Aerosol-generating article and non-combustion aerosol-generating system

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating unit and a filter unit, wherein the filter unit includes a granule segment having a sheet material and granules, the sheet material has a viscous substance on a surface thereof, and the granules are disposed adhered to the viscous substance.

Description

Aerosol-producing products and non-combustion aerosol-generating systems

[0001] The present invention relates to aerosol producing articles and non-combustion aerosol generating systems.

[0002] There is known a heated tobacco product having a tobacco rod formed by filling a tobacco filler material containing tobacco raw materials (e.g., tobacco shreds, tobacco granules, a molded tobacco sheet, etc.) and an aerosol-generating base material (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.) inside a cigarette paper (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This type of heated tobacco product is a type of tobacco product in which the tobacco filler material is heated by an electric heater in a heating device without being burned, and an aerosol generated in the tobacco filler material is delivered to the user.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a charcoal filter in which activated carbon is added to the surface of activated carbon-containing paper and folded in order to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

[0004] Patent Publication No. 2015-503335 International Publication No. 2011 / 118042

[0005] In aerosol products, filters other than those filled with acetate fibers have been investigated to deliver various flavors and tastes to users. As disclosed in Patent Document 2, one such approach has been to fill the filter of an aerosol product with activated carbon-loaded paper or activated carbon in order to reduce volatile organic compounds. However, to diversify flavors and tastes, a filter that maintains the effects of granules such as activated carbon while minimizing the reduction in delivery is needed. Delivery can be improved by reducing the amount of filler in the filter. On the other hand, reducing the amount of filler in the filter makes it difficult to stably position the granules in the filter. This tendency is particularly pronounced when the filler in the filter is a sheet material. For example, when a sheet material is folded and filled with airflow channels in the ventilation direction, the granules added with the sheet material may fall off the surface of the sheet material, resulting in uneven distribution of the granules in the valleys of the folded sheet material. Such uneven distribution of the granules prevents the full potential of the granules.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol product that can suppress uneven distribution of granules in a filter section, and an aerosol generation system that includes the aerosol product.

[0007] As a result of intensive research into solving the above problems, the inventors discovered that the above problems can be solved by placing a segment comprising a sheet material and granules in the filter section of the aerosol product and adhering the granules to the sheet material via a viscous substance.

[0008] That is, the gist of the present invention is as follows. [1] An aerosol product comprising an aerosol generating unit and a filter unit, wherein the filter unit comprises a granule segment having a sheet material and granules, the sheet material having a viscous substance on a surface thereof, and the granules are disposed by adhering to the viscous substance. [2] The aerosol product according to [2], wherein the sheet material is paper. [3] The aerosol product according to [1] or [2], wherein the basis weight of the sheet material is 20 gsm or more and 60 gsm or less. [4] The aerosol product according to any of [1] to [3], wherein the air permeability of the sheet material is 10 Coresta units or less. [5] The aerosol product according to any of [1] to [4], wherein the sheet material is glassine paper. [6] The aerosol product according to any of [1] to [5], wherein the granules are an adsorbent or a flavoring material. [7] The aerosol product according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the average particle size of the granules is 0.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. [8] The aerosol product according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the viscous substance is a liquid having a viscosity of 2000 mPa·s or more at 22°C. [9] The aerosol product according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the viscous substance is a gel-like substance.

[10] The aerosol product according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the viscous substance comprises an aerosol base and a binder.

[11] The aerosol product according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the airflow resistance of the granule segments is 0.1 mmH ２ O / mm or more, 2mmH ２

[10] The aerosol product according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the viscosity of the aerosol product is 0 / mm or less.

[12] The aerosol product according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the filter section further comprises a mouth-side segment downstream of the granule segment.

[13] The aerosol product according to

[12] , wherein the mouth-side segment has a paper filter.

[14] The aerosol product according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein the aerosol product is a non-combustion aerosol product.

[15] A non-combustion aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol product according to any one of [1] to

[14] , and a non-combustion aerosol generation device that heats the aerosol product.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an aerosol product that can suppress uneven distribution of granules in a filter section, and an aerosol generation system that includes the aerosol product.

[0010] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol product according to an embodiment of the present invention; 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol product according to an embodiment of the present invention; 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a granule segment of an aerosol product according to an embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. However, these descriptions are merely examples (representative examples) of embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these descriptions as long as they do not depart from the gist of the present invention. In this specification, a numerical range expressed using "to" means a range including the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the lower and upper limits, and "A to B" means a range of A or more and B or less. Furthermore, in this specification, the expression "A or B" may be interpreted as "at least one selected from the group consisting of A and B." Furthermore, although multiple embodiments are described in this specification, various conditions in each embodiment may be applied to each other to the extent applicable. Furthermore, while the X, Y, and Z directions are shown in some of the drawings, the left-right direction of the aerosol product or the electrically heated device into which the aerosol product is inserted is referred to as the Z direction, the up-down direction as the Y direction, and the depth direction as the X direction. These directions are merely illustrative for convenience of explanation and do not limit the elements in the figures. For example, the elements of the aerosol generation system are not limited to being arranged in the directions shown in the figures.

[0012] The aerosol product according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings, but this embodiment is not limited to this. Note that although the present specification may use drawings to describe each embodiment, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the drawings and the description of each embodiment are merely examples.

[0013] <Aerosol Product> An aerosol product according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to simply as "aerosol product") is an aerosol product comprising an aerosol generating unit and a filter unit, wherein the filter unit comprises a granule segment having a sheet material and granules, the sheet material has a viscous substance on its surface, and the granules are disposed by adhering to the viscous substance. In the aerosol product, in the granule segment having the sheet material and granules, the granules are supported on the sheet material via the viscous substance. This makes it difficult for the granules to fall off the sheet material, suppressing uneven distribution of the granules and thereby enabling the granules to fully exert their intended effect. Note that the aerosol product may also comprise components other than the aerosol generating unit, cooling unit, and filter unit.

[0014] The use mode of the aerosol product according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, and may be a non-combustion type aerosol product or a cigarette (cigarette). Hereinafter, the aerosol product will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, taking a non-combustion type aerosol product as an example.

[0015] An example of the aerosol product 100 according to this embodiment has a substantially cylindrical rod shape. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol product 100 includes an aerosol-generating unit 110, a cooling unit 120, a filter unit 130, and tipping paper 140 that connects these together. The cooling unit 120 and the filter unit 130 are wrapped around the aerosol-generating unit 110 by the tipping paper 140, and are thereby connected coaxially to the aerosol-generating unit 110.

[0016] When the aerosol product 100 of this embodiment is used as a cigarette, it may have a cooling section 120, but since cigarettes generally do not have a cooling section, it can be used in a form in which the aerosol generating section 110 does not have a cooling section 120 and extends to the area where the cooling section 120 is present.

[0017] Reference numeral 101 denotes the mouth end of the aerosol product 100 (filter portion 130). Reference numeral 102 denotes the tip of the aerosol product 100 opposite the mouth end 101. The aerosol generating portion 110 is disposed on the tip 102 side of the aerosol product 100. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol product 100 has a substantially constant diameter over the entire length from the mouth end 101 along the longitudinal direction (hereinafter also referred to as the axial direction or Z direction) along the tip 102.

[0018] The configuration of the aerosol product 100 is not particularly limited and may be a general embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the aerosol generation section 110, the cooling section 120, and the filter section 130 are each illustrated as a single segment, but each section may be composed of a single segment or multiple segments.

