Aromatic base material

Abstract

This invention provides a fragrance cartridge capable of enhancing the flavor of heated tobacco products. [Solution] An aromatic cartridge comprising a cylindrical cover, an aromatic substrate housed at one end of the cover which generates an aerosol containing aromatic components when heated, a filter housed at the other end of the cover, and a support member housed in the cover and positioned between the aromatic substrate and the filter, wherein the support member is made of a honeycomb structure having a hexagonal end face shape and multiple ventilation passages penetrating in the axial direction, or a porous body in which open bubbles are formed.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aroma cartridge that is mounted on a suction device having an electric heating means and is capable of generating an aerosol containing an aromatic component when heated by the electric heating means. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Catechins, which are a type of polyphenol, have, for example, a deodorizing effect. The deodorizing effect of catechins has been used 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]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-80641 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] Mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke of tobacco contain both pleasant aromas and unpleasant odors for users. However, uniformly removing these components contained in mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke has the problem of reducing the flavor during smoking.

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

[0006] Furthermore, the use of heated tobacco products has increased in recent years. The heating temperature of heated tobacco products 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 products, as well as the amounts of those components, differ from those of conventional cigarettes. Consequently, heated tobacco products require improvements that differ from those made for conventional cigarettes. This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide an aroma cartridge capable of improving the flavor of heated tobacco products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to an aromatic cartridge that is attached to a suction device having an electric heating means and generates an aerosol containing aromatic components when heated by the electric heating means, comprising a cylindrical cover, an aromatic substrate housed at one end of the cover which generates an aerosol containing aromatic components when heated, and a filter housed at the other end of the cover, wherein the aromatic substrate contains a pulverized and dried plant material, an aerosol former, catechin, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0008] According to the fragrance cartridge of the present invention, when the fragrance base material is heated by the electrically heated means of the inhalation device, an aerosol containing components derived from pulverized and dried plants and catechin is generated. Since this aerosol contains components from pulverized and dried plants, catechin, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone, it can reduce the off-flavors of mainstream smoke and reduce the unpleasant odors of both mainstream and sidestream smoke.

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

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

[0011] The aforementioned aromatic base material preferably contains a powder containing at least theanine and caffeine.

[0012] In the fragrance cartridge of the present invention, the fragrance base material preferably contains menthol as the fragrance component. Furthermore, the fragrance base material preferably contains components extracted from coffee beans as the fragrance component.

[0013] In the fragrance cartridge of the present invention, it is preferable that the pulverized and dried plant material is a pulverized and dried non-tobacco plant material.

[0014] In the fragrance cartridge of the present invention, it is preferable that the fragrance base material contains a heat-melting substance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the fragrance cartridge of the present invention, the aerosol that can be generated from the fragrance base material contains components of crushed and dried plants, catechin, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone, thereby reducing off-flavors in the mainstream smoke and reducing unpleasant odors in both the mainstream and sidestream smoke. Therefore, it is possible to improve the flavor of heated tobacco products. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an aroma cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the fragrance cartridge. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the manufacturing process of the fragrance base material. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the manufacturing process for raw material (A2). [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing other manufacturing processes for the fragrance base material shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

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

[0019] The fragrance cartridge 100 includes a cylindrical cover 10, a fragrance base material 20 accommodated at one end of the cover 10, a filter 30 accommodated at the other end of the cover 10, and a support member 40 accommodated in the cover 10 and disposed between the fragrance base material 20 and the filter 30. In the present embodiment, the fragrance base material 20, the support member 40, and the filter 30 are arranged along the axial direction from one end side toward the other end side of the cover 10.

[0020] The cover 10 is composed of a wrapping paper 11 covering the fragrance base material 20, a base material 12 covering the fragrance base material 20, the support member 40, and the filter 30 from the outside of the wrapping paper 11, and a tipping paper 13 further covering the outer peripheral portion of the filter 30 from the outside of the base material 12. The base material 12 is joined to the wrapping paper 11 and the tipping paper 13 by means such as adhesion or heat fusion.

[0021] The wrapping paper 11, the base material 12, and the tipping paper 13 can be formed of, for example, paper, a synthetic resin film, a metal foil, or the like, and may be a composite sheet obtained by laminating these materials. Further, an adhesively bondable or fusible layer such as an adhesive layer or a hot melt layer may be formed on the inner surfaces of the wrapping paper 11, the base material 12, and the tipping paper 13.

[0022] In this embodiment, the wrapping paper 11 serves to form the fragrance base material 20 into a columnar shape. The base material 12 serves to connect the fragrance base material 20, the support member 40, and the filter 30. The tip paper 13 serves to reinforce the part (mouthpiece) that the user holds in their mouth when holding the fragrance cartridge 100. The cover 10 is not limited to being composed of the wrapping paper 11, base material 12, and tip paper 13 individually, but may be composed of a single sheet in which the wrapping paper 11, base material 12, and tip paper 13 are integrated.

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

[0024] The fragrance base material 20 is, for example, an aggregate of components in the form of rods, strips, powders, granules, pellets, small pieces, sheets, fibers, porous materials, or blocks. In this embodiment, the fragrance base material 20 is formed as a whole into a cylindrical shape by strip-shaped components.

