Atomization liquid and its manufacturing method

Abstract

According to the present invention, a liquid for atomization includes organic acid ions A, metal ions M, and a medium. The liquid for atomization is to be contained in an atomization device without coming into contact with metal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid for atomization and a method for producing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Non-combustion flavored smoking articles are known in which vapor or aerosol is generated from an aerosol-generating substrate using power supplied from a battery, and the vapor or aerosol is passed through a tobacco-containing material to incorporate tobacco components into the vapor or aerosol (e.g., Patent Document 1). Furthermore, in order to achieve efficient delivery of nicotine, Patent Document 2 discloses a liquid formulation having a pH of greater than 7, which contains an aqueous solution of nicotine, an organic and / or inorganic salt, an organic liquid having a viscosity higher than water, and a specific amount of organic alcohol, and does not contain a propellant. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 075749 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2018-536014 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Since atomized liquid is stored and distributed as a liquid, there is a concern that hygiene problems may arise over time due to bacteria, etc. For this reason, adding an acid to the atomized liquid is considered. However, the inventors have found that simply adding an acid can impair the stability of the article due to its corrosive effect, and that if the liquid leaks, it may corrode other parts, etc. In view of these circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an atomized liquid that further enhances the safety of smoking articles. Means for solving the problem

[0005] The inventors have found that a liquid containing organic acid ions and metal ions can solve the above problems. Aspect 1 A liquid for atomization containing organic acid ions A, metal ions M, and a medium, Atomizing liquid contained within the atomizing device without contacting metal. Aspect 2 An atomization liquid containing organic acid ions A, metal ions M, and a medium, but not containing nicotine. Aspect 3 3. The atomizing liquid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the metal of the metal ion M is selected from Group 1 or Group 2 of the periodic table. Aspect 4 The atomizing liquid according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the organic acid ions A and the metal ions M are derived from an organic acid metal salt AM. Aspect 5 The following relationships are satisfied: (Number of moles of organic acid ion A / Number of moles of metal ion M) ≥ (Valence of A / Valence of M) 5. The atomization liquid according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, comprising a combination of an organic acid ion A and a metal ion M. Aspect 6 6. The liquid for atomization according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the liquid has a pH of 4 to 8.5 when diluted 10 times with water. Aspect 7 A reservoir for holding a liquid according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, and The non-combustion flavor inhalation article is provided with an atomization device that atomizes the liquid supplied from the reservoir. Aspect 8 A non-combustion type flavor inhalation article according to Aspect 7, further comprising a raw material holding section that holds a flavor source, and the atomized liquid is introduced into the raw material holding section. Aspect 9 To the media, organic acid metal salts, or Organic acid metal salts and organic acids that produce buffering effects 7. A method for producing a liquid for atomization according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, comprising adding: [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present invention can provide an atomized liquid that ensures the safety of smoking articles while reducing the unpleasant feeling experienced when smoking. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a non-combustion flavor inhalation article. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a flavor source capsule. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a power supply unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a cartridge. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of one embodiment of the cartridge. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the amount of ions in the liquid for atomization. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention will be described in detail below. In the present invention, "X to Y" includes the extreme values ​​X and Y.

[0009] 1. Liquid for atomization The atomizing liquid is a liquid that generates an aerosol when heated or vibrated. The atomizing liquid contains organic acid ions A, metal ions M, and a medium. The inventors have discovered that while atomizing liquids containing organic acids improve hygienic reliability, they can impair the stability of articles due to their corrosive properties, etc., but that the coexistence of organic acid ions A and metal ions M can achieve both of these.

[0010] (1) Organic acid ion A, metal ion M The metal of the metal ion M is preferably selected from Group 1 or 2 of the periodic table, and from the viewpoint of availability, K, Na, Ca, or Mg is preferred. The organic acid ion A is preferably derived from an aromatic organic acid such as benzoic acid or a hydroxy fatty acid such as lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, or levulinic acid. In particular, when nicotine is added to the liquid or when nicotine is contained in the flavor source described below, the presence of the organic acid ion A can suppress the occurrence of a smoking taste inhibition (a feeling that the flavor is impaired). This inhibitory effect is more pronounced when the organic acid ion A is derived from the above-mentioned acid. Furthermore, when the liquid for atomization is prepared using a salt of the organic acid ion A, it is possible to prepare a liquid for atomization in which the minimum required amount of the organic acid ion A and the metal ion M are dissolved in the medium. Alternatively, the acid has the advantage that it is less likely to cause a smoking taste inhibition by itself.

