of the cooling portion 20 in the centerline direction is typically 35 mm or smaller, preferably 30 mm or smaller, more preferably 25 mm or smaller. Additionally, the size of the cooling portion 20 in the centerline direction is preferably any combination of the aforementioned upper and lower limits. By setting the size of the cooling portion 20 in the centerline direction to be equal to or higher than the aforementioned lower limit, sufficient cooling effect and a pleasant flavor can be ensured, and by setting the size to be equal to or lower than the aforementioned upper limit, losses caused by the generated vapor and aerosol adhering to the sheet 21 can be suppressed.

[0110] For example, the cooling section 20 is formed by winding a paper tube made of a sheet 21 made of paper.

[0111] Specifically, the cooling section 20 is a so-called spiral paper tube, which is formed by bonding together multiple sheets 21 containing at least paper and winding these sheets in a spiral shape. The method used to produce the spiral paper tube makes it easy to form a paper tube with a circular cross-section. By using a spiral paper tube for the cooling section 20, the strength of the cooling section 20 can be enhanced while limiting the area of ​​the cooling section 20. Furthermore, by combining and laminating sheet components containing flavoring components, flavoring components, and ground tobacco with paper, a novel smoking flavor can be imparted to the aerosol.

[0112] Alternatively, the cooling section 20 can be a so-called straight paper tube, which is a paper tube formed by winding multiple layers of paper in a cylindrical shape. Compared to methods used to produce spiral paper tubes, methods used to produce straight paper tubes can reduce the amount of adhesive used to attach the paper.

[0113] Furthermore, the cooling section 20 can also be a paper tube formed by laminating multiple sheets 21 that contain at least paper. By laminating multiple sheets 21, the strength of the cooling section 20 can be maintained even if each sheet 21 has a small basis weight.

[0114] There is no particular limitation on the thickness of each sheet 21, and the thickness can be, for example, from 50 μm to 500 μm, or from 100 μm to 250 μm. Furthermore, there is no particular limitation on the material of the sheet 21, and the material can be, for example, a material having pulp as a main component, a material having polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, or aluminum foil as a main component, or any combination thereof.

[0115] Assuming the cooling section 20 is a part formed by winding sheet 21, this is an example of a cylindrical component formed in a cylindrical shape, and the cooling section 20 is not limited to this configuration, as long as the cross-section is hollow. The cooling section 20 can also be formed from a tube already having a hollow cross-section made of synthetic resin or the like.

[0116] The cooling section 20 is provided with a plurality of through holes 60 (also referred to in this art as "ventilation filters (Vf)"), which are concentrically arranged in the circumferential direction. The through holes 60 are perforations that penetrate the sheet 21. Examples of perforation shapes include polygons, rounded polygons, circles, ellipses, etc. The through holes 60 exist in areas where air can flow in from the outside of the flavor inhalation article 1; in other words, they exist in areas that protrude from the opening 142 when the flavor inhalation article 1 is held in the holding portion 140 of the inhalation device 100.

[0117] The presence of through-holes 60 allows for adjustment of the concentration of inhaled flavor components and aerosols. Furthermore, the presence of multiple through-holes 60 allows air to flow from the outside into the cooling section 20 during inhalation, and reduces the temperature of vapors and air flowing in from the matrix section 10. Additionally, positioning the through-holes 60 within the cooling section 20 in a region at least 4 mm from the boundary between the cooling section 20 and the filter section 30 in the direction lateral to the cooling section 20 not only enhances cooling capacity but also prevents the stagnation of substances (products) generated by heating within the cooling section 20, thereby increasing the amount of product delivered.

[0118] It should be noted that the vapor generated by heating the matrix portion 10 (where the aerosol acts as a condensation nucleus) liquefies upon contact with external air due to the decrease in temperature, and this can promote the generation of aerosols.

[0119] When multiple through holes 60 existing concentrically in the cooling section 20 are considered as a single set of through holes, there may be one set of through holes, or there may be two or more sets of through holes. When there are two or more sets of through holes, from the perspective of increasing the delivery amount of components generated by heating, these sets of through holes are preferably not located in areas less than 4 mm from the boundary between the cooling section 20 and the filter section 30 in the direction along the side of the cooling section 20.

[0120] Furthermore, when the flavor inhalation article 1 is in the form of wrapping the end portion 70, the matrix portion 10, the cooling portion 20, and the filter portion 30 with a tipping paper 40, the vent is preferably provided in the tipping paper 40, directly above the through hole 60 provided in the cooling portion 20. When producing such a flavor inhalation article 1, a tipping paper 40 with vents already provided to cover the through hole 60 can be prepared, and then the tipping paper 40 can be wrapped. However, from the point of view of ease of production, it is preferable to produce a flavor inhalation article 1 without the through hole 60, and then preferably form a perforation that penetrates both the cooling portion 20 and the tipping paper 40.

