Method for producing flavor component-containing liquid, and method for producing tobacco flavor liquid

Abstract

This method is for producing a flavor component-containing liquid for use in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol. The flavor component-containing liquid contains an aerosol source and flavor components derived from a tobacco material. The flavor component-containing liquid is transformed into the aerosol by the flavor inhaler. The method comprises: heating the tobacco material to a temperature of the tobacco material in the range of 80-100°C, thereby reducing the water content ratio of the tobacco material; heating the tobacco material having the reduced water content ratio to a temperature of the tobacco material higher than 100°C, thereby vaporizing high-boiling-point flavor components from the tobacco material; and dissolving the vaporized high-boiling-point flavor components, as at least a portion of the aerosol source, in a liquid, thereby obtaining a high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid.

Description

Method for producing flavor component-containing liquid and method for producing tobacco flavor liquid

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid and a method for producing a tobacco flavor liquid.

[0002] It is known to heat tobacco material to generate gas containing flavor components, dissolve the resulting gas in a liquid to obtain a flavor component-containing liquid, and use the flavor component-containing liquid as a tobacco flavor source in a flavor inhaler (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] International Publication No. 2017 / 144705

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for obtaining a flavor component-containing liquid with a low moisture content for use in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol.

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided a method for producing a flavor ingredient-containing liquid for use in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol, the flavor ingredient-containing liquid comprising an aerosol source and flavor ingredients derived from a tobacco material, the flavor ingredient-containing liquid being converted into the aerosol in the flavor inhaler, the method comprising: heating the tobacco material to a temperature of the tobacco material in the range of 80 to 100°C, thereby reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material; heating the tobacco material with the reduced moisture content to a temperature of the tobacco material higher than 100°C, thereby vaporizing high-boiling-point flavor ingredients from the tobacco material; and dissolving the vaporized high-boiling-point flavor ingredients in a liquid that is at least a part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a high-boiling-point flavor ingredient-containing liquid.

[0006] According to a second aspect, there is provided a flavour component-containing liquid produced by the method according to the first aspect.

[0007] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for producing a tobacco flavor liquid, the method comprising: producing a plurality of types of flavor component-containing liquids according to the method according to the first aspect; and (a) selecting one type of flavor component-containing liquid as a tobacco flavor liquid from among the plurality of types of flavor component-containing liquids based on the content or flavor type of the flavor component, or (b) selecting two or more types of flavor component-containing liquids and mixing them to thereby prepare a tobacco flavor liquid.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a tobacco flavor liquid produced by the method according to the third aspect.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a flavor inhaler containing the tobacco flavor liquid according to the fourth aspect.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a regenerated tobacco material comprising: a tobacco flavor liquid produced by the method according to the third aspect; and a heated tobacco material obtained after obtaining the multiple types of flavor component-containing liquid by the method according to the third aspect.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a flavour inhaler comprising reconstituted tobacco material according to the sixth aspect.

[0012] According to the present invention, a technique is provided for obtaining a flavor component-containing liquid with a low moisture content for use in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a flavor component recovery system. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a heated flavor inhaler. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a power supply unit in the heated flavor inhaler of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heated flavor inhaler of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the power supply unit in the heated flavor inhaler of FIG. 3. FIG. 7A is a schematic front view showing an example of an aerosol generating device. FIG. 7B is a schematic top view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C is a schematic bottom view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an example of a flavor-generating article. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 7B along line III-III. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the amount of water contained in a flavor component-containing liquid. FIG. 11 is a graph showing the amount of nicotine contained in a flavor component-containing liquid. FIG. 12 is a radar chart showing the amount of aroma components contained in a flavor component-containing liquid. FIG. 13 is a ternary graph showing the relationship between the solvent composition and the solubility of menthol.

[0014] The present invention will be described in detail below. However, the following description is for the purpose of explaining the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. The embodiments described below are more specific embodiments of any of the above aspects. The following items can be incorporated into each of the above aspects alone or in combination.

[0015] 1. Explanation of Terms As used herein, the term "tobacco flavor liquid" refers to a liquid used as a tobacco flavor source in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol. "Tobacco flavor liquid" includes a liquid serving as an aerosol source and various flavor components derived from tobacco materials. When "tobacco flavor liquid" is atomized in a flavor inhaler, the liquid serving as an aerosol source turns into vapor, and the flavor components migrate into this vapor, resulting in the generation of an aerosol (tobacco vapor).

[0016] As used herein, the term "aerosol source" refers to a source (liquid) for generating vapor (gas) when a tobacco flavor liquid is atomized in a flavor inhaler. The term "aerosol source" refers to a source (liquid) for generating a dispersion medium (gas) for an aerosol (tobacco vapor), and does not include fine particles (flavor components, etc.) in the aerosol.

[0017] As used herein, the term "flavor component-containing liquid" refers to a liquid used as a raw material for tobacco flavor liquid. A "flavor component-containing liquid" may be used as a tobacco flavor liquid as is, or a tobacco flavor liquid may be prepared by mixing multiple types of flavor component-containing liquids. Therefore, a "flavor component-containing liquid" is a liquid for use in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol. Like a tobacco flavor liquid, a "flavor component-containing liquid" contains a liquid serving as an aerosol source and various flavor components derived from tobacco materials. Furthermore, like a tobacco flavor liquid, when a "flavor component-containing liquid" is atomized in a flavor inhaler, the liquid serving as an aerosol source turns into vapor, and the flavor components migrate into this vapor, resulting in the generation of an aerosol (tobacco vapor).

[0018] In this specification, when referring to different types of flavor component-containing liquids, the specific names "low-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid," "high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid," "first high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid," and "second high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid" are used. In other words, the term "flavor component-containing liquid" is meant as a general term for these specific flavor component-containing liquids.

[0019] In this specification, the heating temperature when heating a tobacco material refers to the temperature of the tobacco material itself. The "temperature of the tobacco material" can be obtained by measuring the temperature of the surface of the tobacco material. In the technical field, the "temperature of the tobacco material" is also referred to as the product temperature.

[0020] 2. Method for Producing Flavor Ingredient-Containing Liquid A method for producing a flavor ingredient-containing liquid for use in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol includes: heating a tobacco material to a temperature of the tobacco material in the range of 80 to 100°C, thereby reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material; heating the tobacco material with the reduced moisture content to a temperature of the tobacco material higher than 100°C, thereby vaporizing high-boiling-point flavor components from the tobacco material; and dissolving the vaporized high-boiling-point flavor components in a liquid that is at least a part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a high-boiling-point flavor ingredient-containing liquid. The flavor ingredient-containing liquid produced by this method contains an aerosol source and flavor components derived from the tobacco material, and is converted into an aerosol in a flavor inhaler.

[0021] In the above method, one type of high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid may be obtained as the high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid, or multiple types of high-boiling flavor component-containing liquids may be obtained. In the latter case, the high-boiling flavor components are vaporized while increasing the temperature of the tobacco material, and the high-boiling flavor components that vaporize in different temperature ranges are dissolved in separate liquids, thereby obtaining multiple types of high-boiling flavor component-containing liquids. When multiple types of high-boiling flavor component-containing liquids are obtained, the number of high-boiling flavor component-containing liquids is not particularly limited, but for example, 2 to 5 types of high-boiling flavor component-containing liquids may be obtained.

[0022] The above method will be described below using an example in which two types of high-boiling flavor component-containing liquids are obtained. This example of the method is shown in the flow chart of FIG. That is, according to one embodiment, a method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid for use in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol comprises: (S1) heating a tobacco material to a first temperature of the tobacco material in the range of 80 to 100°C, thereby vaporizing low-boiling flavor components from the tobacco material and reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material; (S2) dissolving the vaporized low-boiling flavor components in a liquid that serves as a part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a low-boiling flavor component-containing liquid; (S3) after heating at the first temperature, heating the tobacco material to a second temperature of the tobacco material that is greater than 100°C, thereby vaporizing a first high-boiling flavor component from the tobacco material; (S4) dissolving the vaporized first high-boiling flavor component in a liquid that serves as another part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a first high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid; (S5) after heating at the second temperature, heating the tobacco material to a third temperature of the tobacco material that is higher than the second temperature, thereby vaporizing a second high-boiling-point flavor component from the tobacco material; and (S6) dissolving the vaporized second high-boiling-point flavor component in a liquid that is another part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a second high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid. Each of the flavor component-containing liquids produced by this method contains an aerosol source and a flavor component derived from the tobacco material, and is converted into an aerosol in a flavor inhaler.

[0023] In this embodiment, the "first temperature," "second temperature," and "third temperature" all refer to the temperature of the tobacco material itself. In the following description, the heating temperature and heating temperature range of the tobacco material are described, but these all refer to the temperature of the tobacco material itself.

[0024] The method according to one embodiment will be described below in the order of steps.

[0025] [First Heating Step (S1)] In the first heating step (S1), the tobacco material is heated to a first temperature within a range of 80 to 100°C. In the first heating step (S1), the "first temperature within a range of 80 to 100°C" refers to the temperature of the tobacco material. The first heating step (S1) vaporizes low-boiling-point flavor components from the tobacco material and reduces the moisture content of the tobacco material (see FIG. 1 ).

[0026] The "tobacco material" may be tobacco shreds that are ready to be incorporated into tobacco products, such as combustion-type or heat-type flavor inhalers. "Tobacco shreds that are ready to be incorporated into tobacco products" refers to tobacco shreds that have undergone various processing steps, such as a drying process on a farm, a long-term aging process of one to several years at a raw material factory, and subsequent blending and cutting at a manufacturing factory, and are ready to be incorporated into tobacco products.

[0027] Tobacco shreds are cut tobacco leaves. Tobacco shreds may be shredded leaves, shredded backbone, shredded reconstituted tobacco (i.e., tobacco material obtained by processing leaf waste, shredded waste, backbone waste, fine powder, etc. generated during factory operations into a reusable form), or a mixture thereof. Tobacco shreds may be pulverized, and the resulting pulverized material may be used for the heating step (S1). Using pulverized tobacco shreds as the tobacco material can increase the efficiency of recovery of flavor components from the tobacco material. This can increase the content of flavor components in the flavor component-containing liquid or tobacco flavor liquid.

[0028] The shredded tobacco may be of any variety, such as flue-cured, burley, oriental, etc. The shredded tobacco may be of a single variety or a mixture of different varieties.

