Smoking cartridge

Abstract

By adding a new composition to conventional smoking cartridge products as an alternative to cigarettes, we are providing smoking cartridge products that offer a wider range of preferences and longer-lasting flavors by adding further aromas and complex flavors to the aerosol. [Solution] A smoking cartridge that is inserted into a smoking device and heated during smoking, having a filter member on the mouth side and an aerosol generating member on the other end that generates an aerosol when heated, and having one or more capsules between the end of the filter member that is not on the mouth side and the end of the aerosol generating member that is inserted into the smoking device, wherein the capsule is configured such that the shell layer melts due to heat and the flavor components sealed inside the shell layer are released to the outside, or the shell layer is damaged and the flavor components sealed inside the shell layer are released to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a smoking cartridge that sucks aerosol (gas) generated by heating. Specifically, at a specific position within the cartridge, within the shell layer, one or more capsules in which flavoring materials such as flavor components and tea leaf components that serve as taste components are encapsulated are arranged, enabling the design of a smoking cartridge product with higher palatability and matching various moods, which was not possible with conventional products.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the recent trend towards health consciousness, the development and use of heated tobacco products have been progressing as a means of providing the pleasure of smoking in place of conventional rolled cigarettes. Heated tobacco products do not suck the smoke emitted when the tobacco leaves are set on fire and burned like conventional rolled cigarettes, but instead, heat is applied to an aerosol generation member containing tobacco leaves, non-tobacco plants, etc. by a heating element in a dedicated heated smoking device, and the generated aerosol (gas) is sucked. In this specification, a dedicated heating device having a heating element provided inside is called a heated smoking device, and a smoking cartridge that generates gas by heating and is inserted and used inside the heated smoking device is called a "smoking cartridge". The smoking cartridge is an essential consumable for the heated smoking device. Note that, unlike rolled cigarettes, the smoking cartridge sucks the aerosol generated by heating, but in this specification, it is called "smoking".

[0003] As described above, heated tobacco products are smoking devices that differ completely from conventional cigarettes, and in recent years, various products that align with health consciousness have been developed. For example, various smoking cartridges have been proposed that produce aerosols that are both health-conscious and highly palatable, using aerosol generating components made from non-tobacco plants or heated aroma-generating substances (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). The materials that can be used to form the aerosol generating part of a smoking cartridge are virtually limitless, and the potential of smoking cartridges as a luxury item is increasing. Given the characteristics described above, it is no exaggeration to say that heated tobacco products are transcending their status as a substitute for conventional cigarettes and are becoming a tool that creates a new culture.

[0004] In conventional cigarettes, as described in Patent Document 3, a fragile capsule containing a deodorizer is placed in the filter portion of the cigarette to reduce the lingering cigarette odor in the room and ashtray after smoking. Furthermore, suggestions have been made to improve the method of placing the capsule in the filter, and to include granular additives of a different material in the filter in addition to the capsule to enhance the deodorizing function. These granular additives may also contain aromatic components such as menthol (see Patent Document 4). These technologies work by destroying the capsule in the filter when the cigarette is extinguished, releasing the deodorizer and other substances inside, thereby reducing the lingering cigarette odor (unpleasant smell) in the room and ashtray. Specifically, this requires crushing the outer surface of the filter where the capsule is located with a finger, or biting this area, to destroy the capsule.

[0005] On the other hand, unlike conventional cigarettes, which involve burning tobacco leaves and inhaling the resulting smoke, heated tobacco products inhale an aerosol (gas) generated by heat. Therefore, the problem of unpleasant odors remaining in rooms after smoking does not arise. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, in the case of heated tobacco products, the materials that can be used to form the aerosol generating section of the smoking cartridge are virtually limitless. For example, if a heated fragrance generating substance is used as a material, a fragrance can be imparted to the aerosol. From this perspective, the aforementioned method used in the filters of conventional cigarettes is also unnecessary. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6371928 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6705042 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-250665 [Patent Document 4] Special Publication No. 2011-510674 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In response to the above situation, the inventors, while developing heated tobacco products that have the potential to create a new culture beyond their role as a substitute for conventional cigarettes, have discovered the following: In addition to improving the forming material of the aerosol generation part that constitutes the smoking cartridge of heated tobacco products, they have come to realize that by making further improvements that are only possible through the structure and smoking mechanism unique to smoking cartridges, it is possible to design a variety of smoking cartridges that can produce new effects that cannot be obtained with conventional products.