[0011] The atomization liquid may contain multiple organic acid ions and metal ions, but at least one pair of these ions is preferably derived from an organic acid metal salt AM. Examples of the organic acid metal salt AM include sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, calcium benzoate trihydrate, sodium lactate, trisodium citrate, and calcium lactate pentahydrate. For example, if the organic acid ion A in the atomization liquid is PhCOO - (benzoate ion), metal ion M is Na + When present, these are preferably derived from sodium benzoate (PhCOONa).

[0012] In particular, it is preferable that the atomization liquid contains at least one combination of organic acid ions A and metal ions M that satisfy the following formula (1). (molar ratio of organic acid ion A / molar ratio of metal ion M) ≥ (valence of A / valence of M) (1) For example, when 2 moles of sodium benzoate are added to the atomization liquid, the left and right sides are as follows, and formula (1) is satisfied. Left side = 2 moles (PhCOO - ) / 2 moles (Na + )=1 Right hand side = 1 / 1 = 1 Furthermore, when 2 moles of calcium tartrate are added to the atomization liquid, the left and right sides are as follows, and formula (1) is satisfied. Left side = 2 moles (tartrate ions 2- ) / 2 Molar (Ca 2+ )= 1 Right hand side = 2 / 2 = 1

[0013] Furthermore, the atomization liquid may contain an organic acid metal salt and an organic acid that produce a buffering effect. In this case, it is also preferable that formula (1) is satisfied. For example, when 1 mole and 10 moles of sodium benzoate and benzoic acid, respectively, are added as a combination that produces a buffering effect, the left and right sides are as follows, and formula (1) is satisfied. Left side = 11 moles (PhCOO - ) / 1 mole (Na + )=11 Right hand side = 1 / 1 = 1

[0014] The amounts of organic acid ions A and metal ions M are preferably selected so that the pH of the liquid for atomization falls within a specific range. In the present invention, the pH of the liquid for atomization is defined as the pH of the liquid obtained by diluting the liquid 10 times with water, and the value is preferably 4 to 8.5, more preferably 4 to 7.

[0015] (2) Medium The atomization liquid includes a liquid medium. The medium is preferably water or an aqueous organic solvent such as a polyhydric alcohol. Among these, those used as aerosol-forming base materials in the relevant field are more preferred. Therefore, in one embodiment, the medium contains an aerosol-forming base material such as a polyhydric alcohol as a main component, and preferably contains 1 to 20 wt % of water, more preferably 3 to 10 wt % of water, relative to the aerosol-forming base material.

[0016] (3) Other ingredients The atomization liquid may or may not contain nicotine. When the atomization liquid does not contain nicotine, it is possible to reduce the deterioration of the smoking taste due to oxidation of the components contained in the liquid, etc., and improve the stability of quality. When the atomization liquid contains nicotine, the amount thereof is about 0.5 to 10% by weight relative to the medium. When the atomization liquid contains nicotine, it is possible to achieve the effect of suppressing the smoking taste inhibition feeling as described above.

[0017] Since the organic acid ion A and the metal ion M have functions such as anti-oxidation and anti-degradation, when the atomization liquid does not contain nicotine, the effect of suppressing deterioration of the quality of other ingredients, such as flavors, that may be contained in the atomization liquid is achieved. Furthermore, when the atomization liquid does not contain nicotine, it is preferable that the atomization liquid is used together with tobacco material. Even when the organic acid and nicotine are contained and atomized separately, it is possible to suppress the unpleasant feeling of smoking the product, as described above.

[0018] The liquid for atomization may contain other known ingredients such as fragrances.

[0019] (4) Placement in the atomization device The atomization liquid is contained in the atomization device. In one embodiment, the atomization liquid is contained without contacting metal. In this case, problems that occur when the atomization liquid leaks or the like are reduced, and product safety can be further improved. In another embodiment, the atomization liquid may be contained in the atomization device in contact with metal. The atomization liquid according to this embodiment has low corrosiveness, so safety can be improved even when it is contained in contact with metal.

[0020] 2. Method for producing atomization liquid The liquid for atomization may be produced by any method, but is preferably produced by a method comprising the steps of (1) adding an organic acid metal salt to a medium, or (2) adding an organic acid metal salt and an organic acid that produce a buffering effect to the medium.

