Scent attracts items

Abstract

A flavor inhalation article 1 comprises: a flavor element 2 which is heated without involving combustion; and a tubular element 4 which forms an airflow channel. The tubular element 4 is equipped with a cylindrical hollow paper tube 26 and a paper liner 28 disposed inside the paper tube 26 in such a manner as to lie along the axial direction X of the paper tube 26. The total of the cross-sectional length of the liner 28 in the diametrical direction Y of the paper tube 26 is greater than the inner diameter d of the paper tube 26.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flavor inhalation article. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a non-combustion heating type aerosol generating article. This aerosol generating article, in other words a flavor inhalation article, includes a flavor element and a filter element adjacent to each other. The flavor element is formed, for example, by filling it with tobacco raw material. The filter element is formed by filling it with a filter material, and a hollow part is formed in the radial center. Flavor components are sorbed on the inner peripheral surface of the hollow part. By heating the flavor element with a heater of the device (flavor inhaler), the volatilized flavor components are cooled by the filter element, thereby generating an aerosol of the flavor components, which is inhaled by the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2020-508075 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation article, the heating temperature of the flavor element is lower than that of the combustion heating type article. Therefore, the flavor components volatilized from the flavor elements are reduced, and the aerosol of the flavor components generated is also reduced. The filter element described in Patent Document 1 has a hollow portion, and the flavor components are further sorbed on the inner peripheral surface of the hollow portion. However, since the filter material exists on the outer periphery of the hollow portion as a filter body, a part of the flavor components volatilized in the flavor elements are cooled in the hollow portion and aerosolized, but the remaining flavor components can be filtered by the filter material before being aerosolized. Therefore, there is a risk that the flavor components supplied to the user will be further reduced.

[0005] Therefore, in order to aerosolize the flavor components volatilized from the flavor elements before filtering and supply them to the user, it is conceivable to use a tubular element such as a paper tube as the cooling segment adjacent to the flavor element instead of a filter element. However, a simple paper tube only allows the volatilized flavor components to pass through with the airflow, making it difficult to generate aerosols, and thus making it impossible to provide a cooling segment suitable for a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation article.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a flavor inhalation article that can supply the flavor components of the flavor elements to the user with minimal loss, and that has a cooling segment function in place of a filter element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a flavor inhalation article according to one embodiment is a flavor inhalation article that is heated without combustion. and a flavoring ingredient is filled in the mixture. A flavor inhalation article comprising a flavor element and a tubular element forming an airflow path, the tubular element comprising a cylindrical hollow paper tube and a paper liner disposed within the paper tube along the axial direction of the paper tube, the total cross-sectional length of the liner in the radial direction of the paper tube being greater than the inner diameter of the paper tube. The tubular element is positioned adjacent to the flavor element, the liner is positioned in a position where it can contact the flavor raw material, and additives including flavor ingredients are sorbed thereon, and the tubular element functions as a cooling segment that cools and aerosolizes the flavor ingredients volatilized in the flavor element or the liner, and also functions as a support segment that supports the flavor raw material filled in the flavor element to prevent it from spilling out. Effect of the Invention

[0008] It is possible to provide a flavor inhalation article which can supply the flavor components of the flavor elements to the user without reducing them as much as possible and has a cooling segment function in place of a filter element. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhalation article. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a flavor inhalation article according to another embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a tubular element. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cardboard tube when unfolded in the tube diameter direction. [Diagram 5]FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a tubular element according to another embodiment of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a tubular element according to still another embodiment of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cardboard tube of FIG. 3 when unfolded in the tube diameter direction. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of a tubular element of a different shape (a liner longitudinal section having a zigzag shape). [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of a tubular element having a different shape (a liner longitudinal section having a different zigzag shape). [Figure 10] 13 is a schematic diagram of a tubular element having a different shape (the liner longitudinal section has a zigzag shape of yet another shape). [Figure 11] Schematic diagram of a tubular element of a different shape (liner longitudinal section is star-shaped). [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of tubular elements of different shapes (three independent liners each having a circular cross section). [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing tubular elements. [Figure 14] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a tubular element. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rotor tube. [Figure 16] 1 is a graph showing the percentage of flavor ingredients that spill over from a flavor element. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the test apparatus from which the results of FIG. 16 were obtained. [Figure 18] 1 is a graph showing the maximum load until a tubular element buckles when pressed in its axial direction. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the test apparatus from which the results of FIG. 18 were obtained. [Figure 20] 4 is a graph showing the maximum load until the liner buckles when pressed in its axial direction. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of the test apparatus from which the results of FIG. 20 were obtained. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a test apparatus for testing an article for temperature measurement. [Diagram 23]23 is a graph showing the time-series temperature changes at measurement points P1, P2, and P3 in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] 1A to 1C are cross-sectional views of the articles used in the comparative examples and examples of the flavor component delivery test. [Diagram 25] 25 is a graph showing the amount of flavor component delivered per number of puffs over time for each of the articles in FIG. 24. [Figure 26] FIG. 25 is an image diagram of a tubular element of Example 2 in FIG. 24. [Figure 27] FIG. 24 is an image diagram of the flavor elements of Comparative Example 1 in FIG. 23. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] <Flavor suction articles> The flavor inhalation article 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhalation article 1. The flavor inhalation article 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the article) is of a non-combustion heating type, and is composed of a flavor element 2, a tubular element 4, a first filter element 6, and a second filter element 8, in that order from the left side as viewed in Fig. 1. The flavor element 2 is formed by filling a flavor raw material 10.

[0011] The device (flavor inhaler) used to heat the flavor element 2 includes, for example, a needle-shaped heater 12. Only the heater 12 of the device is shown in FIG. 1. The item 1 is set in the device, and the heater 12 is inserted into the flavor element 2 to heat it. This causes the flavor components impregnated in the flavor raw material 10 of the flavor element 2 or contained as granules to volatilize and vaporize. The flavor element 2 may be a tobacco rod containing tobacco raw material as the flavor raw material 10. The tobacco raw material is composed of, for example, cut tobacco or shredded tobacco sheets.