[0008] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a variety of smoking cartridges that enable the realization of new effects by adding an unprecedented structure to conventional smoking cartridge products, which were previously considered as substitutes for cigarettes. Specifically, the objective of the present invention is to develop a variety of smoking cartridge products that, by adding an unprecedented structure, can realize new flavors, complex flavors, and aromas not found in conventional products when smoked, and also allow users to enjoy an unprecedented aroma emanating from the smoking cartridge product before smoking, etc., and that can accommodate diverse usage methods adapted to people's diverse preferences and various situations, and that can provide individuals with a sense of satisfaction that could not be experienced with conventional products. Furthermore, an objective of the present invention is to develop a smoking cartridge product that does not require crushing or chewing and that also takes into consideration the aesthetic appearance of the product in order to achieve the above objectives. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The above objectives are achieved by the smoking cartridge of the present invention having the following configuration. [1] A smoking cartridge which is inserted into a heated smoking device equipped with a heating element and heated for use during smoking, wherein at least one end facing the mouth during smoking has a filter member, and the other end has an aerosol generating member that generates an aerosol by heating, A smoking cartridge characterized in that, between the end of the filter member not facing the mouth and the end of the aerosol generating member into which the heating element is inserted, one or more capsules containing one or more liquid and / or powder components that constitute flavorings are placed within a shell layer, and the capsules are configured such that the shell layer melts due to the heat during heating and the components sealed within the shell layer are released to the outside, or the shell layer is damaged and the components sealed within the shell layer are released to the outside. The shell layer can be damaged, for example, by the heating element in a heated smoking device or by the mixed material described later.

[0010] The following configurations are examples of preferred forms of the smoking cartridge described above. [2] The smoking cartridge according to [1], further comprising an aerosol transfer member positioned between the end of the filter member and the filter member side end of the aerosol generating member, wherein the capsule is supported embedded in the aerosol generating member side end of the transfer member, or the capsule is supported by the transfer member in contact with the aerosol generating member side end. [3] The smoking cartridge according to [1], wherein a support member for supporting these members or a support member for supporting the capsule in a desired position is disposed between the end of the filter member and the end of the aerosol generating member on the filter member side, and the capsule is supported by the end face of either of these support members on the aerosol generating member side. [4] The smoking cartridge according to [2] or [3] above, wherein the capsule is granular with a major diameter of 2 mm to 5 mm.

[0011] [5] A smoking cartridge according to any one of [2] to [4] above, wherein two or more capsules are arranged, and these capsules are arranged in series with respect to the end face of the aerosol generating member on the filter member side. [6] A smoking cartridge according to any one of [2] to [4] above, wherein two or more capsules are arranged, and these capsules are arranged in parallel with the end face of the aerosol generating member on the filter member side. [7] The smoking cartridge according to [6], wherein, in addition to the two or more capsules arranged in parallel, granular thermal conductive members made of a thermal conductive material are further arranged in parallel with the capsules.

