Aromatic substrate

Abstract

To provide an aromatic substrate capable of improving a flavor of a heating type cigarette.SOLUTION: Provided is an aromatic substrate for generating an aerosol containing an aromatic component by being heated, the aromatic substrate comprising 0.1 mg to 135 mg of catechin.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aroma cartridge that is attached to a suction 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 Art

[0002] Catechins, which are a type of polyphenol, have, for example, a deodorizing effect. Utilizing the deodorizing effect of catechins, attempts have been made to reduce the odor emitted from tobacco. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tobacco filter in which catechin is attached to the filter to enhance the deodorizing effect.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke of tobacco contain a pleasant smell and an unpleasant odor for the user. However, if these components contained in the mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke are uniformly removed, there is a problem that the flavor during smoking is reduced.

[0005] That is, it is desirable to remove only the components of the unpleasant odor contained in the mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke and leave only the pleasant smell for the user, and an improvement in flavor is desired.

[0006] In recent years, the use of heated tobacco has been increasing. The heating temperature of heated tobacco is several hundred degrees Celsius lower than the combustion temperature of conventional cigarettes. Therefore, the components contained in the mainstream and sidestream smoke of heated tobacco, as well as the content of those components, are different from those of conventional cigarettes. Accordingly, it is required to improve heated tobacco in a different way from conventional cigarettes. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an aroma cartridge capable of improving the flavor of heated tobacco.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention relates to an aroma cartridge that is attached to a suction device having an electric heating means and generates an aerosol containing an aromatic component by being heated by the electric heating means, the aroma cartridge comprising: a cylindrical cover; an aroma base material housed on one end side of the cover and generating an aerosol containing an aromatic component when heated; and a filter housed on the other end side of the cover, wherein the aroma base material contains a pulverized and dried product of a plant, 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 suction device, an aerosol containing components generated from the pulverized and dried product of the plant and catechin is generated. Since the aerosol contains components of the pulverized and dried product of the plant, catechin, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone, it is possible to reduce the unpleasant taste of the mainstream smoke and the unpleasant odor of the mainstream and sidestream smoke.

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

[0010] In the aroma cartridge of the present invention, it is preferable that the aroma base material contains a powder containing at least 20% by mass or more of the catechin.

[0011] Preferably, the aromatic base material includes a powder containing at least theanine and caffeine.

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

[0013] In the aromatic cartridge of the present invention, preferably, the pulverized and dried product of the plant is a pulverized and dried product of a non-tobacco plant.

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

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the aromatic cartridge of the present invention, since the aerosol that can be generated from the aromatic base material contains components of the pulverized and dried product of the plant, catechin, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone, it is possible to reduce the unpleasant odor of the mainstream smoke and the sidestream smoke, and to reduce the off-flavor of the mainstream smoke. Therefore, it is possible to improve the flavor of the heated tobacco.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of the aromatic cartridge according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the aromatic cartridge according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a developed perspective view of the aromatic cartridge. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1.

[0018] [Configuration of Aromatic Cartridge 100] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the aromatic cartridge 100 can be used for a cartridge of heated tobacco. Hereinafter, an example in which the aromatic cartridge 100 is a cartridge used for heated tobacco, which is a suction device having electric heating means, will be described.

[0019] The aromatic cartridge 100 includes a cylindrical cover 10, an aromatic substrate 20 accommodated on one end side of the cover 10, a filter 30 accommodated on the other end side of the cover 10, and a support member 40 accommodated in the cover 10 and disposed between the aromatic substrate 20 and the filter 30. In the present embodiment, the aromatic substrate 20, the support member 40, and the filter 30 are arranged along the axial direction from one end side to the other end side of the cover 10.

[0020] The cover 10 is composed of a wrapper 11 that covers the aromatic substrate 20, a substrate 12 that covers the aromatic substrate 20, the support member 40, and the filter 30 from the outside of the wrapper 11, and a tip paper 13 that further covers the outer peripheral portion of the filter 30 from the outside of the substrate 12. The substrate 12 is joined to the wrapper 11 and the tip paper 13 by means such as adhesion or heat fusion.

[0021] The wrapper 11, the substrate 12, and the tip paper 13 can be made of, for example, paper, a synthetic resin film, a metal foil, etc., and may be a composite sheet in which these are laminated. Further, an adhesive or fusible layer such as an adhesive layer or a hot melt layer may be formed on the inner surfaces of the wrapper 11, the substrate 12, and the tip paper 13.

[0022] In this embodiment, the roll paper 11 serves to form the aromatic base material 20 collectively into a columnar shape. The base material 12 serves to connect the aromatic base material 20, the support member 40, and the filter 30. The tip paper 13 serves to reinforce the portion (mouthpiece) where the user holds the aromatic cartridge 100 in the mouth. Note that the cover 10 is not limited to being individually constituted by the roll paper 11, the base material 12, and the tip paper 13. For example, it may be constituted by a single sheet in which the roll paper 11, the base material 12, and the tip paper 13 are integrated.

[0023] In this embodiment, as also shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the aromatic base material 20, the support member 40, and the filter 30 are arranged along the axial direction from one end side to the other end side of the cover 10.

[0024] The aromatic base material 20 is, for example, an aggregate of component elements in the form of a rod, strip, powder, granule, pellet, small piece, sheet, fiber, porous, or block shape. In this embodiment, the aromatic base material 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole by strip-shaped component elements.

[0025] The aromatic base material 20 can generate an aerosol by being heated by the electric heating means of the heated smoking device. The aromatic base material 20 is preferably used as an aggregate containing, not limited to tobacco plants, a pulverized and dried product of a non-tobacco plant as a raw material, an aerosol former capable of generating an aerosol, and a heat-fusible substance that melts when heated. The configuration of the aromatic base material 20 will be described later.

