Filler of aerosol-forming substrate, and method for producing the same

Abstract

To provide a filler of an aerosol-forming substrate by which, even in the case of using a non-tobacco plant as a main raw material, stimulation equal to or more than the case of using a tobacco plant can be obtained, or stimulation can be changed, and a method for producing the filler.SOLUTION: A filler 12 of an aerosol-forming substrate 1 used for an aerosol suction cartridge 10 contains a raw material including a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant, and a stimulation active agent added to the raw material or solution into which the stimulation active agent is dissolved, where the stimulation active agent essentially consists of piperine, Robeline, chavicine, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, glucosinolate, allyl isothiocyanate and the like.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling material for an aerosol-forming substrate used in an induction heating type aerosol suction cartridge, and a method for producing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, tobacco products that use a method of heating a tobacco cartridge containing tobacco ingredients and inhaling the vaporized tobacco ingredients without using a flame have become widely known. In addition, due to the diversification of tastes, aerosol inhalation cartridges that allow users to enjoy the aroma and flavor of plants that do not contain tobacco ingredients without using a flame, just like tobacco, are becoming known.

[0003] Such an aerosol suction cartridge generates an aerosol by heating the filling inside the aerosol-forming base. Known methods for heating the aerosol-forming base include (1) a method (blade heating type) in which the aerosol suction cartridge is inserted into a heating blade installed inside a heating device, and the heating blade is electrically heated to heat the filling (see, for example, Patent Document 1), and (2) a method (induction heating type) in which an induction heating member, which is a part mainly composed of a ferromagnetic material, is disposed inside the aerosol-forming base in advance, and an alternating magnetic field generated by an induction heating device generates hysteresis loss and Joule heat inside the induction heating member to heat (induction heating) the filling (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0004] In the past, the filler used in the aerosol-forming substrate, which is the source of the aerosol, was mainly made from tobacco plants containing nicotine. However, due to recent health-conscious trends, there have been an increasing number of cases where non-tobacco plants that do not contain nicotine or main raw materials with low nicotine content are used instead.

[0005] However, when a non-tobacco plant is used as the main raw material for the filling, or when a main raw material with a low nicotine content is used, there is a problem that the stimulation is not enough compared to that of those using conventional tobacco plants. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2015-519915 [Patent Document 2] JP 2021-175399 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a filling for an aerosol-forming substrate that can provide a stimulation equal to or greater than that obtained when a tobacco plant is used, or that can change the stimulation, even when a non-tobacco plant is used as the main raw material, and a method for producing the same. Also, the present invention aims to provide a filling for an aerosol-forming substrate that can provide a stimulation equal to or greater than that obtained when a tobacco plant is used, or that can change the stimulation, even when a tobacco plant is used in a reduced amount, and a method for producing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a filling for an aerosol-forming substrate used in an aerosol suction cartridge, characterized in that the filling includes a raw material containing a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant, and a stimulant activator added to the raw material or a solution in which the stimulant activator is dissolved in a solvent. The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that the stimulant activator activates a temperature-sensitive TRP channel, and the temperature-sensitive TRP channel is TRPV1, TRPV3, TRPM8, or TRPA1. The invention described in claim 3 is the filling described in claim 1, characterized in that the stimulant activator is made from chili pepper, ginger, cloves, Japanese pepper, black pepper, white pepper, wasabi, thyme, oregano, savory, peppermint, laurel, rosemary, cinnamon, garlic, myoga, pepper, long pepper, pseudo-pepper, and bagasse, and consists of one or more of these, and the blending rate of the stimulant activator in the filling is 0.1 to 15 weight %. The invention described in claim 4 is the filling described in claim 1, characterized in that the stimulant active agent is one or more of capsiate, gingerol, shogaol, vanillyl acetone, piperine, eugenol, sanshool, thymol, carvacrol, menthol, cineole, cinnamaldehyde, allicin, diallyl disulfide, myogadial, myogatory, piperine, lobeline, cavicin, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, glucosinolate, and allyl isothiocyanate, and the compounding ratio of the stimulant active agent to the filling is 0.1 to 15% by weight. The invention described in claim 5 is the filler described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the filler has any one of the following shapes: flat plate, piece, strip, rod, fiber, flake, powder, granule, pellet, strand, porous, block, and paste. The invention described in claim 6 is a filling described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the filling further comprises, as raw materials, one or more of an aerosol former that generates an aerosol, microcrystalline cellulose, an additive that adds flavor, a preservative, a binder, or a thickener. The invention described in claim 7 is a filling described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the solvent is water or a liquid fragrance. The invention described in claim 8 is a method for producing a filling material for an aerosol-forming substrate used in an aerosol suction cartridge, the method comprising a step of mixing a stimulant activator with a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant as a raw material, the stimulant activator being added in a solid or liquid state. The invention described in claim 9 relates to the method for producing a filling of an aerosol-forming base according to claim 8, characterized in that the blending ratio of the stimulant activator is 0.1 to 15% by weight relative to the filling. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to this invention, even when using an aerosol inhalation cartridge using a filler made mainly from non-tobacco plants that do not contain nicotine, it is possible to obtain a stimulation equal to or greater than that obtained when using tobacco plants. In addition, the stimulation can be varied by changing the type and composition of the stimulant activator. Furthermore, even when using tobacco plants, it is possible to reduce the amount of the stimulant and change the stimulation obtained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol suction cartridge using an aerosol-forming substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in the drawings, the size, intervals, number and other details of the components in the drawings are greatly simplified and exaggerated compared to the actual objects in order to aid in visibility and understanding.