[0029] Preferably, the first heating step (S1) can be carried out by supplying heated gas to the tobacco material. The heated gas has a temperature of, for example, 105 to 250°C. Here, the heated gas preferably contains an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of 10% by volume or less. For example, a mixed gas of nitrogen and air with an oxygen concentration of 10% by volume or less can be used as the heated gas. Using a gas with such a low oxygen concentration can reduce exothermic reactions due to oxidation and prevent a sudden rise in the temperature of the tobacco material. Using a gas with a low oxygen concentration allows reliable temperature control of the tobacco material, thereby enabling the stable production of a flavor component-containing liquid of the desired quality.

[0030] As described above, in the first heating step (S1), the tobacco material is heated to a first temperature within a range of 80 to 100°C. As described above, in the first heating step (S1), the "first temperature within a range of 80 to 100°C" refers to the temperature of the tobacco material. The temperature of the tobacco material can be obtained, for example, by measuring the temperature of the surface of the tobacco material with a contact thermometer.

[0031] Preferably, the first heating step (S1) can be carried out by heating the tobacco material in a temperature range of 80 to 100° C. For example, the heating including the first heating step (S1) can be carried out by heating the tobacco material from room temperature (e.g., about 20° C.) to 100° C. while increasing the temperature of the tobacco material.

[0032] The first heating step (S1) vaporizes the moisture contained in the tobacco material, thereby reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material. The first heating step (S1) is preferably performed so that the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately after heating (hereinafter also referred to as moisture content WC2) is 20% or less compared to the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately before heating (hereinafter also referred to as moisture content WC1). That is, the first heating step (S1) is preferably performed so that the ratio of moisture content WC2 to moisture content WC1 is 20% or less. It is more preferable that the first heating step (S1) is performed so that the ratio of moisture content WC2 to moisture content WC1 is 8% or less. "Immediately before heating" refers, for example, to within two hours before the start of the first heating step (S1), preferably within one hour before the start of the first heating step (S1). "Immediately after heating" refers, for example, to within two hours after the end of the first heating step (S1), preferably within one hour after the end of the first heating step (S1).

[0033] The "moisture content WC1" of the tobacco material immediately before heating in the first heating step (S1) can be obtained by the procedure described below. The tobacco material immediately before heating in the first heating step (S1) is dried under open conditions at 100°C for 1 hour. The mass of the sample after drying is measured, and the difference between the mass of the sample after drying and the mass of the sample before drying is calculated, and the obtained difference is used as the "moisture content." The "moisture content" is calculated from the "moisture content" value using the following formula: Moisture content WC1 [%] = (moisture content / mass of sample before drying) × 100.

[0034] The "moisture content WC2" of the tobacco material immediately after heating in the first heating step (S1) can be obtained in the same manner as the "moisture content WC1", except that the tobacco material immediately before heating in the first heating step (S1) is replaced with the tobacco material immediately after heating in the first heating step (S1).

[0035] The ratio [%] of the moisture content WC2 to the moisture content WC1 can be calculated by the following formula: Ratio [%] = (moisture content WC2 / moisture content WC1) x 100.

[0036] By reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material by the first heating step (S1), the moisture content of the high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid (in this embodiment, the first high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid and the second high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid) obtained by further heating the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1) can be reduced.

[0037] Furthermore, reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material through the first heating step (S1) can create a situation in which nicotine is more likely to vaporize when the tobacco material is further heated after the first heating step (S1) (see "Fraction 2" in Figure 11). This effect occurs because, when a large amount of moisture remains in the tobacco material, nicotine is less likely to vaporize even when heated, but when the moisture content of the tobacco material is low, nicotine is more likely to vaporize when heated.

[0038] The first heating step (S1) can be carried out for, for example, 0.5 to 60 minutes, preferably 1 to 20 minutes, thereby vaporizing the moisture contained in the tobacco material and reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material.

[0039] The method according to the embodiment may further include adding a humectant to the tobacco material prior to heating the tobacco material in the first heating step (S1). Examples of humectants that can be used include glycerin, propylene glycol, 1-3 propanediol, and triacetin. The humectant can be added in an amount of, for example, 1 to 20 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the tobacco material. Adding a humectant before the first heating step (S1) allows a greater amount of nicotine to be vaporized in the subsequent heating steps (in this embodiment, the second heating step (S3) and the third heating step (S5)), even if the temperature of the tobacco material is 200°C or lower.

[0040] [Step (S2) of Dissolving Low-Boiling Flavor Components] In the step (S2) of dissolving low-boiling flavor components, the low-boiling flavor components vaporized in the first heating step (S1) are dissolved in a liquid (hereinafter referred to as a first trap liquid) that serves as a part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a low-boiling flavor component-containing liquid (see FIG. 1 ).

[0041] The first trap liquid can be a liquid that can be used as an aerosol source in a flavor inhaler. For example, propylene glycol, glycerin, 1,3-propanediol, diacetin, polyethylene glycol, or a mixture thereof can be used as the first trap liquid. The first trap liquid is preferably propylene glycol, glycerin, or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin. The first trap liquid is more preferably propylene glycol or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin. In the case of a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin, a higher proportion of propylene glycol is preferred. The mass ratio of propylene glycol to glycerin can be, for example, 9:1 to 1:9, preferably 7:3 to 5:5.

[0042] The exemplified first trap liquid has a low polarity compared to water, and since flavor components have a relatively low polarity, the exemplified first trap liquid is suitable as a liquid for dissolving flavor components.

[0043] Preferably, the dissolving step (S2) can be carried out by bubbling the gas containing the low-boiling flavor components obtained in the first heating step (S1) into the first trap liquid. In the dissolving step (S2), for example, 0.5 to 20 mL, preferably 2 to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 to 5 mL of the first trap liquid can be used per 10 g of tobacco material. When the first trap liquid is used in an amount within the above range, the obtained flavor component-containing liquid can be used as a raw material for tobacco flavor liquid without concentrating it.

[0044] A low-boiling flavor component-containing liquid is obtained by the dissolving step (S2). The low-boiling flavor component-containing liquid preferably has a water content of less than 25% by mass, more preferably 20% by mass or less. The water content of the low-boiling flavor component-containing liquid is, for example, 0.1% by mass or more. In this specification, the water content of the flavor component-containing liquid refers to a value measured using a GC-TCD (gas chromatograph-thermal conductivity detector). Specifically, a sample obtained by diluting the flavor component-containing liquid with methanol is loaded into a GC, and after column separation, the water content is measured using a TCD. The water is quantified from the obtained measurement value, and the water content of the flavor component-containing liquid is calculated. Examples of measurement conditions are shown below. Apparatus: Agilent 7890A Column: DB-WAX (Agilent 122-7032) Carrier gas: Helium Flow rate: 30 mL / min Inlet temperature: 250°C Injection mode: Splitless Injection volume: 1 μL Oven temperature: 60°C → 130°C (5°C / min) → 250°C (10°C / min) TCD temperature: 250°C.

[0045] In addition, when the low-boiling point flavor component-containing liquid is not used as a raw material for tobacco flavor liquid, the dissolving step (S2) may be omitted.

[0046] (Specific Example) The above-mentioned first heating step (S1) and dissolving step (S2) can be performed, for example, using a flavor component recovery system 2 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the flavor component recovery system 2 includes a heating device 3, a dissolving device 4, and a gas flow path 5 connecting these two devices.

[0047] The heating device 3 shown in Figure 2 includes a heating container 3B for containing tobacco material 3A, a sintered filter 3C installed on the bottom surface of the heating container 3B, a thermocouple 3D for measuring the temperature of the tobacco material 3A, a gas supply source 3E containing gas to be sent to the heating container 3B, a preheater 3F for heating the gas to be sent from the gas supply source 3E to the heating container 3B, and a gas flow path 3G for sending gas to the heating container 3B.

[0048] The dissolving device 4 shown in Fig. 2 is connected to the heating device 3 shown in Fig. 2 via a gas flow path 5. The dissolving device 4 is provided with a cooling vessel 4B for containing a trap liquid 4A.

[0049] The operation of the flavor component recovery system 2 is described below. First, tobacco material 3A is placed in the heating container 3B. Gas is sent from a gas supply source 3E to a preheater 3F and heated by the preheater 3F. The high-temperature gas is then sent through a gas flow path 3G to a gas inlet provided in the bottom of the heating container 3B. A sintered filter 3C installed in the bottom of the heating container 3B is porous. Therefore, the high-temperature gas entering the heating container 3B from the gas inlet is supplied to the entire tobacco material 3A via the sintered filter 3C. The tobacco material 3A is heated by the supplied high-temperature gas. The temperature of the tobacco material 3A is measured by a thermocouple 3D. As described above, the gas sent to the heating container 3B preferably contains an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of 10% by volume or less.

[0050] The heating container 3B may be housed in an oven (not shown), which may further heat the tobacco material 3A from the outside of the heating container 3B. Note that the first heating step (S1) is not limited to being performed using the heating device 3 shown in Figure 2, as long as it is possible to vaporize the flavor components from the tobacco material.

[0051] When the tobacco material 3A is heated, the flavor components vaporize from the tobacco material 3A, and the gas containing the flavor components is discharged through the gas flow path 5 from the gas discharge hole provided on the upper surface of the heating container 3B.

[0052] The gas containing the flavor components is sent to the dissolving device 4 through the gas flow path 5. The gas containing the flavor components may be sent to the dissolving device 4 by the action of a pump. The gas containing the flavor components is bubbled into the trap liquid 4A in the cooling vessel 4B. As a result, the flavor components are dissolved in the trap liquid 4A, and a flavor component-containing liquid is obtained.

[0053] When the gas containing the flavor components is bubbled into the trap liquid 4A, the temperature of the trap liquid 4A rises. For this reason, the dissolving device 4 may further include an outer container (not shown) for storing ice water to cool the cooling container 4B from the outside. The dissolving device 4 may also include a spiral cooling pipe (not shown) connected to the tip of the gas flow path 5. The cooling pipe is, for example, a stainless steel spiral pipe. The gas is cooled while passing through the cooling pipe. These additional components may prevent the temperature of the trap liquid 4A from rising.

[0054] The dissolving step (S2) is not limited to being performed using the dissolving device 4 shown in FIG. 2, as long as the gas containing the flavor components obtained in the first heating step (S1) can be dissolved in the trap liquid 4A.

[0055] [Second Heating Step (S3)] In the second heating step (S3), the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1) is heated to a second temperature higher than 100°C, thereby vaporizing the first high-boiling flavor component from the tobacco material (see FIG. 1 ).

[0056] As described above, the "second temperature higher than 100°C" in the second heating step (S3) refers to the temperature of the tobacco material. The temperature of the tobacco material can be obtained, for example, by measuring the surface temperature of the tobacco material using a contact thermometer. For example, in the second heating step (S3), the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1) can be heated to a temperature in the range of higher than 100°C and not higher than 200°C.