[0019] The airflow resistance in the longitudinal direction of each aerosol product 100 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of ease of inhalation, it is usually 10 mmH ２ O or more, 20 mmH ２ It is preferable that the pressure is 30 mmH or more. ２ It is more preferable that the pressure is 100 mmH or more. ２ O or less, 80 mmH ２ It is preferable that the pressure is 60 mmH or less. ２ It is more preferable that the airflow resistance is 0 or less. The airflow resistance is measured in accordance with the ISO standard method (ISO6565:2015) using, for example, a filter airflow resistance measuring device manufactured by Cerulean Co., Ltd. The airflow resistance refers to the air pressure difference between the first end face and the second end face when air is flowed at a predetermined air flow rate (17.5 cc / sec) from one end face (first end face) to the other end face (second end face) in a state where air does not pass through the side face of the aerosol product 100. The unit is generally mmH. ２ The airflow resistance is represented by O. It is known that the relationship between the airflow resistance and the aerosol product 100 is proportional within the commonly used length range (5 mm to 200 mm), and if the length of the aerosol product 100 is doubled, the airflow resistance also doubles. The same is true for the airflow resistance described below.

[0020] The cross-sectional shape of the aerosol product 100 is not particularly limited and may be polygonal, rounded polygonal, circular, elliptical, or the like. In this specification, "cross-section" refers to a surface extending in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in FIG. 1 . The axial length of the aerosol product 100 is not particularly limited and is, for example, typically 40 mm or more, preferably 45 mm or more, and more preferably 50 mm or more. It is also typically 100 mm or less, preferably 90 mm or less, and more preferably 80 mm or less. The width of the tip 102 of the aerosol product 100 (diameter when the cross-sectional shape is circular) is not particularly limited and is, for example, typically 5 mm or more, and preferably 5.5 mm or more. It is also typically 10 mm or less, preferably 9 mm or less, and more preferably 8 mm or less.

[0021] <Aerosol Generating Unit> There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the aerosol generating unit 110, and it may be of a general configuration. For example, a tobacco filler 111 wrapped in cigarette paper 112 may be used.

[0022] The aerosol generating unit 110 may also have a fitting portion for a heater member or the like for heating the aerosol product 100. The shape of the bottom of the aerosol generating unit 110 is not limited and may be polygonal, rounded polygonal, circular, elliptical, or the like, and the width is the diameter if the bottom is circular, the major axis if the bottom is elliptical, or the diameter of the circumscribed circle or the major axis of the circumscribed ellipse if the bottom is polygonal or rounded polygonal. The height of the aerosol generating unit 110 is preferably about 10 to 70 mm, and the width is preferably about 4 to 9 mm.

[0023] The length of the aerosol generating unit 110 in the longitudinal direction can be varied depending on the size of the product, but is typically 10 mm or more, preferably 12 mm or more, more preferably 14 mm or more, and even more preferably 18 mm or more. It is typically 70 mm or less, preferably 50 mm or less, more preferably 30 mm or less, and even more preferably 25 mm or less. From the viewpoint of the balance between the amount of flavor delivered and the aerosol temperature, the ratio of the length of the aerosol generating unit 110 to the length of the aerosol product 100 in the longitudinal direction is typically 10% or more, preferably 20% or more, more preferably 25% or more, and even more preferably 30% or more. It is typically 60% or less, preferably 50% or less, more preferably 45% or less, and even more preferably 40% or less.

[0024] The airflow resistance of the aerosol generating unit 110 is usually 10 to 35 mmH ２ O / mm, preferably 12 to 30 mmH ２ O / mm, more preferably 15 to 25 mmH ２ O / mm.

[0025] The end surface porosity of the aerosol-generating section 110 is usually 10 to 55%, preferably 20 to 45%. When the airflow resistance of the aerosol-generating segment 110 is within the above range, the user can be provided with an appropriate smoking sensation. Furthermore, when the end surface porosity of the aerosol-generating segment 110 is within the above range, a sufficient flavor can be generated. The end surface porosity of each segment can be calculated as follows: In a cross section of the end surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the segment, (cross-sectional area of ​​the segment) - (area of ​​the sheet material at the cross section) = (area of ​​the space) (area of ​​the space) / (cross-sectional area of ​​the segment) = (end surface porosity)

[0026] [Tobacco Filler] The tobacco filler 111 is composed of tobacco shreds. The material of the tobacco shreds contained in the tobacco filler 111 is not particularly limited, and known materials such as lamina or ribs can be used. Alternatively, the tobacco shreds may be produced by crushing dried tobacco leaves to an average particle size of 20 μm or more and 200 μm or less to produce tobacco shreds, which are then homogenized and processed into a sheet (hereinafter simply referred to as a homogenized sheet). Furthermore, the tobacco filler 111 may be a so-called strand type, in which a homogenized sheet having a length approximately the same as the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating unit 110 is shredded approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating unit 110 and filled as the contents of the aerosol generating unit. Furthermore, the width of the tobacco shreds is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less when filling the aerosol generating unit 110. The content of dried tobacco leaves contained in the aerosol generating unit 110 is not particularly limited, but may be 200 mg or more and 800 mg or less per aerosol generating unit, and preferably 250 mg or more and 600 mg or less per aerosol generating unit. This range is particularly suitable for an aerosol generating unit 110 having a circumference of 22 mm and a length of 20 mm.

[0027] The moisture content of the tobacco filler 111 can be, for example, 10% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less, and preferably 11% by mass or more and 13% by mass or less, based on the total amount of the tobacco filler 111. This moisture content suppresses the occurrence of stains on the surface of the tobacco filler 111 and improves the suitability for wrapping during the manufacture of the aerosol generating unit 110. There are no particular restrictions on the size or preparation method of the tobacco shreds contained in the tobacco filler 111. For example, dried tobacco leaves shredded to a width of 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less may be used. Furthermore, when using a ground homogenized sheet, dried tobacco leaves may be ground to an average particle size of approximately 20 μm to 200 μm, homogenized, and then shredded to a width of 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

[0028] The tobacco filler 111 may contain an aerosol base material for generating an aerosol. The type of the aerosol base material is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products and / or their constituent components can be selected depending on the application. Examples of the aerosol base material include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, or mixtures thereof. The content of the aerosol base material in the tobacco filler 111 is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoints of generating sufficient aerosol and imparting a good flavor, it is typically 5% by mass or more, preferably 10% by mass or more, and typically 50% by mass or less, and preferably 15% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the tobacco filler.

[0029] The tobacco filler 111 may contain a flavoring, and any known flavoring can be used.

[0030] [Cigarette Paper] The cigarette paper 112 is a sheet material for wrapping the tobacco filler 111. There are no particular limitations on its composition, and a common one can be used. For example, the base paper used for the cigarette paper 112 can be cellulose fiber paper, and more specifically, hemp or wood pulp, or a mixture thereof. The basis weight of the base paper in the cigarette paper 112 is, for example, typically 25 gsm or more, and preferably 35 gsm or more. On the other hand, the basis weight is typically 75 gsm or less, and preferably 55 gsm or less. The thickness of the cigarette paper 112 having the above characteristics is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoints of rigidity, breathability, and ease of adjustment during papermaking, it is typically 20 μm or more, preferably 40 μm or more, and typically 100 μm or less, and preferably 75 μm or less.

