Flavor generation segment, and flavor generation product including the same and flavor inhalation system

Abstract

To provide a flavor generation segment giving a good smoking flavor, and a flavor generation product including the flavor generation segment and a flavor inhalation system.SOLUTION: A flavor generation segment 1 includes a first flavor generation member 1a and a second flavor generation member 1b, where at least one flavor generation member of the first and second flavor generation members includes a plurality of laminated flavor generation sheets 10, and a non-contact part where the flavor generation sheets do not come into contact with each other, provided between at least a pair of adjacent flavor generation sheets, the flavor generation segment in which a main surface of a sheet faces the other flavor generation member. A flavor generation product including the flavor generation segment, and a flavor inhalation system are also provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flavor generating segment, and a flavor generating article and a flavor inhalation system including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Development of non-combustion flavor inhalation systems as an alternative to conventional cigarettes is underway. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tobacco cartridge that includes a housing having a recess for accommodating a flat heater and a laminate of smokable material in the housing, the laminate being disposed on the inner surface of the housing so as to be adjacent to the heater via the wall of the recess of the housing (Patent Document 1, Figure 4). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 156495 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although there is a demand for obtaining a better smoking flavor in a non-combustion type flavor inhalation system, there is still room for improvement in the technology described in Patent Document 1. In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a flavor generating segment that provides a good smoking flavor, and a flavor generating article and a flavor inhalation system including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The inventors have found that a flavor generating segment having a specific structure can solve the above problems, and have completed the present invention. That is, the above problems are solved by the present invention described below. [1] A flavor generating segment comprising a first flavor generating member and a second flavor generating member, At least one of the first and second flavor generating members includes a plurality of stacked flavor generating sheets, and has a non-contact portion between at least one pair of adjacent flavor generating sheets where the flavor generating sheets are not in contact with each other; The main surface of the flavor generating sheet faces the other flavor generating member. Flavor generating segment. [2] The flavor-generating segment described in [1], further comprising a contact portion between at least one pair of adjacent flavor-generating sheets where the flavor-generating sheets are in contact with each other. [3] The flavor generating segment described in [2], having two or more contact portions, and the non-contact portion being formed between the contact portions. [4] The flavor generating segment according to any one of [1] to [3], which has a space between the first flavor generating member and the second flavor generating member. [5] The first flavor generating member and the second flavor generating member include a heat transfer sheet, The flavor generating segment described in [4], wherein the heat transfer sheet is exposed to the space. [6] A flavor-generating segment described in any one of [1] to [5], wherein at least one of the plurality of flavor-generating sheets has a surface treatment applied to part or all of at least one side. [7] The flavor-generating segment according to [6], wherein the surface treatment is a crimping treatment. [8] A flavor-generating segment according to any one of [1] to [7], further comprising a wrapper on the outside of the flavor-generating member. [9] A flavor generating segment and a filter according to any one of [1] to [8] above. A flavor generating article that can be inhaled from the filter side.

[10] A flavor inhalation system comprising the flavor generating segment according to any one of [1] to [8] above, and a heater for heating the flavor generating segment.

[11] The flavor inhalation system described in

[10] , wherein the flavor generating segment has a space between the first flavor generating member and the second flavor generating member, and the heater has a shape that allows at least a portion of the heater to be positioned within the space.

[12] The flavor inhalation system described in

[11] , wherein the first flavor generating member and the second flavor generating member include a heat transfer sheet exposed to the space, and the heat transfer sheet faces the heater.

[13] The flavor inhalation system described in any one of

[10] to

[12] , wherein the heater is a flat plate heater.

[14] Step A of placing the first flavor generating member and the second flavor generating member on a base material at a distance from each other; A method for producing a flavor-generating segment according to any one of [1] to [8], comprising a step B of folding the substrate so that the upper surfaces of the two flavor-generating members face each other to form a rod-shaped segment.

[15] The manufacturing method described in

[14] , wherein step B further includes a step of forming a space between the two opposing flavor generating members.

[16] The manufacturing method described in

[14] or

[15] , wherein step A further includes a step of providing an opening between the first flavor generating member and the second flavor generating member on the substrate.