[0012] 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol suction cartridge 10 using an aerosol-forming substrate 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol suction cartridge 10 is formed into a long and thin cylindrical shape by linearly arranging the aerosol-forming substrate 1, a support member 14, a filter 15, and a seal member 17 disposed at the opposite end of the filter 15 and wrapping the aerosol-forming substrate 1, with an exterior member 16.

[0013] The aerosol suction cartridge 10 has an elongated cylindrical shape as a whole, and includes an elongated cylindrical aerosol-forming substrate 1 in which a filler 12, which is an accumulation of materials that generate an aerosol when heated, is stored, a support member 14 for preventing the aerosol-forming substrate 1 from moving or the exterior member 16 from bending, and a filter 15 that allows airflow from the aerosol-forming substrate 1 to pass through, which are arranged along the longitudinal direction and integrally formed by wrapping the sheet-like exterior member 16 in a cylindrical shape. Here, the exterior member 16 is formed of a flexible material such as paper. In this specification, "elongated" means that one direction is longer than the other direction in a three-dimensional shape. In this embodiment, "elongated cylindrical shape (cylindrical shape)" means that the height of the cylinder (cylinder) (i.e., the component perpendicular to the bottom surface) is longer than the diameter of the circle that is the bottom surface of the cylinder (cylinder).

[0014] The aerosol suction cartridge 10 in this embodiment is formed to have a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm, and a length of 40 mm to 80 mm. If the diameter of the aerosol suction cartridge 10 is set in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 mm, the aerosol suction cartridge 10 is fitted with an insertion port provided in the induction heating device for inserting the aerosol suction cartridge 10 with a moderate force, so that the aerosol suction cartridge 1 can be easily attached and detached while allowing the aerosol suction cartridge 1 to be suitably held in the induction heating device. If the length of the aerosol suction cartridge 10 is set to 40 mm or more, it becomes longer than the length of the insertion port provided in the induction heating device for receiving the aerosol suction cartridge 10, so that even if the aerosol suction cartridge 10 is inserted into the induction heating device, the mouth can be exposed from the induction heating device, and the length required for the user to inhale the aerosol can be secured.

[0015] 1, the aerosol-forming substrate 1 is configured such that a filler 12, which is an aerosol generation source, is stored in a cylindrical shape inside a cylindrical packaging member 11 with an opening formed in the center, and an induction heating member 13 that generates heat in response to an alternating magnetic field is disposed inside the filler 12. The length is set to 10 to 30 mm.

[0016] The diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 1 is approximately equal to the diameter of the filter 15, and is an approximately constant value along the central axis. The size of this diameter is preferably in the range of, for example, 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm.

[0017] The packaging member 11 is a cylindrical member made of a flexible and combustible material such as paper, with an outer diameter of the cylinder set to 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm, and a length of 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0018] <About filling 12> The filler 12 is formed by using dried and ground tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants as the main raw material, and mixing an aerosol former that generates an aerosol, microcrystalline cellulose, additives that add flavor, preservatives, binders, thickeners, etc., as the raw material, forming it into a sheet, and cutting it to a predetermined width and length. The filler 12 may have various shapes. For example, it may be formed into a strip or paste, or may be formed into any one of a plate, piece, rod, fiber, flake, powder, granule, pellet, strand, porous, block, or a mixture of these.

[0019] In addition, when the filler 12 is configured in a strip shape, the cross section perpendicular to the central axis is substantially rectangular, and the ratio of the long side to the short side of the cross section is preferably in the range of, for example, 1:1 to 30:1. The length of the long side is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm. The length of the short side is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The length of the filler 12 is preferably in the range of 10 mm to 25 mm, more preferably in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. An example of the dimensions of such a filler 12 is a long side of 1.5 mm, a short side of 0.3 mm, and a length of 12 mm.

