Olfactory testing device, olfactory testing kit, and method for manufacturing an olfactory testing device

Abstract

To provide an olfactometric tool that prevents a flavor component from being adsorbed to an unintended site.SOLUTION: An olfactometric tool has a substrate and a cover that covers the surface of the substrate. The surface of the substrate is provided with a recess. The recess has, inside it, a capsule containing a flavor component. The surface of the recess is provided with a first adhesive layer. The cover has a second adhesive layer on a face facing the recess. In the same capsule, its surface is at least partially bonded to the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an olfactory inspection tool, an olfactory inspection kit, and a method for manufacturing an olfactory inspection tool.

Background Art

[0002] Various olfactory inspection tools have been developed. For example, an olfactory inspection tool using microencapsulated fragrance components is known (Patent Document 1, etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, as a result of the study by the present inventor, when the olfactory inspection tool is stored, the fragrance component volatilizes over time, etc., and as a result, the fragrance component adsorbs to an unintended location (for example, the cover of the olfactory inspection tool), and the odor may become weak during the olfactory inspection. In such a case, the inspection accuracy by the olfactory inspection tool may be impaired.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an olfactory inspection tool in which adsorption of the fragrance component to an unintended location is suppressed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present inventors have found that in an olfactory inspection tool including a substrate having a recess and a cover covering the surface of the substrate, by putting a capsule containing a fragrance component inside the recess and adjusting the arrangement of the capsule and the cover, the above problems can be solved, and the present invention has been completed. More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

[0007] (1) An olfactory testing device comprising a substrate and a cover that covers the surface of the substrate, The surface of the substrate has a recess, The recess contains a capsule containing a fragrance component, The surface of the recess has a first adhesive layer, The cover has a second adhesive layer on the surface facing the recess, In the same capsule, at least a portion of its surface is adhered to the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer. Olfactory testing device.

[0008] (2) The olfactory testing device according to (1), wherein the cover comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, cyclic olefin resin, and polyester.

[0009] (3) The olfactory testing device according to (1) or (2), wherein the depth of the recess is longer than the maximum particle size of the capsule.

[0010] (4) The olfactory testing device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the capsules are dispersed in a solvent.

[0011] (5) An olfactory testing kit comprising an olfactory testing tool as described in any of (1) to (4) and a writing surface.

[0012] (6) A recess formation step in which a recess having a first adhesive layer is formed on the surface of the substrate, A capsule placement step involves placing a capsule containing a fragrance component inside the recess and adhering at least a portion of the surface of the capsule to the first adhesive layer. A covering step comprising covering the surface of the substrate with a cover having a second adhesive layer, and adhering at least a portion of the surface of the capsule, which is adhered to the first adhesive layer, to the second adhesive layer, A method for manufacturing an olfactory testing device, including the method described above.

[0013] (7) The manufacturing method according to (6), wherein the cover contains one or more selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, cyclic olefin resin, and polyester.

[0014] (8) The manufacturing method according to (6) or (7), wherein the recess forming step is an embossing step.

[0015] (9) The manufacturing method according to (6) or (7), wherein the recess forming step is a hot melt processing step.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, there is provided an olfactory inspection tool in which adsorption of fragrance components to unintended locations is suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is an external perspective view showing an example of the olfactory inspection tool of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing an example of the olfactory inspection tool of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing an example of the olfactory inspection tool of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope of the object of the present invention.

[0019] <Olfactory Inspection Tool> The olfactory inspection tool of the present invention is an olfactory inspection tool including a substrate and a cover covering the surface of the substrate, where the surface of the substrate has recesses, the recesses have capsules containing a fragrance component inside, the surface of the recesses has a first adhesive layer, the cover has a second adhesive layer on the surface facing the recesses, In the same capsule, at least a portion of its surface is adhered to the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer.

[0020] (Example of an olfactory testing device configuration) The following describes an example of the configuration of the olfactory testing device of the present invention, with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0021] Figure 1 shows an external perspective view of an olfactory testing tool (1) according to one aspect of the present invention. The olfactory testing device (1) comprises a substrate (10) and a cover (20) that covers the surface of the substrate (10). The surface of the substrate (10) has a recess (11), and inside the recess (11) is a capsule (30) containing a fragrance component. The cover (20) may contain one or more materials selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, cyclic olefin resin, and polyester.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a diagram of an olfactory testing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2(A) is a plan view, and Figure 2(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a' in Figure 2(A). However, the cover (20) is not shown in Figure 2(A).