[17] A precursor of the flavor generating segment according to any one of [1] to [8] above, A substrate, and a first flavor generating member and a second flavor generating member disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from each other; A precursor, wherein at least one flavor generating member includes a plurality of flavor generating sheets stacked in parallel on a substrate, and at least one pair of adjacent flavor generating sheets has a non-contact portion between them where the flavor generating sheets do not come into contact with each other. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a flavor-generating segment that imparts a good smoking flavor, and a flavor-generating article and a flavor inhalation system that include the flavor-generating segment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of the flavor inhalation system of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 shows an overview of the flavor generating segment of the present invention. [Figure 2B]FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a portion of the flavor generating segment of the present invention. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a laminated flavor generating sheet. [Figure 2D] FIG. 1 shows gaps provided in stacked flavor-generating sheets. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows an outline of a flavor-generating article of the present invention. [Figure 4] Diagram showing heater placement [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a method for producing a flavor-generating segment according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a method for producing a flavor-generating segment according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a method for producing a flavor-generating article of the present invention. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a method for producing a flavor-generating article of the present invention. [Figure 8B] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a method for producing a flavor-generating article of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a method for producing a flavor inhalation system according to the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the arrangement of a flavor generating sheet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] In the present invention, the flavor generating segment is a substrate for generating flavor. The article includes at least a flavor-generating segment and is an article capable of generating a flavor or a rod-shaped article capable of inhaling a flavor. The flavor-generating article includes a flavor-generating segment, but the flavor-generating segment itself may be a flavor-generating article. The flavor inhalation system refers to a combination of a flavor-generating article and a heating unit equipped with a heater.

[0009] 1. Flavor generation segment One embodiment of the flavor generating segment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 2A. In Fig. 2A, 1a is a first flavor generating member, 1b is a second flavor generating member, 10 is a flavor generating sheet, 10 is a out The outermost layer is the flavor Incidence sheet, 10in is the innermost flavor generating sheet, 14 is a space, and 16 is a heat transfer sheet. The first flavor generating member 1a and the second flavor generating member 1b are arranged opposite to each other. In this case, it is preferable that the main surfaces of both flavor generating members are arranged so as to face each other, and it is more preferable that the main surfaces are arranged parallel to each other. In FIG. 2A, the two flavor generating members are composed of a plurality of flavor generating sheets, but one of the flavor generating members may be composed of a single flavor generating sheet or a flavor generating block. In the present invention, a sheet refers to a shape having a pair of substantially parallel main surfaces and a side surface. The sheet is preferably manufactured by papermaking. The flavor generating block is preferably manufactured by a method other than papermaking, such as injection molding or extrusion molding. The shape of the flavor generating block is not limited, but may be a cube, a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, or the like, and is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In such an embodiment, the two flavor generating members are arranged so that the main surface of the flavor generating sheet and the flavor generating block face each other. Considering the efficiency of flavor delivery, it is preferable that the two flavor generating members are composed of a plurality of flavor generating sheets, and therefore, the present invention will be described below taking this embodiment as an example.

[0010] The shape of the flavor-generating segment 1 of the present invention is not limited, but is preferably columnar. The flavor-generating segment 1 of the present invention preferably has a columnar shape that satisfies the aspect ratio defined as follows: 1 or more.

[0011] Aspect ratio=h / w w is the width of the bottom of the columnar body, h is the height, and it is preferable that h≧w. The shape of the bottom is not limited and may be polygonal, rounded polygonal, circular, elliptical, etc., and the width w is the diameter when the bottom is circular, the major axis when the bottom is elliptical, and the diameter of the circumscribed circle or the major axis of the circumscribed ellipse when the bottom is polygonal or rounded polygonal. For example, when the flavor-generating sheet in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A(i) is rolled up with a wrapper described later to obtain a flavor-generating segment having a bottom shape as shown in FIG. 2A(ii), the bottom is elliptical, so the width w of the bottom can be recognized as the major axis of the circumscribed ellipse. When the major axis is compared with the length perpendicular thereto, the former is the width w and the latter is the height h. Considering ease of manufacture, the bottom is preferably polygonal, and more preferably rectangular. The height h of the flavor-generating segment 1 is preferably about 5 to 20 mm, and the width w is preferably about 2 to 5 mm. Although not shown, the flavor-generating segment 1 may be provided with a wrapper at the outermost part. The wrapper may be a wrapping paper, or may be composed of a flavor-generating sheet 10. The wrapper may also be composed of a substrate 6, as described below.

[0012] The flavor-generating sheet is a sheet that generates a flavor, and examples of such sheets include a sheet substrate carrying a component capable of generating a flavor, and a sheet composed of a material that generates a flavor. A plurality of flavor-generating sheets are stacked to form a flavor-generating member. "Stacked" refers to arranging the flavor-generating sheets so that their main surfaces overlap. However, since at least one pair of adjacent flavor-generating sheets has a non-contact portion, "stacked" in the present invention does not include an embodiment in which all adjacent pairs of flavor-generating sheets are in contact with each other over their entire surfaces. In other words, when the flavor-generating member includes three or more flavor-generating sheets, as long as one pair of sheets has a non-contact portion, the other pairs of sheets may be in contact with each other over their entire surfaces. However, in consideration of flavor delivery efficiency, etc., in the present invention, it is preferable that there be non-contact portions between all of the sheets.