[0025] The aromatic base material 20 can generate an aerosol when heated by the electrical heating means of a heated smoking device. Preferably, the aromatic base material 20 contains not only tobacco plants, but also pulverized and dried plant material derived from non-tobacco plants, an aerosol former capable of generating an aerosol, and a heat-meltable substance that melts when heated. The composition of the aromatic base material 20 will be described later.

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

[0027] As the filter 30, for example, an acetate filter using acetate fibers, a charcoal filter containing activated carbon in an acetate filter, or an AFT (Advanced Filter Technology) having multiple grooves formed as recesses extending from the outer surface of the filter 30 in the axial direction of the cover 10 can be used. The filter 30 may also contain fragrances and microcellularized fragrances. In this embodiment, the filter 30 is fixed to the inner surface of the base material 12 of the cover 10 by fixing means such as adhesion or welding.

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

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

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

[0031] Furthermore, the ventilation passage 41 may consist of, for example, one or more through holes formed to penetrate axially from one end face to the other end face of the support member 40. The ventilation passage 41 may consist of, for example, a central ventilation passage formed along the axis of the support member 40 and a plurality of ventilation passages arranged circumferentially around this central ventilation passage, which are also formed to penetrate axially.

[0032] Furthermore, the support member 40 may be composed of a honeycomb structure or the like, having a hexagonal end face shape of the partition wall and multiple ventilation passages penetrating in the axial direction. In addition, the support member 40 may be composed of a porous body in which open cells are formed.

[0033] The support member 40 preferably has a shape that restricts the axial movement of the fragrance substrate 20 from the cover 10 when an electrically heated means of a suction device is inserted, at one or both axial end faces of the cover 10, preferably the end face on the side facing the fragrance substrate 20. Here, a shape that restricts the axial movement of the fragrance substrate 20 from the cover 10 means, for example, a shape that restricts the movement of the material of the fragrance substrate 20 to an extent that does not cause practical problems.

[0034] Because the support member 40 is formed in this manner, when the electric heating means for heating the fragrance base material 20 of the heated smoking device is inserted from one end of the fragrance cartridge 100, the support member 40 restricts the movement of the fragrance base material 20 to the other end. In other words, the support member 40 can support the fragrance base material 20.

[0035] Furthermore, the support member 40 can cool the high-temperature aerosol containing aromatic components generated from the aromatic base material 20 as it passes through. For this reason, the support member 40 is made of a material having heat resistance corresponding to the combustion temperature or heating temperature of the aromatic cartridge 100. For example, if the aromatic cartridge 100 is a cartridge for a heated smoking device, the support member may be made of a material having heat resistance of about 200 to 350°C.

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

[0037] The resin may be either a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin. Examples include polyolefin resins, polyester resins, polystyrene resins, nylon resins, acrylic resins, silicone resins, fluororesins, polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) resins, phenolic resins, amino resins, ABS resins, and biodegradable plastics. Among these resins, since the fragrance cartridge 100 becomes waste after use, biodegradable plastics are preferred from the viewpoint of protecting the natural environment.

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

[0039] The fragrance base material 20 of the fragrance cartridge 100 is heated to a target temperature of 200°C or higher from room temperature or ambient temperature by an electrically heating means of an inhalation device (not shown). Therefore, the fragrance base material 20 undergoes a heating process from room temperature or ambient temperature to the target temperature. The user can inhale the aerosol emitted from the fragrance cartridge 100 immediately after the heating process is completed.

[0040] [Composition of the fragrance base material 20] The aromatic base material 20 includes a pulverized and dried plant material that generates fragrance when heated, an aerosol former that generates an aerosol when heated, catechin, and polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone. Preferably, the aromatic base material 20 contains a thermomeltable substance that melts when heated. Therefore, the aromatic base material 20 can generate an aerosol containing aromatic components when heated.

[0041] The aromatic base material 20 may also contain, for example, an aromatic agent capable of supplementing the aroma emitted from the pulverized and dried plant material, a molding agent capable of improving the moldability of the aromatic base material 20, a binder that contributes to binding and integrating the aerosol former and the pulverized and dried plant material, an adsorbent capable of adhering the aromatic agent to the aromatic base material 20, and a preservative capable of improving the shelf life of the aromatic base material 20.

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

[0043] The crushed and dried plant products include, in particular, Chinese tea, black tea, roses, plants of the Oleaceae family (Osmanthus genus), lavender, saffron flowers, shallots, garlic, onions, konjac rhizomes, quince, plants of the Rutaceae family (citrus, bitter orange, Satsuma orange, summer bitter orange, ponkan, hassaku, iyokan, ichan lemon, trifoliate orange, orange, mandarin orange, kabosu, kishu orange, chinotto, grapefruit, koji, sanbokan, citron, jabara, sudachi, tachibana, tangor, summer orange, hanayuzu, hyuga tang, hirami lemon (shikuwasa), buntan (zabon), yuzu, lime, lemon, kaffir lime, etc.), plants of the Rosaceae family (Prunus genus), apples, pineapples, mangoes, and more. To provide users with a pleasant aroma, it is appropriate, but not limited to, to include at least one selected from the following: mandarin orange, melon, pomegranate, plum, apricot, blueberry, plants of the genus Fragaria in the Rosaceae family, raspberry, banana, and grape fruit, 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, horsemint, green mint, crinkled mint, ginger mint, etc.), catnip, lemon balm, savory, willow mint (hyssop), and the above-ground stems and leaves of tobacco plants of the genus Tobacco in the Solanaceae family.