[0023] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 2(B), the surface of the recess (11) has a first adhesive layer (12). The cover (20) has a second adhesive layer (21) on the surface facing the substrate (10) and is peelably adhered to the surface of the substrate (10) surrounding the opening of the recess (11), sealing the recess (11) in which the capsule (30) is placed. Furthermore, in the same capsule (30), at least a portion of its surface adheres to the first adhesive layer (12) and the second adhesive layer (21). However, not all capsules placed in the recess (11) are to be adhered in this manner.

[0024] The recess (11) in Figure 2 can be formed by processing the surface of the substrate (10) itself (e.g., embossing). However, the recess in the present invention is not limited to this form, and may be a frame bonded to the surface of the substrate, as shown in Figure 3. Such a frame can be formed by hot melt processing or the like. In Figure 3, instead of the recess (11) shown in Figure 2, a frame provided on the surface of the substrate (10) is formed as the recess (11). In this case, the cover (20) is peelably bonded to the edge that becomes the opening of the recess (11), sealing the recess (11) in which the capsule (30) is placed.

[0025] The details of each part of the olfactory testing device of the present invention will be described below.

[0026] (substrate) The substrate in the olfactory testing device of the present invention is not particularly limited in terms of shape, size, material, etc., except for having a recess. However, from the standpoint of not interfering with olfactory testing, odorless materials are usually used for the substrate.

[0027] The shape of the substrate may be, for example, rectangular (rectangular, square, etc.), circular, etc. From the standpoint of ease of handling, a preferred shape for the circuit board is a business card shape (for example, a rectangle measuring 55mm x 91mm).

[0028] The size of the substrate is not particularly limited, but it may be large enough to accommodate, for example, a recess capable of holding a capsule inside.

[0029] If the substrate is rectangular, the lower limit of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the substrate is preferably 0.7 cm or more, more preferably 2.0 cm or more. The upper limits of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the substrate are preferably 45.0 cm or less, and more preferably 32.5 cm or less.

[0030] If the substrate is circular, the lower limit of the substrate diameter is preferably 1.0 cm or more, and more preferably 3.0 cm or more. The upper limit of the substrate diameter is preferably 50.0 cm or less, and more preferably 35.0 cm or less.

[0031] The lower limit of the substrate thickness is preferably 0.05 mm or more, and more preferably 0.1 mm or more. The upper limit of the substrate thickness is preferably 2.0 mm or less, and more preferably 1.0 mm or less.

[0032] The substrate material is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, paper substrate (card stock, etc.), resin (for example, polymethylpentene, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, etc.).

[0033] The surface of the substrate should preferably be flat, free from curling, warping, and other distortions.

[0034] The circuit board may be folded in two or more ways, or it may be unfolded. If the circuit board is folded, either side may be used as a cover to enclose the circuit board.

[0035] The substrate preferably has printability, bonding characteristics, water resistance, oxygen barrier properties, etc. From the viewpoint of imparting desired properties to the substrate, the substrate may have an arbitrary resin layer formed on it or may have surface treatment applied. Examples of such surface treatments include application of anchor coating agents, corona discharge treatment, ozone treatment, low-temperature plasma treatment (plasma treatment using oxygen gas or nitrogen gas, etc.), glow discharge treatment, oxidation treatment (oxidation treatment using chemicals, etc.).

[0036] The substrate may be a single layer or a laminated sheet of two or more layers.

[0037] The front and back surfaces of the circuit board may be printed in any way, depending on the purpose. For example, instructions for the subject, answer fields for olfactory tests, etc., may be printed on the surface of the substrate where there are no recesses.

[0038] [Recess on the circuit board] The substrate has recesses on its surface. Capsules containing fragrance components are held inside these recesses. All or some of the held capsules are adhered to a first adhesive layer provided on the surface of the recesses.

[0039] The shape, size, etc., of the recess is not particularly limited, as long as it can accommodate a sufficient number of capsules for use in olfactory testing.

[0040] The shape of the opening in the recess may be, for example, rectangular (rectangle, square, etc.), circular, etc. The diameter and shape of the opening of the recess and the bottom may be the same or different.

[0041] The size of the opening in the recess is not particularly limited, but it may be large enough to hold a sufficient number of capsules inside for use in olfactory testing.