[0013] Examples of the components capable of generating flavor include flavor components contained in tobacco raw materials and flavor components such as menthol. Examples of the sheet substrate include tobacco materials such as compressed tobacco pellets and tobacco powder. In the present invention, the sheet substrate is preferably a tobacco material. That is, the flavor-generating sheet is preferably a tobacco sheet in which a component capable of generating flavor is supported on a substrate sheet of a tobacco material as necessary. The flavor-generating sheet may generate an aerosol when heated. In order to promote the generation of aerosol, an aerosol source such as a polyol such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or 1,3-butanediol may be further added. The amount of such an aerosol source added is preferably 5 to 50% by weight, more preferably 10 to 30% by weight, based on the dry weight of the flavor-generating sheet. Note that polyols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol may be added as flavor components. When an aerosol source is included or when the flavor component generates an aerosol, the flavor-generating sheet is also an aerosol-generating sheet.

[0014] First, the flavor-generating sheet as a material before being laminated will be described.

[0015] 1) Preparation When the flavor-generating sheet is an aerosol-generating sheet, preferably a tobacco sheet, the tobacco sheet can be appropriately manufactured by a known method such as papermaking, slurrying, rolling, etc. Specifically, in the case of papermaking, the tobacco sheet can be manufactured by a method including the following steps. 1) Dry leaf tobacco raw material is roughly crushed, extracted with water, and separated into a water extract and a residue. 2) The water extract is dried under reduced pressure and concentrated. 3) Pulp is added to the residue, and the residue is fiberized in a refiner, and then paper is made. 4) A concentrated solution of the water extract is added to the paper-made sheet, and the sheet is dried to obtain a tobacco sheet. In this case, a step of removing some components such as nitrosamines may be added (see JP2004-510422A). In the case of the slurry method, the tobacco sheet can be manufactured by a method including the following steps. 1) A water pulp binder is mixed with crushed tobacco. 2) The mixture is thinly spread (casted) and dried. In addition, as described in WO2014 / 104078, a nonwoven tobacco sheet manufactured by a method including the following steps can also be used. 1) A powdered tobacco raw material and a binder are mixed. 2) The mixture is sandwiched between nonwoven fabrics. 3) The laminate is molded into a certain shape by heat welding to obtain a nonwoven tobacco sheet. The composition of the tobacco sheet is not particularly limited, but for example, the content of the tobacco raw material is preferably 50 to 95% by weight based on the total weight of the tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet may also contain a binder, and examples of such binders include guar gum, xanthan gum, CMC (carboxymethylcellulose), CMC-Na (sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose), and the like. The amount of the binder is preferably 2 to 20% by weight based on the total weight of the tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet may further contain other additives. Examples of additives include fillers such as pulp. As mentioned above, the tobacco sheet contains a component that can generate a flavor. In the present invention, a plurality of tobacco sheets are used, and the tobacco sheets may all have the same composition or physical properties, or a part or all of the tobacco sheets may have different compositions or physical properties. When the flavor-generating sheet is a sheet other than a tobacco sheet, for example, a sheet using plant pulp other than tobacco raw material as the sheet substrate can be used.

[0016] 2) Dimensions etc. The shape of the flavor-generating sheet is not limited, but it is preferable that the shape of the main surface of the sheet is rectangular. The thickness is not limited, but considering the efficient heat exchange and the strength of the flavor-generating segment, it is preferably 200 μm to 2 mm, and more preferably 200 to 600 μm. The thicknesses of the flavor-generating sheets may be the same or different. When the flavor-generating segment is 1, the length parallel to the height h direction is called the flavor-generating sheet length L, and the length perpendicular to this is called the width h direction. The height h and the length L of the flavor-generating sheet may be the same or different. For example, when the flavor-generating segment has a wrapper with a length h, the height of the flavor-generating segment is h. The length L of the flavor-generating sheet enclosed in the wrapper may be shorter than h. It is preferable that L is the same for all flavor-generating sheets. When the flavor-generating sheets are stacked as shown in FIG. 2A, it is preferable that W is the same for all flavor-generating sheets. When the flavor-generating sheets are stacked by folding both long sides as shown in FIG. 2C or when the flavor-generating sheets are stacked by curving, it is preferable that W of the flavor-generating sheet constituting the outermost layer is larger than W of the flavor-generating sheet constituting the innermost layer. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the opposing ends of the flavor-generating sheets may be in contact with each other.

