Aromatic cartridge

Abstract

To provide an aromatic cartridge capable of improving a flavor of a heating type cigarette.SOLUTION: An aromatic cartridge comprises: a cylindrical cover; an aromatic substrate that is accommodated in one end side of the cover and is heated to produce an aerosol containing an aromatic component; and a filter that is accommodated in the other end side of the cover. The aromatic substrate includes a plant pulverized dry matter, an aerosol forma, and catechin in an amount of 0.1 mg to 135 mg.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aroma cartridge that is attached to an inhalation device having an electric heating means and is capable of generating an aerosol containing an aromatic component by being heated by the electric heating means. [Background technology]

[0002] Catechins, a type of polyphenol, have, for example, a deodorizing effect. The deodorizing effect of catechins has been utilized to reduce the odor emitted from tobacco. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cigarette filter in which catechins are attached to the filter to enhance the deodorizing effect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-80641 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke of a cigarette contain both pleasant and unpleasant odors for users, but removing all of these components from the mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke would result in a decrease in the flavor of the smoke.

[0005] In other words, it is desirable to remove only the unpleasant odor components contained in mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke and leave only the aroma that is pleasant to the user, and improvements in flavor are desired.

[0006] In addition, the use of heated tobacco has been increasing in recent years. The heating temperature of heated tobacco is several hundred degrees Celsius lower than the combustion temperature of cigarettes. Therefore, the components contained in the mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke of heated tobacco and the amount of these components are different from those of cigarettes. Therefore, there is a demand for improving heated tobacco in a way that is different from that of cigarettes. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide an aroma cartridge that can improve the flavor of heated tobacco. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides an aroma cartridge that is attached to an inhalation instrument having an electric heating means and generates an aerosol containing aromatic components when heated by the electric heating means, the aroma cartridge having a cylindrical cover, an aroma base material contained in one end of the cover and that generates an aerosol containing aromatic components when heated, and a filter contained in the other end of the cover, wherein the aroma base material contains a ground and dried plant product, an aerosol former, catechin, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0008] According to the aroma cartridge of the present invention, when the aroma base material is heated by the electric heating means of the inhalation device, an aerosol containing the components generated from the ground and dried plant material and catechin is generated. The aerosol contains the components of the ground and dried plant material, catechin, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone, and therefore can reduce the unpleasant taste of mainstream smoke and reduce the unpleasant odors of mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke.

[0009] In the aroma cartridge of the present invention, the aroma base material preferably contains 0.1 mg to 135 mg of the catechin.

[0010] In the aroma cartridge of the present invention, the aroma base material preferably contains a powder containing at least 20% by mass of the catechin.

[0011] The aroma base material preferably includes a powder containing at least theanine and caffeine.

[0012] In the aroma cartridge of the present invention, the aroma base material preferably contains menthol as the aroma component. Also, the aroma base material preferably contains a component extracted from coffee beans as the aroma component.

[0013] In the aroma cartridge of the present invention, the ground and dried plant material is preferably a ground and dried plant material other than tobacco.

[0014] In the aroma cartridge of the present invention, the aroma base material preferably contains a heat-melting substance. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the aroma cartridge of the present invention, the aerosol that can be generated from the aroma base material contains components of the ground and dried plant material, catechin, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone, and therefore it is possible to reduce the unpleasant taste of mainstream smoke and to reduce the unpleasant odors of mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke, thereby improving the flavor of the heated tobacco product. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an aroma cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aroma cartridge. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing a process for producing the fragrance base material of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing the process for producing the raw material (A2) in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing another production process for the fragrance base material of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the aroma cartridge according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the aroma cartridge according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aroma cartridge. Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1.

[0018] [Configuration of the aroma cartridge 100] 1 and 2, the aroma cartridge 100 can be used in a cartridge for a heated tobacco product. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the aroma cartridge 100 is a cartridge used in a heated tobacco product, which is an inhalation device having an electric heating means.

[0019] The aroma cartridge 100 comprises a cylindrical cover 10, an aroma base material 20 housed in one end of the cover 10, a filter 30 housed in the other end of the cover 10, and a support member 40 housed in the cover 10 and disposed between the aroma base material 20 and the filter 30. In this embodiment, the aroma base material 20, the support member 40, and the filter 30 are disposed along the axial direction of the cover 10 from one end to the other end.

[0020] The cover 10 is composed of a cigarette paper 11 that covers the fragrant substrate 20, a base material 12 that covers the fragrant substrate 20, the support member 40 and the filter 30 from the outside of the cigarette paper 11, and a tipping paper 13 that further covers the outer periphery of the filter 30 from the outside of the base material 12. The base material 12 is joined to the cigarette paper 11 and the tipping paper 13 by means of adhesion, heat fusion or the like.

[0021] The wrapping paper 11, the base material 12 and the tipping paper 13 may be made of, for example, paper, a synthetic resin film, a metal foil, etc., or may be a composite sheet formed by laminating these. In addition, an adhesive layer, a hot melt layer or other adhesive or fusible layer may be formed on the inner surface of the wrapping paper 11, the base material 12 and the tipping paper 13.

[0022] In this embodiment, the wrapping paper 11 serves to gather the aroma base material 20 together to form a columnar shape. The base material 12 serves to connect the aroma base material 20, the support member 40, and the filter 30. The tipping paper 13 serves to reinforce the portion (mouthpiece) where the user holds the aroma cartridge 100 in the mouth. Note that the cover 10 is not limited to one in which the wrapping paper 11, the base material 12, and the tipping paper 13 are individually configured, and may be configured, for example, as a single sheet in which the wrapping paper 11, the base material 12, and the tipping paper 13 are integrated.

[0023] In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the fragrant substrate 20, the support member 40 and the filter 30 are disposed along the axial direction of the cover 10 from one end side to the other end side.

[0024] The fragrant base material 20 is an aggregate of rod-shaped, strip-shaped, powder-shaped, granular, pellet-shaped, small piece-shaped, sheet-shaped, fibrous, porous, or block-shaped components, for example. In the present embodiment, the fragrant base material 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole by strip-shaped components.

[0025] The fragrant substrate 20 can generate an aerosol by being heated by an electric heating means of the heated smoking device. The fragrant substrate 20 is preferably made of a material that contains a ground and dried plant material, not limited to tobacco plants, a non-tobacco plant material, an aerosol former capable of generating an aerosol, and a thermofusible material that melts when heated. The composition of the fragrant substrate 20 will be described later.

[0026] The filter 30 preferably has a certain degree of air permeability to the mainstream smoke or aerosol generated from the aromatic base material 20, and has the function of capturing solid particles contained in the mainstream smoke or aerosol and adsorbing harmful components, etc. The shape of the filter 30 is not particularly limited as long as it can be wrapped in the cover 10.

