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

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating segment, wherein the aerosol-generating segment includes a sheet material and granules, the sheet material has a gel layer on a surface thereof, and the granules are disposed adhered to the gel layer.

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] Aerosol products are known that have tobacco rods formed by filling the inside of cigarette paper with 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 (glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This type of aerosol product is a non-combustion aerosol product that heats the tobacco filler material without combustion using an electric heater in a heating device, and delivers an aerosol generated in the tobacco filler material to the user.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a product in which an aerosol generating rod is filled with a sheet of non-tobacco material, tobacco granules, etc., with the aim of providing the user with a sufficient aroma and flavor and amount of atomization.

[0004] Special Publication No. 2015-503335 Publication Patent No. 7164269

[0005] As disclosed in Patent Document 2, in aerosol products, from the viewpoint of imparting flavor, studies have been conducted on applying granules, particularly fine granules, to a sheet material together with a liquid in the aerosol-generating segment that constitutes the aerosol product. However, in conventional technology, the liquid is applied to the sheet material while containing the granules, and the granules are submerged in the liquid. As a result, the effect of the granules is partially inhibited by the liquid. On the other hand, if the granules are placed on the surface of the sheet material, the granules can move on the surface of the sheet material, which may result in the granules being unevenly distributed in one part of the sheet material. If the granules are unevenly distributed, the effect that the granules should exert cannot be fully obtained.

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

[0007] As a result of intensive research into solving the above problems, the inventors have discovered that the above problems can be solved by forming a gel layer on the surface of a sheet material in the aerosol generation segment of an aerosol product and adhering and arranging granules on the gel layer.

[0008] That is, the gist of the present invention is as follows. [1] An aerosol product comprising an aerosol-generation segment, wherein the aerosol-generation segment comprises a sheet material and granules, the sheet material having a gel layer on its surface, and the granules are disposed by adhering to the gel layer. [2] The aerosol product according to [1], wherein the sheet material is a tobacco sheet. [3] The aerosol product according to [1] or [2], wherein the gel layer comprises an aerosol base and a gelling agent. [4] The aerosol product according to [3], wherein the aerosol base comprises glycerin. [5] The aerosol product according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the viscosity of the gel layer at 22°C is 2000 mPa·s or more. [6] The aerosol product according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the thermal conductivity of the granules is 0.10 W / mK to 250 W / mK. [7] The aerosol product according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the granules contain a flavoring. [8] The aerosol product according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the granules contain a tobacco flavor component. [9] The aerosol product according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the average particle size of the granules is 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm.

[10] The aerosol product according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the basis weight of the sheet material is 100 gsm to 250 gsm.

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

[10] , wherein the aerosol-generating segment is wrapped in a wrapper, and the wrapper is coated on the inside.

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

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

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

[12] , and a non-combustion aerosol-generating device that heats the aerosol product.

[0009] The present invention provides an aerosol product that can suppress uneven distribution of granules in an aerosol-generation segment, and an aerosol generation system that includes the aerosol product. This allows the granules in the flavor segment to be uniformly held on the sheet material, thereby fully achieving the effects of adding the granules, such as contributing to flavor and improving thermal properties.

[0010] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol product according to an embodiment of the present invention; 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an aerosol product according to an embodiment of the present invention; 3 is a schematic diagram of a non-combustion aerosol generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an aerosol generating segment of an aerosol product 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, the expression "A or B" in this specification 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 non-combustion aerosol generating device into which the aerosol product is inserted is referred to as the X direction, the up-down direction as the Y direction, and the depth direction as the Z direction. These directions are merely illustrative for the sake of convenience and do not limit the elements in the figures. For example, the elements of the non-combustion aerosol generating 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 simply referred to as "aerosol product") is an aerosol product comprising an aerosol-generating segment, the aerosol-generating segment comprising a sheet material and granules, the sheet material having a gel layer on its surface, and the granules adhering to the gel layer. In the aerosol product, the granules are adhered to the gel layer on the surface of the sheet material in the aerosol-generating segment comprising the sheet material and the granules. This prevents the granules from being embedded in the gel layer, and also prevents the granules from falling off the sheet material, thereby preventing uneven distribution of the granules. The aerosol product may also comprise components other than the aerosol-generating segment. The use of the flavor inhalation article according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, and the aerosol product may be a non-combustible aerosol product or a cigarette.