[0012] The first filter element 6 is a filter body filled with a filter material 14 such as acetate tow or a nonwoven fabric sheet, and has a hollow portion 16 formed in the radial center. The second filter element 8 is a filter body filled with a filter material 14 similar to or different from that of the first filter element 6. The circumferential surfaces of the flavor element 2 and the first and second filter elements 6, 8 are each wrapped with wrapping paper 18.

[0013] The elements 2, 4, 6, 8 are arranged coaxially and butted against each other, and are connected to each other by wrapping tipping paper 20 around the circumferential surface of a continuous body formed of the elements 2, 4, 6, 8. Air vents 22 are formed in the tubular element 4 and the tipping paper 20 to take in air into the article 1 when the article 1 is inhaled. The air taken into the article 1 from the outside through the air vents 22 cools the flavor components of the flavor elements 2 and the volatile components of the additives described below, promoting the aerosolization of these components. The configuration of the filter element as a filter body is not limited to one including the first and second filter elements 6, 8.

[0014] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the article 1 according to another embodiment. The article 1 includes a third filter element 24 adjacent to the flavor element 2 on the opposite side to the tubular element 4. The third filter element 24 is filled with a filter material 14 that is the same as the first and second filter elements 6, 8 or different from the first and second filter elements 6, 8. The third filter element 24 is located at a position where it contacts or can contact the flavor material 10 of the flavor element 2, and is connected to the flavor element 2 by a tipping paper 20.

[0015] When the heater 12 is inserted into the flavor element 2 by penetrating the third filter element 24, the third filter element 24 prevents the flavor ingredient 10 from spilling out from the flavor element 2 onto the base side of the heater 12. That is, the third filter element 24 functions as a support segment that supports the flavor ingredient 10 filled in the flavor element 2 in the article 1 so as not to spill out onto the heater 12. This makes it possible to prevent the flavor ingredient 10 from spilling out and contaminating the area around the base of the heater 12 of the device.

[0016] The tubular element 4 is disposed adjacent to the flavor element 2 on the side opposite to the tip side of the article 1, and forms an airflow path in the article 1. The tubular element 4 includes a cylindrical hollow cardboard tube 26 and a paper liner 28 disposed within the cardboard tube 26 along the axial direction X of the cardboard tube 26.

[0017] <Tubular element> The tubular element 4 of the article 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 3 to 11. Figure 3 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tubular element 4. The liner 28 is formed by bending a single layer of paper web into an S-shape in the direction of the inner diameter d of the cardboard tube 26, i.e., in the tube radial direction Y, and the cross section of the liner 28 in the tube radial direction Y, i.e., the longitudinal cross section of the liner 28, is S-shaped.

[0018] The liner 28 has a paper thickness of 0.05 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.08 mm to 0.5 mm, and more preferably 0.1 mm to 0.15 mm, and has a basis weight of 80 gsm (grams per square meter) to 120 gsm. The cardboard tube 26 is formed from a double paper web in which an inner paper web 30 and an outer paper web 32 are overlapped and bonded via a bonding part 34. The liner 28 may be formed from a double paper web.

[0019] The tubular element 4 cools and aerosolizes the flavor components volatilized in the flavor element 2 by the heat of the heater 12. The cooling and aerosolization of the flavor components are efficiently performed by the contact of the volatilized flavor components with the surface of the liner 28 in the space secured within the cardboard tube 26. The liner 28 is also rapidly heated by the heater 12 adjacent to the liner 28. Therefore, when a flavoring agent is sorbed into the liner 28 as a type of additive, the flavor components volatilized from the liner 28 are efficiently cooled in the space secured within the cardboard tube 26 and become an aerosol.

[0020] The total cross-sectional length of the liner 28 in the tube radial direction Y of the cardboard tube 26 is greater than the inner diameter d of the cardboard tube 26. More preferably, the total cross-sectional length of the liner 28 in the tube radial direction Y of the cardboard tube 26 is at least twice the inner diameter d of the cardboard tube 26. This increases the surface area of ​​the liner 28, so that the cooling and aerosolization of the flavor component are more efficiently performed. In this way, in the article 1, the tubular element 4 functions as a cooling segment that instantly cools and aerosolizes the flavor component volatilized in the flavor element 2 or the liner 28.

[0021] The tubular element 4 functions as a cooling segment to promote aerosolization of the flavor components before they reach the first and second filter elements 6, 8. This prevents the flavor components from being adsorbed to the fibers of the first and second filter elements 6, 8 and filtered before being aerosolized. Therefore, in the non-combustion heating type article 1, even if the heating temperature of the flavor element 2 is relatively low, the amount of flavor components filtered in the first and second filter elements 6, 8 can be reduced, and the flavor components of the flavor element 2 are supplied to the user without being reduced as much as possible.

[0022] By providing the liner 28 to the tubular element 4 adjacent to the flavor element 2, the liner 28 is positioned in a position where it contacts or can contact the flavor raw material 10 of the flavor element 2. When the heater 12 is inserted into the flavor element 2, the liner 28 prevents the flavor raw material 10 from spilling out from the flavor element 2 onto the tubular element 4. That is, in the article 1, the tubular element 4 functions as a support segment that supports the flavor raw material 10 filled in the flavor element 2 so as not to spill out.

[0023] The liner 28 is sorbed with an additive. The additive includes, for example, a flavor component, activated carbon, and an aerosol bulking agent. Since the liner 28 is made of paper, the sorption region and sorption area of ​​the additive in the liner 28 can be easily changed compared to the case where the additive is sorbed in the flavor raw material 10 of the flavor element 2. This makes it easy to adjust the amount of sorption of the additive and the amount of the additive component released, and therefore the amount of the additive component delivered to the user. That is, in the article 1, the tubular element 4 functions as a flavor component delivery segment that makes it easy to control the delivery of the additive, for example, the delivery of the flavor component, to the user.