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

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

[0028] As shown also in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support member 40 is located between the fragrance base material 20 and the filter 30 and is arranged adjacent to each of them. The support member 40 can have a shape having an outer peripheral surface corresponding to the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the cover 10. In the present embodiment, the support member 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole. The support member 40 is fixed to the cover 10 by fixing means such as adhesion and welding, and in the present embodiment, it is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the base material 12.

[0029] The shape of the support member 40 is not limited as long as it has a structure that allows ventilation from one end side to the other end side and has a function of restricting the movement of the fragrance base material 20 to the other end side.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the support member 40 has one or a plurality of ventilation paths 41 penetrating in the axial direction thereof. In the present embodiment, the ventilation path 41 is defined by four concave grooves formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction and along the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the support member 20 and the inner peripheral surface of the cover 10.

[0031] Further, the ventilation path 41 may be constituted by, for example, one or a plurality of through holes formed so as to penetrate in the axial direction from one end surface to the other end surface of the support member 40. The ventilation path 41 may be constituted by, for example, a central ventilation path formed along the axis of the support member 40 and a plurality of ventilation paths arranged side by side in the circumferential direction so as to surround the central ventilation path and also formed so as to penetrate in the axial direction.

[0032] Further, the support member 40 may be constituted by a honeycomb structure body having a plurality of ventilation paths that penetrate axially with a hexagonal end face shape of the partition wall, or the like. Further, the support member 40 may be constituted by, for example, a porous body in which continuous bubbles are formed.

[0033] The support member 40 preferably has a shape that can restrict the axial movement of the aromatic base material 20 of the cover 10 when the electric heating means of the suction device is inserted at one or both end faces in the axial direction of the cover 10, preferably at the end face arranged on the side of the aromatic base material 20. Here, the shape capable of restricting the axial movement of the aromatic base material 20 of the cover 10 may be, for example, a shape that can restrict the movement of the material of the aromatic base material 20 to such an extent that there is no practical problem.

[0034] When the support member 40 is formed in this way, when the electric heating means for heating the aromatic base material 20 of the heat-not-burn smoking device is inserted from one end side of the aromatic cartridge 100, the support member 40 restricts the movement of the aromatic base material 20 to the other end side. In other words, the support member 40 can support the aromatic base material 20.

[0035] Further, when the aerosol containing the aromatic component generated from the aromatic base material 20 passes through, the support member 40 can cool the high-temperature aerosol. For this reason, the support member 40 is formed of a member having heat resistance according to the combustion temperature or heating temperature of the aromatic cartridge 100. For example, when the aromatic cartridge 100 is a cartridge of a heat-not-burn smoking device, the support member is preferably formed of a member having heat resistance of about 200 to 350°C.

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

[0037] The resin can be either a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin. For example, it can be a polyolefin resin, a polyester resin, a polystyrene resin, a nylon resin, an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, a fluororesin, a polyurethane resin, an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) resin, a phenolic resin, an amino resin, an ABS resin, a biodegradable plastic, etc. Among these resins, since the aromatic cartridge 100 becomes waste after use, biodegradable plastics are preferred from the perspective of natural environmental protection.

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

[0039] The aromatic base material 20 of the aromatic cartridge 100 is heated from room temperature or the outside air temperature to a heating target temperature of 200°C or higher by the electric heating means of a suction device (not shown). Therefore, the aromatic base material 20 will go through the temperature rising process from room temperature or the outside air temperature to the heating target temperature. The user can suck the aerosol emitted from the aromatic cartridge 100 immediately after the end of the temperature rising process.

[0040] [Composition of the aromatic base material 20] The aromatic base material 20 contains a pulverized and dried product of a plant that generates an aroma when heated, an aerosol former that generates an aerosol when heated, catechin, polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone. The aromatic base material 20 preferably contains a heat-fusible substance that melts when heated. Therefore, the aromatic base material 20 can generate an aerosol containing aromatic components when heated.

[0041] In addition to this, the aromatic base material 20 may also contain, for example, a fragrance that can assist the fragrance emitted from the pulverized and dried product of plants, a molding agent that can improve the moldability of the aromatic base material 20, an aerosol former, a binder that contributes to binding and integrating the pulverized and dried product of plants, an adsorbent that can retain the fragrance in the aromatic base material 20, and a preservative that can improve the storage stability of the aromatic base material 20.

[0042] (Pulverized and dried product of plants) Examples of the pulverized and dried product of plants include tobacco leaves and stems, as well as leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, fruits, barks, and roots of non-tobacco plants.

[0043] The pulverized and dried product of plants particularly includes at least one or more selected from Chinese tea, black tea, rose, plants of the genus Jasminum of the family Oleaceae, lavender, saffron flowers, Chinese ginger, shallots, garlic, onions, konjac rhizomes, quince, plants of the genus Citrus of the family Rutaceae (daidai, unshu mandarin, summer daidai, ponkan, hassaku, iyokan, eichan lemon, karatachi, orange, mandarin orange, kabosu, kishu mandarin, knott, grapefruit, koji, sanbokan, citron, jabara, sudachi, tachibana, tangor, natsumikan, hayayuzu, hyuga nats, hirami lemon (sour orange), buntan (pomelo), yuzu, lime, lemon, kobumikan, etc.), plants of the genus Prunus of the family Rosaceae, apple, pineapple, mango, kumquat, melon, pomegranate, ume, apricot, blueberry, plants of the genus Fragaria of the family Rosaceae, raspberry, banana, and grape fruits, peppermint plants of the genus Mentha of the family Lamiaceae (peppermint, Japanese mint, apple mint, water mint, Corsican mint, pennyroyal mint, etc.), spearmint plants of the genus Mentha of the family Lamiaceae (spearmint, horsemint, green mint, chili mint, ginger mint, etc.), dog mint, lemon balm, silverweed, hyssop, and aerial stems and leaves of plants of the genus Nicotiana of the family Solanaceae. Although including at least one or more selected from these is suitable for providing a pleasant fragrance to the user, it is not limited thereto.