[0014] 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-generation segment 110, a cooling section 120, a filter section 130, and tipping paper 140 that connects these together. The cooling section 120 and the filter section 130 are wrapped around the aerosol-generation segment 110 by the tipping paper 140, thereby connecting them coaxially to the aerosol-generation segment 110. When the aerosol product 100 according to this embodiment is used as a cigarette, it may have a cooling section 120. However, since cigarettes generally do not have a cooling section, it can be used in a form that does not have a cooling section 120 and the aerosol-generation segment 110 extends to the region where the cooling section 120 is present.

[0015] Reference numeral 101 denotes the mouth end of the aerosol production product 100 (filter portion 130). Reference numeral 102 denotes the tip of the aerosol production product 100 opposite the mouth end 101. The aerosol-generation segment 110 is disposed on the tip 102 side of the aerosol production product 100. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol production 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.

[0016] The configuration of the aerosol production product 100 is not particularly limited and may be any of the general configurations. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generation segment 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.

[0017] 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. ２The 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] <Aerosol-Generating Segment> The aerosol-generating segment 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it includes a sheet material and granules, the sheet material having a gel layer on its surface, and the granules adhering to the gel layer. As an example, the aerosol-generating segment 110 may contain a tobacco filler 111 made of a sheet material, granules, etc. (hereinafter, the filler containing the sheet material, gel layer, and granules filled in the aerosol-generating segment 110 may be collectively referred to as the "tobacco filler") wrapped in cigarette paper (wrapper) 112. The cigarette paper (wrapper) 112 wrapping the aerosol-generating segment is preferably coated on the inside. While the coating agent is not particularly limited, a coating agent capable of forming a film on the surface of the paper and reducing liquid permeability is preferred. Coating the inside of the cigarette paper 112 can suppress penetration of the aerosol base material into the cigarette paper 112, even when the aerosol-generating segment contains a large amount of aerosol base material. Examples of 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; or derivatives thereof (e.g., ether derivatives such as carboxymethyl starch, hydroxyalkyl starch, and cationic starch; or ester derivatives such as starch acetate, starch phosphate, and starch octenyl succinate). Polysaccharide coatings are particularly preferred.

[0020] The aerosol-generation segment 110 may also have a fitting portion for a heater element or the like for heating the aerosol product 100. The shape of the bottom of the aerosol-generation segment 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 circumscribing circle or the major axis of the circumscribing ellipse if the bottom is polygonal or rounded polygonal. The height of the aerosol-generation segment 110 is preferably about 10 to 70 mm, and the width is preferably about 4 to 9 mm.

[0021] The longitudinal length of the aerosol-generating segment 110 can be varied depending on the size of the product, but is typically 10 mm or more, preferably 12 mm or more, and more preferably 14 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 flavor delivery and aerosol temperature, the ratio of the length of the aerosol-generating segment 110 to the longitudinal length of the aerosol product 100 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.

[0022] The airflow resistance of the aerosol-generating segment 110 is typically 10 mmH ２ O / mm~35mmH ２ O / mm, preferably 12 mmH ２ O / mm~30mmH ２ O / mm, more preferably 15 mmH ２ O / mm~25mmH ２ 0 / mm. The end surface porosity of the aerosol-generation segment 110 is usually 10% to 55%, preferably 20% to 45%. When the airflow resistance of the aerosol-generation segment 110 is within this range, the user can enjoy a suitable smoking sensation. Furthermore, when the end surface porosity of the aerosol-generation segment 110 is within this range, a sufficient flavor can be produced.

[0023] The airflow resistance of each segment is measured in the same manner as the airflow resistance of the aerosol product 100. The end surface porosity can be calculated as follows: In a cross section 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 open space) (area of ​​the open space) / (cross-sectional area of ​​the segment) = (end surface porosity).