[0044] Preferably, the pulverized and dried plant material possesses three elements: fragrance, defined as the scent emanating from the fragrance cartridge 100 itself; aroma, defined as the scent that dissipates into the space when the fragrance cartridge 100 is heated; and flavor, defined as the scent that lingers in the mouth when the fragrance cartridge 100 is heated and inhaled together with the aerosol.

[0045] The pulverized and dried plant material that constitutes the fragrance (hereinafter also referred to as the fragrance material) preferably includes at least one selected from Chinese tea, black tea, rose, plants of the genus Osmanthus in the family Oleaceae, lavender, saffron flowers, and the above-ground stems and leaves of plants of the genus Nicotiana in the family Solanaceae.

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

[0047] The crushed and dried plant materials that make up the flavor (hereinafter also referred to as flavoring material) include: quince, plants of the genus Citrus in the Rutaceae family (bitter orange, Satsuma mandarin, summer bitter orange, ponkan, hassaku, iyokan, ichan lemon, trifoliate orange, orange, mandarin orange, kabosu, kishu mandarin, chinotto, grapefruit, koji, sanbokan, citron, jabara, sudachi, tachibana, tangor, summer mandarin, hanayuzu, hyuga mandarin, hirami lemon (shikuwasa), buntan (zabon), yuzu, lime, lemon, kaffir lime, etc.), plants of the genus Prunus in the Rosaceae family, apple, pineapple, mango, kumquat, and more. It is preferable to include at least one selected from among the following: ron, pomegranate, plum, apricot, blueberry, plants of the genus Fragaria in the Rosaceae family, raspberry, banana, grape fruit, 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, horsemint, green mint, crinkled mint, ginger mint, etc.), catnip, lemon balm, savory, willow mint (hyssop), and above-ground stems and leaves of tobacco plants of the genus Tobacco 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, and among these catechins, it is particularly preferable that it includes epicatechin and epigallocatechin. In the present invention, purified catechin containing these catechins in high purity can be used, but an extract obtained by extracting from a catechin-containing plant using a suitable solvent, or a crudely purified product obtained by crudely purifying the extract to increase the catechin content can also be used.

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

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

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

[0052] For example, catechin may be mixed with the pulverized and dried plant material that is the raw material for the aromatic base 20 to include it in the aromatic base 20. For example, catechin in powder form may be dissolved in a polar solvent such as water or ethanol and mixed with the pulverized and dried plant material such as tea leaves to include catechin in the aromatic base 20. In addition to catechin, aromatic components such as menthol or coffee powder may also be mixed with the polar solvent such as water or ethanol.

[0053] Furthermore, the manner in which catechin is incorporated into the fragrance cartridge 100 is not limited to this embodiment. 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. Alternatively, for example, a powder containing catechin may be mixed with pulverized and dried plant material and an aerosol former to incorporate it into the fragrance base material 20.

[0054] Furthermore, catechin may be incorporated into the fragrance cartridge 100 using capsules containing catechin. The capsules may be placed, for example, on the fragrance base material 20, the filter 30, or the support member 40.

[0055] When the capsule is placed on the fragrance base material 20, it is preferable that the capsule is made of a material that can be melted by heating with an electric heating means that heats the fragrance base material 20 of the heated smoking device, or a material in which the capsule coating can collapse under external pressure to release the contents. Furthermore, when the capsule is placed in a location other than the fragrance base material 20, for example, on the filter 30 or support member 40, it is preferable that the capsule coating can collapse under external pressure to release the contents.

[0056] The capsules should contain a solution in which catechin is dissolved in a polar solvent such as water or ethanol. The capsules may also contain other aromatic components such as menthol or coffee powder. By encapsulating catechin and other components in the capsules in this way, a fresh aroma can be enjoyed when using the fragrance cartridge 100.

[0057] The catechin content in the fragrance base material 20 of one fragrance 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] If the amount of catechin in the fragrance base 20 of one fragrance cartridge 100 is less than 0.5 mg, the effect of catechin in reducing off-flavors in mainstream smoke and reducing unpleasant odors in both mainstream and sidestream smoke tends to be diminished. Furthermore, if the amount of catechin in the fragrance base 20 exceeds 135 mg, manufacturing costs tend to increase.

[0059] (Cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone) The amount of cross-linked 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] Furthermore, the crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone is preferably present in an amount of 0.3 to 16% by mass, more preferably 1.6 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 3.3 to 6.6% by mass, relative to the fragrance base material.

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

[0062] The total amount of catechin and cross-linked 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, relative to the fragrance base material.

[0063] By having a total amount of catechin and cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone of 5% by mass or more, the off-flavors of mainstream smoke can be reduced, and unpleasant odors in both mainstream and sidestream smoke can be reduced.

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

[0065] The fragrance base 20 preferably contains at least caffeine among these components. The inclusion of caffeine in the fragrance base 20 can refresh the user who inhales the aerosol, ward off drowsiness, and provide the user with antipyretic and analgesic effects. Examples of components extracted from coffee include coffee bean powder, coffee extract, coffee flavoring, and green coffee extract.