[0024] Both ends of the liner 28 in the pipe diameter direction Y are bonded to the inner circumferential surface 26a of the cardboard tube 26 by adhesive parts 36. The adhesive parts 36 are formed by applying glue to a width of about 1 mm to 2 mm at both ends of the liner 28 in the axial direction X of the liner 28 and curing the glue. This fixes the liner 28 to the cardboard tube 26, preventing the liner 28 from falling off, and enhancing the buckling strength of the tubular element 4, thereby enhancing the function of the tubular element 4 as a support segment. The adhesive parts 36 may be formed only at one end of the liner 28 in the pipe diameter direction Y.

[0025] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the cardboard tube 26 when unfolded in the tube diameter direction Y. The inner paper web 30 and the outer paper web 32 constitute a double paper web 27. The inner paper web 30 and the outer paper web 32 are in the form of strips having substantially the same width in the unfolded width direction Z, and have a paper thickness and basis weight in the same range as those of the liner 28, for example.

[0026] The inner paper web 30 and the outer paper web 32 are positioned so as to be offset from each other in the width direction Z, and the inner surface 32a of the outer paper web 32 when in the state of the cardboard tube 26 and the outer surface 30a of the inner paper web 30 when in the state of the cardboard tube form an overlapping portion 38 in which they partially overlap each other.

[0027] Glue is applied to the inner peripheral edge 32b, which is the region other than the overlapping portion 38 of the inner peripheral surface 32a of the outer paper web 32. The inner peripheral edge 32b to which the glue is applied is overlapped with the outer peripheral edge 30b, which is the region other than the overlapping portion 38 of the outer peripheral surface 30a of the inner paper web 30, and the glue is cured to form a seam adhesive portion 40 (see FIG. 3).

[0028] In this manner, the inner paper web 30 and the outer paper web 32 are arranged with their positions shifted in the width direction Z, and the double paper web 27 having the overlapping portion 38, the inner peripheral edge portion 32b, and the outer peripheral edge portion 30b is curved and bonded at the seam bonding portion 40. As a result, as shown in Fig. 3, the cardboard tube 26 is formed with the inner paper web 30 and the outer paper web 32 bonded smoothly at the seam bonding portion 40.

[0029] Therefore, the outer peripheral surface 26b of the cardboard tube 26 becomes a smooth surface without irregularities, improving the quality of the tubular element 4. Also, since the cardboard tube 26 is formed from the double paper web 27, the buckling strength of the tubular element 4 is enhanced and the function of the tubular element 4 as a supporting segment is enhanced, compared to when the cardboard tube 26 is formed from a single paper web.

[0030] Fig. 5 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a tubular element 4 according to another embodiment of Fig. 3. When the width of the liner 28 in the tube diameter direction Y (width direction Z) is formed to be larger, as shown in Fig. 5, the adhesive part 36 may be formed in the vicinity of the curved part forming the S-shape of the liner 28, instead of at the end of the liner 28. That is, glue may be applied to the part of the liner 28 that may come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 26a of the cardboard tube 26 over the axial direction X of the liner 28.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tubular element 4 according to another embodiment of FIG. 3, and FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the cardboard tube 26 of FIG. 6 when it is developed in the tube diameter direction Y. As shown in FIG. 6, the cardboard tube 26 may be formed from a single-ply paper web 29. As shown in FIG. 7, the single-ply paper web 29 has an inner peripheral edge 29a coated with glue and an outer peripheral edge 29b not coated with glue overlapped to form an overlapping portion 38 and a seam bonding portion 40 as shown in FIG. 6. Although a step occurs at the seam bonding portion 40, at least the liner 28 is fixed to the cardboard tube 26. Therefore, the liner 28 is prevented from falling off, and the buckling strength of the tubular element 4 is strengthened, and the function of the tubular element 4 as a support segment is strengthened.

[0032] 8 to 12 show schematic longitudinal sections of a tubular element 4 having a liner 28 of a different form from that shown in FIG. 3. Each figure shows a form in which a cardboard tube 26 is formed from a single layer of paper web. FIG. 8 shows a tubular element 4 having a liner 28 whose longitudinal section has a zigzag shape. The zigzag shape of this liner 28 is formed with approximately the same width in the tube radial direction Y, and the zigzag-shaped protruding rib portion 28a is not in contact with the inner circumferential surface 26a of the cardboard tube 26.

[0033] Fig. 9 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a tubular element 4 having a liner 28 with a different zigzag shape. The liner 28 is extended to a position where all the protruding portions 28a forming the zigzag shape contact or can contact the inner peripheral surface 26a of the cardboard tube 26. Fig. 10 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a tubular element 4 having a liner 28 with yet another different zigzag shape.

[0034] In this liner 28, adjacent liner portions located at the center of the zigzag shape contact each other. The other liner portions are expanded in a fan shape along the tube diameter direction Y from the contact portion between the liner portions as a center, and the convex rib portions 28a formed on the liner portion at the center position and the expanded liner portions are extended to a position where they contact the inner circumferential surface 26a of the cardboard tube 26 or a position where they can contact the inner circumferential surface 26a.

[0035] Fig. 11 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a tubular element 4 having a liner 28 whose longitudinal cross-section is star-shaped. All of the convex rib portions 28a forming the star shape of this liner 28 contact or are capable of contacting the inner circumferential surface 26a of the cardboard tube 26. Fig. 12 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a tubular element having a liner 28 composed of three independent liners 28A, 28B, 28C whose longitudinal cross-section is circular. Although each of the liners 28A, 28B, 28C is spaced apart from one another, each of them contacts or is capable of contacting the inner circumferential surface 26a of the cardboard tube 26.

[0036] In any of the liners 28 shown in Figures 8 to 12, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the total cross-sectional length of the liner 28 in the tube diameter direction Y of the cardboard tube 26 is larger than the inner diameter d of the cardboard tube 26, and more preferably, is at least twice the inner diameter d of the cardboard tube 26. Therefore, even in the case of the liners 28 shown in Figures 8 to 12, the same action and effect as the S-shaped liner 28 described above is achieved.