[0031] <Cooling Section> The aerosol product 100 may have a cooling section 120, and the configuration of the cooling section 120 is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of cooling the vapor generated by heating the aerosol generating section 110. For example, the cooling section 120 may be formed by processing cardboard into a cylindrical or other tubular shape. In this case, the inside of the tubular shape is hollow, and the vapor containing the aerosol base material and tobacco flavor component is cooled by contact with the air in the hollow.

[0032] One embodiment of the cooling section 120 may be a paper tube formed by processing a single sheet of paper or multiple sheets of paper into a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, in order to increase the cooling effect by bringing room-temperature external air into contact with high-temperature steam, it is preferable that the paper tube or the like has openings for introducing external air around it. Specifically, the cooling section 120 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with openings 103 for introducing air from the outside. The number of openings 103 in the cooling section 120 is not particularly limited. For example, multiple openings 103 may be arranged at regular intervals around the circumferential direction of the cooling section 120. Furthermore, the group of openings 103 arranged around the circumferential direction of the cooling section 120 may be formed in multiple stages along the axial direction of the cooling section 120. By providing the openings 103 in the cooling section 120, when the aerosol product 100 is sucked, low-temperature air flows into the cooling section 120 from the outside, thereby lowering the temperature of the volatile components and air flowing in from the aerosol generation section 110. Furthermore, the vapor containing the aerosol base material and tobacco flavor components is cooled by the low-temperature air introduced into the cooling section 120 through the openings 103, and is thereby condensed. This promotes the generation of aerosols and also makes it possible to control the size of the aerosol particles. Note that the cooling effect can be increased by applying a polymer coating such as polyvinyl alcohol or a polysaccharide coating such as pectin to the inner surface of the paper tube, utilizing the heat of dissolution that accompanies the heat absorption and phase change of the coating. The airflow resistance of the cylindrical cooling section 120 is usually zero mmH. ２ It becomes O.

[0033] The cooling section 120 may be filled with a sheet or the like to cool the volatile components and air flowing from the aerosol-generating section 110 into the cooling section 120. The cooling section 120 may be formed by a thin sheet of material that is wrinkled to form channels, and then pleated, gathered, and folded. The more folds or pleats within a given volume of the element, the greater the total surface area of ​​the cooling section 120. Paper used as a material for the cooling sheet may be coated with a polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol or a polysaccharide such as pectin to utilize the heat of solution associated with the heat absorption and phase change of the coating, thereby increasing the cooling effect.

[0034] The openings 103 in the cooling section 120 are preferably positioned at a distance of 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, from the boundary between the cooling section 120 and the filter section 130. This not only improves the cooling capacity of the cooling section 120, but also suppresses the retention of components generated by heating within the cooling section 120, thereby improving the delivery amount of the components. The openings in the cooling section 120 are preferably arranged so that the air inflow rate through the openings when inhaling at 17.5 ml / sec using an automatic smoking machine (the volumetric rate of air inflowing through the openings when the volumetric rate of air inhaled from the mouthpiece end is taken as 100%) is 10 to 90% by volume, preferably 50 to 80% by volume, and more preferably 55 to 75% by volume. This can be achieved, for example, by selecting the number of openings V per opening group from a range of 5 to 50, selecting the diameter of the openings V from a range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm, or by combining these selections. The air inflow ratio can be measured using an automatic smoking machine (for example, a single-cigarette automatic smoking machine manufactured by Borgwaldt) using a method conforming to ISO 9512. The axial length (airflow direction) of the cooling section 120 is not particularly limited, but is usually 10 mm or more, preferably 15 mm or more, and usually 40 mm or less, preferably 35 mm or less, and more preferably 30 mm or less. The axial length of the cooling section 120 is particularly preferably 20 mm. By setting the axial length of the cooling section 120 to be equal to or greater than the above lower limit, a sufficient cooling effect can be ensured, resulting in a good flavor.

[0035] [Filter Section] The filter section 130 has the function of a general filter and is not particularly limited as long as it includes a granule segment having a sheet material and granules, the sheet material having a viscous substance on its surface, and the granules being disposed by adhering to the viscous substance. The filter section may be composed of only the granule segment, or may include any other segment other than the granule segment. The conditions for the granule segment are described below, but the conditions for the size, etc., of the granule segment can also be used for the size of the filter section.

[0036] Typical functions of the filter in the filter section 130 include, for example, adjusting the amount of air mixed in when inhaling aerosols, reducing flavor, and reducing nicotine and tar, but it is not necessary for the filter to have all of these functions. Furthermore, in non-combustion aerosol products, which tend to produce fewer components during use and have a lower tobacco filler filling rate than cigarette products, another important function is to prevent the tobacco filler from falling out while suppressing the filtering function.

[0037] The cross-sectional shape of the filter portion 130 is substantially circular, and the diameter of the circle can be varied depending on the size of the product, but is typically 4.0 mm to 9.0 mm, preferably 4.5 mm to 8.5 mm, and more preferably 5.0 mm to 8.0 mm. If the cross section is not circular, the above diameter refers to the diameter of a circle having the same area as the cross section. The circumferential length of the filter portion 130 can be varied depending on the size of the product, but is typically 14.0 mm to 27.0 mm, preferably 15.0 mm to 26.0 mm, and more preferably 16.0 mm to 25.0 mm. The axial length of the filter portion 130 can be varied depending on the size of the product, but is typically 5 mm to 35 mm, and preferably 10.0 mm to 30.0 mm. The shape and dimensions of the filter medium 150 can be adjusted as appropriate so that the shape and dimensions of the filter portion 130 fall within the above ranges.

[0038] The airflow resistance per 120 mm of the axial length of the filter part 130 is not particularly limited, but is usually 40 mmH ２ O or more, 300mmH ２ O or less, 70 mmH ２ O or more, 280mmH ２ It is preferable that the pressure is 90 mmH or less. ２ O or more, 260mmH ２ It is more preferable that it is 0 or less.

[0039] 1, the filter unit 130 is composed of a single segment (in this case, a granule segment), but it may be composed of multiple segments. When the filter unit 130 is composed of multiple segments, for example, a granule segment may be disposed upstream (toward the aerosol generating unit 110), and a mouth-side segment may be further provided downstream of the granule segment (toward the mouth end 101). By employing such a mouth-side segment, the effect of the granules can be obtained without the granules being visible from the mouth end 101.

[0040] (Granule Segment) The granule segment is not particularly limited as long as it contains the sheet material, granules, and viscous material in the above-described manner, and may contain other materials. The reference numeral 150 in FIG. 1 denotes the material (other than the capsule, described below) that constitutes the granule segment, and is also referred to herein as the granule segment filler material. In the granule segment, the sheet material not only ensures the function of a filter, but the granules also provide additional benefits. The type of this additional function is not particularly limited. For example, if a flavor source is used as the granules, the user can obtain the flavor derived from the granules in addition to the flavor derived from the aerosol generator, and the use of an adsorbent such as activated carbon can reduce the amount of a specific component in the aerosol.

[0041] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a granule segment taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In Fig. 3, a sheet material 62 is folded and filled into the granule segment wrapped in a filter wrapper 61, and a viscous substance is present on the surface of the sheet material 62 (illustration of the viscous substance is omitted in Fig. 3). Granules 63 are adhered to and held by the viscous substance on the surface of the sheet material 62.