[0024] <Sheet Material> The sheet material is not particularly limited, and known materials such as paper and tobacco sheets can be used. From the perspective of efficiently delivering tobacco components to the user, the sheet material is preferably a tobacco sheet. Tobacco sheets refer to sheet materials containing tobacco components. The tobacco sheet may be a reconstituted tobacco sheet, or a sheet (hereinafter simply referred to as a homogenized sheet) made by pulverizing dried tobacco leaves to an average particle size of 20 μm or more and 200 μm or less to produce tobacco pulverized material, which is then homogenized and processed into a sheet. Furthermore, a so-called strand type may be used in which a homogenized sheet having a length approximately the same as the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating segment 110 is shredded approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating segment 110 and filled into the aerosol-generating segment 110. The content of dried tobacco leaves contained in the aerosol-generating segment 110 is not particularly limited, but may be 200 mg or more and 800 mg or less, and preferably 250 mg or more and 600 mg or less. This range is particularly suitable for an aerosol-generation segment 110 having a circumference of 22 mm and a length of 20 mm.

[0025] The method for filling the aerosol-generation segment 110 with the sheet material is not particularly limited. For example, the sheet material may be wrapped in the wrapping paper 112, or the sheet material may be filled into a cylindrical wrapping paper 112. When the aerosol-generation segment 110 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a longitudinal direction, the aerosol-generation segments 110 may be filled so that their longitudinal direction is in an unspecified direction within the wrapping paper 112, or they may be filled so that their longitudinal direction is in the axial direction of the aerosol-generation segment 110 or in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Furthermore, for example, the sheet material may be cut into widths of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm (lengths, for example, 5 mm to 40 mm) and filled in a random orientation. Alternatively, the sheet material may be cut into widths of 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm (lengths, for example, 5 mm to 40 mm) and filled in an aligned parallel to the air passage direction. Furthermore, the sheet material may be crimped (processed to create vertical grain) and then gathered. When the aerosol-generating segment 110 is heated, the tobacco components contained in the aerosol-generating segment 110 are vaporized, and these are transferred to the cooling section 120 and the filter section 130 by suction.

[0026] The width of the sheet material depends on the size and shape of the aerosol-generating segment 110, but as an example, if the aerosol-generating segment 110 is rod-shaped with a major axis length of 14 mm and a diameter of 7 mm, the width is typically 50 mm to 250 mm, more preferably 70 mm to 200 mm, and even more preferably 70 mm to 150 mm. If the width of the sheet material is within the above range, a sufficient flavor can be generated.

[0027] In particular, it is preferable to crimp the sheet material and then gather fill it (a configuration in which multiple channels are provided for vertical air flow). This configuration makes it easier to arrange the granules described below in the gel layer 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 mm to 0.5 mm. Alternatively, the sheet material may be filled in a spiral shape so that the central axis of the vortex is approximately coaxial with the axial direction of the aerosol-generating segment 110.

[0028] The amount of sheet material filled into the aerosol-generation segment 110 depends on the size and shape of the aerosol-generation segment 110. For example, if the aerosol-generation segment 110 is rod-shaped with a major axis length of 14 mm and a diameter of 7 mm, the amount is usually 100 mg to 500 mg, preferably 150 mg to 350 mg, and more preferably 230 mg to 350 mg. The packing density of the tobacco sheet in the aerosol-generation segment 110 is preferably 0.2 g / cm. ３ ~1.0 g / cm ３ , more preferably 0.33 g / cm ３ ~0.76 g / cm ３ , more preferably 0.43 g / cm ３ ~0.65g / cm ３ When the packing density of the tobacco sheet is within the above range, sufficient delivery can be ensured while reducing the total packing amount of tobacco components, resulting in excellent delivery efficiency.