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

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

[0068] (Theanine) The aromatic base material 20 preferably contains theanine. Theanine can be incorporated into 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 fragrance, etc. The inclusion of theanine in the aromatic base material 20 suppresses the activity of the sympathetic nervous system in users who inhale the aerosol, thereby promoting relaxation.

[0069] Theanine is preferably included in the aromatic base material 20 of one aromatic cartridge 100 at a rate of 10 to 100 mg, more preferably 20 to 80 mg, and more preferably 30 to 60 mg, in order for users with low anxiety tendencies to obtain a relaxing effect. For users with high anxiety tendencies to obtain a relaxing effect, theanine is preferably included at a rate of 20 to 120 mg, more preferably 30 to 100 mg, and more preferably 40 to 80 mg.

[0070] Furthermore, theanine may be present in the fragrance base 20 at a concentration of 3.3 to 33% by mass for users with low anxiety tendencies to obtain a relaxing effect, preferably at 6.6 to 26% by mass, and more preferably at 10 to 24% by mass. For users with high anxiety tendencies to obtain a relaxing effect, theanine may be present in the fragrance base 20 at a concentration of 6.6 to 10% by mass, preferably at 10 to 33.3% by mass, and more preferably at 13.3 to 26.6% by mass. When theanine is present in 100% by mass or more relative to the fragrance base 20, for example, theanine may be enclosed in the above-mentioned capsules and included in the fragrance cartridge 100.

[0071] (Aerosol Forma) Examples of aerosol formers that can be used include glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, lactic acid, diacetin (glycerin diacetate), triacetin (glycerin triacetate), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedione, and dimethyl tetradecanedione, but glycerin and propylene glycol are particularly preferred.

[0072] (thermally fused material) The thermally fused material 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 fused material is below 50°C, it may melt during periods of high temperatures, such as in summer, potentially causing stickiness. Furthermore, if the melting point of the thermally fused material exceeds 100°C, it may not melt sufficiently in the initial stages of the heating process of the fragrance base material, resulting in a tendency for insufficient fragrance in the aerosol immediately after the heating process by the heated smoking device is completed.

[0073] Furthermore, the melting point of a thermally molten 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 designated melting point tester, the molten sample is placed in a test tube, the reading of the melting point thermometer is read every 15 seconds, and the temperature at which the temperature drop is within a certain range (when the difference is within 0.1°C for 5 consecutive times) can be measured as the melting point.

[0074] The thermally fused material is preferably in powder form. The average particle size of the thermally fused material is preferably 125 to 355 μm, more preferably 150 to 300 μm, and even more preferably 180 to 250 μm. The average particle size can be measured, for example, by a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer. In this invention, the average particle size refers to the median diameter.

[0075] If the average particle size of the thermally molten material is too large, its total surface area decreases, reducing the opportunities for contact with the heat source. As a result, the thermally molten material is not sufficiently melted, and the concentration of aromatic components in the aerosol immediately after the heating process ends tends to decrease.

[0076] If the outer diameter of the thermally fused material is too small, it becomes difficult to form a sea-island structure in which the thermally fused material is dispersed on the aromatic substrate 20, as described later. As a result, each of the thermally fused material particles exists on the aromatic substrate 20 as aggregated lumps, creating regions where the melting rate due to contact with the heat source decreases, and the concentration of aromatic components in the aerosol immediately after the heating process ends tends to decrease. The thermally fused material is preferably contained in the aromatic substrate 20 at a concentration of 2 to 20% by mass, preferably 3 to 15% by mass, and more preferably 5 to 15% by mass.

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

[0078] The thermally fused substance is not particularly limited as long as it is "an organic compound that exhibits a melting point or softening point and becomes a non-Newtonian fluid when heated." The thermally fused substance is preferably an organic compound generally referred to as wax or wax, and typical examples of wax and wax include petroleum-based natural waxes, synthetic waxes, plant-based natural waxes, and animal-based natural waxes. Furthermore, various tackifiers, including rosin which is also used as wax and wax, can be used. These can be used individually or as a mixture containing at least one selected from among them.

[0079] As thermally meltable substances, plant-based natural waxes and animal-based natural waxes are preferred due to their desirable melting points and flavoring properties. Examples of plant-based natural waxes include sumac wax, lacquer wax, carnauba wax, sugarcane wax, palm wax, and candelilla wax. Examples of animal-based natural waxes include beeswax, whale wax, privet wax, wool wax, and shellac. These readily meet the melting point range of 50-100°C specified in this invention and possess desirable flavors, thus enhancing the aroma of the aerosol. Among these natural waxes, carnauba wax, beeswax, petrolatum, and paraffin wax are particularly preferred, with beeswax, which has a melting point of 62-65°C and is rich in aromatic components, being the most preferred.

[0080] Plant-based and animal-based natural waxes are primarily composed of esters of fatty acids and aliphatic alcohols. They are mixtures of esters of fatty acids with various carbon number configurations and aliphatic alcohols, and also contain free fatty acids, free aliphatic alcohols, and hydrocarbons. Therefore, plant-based and animal-based natural waxes are characterized by a broad molecular weight distribution, a wide melting temperature range, and high viscosity when melted.