[0027] The filter 30 may be, for example, an acetate filter using acetate fibers, a charcoal filter containing activated carbon in an acetate filter, or an AFT (Advanced Filter Technology) filter having a plurality of grooves recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the filter 30 to the axial direction of the cover 10. The filter 30 may also contain a fragrance, a microcelled fragrance, or the like. In this embodiment, the filter 30 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the base material 12 of the cover 10 by a fixing means such as adhesion or welding.

[0028] 2 and 3, the support member 40 is located between the aromatic substrate 20 and the filter 30 and is disposed adjacent to each of them. The support member 40 may have an outer peripheral surface that corresponds to the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the cover 10. In this embodiment, the support member 40 is formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole. The support member 40 is fixed to the cover 10 by a fixing means such as adhesion or welding, and in this embodiment, it is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the substrate 12.

[0029] There are no limitations on the shape of the support member 40 so long as it has a structure that allows ventilation from one end side to the other end side and has the function of restricting movement of the fragrant base material 20 to the other end side.

[0030] In this embodiment, the support member 40 has one or more ventilation passages 41 penetrating therethrough in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the ventilation passages 41 are defined by four concave grooves formed along the axial direction at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the support member 20 and the inner circumferential surface of the cover 10.

[0031] Furthermore, the ventilation passage 41 may be composed of, for example, one or more through holes formed so as to penetrate in the axial direction from one end face to the other end face of the support member 40. The ventilation passage 41 may be composed of, for example, a central ventilation passage formed along the axial center of the support member 40, and a plurality of ventilation passages arranged side by side in the circumferential direction to surround this central ventilation passage and similarly formed so as to penetrate in the axial direction.

[0032] The support member 40 may be formed of a honeycomb structure having partition walls with a hexagonal end face shape and a plurality of air passages penetrating in the axial direction. Furthermore, the support member 40 may be formed of a porous body having open cells, for example.

[0033] The support member 40 preferably has a shape capable of restricting the movement of the fragrant substrate 20 in the axial direction of the cover 10 when the electrical heating means of the inhalation device is inserted at one or both axial end faces of the cover 10, preferably the end face located on the fragrant substrate 20 side. Here, a shape capable of restricting the movement of the fragrant substrate 20 in the axial direction of the cover 10 may be, for example, a shape that restricts the movement of the material of the fragrant substrate 20 to an extent that does not cause practical problems.

[0034] Because the support member 40 is formed in this manner, when an electric heating means for heating the fragrant substrate 20 of the heated smoking device is inserted from one end side of the aroma cartridge 100, the support member 40 restricts movement of the fragrant substrate 20 toward the other end side. In other words, the support member 40 can support the fragrant substrate 20.

[0035] Furthermore, the support member 40 can cool the high-temperature aerosol containing the aromatic component generated from the aroma substrate 20 when the aerosol passes through it. For this reason, the support member 40 is made of a material having heat resistance according to the combustion temperature or heating temperature of the aroma cartridge 100. For example, when the aroma cartridge 100 is a cartridge for a heated smoking device, the support member is preferably made of a material having heat resistance of about 200 to 350°C.

[0036] Examples of such materials include paper, resin, rubber, wood, metal, and ceramic, but resin that can be molded into various shapes is more preferable.

[0037] The resin may be either a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin, and examples thereof include polyolefin resin, polyester resin, polystyrene resin, nylon resin, acrylic resin, silicone resin, fluorine resin, polyurethane resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) resin, phenol resin, amino resin, ABS resin, biodegradable plastic, etc. Among these resins, biodegradable plastic is preferred from the viewpoint of protecting the natural environment, since the aroma cartridge 100 becomes waste after use.

[0038] Examples of biodegradable plastics include poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and polylactic acid (PLA).

[0039] The aroma substrate 20 of the aroma cartridge 100 is heated from room temperature or the outside air temperature to a target heating temperature of 200° C. or higher by an electric heating means of an inhalation device (not shown). Thus, the aroma substrate 20 undergoes a temperature rise process from room temperature or the outside air temperature to the target heating temperature. The user becomes able to inhale the aerosol emitted from the aroma cartridge 100 immediately after the temperature rise process is completed.

[0040] [Configuration of fragrance base material 20] The aroma base material 20 contains a ground and dried plant material that generates an aroma when heated, an aerosol former that generates an aerosol when heated, catechin, and polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone. The aroma base material 20 preferably contains a heat-meltable substance that melts when heated. Therefore, the aroma base material 20 is capable of generating an aerosol containing an aroma component when heated.

[0041] In addition to the above, the fragrant base material 20 may contain, for example, a fragrance capable of supplementing the fragrance emitted from the crushed and dried plant material, a molding agent capable of improving the moldability of the fragrant base material 20, a binder that contributes to binding and integrating the aerosol former and the crushed and dried plant material, a sorbent capable of retaining the fragrance in the fragrant base material 20, and a preservative capable of improving the shelf life of the fragrant base material 20.

[0042] (Dried crushed plant material) Examples of ground and dried plant materials include tobacco leaves and stems, as well as leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, fruits, bark, roots, and the like of non-tobacco plants.

[0043] The crushed and dried plant materials are particularly suitable for use in the manufacture of Chinese tea, black tea, roses, plants of the genus Osmanthus (Oleaceae), lavender, saffron flowers, shallots, garlic, onions, the rhizomes of konjac, Chinese quince, plants of the genus Citrus (Rutaceae), such as bitter orange, satsuma mandarin, summer orange, ponkan, hassaku, iyokan, Yi Chang lemon, trifoliate orange, orange, mandarin orange, kabosu, Kishu mandarin, quinot, grapefruit, koji, sanbokan, citron, jabara, sudachi, tachibana, tangor, summer mandarin, yuzu, hyuganatsu, Hirami lemon (shikwasa), pomelo (citron), yuzu, lime, lemon, kaffir lime, etc.), plants of the genus Peach (Rosaceae), apples, pineapples, mangoes, and yellow fruits. In order to provide a user with a pleasant aroma, the composition may include at least one selected from the following fruits: orange, melon, pomegranate, plum, apricot, blueberry, plants of the genus Fragaria in the family Rosaceae, raspberry, banana, and grape fruit; peppermint plants of the genus Mentha in the family Lamiaceae (peppermint, Japanese mint, apple mint, water mint, Corsican mint, pennyroyal mint, etc.); spearmint plants of the genus Mentha in the family Lamiaceae (spearmint, horse mint, green mentha, chili peppermint, ginger mint, etc.); catnip, lemon balm, savory, willow mint, and above-ground stems and leaves of plants of the genus Nicotiana in the family Solanaceae, but is not limited to these.

