Flavor inhalation article

Abstract

A flavor inhalation article (1) is provided with: a substrate part (10) that generates an aerosol by combustion or heating; a filter part (20) disposed downstream of the substrate part (10) and into which air can flow from the outside in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the substrate part (10); and a connection member (30) surrounding the filter part (20). Between the filter part (20) and the connection member (30), there are formed: a cuboidal gap (40) which is provided on the substrate part (10) side of the filter part (20) and allows air to flow downstream from an upstream end of the connection member (30); and a blocking part (34) which is provided on the opposite side from the substrate part (10) with respect to the cuboid gap (40) and blocks air flowing toward a downstream end of the connection member (30).

Description

Flavor suction article

[0001] The present disclosure relates to flavor inhalation articles.

[0002] For example, the cigarette described in Patent Document 1 includes a filter section including multiple filter sections, base paper wrapping each filter section individually, and molding paper winding the filter sections, each wrapped with the base paper, a tobacco section in which tobacco material is wrapped in cigarette paper, and tipping paper that butts the filter section and the tobacco section together at their ends and wraps the entire filter section and the proximal end of the tobacco section to connect them together. In flavor inhalation articles (cigarettes in Patent Document 1), the temperature of the smoke generated in the aerosol-generating substrate section (the tobacco section in Patent Document 1) may cause discomfort to the smoker. In response to this, articles have been proposed that provide a comfortable smoking experience and a good cooling effect. For example, the article described in Patent Document 2 includes a thin pipe, a specifically shaped silica pipe, a paper pipe filling the two pipes, and a sticker attached to the outside of the paper pipe. According to the article described in Patent Document 2, the temperature of the gas passing through the silica pipe is significantly reduced by collision, and the significantly reduced temperature gas is inhaled into the mouth, providing a safe and comfortable smoking experience.

[0003] WO2013 / 124954 Utility Model Registration No. 3230454

[0004] However, the article described in Patent Document 2 requires a specially shaped silica pipe as a cooling substance for cooling the gas, which is not present in the flavor inhalation article described in Patent Document 1. An object of the present disclosure is to prevent discomfort caused by the temperature of the aerosol inhaled into the mouth without using a cooling substance.

[0005] The present disclosure, which has been completed with the above object in mind, provides a flavor inhalation article comprising: a substrate that generates an aerosol by combustion or heating; a filter that is disposed downstream of the substrate and that allows air to flow from the outside to the inside in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the substrate; and an exterior member that covers the periphery of the filter, wherein, between the filter and the exterior member, there are formed a gap that is disposed on the substrate side of the filter member and that allows air to flow from the upstream end of the exterior member to the downstream side, and a blocking portion that is disposed on the opposite side of the gap from the substrate and that blocks air from flowing to the downstream end of the exterior member. Here, the gap may be formed as a recess recessed from the inner circumferential surface of the exterior member, between multiple protrusions protruding from the inner circumferential surface, or between multiple protrusions protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the filter. The exterior member may include a sheet-like sheet member covering at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the filter unit and at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the base unit, and a plurality of support members supporting the sheet member so as to be disposed around the filter unit and the base unit, and the gap may be formed between the plurality of support members. The filter unit may be capable of allowing air to flow into the interior through a communication passage formed upstream of the blocking unit and communicating between the outside and the interior. A retention portion in which air stagnates may be formed between the filter unit and the exterior member, between the communication passage and the blocking unit. The retention portion may be a gap formed around the entire circumference between the filter unit and the exterior member. The filter unit may include a filter and a winding member wound around the filter, the winding member having a through hole formed in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and the communication passage may be the through hole. The filter unit may have a filter and a winding member wound around the filter, the winding member being made of a porous material having pores, and the communication passage may be formed by the pores. The blocking unit may be formed at a downstream end. A gap may be formed between the filter unit and the exterior member downstream of the blocking unit.The voids may be formed parallel to the longitudinal direction. The voids may be formed in a direction inclined relative to the longitudinal direction. The voids may be formed linearly extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. The voids may be formed in a wavy shape when viewed from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The wavy shape may be a cosine wave. The voids may be V-shaped or have a shape in which multiple Vs are lined up in the longitudinal direction when viewed from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The voids may be formed in a diagonal lattice pattern. The depth of the voids may not be uniform.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to avoid discomfort caused by the temperature of the aerosol inhaled into the mouth without using a cooling substance.

[0007] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a flavor inhalation article according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article according to a first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross-section taken along line III-III of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a cross-section taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a process for manufacturing a flavor inhalation article; FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a surface of a connecting member before cutting on which a recess is formed; FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a schematic configuration of a modified flavor inhalation article; FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a schematic configuration of a flavor inhalation article according to a second embodiment; FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a schematic configuration of a flavor inhalation article according to a third embodiment; FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a schematic configuration of a flavor inhalation article according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a recess according to a first modified embodiment; FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a recess according to a second modified embodiment; FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a recess according to a third modified embodiment; FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of a recess according to a fourth modified embodiment;

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0009] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a longitudinal cross section of the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is also a diagram showing an example of a longitudinal cross section taken along line II-II in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. The flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment includes a substrate 10, a filter 20 that reduces nicotine and tar, and a connecting member 30 that connects the substrate 10 and the filter 20. The flavor inhalation article 1 can be exemplified as a combustion-type flavor inhalation article that burns the substrate 10 to generate smoke, or a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhalation article that heats the substrate 10 to release flavor components. When the flavor inhalation article 1 is a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhalation article, it is inserted into a non-combustion heating-type heating device that heats the substrate 10. The substrate 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Hereinafter, the direction of the center line CL of the substrate unit 10 may be referred to as the "center line direction." The flavor inhalation article 1 is wound with a connecting member 30 so as to integrate the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20, arranged in this order, in the center line direction. Hereinafter, the substrate unit 10 side may be referred to as the first side, and the filter unit 20 side may be referred to as the second side. The first side is the end side that is ignited during inhalation or inserted into a heating device, and is the upstream side in the flow of aerosol during inhalation. The second side is the opposite side to the first side, and is the end side (suction end side) that the user holds in their mouth for inhalation, and is the downstream side in the flow of aerosol during inhalation. Furthermore, a cross section along the center line direction is referred to as a "longitudinal cross section," and a cross section cut along a plane perpendicular to the center line direction is defined as a "transverse cross section."

[0010] (Substrate 10) The substrate 10 is a portion that generates an aerosol by combustion or heating, and includes a flavor source 11 and a cigarette paper 12 that covers the outer periphery of the flavor source 11. The substrate 10 is formed into a cylindrical shape with the centerline direction as the longitudinal direction by wrapping the flavor source 11 in the cigarette paper 12. However, the substrate 10 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. The cross-sectional area and size in the centerline direction of the substrate 10, as well as the content of the flavor source 11, can be appropriately changed according to the size of the flavor inhalation article 1. The flavor source 11 can be, for example, a tobacco-derived product, such as a processed product obtained by molding tobacco shreds or tobacco raw material into granules, sheets, or powder, or dried tobacco leaves (dried tobacco leaves). The flavor source 11 may also include non-tobacco-derived products made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). The flavor source 11 may also include a flavoring. The flavor source 11 may also include dried tobacco leaves and a flavor-containing material in which a flavor is encapsulated in a polysaccharide gel. The type of flavor is not particularly limited, and menthol is particularly preferred from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor. These flavors may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The flavor source 11 is not limited to a solid, and may also be a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water.

