Heated aroma-generating substrate, heated aroma cartridge, and method for manufacturing heated aroma-generating substrate

Abstract

To provide a heatable aroma generation substrate capable of holding a sufficient aroma in an aerosol immediately after a heating process.SOLUTION: A heatable aroma generation substrate includes an aroma source material that generates aroma by being heated, an aerosol Phoma that generates aerosol by being heated, and a heat meltable material that melts by being heated. The heatable aroma generation substrate is used for sucking the aerosol containing an aromatic component. The heat meltable material has a melting point in a range of 50-100°C, and is dispersed in the form of a sea-island structure in the heatable aroma generation substrate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heated aroma-emitting substrate capable of generating an aerosol when heated, a heated aroma cartridge, and a method for producing a heated aroma-emitting substrate. [Background technology]

[0002] The cartridge of a heated smoking device contains a heated aroma-generating substrate that includes an aroma source material, such as a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant, that generates an aroma when heated, and an aerosol former (aerosol-forming agent) that generates an aerosol when heated. This cartridge is generally heated to 200°C or higher by the heated smoking device during use. After the heated smoking device has finished heating up, the user inhales the aerosol generated from the cartridge.

[0003] The diffusion rate of the aroma, which is a volatile component of the aroma source material, is greater in the liquid phase than in the solid phase. For this reason, a heat-fusible substance such as wax is added to the aroma-generating substrate to promote the migration of the volatile component from within the aroma-generating substrate to its surface when the aroma-generating substrate is heated.

[0004] As an example of a heated aroma-generating base material to which wax has been added, Patent Document 1 discloses a heated aerosol-generating article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate being a homogenized tobacco material containing tobacco and wax having a melting point of 50°C to 150°C, and the wax being uniformly distributed within the homogenized tobacco material. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6433626 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in Patent Document 1, the heated aroma-generating substrate is formed in a state in which wax is impregnated into an aroma source material such as a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant. That is, the wax penetrates into the fibrous tissue of the aroma source material. When the wax is impregnated into the fibrous tissue, much of the wax moves toward the interior of the substrate (toward the fibrous tissue). Therefore, most of the wax is present on the inner side of the substrate rather than the surface side. In this state, even if the wax melts upon heating, it tends not to elute to the surface of the heated aroma-generating substrate. Furthermore, because the wax elute together with volatile components (aroma components), the amount of volatile components that migrate from the interior of the heated aroma-generating substrate to its surface also decreases.

[0007] Therefore, the content of aromatic volatile components in the aerosol decreases early in the heating process from ambient or room temperature to the target heating temperature of the heated smoking device. As a result, the aerosol immediately after the heating process by the heated smoking device is complete does not contain sufficient aromatic components, and users have difficulty perceiving the scent immediately after the heating process is complete.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a heated aroma-generating substrate, a heated aroma cartridge, and a method for manufacturing a heated aroma cartridge that are capable of retaining sufficient aroma in the aerosol immediately after the heating process using a heated smoking device has ended. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention contains an aroma source material that generates an aroma when heated, an aerosol former that generates an aerosol when heated, and a heat-melting substance that melts when heated, and is used to inhale an aerosol containing an aromatic component, characterized in that the heat-melting substance has a melting point in the range of 50 to 100°C and is dispersed in the heated aroma-generating substrate in a sea-island structure.

[0010] In the heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention, the thermally fusible substance is dispersed in the heated aroma-generating substrate in a sea-island structure. That is, in this sea-island structure, the sea is composed of components other than the thermally fusible substance, and the islands are composed of the thermally fusible substance. The melting point of the thermally fusible substance is in the range of 50 to 100°C. Therefore, the thermally fusible substance melts in the early stage of the temperature rise process of the heated aroma-generating substrate. The aroma components generated from the aroma source material, etc., are dissolved in the molten thermally fusible substance. By dispersing the thermally fusible substance in the heated aroma-generating substrate and forming islands in the sea-island structure at least on the surface of the heated aroma-generating substrate, the thermally fusible substance is more fluid when melted than when impregnated with an aroma source material such as a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant. Accordingly, the amount of the thermally fusible substance that migrates to the surface of the heated aroma-generating substrate together with the aroma components when melted also increases, increasing the amount of the aroma components in the aerosol. This allows for the generation of aerosols containing a large amount of aromatic components at the initial stage of the heating process of the aroma-generating substrate. Therefore, users can enjoy a rich aroma immediately after the heating process is complete. If the melting point of the heat-fusible substance is less than 50°C, the heat-fusible substance may melt during hot periods such as summer, causing stickiness. If the melting point of the heat-fusible substance is greater than 100°C, the heat-fusible substance may not melt sufficiently at the initial stage of the heating process of the aroma-generating substrate, resulting in a lack of aromatic content in the aerosol immediately after the heating process is complete.

[0011] In the heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention, the heat-meltable substance preferably has a melting point in the range of 50 to 80°C.

[0012] When the melting point of the heat-meltable substance is 50 to 80°C, the aroma-generating substrate melts more easily in the early stages of the temperature-raising process, and the aroma can be enhanced immediately after the temperature-raising process is completed.

[0013] In the heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention, the heat-meltable substance is preferably selected from the group consisting of beeswax, carnauba wax, vaseline, and paraffin wax, and is most preferably beeswax.

[0014] If the heat-melting substance is selected from beeswax, carnauba wax, petrolatum, and paraffin wax, the heat-melting substance will melt more easily in the early stage of the temperature-raising process of the heated aroma-generating substrate, and the aroma can be further enhanced immediately after the temperature-raising process is completed. Furthermore, if the heat-melting substance is beeswax, the aromatic components contained in the beeswax itself will also volatilize, allowing for a more pleasant aroma to be enjoyed.

[0015] In the heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention, the heat-meltable substance preferably contains an aromatic agent.

[0016] The heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention preferably contains a sorbent capable of retaining the aroma.

[0017] By including a sorbent capable of retaining the aromatic agent, the concentration of the aromatic components of the aromatic agent contained in the aerosol can be maintained high even just before the heating of the heated aroma-generating substrate is finished, i.e., just before the end of the period during which smoking or aerosol inhalation is possible. In particular, the ease with which the heat-meltable substance melts in the early stages of the temperature rise process makes it possible to further enhance the aroma immediately after the temperature rise process is completed, and the sorbent can maintain a high concentration of the aromatic components of the aromatic agent, allowing the user to enjoy a rich aroma throughout the entire period during which smoking or aerosol inhalation is possible.