[0021] (1) Adding an organic acid metal salt The organic acid metal salts can be those mentioned above. One type of organic acid metal salt may be used, or multiple types may be used in combination. The amount used is preferably an amount that can achieve the above pH.

[0022] (2) A step of adding an organic acid metal salt and an organic acid to produce a buffering effect. The organic acid metal salt and organic acid that produce the buffering effect can be a combination of an acid and its salt that have the same organic ion species. Specific examples include a combination of benzoic acid and a benzoate, or a combination of lactic acid and a lactate. The total amount of the acid and salt is preferably adjusted to achieve the above pH. However, the weight ratio of the acid to the salt is preferably 1:10 to 50. This ratio is preferable because the large amount of salt contained in the liquid for atomization increases the amount of solute in the liquid for atomization, reducing the water activity of the liquid for atomization and further suppressing the occurrence of hygienic problems.

[0023] 2. Non-combustible flavor inhalation products FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a non-combustion flavor inhalation article. The non-combustion flavor inhalation article 30 includes a power supply unit 30D, a cartridge 30E, and a flavor source capsule 30F, which is a raw material holding unit that holds a flavor material. The non-combustion flavor inhalation article 30 has a shape extending from a non-mouth end u (upstream) to a mouth end d (downstream). The cartridge 30E is detachable from the power supply unit 30D. The flavor source capsule 30F is also detachable from the cartridge 30E. In this embodiment of the non-combustion flavor inhalation article, atomized liquid (aerosol) is generated upstream of the raw material holding unit (flavor source capsule 30F), and the aerosol is introduced into the raw material holding unit, where the aerosol carries flavor components to generate a flavor. If the atomized liquid contains nicotine, the non-combustion flavor inhalation article may not include a raw material holding unit.

[0024] 1) Raw material holding section In one embodiment, the ingredient holding unit is a flavor source capsule 30F. As shown in FIG. 2, the flavor source capsule 30F includes a housing 310 that houses a flavor source 300, a mesh body 320, a nonwoven fabric 330, and a cap 340. Aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 220 (described later) is introduced into the housing 310 through the mesh body 320 and comes into contact with the flavor source 300, thereby imparting flavor to the aerosol. The aerosol then passes through the nonwoven fabric 330 and is inhaled by the user. In this manner, the non-combustion flavor inhalation article 30 can impart flavor to the aerosol without heating the flavor source 300. However, the flavor source 300 may be heated. In this case, the heating temperature is approximately 40 to 120°C. Furthermore, substantially no aerosol is generated from the flavor source 300.

[0025] In the direction of aerosol flow, the length of the flavor source capsule 30F (housing body 310) is preferably 40 mm or less, more preferably 25 mm or less. Furthermore, in the direction of aerosol flow, the length is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more. In a direction perpendicular to the direction of aerosol flow, the maximum length of the housing 310 of the flavor source capsule 30F (housing body 310) is preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less. Furthermore, in a direction perpendicular to the direction of aerosol flow, the maximum length of the flavor source capsule 30F (housing body 310) is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more.

[0026] In one embodiment, the flavor source 300 is composed of tobacco raw material pieces that impart flavor to the aerosol. The lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces is preferably 0.2 to 1.2 mm, more preferably 0.2 to 0.7 mm. The smaller the size of the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 300, the greater the specific surface area, making it easier for flavor and taste components to be released. Examples of the raw material pieces that can be used include tobacco shreds and compacts formed by molding tobacco raw material into granules. The flavor source 300 may contain natural flavors such as plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.) and menthol, synthetic flavors, fruit juice, flavorings, and plant powders. Examples of flavorings include materials that impart sweetness, sourness, saltiness, umami, bitterness, astringency, richness, spiciness, harshness, and astringency. Examples of materials that impart sweetness include sugars, sugar alcohols, and sweeteners. Examples of sugars include monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, etc. Examples of sweeteners include natural sweeteners, synthetic sweeteners, etc.

[0027] The amount of flavor source 300 contained in the container 310 is preferably 300 mg or more, and more preferably 350 mg or more, from the viewpoint of increasing the amount of nicotine volatilized during smoking.

[0028] When the flavor source 300 contains tobacco material pieces, the atomization liquid does not need to contain nicotine. On the other hand, when the flavor source 300 does not contain tobacco material pieces or when the non-combustion flavor inhalation article 30 does not have a material holding section, the atomization liquid preferably contains nicotine.