[0044] It is preferable that the crushed and dried plant material has three elements: fragrance, which is defined as the scent that wafts from the aroma cartridge 100 itself; aroma, which is defined as the scent that wafts into the air when the aroma cartridge 100 is heated; and flavor, which is defined as the scent that wafts into the mouth when the aroma cartridge 100 is heated and inhaled together with the aerosol.

[0045] The crushed and dried plant material constituting the fragrance (hereinafter also referred to as the fragrance material) preferably contains at least one selected from Chinese tea, black tea, rose, Oleaceae family, Osmanthus species, lavender, saffron flowers, and above-ground stems and leaves of Nicotiana species, Solanaceae family.

[0046] The crushed and dried plant material that constitutes the aroma (hereinafter also referred to as aroma material) preferably contains at least one selected from the underground stems of scallions, shallots, garlic, onions, and konjac, and the above-ground stems and leaves of plants of the genus Nicotiana and Nicotiana species of the family Solanaceae.

[0047] The crushed and dried plants that make up the flavor (hereinafter referred to as flavor materials) include quince, plants of the genus Citrus in the family Rutaceae (bitter orange, satsuma mandarin, summer daidai, ponkan, hassaku, iyokan, ichan lemon, trifoliate orange, orange, mandarin orange, kabosu, Kishu mandarin, quinot, grapefruit, koji, sanbokan, citron, jabara, sudachi, tachibana, tangor, summer mandarin, hanayuzu, hyuganatsu, Hirami lemon (shikwasa), pomelo (citron), yuzu, lime, lemon, kaffir lime, etc.), plants of the genus Peach in the family Rosaceae, apple, pineapple, mango, kumquat, melon, etc. It is preferable that the above-ground stems and leaves of the following fruits are selected from the group consisting of: rye, pomegranate, plum, apricot, blueberry, plants of the genus Fragaria in the family Rosaceae, raspberry, banana, grape fruit, peppermint-type plants of the genus Mentha in the family Lamiaceae (peppermint, Japanese mint, apple mint, water mint, Corsican mint, pennyroyal mint, etc.), spearmint-type plants of the genus Mentha in the family Lamiaceae (spearmint, horse mint, green mentha, chili peppermint, ginger mint, etc.), catnip, lemon balm, savory, willow mentha (hyssop), and Nicotiana species of the genus Nicotiana in the family Solanaceae.

[0048] (Catechin) In the present invention, the catechins preferably include epicatechin, catechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, catechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, and gallocatechin gallate, and among these catechins, epicatechin and epigallocatechin are particularly preferred. In the present invention, purified catechins containing these catechins at high purity can be used, but extracts extracted from plants containing catechins using a suitable solvent, and crude products obtained by crudely purifying the extracts so that the catechin content is increased, can also be used.

[0049] As a plant body containing catechin, for example, tea leaves selected from Sencha, Houjicha, Kabusecha, Gyokuro, etc. can be used. Catechins can be obtained by extracting these tea leaves with a solvent such as water, alcohol such as ethanol or methanol, or acetone, and further fractionating as necessary. For example, a powder containing 30 to 98 mass% of catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, catechin gallate, epigallocatechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin, and (+)catechin can be obtained by fractionating the extract obtained by extracting tea leaves with hot water with an organic solvent such as ethyl acetate and drying it.

[0050] The powder containing catechin preferably contains 0.03% by mass or more of catechin, more preferably 0.1 to 5% by mass, and even more preferably 1 to 4% by mass. Catechin powders containing high concentrations of catechin are commercially available from various companies, and these commercially available products can also be used.

[0051] The catechin content can be determined, for example, by the ferric tartrate method (Reports of Tea Research 71 (1990) 43-74) or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

[0052] Catechin may be contained in the aroma base material 20 by, for example, mixing it with a ground and dried plant that is the raw material of the aroma base material 20. For example, powdered catechin may be dissolved in a polar solvent such as water or ethanol, and mixed with a ground and dried plant such as tea leaves, thereby containing the catechin in the aroma base material 20. Note that in addition to catechin, aromatic components such as menthol or coffee powder may be mixed with the polar solvent such as water or ethanol.

[0053] The manner in which catechin is contained in aroma cartridge 100 is not limited to the above, and for example, a solution in which catechin is dissolved in a polar solvent such as water or ethanol may be impregnated into aroma base material 20. In addition, for example, catechin may be contained in aroma base material 20 by mixing a powder containing catechin with a ground and dried plant material and an aerosol former.

[0054] Furthermore, a capsule containing catechin may be used to contain the catechin in the aroma cartridge 100. The capsule may be disposed in any of the aroma substrate 20, the filter 30, or the support member 40, for example.

[0055] When the capsule is disposed in the fragrant substrate 20, it is preferable that the capsule is made of a material that can be melted by heating from an electric heating means that heats the fragrant substrate 20 of the heated smoking device, or a material that allows the capsule membrane to collapse under external pressure and release the contents. When the capsule is disposed in a position other than the fragrant substrate 20, for example, in the filter 30 or support member 40, it is preferable that the capsule membrane is made of a material that allows the capsule membrane to collapse under external pressure and release the contents.

[0056] The capsules may be filled with a solution of catechin dissolved in a polar solvent such as water or ethanol. The capsules may also be filled with other aromatic components such as menthol or coffee powder. By filling the capsules with catechin, etc., it is possible to enjoy a fresh aroma when using the aroma cartridge 100.

[0057] The amount of catechin contained in the aroma base material 20 of one aroma cartridge 100 is preferably from 0.1 mg to 135 mg, more preferably from 0.7 to 18 mg, and even more preferably from 1.0 to 15 mg.

[0058] If the amount of catechin contained in the aroma base material 20 of one aroma cartridge 100 is less than 0.5 mg, it tends to be difficult to obtain the effect of reducing the unpleasant taste of mainstream smoke and the unpleasant odor of mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke, which is provided by catechin. Furthermore, if the amount of catechin contained in the aroma base material 20 exceeds 135 mg, the production cost tends to increase.

[0059] (Crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, Polyvinylpyrrolidone) The amount of crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone contained in the aroma base material 20 of one aroma cartridge 100 is preferably from 1 to 50 mg, more preferably from 5 to 30 mg, and even more preferably from 10 to 20 mg.

[0060] The crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone is preferably contained in an amount of 0.3 to 16% by mass, more preferably 1.6 to 10% by mass, and even more preferably 3.3 to 6.6% by mass, based on the aromatic base material.

[0061] The total amount of catechin and crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone in the aroma base material 20 of one aroma cartridge 100 is preferably 1 to 50 mg, more preferably 5 to 40 mg, and even more preferably 10 to 30 mg.

[0062] The total amount of catechin and crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone is preferably from 0.3 to 16% by mass, more preferably from 1.6 to 13.5% by mass, and even more preferably from 3 to 10% by mass, based on the fragrance base material.