[0012] [8] A smoking cartridge according to any one of the above [1] to [4], further comprising a granular mixture that does not melt with the heat of heating for coexisting with the capsule, wherein the granular mixture is selected from at least one of the group consisting of ceramics, glass, stone, metal, synthetic resin and wood. [9] A smoking cartridge according to any one of [1] to [8] above, wherein the aerosol generating member has one or more granular capsules measuring 20 μm to 1 mm, each containing one or more liquid and / or powder components that constitute a flavor component, enclosed within a shell layer, and the capsule is configured such that the shell layer melts due to the heat during heating, releasing the components enclosed within the shell layer to the outside, which then adhere to or penetrate into the aerosol generating member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, by adding an unprecedented structure to the smoking cartridge, it becomes possible to realize a variety of products as listed below, and to provide a smoking cartridge that makes the act of smoking more refined. For example, when smoking, it is possible to realize new flavors, complex flavors and aromas not found in conventional products, and it is also possible to enjoy an unprecedented aroma emanating from the smoking cartridge product before smoking or at a desired time. It can accommodate a variety of usage methods that are adapted to people's diverse preferences and various situations, and it is possible to provide a product that can give individuals a sense of satisfaction that could not be fully experienced with conventional products. The smoking cartridge of the present invention has a structure that uses a capsule in which liquid components are sealed in a shell layer, but even if the capsule is placed in the filter member as in conventional cigarettes, it is not necessary to crush the outer surface of the smoking cartridge with your fingers or bite the part in which the capsule is placed in order to destroy the placed capsule when using it.Therefore, when smoking, the functionality of each component is not impaired, nor is the aesthetic appearance of the cartridge impaired. Furthermore, the present invention has a configuration that allows for the post-addition of flavor components from a capsule to the aerosol generating member constituting the smoking cartridge at the time of smoking or at the appropriate time when heating generates an aerosol. Moreover, by devising the arrangement of the capsules, it is also possible to configure the system so that desired components sealed in the capsules can be added to the aerosol generating member at an appropriate timing. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to enjoy new flavors and aromas that match preferences, complex flavors and aromas, and their changes, which are never possible with the conventional configuration of placing capsules in the filter member used in conventional cigarettes. Furthermore, it is possible to add supplementary components to the aerosol from the aerosol generating member midway through, so the smoking experience can be enjoyed for a longer period. In this way, according to the present invention, it is possible to freely design a new smoking cartridge that enables diverse flavors and smoking that can be enjoyed for a longer period. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1](a) and (b) are schematic exploded views illustrating an example of the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention, in which the capsule 1 is supported embedded in the end face of the aerosol transfer member (cooling member) 2 on the aerosol generating member 4 side. [Figure 2] Figure 1(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating various configurations of the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention, in which capsule 1 is disposed between a filter member 3 and an aerosol generating member 4. (a) is an example of a configuration in which capsule 1 is disposed in the space between the filter member 3 and the aerosol generating member 4. (b) is an example in which capsules 1 and 1' are disposed between the end face of an aerosol transfer member 2 disposed between the filter member 3 and the aerosol generating member 4 and the end face of an aerosol generating member 4. (c) is an example in which capsule 1 is supported in an embedded state at the end of an aerosol transfer member 2 disposed between the filter member 3 and the aerosol generating member 4, similar to Figure 1(a), and (c') is a schematic cross-sectional view of A-A'. (d) is an example in which capsule 1 is supported at the end of a rod-shaped support member 6 disposed between the filter member 3 and the aerosol generating member 4. (e) is an example in which the capsule 1 is supported by a support member placed between the filter member 3 and the aerosol generating member 4, and (e') is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A'. [Figure 3] (a) is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention, in which two capsules 1 and 1' are supported and embedded in series with respect to the end face of the aerosol transfer member (cooling member) 2 on the aerosol generating member 4 side. (b) and (c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the usage state when using the cartridge 10 of (a). [Figure 4] (a) is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention, in which four capsules 1 and granular heat conductive members 11 are arranged in parallel with the end face of the aerosol transfer member (cooling member) 2 on the aerosol generating member 4 side. (a') is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cartridge 10 of (a) along line A-A'. [Figure 5](a) is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention, in which the capsule 1 and two granular mixed materials 8 are arranged in the space between the filter member 3 and the aerosol generating member 4. (b) and (c) are schematic diagrams for explaining the usage state when the cartridge 10 of (a) is used. [Figure 6] (a) is a schematic exploded view for explaining an example of the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention, in which the capsule 1'' is further arranged in the aerosol generating member 4 in the configuration of the cartridge shown in Fig. 1(a). (b), (c) and (d) are schematic diagrams for explaining the usage state when the cartridge 10 of (a) is used. [Figure 7] (a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the state in which the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention is inserted into the heating type smoking device 20 which is the main body. (b) and (c) are schematic diagrams for explaining the state of the capsule 1 of the type that melts by heat, which is arranged on the end face on the aerosol generating member 4 side of the aerosol transfer member (cooling member) 2 of the cartridge 10 and the blade 9 of the heating element in the heating type smoking device 20 when the cartridge 10 is inserted into the heating type smoking device 20 and heated to the state shown in (a). [Figure 8] (a) is a schematic perspective view for explaining the state in which the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention is inserted into the heating type smoking device 20 which is the main body. (b) and (c) are schematic diagrams for explaining an example of a usage method in which, after inserting the cartridge 10 into the heating type smoking device 20 and bringing it to the state shown in (a), the fragrance generated by the components etc. enclosed inside the capsule is enjoyed before smoking or at an appropriate time using the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the smoking cartridge of the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0016] The smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention is used by being inserted into a heated smoking device equipped with a heating element and heated during smoking. As shown in Figure 1, at least one end of the cartridge is fitted with a filter member 3, which is the end that faces the mouth when smoking, and the other end is fitted with an aerosol generating member 4, which generates an aerosol when heated. The first feature of the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention is that, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 6, one or more capsules 1 containing one or more liquid and / or powder components that constitute the flavor are fitted between the end of the filter member 3 that does not face the mouth and the end of the aerosol generating member 4 into which the heating element is inserted. Furthermore, the second feature is that it has the following configuration. The capsule 1 constituting the present invention must be configured such that the shell layer of the capsule melts due to the heat generated by the heating element constituting the heated smoking device, releasing the components sealed within the shell layer to the outside, or that the shell layer of the capsule is damaged by the heating element, releasing the components sealed within the shell layer to the outside. Furthermore, in the case of the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention, which is composed of multiple capsules 1, each capsule may have the same configuration or may have different configurations.