[0029] 2) The power supply unit An example of a power supply unit 30D is shown in FIG. 3. The power supply unit 30D has a battery 110. The battery 110 may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery. The initial output voltage of the battery 110 is preferably in the range of 1.2 V to 4.2 V. The battery capacity of the battery 110 is preferably in the range of 100 mAh to 1000 mAh.

[0030] 3) The cartridge An example of a cartridge 30E is shown in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an example of cartridge 30E, and Figure 5 is a diagram showing its internal structure. Cartridge 30E has a reservoir 210, an atomizing section 220, a flow path forming body 230, an outer frame 240, and an end cap 250. Cartridge 30E has a first flow path 200X, which serves as an aerosol flow path, and is located downstream of atomizing section 220.

[0031] The reservoir 210 stores the liquid to be atomized 200. The reservoir 210 is located around the flow path forming body 230 in a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction of the aerosol (the direction from the non-suction end to the suction end (upstream to downstream)). The reservoir 210 is located in the gap between the flow path forming body 230 and the outer frame body 240. The reservoir 210 is made of, for example, a non-metallic porous body such as a resin web or cotton. The reservoir 210 may also be made of a tank that stores the liquid to be atomized 200. In this case, the tank is made of a polymer or the like.

[0032] The atomization unit 220 atomizes the liquid to be atomized 200 using power supplied from the battery 110 without combustion. The atomization unit 220 is composed of a heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch. The atomization unit 220 is preferably composed of a heating wire having a resistance value in the range of 1.0 to 3.0 Ω. The predetermined pitch is equal to or greater than the value at which the heating wires do not come into contact with each other, and is preferably smaller than this value. The predetermined pitch is preferably, for example, 0.40 mm or less. The predetermined pitch is preferably constant to stabilize the atomization of the liquid to be atomized 200. The predetermined pitch is the distance between the centers of adjacent heating wires. The atomization unit 220 may also be composed of a ceramic heater.

[0033] The atomization liquid 200 held in the reservoir 210 is stored in a state in which it is supplied to the atomization unit using capillary action or the like. When the atomization unit is composed of an electric heating wire, the atomization liquid is contained in the non-combustion flavor inhalation article (atomization device) in a state in contact with metal. However, since the atomization liquid according to this embodiment is less corrosive, the stability of the device can be improved even when contained in this manner. Furthermore, when the atomization unit is composed of a ceramic heater, the atomization liquid may be contained in the non-combustion flavor inhalation article (atomization device) in a state in which it is not in contact with metal, or in a state in contact with metal. Since the atomization liquid is less corrosive to the metal components contained in the ceramic heater, the stability of the device can be improved.

[0034] The flow path forming body 230 has a cylindrical shape that forms the first flow path 200X that extends along the flow direction of the aerosol. The outer frame body 240 has a cylindrical shape that houses the flow path forming body 230. The outer frame body 240 extends downstream of the end cap 250, flavor source The end cap 250 is a cap that closes the gap between the flow path forming body 230 and the outer frame body 240 from the downstream side. The end cap 250 is a cap that closes the gap between the flow path forming body 230 and the outer frame body 240 from the downstream side. flavor source 30 capsules F This prevents leakage to the side.

[0035] The atomized liquid according to this embodiment is also suitable for flavor inhalers that atomize using methods other than those shown in the drawings, such as methods that atomize the liquid by applying ultrasonic vibrations to the liquid, methods that use elements that deform when energized, and methods that use bubbles generated in the liquid.

[0036] Examples of methods using the above elements include a surface acoustic wave (SAW) method and a piezoelectric method. The surface acoustic wave (SAW) method is a method in which a high-frequency voltage is applied to a piezoelectric element substrate equipped with a comb-shaped electrode pair, as disclosed in International Publication No. 2021 / 039340, and the resulting surface acoustic waves (SAW) are used to atomize a liquid. The contents of this International Publication are incorporated herein by reference.

[0037] The piezo method uses a piezoelectric element (piezo element) that deforms when electricity is passed through it to vibrate the liquid and atomize it.