[0042] The cross-sectional shape of the granule segment is substantially circular, and the diameter of the circle can be adjusted to suit the size of the product. However, it is typically 4.0 mm to 9.0 mm, preferably 4.5 mm to 8.5 mm, and more preferably 5.0 mm to 8.0 mm. If the cross section is not circular, the above diameter refers to the diameter of a circle assumed to have the same area as the cross section. The circumferential length of the filter section 130 can be adjusted to suit the size of the product. However, it is typically 14.0 mm to 27.0 mm, preferably 15.0 mm to 26.0 mm, and more preferably 16.0 mm to 25.0 mm. The axial length of the granule segment can be adjusted to suit the size of the product. However, it is typically 3 mm to 35 mm, preferably 5 mm to 35 mm, and more preferably 10 mm to 30 mm. This range is particularly preferred when the filter section 130 is used as a single segment. In particular, when the filter section 130 is composed of multiple segments, the axial length of the granule segment is preferably 3 mm or more and 25 mm or less, and more preferably 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. The shape and dimensions of the filter material can be appropriately adjusted so that the shape and dimensions of the granule segment fall within the above ranges.

[0043] The airflow resistance per axial length of the granule segment is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 mmH ２ O / mm or more, 2mmH ２ It is preferable that the resistance is 0.0 mmH or less. ２ O / mm or more, 1.5mmH ２ It is more preferable that the resistance is 0.0 mmH / mm or less, and 0.3 mmH / mm or less. ２ O / mm or more, 1.0mmH ２ It is more preferable that the density is 0 / mm or less.

[0044] The end surface porosity of the granule segment is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of obtaining low filtration performance, it is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more, and even more preferably 70% or more, and from the viewpoint of manufacturability, it is preferably 90% or less, more preferably 85% or less, and even more preferably 80% or less.

[0045] Sheet material The structure of the sheet material is not particularly limited, and known sheet-like materials such as paper, tobacco sheets, films, nonwoven fabrics, etc. Among these, paper is preferred from the viewpoint of biodegradability, and glassine paper is particularly preferred from the viewpoint of obtaining low filtration performance because it is thin and easy to ensure low air permeability.

[0046] The method for arranging the sheet material within the granule segment is not particularly limited. For example, the sheet material may be wrapped in a filter wrapper 160, or the sheet material may be arranged in a cylindrically formed wrapper 160. Using the filter wrapper 160 can improve strength and structural rigidity. The manner in which the sheet material is arranged is not particularly limited, and the sheet material may be arranged in a manner similar to that of a typical paper filter. For example, when the shape of the sheet material is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped having a longitudinal direction, the sheet material may be arranged so that the longitudinal direction is in an unspecified direction within the filter wrapper 160. Furthermore, for example, sheet material formed to a width of 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less (length, for example, 5 mm or more and 40 mm or less) may be arranged in a random orientation. Alternatively, sheet material formed to a width of 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less (length, for example, 5 mm or more and 40 mm or less) may be arranged in an aligned parallel to the air passage direction. Alternatively, the sheet material may be crimped (processed to form vertical grains) and then gathered.

[0047] The width of the sheet material (the length of the sheet material in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the granule segments) depends on the size and shape of the granule segments. For example, when the granule segments are rod-shaped and have a diameter of 7 mm (preferably a major axis length of 12 mm), the width is typically 100 to 300 mm, more preferably 130 to 250 mm, and even more preferably 150 to 200 mm. A sheet material width within the above range can achieve low filtration. Additionally, in the case of glassine paper, a width of 180 mm to 200 mm can maintain low filtration while also maintaining appropriate rod hardness.

[0048] In particular, it is preferable to arrange the sheet material in a gathered state (a state in which multiple channels for vertical air flow are provided) after crimping. This arrangement facilitates the placement of granules, described below, on the viscous substance on the surface of the sheet material. Furthermore, by ensuring an air flow path in the ventilation direction, flavor components can be efficiently delivered to the user. The crimp depth is preferably 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The sheet material may also be arranged in a spiral shape, with the central axis of the spiral approximately coaxial with the axial direction of the aerosol-generating segment 110.

[0049] The amount of sheet material placed in the granule segment depends on the size and shape of the granule segment, but as an example, when the granule segment is rod-shaped with a major axis length of 12 mm and a diameter of 7 mm, the amount is usually 24 to 216 mg, preferably 40 to 180 mg, and more preferably 63 to 120 mg. The packing density of the sheet material in the granule segment is preferably 0.05 to 0.47 g / cm. ３ , more preferably 0.09 to 0.39 g / cm ３ and more preferably 0.14 to 0.26 g / cm ３ When the packing density of the tobacco sheet is within the above range, it is possible to ensure sufficient delivery of flavor while ensuring the effectiveness as a filter.

[0050] The basis weight of the sheet material is not particularly limited, but is preferably 20 gsm or more and 60 gsm or less, more preferably 30 gsm or more and 55 gsm or less, and even more preferably 35 gsm or more and 50 gsm or less. The thickness of the sheet material is also not particularly limited, but is preferably 20 μm or more and 70 μm or less, and more preferably 30 μm or more and 60 μm or less. When the basis weight and thickness of the sheet material are within the above ranges, the sheet material can be appropriately crimped. Specifically, if the basis weight of the sheet material is too low or the thickness is too thin, the sheet tends to break easily when crimped. On the other hand, if the basis weight is too high or the thickness is too thick, the crimping pressure will be overwhelmed by the strength of the paper, and the crimping will not be performed properly.

[0051] The air permeability of the sheet material is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of obtaining low filtration, it is preferably 10 Coresta units or less, more preferably 5 Coresta units or less, and even more preferably less than 1 Coresta unit. There is no particular need to set a lower limit, but it may be 0 Coresta units or more, or may exceed 0 Coresta units. The air permeability is a value measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009, and is the value of the air permeability of an area of ​​1 cm per minute when the differential pressure between both sides of the paper is 1 kPa. ２ Flow rate of gas passing through (cm ３ ) One Coresta unit (1 Coresta unit, 1 C.U.) is 1 cm under 1 kPa. ３ / (min cm ２ )

[0052] Filter Wrapper As described above, the granule segment can use a filter wrapper 160. The form of the filter wrapper 160 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. Furthermore, when the filter part 130 is composed of two or more segments, it is preferable to wrap these two or more segments together with a connecting filter wrapper (outer filter wrapper) to connect the segments. It is preferable to wrap these two or more segments together with the filter wrapper 160. The material of the filter wrapper 160 is not particularly limited, and known materials can be used, and it may also include a filler such as calcium carbonate.

[0053] The thickness of the filter wrapper 160 is not particularly limited, but is typically 20 μm to 140 μm, preferably 30 μm to 130 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 120 μm. The basis weight of the filter wrapper 160 is not particularly limited, but is typically 20 gsm to 100 gsm, preferably 22 gsm to 95 gsm, and more preferably 23 gsm to 90 gsm.

[0054] Furthermore, the filter wrapper may or may not be coated, but is preferably coated with a desired material from the viewpoint of imparting functions other than strength and structural rigidity. When coating is performed, a coating agent may be added to at least one of the two surfaces (front and back) of the filter wrapper. 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 the coating agent include polysaccharides such as alginic acid and its salts (e.g., sodium salts), 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), and the like. From the viewpoint of stain prevention, polysaccharides are preferred.

[0055] The filter wrapper may be liquid-proof paper to prevent leakage of liquid.