[0017] The components enclosed within the shell layer of the capsule constituting the present invention may be liquid and / or powder components, as long as they are released to the outside to become flavor components. By using capsules, the present invention enables diverse designs that allow users to enjoy new flavors and aromas, complex flavors and aromas, and even changes in these flavors, by releasing the components enclosed within the shell layer to the outside during smoking, thereby influencing the aerosols generated from the aerosol generating member. For this reason, the components enclosed within the shell layer may be selected as appropriate, either independently or in conjunction with the aerosol generating member, and are not particularly limited. Specific examples of components enclosed within the shell layer include fragrance components, tea leaf components, and flavor components. However, the invention is not limited to these components, and various materials can be used according to the purpose of the smoking cartridge product. For example, preferred components include CBD (cannabinoid component), which is tasteless and odorless but is expected to have a relaxing effect, catechins, which are expected to have health benefits, and glycerin, which is also used as a food additive. For example, since glycerin is also a water-retaining component, it can be used effectively because it can supplement or increase the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating component.

[0018] Conventionally, in the technology of cigarette manufacturing, there have been proposals for flavor enhancers to address the characteristic irritation, off-odor, and unpleasant taste produced when tobacco leaves are burned, or to improve the flavor of inferior tobacco leaves (see Japanese Patent Publication No. 3029689, Japanese Patent Publication No. 3480883, etc.). Furthermore, there have been proposals for methods to enhance the flavor-enhancing components of cigarette products (see Japanese Patent Publication No. 5771697, etc.). Examples of flavor-enhancing components include naturally derived sugars and liquid extracts extracted or concentrated from plant materials. Specifically, examples of naturally derived sugars include polysaccharides such as honey and starch, and examples of liquid extracts extracted or concentrated from plant materials include seed-based extracts such as carob extract, coffee extract, cocoa extract, fenugreek extract, and malt extract, or leaf-based extracts such as tea leaf extract, chamomile extract, and rosemary extract. If the purpose of the smoking cartridge provided by the present invention can be achieved, the components listed above can also be used as components to be enclosed within the shell layer of the capsule constituting the present invention.

[0019] As mentioned earlier, unlike conventional cigarettes that inhale smoke produced by burning tobacco leaves, the smoking cartridge of the present invention inhales an aerosol generated from a heated aerosol generating member, and therefore, even if the same additive components are used, the same taste (flavor) will not be achieved. Furthermore, as will be described later, in the present invention, by appropriately adjusting the arrangement of capsules and the number of capsules, even if the same additive components are used, the same taste (flavor) is not guaranteed. For example, by placing the components within the aerosol generating member, it is possible to freely design the system to add the desired components simultaneously with the generation of the aerosol, or to add the desired components at the desired timing after the generation of the aerosol, resulting in a variety of tastes (flavors). Also, as has been done conventionally with conventional cigarettes, if the additive components are not encapsulated in the material constituting the aerosol generating member, the components may spontaneously vaporize, making it impossible to obtain the original flavor during smoking. The smoking cartridge of the present invention can suppress such problems.