[0081] Petroleum-based natural waxes have the advantage of having minimal interaction with aromatic components and aerosols, as they are hydrocarbon compounds, and are less likely to adversely affect flavor. Examples of petroleum-based natural waxes that can be preferably used include petrolatum, paraffin wax, and microcrystalline wax.

[0082] These petroleum-based natural waxes differ in their melting point temperature ranges based on their molecular structure. Vaseline is a mixture of branched hydrocarbons and alicyclic hydrocarbons, and its melting point temperature range is wide, from 36 to 60°C. Paraffin wax is mainly composed of linear hydrocarbons, is highly crystalline, and most varieties have a melting point between 40 and 70°C, meaning they have a narrow melting temperature range.

[0083] Microcrystalline waxes are mixtures of branched hydrocarbons and saturated cyclic hydrocarbons. They have low crystallinity but high molecular weight, exhibiting the highest melting point among these, at 60-90°C, and the second widest melting temperature range after petrolatum.

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

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

[0086] As synthetic waxes, for example, Fischer-Tropsch wax, polyethylene (PE) wax, modified PE wax, polypropylene (PP) wax, modified PP wax, fatty acid amides, fatty acids, aliphatic alcohols, polyoxyalkylene glycols, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylamines, and the like can be preferably used.

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

[0088] Furthermore, PE wax and modified PE wax, as well as PP wax and modified PP wax, are also hydrocarbon compounds and can be preferably used. Specifically, products such as "High Wax (registered trademark)" manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., "Sun Wax" and "Viscol" manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd., and "CERAFAK (registered trademark) 929, 950, 913, 914, 915" manufactured by BYK can be preferably used.

[0089] In particular, metallocene-catalyzed polyolefin waxes are more preferable due to their narrow molecular weight distribution. For example, "Excellex®," a metallocene-catalyzed PE wax manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., has a narrow molecular weight and composition distribution, resulting in a melting point of 89-128°C, but a low melt viscosity during thermal melting, making it an excellent polyolefin-based wax.

[0090] In addition to the above, other thermally fused substances such as fatty acid amides, fatty acids, and aliphatic alcohols can also be used. Among fatty acid amides, monoamides and bisamides are suitable. Among monoamides, stearic acid monoamide, oleic acid monoamide, and erucic acid monoamide are preferred as they have melting points of approximately 72 to 105°C.

[0091] For example, monoamides such as NOF Corporation's AL-FLO® S-10, E-10, and P-10 can be used. Bisamides such as NOF Corporation's AL-FLO® H series and AD series, or Kao Corporation's KAOWAX EB series can be used.

[0092] Capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, pentadecyl acid, palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, and melissic acid are preferred fatty acids, as they have a melting point of approximately 30 to 94°C. For example, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and behenic acid are more preferred because they are industrially produced by companies such as NOF Corporation.

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

[0094] These higher fatty acids and higher aliphatic alcohols have carboxyl groups and hydroxyl groups bonded to the ends of linear hydrocarbon chains, respectively, and have no molecular weight distribution or an extremely narrow molecular weight distribution. For this reason, similar to paraffin wax, they have a low melt viscosity when heated and a narrow melting temperature range, which greatly promotes the deformation and flow of the fragrance base material 20 when heated.

[0095] As for polyoxyalkylene glycols, those with an average molecular weight of polyethylene glycol of 600 to 11,000 are preferred because they have a low melting point and low melt viscosity during thermal melting. Also preferred are polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol block polymers with a polyethylene glycol unit content of 40 to 80 wt% and an average molecular weight of 3,000 to 13,000. Polyoxyalkylene glycols that meet these requirements are also used as nonionic surfactants, and because they have a narrow molecular weight distribution and a narrow temperature range for their melting point, they exhibit excellent fluidity during thermal melting.

[0096] As for the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, those with an average molecular weight of 1,000 to 4,000 polyoxyethylene monomethyl ether are preferred. Although these are also used as nonionic surfactants, they have a narrow molecular weight distribution and a narrow melting temperature range, resulting in excellent fluidity during thermal melting.

[0097] As polyoxyethylene alkylamines, polyoxyethylene-stearylamine and NOF Corporation's Naimeen® S202 are preferred. 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 melting temperature range, resulting in excellent fluidity during thermal melting.

[0098] Tackifiers can use, for example, rosin, rosin derivatives, terpene resins, and modified terpene resins. Specifically, the rosin and rosin derivatives that can be used are gum rosin, rosin ester (Pencel), maleic acid-modified rosin resin, and rosin-modified phenol resin (Tamanol), all manufactured by Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd. Rosin and rosin derivatives have low interaction with aromatic components and aerosol formers and possess high thermal fluidity.

[0099] Furthermore, as terpene resins and modified terpene resins, 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 Polystar series) manufactured by Yasuhara Chemical Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0100] (Air freshener) The fragrance can be added along with an aerosol former, but it is more preferable that it be mixed with the heat-melting substance beforehand. As the fragrance, at least one selected from cooling agents and nicotine can be used.