[0042] The lower limit of the diameter of the opening of the recess (especially the maximum diameter) is preferably 100 μm or more, and more preferably 200 μm or more. The upper limit of the diameter of the opening of the recess (especially the maximum diameter) is preferably 2000 μm or less, and more preferably 1000 μm or less.

[0043] The lower limit of the depth of the recess is preferably 20 μm or more, and more preferably 30 μm or more. The upper limit of the depth of the recess is preferably 250 μm or less, and more preferably 100 μm or less.

[0044] From the viewpoint of preventing damage to capsules containing fragrance components during storage of olfactory testing devices, it is preferable that the depth of the recess be greater than the maximum particle size of the capsule containing the fragrance component. For example, the depth of the recess is preferably 1.7 times or more, and more preferably 2.5 times or more, than the maximum particle size of the capsule containing the fragrance component.

[0045] From the viewpoint of facilitating adhesion between the second adhesive layer of the cover and at least a portion of the surface of the capsule, it is preferable that the depth of the recess be 10 times or less the maximum particle size of the capsule containing the fragrance component.

[0046] The method for forming recesses on the surface of the substrate is not particularly limited, but examples include the following methods. The following methods may be used individually or in combination. (Method 1-1) A method of forming recesses on the surface of the substrate by processing the substrate itself. (Method 1-2) A method for bonding a recessed member, different from the substrate, to the surface of the substrate.

[0047] When adopting (Method 1-1), the substrate material is selected from a processable material (preferably plain paper, coated paper, impregnated paper, natural or synthetic resin (containing dispersed cellulose fibers or pigments), thermoplastic resin, thermosetting resin that can be molded under pressure (heat), or rubber, etc.).

[0048] When adopting (Method 1-1), the substrate processing method is not particularly limited, but preferred examples include embossing and hot melt processing. When using embossing, a mold can be pressed onto the substrate to create recesses on its surface. When using hot melt processing, a frame (corresponding to a recess) can be created on the substrate surface using hot melt resin to surround the area where the capsule is to be placed.

[0049] When adopting (Method 1-2), a sheet-like or other material processed into a recessed shape can be used as the recessed component, which is different from the substrate. A material that can be processed is selected as the material of the component (preferably the same material as in (Method 1-1), a combination of die-cutting of the base material and a base material, etc.).

[0050] When adopting (Method 1-2), one or more recessed members, which are different from the substrate, may be bonded to the substrate surface. Furthermore, one component may be provided with one or more recesses.

[0051] When adopting Method 1-2, the method of bonding the substrate and the recessed member is not particularly limited. For example, one method is to provide an adhesive layer on the surface of the substrate and place the recessed member on top of it, or to bond the substrate surface and the bottom of the recessed member with an adhesive. The components of the adhesive layer and adhesive are not particularly limited, but a curing type adhesive or one with low compatibility with the solvent of the fragrance component is preferred so that these components do not leach out from the edges of the bonded area.

[0052] When adopting (Method 1-2), the processing method for the recessed component, which is different from the substrate, is not particularly limited, but preferred examples include embossing and hot melt processing. When using embossing, a mold can be pressed onto the material to create recesses on the surface of the substrate. When using hot-melt processing, a frame (corresponding to a recess) can be created on the surface of the component using hot-melt resin, surrounding the area where the capsule is to be placed.

[0053] As the hot melt resin, one having a softening point temperature of preferably 120°C or lower, more preferably 100°C or lower, can be suitably used. Examples of hot melt resins include urethane resins, polyamide resins, polyolefin resins, polyester resins, ethylene vinyl acetate resins, styrene-butadiene rubber resins, urethane rubber resins, and other synthetic rubber resins.

[0054] [First adhesive layer] The surface of the recess has a first adhesive layer. This causes the recess and at least a portion of the surface of the capsule to adhere to each other via the first adhesive layer.

[0055] The thickness of the first adhesive layer is preferably 25 to 150 μm.

[0056] The method and materials for forming the first adhesive layer are not particularly limited. The first adhesive layer may be, for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer obtained using a heat-fixing non-impact printer, or a re-peelable first adhesive layer (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3701365).

[0057] Examples of materials for the first adhesive layer include acrylic adhesives, urethane adhesives, and silicone adhesives. However, odorless materials are preferred from the viewpoint of not interfering with olfactory testing.

[0058] The first adhesive layer may be provided over the entire surface of the recess, or only on a portion of it. From the viewpoint of facilitating adhesion of a sufficient amount of capsule surface to the surface of the recess, it is preferable that the first adhesive layer be provided at least over the entire bottom of the recess.