[0121] There are no particular limitations on the area where the through-hole 60 exists, provided that from the perspective of better delivery of the product formed by heating, this area is at least 4 mm away from the boundary between the cooling section 20 and the filter section 30 in the direction on the side of the cooling section 20. However, from the perspective of even better product delivery, it is preferably a region at least 4.5 mm away, more preferably a region at least 5 mm away, and even more preferably a region at least 5.5 mm away. Furthermore, from the perspective of ensuring cooling function, the area where the through-hole 60 exists is preferably a region no more than 15 mm away from the boundary between the cooling section 20 and the filter section 30, more preferably a region no more than 10 mm away, and even more preferably a region no more than 7 mm away.

[0122] Furthermore, taking the boundary between the cooling portion 20 and the matrix portion 10 as a reference, if the size of the cooling portion 20 in the centerline direction is 20 mm or larger, then from the perspective of ensuring cooling function, the area where the through hole 60 exists is preferably a region at least 5 mm away from the boundary between the cooling portion 20 and the matrix portion 10 in the direction on the side of the cooling portion 20, more preferably a region at least 10 mm away, and even more preferably a region at least 13 mm away. Furthermore, from the perspective of improving the delivery of the product formed by heating, the area where the through hole 60 exists is preferably a region no more than 16 mm away from the boundary between the cooling portion 20 and the matrix portion 10, more preferably a region no more than 15.5 mm away, even more preferably a region no more than 15 mm away, and particularly preferably a region no more than 14.5 mm away.

[0123] The through-hole 60 is configured such that during aspiration at 17.5 mL / sec on an automatic smoking machine, the air inflow ratio from the through-hole 60 is 10% to 90% by volume. The "air inflow ratio" is the volume percentage of air flowing into the through-hole 60 when the air intake from the mouthpiece is 100% by volume. Preferably, the air inflow ratio is 50% to 80% by volume, more preferably 55% to 75% by volume. For example, these air inflow ratios can be achieved by selecting the number of through-holes 60 in each group from a range between 5 and 50, selecting the diameter of the through-holes 60 from a range between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, and combining these selections.

[0124] The air inflow ratio can be measured using a package quality analyzer (SODIMAX D74 / SODIM manufactured by SAS) based on the ISO 9512 method.

[0125] [Filter Section 30]

[0126] The filter portion 30 is formed in a columnar shape, wherein its size in the centerline direction is greater than the width of the cross-section. Therefore, the filter portion 30 is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is the centerline direction.

[0127] The filter portion 30 includes: a filter 31 through which the aerosol passes; and a wrapping material 35, which is present between the filter 31 and the splice paper 40 and wraps around the outer peripheral surface of the filter 31. The filter portion 30 is connected to the cooling portion 20 by integrally wrapping the cooling portion 20 and the filter portion 30 with the splice paper 40. It should be noted that the wrapping paper 35 is not required.

[0128] There are no particular limitations on filter 31, as long as it includes filter material and has the general functions of a filter. Examples of general functions of a filter, besides diluting nicotine and tar, include diluting undesirable sensations (such as irritation). Furthermore, filter 31 can be a conventional filter comprising a single filter segment, or a multi-segment filter comprising multiple filter segments (such as a dual or triple filter). For example, additives including known flavoring agents (such as menthol), adsorbents, granular activated charcoal, or flavor retainers can be appropriately added to filter 31.

[0129] The filter material constituting filter 31 may be a cylindrical filling material, such as cellulose acetate, charcoal, cellulose fiber, nonwoven fabric, or pulp. Alternatively, a paper filter filled with pulp in the form of sheets may also be used.

[0130] There are no particular limitations on the form of the wrapping material 35, and it can include seams containing one or more adhesive lines. The adhesive can include a hot-melt adhesive, and further, the hot-melt adhesive can include polyvinyl alcohol. Additionally, the adhesive can include a vinyl acetate-based adhesive. Furthermore, if the filter section 30 comprises two or more components, it is preferable to wrap each of the two or more components with the wrapping material 35, and then further wrap them together with another wrapping material.

[0131] There are no particular restrictions on the material of the wrapping paper 35, and known materials can be used. The wrapping paper 35 may also include fillers, such as calcium carbonate.

[0132] Furthermore, the wrapping paper 35 may be coated or uncoated, but from the perspective of allowing for functions beyond strength and structural rigidity, it is preferable to be coated with the desired material.

[0133] The shape of the package 35 used to produce the filter section 30 can be, for example, square or rectangular.