[0011] Furthermore, when the flavor source 11 is derived from tobacco, the type of tobacco used is not particularly limited, and various known types can be used. Examples of types of tobacco include flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, oriental tobacco, native tobacco, other Nicotiana tabacum varieties, Nicotiana rustica varieties, and mixtures thereof. Mixtures are used by appropriately blending various varieties to achieve the desired flavor. Furthermore, even when the flavor source 11 is derived from tobacco, it may contain extracts and / or components thereof from various natural products depending on the intended use. Examples of extracts and / or components thereof include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0012] Furthermore, when the flavor source 11 is a processed product obtained by forming tobacco shreds or tobacco raw materials into a sheet (hereinafter referred to as "tobacco sheet"), it can be appropriately manufactured by known methods such as papermaking, slurrying, rolling, etc. Furthermore, the tobacco sheet may be produced by grinding dried tobacco leaves to obtain tobacco grounds, homogenizing this using known means, and then processing it into a sheet. The number of tobacco sheets may be one or two or more. The two or more tobacco sheets may all have the same composition or physical properties, or some or all of the tobacco sheets may have different compositions or physical properties. Furthermore, the thickness of each tobacco sheet may be the same or different.

[0013] In the case where the flavor source 11 is composed of a single tobacco sheet, for example, a tobacco sheet having one side of the same size as the size of the base material 10 in the center line direction is filled in a state where it is folded back multiple times horizontally to the center line direction of the base material 10 (so-called gathered sheet). Another example is a tobacco sheet having one side of the same size as the size of the base material 10 in the center line direction is filled in a state where it is wound in a direction perpendicular to the center line direction of the base material 10.

[0014] In a case where the flavor source 11 is composed of two or more tobacco sheets, for example, a plurality of tobacco sheets, each having a side size approximately the same as the size of the substrate 10 in the center line direction, are packed in a state of being wound in a direction perpendicular to the center line direction of the substrate 10 so as to be concentrically arranged. "Concentrically arranged" means that the centers of all the tobacco sheets are arranged at approximately the same position. The flavor source 11 may also be a shredded tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the flavor source 11 may be a so-called strand type, in which tobacco sheets having a size approximately the same as the size of the substrate 10 in the center line direction are shredded approximately horizontally to the center line direction and packed.

[0015] The composition of the cigarette paper 12 is not particularly limited and may be of a general type, such as one containing pulp as the main component. Pulp may be made from wood pulp such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp, or may be made by mixing non-wood pulp commonly used in cigarette papers 12 for tobacco products, such as flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, or esparto. Pulp types that can be used include chemical pulp produced by kraft cooking, acidic, neutral, or alkaline sulfite cooking, soda cooking, etc., ground pulp, chemi-ground pulp, and thermomechanical pulp.

[0016] The shape of the wrapping paper 12 used to produce the substrate 10 can be, for example, a square or a rectangle. When wrapping the flavor source 11 in the wrapping paper 12 into a cylindrical shape, for example, an end of the wrapping paper 12 and an end of the wrapping paper 12 on the opposite side are overlapped by about 2 mm in the circumferential direction and glued together to form a cylindrical paper tube shape in which the flavor source 11 is filled. The size of the wrapping paper 12 can be determined depending on the size of the substrate 10.

[0017] A coating agent may be added to at least one of the two surfaces, the front and back surfaces, of the wrapping paper 12. There are no particular limitations on the coating agent, but a coating agent capable of forming a film on the surface of the paper and reducing liquid permeability is preferred. Examples of such coating agents include alginic acid and its salts (e.g., sodium salts), polysaccharides such as pectin, cellulose derivatives such as ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and nitrocellulose, starch and its derivatives (e.g., ether derivatives such as carboxymethyl starch, hydroxyalkyl starch, and cationic starch, and ester derivatives such as starch acetate, starch phosphate, and starch octenyl succinate).

[0018] (Filter unit) The filter unit 20 is located on the second side (downstream side) of the base unit 10. The filter unit 20 has a filter 21 through which the aerosol passes and a wrapping paper 22 (an example of a wrapping member) wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the filter 21. The filter unit 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape with the center line direction as the longitudinal direction by wrapping the filter 21 around the wrapping paper 22. However, the filter unit 20 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the filter unit 20 is connected to the base unit 10 by being wound around the end of the second side of the base unit 10 using a connecting member 30. When a user inhales an aerosol, the aerosol generated by the flavor source 11 of the base unit 10 passes through the filter 21 and is inhaled by the user.

[0019] The filter 21 is not particularly limited as long as it includes a filter material and has the general functions of a filter. Examples of general filter functions include reducing nicotine and tar, as well as reducing unpleasant sensations such as irritation. The filter 21 may also contain, as appropriate, known flavorings (e.g., menthol), adsorbents, granular activated carbon, flavor-retaining materials, and the like. The filter material constituting the filter 21 may be, for example, a cylindrically shaped filler such as acetate, charcoal, cellulose fiber, nonwoven fabric, or pulp paper. Alternatively, a paper filter filled with sheet-like pulp paper may be used. The filter 21 is a plain filter composed of a single filter, but is not limited thereto. The filter 21 may also be a multi-segment filter composed of multiple filters, such as a dual filter composed of two types of filters or a triple filter composed of three types of filters.

[0020] The wrapping paper 22 may be made primarily of pulp. Pulp may be made from wood pulp, such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp, or may be made by blending non-wood pulp, such as flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, or esparto, which are commonly used in tobacco wrapping papers. These pulps may be used alone or in any combination of two or more types. They may also contain fillers, such as calcium carbonate. The wrapping paper 22 may also be made of plastic, a polymer sheet, or the like.

[0021] The form of the wrapping paper 22 is not particularly limited, and it may include one or more rows of adhesive-containing seams. The adhesive may include a hot melt adhesive, and the hot melt adhesive may further include polyvinyl alcohol. The adhesive may also include a vinyl acetate adhesive. The wrapping paper 22 may be coated or uncoated, but is preferably coated with a desired material to provide functions such as strength and structural rigidity.

[0022] The shape of the wrapping paper 22 used to produce the filter unit 20 can be, for example, a square or rectangular. When the filter 21 is wound with the wrapping paper 22 into a cylindrical shape, for example, an end of the wrapping paper 22 and an end of the wrapping paper 22 on the opposite side are overlapped by about 2 mm in the circumferential direction and glued together to form a cylindrical paper tube shape in which the filter 21 is filled. The size of the wrapping paper 22 can be determined depending on the size of the filter unit 20. Note that the filter unit 20 may not have a wrapping paper 22, and a connecting member 30 may be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the filter 21.

[0023] The wrapper 22 has through holes 23 formed therein, connecting the outside and the inside. A plurality of through holes 23 are formed along the circumferential direction. For example, the plurality of through holes 23 are formed in the center of the wrapper 22 in the centerline direction, at a position 10 mm from the second-side end face (suction end) to the first side. For example, the through holes 23 may be formed by irradiating the wrapper 22 with laser light from the outside after wrapping the wrapper 22 around the filter 21. The method for forming the through holes 23 is not limited to laser. For example, electrical discharge or needles may be used. Alternatively, the through holes 23 may be formed by the above-described method before wrapping the wrapper 22 around the filter 21.

[0024] (Connecting member 30) The connecting member 30 is wound so as to cover at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the base member 10 and at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the filter member 20, and connects the base member 10 and the filter member 20. The connecting member 30 according to the first embodiment is wound so as to cover the second-side end of the base member 10 and the entire filter member 20. The shape of the connecting member 30 before being wound can be, for example, a square or a rectangle.

[0025] The material of the connecting member 30 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a material containing pulp as a main component. Pulp may be made from wood pulp such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp, or may be made by mixing non-wood pulp commonly used in cigarette paper for tobacco products, such as flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, or esparto. These pulps may be used alone or in any combination of two or more types in any ratio.