[0063] When the total amount of catechin and crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone is 5% by mass or more, the unpleasant taste of mainstream smoke can be reduced, and the unpleasant odors of mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke can be reduced.

[0064] (Ingredients extracted from coffee) The aroma base material 20 preferably contains components extracted from coffee. The components extracted from coffee preferably contain coffee aroma components such as caffeine, pyridine, methylpyrazine, acetic acid, furfuryl alcohol, cyclotene, 1H-pyrrolecarbaldehyde, hydroxypyridine, hydroxyacetone, furfural, methylfurfural, and maltol.

[0065] Of these components, it is preferable that the aromatic base material 20 contains at least caffeine. The inclusion of caffeine in the aromatic base material 20 can refresh the user who inhales the aerosol, wake him / her up from drowsiness, and provide the user with an antipyretic and analgesic effect. Examples of ingredients extracted from coffee include coffee bean powder, coffee extract, coffee flavoring, and green coffee extract.

[0066] The amount of components extracted from coffee in the aroma base material 20 of one aroma cartridge 100 is preferably 0.3 to 60 mg, more preferably 1.5 to 30 mg, and even more preferably 3 to 15 mg.

[0067] The component extracted from coffee is contained in the aroma base material 20 in an amount of 0.1 to 20 mass %, preferably 0.5 to 10 mass %, and more preferably 1 to 5 mass %.

[0068] (Theanine) It is preferable that the aroma base material 20 contains theanine. Theanine can be contained in the aroma base material 20 using, for example, an extract of tea leaves extracted with hot water, green tea leaf powder, green tea leaf extract, green tea leaf flavoring, etc. By containing theanine in the aroma base material 20, the sympathetic nerve activity of the user who inhales the aerosol can be suppressed, thereby relaxing the user.

[0069] The aroma base material 20 of one aroma cartridge 100 contains 10 to 100 mg, preferably 20 to 80 mg, and more preferably 30 to 60 mg of theanine in order for a user with low anxiety tendency to have a relaxing effect.The aroma base material 20 of one aroma cartridge 100 contains 20 to 120 mg, preferably 30 to 100 mg, and more preferably 40 to 80 mg of theanine in order for a user with high anxiety tendency to have a relaxing effect.

[0070] Furthermore, theanine is preferably contained in an amount of 3.3 to 33 mass%, preferably 6.6 to 26 mass%, and more preferably 10 to 24 mass% relative to the aroma base material 20 in order for a user with a low anxiety tendency to obtain a relaxing effect. Theanine is preferably contained in an amount of 6.6 to 10 mass%, preferably 10 to 33.3 mass%, and more preferably 13.3 to 26.6 mass% relative to the aroma base material 20 in order for a user with a high anxiety tendency to obtain a relaxing effect. When theanine is contained in an amount of 100 mass% or more relative to the aroma base material 20, for example, the theanine may be enclosed in the above-mentioned capsule and contained in the aroma cartridge 100.

[0071] (Aerosol former) Examples of aerosol formers that can be used include glycerin, propylene glycol, 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, with glycerin and propylene glycol being particularly preferred.

[0072] (Thermal melting material) The heat-melting substance has a melting point in the range of 50 to 100° C., preferably in the range of 50 to 80° C., and more preferably in the range of 60 to 67° C. If the melting point of the heat-melting substance is less than 50° C., the heat-melting substance may melt and become sticky during high temperature periods such as summer. If the melting point of the heat-melting substance is more than 100° C., the heat-melting substance is not melted sufficiently in the early stage of the temperature rise process of the aroma base material, and the aroma of the aerosol immediately after the temperature rise process by the heated smoking device is finished tends to be insufficient.

[0073] The melting point of the heat-melting substance can be measured, for example, in accordance with the method for measuring the melting point of paraffin wax specified in JIS K 2235. That is, a specified melting point tester is used, a molten sample is placed in a test tube, the readings on the melting point measurement thermometer are read every 15 seconds, and the temperature at which the temperature drop is within a certain range (when the difference is within 0.1°C five times in a row) can be measured as the melting point.

[0074] The heat-melting substance is preferably in a powder form. The average particle size of the heat-melting substance is preferably 125 to 355 μm, more preferably 150 to 300 μm, and even more preferably 180 to 250 μm. The average particle size can be measured, for example, by a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring device. The average particle size in the present invention means the median diameter.

[0075] If the average particle size of the thermally melting substance is too large, the total surface area is reduced, so that the opportunity for contact with the heat source is reduced. As a result, the thermally melting substance is not melted sufficiently, and the concentration of the aromatic component in the aerosol immediately after the end of the heating process tends to decrease.

[0076] If the outer diameter of the thermally fusible substance is too small, it becomes difficult to form a sea-island structure in which the thermally fusible substance is dispersed in the fragrance base material 20 described below. As a result, each of the thermally fusible substances is present in the fragrance base material 20 as aggregated lumps, which creates areas where the melting rate due to contact with the heat source decreases, and the concentration of the aromatic components in the aerosol immediately after the end of the heating process tends to decrease. The thermally fusible substance is preferably contained in the fragrance base material 20 in an amount of 2 to 20 mass%, preferably 3 to 15 mass%, and more preferably 5 to 15 mass%.

[0077] In order to balance the amount of volatilization of the smoke components and the aromatic components, the blending amounts of the aromatic source material, the aerosol former and the thermally melting substance are preferably 55 to 75 mass%, 20 to 40 mass%, and 2 to 15 mass%, respectively, and more preferably 60 to 70 mass%, 25 to 35 mass%, and 3 to 10 mass%, respectively.

[0078] The thermally melting substance is not particularly limited as long as it is "an organic compound that exhibits a melting point or softening point and becomes a non-Newtonian fluid when heated." The thermally melting substance is preferably an organic compound generally called wax, and representative examples of wax include petroleum-based natural wax, synthetic wax, plant-based natural wax, and animal-based natural wax. In addition, various tackifiers (tackifiers) including rosin, which is also used as wax, can be used. These can be used alone or as a mixture containing at least one selected from these.

[0079] As the heat-melting substance, plant-based natural wax or animal-based natural wax is preferably used in terms of having a preferred melting point and imparting a flavor. As the plant-based natural wax, for example, hazel wax, lacquer wax, carnauba wax, sugarcane wax, palm wax, candelilla wax, etc. can be used. As the animal-based natural wax, beeswax, spermaceti wax, privet wax, wool wax, shellac, etc. can be used. These waxes are easy to obtain with a melting point in the range of 50 to 100°C as specified in the present invention, and also have a preferred flavor in themselves, so that the aroma of the aerosol can be enhanced. Among these natural waxes, carnauba wax, beeswax, petrolatum, and paraffin wax are particularly preferred, and beeswax, which has a melting point of 62 to 65°C and is rich in aromatic components, is the most preferred.