[0134] When the filter 31 is wrapped in a cylindrical shape by the wrapping material 35, one end of the wrapping material 35 and the opposite end of the wrapping material 35 may overlap by about 2 mm in the circumferential direction and be glued together to form a cylindrical paper tube shape, which contains the filter 31. The size of the wrapping material 35 may be determined by the size of the filter portion 30.

[0135] [End portion 70]

[0136] Figure 3 An example of a cross-section of the end portion 70 according to this embodiment is shown. Figure 3 The cross-section shown is Figure 1The cross-section of part III-III is shown.

[0137] The end portion 70 includes: a central portion 71 disposed on the inner side and shrinking due to heat; and a peripheral portion 72 surrounding the outer periphery of the central portion 71. The end portion 70 further includes a sheet member 73 between the central portion 71 and the peripheral portion 72. The end portion 70 may also include an outer wrapping paper 74 between the peripheral portion 72 and the tipping paper 40. The peripheral portion 72 is configured to surround at least a portion of the outer periphery of the central portion 71. By wrapping the tipping paper 40 around the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral portion 72, the substrate portion 10 and the end portion 70 are integrally wrapped, and the end portion 70 is connected to the substrate portion 10. The tipping paper 40 may have any length in the centerline direction such that it can be wrapped in a manner that allows the substrate portion 10 and the end portion 70 to be integrally wrapped.

[0138] The end portion 70 is an example of the upstream portion.

[0139] The end portion 70 has a substantially circular cross-section, and its perimeter can be appropriately modified according to the size of the product, but a perimeter of 22 mm to 25 mm can be listed. It should be noted that when the cross-section is not circular, the above perimeter is assumed by a circle having an area equal to that of the relevant cross-section, and the perimeter of that circle is applied.

[0140] The size of the end portion 70 in the centerline direction can be appropriately modified according to the size of the product, and this size can be 1 mm or greater, preferably 3 mm or greater, more preferably 5 mm or greater. Furthermore, the size of the end portion 70 in the centerline direction can be 10 mm or less, preferably 8 mm or less. The end portion 70 can be manufactured to a predetermined length and then produced by cutting to any length. If the end portion 70 has a length less than 1 mm, there is a risk of deformation (e.g., crushing) because the shape cannot be maintained during cutting. When the length of the end portion 70 in the longitudinal direction is 1 mm or greater, the end portion 70 can be manufactured relatively easily.

[0141] The central portion 71 and the peripheral portion 72 of the end portion 70 are portions that allow air that has flowed in from the first side of the flavor-inhaling product 1 to pass through.

[0142] The central portion 71 includes a material that shrinks when heat is applied thereto. For example, the material that shrinks when heat is applied thereto is a material that begins to shrink between 130°C and 220°C. The central portion 71 shrinks when subjected to heat from the heating unit 121 of the inhalation device 100. The central portion 71 is molded, for example, from cellulose acetate, and air passes through the interior of the central portion 71 along a central axis during user inhalation. The central portion 71, molded from cellulose acetate, can be produced by known methods, and when synthetic fibers such as cellulose acetate are used as the material, for example, the central portion 71 can be produced by spinning and then crimping a polymer solution comprising a polymer and a solvent. For this method, the method disclosed, for example, in WO 2013 / 067511 A2, can be used.

[0143] The central portion 71 can be configured to include cellulose acetate. Furthermore, cellulose acetate may or may not include a plasticizer.

[0144] The peripheral portion 72 is, for example, filled with sheet material component 72a and shaped to form a gap 72b, such as... Figure 3 As shown. There are no particular limitations on the material of the sheet member 72a, but paper (including pulp or nonwoven fabric having pulp as a main component) is preferred, with paper being more preferred. Furthermore, for the sheet member 72a, a material that is less prone to shrinkage under heating than the material constituting the central portion 71 is preferred, and a material that does not shrink under heating is even more preferred. The sheet member 72a may be rolled up and packaged to maintain an air passage extending in the centerline direction.

[0145] The airflow resistance of the central portion 71 and the peripheral portion 72 is preferably such that the central portion 71 has a higher airflow resistance. Therefore, the peripheral portion 72 serves as the main flow path for air through the end portion 70. Before the heating matrix portion 10 or in the early stages of the smoking period, the airflow resistance of the central portion 71 and the peripheral portion 72 can be 50 mmH2O or less.

[0146] There are no particular limitations on the form of the sheet member 73, and it may include seams comprising one or more adhesive lines. The adhesive preferably does not exhibit a decrease in adhesive strength upon heating and may include a hot-melt adhesive, which may comprise polyvinyl alcohol. Additionally, the adhesive may comprise a vinyl acetate-based adhesive. There are no particular limitations on the material of the sheet member 73, and known materials may be used, and the sheet member 73 may further include fillers such as calcium carbonate. The sheet member 73 is preferably airtight. The low air permeability of the sheet member 73 allows the airflow path through the end portion 70 to be divided into an internal / external section of the sheet member 73. The air permeability of the sheet member 73 may be 100 CU or less.