[0020] Next, a description will be given of specific examples of raw materials used as the filler 12. The filler 12 is composed of any one or a combination of the raw materials listed below.

[0021] The filler 12 is mainly made from tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants. Examples of tobacco plants include tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, etc. Examples of non-tobacco plants include plants other than tobacco plants. Preferred parts of non-tobacco plants include leaves, pulp, seeds, roots (scale roots, tuberous roots, etc.), stems, tubers, skin (stem skin, bark, etc.), flowers (petals, stamens, pistils, etc.), trunks, branches, etc.

[0022] In this specification, "plants" refers to a group of animals, and includes not only living organisms that have roots and live in a fixed location, such as grass and trees, but also algae such as microalgae and seaweed, and fungi such as mushrooms.

[0023] The filler 12 is prepared, for example, by mixing aerosol formers that generate aerosols, microcrystalline cellulose, flavor additives that add flavor, preservatives, binders, thickeners, etc. with dried and crushed non-tobacco plants as appropriate, and then crushing or classifying the mixture into powder or granules, or forming the mixture into a paste. The filler 12 is also formed into a sheet, which is then cut into strips or rods of a predetermined width and length.

[0024] For example, when a non-tobacco plant is the main raw material, tea leaves can be used. Not only do tea leaves come from different plants, but even the same plant can be made into different tea leaves depending on the processing method. Specific examples include Japanese tea, black tea, and oolong tea.

[0025] As the aerosol former, for example, glycerin, propylene glycol, etc. are preferably used.

[0026] Next, microcrystalline cellulose is obtained, for example, by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from the pulp of a fibrous plant with an acid, and is obtained by removing the soluble portion from the cellulose and, if necessary, crystallizing the insoluble portion.

[0027] The microcrystalline cellulose may be in the form of a powder or may be dispersed in a solvent such as water to form a suspension. In this case, dispersion in the solvent can be performed using a high-speed stirrer or a high-pressure homogenizer.

[0028] Furthermore, if necessary, a flavor additive for adding flavor may be used as a raw material for the filling 12. Examples of the flavor additive include mint, cocoa, coffee, black tea extract, and tea extract catechin powder. Preservatives that are used in food are preferable, and examples of the preservative include sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate.

[0029] Binding or thickening agents include gums such as guar gum, cellulosic binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, polysaccharides such as conjugate base salts of organic acids such as starch, and combinations thereof.

[0030] The stimulating activator is a substance that activates stimuli such as a kick or a refreshing sensation when inhaled by adding it to the raw material. In particular, it is preferable that the stimulating activator activates a temperature-sensitive TRP channel (Transient receptor potential channel). Here, the TRP channel is an ion channel that is widely distributed in animals and insects, and is known to function as a sensor that detects various chemical and physical stimuli in addition to functioning as a thermoreceptor.

[0031] In humans, there are six subfamilies of TRP channels: TRPC, TRPV, TRPM, TRPA, TRPML, and TRPP, and several channels belong to each subfamily, making a total of 26 channels. In this embodiment, the stimulatory activator is preferably one that activates the TRPV1, TRPV3, TRPM8, and TRPA1 channels in particular.

[0032] First, activation of TRPV1 brings about a sensation of spiciness, and examples of substances that activate it and the activating components contained therein (in parentheses) include chili peppers (capsaicin), ginger (gingerol, shogaol, vanillylacetone), cloves (eugenol), Japanese pepper (sanshool), black pepper (piperine), and wasabi (allyl isothiocyanate). Black pepper and the piperine contained therein are particularly preferred because they have a sharp spiciness and provide a stimulation similar to that of nicotine contained in tobacco leaves. Two or more of these substances may also be used in combination.

[0033] In addition, activation of TRPV3 brings about a sensation of coolness, spiciness, and bitterness, and examples of substances that activate it and the activating components contained therein (in parentheses) include thyme (thymol), oregano (carvacrol), savory (carvacrol), and clove (eugenol). Two or more of these substances may also be used in combination.

[0034] TRPM8 brings about a refreshing feeling and bitterness, and examples of substances that activate it and the activating components contained therein (in parentheses) include peppermint (menthol), laurel (cineole), and rosemary (cineole). Peppermint and the menthol contained therein are particularly preferable because they provide a strong refreshing feeling. Two or more of these substances may also be used in combination.

[0035] TRPA1 is what gives off a cool and spicy taste, and examples of substances that activate it and the activating components contained therein (in parentheses) include wasabi (allyl isothiocyanate), cinnamon (cinnamaldehyde), garlic (allicin, diallyl disulfide), myoga (myoga dial, myoga trial), and black pepper (piperine). Two or more of these substances may also be used in combination.