[0101] Examples of cooling agents that can be used include menthol, menthol derivatives, menthone, menthone derivatives, menthane carboxylic acid amide, 2,3-dimethyl-2-(2-propyl)-butyric acid derivatives, menthane, menthane derivatives, L-carbone, xylitol, eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint oil, spearmint essential oil, spiranthol, etc.

[0102] The fragrance is preferably contained in an amount of 3 to 25% by mass, and more preferably 5 to 20% by mass, relative to 100% by mass of the total amount of the fragrance source material, aerosol former, and heat-melting substance. If the fragrance content is less than 3% by mass relative to 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 incorporate the fragrance components generated from the fragrance into the aerosol. Furthermore, if the fragrance content exceeds 25% by mass relative to 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] (Molding agent) A molding agent is used to reinforce the fragrance base material 20. Examples of molding agents include cellulose fibers and microcrystalline cellulose.

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

[0105] Furthermore, the microcrystalline cellulose preferably has an average particle size of 70 to 120 μm. If the average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose is less than 70 μm, it tends to be difficult to suppress the shrinkage of the fragrance substrate 20 and to prevent adhesion between the fragrance substrate 20 and the molding machine. If the average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose exceeds 120 μm, the fragrance substrate 20 tends to break easily. The average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose can be measured using a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer. In this invention, the average particle size refers to the median diameter.

[0106] Furthermore, the mass-average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose is preferably between 20,000 and 60,000. If the mass-average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose is less than 20,000, the effect of suppressing the shrinkage of the fragrance base material 20 tends to be poor. If 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, and more preferably 3 to 20% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the total amount of the fragrance source material, aerosol former, and heat-melting substance. By incorporating the molding agent into the fragrance base material 20 in this manner, the above functions can be performed, and the molding agent can prevent it from hindering the generation of volatile substances from the fragrance source material and aerosol former.

[0108] (Binder) Binders are used to bind together raw materials that constitute the fragrance base, such as fragrance source materials, aerosol formers, and heat-meltable substances. Examples of binders that can be used include polysaccharide polymers and cellulose polymers.

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

[0110] Examples of cellulose-based polymers that can be used include carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), carboxyethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium salt of CMC, potassium salt of CMC, calcium salt of CMC, sodium salt of carboxyethylcellulose, potassium salt of carboxyethylcellulose, and calcium salt of carboxyethylcellulose. From the viewpoint of the strength and moldability of the aromatic base material 20, sodium salt of CMC, potassium salt of CMC, sodium salt of carboxyethylcellulose, and potassium salt of carboxyethylcellulose are preferred.

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

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

[0113] Furthermore, it is preferable that the fragrance base material 20 of the present invention contains both a binder and a molding agent. In this case, the mixing ratio of the binder and the molding agent is preferably 1:1 to 1:25 by mass ratio for optimal binding effect.

[0114] (Adsorbent) If the fragrance is not contained in the heat-melting substance, an adsorbent may be used to prevent the fragrance from volatilizing before the temperature of the fragrance base material 20 reaches the optimal temperature for the aerosol former and fragrance source material to volatilize. As described above, the adsorbent can cause the fragrance to adhere to the heated fragrance generating material 20.

[0115] Various sorbents can be used depending on the manner in which the fragrance agent or other compound is deposited on the fragrance generating substrate 20. For example, an sorbent that deposits the compound on the fragrance generating substrate 20 by encapsulating it can be used, and cyclodextrin can be used as such an sorbent.

[0116] Cyclodextrins are known to form inclusion compounds with chemical substances having hydroxyl 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 ideal as an sorbent for menthol.

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

[0118] Furthermore, an adsorbent can be used to adsorb the compound and cause it to adhere to the fragrance-generating substrate 20. For example, if the compound is menthol, menthol has phenolic hydroxyl groups. Therefore, as an adsorbent, a hydrophilic crosslinked polymer capable of adsorbing phenolic hydroxyl groups, such as crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPP), can be used.

[0119] Furthermore, for example, if the compound is nicotine, nicotine has a five-membered heterocyclic compound containing nitrogen. Therefore, as an sorbent, a cross-linked PVP that is thought to form an interaction with the nitrogen-containing five-membered heterocyclic compound can be used.

[0120] When cross-linked PVP is used as the adsorbent, the adsorbent is preferably contained in an amount of 4 to 25% by mass, and more preferably 5 to 20% by mass, relative to 100% by mass of the total amount of the fragrance source material, aerosol former, and thermally fused substance. Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the sorbent contains both PVPP and cyclodextrin.

[0121] (Preservative) To preserve the heated fragrance generating cartridge for a long period of time, it is advisable to use a preservative. For example, potassium sorbate and / or sodium benzoate can be used as preservatives. Preferably, the preservative is present in an amount of 0.005 to 0.04% by mass relative to 100% by mass of the total amount of the fragrance source material, aerosol former, and heat-melting substance.

[0122] Next, a method for manufacturing the fragrance base material 20 will be described. Figure 4 shows one embodiment of the manufacturing process for the fragrance base material 20. As shown in Figure 4, a mixing step is performed in which raw materials (A) including fragrance material, which is a pulverized and dried product of plants that constitute the fragrance, flavor material, which is a pulverized and dried product of plants that constitute the flavor, and raw materials (B) including aroma material, which is a pulverized and dried product of plants that constitute the aroma, are mixed. The mixing step is performed below the melting point of the thermally molten material. The mixing step can be performed, for example, using a known mixer.