[0044] The pulverized and dried plant material preferably has the three elements of fragrance, which is defined as the scent wafting from the aroma cartridge 100 itself, aroma, which is defined as the scent wafting in the space when the aroma cartridge 100 is heated, and flavor, which is defined as the scent wafting in the mouth when the aroma cartridge 100 is heated and inhaled together with the aerosol.

[0045] The pulverized and dried plant material (hereinafter also referred to as fragrance material) constituting the fragrance preferably contains at least one selected from Chinese tea, black tea, rose, plants of the genus Lilium of the family Liliaceae, lavender, saffron flowers, and the aerial stems and leaves of plants of the genus Nicotiana of the family Solanaceae.

[0046] The pulverized and dried plant material (hereinafter also referred to as aroma material) constituting the aroma preferably contains at least one selected from Chinese ginger, shallot, garlic, onion, the underground stems of konjac, and the aerial stems and leaves of plants of the genus Nicotiana of the family Solanaceae.

[0047] As the pulverized and dried product of a plant that constitutes a flavor (hereinafter also referred to as a flavor material), it preferably contains at least one or more selected from the following: dried and pulverized fruits of plants such as loquat, plants of the genus Citrus in the Rutaceae family (daidai, unshu mikan, natsudaidai, ponkan, hassaku, iyokan, ichang lemon, karatachi, orange, mandarin orange, kabosu, kishu mikan, knott, grapefruit, koji, sanbokan, citron, jabara, sudachi, tachibana, tangor, natsumikan, hanayuzu, hyuga natsu, hirami lemon (seyval), buntan (pomelo), yuzu, lime, lemon, kobumikan, etc.), plants of the Prunus persica species in the Rosaceae family, apple, pineapple, mango, kumquat, melon, pomegranate, ume, apricot, blueberry, plants of the genus Fragaria in the Rosaceae family, raspberry, banana, grape fruits, peppermint plants of the genus Mentha in the Lamiaceae family (peppermint, Japanese mint, apple mint, water mint, Corsican mint, pennyroyal mint, etc.), spearmint plants of the genus Mentha in the Lamiaceae family (spearmint, horse mint, midori haka, chili mint, ginger mint, etc.), inuhaka, kosuihaka (lemon balm), kidachihakka (savory), yanagihakka (hyssop), and the above-ground stems and leaves of plants of the Nicotiana tabacum species in the Solanaceae family.

[0048] (Catechin) In the present invention, the catechin preferably includes epicatechin, catechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, catechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, and gallocatechin gallate. Among these catechins, it is particularly preferable to include epicatechin and epigallocatechin. In the present invention, purified catechin containing these catechins at a high purity can be used, but an extract obtained by extracting from a plant body containing catechin using an appropriate solvent, or a crude purified product obtained by crudely purifying the extract to increase the catechin content can also be used.

[0049] As the plant body containing catechin, for example, tea leaves selected from sencha, houjicha, kabusecha, gyokuro, etc. can be used. Catechin can be obtained by extracting from these tea leaves using solvents such as water, alcohols such as ethanol and methanol, and acetone, and further fractionating if necessary. For example, by fractionating the extract obtained by extracting tea leaves with hot water using an organic solvent such as ethyl acetate and drying, a powder containing 30 to 98% by mass of catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, catechin gallate, epigallocatechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin, (+)catechin, etc. can be obtained.

[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 catechin at a high concentration are commercially available from various companies, and these commercial products can also be used.

[0051] Incidentally, the content of catechin can be quantified by methods such as the ferric tartrate method (Tea Industry Research Report 71 (1990) 43 - 74), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), etc.

[0052] Catechin may be mixed with the pulverized and dried product of the plant which is the raw material of the fragrance base material 20 and contained in the fragrance base material 20. For example, by dissolving powdery catechin in a polar solvent such as water or ethanol and mixing it with the pulverized and dried product of a plant such as tea leaves, catechin may be contained in the fragrance base material 20. Incidentally, in polar solvents such as water and ethanol, in addition to catechin, for example, fragrance components such as menthol and coffee powder may be mixed.

[0053] Also, the mode of containing catechin in the fragrance cartridge 100 is not limited to such a mode. For example, a solution in which catechin is dissolved in a polar solvent such as water or ethanol may be impregnated into the fragrance base material 20. Also, for example, by mixing the powder containing catechin with the pulverized and dried product of the plant and the aerosol former, it may be made to be contained in the fragrance base material 20.

[0054] Furthermore, catechin may be contained in the aroma cartridge 100 by using capsules encapsulating catechin. The capsules may be disposed, for example, on any of the aroma base material 20, the filter 30, and the support member 40.

[0055] When the capsule is disposed on the aroma base material 20, it is preferably made of a material that can be melted by heating with the electric heating means for heating the aroma base material 20 of the heated smoking device, or a material in which the capsule film collapses due to external pressure and the contents can be released. Further, when the capsule is disposed at a position other than the aroma base material 20, for example, on the filter 30 or the support member 40, it is preferably made of a material in which the capsule film collapses due to external pressure and the contents can be released.