[0036] Here, eugenol in cloves activates both TRPV1 and TRPV3, while piperine in black pepper and allyl isothiocyanate in wasabi activate both TRPV1 and TRPA1, providing a more complex sensation.

[0037] Other stimulant active agents include, for example, psiate, lobeline, chavicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and glucosinolate. In particular, chavicin is a geometric isomer of piperine, is contained in pepper, and is preferred because it has a stronger stimulant effect than piperine.

[0038] Also, materials containing stimulant active agents include white pepper, long pepper, long pepper vine, and others. Also, various other spices such as asafoetida, ajowan, anise, allspice, onion, Chinese pepper, cardamom, curry leaves, caraway, cumin, green pepper, sesame, coriander, saffron, shiso, star anise, sage, celery, turmeric, knotweed, tarragon, chervil, citrus peel, dill, nutmeg, bayberry, parsley, vanilla, jalapeno, chives, green onions, paprika, fenugreek, fennel, black cumin, horseradish, poppy seeds, marjoram, mustard, scallions, radishes, and bay leaves may be included. Two or more of these substances may also be used in combination.

[0039] The mixing ratio of the stimulant active agent to the filler is preferably 0.1 to 15% by weight, and more preferably 3 to 10% by weight.

[0040] In addition, the stimulant active agent may be mixed directly into the raw materials, but it is preferable to mix a solution of a liquid flavoring, such as menthol or blueberry, dissolved in a solvent such as water, ethanol, or glycerin, into the raw materials, as this makes it easier for the stimulant active agent to be uniformly dispersed in the raw materials.

[0041] Here, when using a material containing a stimulant such as black pepper, it is preferable to adjust the amount of the material to be added in consideration of the weight of the material and the amount of the stimulant contained therein. Similarly, when dissolving in a liquid flavoring, it is preferable to adjust the amount of the solution to be added in consideration of the weight of the solvent and the amount of the stimulant contained therein.

[0042] <Regarding induction heating member 13> In this embodiment, the induction heating member 13 is a processed flat plate-shaped material as shown in FIG. 1. The flat plate has a thickness of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm. The length is approximately the same as the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 1 in the height direction, but may differ from the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 1 by, for example, about ±1 to 3 mm, so long as it does not inhibit the formation of the aerosol. The induction heating member 13 does not necessarily have to be flat, and may be polygonal, rod-shaped, columnar, cylindrical, particulate, spherical, porous, sheet-shaped, L-shaped, V-shaped, or other various shapes, or a combination thereof.

[0043] The material of the induction heating member 13 is formed of a metal material containing a ferromagnetic material. A ferromagnetic material is a material that, when an external magnetic field is applied, is strongly magnetized in the same direction as the external magnetic field, and has the property of being particularly attracted to a magnet. Examples of the ferromagnetic material include iron, ferrite iron, ferrite powder, ferrite particles, ferritic stainless steel (e.g., SUS430), nickel, nickel-iron alloy (e.g., 42 alloy, 36 invar), and cobalt. The relative permeability of a ferromagnetic material is significantly greater than 1, and is, for example, about 5000 for iron, about 600 for nickel, about 250 for cobalt, and about 1000 to 1800 for ferritic stainless steel.

[0044] Among magnetic bodies, paramagnetic bodies are materials that become weakly magnetized in the same direction as an external magnetic field when it is applied, and lose magnetism when the external magnetic field is reduced to zero, examples of which include aluminum, platinum, manganese, etc. The relative permeability of paramagnetic bodies is slightly greater than 1, for example, about 1.000021 for aluminum, about 1.000265 for platinum, and about 1.000830 for manganese.

[0045] Diamagnetic materials, among magnetic materials, are materials that become magnetized in the opposite direction to the external magnetic field when an external magnetic field is applied, and lose their magnetism when the external magnetic field is reduced to zero, examples of which include copper, graphite, bismuth, etc. The relative permeability of diamagnetic materials is slightly smaller than 1, for example, about 0.999990 for copper, about 0.99980 for graphite, and about 0.999834 for bismuth.

[0046] When a ferromagnetic material is placed inside a magnetic field (alternating magnetic field) whose direction and magnitude change over time, not only does it generate Joule heat due to eddy currents that flow due to electromagnetic induction, but it also generates heat due to energy loss (hysteresis loss) that occurs when the direction of magnetization inside the ferromagnetic material changes.As a result, it can be easily induced heated compared to paramagnetic or diamagnetic materials, and can sufficiently heat the aerosol suction cartridge 10.