[0020] First, the first feature of the smoking cartridge of the present invention, as described above, will be explained. As described above, the smoking cartridge of the present invention is characterized in that one or more capsules 1 are arranged between the end of the filter member 3 that is not on the mouth side and the end of the aerosol generating member 4 that is on the side into which the heating element is inserted. In other words, arranging capsules inside the aerosol generating member 4 is also a preferred embodiment of the present invention. According to the inventors' research, by doing so, by appropriately selecting the material of the shell layer constituting the capsule and the flavor components enclosed in the shell layer, it becomes possible to use highly volatile flavor components that are prone to natural disappearance as forming materials for the aerosol generating member. As a result, it becomes possible to generate an aerosol from the aerosol forming member by a heating element such as a heating blade, and at the same time, allow the flavor components enclosed in the capsule to coexist with the generated aerosol (see Figure 6). In this case, since the capsules used are mixed with or sandwiched in the aerosol forming member, it is desirable to use capsules that are smaller in size than the capsules used in the various arrangements described below. Specifically, granular capsules of about 20 μm to 1 mm are desirable.

[0021] The smoking cartridge of the present invention includes an embodiment in which capsules are placed within the aerosol-forming member described above, but the effects of the present invention can also be obtained by arranging capsules in various configurations as described below, without placing capsules within the aerosol-forming member. Of course, as shown in Figure 6, in addition to arranging capsules as described below, it is also a preferred embodiment to place capsules within the aerosol-forming member.

[0022] The following describes examples in which the capsule 1, which constitutes the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention, is arranged in a desired state other than within the aerosol forming member. First, as shown in Figure 2(a), the capsule 1 can be placed in the space formed between the filter member 3 and the aerosol generating member 4 by the paper sheet 5 that constitutes the outer surface of the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention. In this configuration, the space formed between the filter member 3 and the aerosol generating member 4 may be formed by a cylindrical member (dashed line portion in Figure 2(a)) provided inside the paper sheet 5. With this configuration, the smoking cartridge is designed to have better strength in the space.

[0023] The smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention may have a configuration in which an aerosol transfer member 2 is positioned between a filter member 3 and an aerosol generating member 4, as shown in Figures 1 and 2(b) or 2(c). As described below, this configuration allows the capsule 1 to be stably positioned in a desired state. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2(b), if the capsule 1 is positioned in the space formed between the end face of the aerosol generating member 4 and the end face of the aerosol transfer member 2 on the end face side, one or more capsules can be supported (held) in a good state.

[0024] Furthermore, the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention may be configured such that the capsule 1 is embedded and supported on the end face of the aerosol transfer member 2 on the aerosol generating member 4 side, as shown in Figure 2(c). The aerosol transfer member 2 required for the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention configured as described above only needs to be capable of transferring the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating member 4 to the filter member 3 in good condition when heated, and its material and shape are not particularly limited. For example, a structure and material described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-88195, etc., can be suitably used.

[0025] If the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention is configured such that the aerosol transfer member 2 described above is used to support or carry the capsule 1, the following points must be considered. When the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating member 4 is smoked through the filter member 3, care must be taken to ensure that good smoking conditions are not impaired by supporting or carrying the capsule 1 on the aerosol transfer member 2. Specifically, for example, it is necessary to ensure that the through holes provided in the aerosol transfer member 2 do not become clogged when the capsule is placed therein. According to the inventor's research, this can be addressed by modifying the configuration of the capsule 1 to be supported or carried as follows. The shell layer of the capsule 1 can be made of, for example, gelatin, which can be easily melted by the heat generated by the heating element constituting the heated smoking device, and the components sealed within the shell layer can be released to the outside. The easily meltable shell layer of capsule 1 melts rapidly upon heating and quickly moves toward the aerosol generating member 4 along with the components enclosed within capsule 1. There, it adheres to the surface of the forming material of the aerosol generating member 4 or is absorbed or penetrates into the material. The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating member 4 upon heating then releases flavoring components and other substances that were enclosed within the capsule, influencing the aerosol to produce a more complex and flavorful aerosol.

