Aromatic cartridge

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

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

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In an aroma cartridge that is attached to a suction device having an electric heating means and generates an aerosol containing an aromatic component by being heated by the electric heating means, the aroma cartridge includes a cylindrical cover, an aroma base material that is accommodated on one end side of the cover and generates an aerosol containing an aromatic component when heated, and a filter that is accommodated on the other end side of the cover, wherein the aroma base material contains a pulverized and dried product of a plant, an aerosol former, catechin, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0008] According to the aroma cartridge of the present invention, when the aroma base material is heated by the electric heating means of the suction device, an aerosol containing components generated from the pulverized and dried product of the plant and catechin is generated. Since the aerosol contains components of the pulverized and dried product of the plant, catechin, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone, it is possible to reduce the unpleasant odor of the mainstream smoke and the sidestream smoke, and to reduce the offensive odor of the mainstream smoke.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advantages of the Invention

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0042] (pulverized and dried product of a plant) Examples of the pulverized and dried product of a plant include, in addition to tobacco leaves and stems, leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, fruits, barks, and roots of non-tobacco plants.

[0043] The pulverized and dried product of a plant is particularly preferably at least one selected from the aerial stems and leaves of Chinese tea, black tea, rose, plants of the genus Hosta in the family Asparagaceae, lavender, saffron flowers, Chinese ginger, shallots, garlic, onions, konjac rhizomes, quince, plants of the genus Citrus in the family Rutaceae (daidai, unshu mandarin, summer daidai, ponkan, hassaku, iyokan, ichang lemon, karatachi, orange, mandarin orange, kabosu, kishu mandarin, knott, grapefruit, koji, sanbokan, citron, jabara, sudachi, tachibana, tangor, natsumikan, hanayuzu, hyuga nats, hirami lemon (sour orange), buntan (pomelo), yuzu, lime, lemon, kobumikan, etc.), plants of the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae, apples, pineapples, mangoes, kumquats, melons, watermelons, plums, apricots, blueberries, plants of the genus Fragaria in the family Rosaceae, raspberries, bananas, and grape fruits, peppermint plants of the genus Mentha in the family Lamiaceae (peppermint, Japanese mint, apple mint, water mint, Corsican mint, pennyroyal mint, etc.), spearmint plants of the genus Mentha in the family Lamiaceae (spearmint, horsemint, green mint, chili mint, ginger mint, etc.), dog mint, lemon balm, silverweed, hyssop, and the aerial stems and leaves of plants of the genus Nicotiana in the family Solanaceae. However, the pulverized and dried product of a plant is not limited thereto, as it is suitable for providing a pleasant fragrance to the user.

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

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

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

[0047] As the pulverized and dried product of a plant constituting the flavor (hereinafter also referred to as flavor material), there are preferably included at least one selected from carambola, plants of the genus Citrus in the Rutaceae family (daidai, unshu mandarin, natsudaidai, ponkan, hassaku, iyokan, ichan lemon, karatachi, orange, mandarin orange, kabosu, kishu mandarin, knott, grapefruit, koji, sambokan, citron, jabara, sudachi, tachibana, tangor, natsumikan, hanayuzu, hyuga natsu, hirami lemon (seyval), buntan (pomelo), yuzu, lime, lemon, kobumikan, etc.), plants of the Prunus persica species of the Rosaceae family, apple, pineapple, mango, kumquat, melon, pomegranate, ume, apricot, blueberry, plants of the genus Fragaria of the Rosaceae family, raspberry, banana, grape fruits, peppermint plants of the genus Mentha in the Lamiaceae family (peppermint, Japanese mint, apple mint, water mint, Corsican mint, pennyroyal mint, etc.), spearmint plants of the genus Mentha in the Lamiaceae family (spearmint, horse mint, midori mint, chili mint, ginger mint, etc.), dog mint, lemon balm, savory, hyssop, and the aerial stems and leaves of plants of the Nicotiana tabacum species of the Solanaceae family.

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

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

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

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

[0052] Catechins may be, for example, mixed with the pulverized and dried product of the plant that is the raw material of the aromatic base material 20 and included in the aromatic base material 20. For example, by dissolving powdered catechins in a polar solvent such as water or ethanol and mixing with the pulverized and dried product of a plant such as tea leaves, catechins may be contained in the aromatic base material 20. In addition, in polar solvents such as water and ethanol, in addition to catechins, for example, aromatic components such as menthol and coffee powder may be mixed.

[0053] Moreover, the mode of containing catechins in the aromatic cartridge 100 is not limited to such a mode. For example, a solution in which catechins are dissolved in a polar solvent such as water or ethanol may be impregnated into the aromatic base material 20. Also, for example, a powder containing catechins may be mixed with the pulverized and dried product of a plant and an aerosol former so as to be contained in the aromatic base material 20.