[0059] (Capsules containing fragrance ingredients) Capsules containing fragrance components are placed inside recesses on the surface of the substrate. By preparing the fragrance components as such capsules, the adsorption of fragrance components to unintended locations can be suppressed.

[0060] The number of capsules containing fragrance components placed inside the recess is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate depending on the type of fragrance component, the strength of the scent, the size of the capsule, the size of the recess, etc. For example, the number of capsules containing fragrance components placed inside the recess may be one or two or more. If there is one capsule containing fragrance components, at least a portion of its surface adheres to both the first adhesive layer on the surface of the recess and the second adhesive layer on the cover. If there are two or more capsules containing fragrance components, at least a portion of the surface of all or some of the capsules adheres to both the first adhesive layer on the surface of the recess and the second adhesive layer on the cover.

[0061] The form of a capsule containing fragrance components is not particularly limited, but it usually has a structure in which a membrane (wall material) is formed around the fragrance (core material).

[0062] The type of fragrance component is not particularly limited, but any component that can be used in olfactory testing can be employed. Typically, oil-soluble components (such as oils) may be used as fragrance components.

[0063] The fragrance components may be natural fragrances or synthetic fragrances. The fragrance components may consist of one component or multiple components.

[0064] Examples of fragrance components include those derived from fruits (citrus fruits, etc.), flowers (roses, etc.), wood (cedar, cypress, etc.), food (curry, etc.), beverages (coffee, etc.), and synthetic compounds (menthol, etc.).

[0065] The components that make up the membrane of the capsule containing fragrance components include water-soluble polymers (carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, acacia gum, chitin, chitosan, gelatin, sodium alginate, etc.), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc.

[0066] The particle size, shape, etc., of the capsules containing the fragrance components are not particularly limited.

[0067] The lower limit of the maximum particle size of the capsule containing the fragrance component is preferably 2 μm or more, more preferably 3 μm or more. The upper limit of the maximum particle size of the capsule containing the fragrance component is preferably 25 μm or less, more preferably 15 μm or less. The maximum particle size of capsules containing fragrance components is determined by microscopic observation or laser diffraction particle size distribution analysis.

[0068] The lower limit of the average particle size of capsules containing fragrance components is preferably 1 μm or more, more preferably 2 μm or more. The upper limit of the average particle size of the capsules containing the fragrance component is preferably 20 μm or less, and more preferably 12.5 μm or less. The average particle size of capsules containing fragrance components is determined by microscopic observation or laser diffraction particle size distribution analysis.

[0069] The shape of the capsule containing the fragrance component may be, for example, a sphere, an ellipsoid, a disc, etc.

[0070] Capsules containing fragrance components may be in the form of powder, wax, gel, etc.

[0071] The method for manufacturing capsules containing fragrance components is not particularly limited, but the method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3694409 can be preferably employed. Specifically, the following methods can be mentioned. (Method 2-1) A chemical method for forming a film by inducing a polymer polymerization reaction (interfacial polymerization, in situ polymerization, etc.) on the surface of a core material. (Method 2-2) A physicochemical method for attaching a polymer that will form the wall material to the surface of the core material (composite coacervation method, simple coacervation method, interfacial precipitation method, etc.) (Method 2-3) Mechanical physical methods (e.g., spray drying, dry mixing)

[0072] The capsules containing the fragrance components obtained by the above method may be washed, dried, sieved, or otherwise processed as needed.

[0073] To facilitate the retention of capsules containing fragrance components within the recesses, for example, the capsules may be dispersed in a solvent. Examples of solvents include inks, UV-curing solvents (such as prepolymer solvents mainly composed of isocyanate monomers and dimers), and thermoplastic solid solvents (such as waxes, polyvinyl alcohol, and high-boiling-point fatty acids).

[0074] Capsules containing fragrance components can be placed inside recesses on the surface of the substrate by any method. However, it is preferable to employ a method that is less likely to damage the capsules. Specifically, the following methods can be used. However, in any of the methods adopted, the surface of the same capsule should be adjusted so that at least a portion of the surface of the same capsule is exposed above the liquid surface of the solvent and in contact with the interior of the recess, so that the surface of the same capsule can adhere to both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer. (Method 3-1) A method of applying capsules containing fragrance components dispersed in a solvent by spraying or other means. (Method 3-2) A method for printing capsules containing fragrance components dispersed in a solvent by screen printing or the like. (Method 3-3) A method for dispensing capsules containing fragrance components dispersed in a solvent using a dispenser.