[0017] 3)Surface treatment At least one of the flavor-generating sheets is preferably surface-treated on at least a part or the whole of at least one side. In the present invention, the surface treatment refers to a treatment for forming a plurality of projections and recesses on at least one of the main surfaces of the flavor-generating sheet, i.e., the front or back side. The method of surface treatment is not particularly limited, and known treatments such as shrinkage, embossing, debossing, and half-cutting can be used. In the present invention, the shrinkage treatment is a treatment for forming wrinkles on a sheet. For example, by passing the flavor-generating sheet between a pair of rollers having a plurality of projections on the surface, the flavor-generating sheet can be crimped by forming wrinkles extending perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction on both the front and back sides of the flavor-generating sheet. The projections on the rollers extend perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction. The pitch between the apexes of the projections on the rollers is preferably 0.5 to 2.0 mm. Therefore, the pitch of the flavor-generating sheet is preferably 0.5 to 2.0 mm. In addition, the pitch of the flavor-generating sheet is preferably 1.5 to 20% of the width of the flavor-generating segment. The height H of the unevenness caused by the crimp is the average thickness of the sheet T av Then, 1.05T av ~1.59T av It is preferable that the height H is the distance from the bottom of the sheet to the apex of the sheet when the crimped sheet is placed on a horizontal surface. Embossing and debossing are processes in which a convex processing tool is pressed against a sheet to form recesses on one or both sides of the sheet, and half-cutting is a process in which a cut is made on one or both sides of the sheet to a depth that does not cut the sheet, preferably a depth of less than half the sheet thickness. A knife or a laser can be used for half-cutting. As described later, by subjecting the flavor-generating sheet to a surface treatment, when the flavor-generating member is used, a non-contact portion, preferably a gap as described later, can be efficiently formed. The pitch between the apexes of the convex portions of the flavor-generating sheet may be the same or different within the same sheet. In addition, the pitch between the apexes of the convex portions of each flavor-generating sheet may be different or the same for each sheet.

[0018] Next, the laminated flavor generating sheets will be described.

[0019] 1) Multiple laminated flavor-generating sheets At least one flavor generating member is constructed by stacking a plurality of flavor generating sheets 10. The number of stacked flavor generating sheets 10 is preferably 2 to 15. By setting the number of flavor generating sheets to this number, a sufficient amount of flavor components can be generated, and sufficient space can be secured as a gap, which will be described later, thereby improving the delivery efficiency of the generated flavor. The total weight of the flavor generating members 1a and 1b contained in the flavor generating segment is preferably 130 mg to 685 mg, and more preferably 200 mg to 350 mg. The weight of each flavor generating sheet 10 is appropriately selected so as to achieve this total weight.

[0020] As described above, the flavor generating sheet contains an aerosol source such as glycerin, and it is preferable to adjust the weight of the aerosol source contained in each flavor generating sheet so that the delivery of the aerosol is uniform throughout the inhalation. For example, as shown in FIG. 10(a), Consider the case where positions A to C are identified from the center of the segment outward, and sheets of the same thickness exist in the areas including those positions. In this case, if the weight of the aerosol source in each sheet is the same, the weight of the aerosol source per sheet thickness will be the same. Therefore, the amount of aerosol source that can be generated at positions A, B, and C can be made approximately the same.

[0021] On the other hand, if sheets of different thicknesses are present in the region including the position (Fig. 10(b)), even if the weight of the aerosol source of each sheet is the same, the weight of the aerosol source per sheet thickness will be different, and the amount of the aerosol source that can be generated at positions A, B, and C will also be different. In this case, if the sheet is designed to satisfy the following relationship, the amount of the aerosol source that can be generated at positions A, B, and C can be made approximately the same. X / a=Y / b=Z / c a: The thickness of sheet A covering position A, X: Weight of the aerosol source contained in sheet A covering position A b: thickness of sheet B covering position B, Y: Weight of the aerosol source contained in sheet B covering position B c: thickness of sheet C covering position C, Z: Weight of the aerosol source contained in sheet C covering position C

[0022] For example, such a design can be achieved by providing a difference in surface treatment between the inner and outer surfaces of the sheet. Specifically, a number of half cuts can be provided on the inner surface, and a few half cuts can be provided on the outer surface.

[0023] Furthermore, by varying the weights of the flavor components and the flavoring components contained in the sheet placed on the inside and the sheet placed on the outside, the flavor and aroma can be changed at the desired timing during inhalation.

[0024] The flavor generating sheets are laminated so as to have a non-contact portion between adjacent sheets, so that at least one pair of adjacent flavor generating sheets has a non-contact portion where the flavor generating sheets do not come into contact with each other.

[0025] 2) Non-contact section It is preferable that a pair of adjacent flavor generating sheets have two or more contact portions between the sheets. The non-contact portion formed between the contact portions is called a "gap." It is preferable that some or all of the gaps extend from the leading end to the trailing end of the flavor generating segment. This makes it possible to secure a flavor flow path and improve flavor delivery efficiency, and furthermore, heat from the heater can be transferred to the outer flavor generating sheet via the contact portions, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency.