[0026] In the present invention, the smoking cartridge 10 may also be configured to include a support member between the filter member 3 and the aerosol generating member 4, as shown in Figures 2(d) and 2(e), in order to support these members. For example, a rod-shaped support member 6 may be placed as shown in Figure 2(d), or a support member 7 of a desired shape may be placed to support the capsule 1 at a desired position, as shown in Figure 2(e), and the capsule 1 may be supported by the end faces of these support members on the aerosol generating member 4 side. The shape of the support member 7 is not particularly limited, as long as it can support the capsule 1 at a desired position within the cartridge and has the function of smoothly transferring the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating member 4 by heating through the filter to the mouth of the smoker. For example, a cross-shaped member consisting of a rib supported by the inner wall of the cartridge may be used, as shown in Figure 2(e').

[0027] In the above configuration, more preferably, the capsule 1 is positioned in contact with the end face of the aerosol generating member 4. In this way, as shown in Figure 7, when the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention is inserted into the heated smoking device 20 and the aerosol generating member 4 of the smoking cartridge 10 is heated by a heating element 9 such as a blade inside the heated smoking device, the heat can be quickly transferred to the capsule 1. As described above, the support members 6 and 7 only need to be able to achieve the above-described intended purpose, and their shape and material are not particularly limited. For example, by appropriately using the material used to form the aerosol transfer member 2 described above, support members 6 and 7 suitable for the purpose can be easily obtained. Here, the heated smoking device to which the smoking cartridge of the present invention is applied only needs to have a heating element inside, and the heating method is not particularly limited. In this specification, the blade method has been given as a representative example of the heating element, but heating may also be done by a pin method or an electromagnetic induction method.

[0028] Figure 3 schematically shows an example of a smoking cartridge of the present invention, in which an aerosol transfer member 2 is positioned between a filter member 3 and an aerosol generating member 4, and two capsules 1 and 1' are embedded in series on the end face of the aerosol transfer member 2 on the aerosol generating member 4 side. This configuration provides the following effects. That is, when the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention with the above configuration is inserted into a heated smoking device, and the aerosol generating member 4 is heated by a heating element 9 such as a blade in the heated smoking device, as shown in Figure 3(b), capsule 1' on the side closer to the heating element 9 is affected by the heating first. When heated further, as shown in Figure 3(c), capsule 1 on the side further from the heating element 9 is affected by the heating. The shell layers of the two capsules 1 and 1' embedded in series may be the same or different. By arranging the capsules in series, even if the same material that easily melts with heat is used for the shell layers, it is possible to design the capsules 1 and 1' to melt with a time difference. Of course, the liquid or powdered components that constitute the flavorings enclosed within the shell layers of capsules 1 and 1' may be the same or of different types.

[0029] In addition to the above, by using materials with different melting temperatures for the shell layers of capsule 1 and capsule 1', it becomes possible to design the above time difference range to be more effective. By making the thickness of each shell layer constituting multiple capsules thinner or thicker, it is also possible to create a difference in the melting time of each shell layer. Furthermore, by arranging capsule 1' on the side closer to the heating element 9 so that the tip of the blade, which is the heating element 9, touches the surface of capsule 1' and damages the shell layer, it becomes possible to use a material that does not easily melt with heat as the shell layer forming material. As a result, various materials can be used to form the shell layer, which broadens the range of choices for components to be enclosed in the shell layer and allows for the use of a wider variety of components as flavor components. Thus, being able to use a wide variety of materials for liquid and / or powder components that are added as flavor components to affect the aerosol means that the range of design for the generated aerosol, which is extremely palatable, is broadened.