[0080] The main components of natural waxes from plants and animals are esters of fatty acids and fatty alcohols. Natural waxes from plants and animals are mixtures of esters of fatty acids with various carbon numbers and fatty alcohols, and also contain free fatty acids, free fatty alcohols, hydrocarbons, etc. Therefore, natural waxes from plants and animals are characterized by a wide molecular weight distribution, a wide melting point temperature range, and high viscosity when melted.

[0081] Petroleum-based natural waxes are hydrocarbon compounds, and therefore have the advantage of having little interaction with aromatic components and aerosol formers and little adverse effect on flavor. For example, petroleum-based natural waxes that can be preferably used include vaseline, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, and the like.

[0082] These petroleum-based natural waxes have different melting point temperature ranges based on their molecular structure. Vaseline is a mixture of branched hydrocarbons and alicyclic hydrocarbons, and has a wide melting point range of 36 to 60°C. Paraffin wax is composed mainly of linear hydrocarbons, has high crystallinity, and most of them have a melting point of 40 to 70°C, which is a narrow temperature range of the melting point.

[0083] Microcrystalline wax is a mixture of branched hydrocarbons and saturated cyclic hydrocarbons, and although it has low crystallinity, it has a high molecular weight. It has the highest melting point of 60 to 90°C among these, and its melting point range is also the second widest after petrolatum.

[0084] These petroleum-based natural waxes are all hydrocarbon compounds extracted from crude oil. Paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax have low melt viscosity and surface energy when thermally melted, and also have little interaction with aromatic components and aerosol formers.

[0085] Examples of such paraffin wax include standard products Paraffin Wax-115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, and 155 manufactured by Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd., and any of these products is preferably used. In addition, special paraffin waxes, such as HNP series products, which are high-purity refined paraffin waxes specially manufactured by Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd., SP series products for specific applications, and EMW series products mainly composed of isoparaffin manufactured by a special manufacturing method, are also preferably used. In addition, any of the microcrystalline waxes, such as Hi-Mic series products manufactured by Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd., are also preferably used.

[0086] As synthetic waxes, for example, Fischer-Tropsch wax, polyethylene (PE) wax, modified PE wax, polypropylene (PP) wax, modified PP wax, fatty acid amide, fatty acid, aliphatic alcohol, polyoxyalkylene glycol, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl amine, etc. can be preferably used.

[0087] In particular, since Fischer-Tropsch wax is a linear hydrocarbon-based organic compound, it has low melt viscosity and surface energy when thermally melted, and also has low interaction with aerosol formers and aromatic components. As the Fischer-Tropsch wax, a medium melting point product such as C80 (melting point: about 85 to 88°C) can be used.

[0088] In addition, PE wax and modified PE wax, and PP wax and modified PP wax are also hydrocarbon compounds and can be preferably used. Specifically, "HIWAX (registered trademark)" manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., "SANWAX" and "VISCOL" manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd., and "CERAFAK (registered trademark) 929, 950, 913, 914, 915" manufactured by BYK can be preferably used.

[0089] In particular, metallocene-catalyzed polyolefin waxes are more preferred because they have a narrow molecular weight distribution. For example, the metallocene-catalyzed PE wax "Excelex (registered trademark)" manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. has a melting point of 89 to 128°C because of its narrow molecular weight distribution and composition distribution, but has a low melt viscosity when thermally melted, making it an excellent polyolefin wax.

[0090] In addition to the above, fatty acid amides, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, etc. can also be used as the heat-melting substance. As the fatty acid amides, monoamides and bisamides are suitable. As the monoamides, stearic acid monoamide, oleic acid monoamide, and erucic acid monoamide are preferred because they have a melting point of about 72 to 105°C.

[0091] For example, the monoamide may be Alflow (registered trademark) S-10, E-10, or P-10 manufactured by NOF Corp. The bisamide may be "Alflow (registered trademark) H series" or "AD series" manufactured by NOF Corp., or "Kaowax EB series" manufactured by Kao Corp.

[0092] As fatty acids, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, pentadecylic acid, palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, and melissic acid are preferably used since they have a melting point of about 30 to 94° C. For example, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and behenic acid are more preferable since they are industrially produced by NOF Corporation and the like.

[0093] As the aliphatic alcohol, lauryl alcohol, tridecyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, pentadecyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, 1-heptadecanol, stearyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, elaidyl alcohol, nanodecyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, heneicosanol, behenyl alcohol, lignoceryl alcohol, ceryl alcohol, 1-heptacosanol, montanyl alcohol, 1-nonacosanol, and myricyl alcohol are preferably used since they have a melting point of about 23 to 87° C. For example, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetostearyl alcohol are more preferable since they are industrially produced by NOF Corporation and the like.

[0094] Such higher fatty acids and higher aliphatic alcohols have a carboxyl group and a hydroxyl group bonded to the end of a straight-chain hydrocarbon, respectively, and have no or very narrow molecular weight distribution. Therefore, like paraffin wax, they have a low melt viscosity when thermally melted and a narrow temperature range of the melting point, which is highly effective in promoting the deformation and flow of the aromatic base material 20 when heated.

[0095] As the polyoxyalkylene glycol, one having an average molecular weight of polyethylene glycol of 600 to 11,000 is preferred because it has a low melting point and a low melt viscosity when thermally melted. Also, a polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol block polymer having 40 to 80 wt% of polyethylene glycol units and an average molecular weight of 3,000 to 13,000 is preferred. Polyoxyalkylene glycols that satisfy this requirement are also used as nonionic surfactants, and have a narrow molecular weight distribution and a narrow melting point temperature range, so that they have excellent fluidity when thermally melted.

[0096] As the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene-monomethyl ether having an average molecular weight of 1,000 to 4,000 is preferred. This is also used as a nonionic surfactant, but has a narrow molecular weight distribution and a narrow melting point temperature range, and therefore has excellent fluidity when thermally melted.

[0097] As the polyoxyethylene alkylamine, polyoxyethylene-stearylamine, Nymeen (registered trademark) S202 manufactured by NOF Corp. is preferably used. These are also used as nonionic surfactants, but have a linear hydrocarbon unit with 18 carbon atoms, a narrow molecular weight distribution, and a narrow melting point temperature range, and therefore have excellent fluidity when thermally melted.

[0098] The tackifier may be, for example, rosin, a rosin derivative, a terpene resin, or a modified terpene resin. Specifically, the rosin and rosin derivative may be gum rosin, rosin ester (Pensel), maleic acid modified rosin resin, or rosin modified phenolic resin (Tamanol), all of which are manufactured by Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd. Rosin and rosin derivatives have little interaction with aromatic components or aerosol formers, and have high thermal fluidity.