[0026] In addition to the materials described above, the connecting member 30 may contain fillers, such as calcium carbonate, to improve whiteness and opacity and increase the heating rate. In addition to the materials and fillers described above, the connecting member 30 may contain various auxiliary agents, such as a water resistance improver including a wet strength agent (WS agent) and a sizing agent. These fillers may be used alone or in combination.

[0027] A coating agent may be added to at least one of the two surfaces, the front and back surfaces, of the connecting member 30. The coating agent is not particularly limited, but a coating agent capable of forming a film on the surface and reducing liquid permeability is preferred. A portion of the outer surface of the connecting member 30 may be coated with a known lip release material. The lip release material refers to a material configured to help facilitate easy release of contact between the lips and the connecting member 30 without substantial adhesion when the user holds the second end of the flavor inhalation article 1 in their mouth. The lip release material may include, for example, ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, etc. For example, the outer surface of the connecting member 30 may be coated with the lip release material by applying an ethyl cellulose-based or methyl cellulose-based ink to the outer surface of the connecting member 30.

[0028] The connecting member 30 has a cylindrical recess 32 recessed from the inner circumferential surface 31 around the filter portion 20, and a communicating recess 33 recessed from the inner circumferential surface 31 to communicate the cylindrical recess 32 with the outside. The cylindrical recess 32 is formed over a predetermined length in the centerline direction. The cylindrical recess 32 forms a cylindrical gap between the connecting member 30 and the filter portion 20, with the centerline direction being the same as the centerline of the cylindrical recess 32. The communicating recess 33 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape parallel to the centerline direction and is formed from the first end face of the connecting member 30 to the cylindrical recess 32. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , multiple (eight) communicating recesses 33 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The communicating recesses 33 function as rectangular parallelepiped gaps 40 between the base member 10 and the filter portion 20 and the connecting member 30. The cylindrical recess 32 functions as a cylindrical gap 41 between the filter portion 20 and the connecting member 30. Therefore, in the flavor inhalation article 1, an air flow path 45 is formed by the rectangular parallelepiped void portion 40, the cylindrical void portion 41, and the through hole 23 of the wrapper paper 22, allowing air to flow from the outside of the connecting member 30 to the inside of the filter section 20 (see the arrows in FIG. 2 ). The communicating recess 33 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, the communicating recess 33 may have other shapes, such as a triangular prism or a trapezoidal prism. Furthermore, there may be only one communicating recess 33, rather than multiple communicating recesses 33. Furthermore, when multiple communicating recesses 33 are formed, the multiple communicating recesses 33 may be formed at uneven intervals in the circumferential direction. The cylindrical recess 32 is formed at a position corresponding to the through hole 23 of the wrapper paper 22. Therefore, the communicating recess 33 is formed on the first side of the through hole 23 of the wrapper paper 22.

[0029] A partition wall provided at the second end of the connecting member 30, which separates the cylindrical recess 32 from the outside, functions as a blocking section 34 that blocks outside air that has flowed into the cylindrical recess 32 via the communicating recess 33 from flowing out to the outside. The portion of the cylindrical recess 32 that is on the second side of the through-hole 23 of the roll paper 22 and on the first side of the blocking section 34 functions as a retention section 35 where the outside air that has flowed into the cylindrical recess 32 via the communicating recess 33 retains.

[0030] The connecting member 30 configured as described above can be formed, for example, by debossing a sheet-like substrate (e.g., paper) that serves as the base of the connecting member 30 before it is wrapped around the base portion 10 and the filter portion 20, to form at least the cylindrical recess 32 and the communicating recess 33. For example, a heated relief plate can be used to press the portions of the substrate that correspond to the cylindrical recess 32 and the communicating recess 33. For example, if only the cylindrical recess 32 and the communicating recess 33 are formed by debossing, the inner circumferential surface 31 remains the sheet-like substrate that serves as the base of the connecting member 30. Alternatively, corrugated paper that has been subjected to a corrugated processing can be used as the sheet-like substrate that serves as the base of the connecting member 30.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a process for manufacturing the flavor inhalation article 1. The flavor inhalation article 1 configured as described above can be manufactured by a method similar to that described in Patent Document 2. That is, first, a filter plug 180 having a filter portion 20 formed to a length equivalent to two of the filters is placed between two substrate portions 10 to form a first intermediate product 171. Then, a pre-cut connecting member 190 having a length equivalent to two of the connecting members 30 and coated with glue on one side and cut to a predetermined length is wrapped around the first intermediate product 171 to form a second intermediate product 172 consisting of two flavor inhalation articles 1. Then, the second intermediate product 172 is cut at its longitudinal center (the center of the pre-cut connecting member 190) to form the flavor inhalation article 1.

[0032] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the surface of the pre-cut connecting member 190 on which the cylindrical recess 192 and the communicating recess 193 are formed. The web (e.g., paper) that forms the base of the connecting member 30 unwound from a roll has the cylindrical recess 192 and the communicating recess 193 that form the base of the cylindrical recess 32 and the communicating recess 33. Glue is applied to the surface of the web on which the cylindrical recess 192 and the communicating recess 193 are formed (this surface becomes the inner circumferential surface 31 of the connecting member 30). The glue-applied web that has been cut to a predetermined length is wound around a first intermediate product 171 to form the pre-cut connecting member 190.

[0033] As described above, the flavor inhalation article 1 includes a substrate unit 10 that generates an aerosol by combustion or heating, a filter unit 20 located downstream of the substrate unit 10, and a connecting member 30 (an example of an exterior member) that covers the periphery of the filter unit 20. The filter unit 20 is capable of allowing air to flow from the outside to the inside in a direction intersecting the center line direction of the substrate unit 10 via through holes 23 (an example of a communication path). As shown in Fig. 2 , between the filter unit 20 and the connecting member 30, there are formed a rectangular parallelepiped void 40 that is provided on the substrate unit 10 side of the filter unit 20 and allows air to flow from the upstream end of the connecting member 30 to the downstream side, and a blocking portion 34 that is provided on the opposite side of the rectangular parallelepiped void 40 from the substrate unit 10 and blocks air from flowing toward the downstream end of the connecting member 30.

[0034] In the flavor inhalation article 1 configured as described above, when a user inhales the flavor inhalation article 1, a mixture of aerosol generated by burning or heating the base unit 10 and air that has entered the filter unit 20 through the rectangular parallelepiped void portion 40, the cylindrical recess 32, and the through-holes 23 is inhaled into the user's mouth. The flavor inhalation article 1 can reliably mix outside air with the aerosol generated by burning or heating the base unit 10. Since a user is typically expected to hold the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 30 with their fingers, the flavor inhalation article 1 makes it difficult for the air flow path 45 to be blocked when the user holds the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 30 with their fingers. Therefore, the flavor inhalation article 1 can take in the amount of air necessary to provide a desired flavor through the air flow path 45, thereby providing the user with the desired flavor.

[0035] Furthermore, in the flavor inhalation article 1, the connecting member 30 covers the periphery of the through-hole 23 of the filter part 20, so even if the user holds the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 30 with their fingers during inhalation, smoke is unlikely to leak outside the flavor inhalation article 1 before being inhaled into the mouth. Therefore, the flavor inhalation article 1 can prevent odors from adhering to the fingers holding the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 30.