[0030] The following methods can be used to design multiple capsules to melt at different times. For example, by arranging capsule 1 and capsule 1' as shown in Figure 3(a), the following can be configured to occur when the aerosol generating member 4 constituting the smoking cartridge is heated. First, the sharp tip of the blade-shaped heating element 9 scratches capsule 1', releasing liquid and / or powdered flavorings and other components (hereinafter also simply called flavor components) from within capsule 1' to the outside. Subsequently, the heat from the heating element 9 melts the shell layer of capsule 1, releasing the flavor components from within capsule 1. Furthermore, not limited to the above, multiple capsules can be used, and the shell layers constituting each capsule can be made of different materials and thicknesses, for example, and these can be combined as appropriate to design the release state of the flavor components sealed within the capsules as desired. By configuring in this way, flavor components can be sequentially attached to the aerosol generating member 4 at different times, making it possible to change the flavor and aroma of the generated aerosol over time.

[0031] In the smoking cartridge of the present invention shown in Figure 4, four capsules 1 are arranged. As shown in Figure 4(a'), these capsules are arranged in parallel with the end face of the aerosol generating member 4 on the filter member 3 side. In addition to these capsules, granular heat-conductive members 11 made of a heat-conductive material are arranged in parallel with the multiple capsules 1. As shown in Figure 4, in this case, it is preferable to arrange the granular heat-conductive members 11 so that when the heating element 9 is inserted into the aerosol generating member 4, the tip of the blade or the like comes into contact with the heat-conductive members 11. In this way, the heat from the heating element 9 is transmitted via the heat-conductive members 11 to the capsules 1 which are arranged in parallel and adjacent to the heat-conductive members 11, causing the multiple capsules 1 to melt due to the heat, and the flavor components enclosed in them are released to the aerosol generating member 4 side at appropriate intervals.

[0032] The smoking cartridge of the present invention shown in Figure 5 is an example in which a capsule 1 is further coexisted with a granular mixed material 8 that does not melt when heated by a method such as a blade or pin. In the configuration shown in Figure 5, as shown in Figure 2(a), a space is formed between the filter member 3 and the aerosol generating member 4, and the capsule 1 and the granular mixed material 8 are coexisting in this space. As shown in Figure 5, when the smoking cartridge of the present invention with the above configuration is shaken, the capsule 1 and the granular mixed material 8 in the space collide with each other, and when scratches are made on the surface of the capsule 1, flavor components sealed inside the capsule 1 are released little by little from these scratches. As a result, a variety of complex aromas can be gradually generated. For this reason, for example, by first inserting the smoking cartridge 10 of the present invention into the heated smoking device 20 and shaking it before smoking or at appropriate times, a variety of complex aromas can be generated and enjoyed (see Figure 8). Furthermore, by using electromagnetic induction heating as the heating element, it becomes possible to heat the granular mixed material 8 that does not melt with heat and is present in the capsule 1, and to soften or melt the mixed material 8 with heat. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the forming material of the mixed material 8, it becomes possible to use the mixed material 8 as something that affects the taste. By using the mixed material used in combination as described above, the flavor components enclosed in the capsule 1 are released by heating, and by attaching these flavor components to the aerosol generating member 4, the flavor of the generated aerosol can be changed to a desired one. As a result, by smoking using the smoking cartridge of the present invention, it becomes possible to enjoy new flavors and aromas that were not possible before.

[0033] The capsules constituting the smoking cartridge of the present invention, when arranged as listed above, can be granular with a major axis of about 2 mm to 5 mm, depending on their placement and the shape of the aerosol transporter or supporter that carries or supports them. That is, since the smoking cartridge of the present invention is slender and its inner diameter is 6.8 mm or less, it is preferable to use capsules that are within the inner diameter of the cartridge and do not affect the aerosol's ventilation, preferably 5 mm or less, and more preferably 4 mm or less. Furthermore, for example, when multiple capsules are arranged parallel to the end face of the aerosol generating member, it is desirable to use capsules that are 1 / 2 the size of the cartridge's inner diameter or less. However, the size of the capsules constituting the smoking cartridge of the present invention, which allows for a variety of designs, also varies depending on the material of the capsule used. For example, in the case of capsules made of a material in which the shell layer melts rapidly when heated, heating during smoking causes the capsule to quickly disintegrate and quickly adhere to or penetrate the aerosol generating member along with the enclosed components, so as not to affect the aerosol's ventilation when smoking. Therefore, the capsule only needs to be small enough to fit inside the cartridge.