[0037] <Production device and production method for tubular element> 13 and 14, a manufacturing apparatus 50 for the tubular element 4 and a method for manufacturing the tubular element 4 using this manufacturing apparatus 50 will be described below. Fig. 13 shows a schematic diagram of the manufacturing apparatus 50 for the tubular element 4, and Fig. 14 shows a flow chart for explaining the method for manufacturing the tubular element 4.

[0038] The manufacturing apparatus 50 includes a first paper web supply section 52, a first paper web cutting section 54, a lateral conveying section 56, a gluing section 58, a position shifting section 60, a heating section 62, a tube forming section 64, a second paper web supply section 66, a second paper web cutting section 68, a liner forming section 70, a cutting section 72, and the like.

[0039] When the production of the tubular element 4 is started, in the first paper web supply section 52, a first paper web 74 is drawn out from a bobbin (not shown) on which a paper roll is set. The first paper web 74 is transported along a first transport path 78 while being guided via rollers 76 (S1: first paper web supply step). Next, in the first paper web cutting section 54, the first paper web 74 is cut along the longitudinal direction into an inner paper web 30 and an outer paper web 32, both of which are strip-shaped (S2: first paper web cutting step).

[0040] Next, in the lateral conveying section 56, the cut inner paper web 30 and outer paper web 32 are separated from each other and conveyed to the first conveying path 78a and the first conveying path 78b branching off from the first conveying path 78, respectively (S3: lateral conveying step). Next, in the gluing section 58, the overlapping portion 38 and the region that will become the inner peripheral edge portion 32b of the outer paper web 32 are glued (S4: gluing step).

[0041] Next, the inner paper web 30 and the outer paper web 32 join at a pair of tension rollers 80, and are transported along the first transport path 78 where they join again. Next, in the position shifting section 60, the inner paper web 30 is shifted relative to the outer paper web 32 in the width direction intersecting the transport direction (S5: position shifting step). The inner paper web 30 and the outer paper web 32 are overlapped in a shifted state to form an overlapping portion 38.

[0042] Next, in the heating section 62, the glue applied to the overlapping portion 38 is cured by the heat of the heater to form the adhesive portion 34 (S6: heating step). In order to ensure that the glue is cured, a cooling step of passing through a cooling section (not shown) may be performed after passing through the heating section 62. Also, if the glue is cured reliably, it is not necessary to pass through the heating section 62 or the cooling section.

[0043] The inner paper web 30 and the outer paper web 32 are molded into an integrated flat double-layered paper web 27 with the overlapping portions 38 bonded at the bonding portion 34, and the double-layered paper web 27 is transported to the tube forming section 64. The manufacturing apparatus 50 further includes a seam gluing section 82. The seam gluing section 82 is provided between the heating section 62 and the tube forming section 64. The gluing of the inner peripheral edge portion 32b may be performed in the seam gluing section 82 instead of in the gluing section 58.

[0044] When the production of the tubular element 4 is started, the following steps S10 to S12 are performed in parallel with the above-mentioned steps S1 to S6. First, in the second paper web supply section 66, the second paper web 88 is drawn out from a bobbin (not shown) on which a paper roll is set. The second paper web 88 is transported along the second transport path 90 while being guided via the rollers 76 (S10: second paper web supply step).

[0045] Next, in the second paper web cutting section 68, the second paper web 88 is cut in the longitudinal direction into strip-shaped strip paper webs 92 (S11: second paper web cutting step). In the second paper web cutting step, the second paper web 66 is cut into strip paper webs 92 whose total cross-sectional length in the tube diameter direction Y of the cardboard tube 26 is greater than the inner diameter d of the cardboard tube 26, and more preferably, the second paper web 66 is cut into strip paper webs 92 whose total cross-sectional length is at least twice the inner diameter d of the cardboard tube 26.

[0046] Next, in the liner forming section 70, frictional force is applied to both end edges of the strip paper web 92 in the pipe radial direction Y, so that the strip paper web 92 is continuously formed into the liner 28 having an S-shaped cross section along the longitudinal direction (S12: liner forming step). More specifically, the liner forming section 70 includes a rotor tube 94 shown in FIG.

[0047] 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the rotor tube 94. The rotor tube 94 is rotatably supported by a support member 96 via a bearing 98, and receives the stripped paper web 92 while rotating. The rotor tube 94 has an inlet portion 94a that receives the stripped paper web 92, an outlet portion 94b that discharges the formed liner 28 toward the tube forming section 64, and an inner circumferential surface 94c whose diameter is gradually reduced from the inlet portion 94a toward the outlet portion 94b.

[0048] In the liner forming section 70, when the strip paper web 92 is received, both end edges of the strip paper web 92 come into contact with the inner peripheral surface 94c of the inlet portion 94a. As a result, a frictional force acts on both end edges of the strip paper web 92, and the strip paper web 92 is curved into an S shape to form curved portions, and is formed into the liner 28 having an S-shaped longitudinal section.

[0049] The inlet portion 94a has an opening edge 94d with an opening diameter D of 30% to 80% of the paper width of the stripped paper web 92. The opening edge 94d is an area included in the inner peripheral surface 94c. This allows both end edges of the stripped paper web 92 to come into contact with the opening edge 94d at the beginning of the reception of the stripped paper web 92, and ensures that frictional force acts on both ends. Therefore, the stripped paper web 92 can be reliably formed into the S-shaped liner 28.

[0050] The inner peripheral surface 94c of the rotor tube 94 is surface-treated to have an arithmetic mean roughness Ra of 5 μm to 30 μm. This allows frictional force to act more effectively on both end edges of the strip paper web 92 when they come into contact with the inner peripheral surface 94c (including the opening edge 94d) of the inlet portion 94a. Therefore, the strip paper web 92 can be reliably formed into the S-shaped liner 28.

[0051] The liner forming section 70 includes an adder 100 that adds an additive to the liner 28. The additive may include a flavor component, activated carbon, an aerosol extender, and the like. The adder 100 adds the additive to a predetermined sorption region and sorption area of ​​the liner 28, and causes the additive to be sorbed by the liner 28 (P1: Adding process). The additive may be added in advance to the strip paper web 92 or the second paper web 88 before it is formed into the liner 28.