[0147] The shape of the sheet component 73 can be square or rectangular.

[0148] When the central portion 71 is wrapped with the sheet member 73 into a cylindrical shape, one end of the sheet member 73 and the opposite end of the sheet member 73 may overlap by about 2 mm in the circumferential direction and be glued together to form a cylindrical shape that fills the central portion 71 inside. The size of the rectangular sheet member 73 may be determined by the size of the end portion 70.

[0149] The sheet member 73 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the central portion 71, and the central portion 71 and the sheet member 73 are bonded, for example, by means of an adhesive. The adhesive may include a hot melt adhesive. Here, when the central portion 71 shrinks under heat, the bond between the central portion 71 and the sheet member 73 preferably separates as this shrinkage proceeds.

[0150] Figure 4 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flavored inhalation article 1 according to this embodiment during the later stage of smoking is shown. It should be noted that... Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the early stages of the smoking period is shown.

[0151] The smoking period can be the time from the start of the aerosol generation process to the end of that process. Alternatively, the smoking period can be the time from the start of the heating process of the flavor inhalation product 1 to the end of that process.

[0152] The “early stage” of the smoking period can be 50% of the entire smoking period from the start of the smoking period, or 30% of the smoking period from the start of the smoking period, or the beginning of the heating period.

[0153] The "late stage" of the smoking period can be 50% of the entire smoking period until the end of the smoking period, or 30% of the smoking period until the end, or the period during the heating period.

[0154] Before heating begins with the heating unit 121, the flavor inhalation product 1 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the central portion 71 and the sheet component 73, such as... Figure 1As shown. When the matrix portion 10 is heated by means of the heating unit 121 of the inhalation device 100, heat is transferred to the end portion 70 located next to the matrix portion 10, and the temperature of the end portion 70 rises. The end portion 70 is at a low temperature in the early stage of the smoking process, so the central portion 71 hardly shrinks, and the central portion 71 shrinks as the temperature of the end portion 70 rises in the later stage of the smoking process. At this time, the bond between the central portion 71 and the sheet member 73 separates as the central portion 71 shrinks, and a gap is formed between the central portion 71 and the sheet member 73. Figure 4 As shown, the central portion 71 shrinks during the later stage of the smoking period, thereby creating a gap between the central portion 71 and the sheet member 73.

[0155] Here, the temperature of the end portion 70, which is closer to the inhalation device 100, rises faster, so the contraction of the central portion 71 towards the downstream side (closer to the matrix portion 10) is greater than that towards the upstream side. Therefore, in the later stages of smoking, the central portion 71 is in a state where its outer periphery is diagonally contracted relative to the centerline direction, as... Figure 4 As shown. Furthermore, the first side end of the central portion 71 preferably does not shrink, even in the later stages of the smoking period. Therefore, the first side end of the central portion 71 remains bonded and does not peel off from the sheet member 73, thereby preventing the central portion 71 from detaching. Deformation of the end portion 70 can also be prevented.

[0156] Figure 5 The airflow path in the end portion 70 during the early stages of smoking is shown.

[0157] In the early stages of the smoking process, the end portion 70 is at a low temperature, and the central portion 71 hardly shrinks, thus producing almost no deformation. Before heating and in the early stages of the smoking process, the central portion 71 has higher airflow resistance than the peripheral portion 72, so the air flowing in from the first side of the flavor-inhaling article mainly flows to the matrix portion 10 through the peripheral portion 72, as indicated by arrow 75.

[0158] Figure 6 The airflow path is shown in the final part of the later stage of the smoking process.

[0159] As the smoking period progresses from the early stage to the later stage, the central portion 71 shrinks and deforms due to its increased temperature, thereby widening the gap formed between the central portion 71 and the sheet member 73. The gap formed between the central portion 71 and the sheet member 73 creates an airflow path, thus shifting the main flow path of air flowing in from the first side of the flavor-absorbing article from the outside to the inside of the sheet member 73.

[0160] Due to the gap formed, during the later stages of the smoking period, the airflow resistance on the inner side of the sheet member 73 is preferably less than the airflow resistance on the outer side of the sheet member 73. Therefore, the main flow path of the air passing through the end portion 70 can be switched from the outer side to the inner side of the sheet member 73, and the main flow path of the air flowing in from the first side of the flavor inhalation article 1 can be changed to the radially inner side, as shown by arrow 76.