[0029] The basis weight of the sheet material is preferably 100 gsm to 250 gsm, more preferably 120 gsm to 200 gsm. The thickness of the sheet material is preferably 100 μm to 300 μm, more preferably 150 μm to 250 μm. When the basis weight and thickness of the sheet material are within the above ranges, the sheet material can be densely packed in the aerosol-generation segment 110 and the strength of the sheet material can be maintained.

[0030] The sheet material may be a flavor-containing sheet. The flavor-containing sheet can be produced by kneading raw materials including sugars, flavors, emulsifiers, bulking agents, etc. in water to prepare a raw material slurry, spreading the raw material slurry on a substrate, and drying it. The raw materials used for the flavor-containing sheet are not particularly limited, and known raw materials can be used. For example, sugars include single-component systems such as carrageenan, agar, xanthan gum, gellan gum, psyllium seed gum, or konjac glucomannan; or composite systems combining one or more components selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, locust bean gum, guar gum, tamarind gum, tara gum, konjac glucomannan, cassia gum, and psyllium seed gum.

[0031] The flavoring contained in the flavor-containing sheet is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include menthol, tobacco leaf extract, natural plant flavorings (e.g., cinnamon, sage, herbs, chamomile, kudzu, sweet tea, cloves, lavender, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, lemon, orange, cinnamon bark, caraway, jasmine, ginger, coriander, vanilla extract, spearmint, peppermint, cassia, coffee, celery, cascarilla, sandalwood, cocoa, ylang-ylang, fennel, anise, licorice, St. John's bread, plum extract, peach extract, etc.), sugars (e.g., glucoside, Examples of suitable flavoring agents include cocoa (powder, extract, etc.), esters (e.g., isoamyl acetate, linalyl acetate, isoamyl propionate, linalyl butyrate, etc.), ketones (e.g., menthone, ionone, damascenone, ethyl maltol, etc.), alcohols (e.g., geraniol, linalool, anethole, eugenol, etc.), aldehydes (e.g., vanillin, benzaldehyde, anisaldehyde, etc.), lactones (e.g., γ-undecalactone, γ-nonalactone, etc.), animal flavoring agents (e.g., musk, ambergris, civet, castoreum, etc.), and hydrocarbons (e.g., limonene, pinene, etc.). These flavoring agents may be used in a solid state or may be dissolved or dispersed in a suitable solvent such as propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, triethyl citrate, etc. Preferably, a fragrance that is easily dispersed in a solvent by the addition of an emulsifier, such as a hydrophobic fragrance or an oil-soluble fragrance, can be used. These fragrances may be used alone or in combination.

[0032] Any emulsifier can be used. Examples of the emulsifier include lecithin, specifically Sunlecithin A-1 (Taiyo Kagaku Co., Ltd.). In addition to lecithin, other emulsifiers can include esters selected from the group consisting of glycerin fatty acid esters, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, propylene glycol fatty acid esters, and sucrose fatty acid esters. Examples of the glycerin fatty acid esters include fatty acid monoglycerides such as monostearate monoglyceride and succinate monoglyceride; examples of the polyglycerin fatty acid esters include pentaglycerin monostearate; examples of the sorbitan fatty acid esters include sorbitan monostearate; examples of the propylene glycol fatty acid esters include propylene glycol monostearate; and examples of the sucrose fatty acid esters include sucrose stearate.

[0033] Examples of bulking agents include starch hydrolysates, etc. The starch hydrolysates may be prepared by a process including a hydrolysis step using starch as a raw material, or commercially available starch hydrolysates may be used.

[0034] <Gel Layer> A sheet material according to one embodiment of the present invention has a gel layer on its surface. The method for forming a gel layer on the surface of the sheet material is not particularly limited. For example, a gel layer can be formed by heating a composition that gels at room temperature (22°C) to increase its fluidity, applying it to the surface of the sheet material, and then cooling it. Adding granules during application ensures that the granules remain uniformly attached to the gel layer after cooling, preventing uneven distribution of the granules. In this specification, the term "gel-like" refers to a state in which the composition has high viscosity and loses fluidity, resulting in the entire system exhibiting solid-like properties. Specifically, when a composition is placed in a container such as a vial and the container is turned on its side, the composition does not spread over the entire side of the container, which is the bottom side of the container after the container is turned on its side. This state can be confirmed visually.