[0056] Granules The granules are arranged by adhering to the viscous substance on the surface of the sheet material, and are arranged in the granule segment together with the sheet material. In particular, it is preferable that the granules are attached to the viscous substance on the surface of the sheet material that has been gathered and filled after crimping. This is preferable because the granules are less likely to fall off the sheet material. It is also easier to ensure the surface area of ​​the tobacco filler and the air flow path in the ventilation direction. It is preferable that the granules are arranged as uniformly as possible from the perspective of efficiently ensuring additional effects such as adsorption and flavoring. In other words, it is preferable that the granules are distributed so that there are as many contact points as possible between the granules and the viscous substance or the sheet material. Furthermore, after the sheet material is filled in the granule segment, the granules may be filled between the sheets and adhered to the viscous substance. However, from the perspective of uniformly adhering the granules, it is preferable to fill the granule segment with sheet material to which the viscous substance and granules have been previously attached.

[0057] The form of the granules is not particularly limited and may be, for example, an adsorbent or a flavoring material. One type of granule may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. Furthermore, the granules may be composed of a single type of material or multiple types of materials. When multiple types of materials are used, various functions can be imparted by, for example, incorporating other components together with the base substrate. The base substrate of the granules is not particularly limited, but for example, the examples exemplified in the description of flavoring materials below can be applied. An adsorbent or the like described below may be used as the base substrate and further contain other components. The base substrate can be molded into a granular shape by a known method. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of component retention, it is preferable to place the other components in the granule segments while they are supported by the granules. A method for incorporating other components into the granules includes mixing the base substrate and the other components and then molding them into a granular shape.

[0058] The adsorbent is not particularly limited and may be, for example, inorganic or organic. Examples of usable adsorbents include inorganic porous adsorbents such as activated carbon, sepiolite, palygorskite, zeolite, activated carbon fiber, activated alumina, sepiolite-mixed paper, silica gel, activated clay, permiculite, and diatomaceous earth. Organic porous adsorbents include pulp, various fibers, and polymeric porous materials such as ion exchange resins. These porous adsorbents may be used together with aniline compounds, hydrazine compounds, or amino compounds reactive with aldehydes, which may be adsorbed and retained within the pores of the porous adsorbent, in order to further remove flavor-inhibiting components such as aldehydes. Among these porous adsorbents, activated carbon is preferred because it does not adversely affect the flavor, may improve the flavor in some cases, and is capable of adsorbing flavor-inhibiting components such as aldehydes. The specific conditions for the activated carbon, including the conditions for the production method, disclosed in WO 2023 / 112152 can be applied.

[0059] Examples of activated carbon include those made from raw materials such as wood, bamboo, coconut shells, walnut shells, and coal. The BET specific surface area of ​​activated carbon is usually 600 m ２ / g or more 1800m ２ / g or less. The BET specific surface area of ​​most activated carbons is 800 m ２ / g or more 1300m ２ / g or less, and these activated carbons may be used.

[0060] The activated carbon particles preferably have a cumulative 10% by volume particle diameter (particle diameter D10) of 250 μm or more and 1200 μm or less, and a cumulative 50% by volume particle diameter (particle diameter D50) of 350 μm or more and 1500 μm or less. D10 and D50 are measured by a laser diffraction scattering method.

[0061] Flavoring materials include tobacco granules, flavor capsules, microcapsules, or base substrates such as porous materials impregnated with at least one selected from the group consisting of flavors, tobacco flavor components, and nicotine.

[0062] The type of flavoring is not particularly limited, and any commonly used flavoring, such as essential oils, natural flavorings, or synthetic flavorings, can be used from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor. Furthermore, the flavoring may be liquid or solid, and its form is not important. Suitable flavorings include flavorings selected from tobacco extracts and tobacco components, menthol, sugar and sugar-based flavors, licorice, cocoa, chocolate, fruit juice and fruit, spices, liquor, herbs, vanilla, or floral flavors, or combinations thereof. Specific examples include flavorings selected from isothiocyanates, indole or its derivatives, ethers, esters, ketones, fatty acids, higher aliphatic alcohols, higher aliphatic aldehydes, higher aliphatic hydrocarbons, thioethers, thiols, terpene hydrocarbons, phenol ethers, phenols, furfural or its derivatives, aromatic alcohols, aromatic aldehydes, or lactones, or combinations thereof. By including a flavoring in the granules, the delivery of the flavoring component can be controlled.

[0063] Examples of tobacco flavor components include components derived from tobacco leaves, such as tobacco shreds. The material of the tobacco shreds is not particularly limited, and known materials such as lamina and ribs can be used. By including the tobacco flavor components in the granules, the delivery of the tobacco flavor components can be controlled.

[0064] The amount of granules placed in a granule segment depends on the size and shape of the granule segment, but as an example, when the granule segment is rod-shaped with a major axis length of 12 mm and a diameter of 7 mm, the amount is usually 10 to 140 mg, preferably 35 to 90 mg. The packing density of the granules in the granule segment is usually 20 to 300 mg / cm. ３ and preferably 50 to 250 mg / cm ３ and more preferably 100 to 200 mg / cm ３ It is preferable from the viewpoint of delivery efficiency that the packing density of the granules is within the above range.

[0065] The mass ratio of the sheet material to the granules arranged in the granule segment (mass of sheet material / mass of granules) is preferably 60 / 40 to 95 / 5, and more preferably 70 / 30 to 80 / 20, where the mass of the sheet material does not include the mass of the viscous substance on the surface of the sheet material.

[0066] From the viewpoint of ease of retention of the granules in the granule segment, the average particle size of the granules is preferably 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, may be 0.2 to 1.5 mm, or may be 0.2 to 1.0 mm.

[0067] Viscous substance The sheet material has a viscous substance on its surface. The form of the viscous substance is not particularly limited, and examples include a gel-like substance (a substance that is gel-like at room temperature and normal pressure) or a liquid (including a composition) with a viscosity (room temperature and normal pressure) of 2000 mPa·s or more. From the viewpoint of maintaining the viscous substance on the sheet material or maintaining granules by the viscous substance, a gel-like substance is preferred, and a liquid with a viscosity (room temperature and normal pressure) of 2000 mPa·s or more is preferred. In this specification, room temperature means 22°C, and normal pressure means 1 atmosphere (1013.25 hPa).

[0068] The method for forming a viscous substance on the surface of a sheet material is not particularly limited. For example, a liquid with a viscosity (at room temperature and pressure) of 2000 mPa or a composition that becomes gel-like at room temperature and pressure can be heated to increase fluidity, applied to the surface of the sheet material, and then cooled. Adding granules during application ensures that the granules remain uniformly attached to the viscous substance after cooling, preventing uneven distribution of the granules. In this specification, "gel-like" refers to a state in which the system as a whole exhibits solid-like properties due to high viscosity and loss of fluidity. Specifically, after a composition is placed in a container such as a vial, even if the container is turned on its side, the composition does not spread to the entire side of the container that is the bottom side after turning over, and this state can be confirmed visually. The gel-like substance is not particularly limited as long as it is gel-like at room temperature and pressure, has fluidity when heated, and can be applied to a sheet material.

[0069] The components of the viscous substance are not particularly limited. However, the viscous substance may contain a thickening stabilizer to obtain a gel-like substance or a liquid with a viscosity (at room temperature and normal pressure) of 2000 mPa·s or more. The viscosity can be adjusted using this thickening stabilizer to obtain a liquid with a viscosity of 2000 mPa·s or more. A gel-like substance can be obtained by including a component corresponding to a gelling agent, which will be described later. Note that, when the amount of gelling agent added is small, it can also increase the viscosity of the composition without causing gelation. The viscous substance may be a single component, or a composition containing multiple components. The form of this composition containing multiple components is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of the influence of flavor and taste, a form containing an aerosol base and a binder is preferred. The type of binder is not particularly limited; for example, a thickening stabilizer, which will be described later, can be used as the binder.