[0052] In the tube forming section 64, the second conveying path 90 merges with the first conveying path 78, and the liner 28 formed in the liner forming section 70 is received. Next, the tube forming section 64 continuously wraps the liner 28 with the double paper web 27 formed by overlapping the first paper web 74, and continuously forms the double paper web 27 into a cylindrical hollow cardboard tube 26. As a result, a tubular rod 102 is formed in which the liner 28 is disposed within the cardboard tube 26 along the axial direction X of the cardboard tube 26 (S7: tube forming step).

[0053] Specifically, the pipe forming section 64 includes a forming bed 104. The forming bed 104 is disposed along the first conveying path 78, and an outward portion of an endless garniture belt 106 is disposed on the forming bed 104. The return portion of the garniture belt 106 that has come off the forming bed 104 is guided by the rollers 76 and wound around a driving drum 108. The driving drum 108 is rotated by the driving force of an electric motor (not shown). The rotation of the driving drum 108 causes the outward portion of the garniture belt 106 to travel along the first conveying direction 78.

[0054] The double paper web 27 is guided onto the forward portion of the garniture belt 106 and overlapped on the garniture belt 106. A pressing member 110 is provided above the starting end of the forming bed 104. The pressing member 110 presses the double paper web 27 against the bottom of the forming groove formed in the forming bed 104. As a result, the double paper web 27 runs together with the garniture belt 106 due to the frictional force with the garniture belt 106, and the double paper web 27 is continuously formed into a U-shape, and is finally formed into a cardboard tube 26 wrapping the liner 28.

[0055] The tube forming section 64 includes an applicator 112 that applies glue to the liner 28. The applicator 112 glues both ends of the liner 28 in the tube radial direction Y at least before the tubular rod 102 is formed (P2: gluing process). The applicator 112 may apply glue to only one end of the liner 28 in the tube radial direction Y. The applicator 112 may also be disposed in the liner forming section 70 and glue the liner 28 during the forming process of the liner 28. The glue may be applied not only to both ends or one end of the liner 28, but also to a portion of the liner 28 that may come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 26a of the cardboard tube 26 along the axial direction X of the liner 28.

[0056] The pipe forming section 64 includes a heater 114 that heats the glue applied to the liner 28. The heater 114 heats and hardens the glue applied to the liner 28 to form the bonded portion 34 and the seam bonded portion 40 (P3: heating process). Note that in order to ensure that the glue is hardened, the material may be passed through a cooler (not shown) after passing through the heater 114. Also, if the glue is hardened reliably, it is not necessary to provide the heater 114 or the cooler.

[0057] In this way, the liner 28 is bonded to the inner circumferential surface 26a of the cardboard tube 26, thereby forming a tubular rod 102 in which the cardboard tube 26 and the liner 28 are integrated. Next, in the cutting section 72, the tubular rod 102 is cut to a predetermined length to form the tubular element 4 (S8: cutting step). This completes the manufacture of the tubular element 4.

[0058] <Support segment function test> The graph in Fig. 16 shows the proportion of flavor raw material 10 that falls off from the flavor element 2. In Example 1, an article 1 is used in which a flavor element 2 is connected to a tubular element 4 composed of a paper tube 26 and a liner 28. In Comparative Example 1, an article 1 is used in which a flavor element 2 is connected to a tubular element 4 composed only of a paper tube 26. The basis weight of the paper web used for the tubular element 4 in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 is both 82 gsm. The loading amount of flavor raw material 10 loaded into the flavor element 2 in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 is both 260 mg or more.

[0059] Fig. 17 shows a schematic diagram of the test apparatus used to obtain the results of Fig. 16. The test apparatus is a device equipped with a pin-shaped heater 12, and the heater 12 has a diameter D1 of 2 mm and a length L of 18 mm. In this test, the test apparatus is used to measure the proportion of flavor raw material 10 that spills out of the flavor raw material 10 filled in the flavor raw material 2 (spill proportion) when the flavor raw material 2 of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 is inserted into the heater 12 in the direction of the arrow.

[0060] 16, the spillage rate in Example 1 is about 4%, and the spillage rate in Comparative Example 1 is about 28%. The tubular element 4 having the liner 28 in Example 1 has a support segment function of supporting the flavor raw material 10 so as not to spill onto the tubular element 4 side, which is about 7 times stronger than the tubular element 4 not having the liner 28 in Comparative Example 1. These results demonstrate that the tubular element 4 having the liner 28 effectively functions as a support segment that prevents the flavor raw material 10 from spilling out when the heater 12 is inserted into the flavor element 2.

[0061] <Buckling strength test of tubular elements> The graph in FIG. 18 shows the maximum load until the tubular element 4 buckles when pressed in its axial direction. In Example 1, a tubular element 4 (without the adhesive part 36 of the liner 28) made of a cardboard tube 26 and a liner 28 is used. In Example 2, a tubular element 4 (with the adhesive part 36 of the liner 28) made of a cardboard tube 26 and a liner 28 is used. In Comparative Example 1, a tubular element 4 (single-ply paper web) made of only a cardboard tube 26 is used. In Comparative Example 2, a tubular element 4 (double-ply paper web) made of only a cardboard tube 26 is used. The paper thickness of the paper web used for the tubular element 4 in each Example and Comparative Example is 0.1 mm to 0.13 mm, and the basis weight is 82 gsm to 100 gsm. The same applies to each subsequent test.

[0062] Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram of the test apparatus used to obtain the results shown in Fig. 18. The test apparatus includes a cylindrical pusher 116, and the diameter D2 of the pusher 116 is 15 mm, which is larger than the diameter of the tubular element 4. In this test, the test apparatus is used to lower the pusher 116 in the direction of the arrow, pressing one end of the tubular element 4 erected in the axial direction X, and measuring the maximum load until the tubular element 4 buckles. This measures the buckling strength of the entire tubular element 4. The descent speed of the pusher 116 is 20 mm / min, and the descent distance of the pusher 116 from one end of the tubular element 4 is 2 mm.