[0047] In addition, the Curie temperature, which is the temperature at which a ferromagnetic material loses its magnetic order and transitions to a paramagnetic material, is, for example, about 358° C. for nickel. Therefore, even when the aerosol suction cartridge 10 is heated to a high temperature of, for example, 200° C., the heating temperature does not reach the Curie temperature, and the properties of the ferromagnetic material can be maintained, allowing the aerosol suction cartridge 10 to be stably heated.

[0048] The material of the induction heating member 13 may be a ferromagnetic material such as iron, ferritic iron, ferrite powder, ferrite particles, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic steel, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, or a combination of these metal materials. For example, a combination of ferritic stainless steel and nickel is exemplified, and more preferably, an alloy of iron, chromium, and aluminum (iron-chromium-aluminum alloy).

[0049] Here, we will explain the relationship between temperature and magnetism of iron and chromium. The Curie temperature of iron is about 770°C, and the Neel temperature of chromium, which is the temperature at which it changes from an antiferromagnetic material to a paramagnetic material, is about 35°C.

[0050] The induction heating member 13 may be made of a metal material containing a ferromagnetic material as a main component, and may be, for example, a ferromagnetic alloy, which is an alloy containing preferably 60% or more, more preferably 80% or more, of a ferromagnetic material. For example, a nickel alloy or a nickel-iron alloy may be used. Even in this case, the aerosol suction cartridge 10 can be sufficiently heated by inductively heating the ferromagnetic material. Note that, instead of the ferromagnetic material, a metal material containing a paramagnetic material and a diamagnetic material may be used. In this case, induction heating itself is possible. However, it is preferable to use a metal material containing a ferromagnetic material from the viewpoint of shortening the heating time and reducing power consumption.

[0051] The support member 14 suppresses the movement of the aerosol-forming substrate 1 toward the support member 14 side and the bending of the exterior member 16, and allows the airflow containing the aerosol generated in the aerosol-forming substrate 1 to flow toward the filter 15 side. The support member 14 is provided, for example, in a cylindrical and solid shape, and is disposed between the aerosol-forming substrate 1 and the filter 15 so that its axis in the height direction is aligned with the central axis of the aerosol suction cartridge 10. The support member 14 is formed, for example, with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 50 mm or less. The support member 14 may have dimensions different from those described above depending on the appropriate function and configuration. In this embodiment, an insertion hole serving as an air flow path is formed in the support member main body formed of a resin material. Examples of materials for forming the support member 14 include polypropylene, polylactic acid, and silicone. Also, paper that has been crimped or rolled may be used.

[0052] The filter 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the length in the height direction is set to 10 to 50 mm. The material of the filter 15 is, for example, paper or the like. The filter 15 may be formed in a cylindrical shape by rolling up a sheet-like member made of paper, or may include a cellulose acetate filter or the like for removing fine particles. The filter 15 may be formed of a porous material containing silicone. The filter 15 is a white filter having a function of filtering out part of the fine particles in the water vapor and aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming base 1. When the filler 12 is mainly made of a non-tobacco plant, the filter 15 is not necessarily required.

[0053] Next, the sealing member 17 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the diameter is set to, for example, 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm, and the length in the height direction is set to, for example, 3.0 to 7.0 mm. The sealing member 17 may be provided in a cylindrical shape by rolling up a sheet-like member made of, for example, paper, like the filter 15. The sealing member 17 has a function of passing air from the outside of the cartridge toward the aerosol-forming substrate 1. In addition, the sealing member 17 can absorb the residual liquid that remains in the aerosol-forming substrate 1 and liquefies among the water vapor and aerosol generated in the aerosol-forming substrate 1. By making the sealing member 17 a different color (for example, black) from the filter 15, it is possible to easily distinguish the upstream side and the downstream side of the aerosol suction cartridge 10. In addition, in order to improve breathability, a through hole that serves as a passage for the aerosol may be provided.

[0054] Next, a manufacturing process for the filler 12 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0055] The manufacturing process of the filler 12 further includes internal processes, such as a drying / grinding process in which the main raw material, a tobacco plant or non-tobacco plant, is dried and crushed and weighed, etc.; a preparation process in which other raw materials are pre-treated and weighed, etc.; a mixing process in which the raw materials and a stimulant additive or a material containing a stimulant additive are mixed to form a composition; and a filler forming process in which the composition is formed.

[0056] In the drying and grinding process, the parts of the tobacco plant or non-tobacco plant that are the main raw materials (e.g., leaves, seeds, dried fruits, stems, bark, roots, etc.) are processed into a specific ground material to make a composition. At that time, it is preferable to adjust the moisture content to a level that is convenient for absorbing or carrying the aerosol former, water, and other components that will be added later. In drying, the temperature is preferably 60°C or higher and 80°C or lower. By setting it in this range, it is easy to reach the desired moisture content while avoiding the loss of the required flavor components. Furthermore, the drying and grinding process can also be provided with a sieving process to sieve the ground material, and it can be adjusted to the desired particle size before being fed into the mixing process.