[0099] Furthermore, examples of the terpene resin and modified terpene resin that can be used include terpene monomer homopolymer resins (YS Resin PX and YS Resin PXN), aromatic modified terpene resins (YS Resin TO), and terpene phenol resins (YS Polystar series) manufactured by Yasuhara Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0100] (Air freshener) The aromatic agent may be added together with the aerosol former, but is more preferably mixed in the thermal melting material in advance. As the aromatic agent, at least one selected from a refreshing agent and nicotine may be used.

[0101] Examples of the cooling agent that can be used include menthol, menthol derivatives, menthone, menthone derivatives, menthane carboxylic acid amide, 2,3-dimethyl-2-(2-propyl)-butyric acid derivatives, menthane, menthane derivatives, L-carvone, xylitol, eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint oil, spearmint essential oil, and spilanthol.

[0102] The aromatic substance is preferably contained in an amount of 3 to 25% by mass, and more preferably 5 to 20% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the total amount of the aromatic source material, the aerosol former, and the thermally melting substance. If the aromatic substance content is less than 3% by mass based on 100% by mass of the total amount of the aromatic source material, the aerosol former, and the thermally melting substance, it tends to be difficult to sufficiently contain the aromatic components generated from the aromatic substance in the aerosol. If the aromatic substance content is more than 25% by mass based on 100% by mass of the total amount of the aromatic source material, the aerosol former, and the thermally melting substance, the strength of the aromatic base material 20 tends to decrease.

[0103] (Forming agent) The molding agent is used to reinforce the fragrance base material 20. As the molding agent, for example, cellulose fiber, microcrystalline cellulose, etc. can be used.

[0104] As the cellulose fibers, for example, cellulose fibers from sugarcane, bamboo, wheat, rice, esparto, jute, hemp, wood, etc. are preferably used. The fiber diameter of these cellulose fibers is preferably 5 to 25 μm, and the fiber length is preferably 0.25 to 6 mm. By using cellulose fibers with a fiber diameter and fiber length in these ranges, it is possible to enhance the effect of binding the components of the aroma base material 20.

[0105] Moreover, the microcrystalline cellulose preferably has an average particle size of 70 to 120 μm. If the average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose is less than 70 μm, it tends to be difficult to suppress the shrinkage of the fragrance base material 20 and to prevent adhesion between the fragrance base material 20 and the molding machine. If the average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose exceeds 120 μm, the fragrance base material 20 tends to be easily broken. The average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose can be measured by a laser diffraction type particle size distribution measuring device. In the present invention, the average particle size means the median diameter.

[0106] The mass average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose is preferably 20,000 to 60,000. If the mass average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose is less than 20,000, the effect of suppressing the shrinkage of the fragrant base material 20 tends to be poor. If the mass average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose is more than 60,000, the fragrant base material 20 tends to be easily broken.

[0107] The forming agent is preferably contained in an amount of 2 to 25 mass %, and more preferably 3 to 20 mass %, relative to 100 mass % of the total amount of the fragrance source material, the aerosol former, and the heat-melting substance. By containing the forming agent in the fragrance base material 20 in such a manner, the forming agent can perform the above-mentioned functions and can prevent the forming agent from being a hindrance to the generation of volatile matter from the fragrance source material and the aerosol former.

[0108] (Binding Agent) The binder is used to bind the raw materials constituting the fragrance base material, such as the fragrance source material, the aerosol former, the heat-melting substance, etc. As the binder, for example, a polysaccharide-based polymer, a cellulose-based polymer, etc. can be used.

[0109] Examples of polysaccharide polymers that can be used include konjac mannan (glucomannan), guar gum, pectin, carrageenan, tamarin seed gum, gum arabic, soybean polysaccharides, locust bean gum, karaya gum, xanthan gum, agar, etc. From the viewpoints of strength and the above-mentioned moldability, the polysaccharide polymers are preferably glucomannan, guar gum, pectin, carrageenan, tamarin seed gum, locust bean gum, karaya gum, and xanthan gum, and neutral polysaccharides such as glucomannan, guar gum, tamarin seed gum, and locust bean gum are more preferred.

[0110] Examples of the cellulose-based polymer that can be used include carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carboxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium salt of CMC, potassium salt of CMC, calcium salt of CMC, sodium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose, potassium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose, calcium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose, etc. From the viewpoints of the strength and moldability of the fragrance substrate 20, the sodium salt of CMC, potassium salt of CMC, sodium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose, and potassium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose are preferred as the cellulose-based polymer.

[0111] As the binder, it is preferable to use a polysaccharide-based polymer in combination with a cellulose-based polymer. In this case, it is preferable to use glucomannan, guar gum, tamarin seed gum, or locust bean gum as the polysaccharide-based polymer. In addition, it is preferable to use a sodium salt of CMC, a potassium salt of CMC, a sodium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose, or a potassium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose as the cellulose-based polymer. In this way, by using a polysaccharide-based polymer in combination with a cellulose-based polymer, it is possible to improve the strength and moldability of the aromatic substrate 20.

[0112] The binder is preferably contained in an amount of 5 to 30% by mass, and more preferably 8 to 28% by mass, relative to 100% by mass of the total amount of the fragrance source material, the aerosol former, and the heat-melting substance. By containing the binder in such an amount in the fragrance base material 20, the strength and moldability of the fragrance base material 20 can be improved, and adverse effects on the generation of volatile matter from the fragrance source material and the aerosol former can be avoided.

[0113] In addition, it is preferable that both a binder and a molding agent are contained in the fragrant base material 20 of the present invention. In this case, the blending ratio of the binder to the molding agent is preferably 1:1 to 1:25 by mass in terms of the binding effect.

[0114] (sorbent) When the aromatic agent is not contained in the heat-melting substance, a sorbent may be used to prevent the aromatic agent from volatilizing before the temperature of the aromatic base material 20 reaches an optimum temperature at which the aerosol former and the aromatic source material volatilize. As described above, the sorbent can retain the aromatic agent in the heated aroma-generating material 20.

[0115] As the sorbent, various types can be used depending on the manner in which a compound such as an aroma is retained in the aroma-generating substrate 20. For example, a sorbent that encapsulates the compound to retain it in the aroma-generating substrate 20 can be used, and cyclodextrin can be used as such a sorbent.

[0116] Cyclodextrin is known to form inclusion compounds with chemical substances having hydroxyl groups or carboxyl groups of various sizes, and any of α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrin can be used. In particular, β-cyclodextrin forms an inclusion compound with menthol and is optimal as a sorbent for menthol.

[0117] When cyclodextrin is used as the sorbent, the sorbent is preferably contained in an amount of 0.1 to 1.2 mass%, and more preferably 0.2 to 1.0 mass%, relative to 100 mass% of the total amount of the fragrance source material, aerosol former, and heat-melting substance.