[0063] 18, the maximum load of Example 1 is about 68 N, and the maximum load of Example 2 is about 61 N. On the other hand, the maximum load of Comparative Example 1 is about 23 N, and the maximum load of Comparative Example 2 is about 38 N. As is clear from the results of Examples 1 and 2, the buckling strength of the tubular element 4 is slightly greater when the liner 28 is not bonded to the inner circumferential surface 26a of the cardboard tube 26. This is because if the liner 28 is not bonded to the cardboard tube 26, displacement of the liner 28 with respect to the cardboard tube 26 is permitted when pressed, and the cardboard tube 26 and the liner 28 individually generate reaction forces against the pressing force, resulting in the pressing force being dispersed.

[0064] As is clear from the results of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, by forming the cardboard tube 26 from the double paper web 27 in which the inner and outer paper webs 30, 32 are overlapped, the buckling strength of the tubular element 4 is strengthened by about 1.7 times. The tubular element 4 having the liner 28 of Example 1 has a buckling strength strengthened by about 3 times compared to the tubular element 4 formed only from the cardboard tube 26 of Comparative Example 1. Furthermore, the tubular element 4 having the liner 28 of Example 1 has a buckling strength strengthened by about 1.8 times compared to the tubular element 4 formed only from the cardboard tube 26 of the double paper web 27 of Comparative Example 2.

[0065] There is a concern that the article 1 may buckle at the tubular element 4 due to the insertion resistance when inserting the flavor element 2 into the heater 12 of the device. However, from the above-mentioned results, it was found that the buckling strength of the tubular element 4 can be significantly increased by providing the liner 28 having a curved portion on the tubular element 4. It was also found that the buckling strength of the tubular element 4 can be further increased by forming the cardboard tube 26 from a double paper web 27.

[0066] <Liner buckling strength test> The graph in Fig. 20 shows the maximum load until the liner 28 buckles when pressed in its axial direction X. In Example 1, a tubular element 4 made of a cardboard tube 26 and a liner 28 without an adhesive portion 36 is used. In Example 2, a tubular element 4 made of a cardboard tube 26 and a liner 28 with an adhesive portion 36 is used. In Comparative Example 1, a tubular element 4 made of a cardboard tube 26 and a liner 28 in a non-curved strip shape is used. In Example 3, a tubular element 4 made of a cardboard tube 26 and a liner 28 made of a double paper web is used.

[0067] Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram of the test device that obtained the results in Fig. 20. The test device is equipped with a cylindrical pusher 116, and the diameter D3 of the pusher 116 is 5 mm, which is smaller than the diameter of the tubular element 4. In this test, using this test device, the pusher 116 is lowered in the direction of the arrow to press one end of the tubular element 4 erected in the axial direction X, and the maximum load (buckling strength) until the tubular element 4 buckles is measured. The descent speed of the pusher 116 is 20 mm / min, and the descent distance of the pusher 116 from one end of the tubular element 4 is 2 mm.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 20, the maximum load in Example 1 is about 4.6N, the maximum load in Example 2 is about 4.9N, and the maximum load in Example 3 is about 8.2N. Meanwhile, the maximum load in Comparative Example 1 is about 0.8N. As is clear from the results of Examples 1 and 2, the buckling strength of the liner 28 is greater when the liner 28 is bonded to the inner circumferential surface 26a of the cardboard tube 26. This is because, when the liner 28 is bonded to the cardboard tube 26, the pressing force applied to the liner 28 is also distributed to the cardboard tube 26.

[0069] As is clear from the results of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1, by forming the liner 28 into an S-shape, the buckling strength of the liner 28 is increased by about 5.7 to 6.1 times compared to when the liner 28 is formed into a strip shape without a curved portion. The liner 28 made of the double paper web 27 in Example 3 has a buckling strength increased by about 1.8 times compared to the liner 28 made of the single paper web in Example 1.

[0070] There is a concern that the article 1 may buckle at the liner 28 of the tubular element 4 due to the insertion resistance when the flavor element 2 is inserted into the heater 12 of the device. However, from the above-mentioned results, it was found that the buckling strength of the liner 28 is significantly increased by providing the tubular element 4 with a curved portion. It was also found that the buckling strength of the liner 28 is further increased by forming an adhesive portion 36 in the liner 28 and further by constructing the liner 28 from a double paper web.

[0071] <Item temperature measurement test> Fig. 22 shows a schematic diagram of a test device for a temperature measurement test of the article 1, and a graph in Fig. 23 shows the time-series temperature changes at the measurement points P1, P2, and P3 in Fig. 22. The test device heats the peripheral surface of the flavor element 2 of the article 1 shown in Fig. 1 with a heater 118, and measures the temperatures of the measurement point P1 located near the flavor element 2 in the tubular element 4, the measurement point P2 located at the axial center of the tubular element 4, and the measurement point P3 located near the first filter element 6 in the tubular element 4.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 23, about 40 seconds after the start of the test, the measurement point P1 is about 145°C, the measurement point P2 is about 90°C, and the measurement point P3 is about 50°C. About 180 seconds after the start of the test, the measurement point P1 is about 145°C, the measurement point P2 is about 65°C, and the measurement point P3 is about 42°C. About 240 seconds after the start of the test, the measurement point P1 is about 140°C, the measurement point P2 is about 60°C, and the measurement point P3 is about 40°C.

[0073] Since the measurement point P1 is closest to the heater 118, the temperature rises sharply at the beginning and is maintained at a high temperature for a long time as a whole, compared to the measurement points P2 and P3. The temperatures of the measurement points P1 to P3 fluctuate, but the hunting at the measurement point P1 is smoother than that at the measurement points P2 and P3. From these results, it was found that when an additive is sorbed onto the liner 28 of the tubular element 4, if the sorption region of the additive is formed at a position as close as possible to the heater 118, that is, at a position of the liner 28 adjacent to the flavor element 2 in the vicinity of the flavor element 2, the sorption region is maintained at a relatively high temperature from the initial stage, and therefore the volatilization of the additive, and thus the aerosolization, can be continuously promoted.