[0026] The method of providing the gap between a pair of adjacent flavor-generating sheets is not particularly limited, and can be achieved, for example, by subjecting at least one of the flavor-generating sheets to the above-mentioned surface treatment. Specifically, the gap can be provided by combining a flavor-generating sheet having surface irregularities and a flat flavor-generating sheet (FIG. 2D(i)), or by not having the convex portions of the flavor-generating sheets having surface irregularities not be at the same position, that is, by shifting the phase of the convex portions (FIG. 2D(ii)). In FIG. 2D, C is a contact portion, and V is a gap. The method of shifting the phase is not limited, and examples include a method of changing the pitch of the surface treatment for each flavor-generating sheet. The contact portion may or may not be bonded. When the flavor-generating sheet has a plurality of convex portions provided by surface treatment, it is sufficient that at least one of the convex portions is in contact with the adjacent flavor-generating sheet. It is preferable that the longitudinal direction of the convex portions formed on the crimped sheet is parallel or approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating segment. The longitudinal direction of the protrusion is the direction in which the ridge line extends. This is a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction during processing.

[0027] It is preferable that the maximum interlayer distance Gmax between two adjacent flavor-generating sheets is greater than the maximum thickness Tmax of at least one of the two adjacent flavor-generating sheets. This can be confirmed by the following method. As shown in FIG. 2B, the interlayer distance n formed between the nth sheet and the (n+1)th sheet in a certain cross section of the flavor-generating segment 1 is measured, and the maximum value Gmax is obtained. (n) max is then determined. Then the nth sheet and (n+1 ) Measure the thickness of the sheet and obtain the maximum value T (n) max and T (n+1) Determine max and compare. This measurement is performed for all layers. For example, if there are four sheets, measurements are performed for three layers. Then, confirm that the following is satisfied in the section. G (1) max>T (1) max or G (1) max>T(2) max G (2) max>T (2) max or G (2) max>T (3) max G (3) max>T (3) max or G (3) max>T (4) max

[0028] When this relationship is satisfied at any cross section, the maximum interlayer distance Gmax between two adjacent flavor generating sheets is said to be greater than the maximum flavor generating sheet thickness Tmax of at least one of the two adjacent flavor generating sheets. When the flavor generating sheet 10 is not fixed and measurement is difficult, it is preferable to measure as follows. First, the flavor generating segment 1 is impregnated with a low-viscosity curable resin (e.g., epoxy resin) to fill the non-contact parts with resin, and then the resin is cured to prepare a measurement sample. Next, the sample is cut while the measurement is carried out.

[0029] The ratio of the total amount of non-contact parts in the flavor-generating segment (hereinafter also referred to as "void ratio") is preferably 0.10 to 0.40, more preferably 0.15 to 0.36, and particularly preferably 0.25 to 0.33. By setting the void ratio within a preferred range, the flavor can be efficiently supplied. Furthermore, by setting the void ratio within a more preferred range, the efficient release of flavor components contained in the sheet in the flavor-generating segment can be maintained from the initial stage to the final stage of inhalation.

[0030] 3) Heat transfer sheet The flavor generating members 1a and 1b may have a heat transfer sheet 16. The position of the heat transfer sheet 16 is not limited, but in one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2A, it is preferable that the heat transfer sheet 16 is exposed to the space 14. As the heat transfer sheet, a metal sheet such as aluminum can be used.

[0031] 4) Space As shown in FIG. 2A, the flavor-generating segment 1 may have a space 14 between the flavor-generating members 1a and 1b. The flavor-generating segment 1 is preferably arranged so that the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article 2, i.e., the height h is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article 2, and therefore the space 14 also preferably extends along the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article 2. The cross-sectional area of ​​the space is preferably 5 to 46% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flavor-generating segment 1, and more preferably 15 to 46%. The center of the space 14 may be on an axis passing through the center of the cross section of the flavor-generating segment 1, i.e., on the central axis, but may not be on the central axis. For example, when the thickness of the flavor-generating segment 1 in the stacking direction is 2R, the center O' of the space 14 may be shifted from the center O of the flavor-generating segment 1 in the stacking direction by about 0.1R to 0.7R. The position of the center O' of the space 14 can also be shifted from the center O of the flavor generating segment 1 by adjusting the thicknesses of the flavor generating members 1a and 1b.

[0032] In the above, the two flavor generating members are described as being composed of a plurality of flavor generating sheets. However, as described above, one flavor generating member does not have to be composed of a plurality of flavor generating sheets. In this case, the flavor generating member may be composed of one flavor generating sheet 10, or may be composed of a flavor generating block thicker than the flavor generating sheet. The thickness of the flavor generating block is not limited, but may be about 2 to 10 times the thickness of the flavor generating sheet. The flavor generating block can be prepared, for example, by molding a composition containing a tobacco material and a binder into a desired shape. As described above, examples of the shape include a cylinder and an elliptical cylinder. Examples of the molding method include methods other than papermaking, such as extrusion molding, injection molding, slurry foam molding, and molding by a 3D printer. The flavor generating block may have an open cell structure that allows ventilation in the longitudinal direction.