[0057] In the preparation step, it is possible to prepare the raw materials necessary for producing the filling 12. The above-mentioned microcrystalline cellulose is weighed in the preparation step and is then put into the mixing step.

[0058] In the mixing step, a conventional mixer can be used. For example, a mixing device in which the raw materials in a mixing tank are mixed while applying a shear force with a stirring blade is preferably used.

[0059] In the filling molding step, when a rectangular or rod-shaped filling is to be formed, a composition in which various raw materials are mixed is formed into a thin sheet using a multiple roll mill, and then cut to form the filling 12. The use of multiple roll mills is preferable because it is possible to compress the material by forcing it between narrow rolls, and to knead and disperse the material by shearing due to the difference in roll speed, while forming a sheet of the desired thickness using a doctor blade. It can also be produced using a press roller or a press machine.

[0060] In this case, the thickness of the sheet is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The obtained sheet is cut to a predetermined width by a cutter, a rotary cutter using a rotary blade, or the like.

[0061] In addition, when the powdered or granular filler 12 is to be prepared, it is preferable to pulverize or classify the composition as appropriate. The average particle diameter of the powdered or granular filler 12 is preferably, for example, 0.1 to 3.0 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less. The average particle diameter is determined, for example, by a sieving method described in JIS K 0069:1992. That is, the average particle diameter is a diameter equivalent to 50% of the mass of the particles obtained by integrating the mass from the larger opening of the sieves in the test results using a plurality of sieves. The particle diameter at 50% of the integrated value in the particle size distribution obtained by the laser diffraction / scattering method may also be used as the average particle diameter. The filler 12 may be formed into a paste having fluidity by adding an appropriate amount of a thickener, water, etc. to the powdered or granular composition and kneading it.

[0062] In the filling forming step, other means may be used, such as passing the composition through an orifice under pressure to form the composition. In addition, in the filling forming step, non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, binders or thickeners, flavor additives, preservatives, water, etc. may be added as necessary.

[0063] Here, when providing adhesion to the surface of the filler 12, there is no particular limitation as long as it is a means capable of providing adhesion, and it is sufficient to attach the above-mentioned binder to at least a part of the surface. By providing adhesion, when the strip- or rod-shaped filler 12 is combined with the powder-, granular, or pasty filler 12, the powder-, granular, or pasty filler 12 can be stably held on the surface of the strip- or rod-shaped filler 12.

[0064] <Manufacturing process of the aerosol-forming substrate> Next, the manufacturing process of the aerosol-forming base 1 will be described. The filler 12 and the induction heating member 13 are wrapped in a cylindrical shape by the packaging member 11 and converged to match the diameter of the aerosol-forming base 1. This process includes, as internal processes, the above-mentioned filler forming process, a process of converging the sheet-like filler 12, which is the aerosol generating source, and the elongated ribbon-like induction heating member 13 while flowing them linearly in the same direction at the same speed, and packaging them in a cylindrical shape with elongated tape-like packaging paper 11, and a process of cutting it at predetermined intervals.

[0065] <Assembly process> Next, the assembly process will be described. In the assembly process, the sealing member 17, the aerosol-forming substrate 1, the support member 14, and the filter 15 are arranged in a line in this order, and then wrapped in the exterior member 16, to complete the aerosol suction cartridge 10.

[0066] Next, a specific example of an aerosol suction cartridge using a filler according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0067] The main raw material for the filling 12 was a mixture of tea leaves, which are non-tobacco plants, with glycerin as an aerosol former, microcrystalline cellulose, menthol as a flavor additive, sorbic acid as a preservative, and a cellulose binder as a thickener in a predetermined amount. Piperine was added to the raw material as a stimulant activator, with the mixing ratio systematically changed. These materials were formed into strips from sheets in the manufacturing process for the filling 12 described above, to form the filling 12, and samples of the aerosol suction cartridge 10 were manufactured through the manufacturing process for the aerosol-forming base and the assembly process.

[0068] <Example 1> In Example 1, piperine was added at a mixing ratio of 1% by weight. Here, a mixing ratio of 1% by weight means that piperine is mixed at 1% by weight relative to the weight of the filling material 12. In other words, it means that 1 g of piperine is mixed into 100 g of the filling material 12. When a sensory test was carried out using the aerosol suction cartridge 10 obtained in this way as sample 1, a stimulation similar to that of nicotine contained in tobacco leaves was obtained, although it was weak.