[0056] The capsule is preferably filled with a solution in which catechin is dissolved in a polar solvent such as water or ethanol. In addition, the capsule may be filled with other aromatic components such as menthol or coffee powder. By encapsulating catechin or the like in the capsule in this way, it becomes possible to enjoy a fresh scent when using the aroma cartridge 100.

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

[0058] When 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 off-flavor of the mainstream smoke and the unpleasant odor of the mainstream smoke and the sidestream smoke by catechin. Further, when the amount of catechin contained in the aroma base material 20 exceeds 135 mg, the manufacturing cost tends to increase.

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

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

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

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

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

[0064] (Components extracted from coffee) The fragrance base material 20 preferably contains components extracted from coffee. The components extracted from coffee preferably contain fragrance components of coffee such as caffeine, pyridine, methylpyrazine, acetic acid, furfuryl alcohol, cycloten, 1H-pyrrolecarboxaldehyde, hydroxypyridine, hydroxyacetone, furfural, methylfurfural, maltol, etc.

[0065] The aromatic base material 20 preferably contains at least caffeine among these components. By including caffeine in the aromatic base material 20, it is possible to refresh the mood of the user who inhales the aerosol, wake up drowsiness, or impart an antipyretic and analgesic effect to the user. As components extracted from coffee, for example, coffee bean powder, coffee extract, coffee flavor, raw coffee extract, etc. can be used.

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

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

[0068] (Theanine) The aromatic base material 20 preferably contains theanine. Theanine can be contained in the aromatic base material 20 using, for example, an extract obtained by extracting tea leaves with hot water, as well as green tea leaf powder, green tea leaf extract, green tea leaf flavor, etc. By including theanine in the aromatic base material 20, it is possible to suppress the function of the sympathetic nerves of the user who inhales the aerosol and relax.

[0069] Theanine is preferably contained in the aromatic base material 20 of one aromatic cartridge 100 in an amount of 10 to 100 mg for users with a low tendency to anxiety to obtain a relaxation effect, preferably 20 to 80 mg, and more preferably 30 to 60 mg. For users with a high tendency to anxiety to obtain a relaxation effect, it is preferably contained in an amount of 20 to 120 mg, preferably 30 to 100 mg, and more preferably 40 to 80 mg.

[0070] Also, theanine is preferably contained in an amount of 3.3 to 33% by mass, more preferably 6.6 to 26% by mass, and even more preferably 10 to 24% by mass with respect to the aromatic base material 20, so that users with a low tendency to be anxious can obtain a relaxation effect. For users with a high tendency to be anxious, in order to obtain a relaxation effect, it is preferably contained in an amount of 6.6 to 10% by mass, more preferably 10 to 33.3% by mass, and even more preferably 13.3 to 26.6% by mass with respect to the aromatic base material 20. When theanine is contained in an amount of 100% by mass or more with respect to the aromatic base material 20, for example, it is advisable to enclose theanine in the above-mentioned capsules and contain it in the aromatic cartridge 100.

[0071] (Aerosol former) As the aerosol former, for example, glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, lactic acid, diacetin (glycerin diacetate), triacetin (glycerin triacetate), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc. can be used. In particular, glycerin and propylene glycol are preferably used.

[0072] (Thermally fusible substance) The thermally fusible 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 thermally fusible substance is less than 50°C, the thermally fusible substance may melt during a high-temperature period such as summer, resulting in stickiness. If the melting point of the thermally fusible substance exceeds 100°C, the thermally fusible substance may not be sufficiently melted at the initial stage of the temperature increase process of the aromatic base material, and the aroma of the aerosol immediately after the end of the temperature increase process by the heated smoking device tends to be insufficient.

[0073] The melting point of the heat-fusible substance can be measured, for example, in accordance with the method for measuring the melting point of paraffin wax specified in JIS K2235. That is, using a predetermined melting point tester, putting the melted sample into the tester, reading the indication of the thermometer for measuring the melting point every 15 seconds, and measuring the temperature when the temperature drop is within a certain range (when the difference within 0.1 °C continues for 5 times) as the melting point.

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

[0075] If the average particle size of the heat-fusible substance is too large, its total surface area becomes small, so the contact opportunity with the heat source decreases. As a result, the heat-fusible substance is not sufficiently melted, and the concentration of the aromatic component in the aerosol immediately after the end of the temperature increase process tends to decrease.

[0076] If the outer diameter of the heat-fusible substance is too small, it becomes difficult to form a sea-island structure in which the heat-fusible substance is dispersed in the aromatic base material 20 described later. As a result, since each of the heat-fusible substances exists in the aromatic base material 20 as an aggregated lump, a region where the melting rate due to contact with the heat source decreases is formed, and the concentration of the aromatic component in the aerosol immediately after the end of the temperature increase process tends to decrease. The heat-fusible substance is preferably contained in the aromatic base material 20 in an amount of 2 to 20% by mass, preferably 3 to 15% by mass, and more preferably 5 to 15% by mass.

[0077] The blending amounts of the aroma source material, aerosol former, and heat-fusible substance are preferably 55 to 75% by mass, 20 to 40% by mass, and 2 to 15% by mass, respectively, in order to balance the volatilization amounts of the smoke component and the aromatic component, and more preferably 60 to 70% by mass, 25 to 35% by mass, and 3 to 10% by mass.

[0078] The thermally fusible substance is not particularly limited as long as it is "an organic compound that exhibits a melting point or softening point when heated and becomes a non-Newtonian fluid". Generally, organic compounds commonly referred to as waxes and waxes are preferred as the thermally fusible substance, and petroleum-based natural waxes, synthetic waxes, plant-based natural waxes, and animal-based natural waxes, which are representative of waxes and waxes, can be used. In addition, various tackifiers (adhesion promoters) to which rosin, which is also used as a wax and wax, belongs can be used. These can be used alone or as a mixture containing at least one or more selected from among them.