[0057] Preferably, the second heating step (S3) can be carried out by heating the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1) in a temperature range higher than 100° C. and not higher than 200° C. For example, the second heating step (S3) can be carried out by heating the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1) from the final heating temperature of the first heating step (S1) (e.g., 100° C.) to 200° C. while increasing the temperature of the tobacco material.

[0058] The second heating step (S3) can be carried out following the first heating step (S1) using the same method as the first heating step (S1). Preferably, the second heating step (S3) can be carried out by supplying heated gas to the tobacco material. The heated gas has a temperature of, for example, 105 to 250°C. Here, the heated gas preferably contains an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of 10% by volume or less. For example, a mixed gas of nitrogen and air with an oxygen concentration of 10% by volume or less can be used as the heated gas. As described above, using a gas with a low oxygen concentration can reduce exothermic reactions due to oxidation and prevent a sudden rise in the temperature of the tobacco material. Using a gas with a low oxygen concentration allows for reliable temperature control of the tobacco material, thereby enabling the stable production of a flavor component-containing liquid of the desired quality.

[0059] The second heating step (S3) can be carried out for, for example, 0.5 to 60 minutes, preferably 1 to 30 minutes. The second heating step (S3) can vaporize the various flavor components contained in the tobacco material (see FIGS. 11 and 12). As a result, a flavor component-containing liquid containing various flavor components can be obtained in the subsequent dissolving step (in this embodiment, the dissolving step (S4) of the first high-boiling-point flavor component).

[0060] [Step (S4) of Dissolving First High-Boiling Flavor Component] In the step (S4) of dissolving the first high-boiling flavor component, the first high-boiling flavor component vaporized in the second heating step (S3) is dissolved in a liquid (hereinafter referred to as a second trap liquid) that serves as another part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a first high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid (see FIG. 1 ).

[0061] The second trap liquid can be a liquid having the same composition as the first trap liquid. Preferably, the dissolving step (S4) can be carried out by bubbling the gas containing the first high-boiling flavor component obtained in the second heating step (S3) into the second trap liquid. In the dissolving step (S4), for example, 0.5 to 20 mL, preferably 2 to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 to 5 mL of the second trap liquid can be used per 10 g of tobacco material. The second trap liquid is preferably used in the same amount as the first trap liquid. When the second trap liquid is used in an amount within the above range, the obtained flavor component-containing liquid can be used as a raw material for tobacco flavor liquid without concentrating it.

[0062] The dissolving step (S4) produces a first high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid. The first high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid preferably has a water content of less than 25% by mass, more preferably 20% by mass or less. The water content of the first high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid is, for example, 0.1% by mass or more. In this specification, the water content of the flavor component-containing liquid refers to the value measured by GC-TCD (gas chromatograph-thermal conductivity detector) as described above.

[0063] The second heating step (S3) and the first high-boiling-point flavor component dissolving step (S4) can be performed using the flavor component recovery system shown in Fig. 2. In this case, after the first trap liquid is recovered as a low-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid, new trap liquid (i.e., second trap liquid) is placed in the cooling vessel 4B, and the tobacco material that has been subjected to the first heating step (S1) is continuously heated, thereby starting the second heating step (S3).

[0064] [Third Heating Step (S5)] In the third heating step (S5), the tobacco material after the second heating step (S4) is heated to a third temperature that is higher than the second temperature, thereby vaporizing the second high-boiling flavor component from the tobacco material (see FIG. 1 ).

[0065] In the third heating step (S5), the "third temperature higher than the second temperature" refers to the temperature of the tobacco material, as described above. The temperature of the tobacco material can be obtained, for example, by measuring the surface temperature of the tobacco material with a contact thermometer. For example, in the third heating step (S5), the tobacco material after the second heating step (S4) can be heated to a temperature in the range of more than 200°C and not more than 250°C.

[0066] Preferably, the third heating step (S5) can be carried out by heating the tobacco material after the second heating step (S3) in a temperature range higher than 200° C. and not higher than 250° C. For example, the third heating step (S5) can be carried out by heating the tobacco material after the second heating step (S3) from the final heating temperature of the second heating step (S3) (e.g., 200° C.) to 250° C. while increasing the temperature of the tobacco material.

[0067] The third heating step (S5) can be carried out following the second heating step (S3) using a method similar to that of the second heating step (S3). Preferably, the third heating step (S5) can be carried out by supplying heated gas to the tobacco material. The heated gas has a temperature of, for example, 105 to 250°C. Here, the heated gas preferably contains an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of 10% by volume or less. For example, a mixed gas of nitrogen and air with an oxygen concentration of 10% by volume or less can be used as the heated gas. As described above, using a gas with a low oxygen concentration can reduce exothermic reactions due to oxidation and prevent a sudden increase in the temperature of the tobacco material. Using a gas with a low oxygen concentration allows for reliable temperature control of the tobacco material, thereby enabling the stable production of a flavor component-containing liquid of the desired quality.

[0068] The third heating step (S5) can be carried out for, for example, 0.5 to 60 minutes, preferably 1 to 30 minutes. The third heating step (S5) can vaporize the various flavor components contained in the tobacco material (see FIGS. 11 and 12). As a result, a flavor component-containing liquid containing various flavor components can be obtained in the subsequent dissolving step (in this embodiment, the dissolving step (S6) of the second high-boiling-point flavor component).

[0069] The tobacco material remaining after the third heating step (S5) can be used to produce regenerated tobacco material, which will be described later.

[0070] [Step of Dissolving Second High-Boiling Flavor Component (S6)] In the step of dissolving the second high-boiling flavor component (S6), the second high-boiling flavor component vaporized in the third heating step (S5) is dissolved in the liquid (hereinafter referred to as the third trap liquid) that serves as the other part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a second high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid (see FIG. 1 ).

[0071] The third trap liquid can be a liquid having the same composition as the first trap liquid or the second trap liquid. Preferably, the dissolving step (S6) can be carried out by bubbling the gas containing the second high-boiling-point flavor component obtained in the third heating step (S5) into the third trap liquid. In the dissolving step (S6), for example, 0.5 to 20 mL, preferably 2 to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 to 5 mL of the third trap liquid can be used per 10 g of tobacco material. The third trap liquid is preferably used in the same amount as the first trap liquid or the second trap liquid. When the third trap liquid is used in an amount within the above range, the obtained flavor component-containing liquid can be used as a raw material for tobacco flavor liquid without concentrating it.

[0072] The dissolving step (S6) results in a second high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid. The second high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid preferably has a water content of less than 25% by mass, more preferably 20% by mass or less. The water content of the second high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid is, for example, 0.1% by mass or more. In this specification, the water content of the flavor component-containing liquid refers to the value measured by GC-TCD (gas chromatograph-thermal conductivity detector) as described above.

[0073] The third heating step (S5) and the second high-boiling-point flavor component dissolving step (S6) can be performed using the flavor component recovery system shown in Fig. 2. In this case, after the second trap liquid is recovered as the first high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid, new trap liquid (i.e., third trap liquid) is placed in the cooling vessel 4B, and the tobacco material that has been subjected to the second heating step (S3) is continuously heated, thereby starting the third heating step (S5).

[0074] When the second high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid is not used as a raw material for a tobacco flavor liquid, the third heating step (S5) and the second high-boiling-point flavor component dissolving step (S6) may be omitted.

[0075] [Flavor component-containing liquid] According to the above-described "method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid," a low-boiling point flavor component-containing liquid and a high-boiling point flavor component-containing liquid can be obtained. According to the method of the above-described embodiment, a low-boiling point flavor component-containing liquid, a first high-boiling point flavor component-containing liquid, and a second high-boiling point flavor component-containing liquid can be obtained. In this manner, according to the above-described "method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid," multiple types of flavor component-containing liquid can be obtained. In this specification, the above-described flavor component-containing liquids are collectively referred to as "flavor component-containing liquid."

[0076] Therefore, in another aspect, there is provided a flavor component-containing liquid produced by the above-mentioned "method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid." The flavor component-containing liquid can have a low water content (see FIG. 10).

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1) is heated in two temperature ranges, and the vaporized flavor components are dissolved in separate traps to obtain two types of high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquids. This embodiment is not limited to this, and the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1) may be heated in three or more temperature ranges, and the vaporized flavor components may be dissolved in separate trap liquids to obtain three or more types of high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquids. Alternatively, the tobacco material after the first heating step (S1) may be heated in one temperature range, and the vaporized flavor components may be dissolved in the trap liquid to obtain one type of high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid.

[0078] 3. Method for Producing Tobacco Flavor Liquid As described above, the "flavor component-containing liquid" can be used as a raw material for tobacco flavor liquid to be used in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol. Therefore, a method for producing a tobacco flavor liquid includes: producing multiple types of flavor component-containing liquids in accordance with the above-described "method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid," and, based on the content or flavor type of the flavor component, (a) selecting one type of flavor component-containing liquid as the tobacco flavor liquid from among the multiple types of flavor component-containing liquids, or (b) selecting two or more types of flavor component-containing liquids and mixing them, thereby preparing a tobacco flavor liquid.

[0079] In the above method, a low-boiling flavor component-containing liquid and a high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid may be prepared as the multiple types of flavor component-containing liquids, or multiple types of high-boiling flavor component-containing liquids may be prepared.

[0080] When selecting one type of flavor component-containing liquid from among multiple types of flavor component-containing liquids as the tobacco flavor liquid, a flavor component-containing liquid with a high content of flavor components (e.g., nicotine) can be selected as the tobacco flavor liquid, thereby enabling the preparation of a tobacco flavor liquid with a low water content and a high content of flavor components.

[0081] When two or more flavor component-containing liquids are selected from a plurality of flavor component-containing liquids and mixed, a flavor component-containing liquid with a high content of flavor components (e.g., nicotine) can be first selected, and then one or more flavor component-containing liquids with a preferred flavor type can be selected from the remaining flavor component-containing liquids and mixed. In this case, it is preferable to prepare a tobacco flavor liquid by mixing the first selected flavor component-containing liquid so that the blending ratio (utilization rate) is higher than the blending ratios (utilization rates) of any of the other flavor component-containing liquids. This allows for the preparation of a tobacco flavor liquid with a low water content and a high content of flavor components.

[0082] For example, when a low-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid, a first high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid, and a second high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid are prepared by the method according to the embodiment, the first high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid may be selected as the tobacco flavor liquid, or the first high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid and the second high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid may be selected and mixed so that the blending ratio (utilization rate) of the first high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid is higher than that of the second high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid to prepare a tobacco flavor liquid. This allows the preparation of a tobacco flavor liquid with a low water content and a high content of flavor components (see FIGS. 10 to 12 ).