[0075] As for methods using a dispenser, methods described in Japanese Patent No. 5874169, Japanese Patent No. 5982737, etc., can be preferably adopted.

[0076] The capsules containing fragrance components dispersed in the solvent are placed inside the recesses on the surface of the substrate, and then retained inside the recesses by drying or solidifying as appropriate.

[0077] (Cover that covers the surface of the circuit board) The cover that covers the surface of the substrate is a flexible, sheet-like member that is placed on at least part or all of the substrate surface and covers all of the openings of recesses on the substrate surface. The surface of the cover facing the recess has a second adhesive layer, and this second adhesive layer adheres to at least a portion of the surface of the capsule in the recess.

[0078] In the olfactory testing device of the present invention, in which the substrate is covered by a cover, at least a portion of the surface of the same capsule held in the recess is adhered to the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer. In this state, when the cover of the olfactory testing device is removed, external forces are generated on the capsule from two directions, from the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer. As a result, the capsule is destroyed and an odor is released. Therefore, according to the present invention, by preparing the fragrance components as capsules, an olfactory testing device can be obtained that suppresses the adsorption of fragrance components to unintended locations while still producing a sufficient odor during olfactory testing.

[0079] In this invention, "adsorption of fragrance components to unintended locations" means the adsorption of fragrance components to any part of the olfactory testing device other than the area where the fragrance components are placed (in the recesses on the surface of the substrate) (for example, the cover of the olfactory testing device). This type of adsorption can weaken the scent of fragrance components during olfactory testing, potentially impairing the accuracy of olfactory disorder testing using olfactory testing tools.

[0080] In this invention, whether or not adsorption of fragrance components has occurred in unintended locations can be determined by measuring the mass of any part of the olfactory testing device (for example, the cover of the olfactory testing device) other than the part where the fragrance components are placed (within the recesses on the surface of the substrate) before and after the placement of the fragrance components. For example, if the mass of the olfactory testing device cover after the placement of fragrance components is greater than the mass of the olfactory testing device cover before the placement of fragrance components, it can be determined that the fragrance components have been adsorbed to unintended locations.

[0081] The cover covering the surface of the substrate preferably contains one or more selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, cyclic olefin resin, and polyester. When such a resin is included in the cover, if the capsule is damaged during storage of the olfactory testing device, the adsorption of fragrance components to the cover is suppressed, making it easier to obtain the effects of the present invention. The cover covering the surface of the substrate is more preferably made of one or more selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, cyclic olefin resin, and polyester.

[0082] The ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the ethylene content is 25 mol% or more and 50 mol% or less.

[0083] While the polyacrylonitrile is not particularly limited, it is preferable that it has an acrylonitrile content of 75 mol% or more. Polyacrylonitrile may contain methyl acrylate in an amount of 25% mol% or less.

[0084] The cyclic olefin resin may be either a cyclic olefin polymer (COP) or a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC).

[0085] Cyclic olefin polymers are polymers obtained by ring-opening polymerization of cyclic olefin monomers and then hydrogenating the double bonds. Examples of cyclic olefin monomers include norbornene.

[0086] A cyclic olefin copolymer is an addition polymer formed by combining a cyclic olefin monomer with an α-olefin. Examples of cyclic olefin monomers include norbornene. Examples of α-olefins include α-olefins with 3 to 20 carbon atoms (such as hexene, octene, and decene).

[0087] Polyester is a polymer obtained by dehydrating and condensing a polycarboxylic acid and a polyalcohol to form an ester bond. Examples of polyesters include amorphous polyesters. Examples of polycarboxylic acids include terephthalic acid. Examples of polyalcohols include ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,3-propanediol.

[0088] The amount of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, cyclic olefin resin, and polyester contained in the cover is not particularly limited. The lower limit of the content of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, cyclic olefin resin, and polyester in the cover is preferably 70% by mass or more, relative to the total mass of the cover. The upper limit of the content of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, cyclic olefin resin, and polyester in the cover is preferably 100% by mass or less, and more preferably 99.5% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the cover.

[0089] The cover may or may not be fixed to the substrate via joints other than the second adhesive layer. Double-sided tape or the like can be used for the joints. The cover and the circuit board may be bonded together by heat sealing or lamination.