[0018] When the heat-meltable substance contains an aromatic, the heat-meltable substance dissolves in the early stage of the heating process of the aroma-emitting substrate, and the aromatic volatilizes and easily flows out with the aerosol, thereby enhancing the aroma immediately after the heating process is completed.

[0019] The heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention preferably contains 2 to 20% by mass of the thermally meltable substance.

[0020] By setting the content of the heat-meltable substance to 2 to 20% by mass, it is possible to make it easier for the aromatic component to be generated when the heat-meltable substance melts.

[0021] In the heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention, the aroma source material is preferably derived from a plant other than tobacco.

[0022] When the aroma source material is derived from a non-tobacco plant, since it does not contain nicotine, users tend to desire a stronger aroma and a more stimulating sensation than when the aroma source material is derived from a tobacco plant. As described above, the heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention can generate a good aroma by the thermal melting substance, thereby meeting user expectations.

[0023] The heated aroma cartridge of the present invention is a heated aroma cartridge that is attached to an inhalation device having an electric heating means and generates an aerosol containing aromatic components when heated, and is equipped with a cylindrical cover, a heated aroma-generating substrate housed at one end of the cover and that generates an aerosol containing aromatic components when heated, and a filter housed at the other end of the cover, and is characterized in that the heated aroma-generating substrate is any of the heated aroma-generating substrates described above.

[0024] According to the heated aroma cartridge of the present invention, by using the heated aroma-generating substrate, the user can feel a rich aroma from the early stages of attaching the heated aroma cartridge to an inhalation device, heating it, and starting to inhale the aerosol.

[0025] The method for producing a heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention is a method for producing a heated aroma-generating substrate by mixing and molding raw materials including an aroma source material that generates an aroma when heated, an aerosol former that generates an aerosol when heated, and a heat-melting substance that melts when heated, characterized in that the heat-melting substance is a powdery substance with a melting point in the range of 50 to 100°C that is added to the raw materials, and the raw materials are mixed and molded at a temperature below the melting point of the heat-melting substance.

[0026] According to the method for manufacturing a heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention, the heated aroma-generating substrate is manufactured so that the heat-fusible substance remains in a sea-island structure. Therefore, the heat-fusible substance containing the dissolved aroma components migrates to the surface of the heated aroma-generating substrate and is easily volatilized along with the aerosol former. This makes it possible to generate an aerosol containing many aroma components in the early stages of the heating process of the heated aroma-generating substrate. Furthermore, the user can enjoy a rich aroma immediately after the heating process using the heated smoking device is completed.

[0027] In the method for producing a heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention, it is preferable that the heat-fusible substance containing an aroma agent is powdered and added to the raw materials.

[0028] By incorporating an aromatic substance in the heat-melting substance, the heated aromatic cartridge is attached to an inhalation tool and heated, and the heat-melting substance melts at the initial stage of starting inhalation, causing the aromatic substance to volatilize and flow out, allowing a richer aroma to be felt from the initial stage of starting inhalation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] The heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention enables the generation of an aerosol containing many aromatic components in the early stages of the heating process of the heated aroma-generating substrate, allowing the user to enjoy a rich aroma immediately after the heating process using the heated smoking device is completed.

[0030] The heated aroma cartridge of the present invention contains the heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention, allowing the user to enjoy a rich aroma immediately after the heating process using the heated smoking device has finished.

[0031] According to the manufacturing method of the heated aroma cartridge of the present invention, the raw materials are mixed and molded at a temperature below the melting point of the heat-fusible substance, so that the heat-fusible substance remains in an island structure. This allows the heat-fusible substance with the dissolved aroma components to migrate to the surface of the heated aroma-generating substrate and become more likely to volatilize together with the aerosol former, allowing the aroma to be enjoyed in abundance immediately after the heating process using the heated smoking device is completed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a heated aroma cartridge of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the heated aroma cartridge. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing the form of a heat-meltable substance contained in a heated aroma-generating base material. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cigarette showing the sealing state of the sealing material of 2. [Figure 5] 1 is a process diagram showing one embodiment of a manufacturing process for a heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is a process diagram showing another embodiment of the manufacturing process of the heated aroma-generating substrate of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a heated aroma cartridge using a heated aroma-generating substrate according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a heated aroma cartridge according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a heated aroma cartridge according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heated aroma cartridge taken along line AA in Fig. 1.

[0034] [Configuration of heated aroma cartridge] 1 and 2, the heated aroma cartridge 100 can be used, for example, as a cartridge for a heated smoking device. Below, an example will be described in which the heated aroma cartridge 100 is a cartridge used in a heated smoking device (hereinafter also simply referred to as an inhalation device), which is an inhalation device having an electric heating means.

[0035] The heated aroma cartridge 100 comprises a cylindrical cover 10, a heated aroma-generating substrate 20 housed at one end of the cover 10, a filter 30 housed at the other end of the cover 10, and a support member 40 housed in the cover 10 and disposed between the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 and the filter 30.

[0036] In this embodiment, the cover 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The shape of the cover 10 is not particularly limited as long as it is cylindrical. The cover 10 may be formed in, for example, a polygonal prism shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or the like.

[0037] The cover 10 is composed of a cigarette paper 11 that covers the heated aroma-generating substrate 20, a base material 12 that covers the heated aroma-generating substrate 20, the support member 40, and the filter 30 from the outside of the cigarette paper 11, and a tipping paper 13 that further covers the outer periphery of the filter 30 from the outside of the base material 12. The base material 12 is joined to the cigarette paper 11 and the tipping paper 13 by means of adhesion, heat fusion, or the like.

[0038] The cigarette paper 11, the substrate 12, and the tipping paper 13 may be made of, for example, paper, a synthetic resin film, a metal foil, or the like, or may be a composite sheet formed by laminating these. Furthermore, an adhesive or fusible layer such as an adhesive layer or a hot melt layer may be formed on the inner surface of the cigarette paper 11, the substrate 12, and the tipping paper 13.

[0039] In this embodiment, the cigarette paper 11 serves to group the heated aroma-generating substrates 20 together to form a column. The substrate 12 serves to connect the heated aroma-generating substrates 20, the support member 40, and the filter 30. The tipping paper 13 serves to reinforce the portion (mouthpiece) where the user holds the heated aroma cartridge 100 in their mouth. Note that the cover 10 is not limited to one in which the cigarette paper 11, substrate 12, and tipping paper 13 are individually configured, and may be, for example, configured as a single sheet in which the cigarette paper 11, substrate 12, and tipping paper 13 are integrated.