[0083] When preparing a tobacco flavor liquid, it is preferable to select some of the flavor component-containing liquids with a high flavor component content, rather than selecting all of the multiple flavor component-containing liquids produced by the above-mentioned "method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid." Alternatively, when all of the multiple flavor component-containing liquids produced by the above-mentioned "method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid," are selected, it is desirable to adjust the blending ratio (utilization rate) so that the blending ratio (utilization rate) of the flavor component-containing liquid with a high flavor component content is high. In other words, when preparing a tobacco flavor liquid, it is not desirable to mix all of the multiple flavor component-containing liquids produced by the above-mentioned "method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid" at the same blending ratio (utilization rate). If all of the multiple flavor component-containing liquids are mixed at the same blending ratio (utilization rate), the above-mentioned effect (i.e., the effect of obtaining a tobacco flavor liquid with a low water content and a high flavor component content) will be reduced.

[0084] According to another aspect, there is provided a tobacco flavor liquid produced by the above-mentioned "method for producing a tobacco flavor liquid."

[0085] 4. Effects (Moisture Content) The present inventors have newly discovered that the amount of moisture that volatilizes when a tobacco material is heated to 100°C while increasing the temperature is roughly the same as the amount of moisture that volatilizes when the temperature is then further increased to a temperature higher than 100°C. This is thought to be because when the product temperature of the tobacco material is 100°C or below, the moisture originally contained in the tobacco material (approximately 10 to 12% W.B.) volatilizes and is recovered as a vapor component, but when the product temperature of the tobacco material exceeds 100°C, a dehydration reaction occurs within the tobacco material due to heating, and the moisture generated by this reaction volatilizes and is recovered as a vapor component.

[0086] Based on the above findings, the present inventors have been able to obtain a flavor component-containing liquid with a low moisture content. That is, both the low-boiling point flavor component-containing liquid and the high-boiling point flavor component-containing liquid obtained by the above-mentioned "method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid" have a low moisture content (see FIG. 10).

[0087] If the flavor component-containing liquid has a low water content, it can stably vaporize when used as a tobacco flavor liquid (i.e., atomized liquid) in a flavor inhaler, thereby realizing stable generation of an aerosol (tobacco vapor).

[0088] Furthermore, a low water content in a flavor component-containing liquid has the advantage that flavorings such as menthol are easily dissolved. Flavorings such as menthol are generally added to the atomized liquid of flavor inhalers. Flavorings are primarily low-polarity components, and as the polarity of the atomized liquid increases, their solubility decreases. Even if the flavoring is dissolved immediately after the production of the atomized liquid, low-polarity components may precipitate if exposed to low temperatures during transportation or storage.

[0089] For these reasons, it is desirable that the flavor component-containing liquid has a low water content.

[0090] When tobacco material is heated and the flavor components vaporized by heating are collected in a trap liquid according to conventional methods, the flavor component-containing liquid contains a large amount of moisture. In order to reduce the moisture content of such a flavor component-containing liquid, a concentration step is required to volatilize the moisture. In contrast, according to the above-mentioned "method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid," a flavor component-containing liquid having a low moisture content can be obtained without performing a concentration step. The above-mentioned "method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid" is advantageous in that a flavor component-containing liquid having a low moisture content can be obtained using a simple method.

[0091] (Flavor component content) Furthermore, in conventional methods, when a concentration step is performed to volatilize the water content of a flavor component-containing liquid, the flavor components may volatilize from the flavor component-containing liquid, potentially weakening the flavor (nicotine and aroma components). In contrast, the above-described "method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid" can obtain a flavor component-containing liquid without performing a concentration step, thereby preventing the flavor components from volatilizing due to the concentration step. Therefore, the above-described "method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid" can obtain a flavor component-containing liquid that has a low water content and contains a large amount of flavor components (nicotine and aroma components).

[0092] Furthermore, according to the above-described "method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid," the type of flavor component vaporized varies depending on the heating temperature, and therefore multiple types of flavor component-containing liquids with different flavor component contents and flavor types can be obtained (see Figures 11 and 12). Therefore, by selecting appropriate ones from the obtained flavor component-containing liquids and mixing them in appropriate ratios as needed to provide a desired tobacco flavor (for example, a complex flavor obtained when tobacco leaves are heated at high temperature), a tobacco flavor liquid that provides a desired tobacco flavor can be prepared.

[0093] 5. Regenerated Tobacco Material The tobacco flavor liquid may be used as an atomized liquid in an atomized flavor inhaler, or may be used in combination with the tobacco material remaining after obtaining the flavor component-containing liquid in the above-described "method for producing tobacco flavor liquid." In the method according to the above-described embodiment, the tobacco flavor liquid may be used in combination with the tobacco material remaining after the third heating step (S5). Therefore, according to another aspect, there is provided a regenerated tobacco material comprising: a tobacco flavor liquid produced by the above-described "method for producing tobacco flavor liquid"; and a heated tobacco material obtained after obtaining the multiple flavor component-containing liquid in the above-described "method for producing tobacco flavor liquid."

[0094] Specific examples of reconstituted tobacco materials are described below. For example, the reconstituted tobacco material may be a product obtained by drying a mixture of a tobacco flavor liquid and the tobacco material remaining after obtaining a flavor component-containing liquid. This product can be used as a tobacco flavor source in a flavor inhaler.

[0095] Alternatively, the reconstituted tobacco material may be a tobacco molded product obtained by molding a mixture of a tobacco flavor liquid and the tobacco material remaining after obtaining a flavor component-containing liquid into a specific shape such as a sheet or granules. The tobacco molded product can be used as a tobacco flavor source for a flavor inhaler.

[0096] Alternatively, the reconstituted tobacco material may be tobacco powder obtained by drying a mixture of tobacco flavor liquid and the tobacco material remaining after obtaining the flavor component-containing liquid, and then grinding it into a powder. The tobacco powder can be added to tobacco materials (e.g., deboned leaves or leaf tobacco) to enhance the flavor of the tobacco material. The flavor-enhanced tobacco material can be used as a tobacco flavor source in a flavor inhaler.

[0097] Alternatively, the reconstituted tobacco material may be a tobacco slurry obtained by drying a mixture of tobacco flavor liquid and the tobacco material remaining after obtaining the flavor component-containing liquid, grinding it into powder, and suspending the resulting powder in water. The tobacco slurry can be added to tobacco materials (e.g., deboned leaves or leaf tobacco) to enhance the flavor of the tobacco material. The flavor-enhanced tobacco material can be used as a tobacco flavor source in a flavor inhaler.

[0098] The reconstituted tobacco material may contain additives such as binders, pH adjusters, preservatives, and antioxidants, as needed.

[0099] As described above, tobacco flavor liquid has a low moisture content and can contain a large amount of flavor components (nicotine and aroma components). Therefore, when a regenerated tobacco material is produced using the tobacco flavor liquid and the regenerated tobacco material is incorporated into a flavor inhaler, an excellent flavor can be provided to the user.

[0100] 6. Flavor Inhaler The above-mentioned "tobacco flavor liquid" or the above-mentioned "reconstituted tobacco material" can be incorporated into any flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol. That is, according to another aspect, there is provided a flavor inhaler containing the above-mentioned "tobacco flavor liquid." According to yet another aspect, there is provided a flavor inhaler containing the above-mentioned "reconstituted tobacco material." Flavor inhalers include combustion-type flavor inhalers, heating-type flavor inhalers, and non-heating-type flavor inhalers.

[0101] According to a preferred embodiment, there is provided a flavor inhaler comprising the above-mentioned "tobacco flavor liquid" and an atomization unit that atomizes the tobacco flavor liquid. The flavor inhaler is more preferably a heating type flavor inhaler. According to a more preferred embodiment, there is provided a flavor inhaler comprising the above-mentioned "tobacco flavor liquid" and an atomization unit that heats and atomizes the tobacco flavor liquid.

[0102] According to a preferred aspect, there is provided a flavor inhaler comprising the above-mentioned "reconstituted tobacco material" and an atomization unit that atomizes the liquid components contained in the reconstituted tobacco material. The flavor inhaler is more preferably a heated flavor inhaler. According to a more preferred aspect, there is provided a flavor inhaler comprising the above-mentioned "reconstituted tobacco material" and an atomization unit that heats the reconstituted tobacco material and atomizes the liquid components contained in the reconstituted tobacco material.

[0103] A "combustion-type flavor inhaler" is a flavor inhaler that provides a user with tobacco flavor by burning a tobacco filler material (such as tobacco shreds or a molded tobacco product). Examples of combustion-type flavor inhalers include cigarettes, pipes, kiseru (Japanese tobacco pipes), cigars, and cigarillos.

[0104] A "heated flavor inhaler" is a flavor inhaler that provides a user with tobacco flavor by heating a tobacco flavor source, such as a tobacco filler or tobacco flavor liquid, without burning it. Examples of heated flavor inhalers include a carbon heat source flavor inhaler that heats a tobacco filler with the combustion heat of a carbon heat source (see, for example, WO 2006 / 073065); an electrically heated flavor inhaler that includes a tobacco stick containing a tobacco filler and a heating device for electrically heating the tobacco stick (see, for example, WO 2010 / 110226); or a liquid atomization flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol by heating a liquid aerosol source with a heater, and inhales the flavor derived from the tobacco filler together with the aerosol (see, for example, WO 2015 / 046385).

[0105] A "non-heating flavor inhaler" is a flavor inhaler that provides a user with tobacco flavor without burning or heating a tobacco flavor source such as a tobacco filler or tobacco flavor liquid. An example of a non-heating flavor inhaler is a liquid atomization flavor inhaler that includes a tobacco flavor liquid and an atomization unit that atomizes the tobacco flavor liquid using surface acoustic waves (see, for example, WO 2017 / 167521).

[0106] [Typical Example 1 of Flavor Inhaler] An example of a heated flavor inhaler containing the above-mentioned "tobacco flavor liquid" will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a heated flavor inhaler. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a power supply unit in the heated flavor inhaler of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heated flavor inhaler of Figure 3. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the power supply unit in the heated flavor inhaler of Figure 3.

[0107] The heating-type flavor inhaler 1 shown in Figures 3 to 6 has a rod shape extending in a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction A). As shown in Figure 3, the heating-type flavor inhaler 1 includes a power supply unit 10, a first cartridge 20, and a second cartridge 30, which are provided in this order along the longitudinal direction A. The first cartridge 20 is detachable from the power supply unit 10, and the second cartridge 30 is detachable from the first cartridge 20. In other words, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are each replaceable.