[0161] It should be noted that Figure 5 and Figure 6 Arrows 75 and 76 indicate the main airflow path, but do not mean that no air flows through other parts.

[0162] In the peripherally heated flavor inhalation product 1, the aerosol source 11 in the matrix portion 10 is positioned to gradually approach the heating unit and further outward in a radially outward direction, wherein heat is conducted from the radially outward direction inward. Since the aerosol is generated based on heat conduction, it is primarily generated from the radially outward direction in the initial stage, and then the temperature in the central portion gradually increases, causing the aerosol to be generated primarily from the central portion.

[0163] As the smoking period progresses from the early to the later stages, the main flow path of the air flowing in from the first side of the flavor inhalation article 1 shifts from the radially outer side to the inner side. As described above, this allows air to flow into the matrix portion 10 according to its radial position in the aerosol-generating direction and the amount of aerosol generated. This allows a large amount of air to flow into the area where a large amount of aerosol is generated, thereby achieving more efficient aerosol delivery.

[0164] The ratio of the smallest portion in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (centerline direction) of the central portion 71 during the later stage of the smoking period to the smallest portion in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the central portion 71 during the early stage of the smoking period using the matrix portion is preferably 0.4 to 0.7 (this ratio will also be referred to below as the "shrinkage rate"). When the degree of shrinkage is small, it is difficult to achieve the effect provided by the reduction of airflow resistance caused by shrinkage, while if the degree of shrinkage is large, the hardness of the end portion 70 decreases, which may lead to deformation of the flavor inhalation article 1. A shrinkage rate in the range of 0.4 to 0.7 allows the effect provided by the reduction of airflow resistance to be achieved while maintaining sufficient hardness of the flavor inhalation article 1 without deformation.

[0165] As described above, a gap is formed between the central portion 71 and the sheet member 73 in the later stage of the smoking period, thereby creating an airflow path. Therefore, the total airflow resistance of the end portion 70 is less than in the early stage of the smoking period, allowing air to flow more easily into the end portion 70. Thus, as the smoking period progresses from the early stage to the later stage, the amount of air flowing into the end portion 70 gradually increases. The user inhales the flavor inhalation product 1 with a constant force; therefore, if the amount of air flowing into the end portion 70 increases, the amount of air flowing into the flavor inhalation product 1 from the through-hole 60 in the cooling portion 20 decreases. Therefore, the ratio of the amount of air flowing into the end portion 70 to the amount of air flowing into the through-hole 60 differs between the early and later stages of the smoking period. As the smoking period progresses from the early to the later stage, the amount of air flowing into the end portion 70 increases, and the amount of air flowing into the through-hole 60 decreases.

[0166] This reduction in the amount of air flowing in from the through-hole 60 results in a lower aerosol dilution ratio in the later stages of the smoking period compared to the earlier stages. The amount of aerosol generated from the matrix portion 10 gradually decreases as the smoking period progresses from the early to the later stages; therefore, the reduced dilution ratio helps to suppress fluctuations in the amount of delivered aerosol.

[0167] It should be noted that the central portion 71 and the sheet member 73 do not need to be configured such that their entire surfaces are bonded. For example, the central portion 71 and the sheet member 73 can be configured such that the first side ends are bonded, but the second side ends are not bonded. This configuration allows a gap to be formed between the central portion 71 and the sheet member 73 by the shrinkage of the central portion 71, and also prevents the central portion 71 from detaching. Furthermore, the material of the central portion 71 is not limited to cellulose acetate, and can be suitably selected as long as it is a material that undergoes heat shrinkage.

[0168] In addition, Figure 1 In this configuration, the central portion 71 and the peripheral portion 72 are configured to have the same length in the centerline direction, but this is not limiting. The central portion 71 may be longer, provided that the peripheral portion 72 surrounds at least a portion of the central portion 71.

[0169] Furthermore, different materials can be added to each of the central portion 71 and the peripheral portion 72. This allows for changes in the flavor of the smoke during both the early and late stages of the smoking process.

[0170] Furthermore, the amount of material added to the central portion 71 and the peripheral portion 72 can be varied. This allows for changes in the intensity of the smoking flavor during the early and later stages of the smoking process.

[0171] <Example of the first variant>

[0172] Figure 7 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of flavored inhalation product 2 according to the first variant example is shown.

[0173] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the matrix portion 10 according to the first variant example is shown. Figure 8 The cross-section shown is Figure 7 The cross-section of part VIII-VIII is shown.

[0174] The flavored inhalation product 2, according to the first variant example, has the same basic configuration as the flavored inhalation product 1. Similar to... Figure 1 The flavor inhalation product 1 shown, and the flavor inhalation product 3 according to the second variant example, include a matrix portion 10, a cooling portion 20, a filter portion 30, and a terminal portion 70.