[0036] Furthermore, the flavor inhalation article 1 has the retention portion 35 where the outside air that has flowed into the cylindrical recess 32 via the communicating recess 33 stagnates, so that the heat inside the filter portion 20, through which the high-temperature aerosol passes, is not easily transferred to the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 30 that the user holds in their mouth or with their fingers. As a result, the flavor inhalation article 1 can prevent the mouth or fingers holding the flavor inhalation article 1 from feeling hot, and can prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0037] The size of the blocking portion 34 in the centerline direction can be, for example, 0.5 mm to 3 mm. This allows the retention portion 35 to be provided in a region more than 3 mm but less than 10 mm from the end face of the mouth end. The region 8 mm or less from the end face of the mouth end is the region where the user is expected to hold the flavor inhalation article 1 in their mouth. By providing the retention portion 35 in this region, it is highly likely that the temperature of the aerosol inhaled into the mouth will not cause discomfort. The position of the through hole 23 in the centerline direction is not limited to a position 10 mm from the end face of the mouth end to the first side. Even if the through hole 23 is 8 mm or more but less than 10 mm from the end face of the mouth end, the retention portion 35 can be provided in a region 8 mm or less from the end face of the mouth end. This allows the temperature of the aerosol inhaled into the mouth to highly likely not cause discomfort. However, the through hole 23 may be formed at a position less than 8 mm from the end face of the mouth end. The blocking portion 34 does not have to be provided at the end on the second side in the centerline direction. For example, the blocking portion 34 may be provided in a region 2 to 5 mm from the end face on the suction end side, and may be recessed from the inner circumferential surface 31 so as to form a gap between the connecting member 30 and the filter portion 20 on the second side of the blocking portion 34. The cylindrical recess 32 (retention portion 35) may not be formed. For example, the communicating recess 33 may be formed up to the blocking portion 34. Alternatively, a recess recessed from the inner circumferential surface 31 may be formed downstream of the blocking portion 34, similar to the communicating recess 33, up to the end face on the suction end side of the connecting member 30. Even in this embodiment, heat from inside the filter portion 20, through which high-temperature aerosol passes, is unlikely to be transferred to the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 30, so that discomfort caused by the temperature of the aerosol can be prevented. Furthermore, in the case where the cylindrical recess 32 (retention section 35) is not formed, if the through hole 23 is formed at a position less than 8 mm from the end face on the suction end side, the outside air passes more downstream than when the through hole 23 is formed at a position 8 mm or more from the end face on the suction end side, making it difficult for heat inside the filter section 20 to be transferred to the outer surface of the connecting member 30.

[0038] The air permeability of the paper roll 22 can be, for example, 0 Coresta units or more and less than 30,000 Coresta units. The "air permeability" is a value measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009, and is the value of the air permeability measured when the differential pressure between the two surfaces of the paper is 1 kPa and the area of ​​1 cm2 is reduced per minute. ２ Flow rate of gas passing through (cm ３ 1 C.U. is expressed as 1 cm under 1 kPa. ３ / (min cm ２ ) For example, when the through holes 23 are formed using a laser or the like, it is desirable for the air permeability of the paper roll 22 to be 0 Coresta units for production control reasons. This is because variations in the air permeability of the paper roll 22 and changes in the range of glue coating, which require consideration of their influence. It is also inexpensive. When the through holes 23 are not formed (in other words, when the air permeability of the paper roll 22 is used to introduce outside air into the filter 21), it is sufficient to select an air permeability that can ensure the desired amount of air inflow. However, because an air permeability of 30,000 Coresta units or more weakens the strength of the paper roll 22, it is desirable for the air permeability to be less than 30,000 Coresta units.

[0039] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a modified flavor inhalation article 1. The flavor inhalation article 1 is not limited to a configuration in which the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20 are adjacent to each other. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the flavor inhalation article 1 may have a configuration in which a cardboard tube 50 is disposed between the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20, and a connecting member 30 is wound around the base unit 10 so as to cover at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the base unit 10, the entire paper tube 50, and at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the filter unit 20, thereby connecting the base unit 10, the cardboard tube 50, and the filter unit 20. In the case of a configuration including the cardboard tube 50, an air flow path 45 may be formed by a through-hole 23 formed in the wrapping paper 22 of the filter unit 20, as shown by the arrow in Fig. 7(a) , allowing air to flow from the outside of the connecting member 30 to the inside of the filter unit 20. Alternatively, instead of forming through holes 23 in the wrapping paper 22 of the filter unit 20, through holes may be formed in the cardboard tube 50, and as shown by the arrows in FIG. 7( b), the through holes formed in the cardboard tube 50 may form an air flow path 45 that allows air to flow from the outside of the connecting member 30 to the inside of the filter unit 20. Note that the modified example shown in FIG. 7 is configured such that a single segment of the cardboard tube 50 is disposed between the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20, but the number of segments disposed between the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20 is not limited to one. Multiple segments may be disposed between the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20. For example, the cardboard tube 50 and a cardboard tube housing a capsule containing a content containing flavor components and a coating that holds the content may be disposed between the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20. Furthermore, in a configuration in which multiple segments are arranged between the base material portion 10 and the filter portion 20, an air flow path 45 that allows air to flow from the outside of the connecting member 30 to the inside of the filter portion 20 may be formed via a through hole formed in at least one of the multiple segments.

[0040] <Second embodiment> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a flavor inhalation article 2 according to a second embodiment. The flavor inhalation article 2 according to the second embodiment differs from the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment in that a connecting member 230 corresponding to the connecting member 30 is provided. Hereinafter, the flavor inhalation article 2 according to the second embodiment will be described in terms of differences from the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same parts as those in the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] The connecting member 230 according to the second embodiment has a thinner sheet-like substrate that serves as the base of the connecting member 230 than the connecting member 30. The connecting member 230 includes a cylindrical protrusion 232 that protrudes from an inner peripheral surface 231 around the filter section 20, and a rectangular parallelepiped protrusion 233 that protrudes parallel to the centerline direction. The cylindrical protrusion 232 is a portion that protrudes around the entire circumference and is provided at the end on the second side in the centerline direction. The cylindrical protrusion 232 has a cylindrical shape whose centerline direction is the same as the centerline of the cylindrical protrusion 232. The rectangular parallelepiped protrusion 233 is provided so as to extend in the centerline direction from the end on the first side to a position on the first side of the through-hole 23 of the paper wrapper 22. A plurality of rectangular parallelepiped protrusions 233 (e.g., 16) are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The rectangular parallelepiped protrusions 233 are not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, the rectangular parallelepiped protrusion 233 may have another shape, such as a triangular prism or a trapezoidal prism. Furthermore, there may be only one rectangular parallelepiped protrusion 233, rather than multiple rectangular parallelepiped protrusions 233. Furthermore, when multiple rectangular parallelepiped protrusions 233 are formed, the multiple rectangular parallelepiped protrusions 233 may be formed at uneven intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0042] The connecting member 230 can be exemplified by forming at least the cylindrical convex portions 232 and the rectangular parallelepiped convex portions 233 by, for example, embossing a sheet-like base material that serves as the base of the connecting member 230. For example, if only the cylindrical convex portions 232 and the rectangular parallelepiped convex portions 233 are formed by embossing, the inner circumferential surface 231 remains the sheet-like base material that serves as the base of the connecting member 230. Then, the connecting member 230 is adhered to the base member 10 and the filter unit 20 by applying glue to the tip portions of the cylindrical convex portions 232 and the plurality of rectangular parallelepiped convex portions 233.

[0043] Because the connecting member 230 has the above-described configuration, rectangular parallelepiped voids 240 are formed among the outer peripheral surface of the base member 10 or the filter unit 20, the inner peripheral surface 231 of the connecting member 230, and between adjacent rectangular parallelepiped protrusions 233. Furthermore, cylindrical voids 241 are formed among the outer peripheral surface of the filter unit 20, the inner peripheral surface 231 of the connecting member 230, the second end faces of the multiple rectangular parallelepiped protrusions 233, and between the cylindrical protrusions 232. The cylindrical voids 241 are formed at positions corresponding to the through holes 23 of the wrapper paper 22. Therefore, in the flavor inhalation article 2, an air flow path 245 is formed by the rectangular parallelepiped voids 240, the cylindrical voids 241, and the through holes 23 of the wrapper paper 22, allowing air to flow from the outside of the connecting member 230 to the inside of the filter unit 20 (see arrows in FIG. 8 ). Furthermore, the cylindrical protrusion 232 of the connecting member 230 functions as a blocking section that blocks the outside air that has flowed into the cylindrical gap 241 via the rectangular parallelepiped gap 240 from flowing out to the outside. The portion of the cylindrical gap 241 that is on the second side of the through-hole 23 of the paper roll 22 and on the first side of the cylindrical protrusion 232 functions as a retention section 235 where the outside air that has flowed into the cylindrical gap 241 via the rectangular parallelepiped gap 240 retains.