[0090] The location of the joint is not particularly limited, but could be any part of the substrate surface other than the recess, or any part of the cover other than the surface facing the recess. From the standpoint of ease of processing, the joint is preferably located at the edge of the opening in the recess or at the outer edge of the substrate.

[0091] The cover may be surface-treated to provide bonding properties, oxygen barrier properties, and water vapor barrier properties. Surface treatments include corona discharge treatment, plasma treatment, and UV treatment.

[0092] The thickness of the cover is not particularly limited. In this invention, "thickness of the cover" means the thickness including the thickness of the second adhesive layer. The lower limit of the cover thickness is preferably 7 μm or more, and more preferably 15 μm or more. The upper limit of the cover thickness is preferably 150 μm or less, and more preferably 55 μm or less.

[0093] The shape of the cover is not particularly limited, but can be set appropriately according to the shape of the circuit board, etc. Examples of cover shapes include rectangles and circles.

[0094] The size of the cover is not particularly limited, as long as it is large enough to cover the entire opening of the recess on the surface of the substrate. Typically, the cover has a surface area that is larger than the opening of the recess on the surface of the substrate.

[0095] [Second adhesive layer] The surface of the cover facing the recess has a second adhesive layer. This causes the cover and at least a portion of the capsule surface to adhere to each other via the second adhesive layer.

[0096] The thickness of the second adhesive layer is preferably 25 to 150 μm.

[0097] During olfactory testing, the cover of the olfactory testing device is peeled off, causing the second adhesive layer to detach from the surface of the capsule, resulting in the capsule being destroyed and releasing an odor from its aromatic components. The subjects can then undergo an olfactory test based on the odor produced in this way.

[0098] The method and materials for forming the second adhesive layer are not particularly limited. The second adhesive layer may be, for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer obtained using a heat-fixing non-impact printer, or a re-peelable second adhesive layer (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3701365).

[0099] Examples of materials for the second adhesive layer include acrylic adhesives, urethane adhesives, and silicone adhesives. Of these, acrylic adhesives are preferred when airtightness and complete adhesion are important. However, odorless materials are preferred from the viewpoint of not interfering with olfactory testing.

[0100] A second adhesive layer may or may not be provided on the side of the cover facing the substrate (recess) (the substrate-side surface of the cover) that does not face the recess of the substrate.

[0101] From the viewpoint of making it easier to peel the cover from the substrate, the portion of the substrate-side surface of the cover that does not face a recess in the substrate does not need to have a second adhesive layer, or a release layer different from the second adhesive layer may be provided to allow for detachable adhesion to the substrate.

[0102] From the viewpoint of preventing the volatilization of fragrance components, if a second adhesive layer is not provided on the substrate-side surface of the cover that does not face the recess of the substrate, it is preferable to store the entire olfactory testing device sealed inside a packaging container (such as a packaging bag). Such an olfactory testing device can reduce the amount of adhesive used and the burden of the bonding process, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and other factors.

[0103] From the viewpoint of preventing the volatilization of fragrance components, it is preferable to provide a release layer different from the second adhesive layer on the substrate-side surface of the cover that does not face the recesses of the substrate, thereby adhering the cover to the substrate in a way that allows it to be peeled off. The components of the release layer are not particularly limited as long as they are easily removed from the substrate, but examples include silicone resin and surfactants.

[0104] The side of the cover opposite to the side facing the circuit board (recess) (the side of the cover opposite to the circuit board side) may or may not undergo any processing. Processing on the side of the cover opposite to the circuit board side may include printing or peel-off trigger processing. For example, instructions for use, QR codes (registered trademarks), barcodes, etc., may be printed or braille may be formed on the side of the cover opposite to the circuit board side.

[0105] (Storage of olfactory testing equipment) The olfactory testing device of the present invention may be sealed in a packaging container after manufacturing to prevent the decomposition of fragrance components. The material and shape of such a packaging container are not particularly limited, as long as it can block light, ultraviolet rays, etc.

[0106] Examples of packaging containers include aluminum pouches and small boxes. However, from the standpoint of not interfering with olfactory testing, those made from odorless materials are preferred.

[0107] According to the olfactory testing device of the present invention, even when stored at 25°C for more than two years after manufacture, the adsorption of aroma components to unintended locations is suppressed.

[0108] <Olfactory Test Kit> The present invention also includes an olfactory testing kit comprising the olfactory testing tool of the present invention and a cursive writing surface.