[0123] Raw material (A) is obtained by mixing raw material (A1) containing fragrance material, which is a pulverized and dried product of plants that constitute the fragrance; raw material (A2) containing flavor material, which is a pulverized and dried product of plants that constitute the flavor, catechin and a heat-melting substance; raw material (A3) containing an alcoholic aqueous solution of microcrystalline cellulose, an alcoholic aqueous solution of a binder and an alcoholic aqueous solution of an adsorbent; and raw material (A4) containing an aerosol former, a fragrance and a molding agent, and then allowing it to mature.

[0124] Furthermore, the mixing of raw materials (A1) to (A4) should be carried out below the melting point of the thermally molten material. This mixing process can be performed, for example, using a known mixer.

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

[0126] Raw material (A2) is obtained by sterilizing and then grinding a mixture of flavoring material, catechin, and a thermally soluble substance. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the flavoring material is sterilized and then ground to a predetermined size. Alternatively, the powdered thermally soluble substance and catechin are heated and mixed at a temperature above the melting point of the thermally soluble substance, cooled, and then ground to a predetermined size. It is preferable to compress and shear the ground material and the powdered flavoring material, cool, and then grind to create raw material (A2).

[0127] The raw material (A3) is obtained by mixing an alcoholic aqueous solution of microcrystalline cellulose, an alcoholic aqueous solution of a binder, and an alcoholic aqueous solution of an sorbent (cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone). The alcoholic aqueous 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 molding agent.

[0129] For maturation, it is preferable to carry out the process for 3 to 14 days under temperature conditions of, for example, 15 to 30°C. From the viewpoint of preserving aromatic components, it is more preferable to carry out the process for 4 to 7 days under temperature conditions of 20 ± 2°C. If the temperature exceeds 30°C or the maturation period exceeds 14 days, the likelihood of mold growth and spoilage tends to increase.

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

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

[0132] By performing a mixing step in which raw material (A) and raw material (B) are mixed in this manner, a sea-island structure can be formed in which powder of a heat-melted substance mixed with the fragrance source material is dispersed in the fragrance base material 20.

[0133] Next, the mixture obtained in the mixing process is compressed and sheared to form a sheet. Compression and shearing can be carried out, for example, using a three-roll system. By using a three-roll system, air is incorporated and water is evaporated while the mixture is formed into a sheet.

[0134] The sheet obtained in this way has a porous structure containing air inside. As a result, it becomes possible to obtain a low-density aromatic substrate 20. In addition, since the rolls of the three-roll system have extremely flat surfaces, the surface of the sheet is formed flat.

[0135] In other words, the fragrance base material 20 has a porous structure containing air inside, resulting in low density during compression and shearing, and its surface is formed to be flat and without irregularities.

[0136] The mixture, formed into a sheet by compression and shearing, is then cut into predetermined shapes and sizes in a cutting process. The sheet-like mixture is then processed, for example, into strips.

[0137] The mixture, cut to a predetermined shape and size, is placed on the cover 10 together with the filter 30 and the support member 40. The cover 10 is then rolled up to enclose these components, and the ends of the cover 10 are secured together to produce the fragrance cartridge 100.

[0138] In this way, by performing the mixing, compression / shearing, and cutting processes below the melting point of the thermally fused material, it is possible to prevent the thermally fused material from spreading throughout the entire fragrance substrate 20 due to melting, and to maintain the sea-island structure of the thermally fused material in the fragrance substrate 20.

[0139] When a sea-island structure is formed in which powder of a heat-melted substance mixed with fragrance source material is dispersed on the fragrance substrate 20, the heat-melted substance will be dispersed on the fragrance substrate 20 in an island-like manner.

[0140] When the thermally molten substance is dispersed in island-like formations on the fragrance substrate 20, it flows more easily upon melting than when it is impregnated into the fragrance source material, and thus more easily incorporates fragrance components generated from the fragrance source material. Furthermore, when the flowing thermally molten substance comes into contact with the aerosol former, the fragrance components can be more easily volatilized together with the aerosol former as an aerosol.

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

[0142] Furthermore, catechin may be added to raw material (B). Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the manufacturing process of the fragrance base material 20. As shown in Figure 6, when catechin is added to raw material (B), it may be added to raw material (B1), for example. In this case, it is preferable to create the raw material (B1) by replacing the flavoring material with an aromatic material, as shown in Figure 6.

[0143] As described above, the fragrance cartridge 100 of the present invention contains aerosols that can be generated from the fragrance base material 20, which include components of crushed and dried plants, catechin, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone. Therefore, it is possible to reduce off-flavors in the mainstream smoke and reduce unpleasant odors in both the mainstream and sidestream smoke. Consequently, it is possible to improve the flavor of heated tobacco products. [Examples]

[0144] [Test Example 1] (Sensory evaluation of flavor) A fragrance substrate containing catechin and cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone was prepared as an example, and a fragrance substrate without at least one of catechin or cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone was prepared as a comparison example. The flavor of the aerosols of both was then evaluated.