[0069] <Example 2> In Example 2, sample 2 was prepared by adjusting the piperine concentration to 3% by weight, and a sensory test was carried out. The result was the same as sample 1, and although stronger than sample 1, the stimulation was somewhat unsatisfactory.

[0070] <Example 3> In Example 3, sample 3 was prepared by adjusting the piperine concentration to 5% by weight, and a sensory test was conducted. The results showed that the sample was the same as sample 2, but stronger than sample 2, providing a stimulation of a strength suitable for the flavor.

[0071] <Example 4> In Example 4, sample 4 was prepared by adjusting the piperine concentration to 8% by weight, and a sensory test was conducted. The sample 4 was found to be the same as sample 3, but was even stronger than sample 3, with a stimulation that was appropriate for the flavor and slightly stronger than the intensity appropriate for the flavor.

[0072] <Example 5> In Example 5, sample 5 was prepared by adjusting the piperine concentration to 0.1% by weight, and a sensory test was carried out. The sample 5 was found to have the same type as sample 1, but had an even weaker stimulation than sample 1.

[0073] <Example 6> In Example 6, sample 6 was prepared by adjusting the piperine concentration to 10% by weight, and a sensory test was conducted. The result was the same as sample 4, but even stronger than sample 4, with a stimulation slightly stronger than the intensity appropriate for the flavor.

[0074] <Example 7> In Example 7, sample 7 was prepared by adjusting the piperine concentration to 15% by weight, and a sensory test was conducted. The result was the same as sample 6, but even stronger than sample 6, and provided a stimulation that was considerably stronger than the intensity appropriate for the flavor.

[0075] <Comparative Example 1> In Comparative Example 1, the concentration of piperine was set to 0.05% by weight to prepare Sample 8, which was subjected to a sensory test, and almost no irritation was observed.

[0076] <Comparative Example 2> In Comparative Example 2, sample 9 was prepared by adjusting the piperine concentration to 20% by weight, and a sensory test was conducted. The result was the same as sample 7, but even stronger than sample 7, and had a strong stimulant effect that was not suitable for the flavor.

[0077] According to this invention, even when using an aerosol inhalation cartridge using a filler made mainly from non-tobacco plants that do not contain nicotine, it is possible to obtain a stimulation equal to or greater than that obtained when using tobacco plants. In addition, the stimulation can be varied by changing the type and composition of the stimulant activator. Furthermore, even when using tobacco plants, it is possible to reduce the amount of the stimulant and change the stimulation obtained.

[0078] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but extends to other embodiments that can be regarded as equivalent thereto.

[0079] The raw material of the filler 12 is not limited to non-tobacco plants, but may be tobacco plants to enhance the stimulation, or may be a combination of tobacco plants and non-tobacco plants.

[0080] In addition, piperine changes to a geometric isomer, chavicin, when exposed to ultraviolet light, so when piperine is used alone, it is preferable to manufacture the product in an environment that blocks ultraviolet light as much as possible. The ultraviolet light blocking rate is preferably 50% or more. On the other hand, by irradiating ultraviolet light onto the filler 12 during manufacture, it is possible to adjust the ratio of piperine and chavicin added thereto.

[0081] Furthermore, the aerosol suction cartridge 10 is not limited to being compatible with the induction heating type, but may be compatible with a blade heating type that does not have the induction heating member 13.

[0082] For example, the form of the filler 12 used is a sheet formed into strips, but this is not limited to this and it may be formed into a powder or granules, or a paste, or a mixture of these.

[0083] Furthermore, the exterior member 16 is not necessarily integral, and may be used by joining two or more exterior elements. For example, the sealing member 17, the aerosol-forming base 1, and the support member 14 may be stored in a cylindrical exterior element, and the filter 15 may be wrapped around the cylindrical exterior element with a sheet-like exterior element to form a cylindrical shape. In this case, the cylindrical exterior element and the sheet-like exterior element form the exterior member 16. On the other hand, it is not necessarily necessary to use a separate exterior member 16. It is possible to form the packaging member 11 to be as long as the aerosol suction cartridge 10 and store the sealing member 17, the support member 14, and the filter 15 together inside the cylinder of the packaging member 11 to form the aerosol suction cartridge 10, which can further simplify the manufacturing process and reduce manufacturing costs. In this case, the support member 14 and the filter 15 may be placed in the packaging member 11 before the filling material 12 is filled, and the induction heating member 13 may be inserted, or the support member 14 and the filter 15 may be inserted after the filling material 12 is filled.

[0084] In addition to the tea leaves mentioned in the embodiment, all commonly used tea leaves can be used as the main raw material of the filling 12. In addition, used tea leaves may be used for these tea leaves. If used tea leaves are used, expensive tea leaves can be reused and put to good use.