[0044] As described above, the flavor inhalation article 2 includes the substrate 10 that generates an aerosol by combustion or heating, the filter 20 located downstream of the substrate 10, and the connecting member 230 (an example of an exterior member) that covers the periphery of the filter 20. As shown in Fig. 8 , between the filter 20 and the connecting member 230, there are formed a rectangular parallelepiped void 240 that is provided on the substrate 10 side of the filter 20 and allows air to flow from the upstream end of the connecting member 230 to the downstream side, and a cylindrical convex portion 232 that is provided on the opposite side of the rectangular parallelepiped void 240 from the substrate 10 and serves as an example of a blocking portion that blocks air from flowing toward the downstream end of the connecting member 230.

[0045] In the flavor inhalation article 2 configured as described above, when a user inhales the flavor inhalation article 2, a mixture of the aerosol generated by burning or heating the base member 10 and the air that has entered the inside of the filter member 20 through the rectangular parallelepiped void portion 240, the cylindrical void portion 241, and the through-holes 23 is inhaled into the user's mouth. In the flavor inhalation article 2, the air flow path 245 is unlikely to be blocked when the user holds the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 230 with their fingers, and the amount of air necessary to provide the desired flavor can be taken in through the air flow path 245, making it possible to provide the user with the desired flavor.

[0046] Furthermore, similar to the flavor inhalation article 1, the flavor inhalation article 2 can prevent odors from adhering to fingers holding the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 230. Furthermore, the flavor inhalation article 2 has the retention portion 235 in which the outside air that has flowed into the cylindrical gap 241 via the rectangular parallelepiped gap 240 stagnates, and therefore the heat inside the filter portion 20, through which the high-temperature aerosol passes, is less likely to be transmitted to the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 230 that the user holds in their mouth or with their fingers. As a result, the flavor inhalation article 2 can prevent the mouth or fingers holding the flavor inhalation article 2 from feeling hot, thereby preventing discomfort to the user.

[0047] The size of the cylindrical protrusion 232 in the centerline direction can be, for example, 0.5 mm to 3 mm. This allows the retention portion 235 to be provided in a region more than 3 mm and less than 10 mm from the end face on the mouth end side. This highly reliably prevents discomfort due to the temperature of the aerosol inhaled into the mouth. However, the cylindrical protrusion 232 does not have to be provided at the end on the second side in the centerline direction. For example, the cylindrical protrusion 232 may be provided in a region 2 to 5 mm from the end face on the mouth end side, and a gap may be formed between the connecting member 230 and the filter unit 20 on the second side of the cylindrical protrusion 232. Furthermore, in the flavor inhalation article 2, the amount of outside air inhaled into the mouth can be easily controlled by adjusting the number and size of the rectangular parallelepiped protrusions 233 (rectangular parallelepiped gap portions 240) formed in the connecting member 230.

[0048] <Third embodiment> Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a flavor inhalation article 3 according to a third embodiment. The flavor inhalation article 3 according to the third embodiment differs from the flavor inhalation article 2 according to the second embodiment in that it includes a sheet-like sheet member 330 that covers at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the filter unit 20 and at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the base unit 10, and a cylindrical support member 336 and a rectangular parallelepiped support member 337 that support the sheet member 330 so that it is arranged cylindrically around the base unit 10 and the filter unit 20. Below, the differences between the flavor inhalation article 3 according to the third embodiment and the flavor inhalation article 2 according to the second embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same parts as those in the flavor inhalation article 2 according to the second embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] The sheet member 330 differs from the connecting member 230 according to the second embodiment in that it is not in contact with the base member 10 and the filter unit 20. Like the connecting member 230, the sheet member 330 is rolled up to cover the second end of the base member 10 and the entire filter unit 20. The shape of the sheet member 330 before being rolled up can be, for example, a square or a rectangle. The material of the sheet member 330, the addition of a coating agent, the coating with a lip release material, etc. are the same as those of the connecting member 30.

[0050] The cylindrical support member 336 is a member corresponding to the cylindrical protrusion 232 according to the second embodiment, is cylindrical, and is provided at the end on the second side in the center line direction. The cylindrical support member 336 is adhered to the filter unit 20 by applying glue to the surface of the cylindrical support member 336 facing the filter unit 20.

[0051] The rectangular parallelepiped support member 337 is a member corresponding to the rectangular parallelepiped protrusion 233 according to the second embodiment. The rectangular parallelepiped support member 337 is provided so as to extend in the center line direction from the first end of the sheet member 330 to a position on the first side of the through-hole 23 of the paper roll 22. A plurality of rectangular parallelepiped support members 337 (e.g., 16) are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Glue is applied to the surfaces of the rectangular parallelepiped support members 337 facing the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20, so that the rectangular parallelepiped support members 337 are adhered to the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20 and connect the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20 together.

[0052] Glue is applied to the surfaces of the cylindrical support member 336 and the rectangular parallelepiped support member 337 facing the sheet member 330, and the sheet member 330 is adhered onto the cylindrical support member 336 and the rectangular parallelepiped support member 337. Examples of materials for the cylindrical support member 336 and the rectangular parallelepiped support member 337 include those containing pulp as a main component, resin, rubber, wood, etc.

[0053] In the flavor inhalation article 3 according to the third embodiment, rectangular parallelepiped voids 340 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the substrate unit 10 or the filter unit 20, the inner peripheral surface of the sheet member 330, and between adjacent rectangular parallelepiped support members 337. Furthermore, cylindrical voids 341 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the filter unit 20, the inner peripheral surface of the sheet member 330, the second end faces of the multiple rectangular parallelepiped support members 337, and between the cylindrical support members 336. The cylindrical voids 341 are formed at positions corresponding to the through holes 23 of the wrapper paper 22. Therefore, in the flavor inhalation article 3, the rectangular parallelepiped voids 340, the cylindrical voids 341, and the through holes 23 of the wrapper paper 22 form air flow paths 345 through which air can flow from the outside of the sheet member 330 to the inside of the filter unit 20. Furthermore, the cylindrical support member 336 functions as a blocking section that blocks the outside air that has flowed into the cylindrical gap 341 via the rectangular parallelepiped gap 340 from flowing out to the outside. The portion of the cylindrical gap 341 that is on the second side of the through-hole 23 of the paper roll 22 and on the first side of the cylindrical support member 336 functions as a retention section 335 where the outside air that has flowed into the cylindrical gap 341 via the rectangular parallelepiped gap 340 retains.

[0054] As described above, the flavor inhalation article 3 includes the substrate unit 10 that generates an aerosol by combustion or heating, the filter unit 20 located downstream of the substrate unit 10, and a sheet member 330 (an example of an exterior member) that covers the periphery of the filter unit 20. As shown in Fig. 9 , between the filter unit 20 and the sheet member 330 are formed a rectangular parallelepiped void portion 340 that is provided on the substrate unit 10 side of the filter unit 20 and allows air to flow from the upstream end of the sheet member 330 to the downstream side, and a cylindrical support member 336 that is provided on the opposite side of the rectangular parallelepiped void portion 340 from the substrate unit 10 and serves as an example of a blocking portion that blocks air from flowing toward the downstream end of the sheet member 330.