[0034] The shape of the capsule constituting the smoking cartridge of the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be spherical, elliptical, or the like. The important thing is that the capsule has a shell layer in which flavor components are sealed inside, and that the flavor components are released by heating by a heating element such as a blade in a heated smoking device when smoking. For example, the shell layer constituting the capsule may melt to release the sealed flavor components, or the shell layer may be damaged by the heating element to release the flavor components sealed inside the shell layer, or the shell layer itself may contain flavor components. Furthermore, it is not limited to the above, and for example, the capsule may be made by mixing and solidifying a heat-melting component and a flavor component. Specifically, it may be made of a solid material whose components themselves melt when heated, such as soap or wax.

[0035] As the capsule constituting the smoking cartridge of the present invention, so-called seamless capsules are suitably used. When using capsules that melt easily with heat, for example, gelatin (animal-derived, fish-derived), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), pullulan, modified starch, etc., can be suitably used as the shell layer material. Capsules made of these materials are widely used for medical and food purposes, and capsules suitable for the purpose of the present invention can be easily obtained from the market. In addition, thermoplastic resin materials such as polyurethane resin can be appropriately used as the shell layer material depending on the purpose.

[0036] Furthermore, the smoking cartridge of the present invention can also be configured such that the shell layer is damaged by the heating element of a heated smoking device, causing the liquid component sealed within the shell layer to leak out. Therefore, a thermosetting resin such as melamine resin can be used as the material for the shell layer of the capsule. As described above, the material for the shell layer of the capsule used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and various known materials can be used. Moreover, according to the prior art, the coating structure of the shell layer can be configured to gradually release the component sealed inside, or to seal it. Therefore, it is preferable to design the capsule appropriately according to the purpose of the smoking cartridge to be provided and use a capsule that suits the purpose.

[0037] The capsule used in the smoking cartridge of the present invention comprises a shell layer made of the various materials described above, with one or more flavor components that constitute the smoking taste enclosed within it. As previously stated, the components enclosed within the shell layer only need to be those that become the smoking taste when released to the outside and adhere to or penetrate the aerosol generating member, and may be either liquid or powder components. Furthermore, there is a wide range of materials that can be used as components enclosed within the shell layer, and those listed above can be used as appropriate. Suitable materials for the smoking cartridge of the present invention include, for example, oil-soluble fragrances and flavors that have a certain degree of water and heat resistance and are widely used in food products.

[0038] According to the inventors' research, as mentioned above, a wide variety of materials can be used as the forming material for the aerosol generating member, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-88195, etc., and a wide variety of aerosols can be designed by combining these materials. However, since components such as fragrances are volatile, even if they are used to form the aerosol generating member, their effect cannot be maintained for a long time. In contrast, with the configuration of the present invention, the aroma can be enjoyed during smoking or at any time, and further aromas and complex flavors can be added to the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating member by heating. Furthermore, by using multiple capsules and arranging them appropriately, or by using capsules of different materials or different thicknesses, the release state of the flavor components enclosed in the capsules can be made diverse. For this reason, according to the present invention, in providing smoking cartridges that are highly palatable and require a long-lasting taste, it becomes possible to design a wide variety of products that match individual preferences. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1, 1', 1'': capsule 2: Aerosol transfer member 3: Filter component 4: Aerosol generating member 5, 5a, 5b: Paper sheets 6: Rod-shaped support member 7: Support member 8: Granular mixture 9: Heating element (heating blade) 10: Smoking cartridges 20: Heated smoking devices

Claims

[Claim 1] A smoking cartridge, which is inserted into a heated smoking device equipped with a heating element and heated for use during smoking, has at least one end facing the mouth during smoking, on which a filter member is arranged, and the other end has an aerosol generating member that generates an aerosol when heated, A smoking cartridge characterized in that, between the end of the filter member not facing the mouth and the end of the aerosol generating member into which the heating element is inserted, one or more capsules are arranged in a shell layer, each capsule containing one or more liquid and / or powder components that constitute the flavor component, and the capsule is configured such that the shell layer melts due to the heat generated during heating, releasing the components sealed within the shell layer to the outside, or the shell layer is damaged by the heating element, releasing the components sealed within the shell layer to the outside.

Images