[0033] 2. Flavor-generating items One embodiment of the flavor generating article is shown in Fig. 3. In Fig. 3, 2 is a flavor generating article, 1 is a flavor generating segment, 20 is a mouthpiece, 22 is a filter, 24 is a cavity, and 26 is a support member. As described above, the support member and the cavity may be provided arbitrarily in the flavor generating article. The mouthpiece 20 is a member having a mouthpiece portion and may include a filter 22. The dimensions of the mouthpiece 20 are not limited, but it is preferable that it has the same width as the flavor generating segment 1, and the length is preferably 26 to 50 mm. In the present invention, the direction toward the mouthpiece portion may be referred to as the downstream direction.

[0034] The filter 22 is preferably made of a material commonly used in the relevant field, such as a cellulose acetate filter, etc. The length of the filter 22 is preferably 12 to 60% of the total length of the mouthpiece 20.

[0035] The cavity 24 is a space, and ventilation may be provided on the side of the wrapper that forms the cavity 24. The cavity 24 has functions such as cooling the heated flavor and mixing the flavor with air appropriately to prepare the smoking flavor. The length of the cavity 24 is preferably 8 to 77% of the total length of the mouthpiece 20. The cavity 24 may be replaced with a cooling element. Examples of the cooling element include polylactic acid sheets, and a plurality of polylactic acid sheets that have been subjected to a crimping process can be used as the cooling element.

[0036] The support member 26 increases the strength of the flavor generating article and maintains its shape. The support member 26 is preferably made of a material commonly used in the field, such as heat-resistant plastics such as cellulose acetate and polyether ether ketone (PEEK), silicon, ceramics, etc. For example, the two support members can be arranged so that their main surfaces face each other, as shown in FIG. 7. The length of the support member 26 is preferably 14 to 77% of the total length of the mouthpiece 20.

[0037] 3.Flavor suction system The flavor inhalation system of the present invention includes a heater. The heater heats the flavor generating segment preferably in a non-combustion manner, more preferably electrically. The heater preferably includes a heating unit equipped with a power source and the like. Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the flavor inhalation system of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is the flavor generating segment, 20 is a mouthpiece, 22 is a filter, 30 is a heater, and 32 is a heating unit.

[0038] The shape of the heater 30 is not limited, and it is preferable that a part of the heater 30 has a shape that allows it to be placed in the space 14 in the flavor generating segment. For example, the heater may be a sheet-shaped heater, a flat heater, or a cylindrical heater. The sheet-shaped heater is a flexible sheet-shaped heater, for example, a heater including a film (thickness: about 20 to 225 μm) of a heat-resistant polymer such as polyimide. The flat heater is a rigid flat heater (thickness: about 200 to 500 μm), for example, a heater having a resistance circuit on a flat base material, with this part as the heat generating part. The cylindrical heater is a heater that is hollow or solid cylindrical. For example, a heater having a resistance circuit on the outer circumferential surface and using this portion as a heat generating portion can be mentioned. The cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical heater can be a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, a polygon with rounded corners, or the like.

[0039] The heater may be disposed in any position, but a preferred embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the flavor inhalation system of the present invention as viewed from a longitudinal end. In Fig. 4, 30 is a heater and 10 is a flavor generating sheet.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4 (A and C), the heater 30 can be placed in the space 14. Figure 4A shows an embodiment in which a flat heater 30 is placed in the space. Although not shown, the flavor-generating segment 1 preferably has a heat transfer sheet laminated together with the flavor-generating sheet 10, and it is more preferable that the heat transfer sheet faces the heater 30. In this way, a flat heater is suitable for heating the flavor-generating sheet 10 from the inside.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4(B, D), the heater 30 is disposed on the outermost layer of the flavor generating sheet 10. out Outside The flavor-generating segment 1 may be disposed on the side of the flavor-generating sheet 10. If the flavor-generating segment 1 has a wrapper, the heater 30 may be disposed on the outside of the wrapper. In this manner, the sheet-like heater is suitable for heating the flavor-generating sheet 10 from the outside or the middle. In this embodiment as well, it is preferable that the flavor-generating segment 1 has a heat transfer sheet laminated together with the flavor-generating sheet 10, and it is more preferable that the heat transfer sheet is adjacent to the heater 30.

[0042] 4. Manufacturing method As explained at the beginning, the flavor-generating segment 1 may be the flavor-generating article 2, but here an article including the flavor-generating segment 1 and a filter or the like will be explained as the flavor-generating article 2.

[0043] (1) Method for producing flavor-generating segments Although there are no limitations on the method for producing the flavor-generating segment 1 of the present invention, it is preferable to produce it through the following steps. Step A: placing the first flavor generating member and the second flavor generating member on a substrate at a distance from each other. Step B: folding the substrate so that the upper surfaces of the two flavor generating members face each other to form a flavor generating segment 1.