[0035] The composition that forms the gel layer is not particularly limited as long as it is gel-like at room temperature, has fluidity when heated, and can be applied to a sheet material. One example is a composition containing an aerosol base and a thickening stabilizer. The aerosol base is a base material that generates an aerosol when heated. The inclusion of the aerosol base in the gel layer is preferable because the aerosol base in the gel layer is less likely to leak, and a larger total amount of the aerosol base in the tobacco filler can be retained. Examples of aerosol bases include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, or a mixture thereof. Among these, from the viewpoint of the influence on flavor and taste, it is preferable that the gel layer contain at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin and propylene glycol, and it is more preferable that the gel layer contain glycerin. 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.

[0036] The content of the composition per unit area of ​​the surface of the sheet material is usually 1 mg / cm ２ ~10 mg / cm ２ , preferably 2 mg / cm ２ ~8 mg / cm ２ , more preferably 3 mg / cm ２ ~5 mg / cm２ 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The viscosity of the gel layer at room temperature (22°C) 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 at room temperature is 2000 mPa s or more, the fluidity of the gel layer is sufficiently low, and the granules adhering to the gel layer can be sufficiently retained.

[0039] From the viewpoint of production, the viscosity of the gel layer at 70°C is usually 0 mPa·s 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 gel layer can be adjusted appropriately by the composition of the composition that forms the gel layer, for example, the amount of thickening stabilizer used.

[0040] The viscosity of the gel layer is measured by the following test. <Test conditions> Measurement device: Tuning fork type vibration viscometer SV-10 (AND Corporation) Natural frequency: 30 Hz Sample amount: 10 mL Measurement temperature range: 80°C to 22°C (Measurement procedure) A composition constituting the gel layer is collected as a sample, and after heating the sample to 80°C, 10 mL of the sample 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.

[0041] <Granules> The granules are arranged by adhering to the gel layer on the surface of the sheet material and are filled into the aerosol-generating segment 110 together with the sheet material. In particular, it is preferable that the granules are attached to the gel layer 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 preferable to ensure the surface area of ​​the tobacco filler and the airflow path in the ventilation direction. From the perspective of delivery, it is preferable that the granules be arranged as uniformly as possible. In other words, it is preferable that the granules be distributed so as to maximize the number of contact points between the granules and the gel layer or the sheet material. Furthermore, after filling the aerosol-generating segment 110 with sheet material having a gel layer, the granules may be filled between the sheets and adhered to the gel layer. However, from the perspective of uniformly adhering the granules, it is preferable to adhere the granules to the gel layer before filling the sheet material. To enhance the sustained delivery, it is common to increase the amount of aerosol-generating substrate or tobacco-containing filler, such as sheet material, being filled. On the other hand, if the filler is added too much, there is a concern that the delivery efficiency and the amount of delivery at the beginning of inhalation (initial puff) may decrease. When the granules are attached to the gel layer and uniformly distributed as in this embodiment, the surface area of ​​the filler increases, thereby improving the delivery efficiency and initial puff while ensuring sufficient durability. In addition, the granules can improve the thermal conductivity between the sheets. Furthermore, by making it difficult for the sheets to adhere to each other, sufficient air can flow between the sheets, improving the delivery efficiency.

[0042] Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of an aerosol-generation segment according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 4, a folded sheet material 62 is filled inside the aerosol-generation segment wrapped in wrapping paper 61, and a gel layer is formed on the surface of the sheet material 62 (illustration of the gel layer is omitted in Fig. 4). Granules 63 are adhered to and held on the gel layer on the surface of the sheet material 62.

[0043] The base material of the granules is not particularly limited, but preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, activated carbon, and crystalline cellulose from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity. These base materials can be molded into a granular shape by a known method.