[0108] 4 and 5, the power supply unit 10 accommodates a power supply 12, a charger 13, a control unit 50, various sensors, etc. inside a cylindrical power supply unit case 11. The power supply 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, preferably a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0109] A discharge terminal 41 is provided on the top portion 11a located on one end side (first cartridge 20 side) in the longitudinal direction A of the power supply unit case 11. The discharge terminal 41 is provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the top portion 11a toward the first cartridge 20, and is configured to be electrically connectable to the load 21 of the first cartridge 20.

[0110] An air supply section 42 for supplying air to the load 21 of the first cartridge 20 is provided on the upper surface of the top section 11 a near the discharge terminal 41 .

[0111] A bottom portion 11b located at the other end side of the longitudinal direction A of the power supply unit case 11 (opposite the first cartridge 20) is provided with a charging terminal (not shown) that can be electrically connected to an external power source that can charge the power supply 12.

[0112] An operation unit 14 that can be operated by the user is provided on the side of the top portion 11a of the power supply unit case 11. The operation unit 14 is composed of a button switch, a touch panel, etc., and is used to start / shut off the control unit 50 and various sensors in accordance with the user's intentions.

[0113] As shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 50 is connected to various sensors, such as the charger 13, the operation unit 14, an inhalation sensor 15 that detects puffing (inhalation), a voltage sensor 16 that measures the voltage of the power source 12, and a temperature sensor 17 that detects temperature, as well as a memory 18 that stores the number of puffing operations or the duration of power supply to the load 21, and performs various controls on the heated flavor inhaler 1. The inhalation sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, or the like. The control unit 50 is specifically a processor (MCU: microcontroller unit). More specifically, the structure of this processor is an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0114] (First cartridge) As shown in Figure 5, the first cartridge 20 is provided with a cylindrical cartridge case 27, inside which are: a reservoir 23 that stores the above-mentioned "tobacco flavor liquid" 22; an electrical load 21 that atomizes the tobacco flavor liquid 22; a wick 24 that draws the tobacco flavor liquid from the reservoir 23 to the load 21; an aerosol flow path 25 through which the aerosol generated by atomization of the tobacco flavor liquid 22 flows toward the second cartridge 30; and an end cap 26 that houses a portion of the second cartridge 30.

[0115] The reservoir 23 is partitioned and formed so as to surround the periphery of the aerosol flow path 25, and stores the tobacco flavor liquid 22. The reservoir 23 may contain a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and the porous body may be impregnated with the tobacco flavor liquid 22. The reservoir 23 may not contain a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and may store only the tobacco flavor liquid 22.

[0116] The wick 24 is a liquid retention member that draws the tobacco flavor liquid 22 from the reservoir 23 into the load 21 by utilizing capillary action, and is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

[0117] The load 21 atomizes the tobacco flavor liquid 22 without combustion by using power supplied from the power source 12 via the discharge terminal 41. The load 21 is configured with an electric heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch. The load 21 may be any element capable of atomizing the tobacco flavor liquid 22 to generate an aerosol, such as a heating element or an ultrasonic generator. Examples of heating elements include a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, and an induction heater.

[0118] The aerosol flow path 25 is provided downstream of the load 21 and on the center line L of the power supply unit 10 .

[0119] The end cap 26 includes a cartridge housing portion 26a that houses a part of the second cartridge 30, and a communication passage 26b that connects the aerosol flow path 25 with the cartridge housing portion 26a.

[0120] (Second Cartridge) As shown in Fig. 5, the second cartridge 30 stores a flavor source 31. The second cartridge 30 is removably housed in a cartridge housing portion 26a provided in the end cap 26 of the first cartridge 20. The end of the second cartridge 30 opposite the first cartridge 20 side forms a mouthpiece 32 for the user. Note that the mouthpiece 32 need not necessarily be configured as an inseparable unit with the second cartridge 30, but may also be configured to be detachable from the second cartridge 30. By configuring the mouthpiece 32 as a separate entity from the power supply unit 10 and the first cartridge 20 in this way, the mouthpiece 32 can be kept hygienic.

[0121] The second cartridge 30 imparts additional flavor to the aerosol by passing the aerosol generated by atomizing the tobacco flavor liquid 22 by the load 21 through a flavor source 31. The flavor source 31 can be a tobacco filler material such as sheet tobacco or tobacco granules. The flavor source 31 may incorporate the above-mentioned "reconstituted tobacco material." The flavor source 31 may also contain a flavoring such as menthol.

[0122] The heated flavor inhaler 1 can generate an aerosol to which an additional flavor has been added by the tobacco flavor liquid 22, the flavor source 31, and the load 21. In other words, the tobacco flavor liquid 22 and the flavor source 31 can be said to be an aerosol generation source that generates an aerosol.

[0123] The heated flavor inhaler 1 has a configuration in which the tobacco flavor liquid 22 and the flavor source 31 are separate entities, but may also have a configuration in which the tobacco flavor liquid 22 and the flavor source 31 are integrally formed. Alternatively, the heated flavor inhaler 1 may not be provided with the second cartridge 30. In this way, when the second cartridge 30 is omitted from the heated flavor inhaler 1, only the aerosol generated by atomizing the tobacco flavor liquid 22 is supplied to the mouthpiece.

[0124] In the heated flavor inhaler 1, as shown by arrow B in Fig. 5 , air flowing in from an air intake (not shown) provided in the power supply unit case 11 passes through the air supply unit 42 and near the load 21 of the first cartridge 20. The load 21 atomizes the tobacco flavor liquid 22 drawn or moved from the reservoir 23 by the wick 24. The atomized aerosol flows through the aerosol flow path 25 together with the air flowing in from the air intake, and is supplied to the second cartridge 30 via the communication path 26b. The aerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 passes through the flavor source 31 to be imparted with additional flavor, and is then supplied to the mouthpiece 32.

[0125] The heated flavor inhaler 1 is also provided with an alarm unit 45 that notifies various pieces of information. The alarm unit 45 may be composed of a light-emitting element, a vibration element, or a sound output element. The alarm unit 45 may also be a combination of two or more elements selected from the light-emitting element, the vibration element, and the sound output element. The alarm unit 45 may be provided in any of the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30, but is preferably provided in the power supply unit 10 to shorten the lead wire from the power supply 12. For example, the alarm unit 45 may be provided around the operating unit 14, the surrounding area of ​​the operating unit 14 may be translucent, and the alarm unit 45 may be configured to emit light using a light-emitting element such as an LED.

[0126] [Typical Example 2 of Flavor Inhaler] An example of a heated flavor inhaler containing the above-mentioned "regenerated tobacco material" will be described below with reference to Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 8, and 9. In this example, the non-combustion heated flavor inhaler is composed of an aerosol generating device 100 and a flavor-generating article 200. Figure 7A is a schematic front view of an example of the aerosol generating device. Figure 7B is a schematic top view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 7A. Figure 7C is a schematic bottom view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 7A. Figure 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an example of the flavor-generating article. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 7B.

[0127] For ease of explanation, the drawings may include an X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system. In this coordinate system, the Z axis faces vertically upward, the X-Y plane is positioned so as to cut the aerosol generation device 100 horizontally, and the Y axis is positioned so as to extend from the front to the back of the aerosol generation device 100. The Z axis can also be referred to as the insertion direction of a flavor-generating product housed in a chamber 150 of the atomization unit 130 (described later), or the axial direction of the chamber 150. The X axis is a direction perpendicular to the Y axis and the Z axis, and the X axis and the Y axis can also be referred to as the radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber 150, or the radial direction of the chamber 150.

[0128] The aerosol generating device 100 is configured to generate aerosol containing a flavor by heating a stick-type flavor generating article having a flavor source containing the above-mentioned "reconstituted tobacco material."

[0129] As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C , the aerosol generating device 100 includes an outer housing 101 (corresponding to an example of a housing), a slide cover 102, and a switch unit 103. The outer housing 101 constitutes the outermost housing of the aerosol generating device 100 and is sized to fit in a user's hand. When using the flavor inhaler, a user can hold the aerosol generating device 100 in their hand and inhale the aerosol. The outer housing 101 may be formed by assembling multiple components. The outer housing 101 may be made of resin, for example, and in particular, may be formed of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum.

[0130] The outer housing 101 has an opening (not shown) for receiving a flavor-generating article, and the sliding cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 to close the opening. Specifically, the sliding cover 102 is configured to be movable along the outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position (position shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B ) in which the opening of the outer housing 101 is closed and an open position (position shown in FIG. 9 ) in which the opening is open. For example, a user can manually operate the sliding cover 102 to move the sliding cover 102 between the closed position and the open position. This allows or restricts access of the flavor-generating article to the interior of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0131] The switch unit 103 is used to switch the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 on and off. For example, a user can insert a flavor-generating product into the aerosol generating device 100 and operate the switch unit 103 to supply power from a power source (see reference numeral 121 in FIG. 9 ) to a heater (see reference numeral 140 in FIG. 9 ), thereby heating the flavor-generating product without burning it. The switch unit 103 may be a switch provided outside the outer housing 101 or may be a switch located inside the outer housing 101. When the switch is located inside the outer housing 101, the switch is indirectly pressed by pressing the switch unit 103 on the surface of the outer housing 101. In this example, an example in which the switch of the switch unit 103 is located inside the outer housing 101 will be described.

[0132] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a terminal (not shown). The terminal may be an interface for connecting the aerosol generating device 100 to, for example, an external power source. If the power source of the aerosol generating device 100 is a rechargeable battery, connecting the external power source to the terminal allows the external power source to pass current through the power source and charge the power source. In addition, connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal may allow data related to the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 to be transmitted to an external device.

[0133] Next, a flavor-generating article used in the aerosol generation device 100 will be described. Fig. 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an example of a flavor-generating article 200. In this example, a flavor inhaler is configured by the aerosol generation device 100 and the flavor-generating article 200. As shown in Fig. 8, the flavor-generating article 200 has a smokable article 201, a tubular member 204, a hollow filter portion 206, and a filter portion 205.

[0134] The smokable article 201 is wrapped in a first cigarette paper 202. The tubular member 204, hollow filter portion 206, and filter portion 205 are wrapped in a second cigarette paper 203 that is different from the first cigarette paper 202. The second cigarette paper 203 also wraps a portion of the first cigarette paper 202 that wraps the smokable article 201. This connects the tubular member 204, hollow filter portion 206, and filter portion 205 to the smokable article 201. However, the second cigarette paper 203 may be omitted, and the tubular member 204, hollow filter portion 206, and filter portion 205 may be connected to the smokable article 201 using the first cigarette paper 202. A lip release agent 207 is applied to the outer surface of the second cigarette paper 203 near the end on the filter portion 205 side, to make it easier for the user to release their lips from the second cigarette paper 203. The portion of flavor generating article 200 to which lip release agent 207 is applied functions as the mouthpiece of flavor generating article 200 .