[0038] The thermal method is an example of a method that uses bubbles. In this method, liquid is instantly boiled in a nozzle equipped with a heater inside, and the resulting bubbles are used to eject and atomize the liquid. The thermal method and the piezo method are also known as drop-on-demand methods in the inkjet field. [Example]

[0039] [Comparative Example 1] Propylene glycol, glycerin, and water were prepared as the vehicle, and benzoic acid (BA) was prepared as the organic acid. 5% by weight of water was added to a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin in a 1:1 weight ratio, and the organic acid was further added in the amount shown in Table 1 to prepare atomization liquids 1 and 2. Next, the non-combustible flavored smoking article shown in Figure 1 was prepared, and the atomization liquid was filled into the liquid holding section. A smoking test was conducted on the non-combustible flavored smoking article by well-trained panelists, and the taste inhibition sensation was evaluated.

[0040] [Example 1] Propylene glycol, glycerin, and water were prepared as the medium, and sodium benzoate (BA-Na) and benzoic acid (BA) were prepared as the organic acid salt and organic acid, respectively. Atomization liquids 3 to 5 were prepared by adding 5% by weight of water to a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin in a 1:1 weight ratio, and then adding the organic acid salt and organic acid in the amounts shown in Table 1. Next, using the same method as in Comparative Example 1, smoking tests were conducted by well-trained panelists on the non-combustible flavored smoking articles, and the suppression effect on the smoking taste was evaluated (A: very high suppression effect, B: high suppression effect, C: no suppression effect). The results are shown in Table 1. The pH measured for a solution obtained by diluting the liquid 10 times with water is also shown.

[0041] [Table 1]

[0042] [Example 2] Atomization liquids 3 to 5 were prepared and each was filled into the liquid holding portion of the non-combustible flavored smoking article used in Example 1. The article was stored at 40°C for 3 months. After storage, the atomization liquid was removed from the article, and the amount of metal ions was quantified by ion chromatography.

[0043] Comparative Example 2 The amount of metal ions was quantified in the same manner as in Example 2, except that atomization liquids 1 and 2 were used instead of atomization liquids 3 to 5. The results are shown in Figure 6. In the figure, the amount of metal ions quantified in atomization liquid 2 was set to 1. The atomization liquids obtained in the examples all had small amounts of metal ions, and in particular, Al was not detected.

[0044] From the above, it is clear that the atomization liquid according to this embodiment is less corrosive to other materials and has higher safety. Furthermore, it is also clear that the atomization liquid according to this embodiment reduces the unpleasant flavor sensation when smoking. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 30 Non-combustible flavor inhalation products 30D Power Supply Unit 30E Cartridge 30F Komigen Capsules u Non-suction end d Mouth end 110 Batteries 200 Atomizing liquid 210 Reservoir 220 Atomization section 230 Flow path formation body 240 Outer frame 240 250 end cap 200X First flow path 300 Flavor source 310 Containment Unit 320 mesh body 330 Nonwoven fabric 340 Cap

Claims

1. A liquid for atomization comprising an organic acid that generates organic acid ions A, an organic acid metal salt AM that generates the organic acid ions A and metal ions M, and a medium, the weight ratio of the organic acid to the organic acid metal salt AM is 1:(10 to 50); Atomizing liquid contained within the atomizing device without contacting metal.

2. The method includes: an organic acid that generates organic acid ions A; an organic acid metal salt AM that generates the organic acid ions A and metal ions M; and a medium; the weight ratio of the organic acid to the organic acid metal salt AM is 1:(10 to 50); Nicotine-free atomizing liquid.

3. 3. The atomizing liquid according to claim 1, wherein the metal of said metal ion M is selected from Group 1 or Group 2 of the periodic table.

4. The following relationships are satisfied: (number of moles of organic acid ion A / number of moles of metal ion M)≧(valence of A / valence of M) 3. The atomizing liquid according to claim 1, comprising a combination of an organic acid ion A and a metal ion M.

5. 3. The atomization liquid according to claim 1, wherein the pH of the liquid obtained by diluting the liquid 10 times with water is 4 to 8.

5.

6. A reservoir for holding the liquid according to claim 1 or 2, and The non-combustion flavor inhalation article is provided with an atomization device that atomizes the liquid supplied from the reservoir.

7. The non-burning flavor inhalation article according to claim 6 , further comprising a raw material holding section for holding a flavor source, wherein the atomized liquid is introduced into the raw material holding section.

8. To the media, 3. The method for producing the atomization liquid according to claim 1, comprising adding an organic acid that generates organic acid ions A, and an organic acid metal salt AM that generates organic acid ions A and metal ions M.

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