[0044] The thermal conductivity of the granules is preferably 0.10 W / mK to 250 W / mK, more preferably 1.0 W / mK to 5.0 W / mK. When the thermal conductivity of the granules is within the above range, the entire aerosol-generation segment 110 can be heated efficiently, which is preferable.

[0045] The granules can be endowed with various functions by incorporating other components into the base material. Examples of the other components include at least one selected from the group consisting of flavorings, tobacco flavor components, and nicotine. From the viewpoint of component retention, it is preferable to load these components into the aerosol-generating segment 110 while they are supported by granules. One method for incorporating the other components into the granules is to mix the base material with the other components and then mold the mixture into a granular shape.

[0046] The type of the flavor is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor, a flavor similar to that used in a flavor-containing sheet may be used. By containing a flavor in the granules, the delivery of the flavor component can be controlled. The granules may be capsules or microcapsules containing a flavor.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Various types of tobacco can be used as the tobacco leaves for producing shredded tobacco and tobacco sheets. Examples include flue-cured tobacco, burley, oriental tobacco, native tobacco, other Nicotiana tabacum varieties, Nicotiana rustica varieties, and mixtures thereof. Mixtures can be created by appropriately blending the aforementioned varieties to achieve the desired flavor. Details of the tobacco varieties are disclosed in the "Encyclopedia of Tobacco," published by the Tobacco Research Center on March 31, 2009. There are several conventional methods for producing the homogenized sheet, i.e., grinding tobacco leaves and processing them into a homogenized sheet. The first method is to produce a paper-making sheet using a papermaking process. The second method involves mixing a suitable solvent, such as water, with ground tobacco leaves to homogenize them, then casting a thin layer of the homogenized material onto a metal plate or metal belt and drying it to produce a cast sheet. The third method involves mixing a suitable solvent, such as water, with ground tobacco leaves to homogenize them, and extruding the mixture into a sheet to produce a rolled sheet. The types of the homogenizing sheets are disclosed in detail in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco, Tobacco Research Center, March 31, 2009."

[0049] The amount of granules packed into the aerosol-generation segment 110 depends on the size and shape of the aerosol-generation segment 110. For example, if the aerosol-generation segment 110 is rod-shaped with a major axis length of 14 mm and a diameter of 7 mm, the amount is usually 10 mg to 140 mg, preferably 20 mg to 115 mg, and more preferably 30 mg to 100 mg. The packing density of the granules in the aerosol-generation segment 110 is usually 20 mg / cm. ３ ~300 mg / cm ３ , preferably 40 mg / cm ３ ~250 mg / cm ３ , more preferably 60 mg / cm ３ ~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.

[0050] The mass ratio of the sheet material to the granules filled in the aerosol-generation segment 110 (mass of sheet material / mass of granules) is preferably 60 / 40 to 95 / 5, and more preferably 70 / 30 to 85 / 15. Note that the mass of the sheet material here does not include the mass of the gel layer on the surface of the sheet material.

[0051] From the viewpoint of production and ease of maintaining the granules, the average particle size of the granules is preferably 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm to 2.0 mm, and even more preferably 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0052] The composition and manufacturing method of the granules are not limited to the above examples, and may be, for example, the following composition and manufacturing method.

[0053] Granule Composition The components contained in the granules include (A) 15-50% by weight of tobacco extract, (B) non-wood fiber, (C) binder, and (D) 10-60% by weight of aerosol base material, and the total of (B) and (C) may be 23-50% by weight. Unless otherwise specified, weights and weight percentages are dry weights and dry weight percentages. Dry weight is the weight excluding the weight of water.

[0054] (1) Component (A): Tobacco Extract Tobacco extract is a substance or mixture that exhibits a flavor extracted from tobacco. Tobacco extract can be prepared by known methods. Examples include the following: 1) a method in which tobacco raw material is subjected to extraction using an extraction medium to obtain a tobacco extract; 2) a method in which an extraction medium is added to the tobacco raw material and heated, and the generated vapor is collected; and 3) a method in which the extraction medium is vaporized by heating and passed through the tobacco raw material, and the vapor is collected after passing. Examples of extraction media include water or hydrophilic organic solvents such as alcohol. In method 1), water is preferably used as the extraction medium from the perspective of workability. In methods 2) and 3), alcohols such as propylene glycol, glycerin, or ethanol are preferably used as the extraction medium from the perspective of work efficiency. Acids or alkalis can also be used for extraction as needed. The liquid obtained by extraction, containing the tobacco extract and extraction medium, is called a tobacco extract.