[0135] The smokable article 201 contains the above-mentioned "reconstituted tobacco material" as a tobacco flavor source. Furthermore, the first cigarette paper 202 that wraps the smokable article 201 may be a breathable sheet member. The tubular member 204 may be a paper tube or a hollow filter. In this example, the flavor-generating article 200 includes the smokable article 201, the tubular member 204, the hollow filter portion 206, and the filter portion 205, but the configuration of the flavor-generating article 200 is not limited to this. For example, the hollow filter portion 206 may be omitted, and the tubular member 204 and the filter portion 205 may be disposed adjacent to each other.

[0136] Next, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 will be described. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 taken along line III-III in FIG. 7B. As shown in FIG. 9, an inner housing 110 (corresponding to an example of a housing) is provided inside the outer housing 101 of the aerosol generating device 100. The inner housing 110 is made of, for example, a resin, particularly polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. From the viewpoints of heat resistance and strength, the inner housing 110 is preferably made of PEEK. A power supply unit 120 and an atomization unit 130 are provided in the internal space of the inner housing 110.

[0137] The power supply unit 120 includes a power supply 121. The power supply 121 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power supply 121 is electrically connected to the atomizing unit 130. This allows the power supply 121 to supply power to the atomizing unit 130 so as to appropriately heat the flavor-generating article 200.

[0138] 9 , the atomization unit 130 has a metallic chamber 150 (corresponding to an example of a cylindrical portion) extending in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the flavor-generating article 200, a heater 140 covering a portion of the chamber 150, a heat insulating portion 132, and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 134 (corresponding to an example of a guide portion) abutting against the opening of the chamber 150. The chamber 150 is configured to surround the periphery of the flavor-generating article 200. The heater 140 is configured to include a heating portion that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 150 and heats the flavor-generating article 200 inserted into the chamber 150.

[0139] 9 , a bottom member 136 (corresponding to an example of an abutment portion) is provided at the bottom of the chamber 150. The bottom member 136 abuts against the flavor-generating article 200 inserted into the chamber 150 in the insertion direction of the flavor-generating article 200, and can function as a stopper for positioning the flavor-generating article 200. Here, the chamber 150 and the bottom member 136 form a storage portion that stores at least a portion of the flavor-generating article 200. The bottom member 136 can be formed of, for example, a resin material. The bottom member 136 has an uneven surface on which the flavor-generating article 200 abuts, and can define a first air flow path that can supply air to the air intake of the flavor-generating article 200 (i.e., communicates with the flavor-generating article 200 stored in the storage portion). The bottom member 136 is made of, for example, resin, particularly polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. Note that the bottom member 136 is preferably made of a material with low thermal conductivity to prevent heat from being transferred to the heat insulating portion 132, etc.

[0140] The heat insulating section 132 is generally cylindrical overall and is disposed to cover the chamber 150. The heat insulating section 132 may include, for example, an aerogel sheet. The insertion guide member 134 is disposed between the sliding cover 102 in the closed position and the chamber 150. The insertion guide member 134 is made of, for example, resin, and in particular, may be formed from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The insertion guide member 134 may also be formed from metal, glass, ceramic, or the like. From the standpoint of heat resistance, the insertion guide member 134 is preferably made of PEEK. When the sliding cover 102 is in the open position, the insertion guide member 134 communicates with the outside of the aerosol generating device 100, and guides the insertion of the flavor generating article 200 into the chamber 150 by inserting the flavor generating article 200 into the insertion guide member 134. By providing the insertion guide member 134, the flavor generating article 200 can be easily inserted into the chamber 150.

[0141] The aerosol generating device 100 further has a first holding part 137 and a second holding part 138 that hold both ends of the chamber 150 and the heat insulating part 132. The first holding part 137 is arranged to hold the ends of the chamber 150 and the heat insulating part 132 on the negative Z-axis side. The second holding part 138 is arranged to hold the ends of the chamber 150 and the heat insulating part 132 on the slide cover 102 side (positive Z-axis side).

[0142] 7. Preferred Embodiments Preferred embodiments are summarized below.

[0143] [A1] A method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid for use in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol, the flavor component-containing liquid comprising an aerosol source and flavor components derived from a tobacco material, the flavor component-containing liquid being converted into the aerosol in the flavor inhaler, the method comprising: heating the tobacco material to a temperature of the tobacco material in the range of 80 to 100°C, thereby reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material; heating the tobacco material with the reduced moisture content to a temperature of the tobacco material higher than 100°C, thereby vaporizing high-boiling-point flavor components from the tobacco material; and dissolving the vaporized high-boiling-point flavor components in a liquid that is at least a part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid. [A2] The method according to [A1], wherein the heating to reduce the moisture content of the tobacco material is performed such that the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately after heating is 20% or less compared to the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately before heating. [A3] The method according to [A1] or [A2], wherein the heating to reduce the moisture content of the tobacco material is carried out so that the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately after heating is 8% or less compared to the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately before heating.

[0144] [A4] The method according to any one of [A1] to [A3], wherein the high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid has a moisture content of less than 25% by mass. [A5] The method according to any one of [A1] to [A4], wherein the high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid has a moisture content of 20% by mass or less. [A6] The method according to any one of [A1] to [A5], wherein the heating to vaporize the high-boiling flavor component from the tobacco material comprises heating the tobacco material with the reduced moisture content to a temperature of the tobacco material in the range of more than 100°C to 200°C. [A7] The method according to any one of [A1] to [A6], wherein the heating to vaporize the high-boiling flavor component from the tobacco material comprises heating the tobacco material with the reduced moisture content from 100°C to 200°C while increasing the temperature of the tobacco material.

[0145] [A8] The method according to any one of [A1] to [A7], further comprising adding a humectant to the tobacco material prior to heating the tobacco material to a temperature within the range of 80 to 100°C. [A9] The method according to [A8], wherein the humectant is glycerin, propylene glycol, 1-3 propanediol, or triacetin. [A10] The method according to [A8] or [A9], wherein the humectant is added in an amount of 1 to 20 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the tobacco material. [A11] The method according to any one of [A1] to [A10], wherein the heating to vaporize the high-boiling-point flavor components from the tobacco material is performed by supplying a heated gas to the tobacco material. [A12] The method according to [A11], wherein the heated gas contains an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of 10% by volume or less.

[0146] [A13] The method according to any one of [A1] to [A12], wherein the liquid for dissolving the high-boiling-point flavor component is propylene glycol, glycerin, 1,3-propanediol, diacetin, polyethylene glycol, or a mixture thereof; preferably propylene glycol, glycerin, or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin; more preferably propylene glycol, or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin. [A14] The method according to any one of [A1] to [A13], wherein the liquid for dissolving the high-boiling-point flavor component is 0.5 to 20 mL, preferably 2 to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 to 5 mL per 10 g of the tobacco material. [A15] The method according to any one of [A1] to [A14], wherein the heating to reduce the moisture content of the tobacco material is performed by heating the tobacco material from room temperature (e.g., 20°C) to 100°C while increasing the temperature of the tobacco material. [A16] The method according to any one of [A1] to [A15], wherein the heating to reduce the moisture content of the tobacco material is carried out by supplying a heated gas to the tobacco material. [A17] The method according to [A16], wherein the heated gas contains an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of 10% by volume or less.

[0147] [A18] The method according to any one of [A1] to [A17], further comprising dissolving low-boiling flavor components vaporized from the tobacco material by heating the tobacco material to a temperature within the range of 80 to 100°C in a liquid that is another part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a low-boiling flavor component-containing liquid. [A19] The method according to [A18], wherein the low-boiling flavor component-containing liquid has a water content of less than 25% by mass. [A20] The method according to [A18] or [A19], wherein the low-boiling flavor component-containing liquid has a water content of 20% by mass or less. [A21] The method according to any one of [A18] to [A20], wherein the liquid for dissolving the low-boiling-point flavor component is propylene glycol, glycerin, 1,3-propanediol, diacetin, polyethylene glycol, or a mixture thereof; preferably propylene glycol, glycerin, or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin; more preferably propylene glycol, or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin. [A22] The method according to any one of [A18] to [A21], wherein the liquid for dissolving the low-boiling-point flavor component is 0.5 to 20 mL, preferably 2 to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 to 5 mL, per 10 g of the tobacco material.

[0148] [A23] The method of any one of [A1] to [A22], wherein the high-boiling flavor components are vaporized while increasing the temperature of the tobacco material, and those of the high-boiling flavor components vaporized in different temperature ranges are dissolved in separate liquids, thereby obtaining multiple types of high-boiling flavor component-containing liquids. [A24] The method of any one of [A1] to [A23], wherein the high-boiling flavor components are vaporized while increasing the temperature of the tobacco material, and those of the high-boiling flavor components vaporized in two to five different temperature ranges are dissolved in separate liquids, thereby obtaining two to five types of high-boiling flavor component-containing liquids. [A25] The method of any one of [A1] to [A24], wherein the high-boiling flavor components are vaporized while increasing the temperature of the tobacco material, and those of the high-boiling flavor components vaporized in two different temperature ranges are dissolved in separate liquids, thereby obtaining two types of high-boiling flavor component-containing liquids. [A26] The method according to any one of [A23] to [A25], wherein each of the plurality of high-boiling flavor component-containing liquids has a water content of less than 25% by mass.

[0149] [B1] A method for producing a flavor component-containing liquid for use in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol, the flavor component-containing liquid comprising an aerosol source and flavor components derived from a tobacco material, the flavor component-containing liquid being converted into the aerosol in the flavor inhaler, the method comprising: (S1) heating the tobacco material to a first temperature of the tobacco material in a range of 80 to 100°C, thereby vaporizing low-boiling-point flavor components from the tobacco material and reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material; (S2) dissolving the vaporized low-boiling-point flavor components in a liquid that is part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a low-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid; and (S3) after heating at the first temperature, heating the tobacco material to a second temperature of the tobacco material that is higher than 100°C, thereby vaporizing a first high-boiling-point flavor component from the tobacco material. (S4) dissolving the vaporized first high-boiling-point flavor component in a liquid that is another part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a first high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid; (S5) after heating at the second temperature, heating the tobacco material to a third temperature of the tobacco material that is higher than the second temperature, thereby vaporizing a second high-boiling-point flavor component from the tobacco material; and (S6) dissolving the vaporized second high-boiling-point flavor component in a liquid that is another part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a second high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid. [B2] The method of [B1], wherein the heating at the first temperature is performed such that the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately after heating is 20% or less, relative to the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately before heating. [B3] The method of [B1] or [B2], wherein the heating at the first temperature is performed such that the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately after heating is 8% or less, relative to the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately before heating.