[0074] <Flavor component delivery test> 24 shows a cross-sectional view of each article 1 used in the comparative example and the example of the flavor component delivery test. In this test, the peripheral surface of the flavor element 2 of each article 1 having a different shape is heated by a heater 118, while sucking (puffing) the end surface of the first filter element 6 or the second filter element 8, and the amount of the flavor component delivered from the end surface to the outside of the article 1 is measured.

[0075] The article 1 of Comparative Example 1 is composed of a flavor element 2 (tobacco rod) containing a flavor component, a tubular element 4 consisting of only a paper tube 26, a first filter element 6, and a second filter element 8 to which the flavor component is sorbed. The article 1 of Comparative Example 2 is composed of a flavor element 2 (tobacco rod), a tubular element 4 consisting of only a paper tube 26, a first filter element 6, and a second filter element 8 to which the flavor component is sorbed.

[0076] The article 1 of Comparative Example 3 is composed of a flavor element 2 (tobacco rod), a tubular element 4 composed only of a paper tube 26, and a first filter element 6 to which a flavor component is sorbed. The article 1 of Example 1 is composed of a flavor element 2 (tobacco rod), a tubular element 4 composed of a paper tube 26 and a folded-in liner 28 to which a flavor component is sorbed, and a first filter element 6 to which a flavor component is sorbed. The article 1 of Example 2 is composed of a flavor element 2 (tobacco rod), a tubular element 4 composed of a paper tube 26 and an S-shaped liner 28 to which a flavor component is sorbed, and a first filter element 6 to which a flavor component is sorbed. Menthol is used as the sorbed flavor component.

[0077] The graph in Fig. 25 shows the amount of flavor component delivered for each puff in time series for each article 1 in Fig. 24. The broken line at the top of the graph in Fig. 25 indicates the temperature of the heater 118, and the vertical axis on the right side of the graph shows the temperature scale. The article 1 of Example 2 delivers the most flavor component, about 0.57 mg / stk, in the first puff. The unit "stk" means one stroke of the inhalation action of the article 1, that is, one puff.

[0078] Furthermore, Article 1 of Example 2 delivers at least 0.1 mg / stk of flavor component from the initial stage of puffing to the final stage of puffing. Although Article 1 of Example 1 delivers a slightly smaller amount of flavor component in the first puff than Article 1 of Example 2, the change in the amount of flavor component delivered with an increase in the number of puffs is almost the same as Article 1 of Example 2.

[0079] Fig. 26 shows an image of the tubular element 4 of Example 2. In Example 2, as shown in the figure, when the flavor ingredient 120 is sorbed in the liner 28 at a position adjacent to the flavor ingredient 2, the heat of the heater 118 that heats the flavor ingredient 2 is easily transferred to the flavor ingredient 120. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 26, the flavor ingredient 120 volatilizes early and becomes an aerosol 122, and a large amount of the flavor ingredient 120 can be supplied to the user at the initial puff stage.

[0080] In addition, since the liner 28 of Example 2 has a simple S-shape, a larger space is secured inside the cardboard tube 26 compared to the folded-in liner 28 of Example 1, and the breathability of the cardboard tube 26 is improved. The increased breathability of the cardboard tube 26 promotes the vaporization and aerosolization of the vaporized flavor component 120, so that the amount of flavor component delivered in the first puff is slightly greater in Example 2 than in Example 1.

[0081] 27 shows an image of the flavor element 2 of Comparative Example 1. The flavor element 2 of Comparative Example 1 is densely packed with the tobacco raw material 124 packed around the flavor ingredient 120, reducing the air permeability within the flavor element 2. In Comparative Example 1, the reduced air permeability causes the volatilization and aerosolization of the flavor ingredient 120 to be delayed in the early stages of the puff, and the amount of flavor ingredient delivered in the first puff is about 0.35 mg / stk, which is about 60% of that in Example 2.

[0082] However, in Comparative Example 1, as time passes and the number of puffs increases, the flavor element 2 is heated by the heater 118 and the temperature gradually increases, gradually promoting the volatilization and aerosolization of the flavor component 120 in the flavor element 2. The heated airflow also promotes the volatilization and aerosolization of the flavor component sorbed in the second filter element 8. Therefore, the amount of flavor component delivered from the 8th puff to the 11th puff is greater than in Examples 1 and 2.

[0083] In Comparative Examples 2 and 3, the flavor component is contained only in the first filter element 6 and the second filter element 8 separated from the flavor element 2. For this reason, it takes time for the airflow to be heated by the heater 118. In addition, there is a drawback in that the flavor component is filtered in the first filter element 6 and the second filter element 8. Therefore, in the case of Comparative Examples 2 and 3, the amount of volatilization of the flavor component itself is small, and the amount of delivered flavor component remains small even with the passage of time and an increase in the number of puffs.

[0084] From these results, it is preferable to add and sorb the flavor component to the liner 28 of the tubular element 4 adjacent to the flavor element 2, rather than adding and sorbing only to the flavor element 2 that is the direct heating target of the heater 118. Also, it is preferable to add and sorb the flavor component to the liner 28 of the tubular element 4 adjacent to the flavor element 2, rather than adding and sorbing only to the first filter element 6 or the second filter element 8 that is spaced apart from the flavor element 2. This allows a larger amount of the flavor component to be supplied to the user more efficiently.

[0085] As described above, the article 1 of the embodiment comprises the flavor element 2 that is heated without combustion and the tubular element 4 that forms an airflow path, and the tubular element 4 comprises a cylindrical hollow cardboard tube 26 and a paper liner 28 that is disposed within the cardboard tube 26 along the axial direction X of the cardboard tube 26, and the total cross-sectional length of the liner 28 is greater than the inner diameter d of the cardboard tube 26.