[0079] As the thermally fusible substance, plant-based natural waxes and animal-based natural waxes are preferably used from the viewpoints of having a preferable melting point and imparting flavor. As the plant-based natural wax, for example, bayberry wax, urushi wax, carnauba wax, sugarcane wax, palm wax, candelilla wax, etc. can be used. Also, as the animal-based natural wax, beeswax, spermaceti wax, ivot wax, wool wax, shellac, etc. can be used. These are easy to obtain those having a melting point within the range of 50 to 100°C as defined in the present invention, and also have a preferable flavor per se, so the aroma of the aerosol can be enhanced. Among these natural waxes, carnauba wax, beeswax, petrolatum, and paraffin wax are particularly preferable, and beeswax having a melting point of 62 to 65°C and rich in aromatic components is most preferable.

[0080] Plant-based natural waxes and animal-based natural waxes mainly consist of esters of fatty acids and aliphatic alcohols. Plant-based natural waxes and animal-based natural waxes are mixtures of esters of fatty acids and aliphatic alcohols having various carbon numbers, and also contain free fatty acids, free aliphatic alcohols, hydrocarbons, etc. Therefore, plant-based natural waxes and animal-based natural waxes are characterized by a wide molecular weight distribution, a wide melting point temperature range, and high viscosity during melting.

[0081] Since petroleum-based natural waxes are hydrocarbon compounds, they have the advantage of having little interaction with aromatic components and aerosol formers and being unlikely to have an adverse effect on flavor. As petroleum-based natural waxes, for example, petrolatum, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, etc. can be preferably used.

[0082] These petroleum-based natural waxes have differences in the temperature range of the melting point based on their molecular structures. Petrolatum is a mixture of branched hydrocarbons and alicyclic hydrocarbons, and the temperature range of the melting point is as wide as 36 - 60°C. Paraffin wax is mainly composed of linear hydrocarbons, has high crystallinity, and most show a melting point of 40 - 70°C, and the temperature range of the melting point is narrow.

[0083] Microcrystalline wax is a mixture of branched hydrocarbons and saturated cyclic hydrocarbons, has low crystallinity but high molecular weight, shows the highest melting point of 60 - 90°C among these, and the temperature range of the melting point is also wide next to petrolatum.

[0084] All of these petroleum-based natural waxes are hydrocarbon compounds extracted from crude oil. Paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax have low melt viscosity and surface energy during heat melting, and also have little interaction with aromatic components and aerosol formers.

[0085] Examples of such paraffin waxes include Paraffin Wax - 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155 which are standard products manufactured by Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd., and any of them can be preferably used. Also, special paraffin waxes, for example, HNP series products which are high-purity refined paraffin waxes, SP series products for specific uses, and EMW series products mainly composed of isoparaffin manufactured by a special production method, which are special products of Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd. are also preferably used. Also, for microcrystalline wax, any of the Hi-Mic series manufactured by Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd. can be 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 alkylamine, etc. can be preferably used.

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

[0088] Also, PE wax, modified PE wax, PP wax, and modified PP wax are also hydrocarbon compounds and can be preferably used. Specifically, "Hi-Wax (registered trademark)" manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., "Sun Wax", "Biscor" manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd., "CERAFAK (registered trademark) 929, 950, 913, 914, 915" manufactured by BYK, etc. can be preferably used.

[0089] In particular, metallocene catalyst polyolefin wax preferably has a narrow molecular weight distribution. For example, "Excelex (registered trademark)" manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., which is a metallocene catalyst PE wax, has a narrow molecular weight distribution and composition distribution, has a melting point of 89 - 128°C, and has a low melt viscosity during heat melting, and is very excellent as such polyolefin-based wax.

[0090] Also, as heat-melting substances, in addition to the above, fatty acid amide, fatty acid, aliphatic alcohol, etc. can also be used. As fatty acid amide, monoamide and bisamide are suitable. As monoamide, stearic acid monoamide, oleic acid monoamide, and erucic acid monoamide, which have a melting point of about 72 - 105°C, are preferable.

[0091] For example, as the monoamide, Alflo (registered trademark) S-10, E-10, and P-10 manufactured by NOF Corporation can be used. As the bisamide, “Alflo (registered trademark) H series” and “AD series” manufactured by NOF Corporation, and “Kao Wax EB series” manufactured by Kao Corporation can be used.

[0092] As the fatty acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, and melissic acid have a melting point of about 30 to 94°C and are preferably used. For example, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and behenic acid are more preferable because they are industrially manufactured 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, serinol, 1-heptacosanol, montanyl alcohol, 1-nonacosanol, and myristyl alcohol have a melting point of about 23 to 87°C and are preferably used. For example, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetostearyl alcohol are more preferable because they are industrially manufactured by NOF Corporation and the like.

[0094] Such higher fatty acids and higher aliphatic alcohols each have a carboxyl group and a hydroxyl group bonded to the terminal of a straight-chain hydrocarbon, and have no molecular weight distribution or an extremely narrow molecular weight distribution. Therefore, similar to paraffin wax, the melt viscosity during heat melting is low and the width of the temperature range of the melting point is also narrow, so the effect of promoting the deformation and flow during heating of the aromatic base material 20 is large.

[0095] As the polyoxyalkylene glycol, those having an average molecular weight of polyethylene glycol of 600 to 11,000 are preferred because they have a low melting point and a low melt viscosity during heat melting. Also, a polyethylene glycol - polypropylene glycol block polymer in which the polyethylene glycol unit is 40 to 80 wt% and the average molecular weight is 3,000 to 13,000 is preferred. The polyoxyalkylene glycol that satisfies this requirement is also used as a nonionic surfactant, but it has a narrow molecular weight distribution and a narrow temperature range of the melting point, so it has excellent fluidity during heat melting.