[0040] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the heated aroma-generating substrate 20, the support member 40 and the filter 30 are arranged along the axial direction of the cover 10 from one end to the other end.

[0041] The heated aroma-generating substrate 20 is an aggregate of rod-shaped, strip-shaped, powder-shaped, granular, pellet-shaped, small piece-shaped, sheet-shaped, fibrous, porous, or block-shaped components. In this embodiment, the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole by strip-shaped components.

[0042] The heated aroma-generating substrate 20 can generate an aerosol by being heated by the electric heating means of the heated smoking device. The heated aroma-generating substrate 20 can contain an aroma source material made from a non-tobacco plant as well as from a tobacco plant, an aerosol former capable of generating an aerosol, and a heat-melting substance that melts when heated. The configuration of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 will be described later.

[0043] The filter 30 preferably has a certain degree of breathability to the mainstream smoke or aerosol generated from the heated aroma-generating substrate 20, and has the function of capturing solid particles contained in the mainstream smoke or aerosol and adsorbing harmful components, etc. The shape of the filter 30 is not particularly limited as long as it can be wrapped in the cover 10.

[0044] The filter 30 may be, for example, an acetate filter using acetate fibers, a charcoal filter containing activated carbon in an acetate filter, or an AFT (Advanced Filter Technology) filter having multiple grooves recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the filter 30 in the axial direction of the cover 10. The filter 30 may also contain a fragrance, a microcelled fragrance, or the like. In this embodiment, the filter 30 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the base material 12 of the cover 10 by a fixing means such as adhesion or welding.

[0045] 2 and 3, the support member 40 is located between the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 and the filter 30, and is disposed adjacent to each of them. The support member 40 may have an outer peripheral surface that corresponds to the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the cover 10. In this embodiment, the support member 40 is formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole. The support member 40 is fixed to the cover 10 by a fixing means such as adhesion or welding, and in this embodiment, it is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the substrate 12.

[0046] The shape of the support member 40 is not limited as long as it has a structure that allows ventilation from one end to the other and has the function of restricting movement of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 toward the other end.

[0047] In this embodiment, the support member 40 has one or more ventilation passages 41 that penetrate in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the ventilation passages 41 are defined by four recessed grooves formed along the axial direction at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the support member 20 and the inner peripheral surface of the cover 10.

[0048] Furthermore, the ventilation passage 41 may be composed of, for example, one or more through holes formed so as to penetrate in the axial direction from one end face to the other end face of the support member 40. The ventilation passage 41 may be composed of, for example, a central ventilation passage formed along the axial center of the support member 40, and a plurality of ventilation passages arranged side by side in the circumferential direction to surround this central ventilation passage and similarly formed so as to penetrate in the axial direction.

[0049] The support member 40 may also be formed of a honeycomb structure having partition walls with a hexagonal end face shape and a plurality of air passages penetrating in the axial direction. Furthermore, the support member 40 may be formed of a porous body having open cells, for example.

[0050] The support member 40 preferably has a shape at one or both axial end faces of the cover 10, preferably the end face located on the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 side, that is capable of restricting the axial movement of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 of the cover 10 when the electrical heating means of the inhalation device is inserted. Here, a shape that is capable of restricting the axial movement of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 of the cover 10 may be, for example, a shape that restricts the movement of the material of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 to an extent that does not cause practical problems.

[0051] Because the support member 40 is formed in this manner, when an electric heating means for heating the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 of the heated smoking device is inserted from one end of the heated aroma cartridge 100, the support member 40 restricts movement of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 toward the other end. In other words, the support member 40 can support the heated aroma-generating substrate 20.

[0052] Furthermore, the support member 40 can cool the high-temperature aerosol containing the aroma component generated from the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 when the aerosol passes through it. For this reason, the support member 40 is made of a material that has heat resistance corresponding to the combustion temperature or heating temperature of the heated aroma cartridge 100. For example, when the heated aroma cartridge 100 is a cartridge for a heated smoking device, the support member is preferably made of a material that has heat resistance of about 200 to 350°C.

[0053] Examples of such materials include paper, resin, rubber, wood, metal, and ceramic, but resin that can be molded into various shapes is more preferable.

[0054] The resin may be either a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin, such as polyolefin resin, polyester resin, polystyrene resin, nylon resin, acrylic resin, silicone resin, fluorine resin, polyurethane resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) resin, phenol resin, amino resin, ABS resin, biodegradable plastic, etc. Among these resins, biodegradable plastic is preferred from the viewpoint of protecting the natural environment, since the heated aroma cartridge 100 becomes waste after use.

[0055] Examples of biodegradable plastics include poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and polylactic acid (PLA).

[0056] The heated aroma-emitting substrate 20 of the heated aroma cartridge 100 is heated from room temperature or ambient temperature to a target temperature of 200°C or higher by an electric heating means of an inhalation device (not shown). Therefore, the heated aroma-emitting substrate 20 undergoes a temperature rise process from room temperature or ambient temperature to the target temperature. The user can inhale the aerosol emitted from the heated aroma cartridge 100 immediately after the temperature rise process is completed.

[0057] [Configuration of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20] The heated aroma-emitting substrate 20 contains an aroma source material that emits an aroma when heated, an aerosol former that generates an aerosol when heated, and a heat-meltable substance that melts when heated.

[0058] In addition to the above, the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 may also contain, for example, an aroma agent that can supplement the aroma emitted from the aroma source material, a molding agent that can improve the moldability of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20, a binder that contributes to bonding and integrating the aerosol former and the aroma source material, a sorbent that can retain the aroma agent in the heated aroma-generating substrate 20, and a preservative that can improve the shelf life of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20.

[0059] (fragrance source material) Examples of aroma source materials include tobacco leaves and stems, as well as leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, fruits, bark, roots, and the like of non-tobacco plants.