[0175] The flavor inhalation article 2, according to the first variant example, differs from the flavor inhalation article 1 in that the aerosol source in the matrix portion 10 of the flavor inhalation article 2 is separated by the sheet 15 into a first aerosol source 16 on the radially outer side and a second aerosol source 17 on the radially inner side. In the first variant example, by dividing not only the end portion 70 but also the aerosol source in the matrix portion 10 into radially outer and radially inner sides, the airflow path can be better controlled than in the flavor inhalation article 1.

[0176] According to the first variant example, the flavor inhalation article 2 includes a sheet 15 for separating an aerosol source in the matrix portion 10 into a first aerosol source 16 on the radially outer side and a second aerosol source 17 on the radially inner side. The sheet 15 divides the flow path of air through the matrix portion 10 into radially outer and radially inner sides, and preferably has low permeability. The permeability of the sheet 15 is preferably 100 CU or less. The first aerosol source 16 and the second aerosol source 17 are configured in the same manner as the aerosol source 11 in the flavor inhalation article 1.

[0177] In the flavor inhalation article 2 according to the first variant example, air that has passed through the peripheral portion 72 of the end portion 70 flows into the first aerosol source 16 of the matrix portion 10, and air that has passed through the central portion 71 of the end portion 70 flows into the second aerosol source 17 of the matrix portion 10. It should be noted that the radial positions of the sheet member 73 in the end portion 70 and the radial positions of the sheet 15 in the matrix portion 10 do not need to be aligned.

[0178] By further dividing the airflow path in the matrix portion 10 into radially outer and radially inner sides using the sheet 15, interference with the airflow path in the matrix portion 10 can be suppressed, and advantageous delivery efficiency can be achieved.

[0179] Furthermore, in flavor inhalation article 2, the central portion 71 of the terminal portion 70 contracts as the smoking period progresses from the early stage to the later stage, and a gap is formed between the central portion 71 and the sheet member 73 in the same manner as in flavor inhalation article 1. Therefore, the main flow path of air flowing into the terminal portion 70 shifts from the radially outer side to the inner side, and the overall airflow resistance of the terminal portion 70 can vary significantly between the early and late stages of the smoking period. Similarly, in this case, the overall airflow resistance of flavor inhalation article 2 is preferably constant during both the early and late stages of the smoking period.

[0180] Consider an exemplary case where the airflow resistances of the central portion 71, the peripheral portion 72, the first aerosol source 16, and the second aerosol source 17 are respectively a first airflow resistance, a second airflow resistance, a third airflow resistance, and a fourth airflow resistance. It will be assumed that before heating or in the early stages of the smoking period, the first airflow resistance is greater than the second airflow resistance, and the third airflow resistance is greater than the fourth airflow resistance. In this case, in the early stages of the heating period, air mainly flows radially outward, so the combined airflow resistance of the terminal portion 70 and the matrix portion 10 is the sum of the second and third airflow resistances. Simultaneously, in the later stages of the heating period, air mainly flows through the central portion, so the combined airflow resistance of the terminal portion 70 and the matrix portion 10 is the sum of the first and fourth airflow resistances. In this case, the flavor inhalation article 2 is preferably set such that the sum of the second and third airflow resistances is substantially equal to the sum of the first and fourth airflow resistances. Here, "substantially equal to" means that the airflow resistance in the later stages of the smoking period falls within ±10% of the airflow resistance in the early stages of the smoking period. Therefore, the aerosol source in the matrix portion 10 is divided into a first aerosol source 16 on the radially outer side and a second aerosol source 17 on the radially inner side to alter the airflow resistance, thereby maintaining a constant airflow resistance over a period of time from the start to the end of the user's inhalation. In this case, the overall airflow resistance of the flavored inhalation product 2 is constant in both the early and late stages of the inhalation process, so the user is unlikely to experience any discomfort over a period of time.

[0181] <Example of the second variant>

[0182] Figure 9 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of flavored inhalation product 3, based on the second variant example, is shown.

[0183] The flavored inhalation product 3, according to the second variant example, has the same basic configuration as the flavored inhalation product 1. Similar to... Figure 1The flavor inhalation product 1 shown, and the flavor inhalation product 3 according to the second variant example, include a matrix portion 10, a cooling portion 20, a filter portion 30, and a terminal portion 70.

[0184] The flavor inhalation article 3, according to the second variant example, differs from the flavor inhalation article 1 in that a plurality of through holes 61 are concentrically and circumferentially arranged in the side surface of the end portion 70. The through holes 61 are vents that allow air to flow in from the outside of the end portion 70. In the second variant example, air flows into the end portion 70 not only from the upstream end side (first side) of the end portion 70, but also from the through holes 61.