[0055] In the flavor inhalation article 3 configured as described above, when a user inhales the flavor inhalation article 3, a mixture of the aerosol generated by burning or heating the base member 10 and the air that has entered the inside of the filter member 20 through the rectangular parallelepiped void portion 340, the cylindrical void portion 341, and the through-holes 23 is inhaled into the user's mouth. In the flavor inhalation article 3, the air flow path 345 is unlikely to be blocked when the user holds the outer circumferential surface of the sheet member 330 with their fingers, and the amount of air necessary to provide the desired flavor can be taken in through the air flow path 345, making it possible to provide the user with the desired flavor.

[0056] Furthermore, similar to the flavor inhalation article 2, the flavor inhalation article 3 can prevent odors from adhering to fingers holding the outer peripheral surface of the sheet member 330. Furthermore, the flavor inhalation article 3 has a retention portion 335 in which outside air that has flowed into the cylindrical gap 341 via the rectangular parallelepiped gap 340 stagnates, so that heat inside the filter portion 20, through which high-temperature aerosol passes, is less likely to be transmitted to the outer peripheral surface of the sheet member 330 that the user holds in their mouth or with their fingers. As a result, the flavor inhalation article 3 can prevent the mouth or fingers holding the flavor inhalation article 3 from feeling hot, thereby preventing discomfort to the user.

[0057] The size of the cylindrical support member 336 in the centerline direction can be, for example, 2 mm to 3 mm. This allows the retention section 335 to be provided in a region more than 3 mm but less than 10 mm from the end face on the suction end side. This makes it possible to reliably prevent discomfort due to the temperature of the aerosol inhaled into the mouth. However, the cylindrical support member 336 does not have to be provided at the end on the second side in the centerline direction. For example, the cylindrical support member 336 may be provided in a region 2 to 5 mm from the end face on the suction end side, and a gap may be formed between the sheet member 330 and the filter section 20 on the second side of the cylindrical support member 336.

[0058] Furthermore, in the flavor inhalation article 3, the amount of outside air inhaled into the mouth can be easily controlled by adjusting the number and size of the rectangular parallelepiped support members 337 (rectangular parallelepiped gap portions 340). Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the rectangular parallelepiped gap portions 340 are formed by circumferentially arranging a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped support members 337, but the components arranged between the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20 and the sheet member 330 to form gap portions between the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20 and the sheet member 330 are not limited to the rectangular parallelepiped support members 337. For example, corrugated paper that has been subjected to a corrugated processing may be used instead of the plurality of rectangular parallelepiped support members 337.

[0059] <Fourth embodiment> Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a flavor inhalation article 4 according to a fourth embodiment. The flavor inhalation article 4 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the flavor inhalation article 2 according to the second embodiment in a base member 410 corresponding to the base member 10, a filter member 420 corresponding to the filter member 20, and a connecting member 430 corresponding to the connecting member 230. Hereinafter, the flavor inhalation article 4 according to the fourth embodiment will be described in terms of differences from the flavor inhalation article 2 according to the second embodiment, and the same reference numerals will be used for the same parts as the flavor inhalation article 2 according to the second embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] The substrate part 410 differs from the substrate part 10 in that it has a wrapping paper 412 corresponding to the wrapping paper 12. The filter part 420 differs from the filter part 20 in that it has a wrapping paper 422 corresponding to the wrapping paper 22. The connecting member 430 differs from the connecting member 230 in that it does not have the cylindrical convex part 232 and the multiple rectangular parallelepiped convex parts 233.

[0061] More specifically, the wrapping paper 412 has a plurality of circumferentially extending convex portions 413 protruding from the outer peripheral surface at least at the second end. The wrapping paper 422 has a plurality of circumferentially extending rectangular parallelepiped convex portions 423 protruding from the outer peripheral surface at the first end. The convex portions 413 and the rectangular parallelepiped convex portions 423 are arranged parallel to the centerline and are equally spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The wrapping paper 422 is cylindrical and has a cylindrical convex portion 424 arranged at the second end in the centerline direction.

[0062] The connecting member 430 is a sheet-like member that does not have any recesses recessed from the surface or any protrusions protruding from the surface. The connecting member 430 is adhered to the wrapping paper 412 and the wrapping paper 422 by applying glue to the plurality of protrusions 413 of the wrapping paper 412 and the tips of the plurality of rectangular parallelepiped protrusions 423 and cylindrical protrusions 424 of the wrapping paper 422. The connecting member 430 connects the base portion 410 and the filter portion 420.

[0063] In the flavor inhalation article 4 according to the fourth embodiment, rectangular parallelepiped voids 440 are formed between the outer peripheral surface of the base material portion 410, the inner peripheral surface of the connecting member 430, and adjacent convex portions 413, and between the outer peripheral surface of the filter portion 420, the inner peripheral surface of the connecting member 430, and adjacent rectangular parallelepiped convex portions 423. Furthermore, cylindrical voids 441 are formed between the outer peripheral surface of the filter portion 420, the inner peripheral surface of the connecting member 430, second end faces of the multiple rectangular parallelepiped convex portions 423, and between the cylindrical convex portions 424. The cylindrical voids 441 are formed at positions corresponding to the through holes 23 of the wrapper paper 22. Therefore, in the flavor inhalation article 4, the rectangular parallelepiped voids 440, the cylindrical voids 441, and the through holes 23 of the wrapper paper 22 form an air flow path 445 through which air can flow from the outside of the connecting member 430 to the inside of the filter portion 420. Furthermore, the cylindrical convex portion 424 functions as a blocking portion that blocks the outside air that has flowed into the cylindrical gap 441 via the rectangular parallelepiped gap 440 from flowing out to the outside. The portion of the cylindrical gap 441 that is on the second side of the through-hole 23 of the paper roll 22 and on the first side of the cylindrical convex portion 424 functions as a retention portion 435 where the outside air that has flowed into the cylindrical gap 441 via the rectangular parallelepiped gap 440 retains.

[0064] In the flavor inhalation article 4 configured as described above, when a user inhales the flavor inhalation article 4, a mixture of the aerosol generated by burning or heating the base portion 410 and the air that has entered the inside of the filter portion 420 through the rectangular parallelepiped void portion 440, the cylindrical void portion 441, and the through-holes 23 is inhaled into the user's mouth. In the flavor inhalation article 4, the air flow path 445 is unlikely to be blocked when the user holds the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 430 with their fingers, and the amount of air necessary to provide the desired flavor can be taken in through the air flow path 445, making it possible to provide the user with the desired flavor.

[0065] Furthermore, similar to the flavor inhalation article 2, the flavor inhalation article 4 can prevent odors from adhering to fingers holding the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 430. Furthermore, the flavor inhalation article 4 has a retention portion 435 in which outside air that has flowed into the cylindrical gap 441 via the rectangular parallelepiped gap 440 stagnates, so that heat inside the filter portion 420, through which high-temperature aerosol passes, is less likely to be transmitted to the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 430 that the user holds in their mouth or with their fingers. As a result, the flavor inhalation article 4 can prevent the mouth or fingers holding the flavor inhalation article 4 from feeling hot, thereby preventing discomfort to the user.

[0066] In the flavor inhalation article 4 according to the fourth embodiment, instead of using the cigarette paper 412 having the convex portion 413, the cigarette paper 12 may be used, and like the connecting member 230, the connecting member 430 may have a convex portion corresponding to the convex portion 413 that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface 231, thereby forming the rectangular parallelepiped void portion 440. Also, instead of using the cigarette paper 412 having the convex portion 413, the cigarette paper 12 may be used, and like the connecting member 30, the connecting member may be a thick sheet-like base material with a concave portion, thereby forming the rectangular parallelepiped void portion 440.