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

[0097] As the polyoxyethylene alkylamine, polyoxyethylene - stearylamine and Nimine (registered trademark) S202 manufactured by NOF Corporation are preferably used. These are also used as nonionic surfactants, but they have a linear hydrocarbon unit with 18 carbon atoms, a narrow molecular weight distribution, and a narrow temperature range of the melting point, so they have excellent fluidity during heat melting.

[0098] As the tackifier, for example, rosin, rosin derivatives, terpene resins, and modified terpene resins can be used. Specifically, as the rosin and rosin derivatives, gum rosin, rosin ester (Pensel), maleic acid - modified rosin resin, and rosin - modified phenol resin (Tamanol) manufactured by Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd. can be used. Rosin and rosin derivatives have little interaction with aromatic components and aerosol formers and have high heat fluidity.

[0099] In addition, terpene resins and modified terpene resins can be used, for example, terpene monomer homopolymer resins (YS Resin PX and YS Resin PXN), aromatic modified terpene resins (YS Resin TO), and terpene phenol resins (YS Polyster series) manufactured by Yasuhara Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0100] (Fragrance) The fragrance can be added together with an aerosol former or the like, but it is more preferably premixed with the heat-melting substance. As the fragrance, at least one or more selected from coolants and nicotine can be used.

[0101] As the coolant, for example, menthol, menthol derivatives, menthone, menthone derivatives, menthane carboxylic acid amides, 2,3-dimethyl-2-(2-propyl)-butyric acid derivatives, menthane, menthane derivatives, L-carboxylic acid, xylitol, eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint oil, spearmint essential oil, spirantol, etc. can be used.

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

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

[0104] As the cellulose fiber, for example, cellulose fibers such as sugarcane, bamboo, wheat, rice, esparto, jute, hemp, and wood 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 having a fiber diameter and fiber length within such ranges, it is possible to enhance the effect of binding the components of the fragrance base material 20.

[0105] Also, the microcrystalline cellulose preferably has an average particle diameter of 70 to 120 μm. When the average particle diameter 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 prevent the adhesion between the fragrance base material 20 and the molding processing machine. When the average particle diameter of the microcrystalline cellulose exceeds 120 μm, the fragrance base material 20 tends to break easily. Incidentally, the average particle diameter of the microcrystalline cellulose can be measured by a laser diffraction type particle size distribution measuring device. The average particle diameter in the present invention means the median diameter.

[0106] Also, the mass average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose is preferably 20,000 to 60,000. When the mass average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose is less than 20,000, the effect of suppressing the shrinkage of the fragrance base material 20 tends to be poor. When the mass average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose exceeds 60,000, the fragrance base material 20 tends to break easily.

[0107] The molding agent is preferably contained in an amount of 2 to 25% by mass, more preferably 3 to 20% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the total amount of the fragrance source material, the aerosol former, and the heat-melting substance. By containing the molding agent in the fragrance base material 20 in such a manner, the above functions can be achieved, and it is possible to prevent the molding agent from being harmful to the generation of volatile substances of the fragrance source material and the aerosol former.

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

[0109] As the polysaccharide-based polymer, for example, konjac mannan (glucomannan), guar gum, pectin, carrageenan, tamarind seed gum, gum arabic, soy polysaccharide, locust bean gum, karaya gum, xanthan gum, agar, etc. can be used. From the viewpoints of strength and the above-mentioned moldability, glucomannan, guar gum, pectin, carrageenan, tamarind seed gum, locust bean gum, karaya gum, and xanthan gum are preferable as the polysaccharide-based polymer, and glucomannan, guar gum, tamarind seed gum, and locust bean gum, which are neutral polysaccharides, are more preferable.

[0110] As the cellulose-based polymer, for example, 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. can be used. From the viewpoints of the strength and moldability of the aromatic base material 20, the sodium salt of CMC, the potassium salt of CMC, the sodium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose, and the potassium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose are preferable as the cellulose-based polymer.

[0111] As the binder, it is preferable to use a polysaccharide-based polymer and a cellulose-based polymer in combination. In this case, as the polysaccharide-based polymer, it is preferable to use glucomannan, guar gum, tamarind seed gum, or locust bean gum. Further, as the cellulose-based polymer, it is preferable to use the sodium salt of CMC, the potassium salt of CMC, the sodium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose, or the potassium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose. By using the polysaccharide-based polymer and the cellulose-based polymer in combination in this way, the strength and moldability of the aromatic base material 20 can be improved.

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

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

[0114] (Absorbent) When the fragrance is not contained in the heat-melting substance, it is advisable to use an absorbent in order to prevent the fragrance from volatilizing before the temperature of the aromatic base material 20 reaches the optimum temperature at which the aerosol former and the aroma source material volatilize. As described above, the absorbent can retain the fragrance in the heated aroma-generating material 20.

[0115] As the absorbent, various ones can be used according to the mode of retaining a compound such as a fragrance in the aroma-generating base material 20. For example, an absorbent that retains the compound in the aroma-generating base material 20 by encapsulating the compound can be used, and as such an absorbent, cyclodextrin can be used.

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

[0117] When using cyclodextrin as the sorbent, it is preferably contained in an amount of 0.1 to 1.2% by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 1.0% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the total amount of the aroma source material, aerosol former, and heat-fusible substance.