[0185] According to the second variant example, the flavor inhalation article 3 includes through holes 61 that extend through the tipping paper 40. A single set of through holes 61 may exist, or two or more sets of through holes may exist, if the plurality of through holes 61 existing in a concentric configuration are considered as a single group of through holes.

[0186] Furthermore, when the flavor inhalation article 3 includes an outer wrapping paper 74 between the peripheral portion 72 and the tipping paper 40, the through-hole 61 is configured to extend through both the tipping paper 40 and the outer wrapping paper 74. In this form, a vent is preferably provided in the tipping paper 40, directly above the through-hole 61 provided in the end portion 70. When producing such a flavor inhalation article 3, a tipping paper 40 with a vent already provided to cover the through-hole 61 can be prepared, and then the tipping paper 40 can be wrapped. However, from the perspective of ease of production, it is preferable to produce a flavor inhalation article 1 without the through-hole 61, and then preferably form a perforation that simultaneously penetrates the end portion 70 and the tipping paper 40.

[0187] In the second variant example, air also flows into the end portion 70 through the through-hole 61, thus facilitating the adjustment of the airflow resistance balance between the central portion 71 and the peripheral portion 72. For example, if the central portion 71 and the peripheral portion 72 were formed to have the same length in the centerline direction without the through-hole 61, the airflow resistance balance between the central portion 71 and the peripheral portion 72 would need to be adjusted by changing the materials forming the central portion 71 and the peripheral portion 72. In contrast, when the through-hole 61 is provided, the airflow resistance of the peripheral portion 72 can be easily adjusted by the number and / or diameter of the through-holes 61, or by the position of the through-holes 61 in the centerline direction. By providing the through-hole 61 in the end portion 70 in this way, it is easy to set a state where the airflow resistance of the central portion 71 is higher than that of the peripheral portion 72.

[0188] When the through-hole 61 is provided in the end portion 70, even after a gap is formed between the central portion 71 and the sheet member 73 in the later stages of the smoking period, air flows in through the through-hole 61. Therefore, it is feasible that the airflow resistance of the peripheral portion 72 may not become greater than the airflow resistance on the inner side of the sheet member 73. For this reason, it is preferable to adopt a configuration that closes the through-hole 61 in the later stages of the smoking period, for example, by applying adhesive around the through-hole 61, and the adhesive melting due to the temperature increase in the later stages of the smoking period to close the through-hole 61. This makes it possible to suppress the situation where, when a gap has already formed between the central portion 71 and the sheet member 73 in the later stages of the smoking period, the airflow resistance balance between the inner and outer sides of the sheet member 73 cannot be properly achieved due to the airflow from the through-hole 61.

[0189] Summary

[0190] It should be noted that this disclosure includes the following characteristics. (1)

[0192] A flavored inhalation article includes: a matrix portion for generating an aerosol by means of heating; and

[0193] The upstream portion, which is located on the upstream side of the matrix portion, wherein, The upstream portion includes: The central part, and The surrounding portion, which surrounds at least a portion of the central portion, The central part includes material that contracts when heat is applied to it, and When the central portion has shrunk, a gap is formed between the central portion and the peripheral portion. (2)

[0195] As disclosed in (1), the shrinkage on the downstream side of the central portion is greater than the shrinkage on the upstream side of the central portion. (3)

[0197] The flavored inhalation article disclosed in (1) or (2) has a ratio of 0.4 to 0.7 between the smallest portion of the central portion in the vertical direction in the longitudinal direction during the later stage of smoking using the matrix portion and the smallest portion of the central portion in the vertical direction in the longitudinal direction during the early stage of smoking using the matrix portion. (4)

[0199] The flavored inhalation article disclosed in any one of (1) to (3) includes a sheet member between the central portion and the peripheral portion, wherein, The gap is formed between the central portion and the sheet member. (5)

[0201] As disclosed in (4), the flavored inhalation product has a sheet component that is not breathable. (6)

[0203] The flavored inhalation article disclosed in (4) or (5) wherein, in the early stage of smoking using the matrix portion, the airflow resistance on the inner side of the sheet member is greater than the airflow resistance on the outer side of the sheet member, and in the later stage of smoking using the matrix portion, the airflow resistance on the inner side of the sheet member is less than the airflow resistance on the outer side of the sheet member. (7)

[0205] The flavored inhalation article disclosed in any of (1) to (6) includes a peripheral portion comprising a rolled paper. (8)

[0207] Flavored inhalation articles disclosed in any of (1) to (7), wherein the central portion comprises cellulose acetate. (9)