[0044] The method will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, 100 is a flavor-generating segment precursor, 1a is a first flavor-generating member, 1b is a second flavor-generating member, and 6 is a substrate. In FIG. 5(i), both the first flavor-generating member 1a and the second flavor-generating member 1b include a plurality of flavor-generating sheets 10 stacked in parallel on the substrate and have a gap between adjacent flavor-generating sheets 10, but it is sufficient that at least one of the flavor-generating members includes a plurality of stacked flavor-generating sheets 10 and has a gap between adjacent flavor-generating sheets 10. The first flavor-generating member 1a and the second flavor-generating member 1b are placed at a distance from each other. The term "placed at a distance from each other" means that the upper surfaces of the flavor-generating members are placed so as to face each other in step B. The plurality of stacked flavor-generating sheets 10 may be partially in contact with each other to the extent that a gap can be formed between the sheets.

[0045] Next, the laminate 100 is folded along the dotted lines so that the top surfaces of the two flavor generating members face each other to form a rod-shaped flavor generating segment 1. It is preferable that there is a space 14 between the opposing first flavor generating member 1a and second flavor generating member 1b in the flavor generating segment 1. The size of the space 14 can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of the flavor generating members, etc. An opening may be provided on the bottom surface of the flavor generating segment 1 obtained in this manner, but the flavor generating segment 1 may also be formed using a laminate 100 in which an opening 60 has already been provided in the spaced portion as shown in Figure 6. This manufacturing method further includes a step of wrapping the flavor generating segment 1 in a wrapper. This is also fine.

[0046] When the flavor-generating sheets 10 are curved and stacked as shown in Figure 2C, each flavor-generating sheet 10 may be curved in advance and then stacked, or flat flavor-generating sheets 10 may be stacked and then curved.

[0047] The number of folds in step B can be appropriately set depending on the arrangement of the first flavor generating member 1a and the second flavor generating member 1b. For example, as shown in Fig. 5(ii), the first flavor generating member 1a and the second flavor generating member 1b may be arranged on the substrate 6 so that their center lines are not aligned on the same line. Fig. 5(ii) is a top view of the flavor generating segment precursor 100. In this case, the flavor generating segment 1 can be manufactured by folding the four dotted line portions.

[0048] 5(iii), a plurality of first flavor generating members 1a and second flavor generating members 1b can be arranged on the substrate 6. In this case, arranging them at a distance in step A means arranging the first flavor generating members 1a and the second flavor generating members 1b at a distance in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (indicated by the arrow in the figure) of the substrate 6. In this embodiment, after cutting along the dashed dotted line, the flavor generating segment 1 can be produced as shown in FIG. 5(i).

[0049] The substrate 6 can be made of any material, but it is preferable that the substrate 6 has a sufficient flexibility to be bendable and a sufficient barrier property to prevent components that may generate flavor from seeping out to the outer surface. As a preferable material, a cigarette wrapping paper or a cigarette filter tip paper that satisfies the above characteristics can be used.

[0050] (2) A method for producing a flavor-generating product A flavor-generating article 2 can be manufactured by inserting a filter or the like into the bottom of the flavor-generating segment 1 manufactured as described above. Alternatively, the flavor-generating article 2 may be manufactured as shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a side view of the laminate. Specifically, a laminate 100 is prepared in which a filter member 22 and a cooling member 26 are placed in the spaced apart portions, and the substrate is folded so that the top surfaces of the two flavor-generating members face each other.

[0051] The method may further include a step of wrapping the flavor-generating article 2 in a wrapper. Alternatively, the wrapper can be formed from the substrate 6 by providing a sufficient margin 62 in the width direction of the substrate 6, folding the substrate, and then folding the margin 62 to form a side wall (FIG. 8A(a)). In this embodiment, the substrate 6 can be recognized as the wrapper, but a separate wrapper (outermost member) may be provided on the outer side of the wrapper. Also, the flavor-generating segment wrapped in a wrapper and the filter wrapped in a wrapper may be prepared separately and joined together by a known method (FIG. 8A(b)). For example, the two can be joined together by wrapping the joint using cigarette tip paper or the like to prevent leakage.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 8B(i), an opening may be provided in the margin 62 to form a heater insertion port 64. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 8B(ii), a bent portion 66 may be provided in the margin 62. As shown in Fig. 8B(iii), the bent portion 66 and the side wall of the flavor-generating article 2 may be bonded to increase the strength of the flavor-generating article 2.

[0053] (3) Manufacturing method of flavor inhalation system 3 The flavor inhalation system 3 can be manufactured by installing a heater 30 in the flavor-generating segment 1 or the flavor-generating article 2 manufactured as described above. Although the method of installing the heater 30 is not limited, it is preferable to insert the heater 30 into the space 14 of the flavor-generating segment 1 as shown in FIG. EXAMPLES

[0054] [Example 1] Eight sheets of tobacco sheets 10, each having a thickness of 300 μm, a width of 7 mm, and a length of 12 mm, are prepared. A cigarette paper having a width of 14 mm and a length of 95 mm is prepared as the substrate 6, and the tobacco sheet 10 is laminated on the cigarette paper parallel to the substrate to form a first tobacco member 1a. Similarly, three sheets of tobacco sheets 10 are prepared to form a second tobacco member 1b on the cigarette paper, with the adjacent end faces of the first tobacco member 1a and the second tobacco member 1b being spaced 71 mm apart. Hereinafter, for each member, the length parallel to the width direction of the substrate 6 is referred to as the "width", and the length parallel to the length direction of the substrate 6 is referred to as the "length".