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

[0055] When the capsule is disposed on the aroma base material 20, it is preferably made of a material that can be melted by heating with the electric heating means for heating the aroma base material 20 of the heat-not-burn smoking device, or a material in which the capsule film collapses due to external pressure and the contents can be released. Further, when the capsule is disposed at a position other than the aroma base material 20, for example, on the filter 30 or the support member 40, it is preferably made of a material in which the capsule film collapses due to external pressure and the contents can be released.

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

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

[0058] When the amount of catechins contained in the aroma base material 20 of one aroma cartridge 100 is less than 0.5 mg, it tends to be difficult to obtain the effect of reducing the unpleasant odor of the mainstream smoke and the side stream smoke by catechins and reducing the unpleasant smell of the mainstream smoke. Further, when the amount of catechins contained in the aroma base material 20 exceeds 135 mg, the manufacturing cost tends to increase.

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

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

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

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

[0063] When the total amount of catechin and crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone is 5% by mass or more, it is possible to reduce the off-flavor of the mainstream smoke and reduce the unpleasant odor of the mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0072] (Thermally fusible substance) The thermally fusible substance has a melting point in the range of 50 to 100°C, preferably in the range of 50 to 80°C, and more preferably in the range of 60 to 67°C. If the melting point of the thermally fusible substance is less than 50°C, the thermally fusible substance may melt during high-temperature periods such as summer, resulting in stickiness. On the other hand, if the melting point of the thermally fusible substance exceeds 100°C, the thermally fusible substance may not be sufficiently melted at the initial stage of the temperature increase process of the aromatic base material, and the aroma of the aerosol immediately after the end of the temperature increase process by the heated smoking device tends to be insufficient.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0094] Such higher fatty acids and higher aliphatic alcohols each have a carboxyl group and a hydroxyl group bonded to the ends of linear hydrocarbons and have no molecular weight distribution or an extremely narrow molecular weight distribution. Therefore, similar to paraffin wax, they have a low melt viscosity during heat melting and a narrow temperature range of the melting point, and thus have a great effect of promoting the deformation and flow during the heating of the aromatic base material 20.

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

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

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

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

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

[0100] (Fragrance) The fragrance can be added together with an aerosol former or the like, but it is more preferably mixed in a heat-melted substance in advance. As the fragrance, at least one or more selected from cooling agents and nicotine can be used.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0118] In addition, an adsorbent that adsorbs the compound and retains it in the fragrance generating substrate 20 can also be used. For example, when the compound is menthol, menthol has a phenolic hydroxyl group. Therefore, as the adsorbent, a hydrophilic crosslinked polymer such as crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPP: Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone) that can adsorb the phenolic hydroxyl group can be used.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0136] The mixture formed into a sheet shape by the compression and shear processing is cut into a predetermined shape and size, and a cutting step is performed. The sheet-shaped mixture is processed into, for example, a strip shape.

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

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

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

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

[0141] As a result, it is possible to efficiently volatilize the aromatic components of the aroma source material. Therefore, when the user inhales the aerosol emitted from the aromatic cartridge 100 immediately after the end of the temperature increase process of the heat-not-burn smoking device, the user can enjoy the aroma more fully.

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

[0143] As described above, according to the aromatic cartridge 100 of the present invention, since the aerosol that can be generated from the aromatic base material 20 contains components of the pulverized and dried product of the plant, catechin, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone, it is possible to reduce the unpleasant taste of the mainstream smoke and the unpleasant odor of the mainstream smoke and the sidestream smoke. Therefore, it is possible to improve the flavor of the heat-not-burn tobacco.

Example

[0144] [Test Example 1] (Sensory evaluation of flavor) An aromatic base material containing catechin and crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone was prepared as an example, and an aromatic base material containing neither catechin nor crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone was prepared as a comparative example, and the flavors of the aerosols of both were evaluated.

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

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

[0147]

Table 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0155]

Table 2

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

[0157]

Table 3

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

[0159]

Table 4

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

[0161]

Table 5

[0162] (Functional Test) Ten panelists evaluated the flavor of the aerosol of the aromatic cartridges 100 of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 using a heated smoking device.

[0163] Eight out of ten panelists evaluated that the aroma cartridge 100 of Example 1 had a stronger menthol scent and a reduced off-flavor in the mainstream smoke than the aroma cartridges 100 of Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

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

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

Explanation of Reference Signs

[0166] 100 Aroma cartridge 10 Cover 20 Aroma base material 30 Filter

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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