[0070] Examples of thickening stabilizers include xanthan gum, gellan gum, psyllium seed gum, pectin, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, agarose, pullulan, alginic acid, polyacrylic acid, urethane compounds, and alkali metal salts or alkaline earth metal salts thereof, carrageenan, agar, xanthan gum, gellan gum, psyllium seed gum, konjac glucomannan, locust bean gum, guar gum, tamarind gum, tara gum, starch, cassia gum, psyllium seed gum, etc. Among these, from the viewpoint of the influence on flavor and taste, at least one selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sucrose acetate isobutyrate, agarose, agar, gellan gum, tamarind gum, and guar gum is preferred. Among the above thickening stabilizers, those capable of gelling (gelling agents) are preferred, and at least one selected from the group consisting of agar, gellan gum, tamarind gum, and guar gum is more preferred, with agar being particularly preferred.

[0071] The content of the thickening stabilizer in the viscous substance is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of ensuring sufficient viscosity, it is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, and even more preferably 1% by mass or more, and is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3% by mass or less.

[0072] The aerosol base is a base material that generates an aerosol when heated. When the viscous substance contains an aerosol base, the aerosol base in the viscous substance is less likely to leak, and the total amount of aerosol delivered during use can be increased, which is preferable. Examples of aerosol bases include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, or mixtures thereof. Among these, from the viewpoint of the influence of flavor and taste, it is preferable that the viscous substance contains at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin and propylene glycol, and it is more preferable that the viscous substance contains glycerin.

[0073] In addition to the above components, the viscous substance may contain other components such as water, a flavoring, an emulsifier, or a bulking agent.

[0074] Examples of flavorings include menthol, tobacco leaf extract, natural plant flavorings, sugars, ketones, alcohols, and aldehydes.

[0075] The amount of viscous substance per unit area on the surface of the sheet material is usually 1 to 10 mg / cm ２ , preferably 2 to 8 mg / cm ２ , more preferably 3 to 5 mg / cm ２ The ratio of the content of the liquid serving as the aerosol substrate to the content of the thickening stabilizer in the gel layer is, for example, 99 / 1 to 90 / 10.

[0076] The composition for forming the gel layer may be applied to only a portion of the surface of the sheet material, but is preferably applied to the entire surface of the sheet material, and may be applied to the entire surface of one side or both sides.

[0077] The viscosity of the viscous substance at room temperature and normal pressure is preferably 2000 mPa s or more, more preferably 5000 mPa s or more, and even more preferably 10000 mPa s or more. When the viscosity is 2000 mPa s or more, the fluidity of the viscous substance is sufficiently low, and the granules adhering to the viscous substance can be sufficiently retained.

[0078] From the viewpoint of production, the viscosity of the viscous substance at 70°C (normal pressure) is usually 0 to 10,000 mPa s or less, preferably 4,000 mPa s or less, and more preferably 2,000 mPa s or less. The viscosity of the viscous substance can be appropriately adjusted by the composition of the components forming the viscous substance, for example, the amount of thickener or gelling agent used.

[0079] The viscosity of a viscous substance is measured by the following test. The viscosity of the viscous substances in the examples described below was measured by the following test. Viscosity test conditions Measurement device: Tuning fork type vibration viscometer SV-10 (AND Corporation) (Measurement conditions) Natural frequency: 30 Hz Sample amount: 10 mL Measurement temperature range: 80°C to 22°C (Measurement procedure) After heating the sample to 80°C, 10 mL is poured into a dedicated disposable container, the sensor unit is lowered, and measurement is started. The sample temperature and viscosity are measured over time.

[0080] Capsules The granule segments may contain a crushable additive release container 170 (e.g., a capsule) containing a crushable outer shell such as gelatin. The form of the capsule (also referred to as an "additive release container" in the art) is not particularly limited and may be any known form, for example, a crushable additive release container 170 containing a crushable outer shell such as gelatin. The form of the capsule is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a frangible capsule, preferably spherical in shape. The additive contained in the capsule may include any of the additives described above, but preferably includes flavorings and activated carbon. One or more materials that help filter smoke may also be added as additives. The form of the additive is not particularly limited, but is usually liquid or solid. The use of capsules containing additives is well known in the art. Frangible capsules and methods for manufacturing them are well known in the art.

[0081] Flavoring agents may be, for example, menthol, spearmint, peppermint, fenugreek, or clove, medium chain triglycerides (MCT), or the like, or combinations thereof.

[0082] The granule segment may contain flavoring added in a form other than granules. The method of adding flavoring to the granule segment is not particularly limited, and it may be added so that the flavoring is dispersed substantially uniformly in the material to which the flavoring is to be added. The amount of flavoring added may be 10 to 100% by volume of the filter material. The flavoring may be added to the material to which the flavoring is to be added before the granule segment is formed, or may be added after the granule segment is formed. The type of flavoring is not particularly limited, and the same flavoring as that contained in the tobacco filler 111 described above may be used.

[0083] (Other Segments of the Filter Section) The filter section may have segments other than the above-mentioned granule segments (other segments). As the other segments, known filters that can generally be used as filters can be used, and examples thereof include the following exemplary embodiments. The number of other segments is not particularly limited, and may be one or two or more. The embodiments shown below can also be used as the mouth-side segment described above, and it is particularly preferred that the mouth-side segment is a paper filter. When the mouth-side segment is a paper filter, if the airflow resistance is low, channels are likely to form, giving the end face an appearance of having gaps. Usually, the higher the airflow resistance, the more clogged the filter material is, and channels are less likely to form.

[0084] Examples of other segments include acetate filters in which cellulose acetate tow is used as the filter material and the filter material is wrapped in a filter wrapper (winding paper) in a cylindrical shape. The single-filament fineness and total fineness of the cellulose acetate tow are not particularly limited, but when the other segment has a circumference of 22 mm, the single-filament fineness is preferably 5 to 20 g / 9000 m and the total fineness is preferably 12,000 to 30,000 g / 9000 m. The cross-sectional shape of the cellulose acetate tow fiber may be, for example, a Y-section or an R-section. When the other segment is formed by filling cellulose acetate tow, 5 to 10 parts by mass of triacetin may be added per 100 parts by mass of cellulose acetate tow to improve the filter hardness. Furthermore, the other segment may be a hollow filter such as a center hole, or a paper filter filled with sheet-like pulp paper as the filter material.

[0085] The cross-sectional shape of other segments is substantially circular, and the diameter of this circle can be appropriately changed according to the size of product, but is usually 4.0mm or more and 9.0mm or less, preferably 4.5mm or more and 8.5mm or less, more preferably 5.0mm or more and 8.0mm or less.If the cross section is not circular, the above-mentioned diameter is applied to the circle that has the same area as the area of ​​the cross section.The circumferential length of other segments can be appropriately changed according to the size of product, but is usually 14.0mm or more and 27.0mm or less, preferably 15.0mm or more and 26.0mm or less, more preferably 16.0mm or more and 25.0mm or less.The axial length of other segments can be appropriately changed according to the size of product, but is usually 5mm or more and 35mm or less, preferably 10.0mm or more and 30.0mm or less.The shape and size of filter material can be appropriately adjusted so that the shape and size of other segments are within the above range.