[0060] Fragrance sources include, in particular, Chinese tea, black tea, roses, plants of the Oleaceae family, lavender, saffron flowers, shallots, garlic, onions, the rhizomes of konjac, Chinese quince, plants of the Rutaceae family (bitter orange, satsuma mandarin, summer orange, ponkan, hassaku citrus, iyokan, ichan lemon, trifoliate orange, orange, mandarin orange, kabosu, Kishu mandarin, quinot, grapefruit, koji, sanbokan, citron, jabara, sudachi, tachibana, tangor, summer mandarin, yuzu, hyuganatsu, Hirami lemon (shikwasa), pomelo (citron), yuzu, lime, lemon, kaffir lime, etc.), plants of the Rosaceae family, peach, apple, pineapple, mango, and finch In order to provide a user with a pleasant fragrance, the composition may include at least one selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, apple, melon, pomegranate, plum, apricot, blueberry, plants of the genus Fragaria (Rosaceae), raspberry, banana, and grape fruit, plants of the genus Mentha (Lamiaceae) (peppermint, Japanese mint, apple mint, water mint, Corsican mint, pennyroyal mint, etc.), plants of the genus Mentha (Lamiaceae) (spearmint, horse mint, green mentha, chili mint, ginger mint, etc.), catnip, lemon balm, savory, willow mint (hyssop), and the aboveground stems and leaves of plants of the genus Nicotiana (Solanaceae).

[0061] However, when the heated aromatic cartridge is attached to an inhalation device, it is preferable that it combines the three elements of fragrance, which is defined as the scent that wafts from the heated aromatic cartridge itself, aroma, which is defined as the scent that wafts into the air when the heated aromatic cartridge is heated, and flavor, which is defined as the scent that wafts into the mouth when the heated aromatic cartridge is heated and inhaled together with the aerosol.

[0062] The fragrance preferably contains at least one selected from Chinese tea, black tea, rose, plants of the Oleaceae family, lavender, saffron flowers, and above-ground stems and leaves of plants of the Solanaceae family.

[0063] The aroma preferably includes at least one selected from the rhizomes of scallions, shallots, garlic, onions, and konjac, and the above-ground stems and leaves of plants of the Nicotiana species of the Solanaceae family.

[0064] Flavors include quince, plants of the citrus genus of the Rutaceae family (bitter orange, unshu mandarin, summer orange, ponkan, hassaku, iyokan, ichan lemon, trifoliate orange, orange, mandarin orange, kabosu, Kishu mandarin, quinot, grapefruit, koji, sanbokan, citron, jabara, sudachi, tachibana, tangor, summer mandarin, hanayuzu, hyuganatsu, Hirami lemon (shikwasa), pomelo (pomelo), yuzu, lime, lemon, kaffir lime, etc.), plants of the peach genus of the Rosaceae family, apple, pineapple, mango, kumquat, melon, pomegranate, plum, apricot, etc. It is preferable that the above-ground stems and leaves of plants of the genus Fragaria (Rosaceae), raspberries, bananas, grapes, peppermint plants of the genus Mentha (Lamiaceae) (peppermint, Japanese mint, apple mint, water mint, Corsican mint, pennyroyal mint, etc.), spearmint plants of the genus Mentha (Lamiaceae) (spearmint, horse mint, green mentha, chili mint, ginger mint, etc.), catnip, lemon balm, brugman (savory), willow mint (hyssop), and Nicotiana species of the genus Nicotiana (Solanaceae) are included.

[0065] (Aerosol former) Examples of aerosol formers that can be used include glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, lactic acid, diacetin (glycerin diacetate), triacetin (glycerin triacetate), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedione, and dimethyl tetradecanedione, with glycerin and propylene glycol being particularly preferred.

[0066] (thermally melting substances) The melting point of the heat-fusible substance is 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 heat-fusible substance is less than 50°C, the heat-fusible substance may melt and become sticky during hot periods such as summer. If the melting point of the heat-fusible substance is more than 100°C, the heat-fusible substance may not melt sufficiently in the early stages of the heating process of the heated aroma-generating substrate, and the aroma of the aerosol may tend to be insufficient immediately after the heating process by the heated smoking device is completed.

[0067] The melting point of a heat-melting substance can be measured, for example, in accordance with the paraffin wax melting point measurement method specified in JIS K 2235. That is, using a specified melting point tester, a molten sample is placed in a test tube, the readings on the melting point measurement thermometer are read every 15 seconds, and the temperature at which the temperature drop is within a certain range (a difference of 0.1°C or less for five consecutive readings) can be measured as the melting point.

[0068] 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, for example, by a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer. In the present invention, the average particle size refers to the median diameter.

[0069] If the average particle size of the thermally melting substance is too large, the total surface area of ​​the substance will be small, reducing the chance of contact with the heat source. As a result, the thermally melting substance will not be melted sufficiently, and the concentration of the aromatic component in the aerosol immediately after the temperature rise process will tend to be reduced.

[0070] If the outer diameter of the thermally fused substance is too small, it becomes difficult to form an island-sea structure in which the thermally fused substance is dispersed in the heated aroma-generating substrate 20. As a result, each of the thermally fused substances exists in the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 as aggregated masses, creating regions in which the melting rate upon contact with the heat source decreases, and the concentration of the aroma component in the aerosol immediately after the end of the heating process tends to decrease.

[0071] The heat-meltable substance is contained in the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 in an amount of 2 to 20% by mass, preferably 3 to 15% by mass, and more preferably 5 to 15% by mass.

[0072] In order to balance the volatilization amounts of the smoke components and the aromatic components, the blend amounts of the fragrance source material, the aerosol former, and the thermally melting substance are preferably 55 to 75% by mass, 20 to 40% by mass, and 2 to 15% by mass, respectively, and more preferably 60 to 70% by mass, 25 to 35% by mass, and 3 to 10% by mass.

[0073] The heat-melting substance is not particularly limited as long as it is an "organic compound that exhibits a melting point or softening point and becomes a non-Newtonian fluid when heated." The heat-melting substance is preferably an organic compound generally known as wax, and typical examples of wax include petroleum-based natural waxes, synthetic waxes, plant-based natural waxes, and animal-based natural waxes. Various tackifiers, including rosin, which is also used as wax, can also be used. These can be used alone or as a mixture containing at least one selected from these.

[0074] As the heat-melting substance, natural plant waxes and natural animal waxes are preferably used because they have a desirable melting point and can impart a flavor. Examples of natural plant waxes that can be used include hazel wax, lacquer wax, carnauba wax, sugarcane wax, palm wax, and candelilla wax. Natural animal waxes that can be used include beeswax, spermaceti, privet wax, wool wax, and shellac. These waxes are easily obtained with a melting point in the range of 50 to 100°C specified in the present invention, and because they possess a desirable flavor, they can enhance the aroma of the aerosol. Among these natural waxes, carnauba wax, beeswax, petrolatum, and paraffin wax are particularly preferred, with beeswax, which has a melting point of 62 to 65°C and is rich in aromatic components, being the most preferred.