[0118] Also, a sorbent that adsorbs the compound and retains it 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 crosslinked polymer such as crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPP: Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone) that can adsorb phenolic hydroxyl groups can be used.

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

[0120] When using crosslinked PVP as the sorbent, it is preferably contained in an amount of 4 to 25% by mass, more preferably 5 to 20% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the total amount of the aroma source material, aerosol former, and heat-fusible substance. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the sorbent contains both PVPP and cyclodextrin.

[0121] (Preservative) To store the heated aroma generating cartridge for a long time, a preservative may be used. As the preservative, for example, potassium sorbate and / or sodium benzoate can be used. The preservative is preferably contained in an amount of 0.005 to 0.04% by mass based on the total amount of 100% by mass of the aroma source material, aerosol former, and heat-melting substance.

[0122] Next, a method for manufacturing the fragrance base material 20 will be described. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the manufacturing process of the fragrance base material 20. As shown in FIG. 4, a mixing step is performed in which a raw material (A) containing a fragrance material, which is a pulverized and dried product of a plant constituting the fragrance, a flavor material, which is a pulverized and dried product of a plant constituting the flavor, etc., and a raw material (B) containing an aroma material, which is a pulverized and dried product of a plant constituting the aroma, etc., are mixed. The mixing step is performed at a temperature below the melting point of the heat-melting substance. The mixing step can be performed, for example, using a known mixer.

[0123] The raw material (A) is obtained by mixing a raw material (A1) containing a fragrance material, which is a pulverized and dried product of a plant constituting the fragrance, a raw material (A2) containing a flavor material, which is a pulverized and dried product of a plant constituting the flavor, catechin, and a heat-melting substance, a raw material (A3) containing an aqueous alcohol solution of microcrystalline cellulose, an aqueous alcohol solution of a binder, and an aqueous alcohol solution of a sorbent, and a raw material (A4) containing an aerosol former, a fragrance, and a molding agent, and aging them.

[0124] In addition, the mixing of the raw materials (A1) to (A4) is performed at a temperature below the melting point of the heat-melting substance. Also, this mixing step can be performed, for example, using a known mixer.

[0125] The raw material (A1) is obtained by pulverizing the fragrance material after sterilization.

[0126] The raw material (A2) is obtained by pulverizing a mixture of a flavoring material, catechin, and a heat-melting substance after sterilization. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, after sterilizing the flavoring material, it is pulverized to a predetermined size. Also, after heating and mixing the powdery heat-melting substance and catechin above the melting point of the heat-melting substance and then cooling, it is pulverized to a predetermined size. It is preferable to compress and shear-mix the pulverized material and the powdery flavoring material, cool it, and then pulverize it to prepare the raw material (A2).

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

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

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

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

[0131] The raw material (B1) is obtained by pulverizing the aroma material after sterilization. The raw material (B2) is obtained by dissolving the preservative in pure water.

[0132] By performing the mixing step of mixing the raw material (A) and the raw material (B) in this way, it is possible to form a sea-island structure in which the powder of the thermally melted substance in which the aroma source material is mixed is dispersed in the aroma base material 20.

[0133] Next, the mixture obtained in the mixing step is subjected to compression and shear processing to form it into a sheet shape. In the compression and shear processing, for example, it can be performed using three rolls. By performing the compression and shear processing with three rolls, it is possible to form it into a sheet shape while incorporating air and evaporating water.

[0134] The sheet thus obtained has a porous structure containing air inside. As a result, it becomes possible to obtain the aroma base material 20 with a low density. Further, since the rolls of the three rolls have extremely flat surfaces, the surface of the sheet is formed flat.

[0135] That is, the aroma base material 20 has a porous structure containing air inside in the compression and shear processing, so it has a low density, and its surface is formed flat without unevenness.

[0136] The mixture formed into a sheet shape by the compression and shear processing is cut into a predetermined shape and size, and the cutting step is performed. The sheet-like mixture is processed into, for example, a strip 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 wrap these, and the ends of the cover 10 are fixed to manufacture the aroma cartridge 100.

[0138] In this way, by performing the mixing step, the compression and shear step, and the cutting step below the melting point of the thermally melted substance, it is possible to prevent the thermally melted substance from spreading throughout the aroma base material 20 due to melting, and to maintain the sea-island structure of the thermally melted substance in the aroma base material 20.

[0139] When a sea-island structure in which a powder of a heat-melting substance mixed with an aroma source material is dispersed is formed in the aromatic base material 20, the heat-melting substance is dispersed and arranged in an island shape in the aromatic base material 20.

[0140] The heat-melting substance is more likely to flow when melted and more likely to contain the aromatic components generated from the aroma source material when it is dispersed and arranged in an island shape in the aromatic base material 20 than when it is impregnated in the aroma source material. In addition, the flowing heat-melting substance can come into contact with the aerosol former, making it easier for the aromatic components to volatilize as an aerosol together with the aerosol former.

[0141] As a result, it is possible to efficiently volatilize the aromatic components of the aroma source material. Therefore, when the user inhales the aerosol emitted from the aromatic cartridge 100 immediately after the end of the temperature rise process of the heated smoking device, the user can enjoy the aroma more fully.

[0142] Incidentally, catechin may be added to the raw material (B). FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the manufacturing process of the aromatic base material 20. As shown in FIG. 6, when adding catechin to the raw material (B), for example, it may be added to the raw material (B1). In this case, it is advisable to create the raw material (B1) by replacing the flavor material with the aroma material, i.e., the mode shown in FIG. 6.