[0086] The airflow resistance per 120 mm of the axial length of the other segments is not particularly limited, but is usually 40 mmH ２ O or more, 300mmH ２ O or less, 70 mmH ２O or more, 280mmH ２ It is preferable that the pressure is 90 mmH or less. ２ O or more, 260mmH ２ It is more preferable that it is 0 or less.

[0087] The density of the filter material in the other segments is not particularly limited, but is usually 0.10 g / cm ３ Above, 0.25g / cm ３ or less, and 0.11 g / cm ３ Above, 0.24g / cm ３ It is preferable that the density is 0.12 g / cm or less. ３ Above, 0.23g / cm ３ It is more preferable that the following is true. From the viewpoint of improving strength and structural rigidity, the other segments may be provided with a filter wrapper around which a filter medium or the like is wrapped. The form of the filter wrapper is not particularly limited, and it may include one or more rows of seams containing adhesive. The adhesive may include a hot melt adhesive, and the hot melt adhesive may further include polyvinyl alcohol. The material of the filter wrapper in the other segments is not particularly limited, and known materials can be used, and it may also include a filler such as calcium carbonate.

[0088] The thickness of the filter wrapper in the other segments is not particularly limited, but is typically 20 μm to 140 μm, preferably 30 μm to 130 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 120 μm. The basis weight of the filter wrapper 160 is not particularly limited, but is typically 20 gsm to 100 gsm, preferably 22 gsm to 95 gsm, and more preferably 23 gsm to 90 gsm. The filter wrapper may or may not be coated, but is preferably coated with a desired material from the viewpoint of imparting functions other than strength and structural rigidity.

[0089] When the other segment includes a center-hole filter and an acetate filter, the center-hole filter and the acetate filter may be connected by, for example, an outer filter wrapper. The outer filter wrapper may be, for example, a cylindrical paper. The other segment may also include flavor in the form of granules, capsules, or other forms of flavoring other than granules, as described in the section on the granule segment.

[0090] [Tipping Paper] The aerosol product 100 may include tipping paper 140 that integrally connects the aerosol generation unit 110, the cooling unit 120, and the filter unit 130 described above. These connections can be made, for example, by applying glue such as vinyl acetate glue to the inner surface of the tipping paper 140, and then wrapping the aerosol generation unit 110, the cooling unit 120, and the filter unit 130 inside. These may also be connected in multiple places using multiple connecting papers. For example, the aerosol generation unit 110 and the cooling unit 120 may be connected in advance with a first connecting paper (first tipping paper), and then the aerosol generation unit 110 and the cooling unit 120 may be connected to the filter unit 130 with a second connecting paper (second tipping paper).

[0091] A portion of the outer surface of the tipping paper 140 may be coated with a lip release material. The lip release material refers to a material configured to help the lip and tipping paper 140 easily separate without causing substantial sticking when the user holds the aerosol product 100 in their mouth. The lip release material may include, for example, ethyl cellulose or methyl cellulose. For example, the outer surface of the tipping paper 140 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 tipping paper 140.

[0092] The lip release material of the tipping paper 140 is disposed at least in a predetermined mouthpiece region that comes into contact with the lips of a user when the user holds the aerosol product 100 in their mouth. More specifically, the lip release material-disposed region R1 (see FIG. 2 ) on the outer surface of the tipping paper 140 that is covered with the lip release material is defined as the region located between the mouthpiece end 101 of the filter portion 130 and the opening 103.

[0093] [Tip Segment] The aerosol product 100 may include components other than those described above. For example, it may include a tip segment (tip portion) upstream of the aerosol-generating section 102. The tip segment may have a filler therein and be wrapped with a tip segment wrapper. The filler may include cellulose acetate fiber, natural pulp fiber, etc. Preferably, the filler includes paper. The tip segment may further include an aerosol-generating base material, a fragrance, etc.

[0094] <Method for Manufacturing Aerosol Product> The method for manufacturing the aerosol product 100 according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, and a combination of known methods can be applied. As an example, a sheet material such as glassine paper is first crimped while being extruded from a roller. A viscous substance-forming composition is applied to the crimped sheet material while being heated to enhance fluidity (viscous substance application process). Granules are then added to the viscous substance, and the resulting mixture is rolled up in wrapping paper to produce a rod-shaped granule segment. During the process of producing the granule segment, an aerosol base such as glycerin may be added as needed. The aerosol-generating segment 110, the cooling section 120, and the granule segment serving as the filter section 130 are then rolled up in tipping paper 140 to produce the aerosol product.

[0095] The temperature of the viscous substance in the viscous substance application step is not particularly limited as long as the composition has sufficient fluidity to be applicable, but is, for example, 50 to 80° C. In the viscous substance application step, application by a multiple nozzle or roller transfer is preferred. This allows for uniform application even if the viscous substance has a high viscosity.

[0096] The aerosol product 100 may include components other than those described above. For example, it may further include a tip segment (not shown) upstream of the aerosol-generating unit 110 (opposite the mouth end). The tip segment may contain a filler therein and be wrapped with a tip segment wrapper. The filler may include cellulose acetate fiber, natural pulp fiber, etc. Preferably, the filler includes paper. The tip segment may further include an aerosol-generating substrate or a flavoring. For example, the sheet material filled in the tip segment may be a non-tobacco sheet material, and the sheet material filled in the aerosol-generating unit 110 may be a tobacco sheet material.

[0097] <Non-combustion aerosol generation system> The aerosol product 100 described above can be used together with a non-combustion aerosol generation device that heats the aerosol product 100. That is, a non-combustion aerosol generation system according to another embodiment of the present invention (also simply referred to as a "non-combustion aerosol generation system") is a non-combustion aerosol generation system including the aerosol product described above and a non-combustion aerosol generation device that heats the aerosol product. The configuration of the non-combustion aerosol generation system is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of a non-combustion aerosol generation system 200. Note that the aerosol-generating heated tobacco article 100 in FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the aerosol product 100 in FIG. 1.

[0098] The non-combustion aerosol generation system 200 includes an aerosol product 100 and a non-combustion aerosol generation device 30 that heats an aerosol generation section 110 of the aerosol product 100. The aerosol product 100 is accommodated in a storage section 310 through an insertion port 3A of the non-combustion aerosol generation device 30 so as to be freely insertable into and removable from the storage section 310.

[0099] When the non-combustion aerosol generating device 30 is used by a user, the aerosol product 100 is inserted into the storage section 310, and in this state, the heater provided in the storage section 310 is heated to heat the flavor source in the aerosol product 100, thereby generating an aerosol containing components such as tobacco components, which is then inhaled by the user. The heater may directly heat the aerosol generating section 110, but may also heat the aerosol generating source in the aerosol product 100, thereby supplying the heated aerosol to the aerosol generating section 110, and the heated aerosol may further heat the tobacco components and the like in the aerosol generating section 110, thereby being inhaled by the user.

[0100] The non-combustion aerosol generating device 30 has an outer wall 301 and a housing 31 that is a case for accommodating various components. The housing 31 accommodates a heater 32, a temperature sensor 35, a suction sensor 36, a control unit 37, a power source 38, etc.