[0150] [B4] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B3], wherein the first high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid has a moisture content of less than 25% by mass. [B5] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B4], wherein the first high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid has a moisture content of 20% by mass or less. [B6] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B5], wherein the heating at the second temperature comprises heating the tobacco material whose moisture content has been reduced to a temperature of the tobacco material in the range of more than 100°C to 200°C. [B7] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B6], wherein the heating at the second temperature comprises heating the tobacco material whose moisture content has been reduced from 100°C to 200°C while increasing the temperature of the tobacco material.

[0151] [B8] The method of any one of [B1] to [B7], further comprising adding a humectant to the tobacco material prior to heating the tobacco material to the first temperature. [B9] The method of [B8], wherein the humectant is glycerin, propylene glycol, 1-3 propanediol, or triacetin. [B10] The method of [B8] or [B9], wherein the humectant is added in an amount of 1 to 20 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the tobacco material. [B11] The method of any one of [B1] to [B10], wherein the heating to the second temperature is performed by supplying a heated gas to the tobacco material. [B12] The method of [B11], wherein the heated gas contains an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of 10% by volume or less.

[0152] [B13] The method of any one of [B1] to [B12], wherein the liquid for dissolving the first high-boiling-point flavor component is propylene glycol, glycerin, 1,3-propanediol, diacetin, polyethylene glycol, or a mixture thereof; preferably, propylene glycol, glycerin, or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin; more preferably, propylene glycol, or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin. [B14] The method of any one of [B1] to [B13], wherein the liquid for dissolving the first high-boiling-point flavor component is a liquid in an amount of 0.5 to 20 mL, preferably 2 to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 to 5 mL per 10 g of the tobacco material. [B15] The method of any one of [B1] to [B14], wherein the heating at the first temperature is performed by heating the tobacco material from room temperature (e.g., 20°C) to 100°C while increasing the temperature of the tobacco material. [B16] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B15], wherein the heating at the first temperature is carried out by supplying a heated gas to the tobacco material. [B17] The method according to [B16], wherein the heated gas contains an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of 10% by volume or less.

[0153] [B18] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B17], wherein the low-boiling flavor component-containing liquid has a water content of less than 25% by mass. [B19] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B18], wherein the low-boiling flavor component-containing liquid has a water content of 20% by mass or less. [B20] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B19], wherein the liquid for dissolving the low-boiling flavor component is propylene glycol, glycerin, 1,3-propanediol, diacetin, polyethylene glycol, or a mixture thereof; preferably propylene glycol, glycerin, or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin; more preferably propylene glycol or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin. [B21] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B20], wherein the liquid for dissolving the low-boiling-point flavor component is 0.5 to 20 mL, preferably 2 to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 to 5 mL, of liquid per 10 g of the tobacco material.

[0154] [B22] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B21], wherein the heating at the third temperature involves heating the tobacco material to a temperature within a range of more than 200°C and not more than 250°C. [B23] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B22], wherein the heating at the third temperature is carried out by heating the tobacco material from 200°C to 250°C while increasing the temperature of the tobacco material. [B24] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B23], wherein the heating at the third temperature is carried out by supplying a heated gas to the tobacco material. [B25] The method according to [B24], wherein the heated gas contains an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of 10% by volume or less.

[0155] [B26] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B25], wherein the second high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid has a water content of less than 25% by mass. [B27] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B26], wherein the second high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid has a water content of 20% by mass or less. [B28] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B27], wherein the liquid for dissolving the second high-boiling-point flavor component is propylene glycol, glycerin, 1,3-propanediol, diacetin, polyethylene glycol, or a mixture thereof; preferably propylene glycol, glycerin, or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin; more preferably propylene glycol or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin. [B29] The method according to any one of [B1] to [B28], wherein the liquid for dissolving the second high-boiling-point flavor component is 0.5 to 20 mL, preferably 2 to 10 mL, and more preferably 3 to 5 mL of liquid per 10 g of the tobacco material.

[0156] [C1] A flavor component-containing liquid produced by the method according to any one of [A1] to [A26] and [B1] to [B29].

[0157] [D1] A method for producing a tobacco flavor liquid, comprising: producing a plurality of types of flavor ingredient-containing liquids according to the method described in any one of [A18] to [A26] and [B1] to [B29]; and (a) selecting one type of flavor ingredient-containing liquid as a tobacco flavor liquid from among the plurality of types of flavor ingredient-containing liquids based on the content or flavor type of the flavor ingredients, or (b) selecting two or more types of flavor ingredient-containing liquids and mixing them to thereby prepare a tobacco flavor liquid. [D2] The method described in [D1], wherein the method does not include concentrating the flavor ingredient-containing liquid. [D3] A tobacco flavor liquid produced by the method described in [D1] or [D2]. [D4] A flavor inhaler comprising the tobacco flavor liquid described in [D3]. [D5] A flavor inhaler comprising the tobacco flavor liquid described in [D3] and an atomization unit that atomizes the tobacco flavor liquid.

[0158] [E1] A regenerated tobacco material comprising a tobacco flavor liquid produced by the method described in [D1] or [D2], and a heated tobacco material obtained after obtaining the multiple flavor component-containing liquid by the method described in [D1] or [D2]. [E2] A flavor inhaler comprising the regenerated tobacco material described in [E1].

[0159] [Example 1] In Example 1, a low-boiling point flavor component-containing liquid and two types of high-boiling point flavor component-containing liquids were prepared according to the method of the above-described embodiment, and the water content, nicotine content, and amount of aroma components of each flavor component-containing liquid were measured.

[0160] 1-1. Preparation of Flavor Component-Containing Liquid (1) Example of the Present Invention Glycerin was added to Brazilian flue-cured tobacco shreds in an amount of 20% by mass relative to the tobacco shreds. The glycerin-added tobacco shreds were used as tobacco material. A flavor component-containing liquid was prepared from the tobacco material using the flavor component recovery system shown in Figure 2. The specific procedure is described below.

[0161] (First heating step and step of dissolving low-boiling-point flavor components) 13 g of tobacco material was placed in the heating container 3B shown in FIG. 2. 5 g of propylene glycol was placed in the cooling container 4B shown in FIG. 2 as a first trap liquid. A mixed gas of nitrogen and air (N ２ A gas mixture (water / air mixed gas) was sent from a gas supply source 3E to a preheater 3F and heated to 250°C. The heated gas was sent to a heating container 3B at a flow rate of 1 L / min and supplied to the tobacco material. The heating container 3B was also placed in a hot air oven set at 250°C, and the tobacco material was heated from the outside of the container. When the tobacco material was heated, flavor components were vaporized from the tobacco material, and the gas containing the flavor components was sent from the heating container 3B to a dissolving device 4. In the dissolving device 4, the flavor components were dissolved in the first trap liquid.

[0162] The product temperature of the tobacco material was measured using thermocouple 3D, and the first trap liquid was replaced when the product temperature of the tobacco material reached 100°C. Specifically, when the product temperature of the tobacco material reached 100°C, the first trap liquid was recovered, and new trap liquid (second trap liquid) was placed in cooling container 4B. 5 g of propylene glycol was used as the second trap liquid. The recovered first trap liquid (i.e., the liquid containing low-boiling-point flavor components) is referred to as "fraction 1." The "moisture content WC2" of the tobacco material immediately after the product temperature of the tobacco material reached 100°C was 20% or less of the "moisture content WC1" of the tobacco material immediately before heating.

[0163] (Second Heating Step and First High-Boiling-Point Flavor Component Dissolving Step) Thereafter, heating of the tobacco material continued, and the second trap liquid was replaced when the product temperature of the tobacco material reached 200°C. Specifically, when the product temperature of the tobacco material reached 200°C, the second trap liquid was recovered, and new trap liquid (third trap liquid) was placed in cooling container 4B. 5 g of propylene glycol was used as the third trap liquid. The recovered second trap liquid (i.e., the first high-boiling-point flavor component-containing liquid) is referred to as "fraction 2."

[0164] (Third Heating Step and Step of Dissolving Second High-Boiling-Point Flavor Component) Thereafter, heating of the tobacco material continued until the product temperature of the tobacco material reached 250°C. After maintaining this temperature for 10 minutes, heating was stopped. At the timing when heating was stopped, the third trapped liquid was recovered. The recovered third trapped liquid (i.e., the liquid containing the second high-boiling-point flavor component) is referred to as "Fraction 3."

[0165] (2) Comparative Example Glycerin was added to Brazilian flue-cured tobacco shreds in an amount of 20% by mass relative to the tobacco shreds. The glycerin-added tobacco shreds were used as tobacco material. A flavor component-containing liquid was prepared from the tobacco material using the flavor component recovery system shown in Figure 2. The specific procedure is described below.

[0166] 13 g of tobacco material was placed in the heating vessel 3B shown in Figure 2. 5 g of propylene glycol was placed as a trap liquid in the cooling vessel 4B shown in Figure 2. A mixed gas of nitrogen and air (N ２A gas mixture (water / air mixed gas) was sent from a gas supply source 3E to a preheater 3F and heated to 250°C. The heated gas was sent to a heating container 3B at a flow rate of 1 L / min and supplied to the tobacco material. The heating container 3B was also placed in a hot air oven set at 250°C, and the tobacco material was heated from the outside of the container. When the tobacco material was heated, flavor components were vaporized from the tobacco material, and the gas containing the flavor components was sent from the heating container 3B to a dissolving device 4. In the dissolving device 4, the flavor components were dissolved in a trap liquid.

[0167] The product temperature of the tobacco material was measured using a 3D thermocouple. When the product temperature of the tobacco material reached 250°C, the temperature was maintained for 10 minutes, after which heating was stopped. The trapped liquid was recovered at the same time that heating was stopped. The recovered trapped liquid is referred to as the "recovered liquid of the comparative example."

[0168] 1-2. Measurement Method The water content of "Fraction 1," "Fraction 2," "Fraction 3," and the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid" was measured using a GC-TCD (gas chromatograph-thermal conductivity detector). The nicotine content of "Fraction 1," "Fraction 2," "Fraction 3," and the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid" was measured using a GC-FID (gas chromatograph-flame ionization detector). The amount of aroma components in "Fraction 1," "Fraction 2," "Fraction 3," and the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid" was measured using a GC-MSD (gas chromatograph-mass selective detector). The amount of aroma components was measured by classifying them into seven types based on their aroma (amines, phenols, pyrazines, furans, ketones, vapor phase, organic acids, and hydrocarbons).