[0055] As the tobacco raw material, for example, raw materials of the Nicotiana genus such as Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica can be used. As Nicotiana tabacum, for example, varieties such as Burley or flue-cured varieties can be used. In addition to these, Oriental varieties and native Burley varieties of the Nicotiana genus may also be used.

[0056] The tobacco raw material may be shredded or powdered tobacco raw material (hereinafter also referred to as "raw material pieces"). In such cases, the particle size of the raw material pieces is preferably 0.5 to 1.18 mm. Such raw material pieces can be obtained, for example, by sieving in accordance with JIS Z 8815 using a stainless steel sieve in accordance with JIS Z 8801. For example, 1) using a stainless steel sieve with 1.18 mm meshes, the raw material pieces are sieved by a dry mechanical shaking method for 20 minutes to obtain raw material pieces that pass through the stainless steel sieve with 1.18 mm meshes. 2) Subsequently, using a stainless steel sieve with 0.50 mm meshes, the raw material pieces are sieved by a dry mechanical shaking method for 20 minutes to remove the raw material pieces that pass through the stainless steel sieve with 0.50 mm meshes. In this way, raw material pieces can be prepared that pass through a stainless steel sieve (mesh opening = 1.18 mm) that defines the upper limit, but do not pass through a stainless steel sieve (mesh opening = 0.50 mm) that defines the lower limit.

[0057] In one embodiment, the tobacco raw material is treated with an alkali. Flavor components are generated through this treatment, and the flavor components may be collected to prepare a tobacco extract liquid containing a tobacco extract and water. In this case, it is preferable to extract the flavor components as a gas from the alkali-treated tobacco raw material and introduce the gas into water to convert the flavor components into a liquid.

[0058] The alkaline substance is preferably an alkaline liquid such as an aqueous potassium carbonate solution. In this case, the alkaline substance is supplied until the pH of the tobacco raw material falls within a specific range. The pH is preferably 8.0 or higher, more preferably 8.9 to 9.7. The pH of the tobacco raw material is the pH of water when the tobacco raw material is mixed with 10 times the amount of water.

[0059] The moisture content of the tobacco raw material is not limited, but from the viewpoint of efficiently extracting flavor components, the moisture content is preferably about 5 to 30% by weight. The moisture content of the tobacco raw material is measured by a known method; for example, a 1-g sample is taken, heated at 105°C, and the moisture content is determined as the weight loss when heated until the weight change rate is 1 mg / min or less. For this measurement, for example, a halogen heating moisture meter (such as the MB45 manufactured by Ohaus Co., Ltd.) can be used.

[0060] The content of tobacco extract in the tobacco flavor component is preferably 15 to 50% by weight, and this amount can be appropriately adjusted to, for example, 20 to 40% by weight.

[0061] (2) Component (B): Non-wood fiber. Non-wood fiber is a fiber not derived from wood, preferably a fiber other than tobacco fiber. Dietary fiber is preferred as a non-wood fiber. Dietary fiber is a food component that is not digested by human digestive enzymes, and is more preferably insoluble dietary fiber that does not dissolve in water. Dietary fiber may be porous, i.e., spongy. Porous fiber can increase the surface area of ​​granules and improve thermal conductivity. From the standpoint of availability, the fiber is preferably citrus fiber. Citrus fiber is a fiber derived primarily from the albedo of citrus fruits. Dietary fiber may also be short fibers or columnar particles with a small aspect ratio. Citrus fiber is particularly preferred because it can impart strength to the sheet with a small amount. The moisture content of the non-wood fiber is measured, and the amount of non-wood fiber blended is determined to satisfy the moisture content relationship described below. The moisture content of the non-wood fiber is measured by a known method, for example, the same method as the moisture content of tobacco raw materials. In one embodiment, the content of component (B) in the granules is 10 to 30% by weight. Although wood fiber is a well-known fiber material, the use of non-wood fiber has the advantage of being superior in liquid-carrying capacity compared to wood fiber, so the amount of non-wood fiber added can be reduced, allowing for more components that contribute to flavor and aroma to be added.