[0067] <Variations of the Gap> The rectangular parallelepiped void 40 according to the first embodiment, the rectangular parallelepiped void 240 according to the second embodiment, the rectangular parallelepiped void 340 according to the third embodiment, and the rectangular parallelepiped void 440 according to the fourth embodiment are parallel to the centerline direction, but are not limited to this. Here, the shape of the rectangular parallelepiped void 40 according to the first embodiment in the centerline direction is due to the shape of the communicating recess 33 of the connecting member 30. The shape of the rectangular parallelepiped void 240 according to the second embodiment in the centerline direction is due to the shape of the rectangular parallelepiped protrusion 233 of the connecting member 230. The rectangular parallelepiped void 340 according to the third embodiment is due to the shape of the rectangular parallelepiped support member 337. The rectangular parallelepiped void 440 according to the fourth embodiment is due to the shapes of the protrusion 413 of the wrapper paper 412 and the rectangular parallelepiped protrusion 423 of the wrapper paper 422. The shapes of modified examples of the rectangular parallelepiped void 40, the rectangular parallelepiped void 240, the rectangular parallelepiped void 340, and the rectangular parallelepiped void 440 will be described below, taking the rectangular parallelepiped void 40 as an example.

[0068] The shape of the rectangular parallelepiped gap 40 in the centerline direction is due to the shape of the communicating recess 33 of the connecting member 30, which in turn is due to the communicating recess 193 of the pre-cut connecting member 190 shown in Figure 6 and, ultimately, the communicating recess 193 of the web. As shown in Figure 6, the communicating recess 193 is formed, for example, in a straight line extending in a direction perpendicular to the payout direction of the web. In other words, since the web is a rectangle with the payout direction as the short side direction and the direction perpendicular to the payout direction as the long side direction, the communicating recess 193 is formed in a straight line extending in the long side direction.

[0069] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a recess 51 according to a first modified example. The recess 51 according to the first modified example is a modified example of the communicating recess 193, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a surface of the pre-cut connecting member 190 on which the recess 51 is formed, similar to FIG. 6 . The recess 51 according to the first modified example is formed in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the web (pre-cut connecting member 190). Therefore, when the web on which the recess 51 is formed is wound around the base member 10 and the filter member 20, the recess 51 is formed in a direction inclined with respect to the center line direction (in other words, the longitudinal direction of the base member 10). In other words, the connecting member 30 is formed by unwinding a coiled piece of paper and winding it around the filter member 20, and the rectangular parallelepiped void portion 40 is formed in a linear shape extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the base member 10.

[0070] The recesses 51 according to the first modified example configured as described above can reduce the occurrence of wrinkles when a web having the recesses 51 formed therein is unwound or wound around the substrate 10 and the filter 20. In other words, when a web having the communicating recesses 193 (see FIG. 6 ) formed in a direction perpendicular to the unwinding direction is unwound or wound around the substrate 10 and the filter 20, if a force is applied in the unwinding direction, the difference in thickness between the portion where the communicating recesses 193 are formed and the portion where the communicating recesses 193 are not formed significantly changes the cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the unwinding direction, which can result in a significant difference in rigidity and the occurrence of wrinkles. In contrast, the recesses 51 according to the first modified example do not significantly change the cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the unwinding direction with respect to the position in the unwinding direction (in other words, the short side direction), so wrinkles are less likely to occur.

[0071] 11 , the recesses 51 are formed so as to be inclined in the same direction on both sides of the central portion of the pre-cut connecting member 190, but they may be formed so as to be inclined in different directions. In other words, the pre-cut connecting member 190 may have a symmetrical shape on both sides in the longitudinal direction, with the central portion as the boundary. This makes it possible to make the inclination direction of the rectangular parallelepiped void portion 40 with respect to the base unit 10 the same in two flavor inhalation articles 1 manufactured by cutting the pre-cut connecting member 190 at the central portion. Furthermore, by inclining in different directions so as to have a symmetrical shape on both sides in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to prevent the pre-cut connecting member 190 from being wrapped obliquely around the base unit 10 and the filter unit 20, compared to a configuration in which the recesses 51 are inclined in the same direction.

[0072] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a recess 52 according to a second modified example. The recess 52 according to the second modified example is a modified example of the communicating recess 193, and FIG. 12, like FIG. 6, is a diagram showing an example of the surface of the pre-cut connecting member 190 on which the recess 52 is formed. The recess 52 according to the second modified example is formed in a wave shape progressing in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the recess 52 according to the second modified example is formed in a wave shape when viewed from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the pre-cut connecting member 190. Therefore, the recess 52 according to the second modified example is formed in a wave shape when viewed from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base member 10. While FIG. 12 shows an example in which one cosine wave is formed, the wave shape may be a sine wave or a triangular wave. Furthermore, although FIG. 12 shows an example in which one cosine wave is formed, the wave shape may be a shape in which multiple cosine waves, sine waves, or triangular waves are arranged in the longitudinal direction. In the recesses 52 according to the second modified example configured as described above, the cross-sectional area of ​​the plane perpendicular to the payout direction (in other words, the short side direction) does not vary significantly depending on the position in the payout direction, so wrinkles are less likely to occur when the web on which the recesses 52 are formed is paid out or wrapped around the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20. Furthermore, the recesses 52 according to the second modified example can prevent the pre-cut connecting member 190 from being wrapped obliquely around the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20, compared to the recesses 51 according to the first modified example shown in Fig. 11 which are inclined in the same direction. Furthermore, since the recesses 52 are cosine wave-shaped, the air flow path 45 changes in a curved manner, thereby smoothing the flow of outside air.

[0073] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a recess 53 according to a third modified example. The recess 53 according to the third modified example is a modified example of the communicating recess 193, and FIG. 13, like FIG. 6, is a diagram showing an example of the surface of the pre-cutting connecting member 190 on which the recess 53 is formed. As shown in FIG. 13, the recess 53 according to the third modified example is W-shaped when viewed in the payout direction (in other words, the short direction). In other words, the recess 53 according to the third modified example is W-shaped when viewed from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the pre-cutting connecting member 190. Therefore, it is W-shaped when viewed from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base member 10. In other words, the recess 53 according to the third modified example is formed in a shape of two V-shapes lined up in the longitudinal direction when viewed from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the pre-cutting connecting member 190. Therefore, it is formed in a shape of two V-shapes lined up in the longitudinal direction when viewed from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base member 10. The recess 53 according to the third modified example may have a single V-shape when viewed from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the pre-cut connecting member 190, or may have a shape of three or more V-shapes lined up in the longitudinal direction. Even in the recess 53 according to the third modified example configured as described above, the cross-sectional area of ​​the plane perpendicular to the payout direction (in other words, the short direction) does not significantly vary depending on the position in the payout direction. This makes it possible to reduce the likelihood of wrinkles occurring when the web having the recess 53 formed thereon is paid out or when it is wound around the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20. Furthermore, the recess 53 according to the third modified example can prevent the pre-cut connecting member 190 from being wound obliquely around the substrate unit 10 and the filter unit 20, compared to the recess 51 according to the first modified example shown in FIG. 11 , which is inclined in the same direction.

[0074] FIG. 14 shows an example of a recess 54 according to a fourth modified example. The recess 54 according to the fourth modified example is a modified example of the communicating recess 193. Similar to FIG. 6, FIG. 14 shows an example of the surface of the pre-cut connecting member 190 on which the recess 54 is formed. As shown in FIG. 14, the recess 54 according to the fourth modified example is formed in a diagonal lattice pattern. Even in the recess 54 according to the fourth modified example configured as described above, the cross-sectional area of ​​the surface perpendicular to the payout direction (in other words, the short direction) does not significantly vary depending on the position in the payout direction. This makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of wrinkles when the web having the recess 54 formed therein is paid out or when it is wound around the substrate 10 and the filter 20. Furthermore, the recess 54 according to the fourth modified example can prevent the pre-cut connecting member 190 from being wound obliquely around the substrate 10 and the filter 20, compared to the recess 51 according to the first modified example shown in FIG. 11, which is inclined in the same direction.