[0109] In this invention, "cursive object" means an object that is written on using a writing instrument (such as a pen). The cursive writing area can be used to record the subject's responses regarding the olfactory test. The handwritten portion may have pre-printed options related to the olfactory test (for example, multiple options including the correct answer regarding the type of odor) or notes.

[0110] The cursive writing element may be integrated with the olfactory testing device of the present invention, or it may be a separate element.

[0111] The material used for the cursive writing surface is not particularly limited, but paper is usually used from the standpoint of not interfering with writing.

[0112] <Manufacturing method for olfactory testing tools> This invention also includes a method for manufacturing an olfactory testing device. The method for manufacturing the olfactory testing device of the present invention is as follows: A recess formation step in which a recess having a first adhesive layer is formed on the surface of the substrate, A capsule placement step involves placing a capsule containing a fragrance component inside the recess and adhering at least a portion of the surface of the capsule to the first adhesive layer. The process includes a covering step of covering the surface of the substrate with a cover having a second adhesive layer, and adhering at least a portion of the surface of the capsule, which is adhered to the first adhesive layer, to the second adhesive layer.

[0113] The various components in the method for manufacturing the olfactory testing device of the present invention can be those described above.

[0114] <Olfactory testing method using olfactory testing tools> A preferred example of an olfactory testing method using the olfactory testing tool of the present invention is given below. (1) The subject or healthcare professional removes the olfactory test device from its packaging. (2) The subject or medical professional destroys the capsule by peeling off the cover of the olfactory test device, thereby releasing an odor from the fragrance components. (3) The subject brings their nose close to the olfactory testing device (mainly the recessed part of the circuit board) and smells it. (4) The participant answers based on the options written in cursive. [Examples]

[0115] The present invention will now be specifically described with reference to examples, but these examples are not intended to limit the present invention in any way.

[0116] <Preparation of olfactory testing tools> An olfactory testing device was fabricated using the following method. The olfactory testing device in this example corresponds to the one with the structure shown in Figure 2.

[0117] (Preparing the capsules) Capsules containing fragrance components were prepared according to the method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3694409, based on the following method. (1) The fragrance components were emulsified with a 25% by mass aqueous solution of water-soluble polymer, and the fragrance was emulsified and dispersed as oil droplets of 5-10 μm to obtain an emulsion. For the fragrance components, we used commercially available fragrances (menthol, rose-derived fragrance, coffee-derived fragrance, citrus oil, curry-derived fragrance, or wood-derived fragrance). As the water-soluble polymer, gum arabic was used. The mixing ratio (mass ratio) of the fragrance component to the water-soluble polymer aqueous solution was set to fragrance component:water-soluble polymer aqueous solution = 1:7. (2) A 10% by mass aqueous solution of melamine prepolymer was mixed with the obtained emulsion, and a curing catalyst was added dropwise while adjusting the pH to a range of 7.5 to 7.8 to obtain a gel. The mixing ratio (mass ratio) of the fragrance component to the melamine prepolymer aqueous solution was set to fragrance component:melamine prepolymer aqueous solution = 5:1. Glutaraldehyde was used as the curing catalyst. (3) The gel was heated at 45°C for 60 minutes to form a film (wall material) around the oil droplets (core material) of the fragrance component. The obtained capsules were washed with acetone, dried, and then sieved to obtain a powder (average particle size 10 μm) of capsules containing fragrance components. (4) The capsules were dispersed in a solvent to prepare a capsule-containing dispersion. The mixing ratio (mass ratio) of the capsule to the solvent was set to capsule:solvent = 1:6. Isopropyl alcohol was used as the solvent.

[0118] (Preparation of the circuit board) A paper substrate (commercially available card stock, 5.5cm x 9.1cm x 0.2mm thick) was prepared as the circuit board. A first adhesive layer and a release layer are provided in this order across the entire surface of one side of the card backing. An acrylic adhesive was used as the component of the first adhesive layer. The thickness of the first adhesive layer was set to 35 μm. A silicone-based release agent was used as the component of the release layer.

[0119] (Recess formation process) The above circuit board was embossed to create a 5x5 grid of recesses measuring 0.5cm x 0.5cm x 0.1mm in depth.