[0075] The main components of natural plant waxes and natural animal waxes are esters of fatty acids and fatty alcohols. Natural plant waxes and natural animal waxes are mixtures of esters of fatty acids with various carbon numbers and fatty alcohols, and also contain free fatty acids, free fatty alcohols, hydrocarbons, etc. Therefore, natural plant waxes and natural animal waxes are characterized by a wide molecular weight distribution, a wide melting point temperature range, and high viscosity when melted.

[0076] Petroleum-based natural waxes are hydrocarbon compounds, and therefore have the advantage of having little interaction with the aromatic components and aerosol formers, and are unlikely to adversely affect the flavor. Preferred examples of petroleum-based natural waxes that can be used include vaseline, paraffin wax, and microcrystalline wax.

[0077] These petroleum-based natural waxes have different melting point temperature ranges based on their molecular structure. Vaseline is a mixture of branched hydrocarbons and alicyclic hydrocarbons, and has a wide melting point range of 36 to 60°C.

[0078] Paraffin wax is mainly composed of straight-chain hydrocarbons, has high crystallinity, and most of them have a melting point of 40 to 70°C, which is a narrow temperature range of the melting point.

[0079] Microcrystalline wax is a mixture of branched hydrocarbons and saturated cyclic hydrocarbons, and although it has low crystallinity, it has a high molecular weight and exhibits the highest melting point of 60 to 90°C, with the second widest melting point range after petrolatum.

[0080] These petroleum-derived natural waxes are hydrocarbon compounds extracted from crude oil. Paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax have low melt viscosity and surface energy when thermally melted, and also have little interaction with aromatic components and aerosol formers.

[0081] Examples of such paraffin waxes include standard products such as Paraffin Wax-115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, and 155 manufactured by Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd., and any of these products is preferably used. Special paraffin waxes, such as the HNP series, which are high-purity refined paraffin waxes specially manufactured by Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd., the SP series for specific applications, and the EMW series, which are manufactured by a special manufacturing method and contain isoparaffin as the main component, are also preferably used. Examples of microcrystalline waxes that are preferably used include the Hi-Mic series manufactured by Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd.

[0082] Examples of synthetic waxes that can be preferably used include 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, and polyoxyethylene alkylamine.

[0083] In particular, since Fischer-Tropsch wax is a linear hydrocarbon-based organic compound, it has low melt viscosity and surface energy when thermally melted, and also has little interaction with aerosol formers and aromatic components. As the Fischer-Tropsch wax, a medium-melting point product such as C80 (melting point: approximately 85 to 88°C) can be used.

[0084] PE wax and modified PE wax, and PP wax and modified PP wax are also hydrocarbon compounds and can be preferably used. Specifically, "HIWAX (registered trademark)" manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., "SANWAX" and "VISCOL" manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd., and "CERAFAK (registered trademark) 929, 950, 913, 914, 915" manufactured by BYK can be preferably used. In particular, metallocene-catalyzed polyolefin waxes are more preferred because of their narrow molecular weight distribution. For example, the metallocene-catalyzed PE wax "EXCEREX (registered trademark)" manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. has a melting point of 89 to 128°C due to its narrow molecular weight distribution and composition distribution, but its melt viscosity during thermal melting is low, making it an excellent polyolefin wax.

[0085] In addition to the above, fatty acid amides, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, etc. can also be used as the heat-melting substance. As fatty acid amides, monoamides and bisamides are suitable. As monoamides, stearic acid monoamide, oleic acid monoamide, and erucic acid monoamide are preferred, as they have melting points of approximately 72 to 105°C.

[0086] For example, the monoamides that can be used include Alflow (registered trademark) S-10, E-10, and P-10 manufactured by NOF Corporation. The bisamides that can be used include the Alflow (registered trademark) H series and AD series manufactured by NOF Corporation, and the Kao Wax EB series manufactured by Kao Corporation.

[0087] Fatty acids that are preferably used include capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, pentadecylic acid, palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, and melissic acid, which have melting points of approximately 30 to 94° C. For example, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and behenic acid are more preferred because they are industrially produced by NOF Corporation and the like.

[0088] Preferred aliphatic alcohols include lauryl alcohol, tridecyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, pentadecyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, 1-heptadecanol, stearyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, elaidyl alcohol, nanodecyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, heneicosanol, behenyl alcohol, lignoceryl alcohol, ceryl alcohol, 1-heptacosanol, montanyl alcohol, 1-nonacosanol, and myricyl alcohol, which have melting points of about 23 to 87° C. For example, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetostearyl alcohol are more preferred because they are industrially produced by NOF Corporation and the like.

[0089] These higher fatty acids and higher aliphatic alcohols have a carboxyl group and a hydroxyl group bonded to the end of a straight-chain hydrocarbon, respectively, and have no or very narrow molecular weight distribution. Therefore, like paraffin wax, they have a low melt viscosity when thermally melted and a narrow melting point temperature range, which greatly promotes the deformation and flow of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 when heated.

[0090] As the polyoxyalkylene glycol, polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of 600 to 11,000 is preferred because it has a low melting point and low melt viscosity during thermal melting. Also preferred is a polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol block polymer with 40 to 80 wt% polyethylene glycol units and an average molecular weight of 3,000 to 13,000. Polyoxyalkylene glycols that satisfy these requirements are also used as nonionic surfactants, and because they have a narrow molecular weight distribution and a narrow melting point temperature range, they have excellent fluidity during thermal melting.

[0091] As the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene monomethyl ether having an average molecular weight of 1,000 to 4,000 is preferred. This is also used as a nonionic surfactant, but has a narrow molecular weight distribution and a narrow melting point temperature range, and therefore has excellent fluidity when thermally melted.

[0092] As the polyoxyethylene alkylamine, polyoxyethylene-stearylamine, Nymeen (registered trademark) S202 manufactured by NOF Corporation, is preferably used. These are also used as nonionic surfactants, but have a linear hydrocarbon unit with 18 carbon atoms, a narrow molecular weight distribution, and a narrow melting point temperature range, and therefore have excellent fluidity when thermally melted.

[0093] Examples of tackifiers that can be used include rosin, rosin derivatives, terpene resins, and modified terpene resins. Specifically, rosin and rosin derivatives that can be used include gum rosin, rosin ester (Pensel), maleic acid-modified rosin resin, and rosin-modified phenolic resin (Tamanol), all of which are manufactured by Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd. Rosin and rosin derivatives have low interaction with aromatic components and aerosol formers and high thermal fluidity.