[0209] The flavored inhalation article disclosed in any one of (1) to (8) includes, wherein the matrix portion comprises: a first aerosol source on the radially outer side, a second aerosol source on the radially inner side, and a sheet positioned between the first aerosol source and the second aerosol source. (10)

[0211] The flavored inhalation article disclosed in any of (1) to (9) has an upstream portion with greater airflow resistance in the early stage of smoking using the matrix portion than the upstream portion with greater airflow resistance in the later stage of smoking using the matrix portion. (11)

[0213] The flavored inhalation article disclosed in any one of (1) to (10) includes a downstream portion located on the downstream side of the matrix portion, wherein, The downstream section has vents that allow air to flow in from the outside. (12)

[0215] As disclosed in (11), the flavored inhalation product, wherein the downstream portion includes: The filter section, through which aerosols generated from the matrix section pass, and A tubular member, formed in a tubular shape between the matrix portion and the filter portion. The vent is located within the tubular component. (13)

[0217] The flavored inhalation article disclosed in (11) or (12) wherein the ratio of the amount of air flowing in from the upstream portion to the amount of air flowing in from the vent during the early stage of smoking using the matrix portion is different from the ratio of the amount of air flowing in from the upstream portion to the amount of air flowing in from the vent during the later stage of smoking using the matrix portion. (14)

[0219] As disclosed in (13), the amount of air flowing in from the vent during the later stage of smoking using the matrix portion is reduced compared to the amount of air flowing in from the vent during the earlier stage of smoking using the matrix portion. (15)

[0221] The flavored inhalation article disclosed in any of (1) to (14) includes, in which the upstream portion includes, on its side surface, a vent that allows air to flow in from the outside.

[0222] List of reference numerals

[0223] 1, 2, 3… Flavored inhalation product; 10… Matrix portion; 11… Aerosol source; 20… Cooling portion; 30… Filter portion; 31… Filter; 35… Wrapper; 40… Tipping paper; 50… Mouthpiece section; 60, 61… Through holes; 70… End portion; 71… Center portion; 72… Peripheral portion; 73… Sheet component.

Claims

1. A flavored inhalation product, comprising: The matrix portion, which is used to generate aerosols by means of heating, and The upstream portion, which is located on the upstream side of the matrix portion, wherein, The upstream portion includes: The central part, and The surrounding portion, which surrounds at least a portion of the central portion, The central part includes material that contracts when heat is applied to it, and When the central portion has shrunk, a gap is formed between the central portion and the peripheral portion.

2. The flavored inhalation article as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The amount of contraction on the downstream side of the central portion is greater than the amount of contraction on the upstream side of the central portion.

3. The flavored inhalation article as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The ratio of the smallest dimension portion in the vertical direction of the longitudinal direction of the central portion during the later stage of the smoking period using the matrix portion to the smallest dimension portion in the vertical direction of the longitudinal direction of the central portion during the early stage of the smoking period using the matrix portion is 0.4 to 0.

7.

4. The flavored inhalation article as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a sheet member located between the central portion and the peripheral portion, wherein, The gap is formed between the central portion and the sheet member.

5. The flavored inhalation article as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The sheet material is not breathable.

6. The flavored inhalation article as described in claim 4 or 5, wherein, In the early stages of smoking using the matrix portion, the airflow resistance on the inner side of the sheet member is greater than the airflow resistance on the outer side of the sheet member, and in the later stages of smoking using the matrix portion, the airflow resistance on the inner side of the sheet member is less than the airflow resistance on the outer side of the sheet member.

7. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The surrounding area includes rolled paper.

8. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The central part includes cellulose acetate.

9. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The matrix portion includes: a first aerosol source on the radially outer side, a second aerosol source on the radially inner side, and a sheet positioned between the first aerosol source and the second aerosol source.

10. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The upstream section experiences greater airflow resistance in the early stages of the smoking period when using the matrix section than in the later stages.

11. The flavored inhalation article of any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a downstream portion positioned on a downstream side of the matrix portion, wherein, The downstream section has vents that allow air to flow in from the outside.

12. The flavored inhalation article of claim 11, wherein, The downstream portion includes: The filter section, through which aerosols generated from the matrix section pass, and A tubular member, formed in a tubular shape between the matrix portion and the filter portion. The vent is located within the tubular component.

13. The flavored inhalation article as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein, The ratio of the amount of air flowing in from the upstream portion to the amount of air flowing in from the vent is different in the early stage of the smoking period using the matrix portion compared to the later stage of the smoking period using the matrix portion.

14. The flavored inhalation article of claim 13, wherein, The amount of air flowing into the vent during the later stages of smoking using this matrix portion is less than the amount of air flowing into the vent during the earlier stages of smoking using this matrix portion.

15. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The upstream section includes vents on its side surface that allow air to flow in from the outside.

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