[0145] (Sample preparation: Example 1) Aromatic cartridge 100 of Example 1 was prepared using the formulation shown in Table 1. Specifically, the basic formulation consisted of aromatic source materials (aroma material, fragrance material, and flavor material), catechin, aerosol former, and thermally fused substance. In Example 1, the basic formulation consisted of 65% by mass of aromatic source materials and catechin, 25% by mass of aerosol former, and 10% by mass of thermally fused substance.

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

[0147] [Table 1]

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

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

[0150] Raw materials (A1) and (A2) were prepared in the manner shown in Figure 6. Specifically, raw material (A1) was obtained by sterilizing the fragrance material and then grinding it into a powder. Raw material (A2) was prepared by roughly mixing the flavor material, catechin, and a heat-melting substance in a Henschel mixer, then compressing and shearing the mixture, cooling it to below 0°C, and then grinding it. Furthermore, raw materials (A1) and (A2) were selected using an 80-mesh sieve to have an average particle size of approximately 250 μm.

[0151] Furthermore, an aromatic cartridge 100 was manufactured using raw materials (A) and (B) in the manner shown in Figure 6. Specifically, a mixing process was performed in which raw materials (A) and (B) were mixed using a kneader.

[0152] Next, a compression and shearing process was performed using three rolls to form the mixture into a sheet. In the compression and shearing process, the material was formed into a sheet with a thickness of 0.28 ± 0.02 mm. The compression and shearing process was carried out below the melting point of the beeswax. Next, a cutting process was carried out to cut the sheets. In this cutting process, the sheets were cut to a width of 1.5 ± 0.1 mm and a length of approximately 240 mm.

[0153] The fragrance base material obtained in this manner was wrapped in paper to achieve a predetermined filling rate. Next, the paper-wrapped fragrance base material was cut to a length of 11.5 to 12.0 mm and then dried to produce a fragrance cartridge 100.

[0154] (Creation of Example 2) Fragrance cartridge 100 of Example 2 was prepared using the formulation shown in Table 2. Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that coffee powder is used as the fragrance agent in raw material (A4) instead of menthol and peppermint oil. Since everything else is the same as Example 1, the explanation of the raw materials and manufacturing method is omitted.

[0155] [Table 2]

[0156] (Creation of Example 3) Aromatic cartridge 100 of Comparative Example 1 was prepared using the formulation shown in Table 3. Example 3 differs from Examples 1 and 2 in that polyvinylpyrrolidone is used instead of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone in raw material (A3). Since everything else is the same as Example 1, the explanation of the raw materials and manufacturing method is omitted.

[0157] [Table 3]

[0158] (Preparation of Comparative Example 1) A fragrance cartridge 100 of Comparative Example 1 was prepared using the formulation shown in Table 4. Comparative Example 1 differs from Examples 1 to 3 in that it does not contain catechin in the raw material (A2). Since it is otherwise identical to Examples 1 to 3, the explanation of the raw materials and manufacturing method is omitted.

[0159] [Table 4]

[0160] (Preparation of Comparative Example 2) A fragrance cartridge 100 of Comparative Example 2 was prepared using the formulation shown in Table 5. Comparative Example 2 differs from Examples 1 to 3 in that it does not contain cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone as raw material (A3). Since it is otherwise identical to Examples 1 to 3, the explanation of the raw materials and manufacturing method is omitted.

[0161] [Table 5]

[0162] (Sensory evaluation) Ten panelists evaluated the aerosol flavors of the aroma cartridges 100 from Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 using heated smoking devices.

[0163] Eight of the ten panelists evaluated that the fragrance cartridge 100 of Example 1 had a stronger menthol scent and reduced off-flavors in the mainstream smoke compared to the fragrance cartridges 100 of Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0164] Eight out of the ten panelists felt that the aroma cartridge 100 of Example 2 had a stronger coffee aroma than the aroma cartridges 100 of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and that the mainstream smoke was less nuanced. They assessed that the taste had been reduced.

[0165] Eight of the ten panelists evaluated that the aroma cartridge 100 of Example 3 had a stronger coffee aroma and reduced off-flavors in the mainstream smoke compared to the aroma cartridges 100 of Comparative Examples 1 and 2. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0166] 100 Fragrance Cartridges 10 Covers 20 Aromatic base material 30 filters

Claims

1. A fragrance cartridge comprising a cylindrical cover, a fragrance substrate housed at one end of the cover which generates an aerosol containing fragrance components when heated, a filter housed at the other end of the cover, and a support member housed in the cover and positioned between the fragrance substrate and the filter, wherein the support member is made of a honeycomb structure having a hexagonal end face shape and multiple axially penetrating ventilation passages, or a porous body in which open bubbles are formed.

2. The fragrance cartridge according to claim 1, wherein capsules made of a material that can be melted by the heat of heating the fragrance substrate are placed on the fragrance substrate, and the capsules contain catechin.

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

4. The fragrance cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fragrance base material contains menthol as a fragrance component.

5. The fragrance cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fragrance base material comprises an ingredient extracted from coffee beans as the fragrance base material.

6. The fragrance cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fragrance base material comprises a pulverized and dried plant, specifically a pulverized and dried non-tobacco plant.

7. The fragrance cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fragrance base material contains a heat-meltable substance.

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