[0118] Also, a sorbent that adsorbs the compound and causes it to remain in the aroma-generating substrate 20 can be used. For example, when the compound is menthol, menthol has a phenolic hydroxyl group. Therefore, as the sorbent, a hydrophilic cross-linked polymer such as cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPP) that can adsorb the phenolic hydroxyl group can be used.

[0119] For example, when the compound is nicotine, nicotine has a nitrogen-containing 5-membered heterocyclic compound, and therefore, as the sorbent, a crosslinked PVP that is thought to form an interaction with the nitrogen-containing 5-membered heterocyclic compound can be used.

[0120] When crosslinked PVP is used as the sorbent, the sorbent is preferably contained in an amount of 4 to 25 mass%, and more preferably 5 to 20 mass%, relative to 100 mass% of the total amount of the fragrance source material, aerosol former, and heat-melting substance. More preferably, the sorbent contains both PVPP and cyclodextrin.

[0121] (Preservatives) In order to preserve the heated aroma generating cartridge for a long period of time, a preservative may be used. For example, potassium sorbate and / or sodium benzoate may be used as the preservative. The preservative is preferably contained in an amount of 0.005 to 0.04% by mass relative to 100% by mass of the total amount of the aroma source material, the aerosol former, and the thermal melting substance.

[0122] Next, a method for producing the fragrance substrate 20 will be described. Fig. 4 shows one embodiment of the manufacturing process for the fragrance substrate 20. As shown in Fig. 4, a mixing step is performed in which raw material (A) including a fragrance material which is a ground and dried product of a plant that constitutes a fragrance, a flavor material which is a ground and dried product of a plant that constitutes a flavor, and raw material (B) including an aroma material which is a ground and dried product of a plant that constitutes an aroma are mixed. The mixing step is performed below the melting point of the heat-melting substance. The mixing step can be performed, for example, using a known mixer.

[0123] Raw material (A) is obtained by mixing and maturing raw material (A1) containing a fragrance material which is a ground and dried product of plants which constitute the fragrance, raw material (A2) containing a flavor material which is a ground and dried product of plants which constitute the flavor, catechin and a heat-fusible substance, raw material (A3) containing an alcohol-based solution of microcrystalline cellulose, an alcohol-based solution of a binder and an alcohol-based solution of a sorbent, and raw material (A4) containing an aerosol former, a fragrance and a molding agent.

[0124] The raw materials (A1) to (A4) are mixed at a temperature below the melting point of the heat-melting substance, and this mixing step can be carried out using, for example, a known mixer.

[0125] The raw material (A1) is obtained by sterilizing a fragrance material and then pulverizing it.

[0126] The raw material (A2) is obtained by sterilizing a mixture of a flavoring material, catechin, and a heat-melting substance, followed by pulverization. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the flavoring material is sterilized and then pulverized to a predetermined size. Also, the powdered heat-melting substance and catechin are heated and mixed at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the heat-melting substance, cooled, and then pulverized to a predetermined size. The pulverized product and the powdered flavoring material are compressed and sheared, cooled, and then pulverized to prepare the raw material (A2).

[0127] The raw material (A3) is obtained by mixing an alcoholic solution of microcrystalline cellulose, an alcoholic solution of a binder, and an alcoholic solution of a sorbent (crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone). The alcoholic solution is a mixture of pure water and ethanol.

[0128] The raw material (A4) is obtained by mixing an aerosol former, an aromatic agent and a molding agent.

[0129] The aging is preferably carried out for 3 to 14 days at a temperature of 15 to 30° C. From the viewpoint of retaining the aromatic components, the aging is more preferably carried out for 4 to 7 days at a temperature of 20±2° C. If the temperature exceeds 30° C. or the aging period exceeds 14 days, the possibility of mold growth or spoilage tends to increase.

[0130] The raw material (B) is obtained by mixing the raw material (B1) containing the aroma material, which is a ground and dried product of the plant that constitutes the aroma, and the raw material (B2) containing the preservative. The raw materials (B1) and (B2) can be mixed, for example, using a known mixer.

[0131] The raw material (B1) is obtained by sterilizing aromatic materials and then crushing them. The raw material (B2) is obtained by dissolving a preservative in pure water.

[0132] By carrying out the mixing step of mixing the raw materials (A) and (B) in this manner, it is possible to form an island-in-sea structure in which the powder of the heat-fusible substance mixed with the fragrance source material is dispersed in the fragrance base material 20.

[0133] Next, the mixture obtained in the mixing step is compressed and sheared to form it into a sheet. The compression and shearing process can be carried out, for example, using a three-roll machine. By performing compression and shearing with a three-roll machine, it is possible to form the mixture into a sheet while incorporating air and evaporating water.

[0134] The sheet obtained in this manner has a porous structure containing air inside, which makes it possible to obtain a low-density fragrance substrate 20. In addition, since the rolls of the triple roll mill have an extremely flat surface, the surface of the sheet is formed to be flat.

[0135] That is, the aromatic base material 20 has a porous structure containing air therein due to compression and shear processing, and therefore has a low density and a flat surface without irregularities.

[0136] The mixture formed into a sheet by compression and shear processing is cut into a predetermined shape and size in a cutting process. The sheet-like mixture is processed into, for example, a rectangular shape.

[0137] The mixture cut into a predetermined shape and size is placed on the cover 10 together with the filter 30 and the support member 40. Next, the cover 10 is rolled up so as to enclose them, and the ends of the cover 10 are fixed together to manufacture the aroma cartridge 100.

[0138] In this way, by carrying out the mixing process, compression / shearing process and cutting process below the melting point of the heat-melting substance, it is possible to prevent the melting of the heat-melting substance from spreading throughout the entire aromatic base material 20, and to maintain the sea-island structure of the heat-melting substance in the aromatic base material 20.

[0139] When a sea-island structure is formed in which the powder of the thermally fusible substance mixed with the fragrance source material is dispersed in the fragrance base material 20, the thermally fusible substance is dispersed and arranged in the form of islands in the fragrance base material 20.

[0140] The thermally fusible substance is more likely to flow when melted and the aromatic components generated from the aromatic source material are more easily contained when the thermally fusible substance is dispersed in the aroma base material 20 in the form of islands than when the thermally fusible substance is impregnated in the aromatic source material. In addition, the flowing thermally fusible substance comes into contact with the aerosol former, and the aromatic components can be easily turned into aerosol together with the aerosol former and volatilized.

[0141] As a result, the aromatic components of the aromatic source material can be efficiently volatilized, and the user can enjoy the aroma more fully when inhaling the aerosol emitted from the aroma cartridge 100 immediately after the heating process of the heated smoking device is completed.

[0142] Catechin may be added to raw material (B). Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of the process for producing aromatic base material 20. As shown in Fig. 6, when catechin is added to raw material (B), it is advisable to add it to raw material (B1), for example. In this case, it is advisable to prepare the raw material (B1) in the manner shown in FIG. 6, ie, by replacing the flavor material with an aroma material.