[0101] [Storage Section] The housing 31 has a storage section 310 that stores the aerosol product 100 insertably and removably from the front end toward the rear end. The open end of the storage section 310 opens toward the outside of the housing 31, forming an insertion port 3A for inserting the aerosol product 100. A heater 32 is provided around the storage section 310. The storage section 310 can be made of a metal such as stainless steel or a heat-resistant resin, for example. The heater 32 may be disposed inside the storage section 310.

[0102] [Heater] The heater 32 generates heat upon receiving power from the control unit 37 and heats the aerosol product 100 contained in the container 310. The heating temperature is not particularly limited, but is preferably 400°C or less, more preferably 150 to 400°C, and even more preferably 200 to 350°C. The heating temperature may be controlled by the control unit upon receiving signals from the temperature sensor 35 and the suction sensor 36.

[0103] From the viewpoints of promoting the inflow of air from the outside and preventing components generated by heating and air from accumulating within the cooling section 120, the opening 103 that may be provided in the cooling section 120 is preferably located closer to the mouth end than the end of the mouth end of the area of ​​the cooling section 120 that comes into contact with the non-combustion aerosol generation device 30. Furthermore, the insertion port 3A for the heated tobacco product 100 of the non-combustion aerosol generation device 30 may be tapered to make it easier to insert the aerosol product 100.

[0104] The above description has been given of an embodiment in which a heater is used as a means for heating the aerosol product 100, specifically, an embodiment in which the aerosol product 100 is heated from the outside when the aerosol product 100 is inserted into the non-combustion aerosol generation device 30. However, the means for heating the aerosol product 100 is not limited to this. For example, a rod-shaped or spindle-shaped heater may be used, and when the aerosol product 100 is inserted into the non-combustion aerosol generation device 30, the heater may be inserted into the aerosol generation section 110 of the aerosol product 100, thereby heating the aerosol product 100 from the inside. Alternatively, an embodiment in which an inductor is provided as the heater and a susceptor for heating a flavor source or the like is introduced into the aerosol generation section 110 of the aerosol product 100 may be provided. In this embodiment, the flavor source or the like can be heated by supplying power to the inductor via the output control unit 713 and heating the susceptor by induction heating. Alternatively, an embodiment in which a microwave generator is provided as the heater may be provided. In this embodiment, the output control unit 713 supplies power to the microwave generator, and the flavor source and the like in the aerosol generating unit 110 can be heated by microwave heating.

[0105] The present invention will be explained in more detail by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the description of the following examples as long as it does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0106] [Example 1] Using the materials described below, a long rod of granule segments (length: 120 mm, diameter of cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction: 7.5 mm, airflow resistance: 0.7 mmH) was prepared, in which a sheet material having an adhesive substance and granules on the surface was randomly arranged as shown in Figure 3. ２ A filter segment (0.0 / mm) was produced (Example 1). Sheet material: glassine paper with a basis weight of 35 gsm and a thickness of 37 μm (air permeability: 0 Coresta units). Granules: activated carbon with a particle size selected to a mesh size of 0.2 to 0.5 mm. Viscous substance: a mixed solution of 99% by mass of glycerin and 1% by mass of agar. Filter wrapper: liquid-resistant paper with a basis weight of 35 gsm and a thickness of 40 μm. A paper filter manufacturing machine was used to produce the granule segments, and a viscous substance addition device heated to 70°C was placed downstream of the crimp roller, and an activated carbon addition device was placed further downstream. The sheet material had a width of 180 mm, a longitudinal length of 120 mm, a crimp depth of 0.2 mm, and a crimp interval of 1 mm. 0.36 g of viscous substance and the amount of activated carbon shown in Table 1 were uniformly added per long rod. The amount of viscous substance on the surface of the sheet material after adding the viscous substance was 1.7 mg / cm ２ The viscosity of the viscous substance at room temperature (22°C) and normal pressure was 4,000 mPa·s, and the viscosity at 70°C was 170 mPa·s. This long rod was cut to a predetermined length to obtain a single granule segment. In this example, it was divided into 10 sections to a length of 12 mm. The amount of activated carbon spilled and the yield of activated carbon were evaluated by comparing the mass per long rod before division into 10 sections, the mass per long rod after division into 10 sections, the mass per long rod without the viscous substance and activated carbon added, and the mass per long rod of the viscous substance. This evaluation was performed five times, and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0107]

[0108] Comparative Example 1: A long rod of granule segments without the addition of any viscous material was produced under the same conditions as above (Comparative Example 1), and the amount of activated carbon that spilled out and the yield of activated carbon were similarly evaluated. This evaluation was performed five times, and the results are shown in Table 2.

[0109]

[0110] Tables 1 and 2 show that adding a viscous substance can increase yield.

[0111] <Evaluation of the amount of viscous substance and the amount of granules supported> Glassine paper (basis weight 35 gsm, thickness 37 μm) was cut into a size of 5 cm × 5 cm, and a mixture of 99% glycerin and 1% agar (viscous substance) was applied to the glassine paper in the amount shown in Table 1, followed by the addition of 45 mg of the activated carbon used in Example 1 to obtain a granule-added sheet. The granule-added sheet was stored for 6 days under conditions of 22°C and 60% relative humidity, and the state of the granule-added sheet was evaluated. The evaluation results are shown in Table 3. "Granule support state" in Table 3 refers to the evaluation result of the degree of granule spillage after the storage treatment, when the granule-added sheet was tilted so that the surface with the granules was vertical. Note that Sample 0 in Table 3 is glassine paper alone to which no viscous substance was applied.

[0112]

[0113] It can be seen from Table 3 that the use of a viscous substance can prevent the granules from falling. Therefore, if the filter part contains such a viscous substance, an aerosol product can be obtained that can prevent the granules from being unevenly distributed in the filter part.

[0114] 100 aerosol product 101 mouth end 102 tip 103 aperture 110 aerosol generating section 111 tobacco filler 112 cigarette paper 120 cooling section 130 filter section 140 tipping paper 150 filter material 160 filter wrapper 170 additive release container R1 lip release material placement area 200 non-combustion aerosol generating system 30 non-combustion aerosol generating device 301 outer wall 31 housing 310 storage section 32 heater 35 temperature sensor 36 suction sensor 37 control section 38 power source 61 cigarette paper 62 sheet material 63 granules

Claims

1. An aerosol product comprising an aerosol generating section and a filter section, wherein the filter section comprises a granule segment having a sheet material and granules, the sheet material having a viscous substance on its surface, and the granules are arranged in contact with the viscous substance.

2. The aerosol product of claim 2, wherein the sheet material is paper.

3. An aerosol product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the basis weight of the sheet material is not less than 20 gsm and not more than 60 gsm.

4. An aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air permeability of the sheet material is 10 Coresta units or less.

5. An aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sheet material is glassine paper.

6. An aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the granules are an adsorbent or a flavoring material.

7. The aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the average particle size of the granules is 0.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

8. An aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the viscous substance is a liquid having a viscosity of 2000 mPa·s or more at 22°C.

9. An aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the viscous material is a gel-like material.

10. The aerosol product of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the viscous material comprises an aerosol base and a binder.

11. The airflow resistance of the granule segment is 0.1 mmH ２ O / mm or more, 2mmH ２ 11. The aerosol product of any one of claims 1 to 10, having a viscosity of 0 / mm or less.

12. An aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the filter section further comprises a mouth-side segment downstream of the granule segment.

13. The aerosol product of claim 12, wherein the mouth end segment comprises a paper filter.

14. The aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the aerosol product is a non-combustion type aerosol product.

15. A non-combustion aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a non-combustion aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol product.

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