[0094] Furthermore, examples of terpene resins and modified terpene resins that can be used include terpene monomer homopolymer resins (YS Resin PX and YS Resin PXN), aromatic modified terpene resins (YS Resin TO), and terpene phenol resins (YS Polystar series) manufactured by Yasuhara Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0095] (Air freshener) The aromatic agent may be added together with the aerosol former, but is preferably mixed in advance with the thermally meltable substance. As the aromatic agent, at least one selected from a refreshing agent and nicotine may be used.

[0096] Examples of the cooling agent that can be used include menthol, menthol derivatives, menthone, menthone derivatives, menthanecarboxylic acid amide, 2,3-dimethyl-2-(2-propyl)-butyric acid derivatives, menthane, menthane derivatives, L-carvone, xylitol, eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint oil, spearmint essential oil, and spilanthol.

[0097] The aromatic substance content is preferably 3 to 25% by mass, and more preferably 5 to 20% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the total of the aromatic source material, aerosol former, and thermally fused substance. If the aromatic substance content is less than 3% by mass based on 100% by mass of the total of the aromatic source material, aerosol former, and thermally fused substance, it tends to be difficult to sufficiently incorporate the aromatic components generated from the aromatic substance into the aerosol. Furthermore, if the aromatic substance content exceeds 25% by mass based on 100% by mass of the total of the aromatic source material, aerosol former, and thermally fused substance, the strength of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 tends to decrease.

[0098] (molding agent) The molding agent is used to reinforce the heated aroma-emitting substrate 20. As the molding agent, for example, cellulose fiber, microcrystalline cellulose, etc. can be used.

[0099] Preferred cellulose fibers include those derived from sugarcane, bamboo, wheat, rice, esparto, jute, hemp, and wood. These cellulose fibers preferably have a diameter of 5 to 25 μm and a length of 0.25 to 6 mm. Using cellulose fibers with diameters and lengths within these ranges can enhance the binding effect of the components of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20.

[0100] Furthermore, the microcrystalline cellulose preferably has an average particle size of 70 to 120 μm. If the average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose is less than 70 μm, it tends to be difficult to suppress shrinkage of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 and to prevent adhesion between the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 and the molding machine. If the average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose exceeds 120 μm, the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 tends to be easily broken. The average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose can be measured using a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer. In the present invention, the average particle size refers to the median diameter.

[0101] The mass-average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose is preferably 20,000 to 60,000. If the mass-average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose is less than 20,000, the effect of suppressing shrinkage of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 tends to be poor. If the mass-average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose is more than 60,000, the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 tends to be easily broken.

[0102] The forming agent is preferably contained in an amount of 2 to 25% by mass, and more preferably 3 to 20% by mass, relative to 100% by mass of the total amount of the aroma source material, aerosol former, and heat-melting substance. By containing the forming agent in the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 in this manner, the above-mentioned functions can be fulfilled and the forming agent can be prevented from interfering with the generation of volatile matter from the aroma source material and aerosol former.

[0103] (binder) The binder is used to bind together the ingredients of the heated aroma-emitting substrate, such as the aroma source material, aerosol former, and heat-melting substance. Examples of binders that can be used include polysaccharide polymers and cellulose polymers.

[0104] Examples of polysaccharide polymers that can be used include konjac mannan (glucomannan), guar gum, pectin, carrageenan, tamarin seed gum, gum arabic, soybean polysaccharides, locust bean gum, karaya gum, xanthan gum, agar, etc. From the viewpoints of strength and the above-mentioned moldability, glucomannan, guar gum, pectin, carrageenan, tamarin seed gum, locust bean gum, karaya gum, and xanthan gum are preferred as polysaccharide polymers, and neutral polysaccharides such as glucomannan, guar gum, tamarin seed gum, and locust bean gum are more preferred.

[0105] Examples of cellulose-based polymers that can be used include carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carboxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium salt of CMC, potassium salt of CMC, calcium salt of CMC, sodium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose, potassium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose, calcium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose, etc. From the viewpoints of the strength and moldability of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20, the sodium salt of CMC, potassium salt of CMC, sodium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose, and potassium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose are preferred as the cellulose-based polymer.

[0106] As the binder, it is preferable to use a combination of a polysaccharide polymer and a cellulose polymer. In this case, glucomannan, guar gum, tamarin seed gum, or locust bean gum is preferably used as the polysaccharide polymer. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a sodium salt of CMC, a potassium salt of CMC, a sodium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose, or a potassium salt of carboxyethyl cellulose as the cellulose polymer. In this way, by using a combination of a polysaccharide polymer and a cellulose polymer, the strength and moldability of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 can be improved.

[0107] The binder is preferably contained in an amount of 5 to 30% by mass, and more preferably 8 to 28% by mass, relative to 100% by mass of the total amount of the aroma source material, aerosol former, and thermally melting substance. By containing such a binder in the heated aroma-generating substrate 20, the strength and moldability of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 can be improved, and adverse effects on the generation of volatile substances from the aroma source material and aerosol former can be avoided.

[0108] It is also preferable that the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 of the present invention contains both a binder and a forming agent. In this case, the blending ratio of the binder to the forming agent is preferably 1:1 to 1:25 by mass in terms of the binding effect.

[0109] (sorbent) If the fragrance is not contained in the heat-melting substance, a sorbent may be used to prevent the fragrance from volatilizing before the temperature of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 reaches the optimum temperature for the aerosol former and the fragrance source material to volatilize. As described above, the sorbent can retain the fragrance in the heated aroma-generating material 20.

[0110] A variety of sorbents can be used depending on the manner in which a compound such as an aromatic is retained in the aroma-generating substrate 20. For example, a sorbent can be used that encapsulates the compound to retain it in the aroma-generating substrate 20, and cyclodextrin can be used as such a sorbent.

[0111] Cyclodextrins are known to form inclusion compounds with chemical substances having hydroxyl groups or carboxyl groups of various sizes, and any of α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins can be used. In particular, β-cyclodextrin forms an inclusion compound with menthol and is the most suitable sorbent for menthol.

[0112] When cyclodextrin is used as the sorbent, the sorbent is preferably contained in an amount of 0.1 to 1.2 mass%, more preferably 0.2 to 1.0 mass%, relative to 100 mass% of the total amount of the fragrance source material, aerosol former, and heat-melting substance.

[0113] Alternatively, a sorbent may be used that adsorbs the compound and retains it in the aroma-generating substrate 20. For example, if the compound is menthol, menthol has a phenolic hydroxyl group. Therefore, the sorbent may be a hydrophilic cross-linked polymer, such as cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), that can adsorb the phenolic hydroxyl group.