[0169] 1-3. Results The measurement results of the moisture content are shown in Figure 10. The measurement results of the nicotine content are shown in Figure 11.

[0170] The moisture content of the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid" was approximately 35% by mass, while the moisture contents of "Fraction 1," "Fraction 2," and "Fraction 3" were all 16% by mass or less. The results in Figure 10 demonstrate that the method of the present invention can produce a flavor component-containing liquid with a low moisture content.

[0171] The nicotine contents of "Fraction 1" and "Fraction 3" were both low at 0.5% by mass. On the other hand, the nicotine content of "Fraction 2" was high at 3.6% by mass, which was higher than the nicotine content of the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid." The results of Figures 10 and 11 show that the method of the present invention can produce a flavor component-containing liquid with a low water content and a high nicotine content.

[0172] The measurement results of the amount of aroma components are shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 is a radar chart showing the amount of aroma components contained in the flavor component-containing liquid. In Figure 12, the amounts of aroma components in "Fraction 1," "Fraction 2," and "Fraction 3" are expressed as relative values, with the amount of aroma components in the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid" set to 1. In Figure 12, the amount of aroma components is expressed on a logarithmic scale.

[0173] The results in Figure 12 show that "Fraction 1," "Fraction 2," and "Fraction 3" have different aroma characteristics. "Fraction 1" contained relatively high amounts of organic acids and hydrocarbons compared to other aroma components. "Fraction 2," like the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid," contained a balanced mixture of all aroma components. "Fraction 3" contained a relatively low amount of pyrazine-based aroma components compared to other aroma components.

[0174] Summarizing the results of Figures 10 to 12, "Fraction 1," "Fraction 2," "Fraction 3," and "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid" can be characterized as follows.

[0175] The "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid" had a high water content and nicotine content, and exhibited a complex flavor obtained when tobacco leaves are heated at high temperatures (a complex tobacco flavor derived from tobacco leaves), but also had a burnt flavor. "Fraction 1" had a lower water content than the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid," a significantly lower nicotine content, and exhibited a green aroma with a slightly strong acidic smell. "Fraction 2" had a lower water content than the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid," but a higher nicotine content, and exhibited a complex flavor obtained when tobacco leaves are heated at high temperatures (a complex tobacco flavor derived from tobacco leaves), but with a weak burnt flavor. "Fraction 3" had a low water content and nicotine content, and exhibited a strong burnt flavor and fragrant aroma.

[0176] By selecting "Fraction 2" as the tobacco flavor liquid, it is possible to obtain a tobacco flavor liquid having a low moisture content and a complex tobacco flavor derived from leaf tobacco. Alternatively, by blending "Fraction 3" in a small blending ratio with "Fraction 2" as the main component, it is possible to prepare a tobacco flavor liquid having a low moisture content and a complex tobacco flavor derived from leaf tobacco.

[0177] Example 2 In Example 2, the relationship between the solvent composition of the flavor component-containing liquid and the solubility of menthol was investigated.

[0178] 2-1. Evaluation Method As described in Example 1, a "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid" and "Fraction 2" were prepared. Furthermore, mixed solvents were prepared by mixing water, propylene glycol (PG), and glycerin (G) at various ratios. Here, the ratios of water, propylene glycol (PG), and glycerin (G) were varied in 5% by mass intervals. Specifically, the water ratio was varied from 0% by mass to 100% by mass in 5% by mass intervals. When the water ratio was x% by mass, the propylene glycol ratio was varied from 0% by mass to (100-x)% by mass in 5% by mass intervals, and the total was made up to 100% by mass with glycerin. In this way, 231 types of mixed solvents were prepared.

[0179] 9% by mass of menthol was dissolved in each of the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid," "Fraction 2," and "231 Types of Mixed Solvent." Specifically, 9% by mass of menthol was added to each liquid, and the mixture was shaken at room temperature (approximately 20°C) for 40 minutes, followed by ultrasonic treatment for 30 minutes. The menthol solubility was then evaluated visually. If the liquid was in an emulsified state, phase-separated, or had menthol precipitated, it was determined that menthol was insoluble in the liquid.

[0180] To determine the solvent composition of the "Comparative Example Recovered Liquid" and "Fraction 2," the concentrations of propylene glycol (PG) and glycerin (G) were measured using LC-RID (liquid chromatography-refractive index detector).

[0181] 2-2. Results The results of evaluating the menthol solubility for the "Comparative Example Recovered Solution," "Fraction 2," and "231 Types of Mixed Solvent" are shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 is a triangular graph showing the relationship between solvent composition and menthol solubility. In Figure 13, the left hypotenuse of the triangle indicates a solvent containing 0% water by mass, and the right apex of the triangle indicates a solvent containing 100% water by mass. In Figure 13, the right hypotenuse of the triangle indicates a solvent containing 0% propylene glycol (PG) by mass, and the left apex of the triangle indicates a solvent containing 100% propylene glycol (PG). In Figure 13, the base of the triangle indicates a solvent containing 0% glycerin (G) by mass, and the top apex of the triangle indicates a solvent containing 100% glycerin (G). In Figure 13, solvent compositions in which menthol dissolved are marked with "◯," and solvent compositions in which menthol did not dissolve are marked with "X."

[0182] From the results of "231 types of mixed solvents," it can be seen that a solvent with a low water content and a high propylene glycol content is preferable as a solvent for dissolving menthol.

[0183] 9% by mass of menthol did not dissolve in the “Comparative Example Recovered Liquid.” The solvent composition of the “Comparative Example Recovered Liquid” was 35% by mass of water, 55% by mass of propylene glycol, and 10% by mass of glycerin.

[0184] On the other hand, 9% by mass of menthol was dissolved in "fraction 2". After dissolving menthol in "fraction 2", no menthol precipitation occurred even when the "fraction 2" was left standing at 5°C. The solvent composition of "fraction 2" was 18.1% by mass of water, 78.2% by mass of propylene glycol, and 3.6% by mass of glycerin.

[0185] These results show that a flavor component-containing liquid with a low water content has excellent menthol solubility.

[0186] 2...flavor component recovery system, 3...heating device, 3A...tobacco material, 3B...heating container, 3C...sintered filter, 3D...thermocouple, 3E...gas supply source, 3F...preheater, 3G...gas flow path, 4...dissolving device, 4A...trap liquid, 4B...cooling container, 5...gas flow path DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...heated flavor inhaler, 10...power supply unit, 20...first cartridge, 30...second cartridge, 11...power supply unit case, 11a...top part, 11b...bottom part, 12...power source, 13...charger, 14...operation unit, 15...inhalation sensor, 16...voltage sensor, 17...temperature sensor, 18...memory, 21...load, 22...tobacco flavor liquid, 23...reservoir, 24...wick, 25...aerosol flow path, 26...end cap, 26a...cartridge storage section, 26b...communicating passage, 27...cartridge case, 31...flavor source, 32...mouthpiece, 41...discharge terminal, 42...air supply section, 45...notification section, 50...control section DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... aerosol generating device, 101... outer housing, 102... slide cover, 103... switch portion, 110... inner housing, 120... power supply portion, 121... power supply, 130... atomization portion, 132... heat insulating portion, 134... insertion guide member, 136... bottom member, 137... first holding portion, 138... second holding portion, 140... heater, 150... chamber, 200... flavor generating article, 201... smokable article, 202... first cigarette paper, 203... second cigarette paper, 204... tubular member, 205... filter portion, 206... hollow filter portion, 207... lip release agent

Claims

1. 1. A method for producing a flavor ingredient-containing liquid for use in a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol, the flavor ingredient-containing liquid comprising an aerosol source and a flavor ingredient derived from a tobacco material, the flavor ingredient-containing liquid being converted into the aerosol in the flavor inhaler, the method comprising: heating the tobacco material to a temperature within a range of 80 to 100°C, thereby reducing the moisture content of the tobacco material; heating the tobacco material with the reduced moisture content to a temperature of the tobacco material greater than 100°C, thereby vaporizing high-boiling point flavor components from the tobacco material; dissolving the vaporized high-boiling flavor component in a liquid that is at least a part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the heating to reduce the moisture content of the tobacco material is carried out so that the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately after heating is 20% or less compared to the moisture content of the tobacco material immediately before heating.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the high-boiling flavor component-containing liquid has a water content of less than 25% by weight.

4. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the heating to vaporize the high-boiling flavor components from the tobacco material comprises heating the tobacco material whose moisture content has been reduced to a temperature of the tobacco material in the range of more than 100°C and not more than 200°C.

5. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising adding a humectant to the tobacco material prior to heating the tobacco material to a temperature of the tobacco material in the range of 80 to 100°C.

6. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the heating to vaporize the high-boiling flavor components from the tobacco material is performed by supplying a heated gas to the tobacco material.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the heated gas comprises an inert gas and has an oxygen concentration of 10% or less by volume.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising dissolving low-boiling flavor components vaporized from the tobacco material by heating the tobacco material to a temperature of the tobacco material in the range of 80 to 100°C in a liquid as another part of the aerosol source, thereby obtaining a liquid containing low-boiling flavor components.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the low-boiling flavor component-containing liquid has a water content of less than 25% by mass.

10. The method described in claim 1, wherein the high-boiling flavor components are vaporized while increasing the temperature of the tobacco material, and the high-boiling flavor components vaporized at different temperature ranges are dissolved in separate liquids, thereby obtaining multiple types of high-boiling flavor component-containing liquids.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of high-boiling flavor component-containing liquids has a water content of less than 25% by mass.

12. A flavor component-containing liquid produced by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Producing a liquid containing a plurality of flavor components according to the method of any one of claims 8 to 11; From the plurality of flavor component-containing liquids, a flavor component is selected based on the content or flavor type of the flavor component. (a) selecting one type of flavor component-containing liquid as a tobacco flavor liquid, or (b) selecting two or more kinds of flavor component-containing liquids and mixing them to prepare a tobacco flavor liquid; A method for producing a tobacco flavor liquid, comprising:

14. A tobacco flavor liquid produced by the method of claim 13.

15. A flavor inhaler containing the tobacco flavor liquid according to claim 14.

16. A flavor inhaler comprising the tobacco flavor liquid according to claim 14 and an atomization unit that atomizes the tobacco flavor liquid.

17. A tobacco flavor liquid produced by the method according to claim 13; a heated tobacco material obtained after obtaining the liquid containing the plurality of flavor components in the method according to claim 13; 1. A reconstituted tobacco material comprising:

18. A flavor inhaler comprising the reconstituted tobacco material of claim 17.