[0055] Next, an opening having a width of 4 mm and a length of 2 mm is provided in the center of the spaced portion, and a support member, a cooling element, and a filter member are placed between the opening and the second tobacco member 1b. Here, the dimensions of the support member are a width of 7 mm, a length of 8 mm, and a thickness of 5 mm, the dimensions of the cooling element are a width of 7 mm, a length of 18 mm, and a thickness of 5 mm, and the dimensions of the filter member are a width of 7 mm, a length of 7 mm, and a thickness of 5 mm. Then, the substrate is folded so that the upper surfaces of the first tobacco member 1a and the second tobacco member 1b face each other, to produce a flavor generating article 2 comprising a rod-shaped tobacco segment 1.

[0056] A flat heater 30 having a thickness of 320 μm, a width of 4.9 mm and a length of 13 mm is prepared and inserted into the space 14 formed between the first tobacco member 1a and the second tobacco member 1b of the tobacco segment 1. The heater 30 is connected to a heating unit 32 equipped with a power source to electrically heat the tobacco segment 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Flavor generation segment 1a First flavor generating member 1b Second flavor generating member 10 Flavor generating sheet 14 Space 16 Heat transfer sheet 18 Separation part 100 Laminate G Distance between flavor generating sheets T Thickness of flavor generating sheet V Gap C Contact part 2. Flavor-generating products 20 Mouthpiece 22 Filters 24 Cavity 26 Support member 3. Flavor suction system 30 Heater 32 Heating unit 6 Base material 60 Opening 62 Margins 64 Heater insertion port 66 Bend section

Claims

1. A flavor generating segment comprising a first flavor generating member and a second flavor generating member, At least one of the first and second flavor generating members includes a plurality of stacked flavor generating sheets, and has a non-contact portion between at least one pair of adjacent flavor generating sheets where the flavor generating sheets are not in contact with each other; The main surface of the flavor generating sheet faces the other flavor generating member. Flavor generating segment.

2. 2. The flavor-generating segment according to claim 1, further comprising a contact portion between at least one pair of adjacent flavor-generating sheets where the flavor-generating sheets are in contact with each other.

3. The flavor generating segment according to claim 2 , comprising two or more of said contacting portions, said non-contacting portions being formed between said contacting portions.

4. 2. The flavor generating segment of claim 1 having a space between said first and second flavor generating members.

5. The first flavor generating member and the second flavor generating member include a heat transfer sheet, The flavor generating segment according to claim 4 , wherein the heat transfer sheet is exposed to the space.

6. The flavor-generating segment according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of said plurality of flavor-generating sheets has a surface treatment applied to a part or the whole of at least one surface.

7. The flavor generating segment according to claim 6 , wherein the surface treatment is a crimping treatment.

8. The flavor generating segment of claim 1 , further comprising a wrapper exterior to said flavor generating member.

9. A flavor-generating article comprising the flavor-generating segment according to claim 1 and a filter, the flavor-generating article being inhalable from the filter side.

10. A flavor inhalation system comprising: the flavor generating segment according to claim 1; and a heater for heating the flavor generating segment.

11. The flavor inhalation system of claim 10, wherein the flavor generating segment has a space between the first flavor generating member and the second flavor generating member, and the heater has a shape that allows at least a portion of the heater to be positioned within the space.

12. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 11, wherein the first flavor generating member and the second flavor generating member each include a heat transfer sheet exposed to the space, and the heat transfer sheet faces the heater.

13. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 10, wherein the heater is a flat plate heater.

14. A step A of placing the first flavor generating member and the second flavor generating member on a substrate with a space therebetween; Step B includes folding the substrate so that the upper surfaces of the two flavor generating members face each other to form a rod-shaped segment. A method for producing the flavor-generating segment of claim 1.

15. The step B further includes a step of forming a space between the two opposing flavor generating members. The method of claim 14.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein step A further comprises providing an opening on the substrate between the first flavor generating member and the second flavor generating member.

17. A precursor of the flavor generating segment of claim 1, comprising: A substrate, and a first flavor generating member and a second flavor generating member disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from each other; A precursor, wherein at least one flavor generating member includes a plurality of flavor generating sheets stacked in parallel on a substrate, and at least one pair of adjacent flavor generating sheets has a non-contact portion between them where the flavor generating sheets do not come into contact with each other.

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