[0114] For example, when the compound is nicotine, nicotine has a five-membered heterocyclic compound containing nitrogen, and therefore, crosslinked PVP, which is thought to interact with the five-membered heterocyclic compound containing nitrogen, can be used as the sorbent.

[0115] When crosslinked PVP is used as the sorbent, the sorbent is preferably contained in an amount of 4 to 25 mass %, more preferably 5 to 20 mass %, relative to 100 mass % of the total amount of the fragrance source material, aerosol former, and heat-melting substance. It is more preferable that the sorbent contains both cross-linked PVP and cyclodextrin.

[0116] (preservative) To preserve the heated aroma-emitting cartridge for a long period of time, a preservative may be used. Examples of the preservative include potassium sorbate and / or sodium benzoate. The preservative is preferably contained in an amount of 0.005 to 0.04% by mass relative to 100% by mass of the total amount of the aroma source material, aerosol former, and thermally melting substance.

[0117] (Surface aspect of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20) Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the thermally melting substance HS contained in the heated aroma-generating substrate 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the thermally melting substance HS is dispersed in the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 in an island-sea structure.

[0118] In this sea-island structure, the sea is made up of components other than the heat-melting substance HS, and the islands are made up of the heat-melting substance HS. In other words, the heat-melting substance HS exists as clumps defining a certain region within the heated aroma-generating substrate 20.

[0119] The sea-island structure is formed on the surface and also inside the heated aroma-generating substrate 20. Therefore, the surface of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 has the sea-island structure shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, when the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 is cut at any position, the cut surface also has the sea-island structure shown in Fig. 4.

[0120] As mentioned above, the melting point of the heat-fusible substance HB is in the range of 50 to 100°C. Therefore, the heat-fusible substance HS melts in the early stage of the temperature rise process of the heated aroma-emitting substrate 20. The aroma components emitted from the aroma source material, etc. dissolve in the melted heat-fusible substance HB.

[0121] Since the heat-melting substance HS forms islands in a sea-island structure within the heated aroma-generating substrate 20, when the heated aroma-generating substrate is heated and the heat-melting substance HS melts, the aroma components generated from the aroma source material and the aroma components of the fragrance dissolve in the melted heat-melting substance HS and become more likely to flow together with the heat-melting substance HS.

[0122] The melted heat-melting substance HS flows within the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 and comes into contact with the aerosol former, where the aromatic components are incorporated into the aerosol former and volatilize as an aerosol. This makes it possible to generate an aerosol containing many aromatic components in the early stages of the heating process of the heated aroma-generating substrate 20. This allows the user to enjoy a rich aroma immediately after the heating process of the heated smoking device is complete.

[0123] Next, a method for manufacturing the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 will be described. Figure 5 shows one embodiment of the manufacturing process for the heated aroma-generating substrate 20. As shown in Figure 5, a mixing step is performed in which raw material (A) containing a mixture of an aroma source material and a heat-melting substance, raw material (B) which is cellulose fiber as a binder, and raw material (C) containing a mixture of an aerosol former, an aroma agent, a molding agent, a binder (excluding cellulose fiber), a sorbent, a preservative, and pure water are mixed. The mixing step is performed below the melting point of the heat-melting substance. The mixing step can be performed using, for example, a known mixer.

[0124] Raw material (A) is obtained by compressing and shearing a dried, insecticidal, and then crushed fragrance source material and a crushed heat-melting substance, mixing the compressed and sheared mixture, and then cooling the mixture to below 0°C and crushing it.

[0125] Raw material (B) is obtained by crushing compressed cellulose fibers, boiling the crushed cellulose fibers, dehydrating and drying them, and crushing them. Note that raw material (B) is an optional raw material.

[0126] The raw material (C) is essentially an aerosol former, and any of the following may be used: fragrance, molding agent (excluding cellulose fiber), binder, sorbent, preservative, and pure water.

[0127] By carrying out the mixing step in this manner, a sea-island structure can be formed in the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 in which the powder of the heat-fusible substance mixed with the aroma source material is dispersed.

[0128] Next, the mixture obtained in the mixing step is compressed and sheared to form a sheet. The compression and shearing can be carried out using, for example, a three-roll mill. By performing the compression and shearing using a three-roll mill, the mixture can be formed into a sheet while incorporating air and evaporating water.

[0129] The sheet obtained in this manner has a porous structure containing air inside, which results in a low-density heated aroma-emitting substrate 20. In addition, the rolls of the three-roll mill have extremely flat surfaces, so the surface of the sheet is formed flat.

[0130] That is, the aroma-generating substrate to be heated 20 has a porous structure containing air inside due to compression and shear processing, and therefore has a low density and a flat surface without irregularities.

[0131] The mixture formed into a sheet by compression and shearing is then cut into a predetermined shape and size in a cutting step. The sheet-like mixture is then processed into, for example, a strip shape.

[0132] The mixture cut to a predetermined shape and size is placed on the cover 10 together with the filter 30 and the support member 40. The cover 10 is then rolled up to encase these components, and the ends of the cover 10 are fastened together to produce the heated aroma cartridge 100.

[0133] In this way, by carrying out the mixing process, compression / shearing process and cutting process below the melting point of the heat-melting substance, it is possible to prevent the melting of the heat-melting substance from spreading throughout the heated aroma-generating substrate 20, and to maintain the sea-island structure of the heat-melting substance in the heated aroma-generating substrate 20.

[0134] When a sea-island structure is formed in which powder of a heat-melting substance mixed with an aroma source material is dispersed in the heated aroma-generating substrate 20, the heat-melting substance is dispersed and arranged in the form of islands in the heated aroma-generating substrate 20.

[0135] The thermally fusible substance is more likely to flow when melted and to contain the aromatic components generated from the aroma source material when dispersed in islands on the heated aroma-generating substrate 20 than when impregnated in the aroma source material. Furthermore, when the flowing thermally fusible substance comes into contact with the aerosol former, the aromatic components can be more easily converted into aerosol together with the aerosol former and evaporated.

[0136] As a result, the aromatic components of the aroma source material can be efficiently volatilized, allowing the user to more fully enjoy the aroma when inhaling the aerosol emitted from the heated aroma cartridge 100 immediately after the heating process of the heated smoking device is completed.

[0137] The aromatic substance may be added to the raw material (A). Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the manufacturing process for the heated aroma-emitting substrate 20. When the aromatic substance is added to the raw material (A) as shown in Figure 6, for example, a powdered heat-fusible substance and the aromatic substance are heated and mixed at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the heat-fusible substance, cooled, and then pulverized to a predetermined size, and the pulverized material and the powdered aroma source material are compressed and shear-mixed.