[0086] As a result, the liner 28, which has no filtering function, can provide the user with as little attenuation of the flavor components volatilized in the flavor element 2. Also, since the total cross-sectional length of the liner 28 is greater than the inner diameter d of the cardboard tube 26, a curved portion is formed in the liner 28, and a large surface area of ​​the liner 28 can be secured. Therefore, a cooling segment function can be realized in which the flavor components volatilized in the flavor element 2 are instantly cooled on the surface of the liner 28 to be aerosolized.

[0087] Furthermore, when the tubular element 4 is disposed adjacent to the flavor element 2, a support segment function can be realized in which the liner 28 prevents the flavor raw material 10 filled in the flavor element 2 from spilling out. In addition, additives, specifically, flavor ingredients, activated carbon, aerosol extenders, etc., may be sorbed onto the liner 28. In this case, the additives can be easily sorbed onto the liner 28, and a flavor ingredient delivery segment function can be realized in which the delivery of the additives, for example, the delivery of flavor ingredients, to the user can be easily controlled by changing the sorption region and sorption area of ​​the additives on the liner 28.

[0088] In addition, the portion of the liner 28 that may come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 26a of the cardboard tube 26 is adhered to the inner circumferential surface 26a of the cardboard tube 26 along the axial direction X of the liner 28. This fixes the liner 28 to the cardboard tube 26, preventing the liner 28 from falling off and enhancing the buckling strength of the tubular element 4, thereby enhancing the function of the tubular element 4 as a support segment.

[0089] The thickness of the liner 28 is 0.05 mm to 1 mm, and the basis weight of the liner 28 is 80 gsm to 120 gsm, which enhances the buckling strength of the liner 28 and thereby enhances the function of the liner 28 as a support segment for the tubular element 4. The above thickness and basis weight may be achieved by forming the liner 28 from a double paper web.

[0090] In addition, the total cross-sectional length of the liner 28 in the tube radial direction Y is at least twice the inner diameter d of the cardboard tube 26. This further increases the surface area of ​​the liner 28, thereby further enhancing the functions of the cooling segment, the support segment, and the flavor component delivery segment described above.

[0091] In addition, the cross section of the liner 28 in the tube diameter direction Y has a continuous S-shape, which is a simple shape and therefore facilitates the manufacture of the liner 28. In addition, the simple shape makes it possible to fully utilize the airflow path within the cardboard tube 26 as a space for volatilization and aerosolization of flavor components and the like, while obtaining the various effects described above.

[0092] Although the description of the embodiment has been completed above, the above embodiment is not limited, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the liner forming step, the means for applying frictional force to both end edges of the strip paper web 92 is not limited to the above-mentioned form using the rotor tube 94.

[0093] Furthermore, the configuration of the article 1 and the position of the tubular element 4 in the article 1 are not limited to the above-mentioned forms. However, as described above, it is preferable to place the tubular element 4 adjacent to the flavor element 2 to be heated. Furthermore, the article 1 does not necessarily have to include a filter element, and the flavor element 2 does not necessarily have to contain tobacco raw material. Furthermore, the shape of the liner 28 is not limited to the S-shape and the shapes shown in the drawings, so long as it satisfies the above-mentioned conditions.

[0094] Furthermore, as is clear from the results of <Tubular Element Buckling Strength Test> and <Liner Buckling Strength Test>, when it is desired to enhance the buckling strength of the tubular element 4, the paper tube 26 of the tubular element 4 may be formed from a double paper web 27, and the liner 28 may be formed from a double paper web. Furthermore, as is clear from the results of <Flavor Component Delivery Test>, it is preferable to add and sorb additives containing flavor components such as flavoring agents to the liner 28 of the tubular element 4 adjacent to the flavor element 2 to be heated. However, the tubular element 4 does not necessarily have to be disposed adjacent to the flavor element 2, and may be disposed in a relatively close position.

[0095] Furthermore, as has been found from the results of the <Test for measuring temperature of an article>, in order to promote the volatilization of the additive and, in turn, the aerosolization, it is preferable that the region in the liner 28 where the additive is sorbed is a position that is the object of heating and is as close as possible to the flavor element 2 and becomes hot, that is, the side of the flavor element 2, or one end of the liner 28 that can come into contact with the flavor element 2. However, this is not limiting, and the sorption region and sorption area of ​​the additive in the liner 28 can be changed in various ways depending on the specifications of the article 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 Scent attracts objects 2 Fragrance elements 4 tubular elements 26 Paper Tube 26a Inner circumference 28 ライナー d inner diameter X-axis direction Y Pipe diameter direction

Claims

1. A flavor inhalation article comprising a flavor element that is heated without combustion and is formed by filling a flavor raw material, and a tubular element that forms an airflow path, The tubular element comprises: A cylindrical hollow paper tube; A paper liner disposed within the cardboard tube along the axial direction of the cardboard tube; Equipped with The total cross-sectional length of the liner in the radial direction of the cardboard tube is greater than the inner diameter of the cardboard tube, The tubular element is disposed adjacent to the flavor element; The liner is positioned in a position where it can contact the flavor raw material, and an additive including a flavor component is sorbed on the liner; The tubular element functions as a cooling segment that cools and aerosolizes the flavor components volatilized in the flavor element or the liner, and also functions as a support segment that supports the flavor raw material filled in the flavor element to prevent it from spilling out, in this flavor inhalation article.

2. The flavor inhalation article according to claim 1 , wherein a portion of the liner that can come into contact with an inner peripheral surface of the cardboard tube is adhered to the inner peripheral surface of the cardboard tube along the axial direction of the liner.

3. The flavor inhalation article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liner has a paper thickness of 0.05 mm to 1 mm.

4. The flavor inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the liner has a basis weight of 80 gsm to 120 gsm.

5. The flavor inhalation article according to claim 1 , wherein a total cross-sectional length of the liner in the tube radial direction is at least twice the inner diameter of the paper tube.

6. The flavor inhalation article according to claim 1 , wherein a cross section of the liner in the tube radial direction is S-shaped.

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