[0075] In addition, the shapes of the rectangular parallelepiped convex portion 233 of the connecting member 230 according to the second embodiment, the rectangular parallelepiped support member 337 according to the third embodiment, and the shapes of the convex portion 413 of the wrapping paper 412 and the rectangular parallelepiped convex portion 423 of the wrapping paper 422 according to the fourth embodiment may be made similar to the modified example of the communicating recess 193 described using Figures 11 to 14, thereby changing the shapes in the center line direction of the rectangular parallelepiped void portion 240, the rectangular parallelepiped void portion 340, and the rectangular parallelepiped void portion 440.

[0076] Furthermore, the distance from the center line CL in the rectangular parallelepiped void 40 according to the first embodiment, the rectangular parallelepiped void 240 according to the second embodiment, the rectangular parallelepiped void 340 according to the third embodiment, and the rectangular parallelepiped void 440 according to the fourth embodiment (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "depth of the void") is uniform throughout the entire longitudinal direction, but this is not particularly limited to this embodiment. The depth of the void does not have to be uniform throughout the entire longitudinal direction. For example, the depth of the void may be inclined relative to the longitudinal direction so as to gradually become deeper (in other words, so that the distance from the center line CL increases) as one moves from the first side to the second side in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the depth of the void may be inclined relative to the longitudinal direction so as to gradually become shallower (in other words, so that the distance from the center line CL decreases) as one moves from the first side to the second side in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the depth of the void does not have to be uniform throughout the entire circumferential direction.

[0077] <Summary> The present disclosure includes the following configurations: (1) A flavor inhalation article comprising: a substrate that generates an aerosol by combustion or heating; a filter that is disposed downstream of the substrate and is capable of allowing air to flow from the outside to the inside in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the substrate; and an exterior member that covers the periphery of the filter, wherein a void that is provided on the substrate side of the filter member and allows air to flow from the upstream end of the exterior member to the downstream side, and a blocking portion that is provided on the opposite side of the void from the substrate and blocks air from flowing to the downstream end of the exterior member. (2) The flavor inhalation article described in (1), wherein the void is formed in a recess recessed from an inner circumferential surface of the exterior member, between a plurality of protrusions protruding from the inner circumferential surface, or between a plurality of protrusions protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the filter. (3) The flavor inhalation article according to (1), wherein the exterior member includes a sheet-like sheet member covering at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the filter unit and at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the base unit, and a plurality of support members supporting the sheet member so as to be arranged around the filter unit and the base unit, and the gap portion is formed between the plurality of support members. (4) The flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the filter unit is capable of allowing air to flow into the interior through a communication passage formed upstream of the blocking portion and connecting the outside and the interior. (5) The flavor inhalation article according to (4), wherein a retention portion in which air retains is formed between the filter unit and the exterior member, between the communication passage and the blocking portion. (6) The flavor inhalation article according to (5), wherein the retention portion is a gap formed around the entire circumference between the filter unit and the exterior member. (7) The flavor inhalation article according to (4), wherein the filter portion has a filter and a winding member wound around the filter, the winding member has a through-hole formed in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and the communication passage is the through-hole. (8) The flavor inhalation article according to (4), wherein the filter portion has a filter and a winding member wound around the filter, the winding member is formed of a porous material having pores, and the communication passage is formed by the pores.(9) The flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the blocking portion is formed at the downstream end. (10) The flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein a gap is formed between the filter portion and the exterior member downstream of the blocking portion. (11) The flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the void portion is formed parallel to the longitudinal direction. (12) The flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the void portion is formed in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction. (13) The flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the void portion is formed linearly extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. (14) The flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the void portion is formed in a wavy shape when viewed from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. (15) The flavor inhalation article according to (14), wherein the wave shape is a cosine wave shape. (16) The flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the void portion has a V-shape or a shape in which multiple V-shapes are aligned in the longitudinal direction when viewed from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. (17) The flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the void portion is formed in a diagonal lattice pattern. (18) The flavor inhalation article according to any one of (11) to (17), wherein the depth of the void portion is not uniform.

[0078] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2, 3, 4... flavor inhalation article, 10, 410... substrate portion, 11... flavor source, 12, 412... wrapping paper, 20, 420... filter portion, 21... filter, 22, 422... wrapping paper, 30, 230, 430... connecting member, 32, 192... cylindrical recess, 33, 193... communicating recess, 34... blocking portion, 40... gap portion, 232, 424... cylindrical convex portion, 233, 423... rectangular parallelepiped convex portion, 240, 340, 440... rectangular parallelepiped gap portion, 330... sheet member, 336... cylindrical support member, 337... rectangular parallelepiped support member

Claims

1. A flavor inhalation article comprising: a base portion that generates an aerosol by combustion or heating; a filter portion that is arranged downstream of the base portion and that is capable of allowing air to flow from the outside to the inside in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the base portion; and an exterior member that covers the periphery of the filter portion, wherein between the filter portion and the exterior member there are formed a gap portion that is arranged on the base portion side of the filter portion and that allows air to flow from the upstream end of the exterior member to the downstream side, and a blocking portion that is arranged on the opposite side of the gap from the base portion and that blocks air flowing to the downstream end of the exterior member.

2. The flavor inhalation article according to claim 1, wherein the gap is formed in a recess recessed from the inner peripheral surface of the exterior member, between a plurality of protrusions protruding from the inner peripheral surface, or between a plurality of protrusions protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the filter portion.

3. The flavor inhalation article according to claim 1, wherein the exterior member comprises a sheet-like sheet member that covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the filter portion and at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the base portion, and a plurality of support members that support the sheet member so that it is arranged around the filter portion and the base portion, and the gap portion is formed between the plurality of support members.

4. A flavor inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filter section is capable of allowing air to flow into the interior through a communication passage formed upstream of the blocking section, which connects the outside and the interior.

5. The flavor inhalation article according to claim 4, wherein a retention portion in which air is retained is formed between the filter portion and the exterior member, and between the communication passage and the blocking portion.

6. The flavor inhalation article according to claim 5, wherein the retention portion is a gap formed around the entire periphery between the filter portion and the exterior member.

7. The flavor inhalation article according to claim 4, wherein the filter section has a filter and a winding member wound around the filter, the winding member has a through-hole formed in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and the communication passage is the through-hole.

8. The flavor inhalation article according to claim 4, wherein the filter portion has a filter and a winding member wound around the filter, the winding member is formed from a porous material having pores, and the communication passage is formed by the pores.

9. The flavor inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the blocking portion is formed at the downstream end portion.

10. The flavor inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a gap is formed between the filter section and the exterior member downstream of the blocking section.

11. The flavor inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the void portion is formed parallel to the longitudinal direction.

12. A flavor inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the gap is formed in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction.

13. A flavor inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the void portion is formed in a linear shape extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.

14. A flavor inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the void portion is formed in a wavy shape when viewed from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

15. The flavor inhalation article according to claim 14, wherein the wave shape is a cosine wave shape.

16. A flavor inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the void portion has a V-shape or a shape consisting of multiple V-shapes lined up in the longitudinal direction when viewed from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

17. The flavor inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the voids are formed in a diagonal lattice pattern.

18. The flavor inhalation article according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the depth of the void portion is not uniform.

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