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

Example

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

[0145] (Sample preparation: Example 1) 100 of the aromatic cartridges of Example 1 were prepared with the formulations shown in Table 1. Specifically, the formulations of the aroma source material (aroma material, fragrance material, and flavor material), catechin, aerosol former, and heat-melting substance were used as the basic formulation. In Example 1, the basic formulation was 65% by mass of the aroma source material and catechin, 25% by mass of the aerosol former, and 10% by mass of the heat-melting substance.

[0146] To 100 parts by mass of the basic formulation, 15 parts by mass of the fragrance, 23 parts by mass of the binder, 21 parts by mass of the adsorbent, 0.005 parts by mass of the preservative, and 20 parts by mass of pure water were added to prepare 100 of the aromatic cartridges of Example 1. Note that pure water is added for molding processing, but is removed from the aromatic base material by drying after molding processing.

[0147]

Table 1

[0148] As the aroma source material, konnyaku powder was used as the aroma material of raw material (B1), black tea and moxa flowers were used as the fragrance materials of raw material (A1), and amacha tsuru was used as the flavor material of raw material (A3).

[0149] As the aerosol former of raw material (A4), glycerin and propylene glycol were used. As the heat-melting substance of raw material (A2), beeswax was used. As the fragrance as raw material (A4), peppermint oil and menthol were used. As the binder of raw material (A3), sodium CMC and sugarcane fiber were used. As the adsorbent of raw material (A3), crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and β-cyclodextrin were used. Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate were used as preservatives for the raw material (B2).

[0150] The raw materials (A1) and (A2) were prepared in the manner shown in Fig. 6. Specifically, for the raw material (A1), the fragrance material was obtained by pulverizing it into powder after sterilization. The raw material (A2) was prepared by roughly mixing the flavor material, catechin, and the heat-melting substance in a Henschel mixer, followed by compression and shearing for mixing, cooling to 0°C or lower, and then pulverizing. Also, for the raw materials (A1) and (A2), those sorted to have an average particle size of about 250 μm by an 80-mesh sieve were used.

[0151] Also, in the manner shown in Fig. 6, the fragrance cartridge 100 was manufactured using the raw materials (A) and (B). Specifically, a mixing step of mixing the raw materials (A) and (B) with a kneader was performed.

[0152] Next, a compression and shearing step of forming the mixture into a sheet shape using three rolls was performed. In the compression and shearing step, it was formed into a sheet shape so that the thickness would be 0.28 ± 0.02 mm. The compression and shearing step was performed below the melting point of the beeswax. Thereafter, a cutting step of cutting the sheet was performed. In the cutting step, the sheet was cut so that the width would be 1.5 ± 0.1 mm and the length would be about 240 mm.

[0153] The thus-obtained fragrance base material was wound with paper so as to have a predetermined filling rate. Next, the wound fragrance base material was cut to a length of 11.5 - 12.0 mm and then dried, thereby manufacturing the fragrance cartridge 100.

[0154] (Preparation of Example 2) The fragrance cartridge 100 of Example 2 was prepared with the formulation shown in Table 2. Example 2 is different from Example 1 in that coffee powder is used as the fragrance instead of menthol and peppermint oil for the raw material (A4). Since the others are the same as in Example 1, the description of the raw materials and manufacturing method is omitted.

[0155]

Table 2

[0156] (Preparation of Example 3) The aromatic cartridge 100 of Comparative Example 1 was prepared with the formulation shown in Table 3. Example 3 is different from Examples 1 and 2 in that polyvinylpyrrolidone is used instead of the crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone of raw material (A3). Since the others are the same as in Example 1, the description of the raw materials and manufacturing method is omitted.

[0157]

Table 3

[0158] (Preparation of Comparative Example 1) The aromatic cartridge 100 of Comparative Example 1 was prepared with the formulation shown in Table 4. Comparative Example 1 is different from Examples 1 to 3 in that it does not contain catechin as raw material (A2). Since the others are the same as in Examples 1 to 3, the description of the raw materials and manufacturing method is omitted.

[0159]

Table 4

[0160] (Preparation of Comparative Example 2) The aromatic cartridge 100 of Comparative Example 2 was prepared with the formulation shown in Table 5. Comparative Example 2 is different from Examples 1 to 3 in that it does not contain crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone as raw material (A3). Since the others are the same as in Examples 1 to 3, the description of the raw materials and manufacturing method is omitted.

[0161]

Table 5

[0162] (Functional Test) Ten panelists evaluated the flavor of the aerosol of the aromatic cartridges 100 of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 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 and a reduced off-flavor in the mainstream smoke than the aroma cartridges 100 of Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0164] Eight out of ten panelists evaluated that the aroma cartridge 100 of Example 2 had a stronger coffee scent and a reduced off-flavor in the mainstream smoke than the aroma cartridges 100 of Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The taste was reduced.

[0165] Eight out of ten panelists evaluated that the aroma cartridge 100 of Example 3 had a stronger coffee scent and a reduced off-flavor in the mainstream smoke than the aroma cartridges 100 of Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0166] 100 Aroma cartridge 10 Cover 20 Aroma substrate 30 Filter

Claims

1. An aromatic base material that generates an aerosol containing an aromatic component when heated, characterized in that it contains 0.1 mg to 135 mg of catechin.

2. An aromatic base material that generates an aerosol containing an aromatic component when heated, characterized in that it contains a powder containing at least 20% by mass or more of catechin.

3. The aromatic base material according to any one of Claims 1 or 2, containing a powder containing at least theanine and caffeine.

4. The aromatic base material according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, containing menthol as the aromatic component.

5. The aromatic base material according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, containing a component extracted from coffee beans as the aromatic component.

6. The aromatic base material according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, containing a pulverized and dried product of a non-tobacco plant as a pulverized and dried product of a plant.

7. The aromatic base material according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, containing a heat-melting substance.

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