[0120] (Capsule placement process) The release layer of the substrate was peeled off, exposing the first adhesive layer. Next, 70 μl of the capsule-containing dispersion was filled into each recess using a hot melt dispenser, the liquid surface was leveled, and then it was left to stand at 60°C for 5 minutes to dry. The capsule-containing dispersion was spread throughout the entire interior of the recess to prevent leakage, and the liquid level of the capsule-containing dispersion was adjusted to be close to the height of the top of the recess's side wall. Through the above procedure, a capsule containing a fragrance component was placed inside the recess such that at least a portion of its surface adhered to the first adhesive layer. Visual inspection confirmed that a portion of the surface of the capsule inside the recess was exposed. Furthermore, the amount of each fragrance component placed inside the recessed area during this process is such that a person with a normal sense of smell would perceive a strong odor.

[0121] (Covering process) After placing capsules containing fragrance components inside the recesses, the entire surface of the substrate was covered with a cover (4 cm long x 4 cm wide x 0.14 mm thick) having a second adhesive layer. Specifically, the second adhesive layer of the cover is placed on the surface facing the recess of the substrate to bond the edge of the recess to the cover, and then the second adhesive layer of the cover and at least a portion of the surface of the capsule are bonded by pressure to obtain an olfactory testing device that satisfies the requirements of the present invention. For some of the capsules, it was confirmed that at least a portion of their surface was adhered to both the first and second adhesive layers.

[0122] The cover used consisted of a surface material and a second adhesive layer. Details of these components are shown in Table 1 below.

[0123] [Table 1]

[0124] The details of each abbreviation in Table 1 are as follows: EVOH: Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (ethylene content = 25-50 mol%) PAN: Polyacrylonitrile (Acrylonitrile content = 75 mol%) COC: Cyclic olefin resin (polymer of ethylene and cycloolefin) PET: Amorphous polyester resin (equivalent to polyester) PE: Low-density polyethylene resin

[0125] (cursive) The olfactory testing device obtained above had a piece of commercially available memo paper attached to a portion of the surface of the circuit board. In this example, the memo paper corresponds to the written text.

[0126] <Olfactory Test> The following olfactory testing tests were conducted using the olfactory testing tools obtained above.

[0127] The olfactory testing tools obtained as described above were stored at 25°C for one year. Next, the same participant (who possessed a normal sense of smell) was asked to remove the covers from each olfactory test device and to write down the intensity of each fragrance component's odor in cursive based on the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0128] (Evaluation criteria for the intensity of fragrance components) ◎: The fragrance is very strong. ○: I can smell the fragrance components, but it's not as strong as "◎". ×: The fragrance is barely noticeable, or not noticeable at all.

[0129] [Table 2]

[0130] As shown in the results above, it was found that the olfactory testing device that satisfies the requirements of the present invention retains a strong fragrance even after one year of storage, and is therefore suitable for use in olfactory testing.

[0131] Furthermore, the same olfactory test was conducted on 10 different monitors (each with a normal sense of smell), and the same evaluation results as above were obtained. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0132] 1. Olfactory testing tools 10 circuit boards 11 recess 12. First adhesive layer 20 Covers 21. Second adhesive layer 30 capsules containing fragrance ingredients

Claims

1. An olfactory testing device comprising a substrate and a cover that covers the surface of the substrate, The surface of the substrate has a recess, The recess contains a capsule containing a fragrance component, The surface of the recess has a first adhesive layer, The cover has a second adhesive layer on the surface facing the recess, The cover is made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, and cyclic olefin resin. The thickness of the cover is 7 μm to 150 μm. In the same capsule, at least a portion of its surface is adhered to the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer. Olfactory testing device.

2. The olfactory testing device according to claim 1, wherein the depth of the recess is longer than the maximum particle size of the capsule.

3. The olfactory testing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capsules are dispersed in a solvent.

4. An olfactory testing kit comprising an olfactory testing tool as described in any one of claims 1 to 3 and a cursive writing surface.

5. A recess formation step in which a recess having a first adhesive layer is formed on the surface of the substrate, A capsule placement step involves placing a capsule containing a fragrance component inside the recess and adhering at least a portion of the surface of the capsule to the first adhesive layer. A covering step comprising covering the surface of the substrate with a cover having a second adhesive layer, and adhering at least a portion of the surface of the capsule, which is adhered to the first adhesive layer, to the second adhesive layer, Includes, The cover is made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, and cyclic olefin resin. The thickness of the cover is 7 μm to 150 μm. A method for manufacturing an olfactory testing device.

6. The manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein the recess formation step is an embossing step.

7. The manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein the recess formation step is a hot melt processing step.

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