[0138] Furthermore, the manner in which the aromatic agent is added to raw material (A) is not limited to this, and for example, a part or all of the aromatic agent may be added during compression and shear mixing of raw material (A). By adding the aromatic agent to raw material (A) in this way, the user can fully enjoy the aromatic components emitted from the aromatic agent immediately after the end of the temperature raising process.

[0139] As described above, the aroma-generating substrate 20 to be heated according to the present invention can generate an aerosol containing many aroma components in the early stage of the process of increasing the temperature of the aroma-generating substrate 20 to be heated.

[0140] The heated aroma cartridge 100 of the present invention includes the heated aroma-generating substrate 20, allowing the user to enjoy a rich aroma immediately after the heating process of the heated smoking device is completed.

[0141] According to the manufacturing method of the heated aroma cartridge 100 of the present invention, the heat-melting substance is left in an island-sea structure, which makes the heat-melting substance more fluid, and the generated aroma components dissolve in the heat-melting substance, making it easier for the aroma components to flow out together with the aerosol. [Example]

[0142] [Test Example 1] (Sensory evaluation of flavor) A heated aroma-generating substrate containing a thermally melting substance was prepared as an example, and a heated aroma-generating substrate not containing a thermally melting substance was prepared as a comparison example, and the flavors of the aerosols of both were evaluated.

[0143] (Sample preparation) The heated aroma cartridge of the example was created with the composition shown in Table 1. Specifically, the basic composition was the aroma source material, aerosol former, and thermally melting substance. In the example, the basic composition was 65% by mass of aroma source material, 25% by mass of aerosol former, and 10% by mass of thermally melting substance.

[0144] To prepare the heated aroma cartridge of the present example, 15 parts by weight of fragrance, 23 parts by weight of binder, 21 parts by weight of sorbent, 0.005 parts by weight of preservative, and 20 parts by weight of pure water were added to 100 parts by weight of the basic formula. Note that the pure water is added for molding, but is removed from the heated aroma-generating substrate by drying after molding.

[0145] [Table 1]

[0146] The aroma source materials used as raw material (A) were black tea, konjac powder, osmanthus flowers, and gynostemma pentaphyllum.

[0147] The aerosol former used as raw material (C) was glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0148] Beeswax was used as the heat-melting substance as raw material (A).

[0149] As the fragrances used as raw material (A), peppermint oil and menthol were used.

[0150] The binder used was CMC sodium salt as raw material (C) and sugarcane fiber as raw material (B).

[0151] The sorbent used as raw material (C) was cross-linked PVP and β-cyclodextrin.

[0152] As raw material (C), potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate were used as preservatives.

[0153] The above-mentioned raw material (A) was prepared in the manner shown in Figure 6. Specifically, raw material (A) was prepared by roughly mixing dried, insecticided powdered fragrance source material with powdered fragrance and heat-melting substance in a Henschel mixer, compressing and shearing the mixture, cooling it to below 0°C, and then pulverizing it. Raw material (A) was also prepared by screening it with an 80-mesh sieve to have an average particle size of approximately 250 μm.

[0154] Furthermore, a heated aroma cartridge was produced using raw materials (A) to (C) in the manner shown in Fig. 6. Specifically, a mixing step was carried out in which raw materials (A) to (C) were mixed using a kneader.

[0155] Next, the mixture was compressed and sheared using a three-roll mill to form a sheet with a thickness of 0.28±0.02 mm. The compression and shearing process was carried out below the melting point of beeswax.

[0156] Then, the sheet was cut into pieces having a width of 1.5±0.1 mm and a length of approximately 240 mm.

[0157] The heated aroma-generating substrate thus obtained was wrapped in paper to a predetermined filling rate, and the wrapped heated aroma-generating substrate was then cut into lengths of 11.5 to 12.0 mm and dried to produce heated aroma cartridges.

[0158] (Creating a comparative example) A comparative heated aroma cartridge was created with the formulation shown in Table 2. The comparative example differs from the examples in that it does not contain a thermally melting substance. That is, the basic formulation was a blend of aroma source material and aerosol former. The basic formulation was also 70% by mass of aroma source material and 30% by mass of aerosol former. As the rest was the same as the examples, a description of the raw materials and manufacturing method will be omitted.

[0159] [Table 2]

[0160] (sensory test) The flavor of the aerosols generated from the heated aroma cartridges of the Examples and Comparative Examples using a heated smoking device was evaluated by 10 panelists.

[0161] Eight out of ten panelists evaluated that the heated aroma cartridge of the example had a better flavor than the heated aroma cartridge of the comparative example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 100 heated aroma cartridges 10 Cover 20 Heated aroma generating base material 30 filters 40 Support member HS Heat-melting substance

Claims

1. A heated aroma-generating substrate contains an aroma source material that generates an aroma when heated, an aerosol former that generates an aerosol when heated, and a heat-melting substance that melts when heated, and is used to inhale an aerosol containing an aroma component, The heat-melting substance has a melting point in the range of 50 to 100°C and an average particle size of 125 to 355 μm; The aroma-generating base material to be heated is characterized in that the aroma-generating agent is dispersed in the aroma-generating base material to form a sea-island structure and is contained in an amount of 2 to 20 mass %.

2. 2. The heated aroma-generating substrate according to claim 1, wherein the heat-meltable substance has a melting point in the range of 50 to 80°C.

3. 3. The heated aroma-generating substrate according to claim 1, wherein the heat-melting substance is selected from the group consisting of beeswax, carnauba wax, vaseline, and paraffin wax.

4. 4. The heated aroma-generating substrate according to claim 3, wherein the heat-meltable substance is beeswax.

5. The heated aroma-generating substrate according to claim 1 , wherein the heat-meltable substance contains an aromatic agent.

6. 6. The heated aroma-generating substrate according to claim 5, further comprising a sorbent capable of retaining the aroma.

7. The heated aroma-generating substrate according to claim 1 , wherein the aroma source material is derived from a non-tobacco plant.

8. A heated aroma cartridge is attached to an inhalation device having an electric heating means, and generates an aerosol containing an aromatic component by heating, The device comprises a cylindrical cover, a heated aroma-generating substrate accommodated at one end of the cover and configured to generate an aerosol containing an aromatic component when heated, and a filter accommodated at the other end of the cover, A heated aroma cartridge, wherein the heated aroma-generating substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is used as the heated aroma-generating substrate.

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