[0143] As described above, according to the aroma cartridge 100 of the present invention, the aerosol that can be generated from the aroma base material 20 contains the components of the ground and dried plant material, catechin, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone, and therefore it is possible to reduce the unpleasant taste of mainstream smoke and to reduce the unpleasant odors of mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke. Therefore, it is possible to improve the flavor of the heated tobacco. EXAMPLES

[0144] [Test Example 1] (Sensory evaluation of flavor) An aroma base material containing catechin and crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone was prepared as an example, and an aroma base material not containing at least one of catechin and crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone was prepared as a comparison example, and the flavors of the aerosols of both were evaluated.

[0145] (Sample Preparation: Example 1) The aroma cartridge 100 of Example 1 was created with the composition shown in Table 1. Specifically, the basic composition was aroma source materials (aroma materials, fragrance materials, and flavor materials), catechin, aerosol former, and thermally melting substance. In Example 1, the basic composition was 65% by mass of aroma source materials and catechin, 25% by mass of aerosol former, and 10% by mass of thermally melting substance.

[0146] To 100 parts by weight of the basic blend, 15 parts by weight of fragrance, 23 parts by weight of binder, 21 parts by weight of sorbent, 0.005 parts by weight of preservative, and 20 parts by weight of pure water were added to create the fragrance cartridge 100 of Example 1. Note that the pure water is added for the molding process, but is removed from the fragrance base material by drying after the molding process.

[0147] [Table 1]

[0148] The aromatic source materials used were konjac powder as the aroma material for raw material (B1), black tea and osmanthus flowers as the fragrance materials for raw material (A1), and Gynostemma pentaphyllum as the flavor material for raw material (A3).

[0149] The aerosol former used as raw material (A4) was glycerin and propylene glycol. Beeswax was used as the heat-melting substance of raw material (A2). As the aromatic raw material (A4), peppermint oil and menthol were used. The binder for the raw material (A3) was CMC sodium salt and sugarcane fiber. The sorbents used in the raw material (A3) were cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone and β-cyclodextrin. The preservatives used in raw material (B2) were potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate.

[0150] Raw materials (A1) and (A2) were prepared in the manner shown in Fig. 6. Specifically, raw material (A1) was obtained by sterilizing the fragrance material and then pulverizing it into a powder. Raw material (A2) was prepared by roughly mixing the flavor material, catechin, and heat-melting substance in a Henschel mixer, compressing and shearing the mixture, mixing it, cooling it to below 0°C, and pulverizing it. Raw materials (A1) and (A2) were also used, which had been screened through an 80-mesh sieve to have an average particle size of about 250 µm.

[0151] Furthermore, the raw materials (A) and (B) were used to produce the aroma cartridge 100 in the form shown in Fig. 6. Specifically, a mixing step was carried out in which the raw materials (A) and (B) were mixed in a kneader.

[0152] Next, a compression and shear process was carried out to form the mixture into a sheet using a three-roll mill. In the compression and shearing process, the mixture was molded into a sheet with a thickness of 0.28±0.02 mm. The compression and shearing process was carried out at a temperature below the melting point of beeswax. Then, a cutting process was carried out to cut the sheet into pieces having a width of 1.5±0.1 mm and a length of approximately 240 mm.

[0153] The aroma base material thus obtained was wrapped in paper to a predetermined filling rate. The wrapped aroma base material was then cut to a length of 11.5 to 12.0 mm and dried to produce the aroma cartridge 100.

[0154] (Preparation of Example 2) The aroma cartridge 100 of Example 2 was produced according to the composition shown in Table 2. Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that coffee powder is used as the aroma agent in the raw material (A4) instead of menthol and peppermint oil. Other than that, it is the same as Example 1, so the explanation of the raw materials and production method is omitted.

[0155] [Table 2]

[0156] (Preparation of Example 3) The aroma cartridge 100 of Comparative Example 1 was produced according to the composition shown in Table 3. Example 3 differs from Examples 1 and 2 in that polyvinylpyrrolidone was used instead of the crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone of the raw material (A3). Since the rest is the same as Example 1, the explanation of the raw materials and production method will be omitted.

[0157] [Table 3]

[0158] (Preparation of Comparative Example 1) The aroma cartridge 100 of Comparative Example 1 was produced according to the composition shown in Table 4. Comparative Example 1 differs from Examples 1 to 3 in that it does not contain catechin as raw material (A2). As the rest of the comparative example is the same as Examples 1 to 3, a description of the raw materials and production method will be omitted.

[0159] [Table 4]

[0160] (Preparation of Comparative Example 2) The aroma cartridge 100 of Comparative Example 2 was produced according to the composition shown in Table 5. Comparative Example 2 differs from Examples 1 to 3 in that it does not contain the crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone of the raw material (A3). As the rest is the same as Examples 1 to 3, the explanation of the raw materials and production method is omitted.

[0161] [Table 5]

[0162] (Sensory test) The flavor of the aerosol from the aroma cartridges 100 of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 was evaluated by 10 panelists using a heated smoking device.

[0163] Eight out of ten panelists evaluated that the aroma cartridge 100 of Example 1 had a stronger menthol scent than the aroma cartridges 100 of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and that the unpleasant taste of the mainstream smoke was reduced.

[0164] Eight out of ten panelists felt that the aroma cartridge 100 of Example 2 had a stronger coffee aroma than the aroma cartridges 100 of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and that the aroma of mainstream smoke was less noticeable. The taste was deemed to be reduced.

[0165] Eight out of ten panelists evaluated that the aroma cartridge 100 of Example 3 gave a stronger coffee aroma than the aroma cartridges 100 of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and that the unpleasant flavors of the mainstream smoke were reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 100 Fragrance Cartridges 10. Cover 20 Aromatic base material 30 Filters

Claims

1. A cylindrical cover; an aromatic base material that is accommodated on one end side of the cover and that generates an aerosol containing an aromatic component when heated; A filter is housed on the other end side of the cover, The aroma cartridge is characterized in that the aroma base material contains 0.1 mg to 135 mg of catechin.

2. A cylindrical cover; an aromatic base material that is accommodated on one end side of the cover and that generates an aerosol containing an aromatic component when heated; A filter is housed on the other end side of the cover, The aroma cartridge is characterized in that the aroma base material contains a powder containing at least 20% by mass or more of catechin.

3. The aroma cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aroma base material includes a powder containing at least theanine and caffeine.

4. The aroma cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the aroma base material contains menthol as the aroma component.

5. The aroma cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the aroma base material contains a component extracted from coffee beans as the aroma component.

6. The aroma cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the ground and dried plant material comprises a ground and dried plant material other than tobacco.

7. The aroma cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the aroma substrate comprises a heat-melting substance.

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