[0085] In addition, extracts of the above-mentioned non-tobacco plants, so-called extracts and processed products, can also be used. The extracts may be in the form of liquid, starch syrup, powder, granules, solution, etc.

[0086] In addition to those mentioned in the embodiment, the aerosol formers used as raw materials for the filler 12 may include sorbitol, triethylene glycol, lactic acid, diacetin (glycerin diacetate), triacetin (glycerin triacetate), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedione, and dimethyl tetradecanedione.

[0087] In addition, menthol and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer (preferably polyvinylpolypyrrolidone) may be contained as flavor additives. By combining menthol with a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer, sublimation of menthol can be effectively suppressed, and the flavor of menthol can be maintained for a long period of time. Here, menthol is not limited to that obtained from natural products, and may be a synthetic product. In addition, peppermint, mint, peppermint oil, and other menthol-containing substances may be used.

[0088] Also, the flavor additive is provided in the filter 15, for example, by impregnating the wall of the filter 15. The manner in which the flavor additive is provided in the filter 15 is not limited to this manner, and for example, the flavor additive may be provided in the filter 15 by embedding a capsule in which the flavor additive is encapsulated in the wall of the filter 15. Alternatively, a capsule in which the flavor additive is encapsulated may be disposed between the filter 15 and the aerosol suction cartridge 10. When the flavor additive is encapsulated in a capsule, the user can break the capsule by pressing the capsule with a finger, and the aromatic component of the flavor additive can be volatilized at a desired timing.

[0089] Furthermore, when the flavor additive is, for example, encapsulated in a microcapsule, the encapsulated microcapsule may be provided in the aerosol suction cartridge 10. Of course, the microcapsule may be provided in the support member 14.

[0090] In addition, examples of binders or thickeners as raw materials for the filling 12 include, in addition to those mentioned in the embodiments, gums such as xanthan gum, gum arabic, and locust bean gum, cellulose binders such as carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, and ethylcellulose, organic acids such as alginic acid, polysaccharides such as sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, caranagin, agar, and pectin, and combinations thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1. Aerosol-forming substrate 10 Aerosol suction cartridge 11 Packaging materials 12 Filling 13 Induction heating components 14 Support member 15 Filters 16 Exterior materials 17 Sealing material

Claims

1. 1. A packing of an aerosol-forming substrate for use in an aerosol suction cartridge, comprising: a raw material comprising a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant; A stimulant activator to be added to the raw material or a solution in which the stimulant activator is dissolved in a solvent; A filling comprising:

2. The stimulatory activator activates a temperature-sensitive TRP channel, and is selected from the group consisting of temperature-sensitive TRP channels TRPV1, TRPV3, TRPM8, and TRPA1.

2. The packing according to claim 1 .

3. The stimulant active agent is made from one or more of the following ingredients: chili pepper, ginger, clove, Japanese pepper, black pepper, white pepper, wasabi, thyme, oregano, savory, peppermint, laurel, rosemary, cinnamon, garlic, myoga, long pepper, pseudo long pepper, and amphibian vine; The blending ratio of the filler is 0.1 to 15% by weight.

2. The packing according to claim 1 .

4. The stimulant active agent is one or more of capsiate, gingerol, shogaol, vanillyl acetone, piperine, eugenol, sanshool, thymol, carvacrol, menthol, cineole, cinnamaldehyde, allicin, diallyl disulfide, myogadial, myogatory, piperine, lobeline, cavicin, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, glucosinolate, and allyl isothiocyanate; The blending ratio of the filler is 0.1 to 15% by weight.

2. The packing according to claim 1 .

5. The filler may be in the form of a plate, a piece, a strip, a rod, a fiber, a flake, a powder, a granule, a pellet, etc. The shape of the material may be any one of a tub, a strand, a porous shape, a block shape, and a paste shape.

5. The packing according to claim 1 ,

6. The filling further includes, as raw materials, one or more of an aerosol former that generates an aerosol, microcrystalline cellulose, an additive that adds flavor, a preservative, a binder, or a thickener.

5. The packing according to claim 1 ,

7. The solvent is water or a liquid fragrance.

5. The packing according to claim 1 ,

8. 1. A method for producing a filling of an aerosol-forming substrate for use in an aerosol suction cartridge, comprising the steps of: The method includes the step of combining a stimulant active agent with a raw material comprising a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant, The stimulant active agent is added in solid or liquid form; 1. A method for producing a filling of an aerosol-forming substrate, comprising:

9. The blending ratio of the stimulant active agent is 0.1 to 15% by weight based on the filling material; A method for producing a packing of an aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 8.

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