[0062] (3) Component (C): Binder Examples of the binder include carboxyalkyl cellulose and guar gum. The moisture content of the binder is measured by a known method, for example, the same method as that for the moisture content of the tobacco raw material.

[0063] The total amount of component (B) and component (C) in the sheet is preferably 23 to 50% by weight. When this amount is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the granules are easy to handle and tend to have sufficient strength. Furthermore, when this amount is equal to or less than the upper limit, the flavor is sufficient or unpleasant flavors are suppressed. From this perspective, the lower limit of this total amount is preferably 24% by weight or more, and the upper limit is preferably 40% by weight or less, more preferably 30% by weight or less. The respective amounts of component (B) and component (C) are determined so as to satisfy the above total amount, and in one embodiment, the amount of component (B) is 10 to 30% by weight or 13 to 25% by weight, and the amount of component (C) is 13 to 20% by weight or 10 to 25% by weight.

[0064] (4) Component (D): Aerosol Base Examples of the aerosol base include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin or polyethylene glycol. The moisture content in the aerosol base is measured by a known method, for example, the same method as that for the moisture content in tobacco raw materials. The amount of aerosol base in the granules is 10 to 60% by weight. When this amount is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the amount of smoke produced during smoking is sufficient. When this amount is equal to or less than the upper limit, the handleability of the granules is improved. From this perspective, the amount is preferably 15 to 50% by weight, more preferably 20 to 40% by weight.

[0065] (5) Others The granules may contain wood fibers. Examples of wood fibers include softwood pulp, Vitacel FL400, and Vitacel L600 / 30 (both manufactured by J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH). The mixture for producing the granules preferably contains water, and the weight ratio of water to components other than water in the mixture is preferably (0.2 to 1:1). It is preferable to measure the moisture content of the wood fibers and determine the amount of wood fibers to satisfy this relationship. The moisture content of the wood fibers is measured by a known method, for example, the same method as that for the moisture content of tobacco raw materials. In one embodiment, the wood fiber content in the granules is 1 to 10% by weight.

[0066] Granule Manufacturing Method The granules of this embodiment are preferably manufactured by a method comprising step 1A of preparing a mixture of tobacco extract containing component (A), component (B), component (C), and component (D), and step 2A of granulating the mixture.

[0067] (1) Step 1A (1-1) Preparation of Tobacco Extract In this step, the tobacco raw material described above is subjected to extraction to prepare a tobacco extract containing the tobacco extract as an active ingredient and an extraction medium. Water is preferably used as the extraction medium. The extraction temperature is not limited, but is preferably 60 to 100°C, and more preferably 70 to 90°C from the perspective of flavor and aroma. The extraction time is preferably 20 to 40 minutes.

[0068] (1-2) Mixing Mixing can be carried out by known methods; for example, a mixture can be prepared by mixing the components in a mixer or the like. The mixture preferably contains water, and the weight ratio of water to components other than water is preferably (0.2 to 1:1). The water may be water contained in the tobacco extract, or may be water added separately. In particular, when the content of non-wood fibers is increased, it is preferable to also increase the content of water.

[0069] (2) Step 2A In step 2A, the same method as in step 2 described above can be used. Specifically, in step 2A, the mixture obtained in step 1A is granulated (into long columns) using a wet extrusion granulator, and then the granules are sized into short columns or spheres. The extrusion pressure during extrusion granulation can be set as desired depending on the viscosity of the mixture, etc.

[0070] The granules obtained by extrusion granulation may be further dried, if necessary, to adjust the moisture content. For example, the loss on drying of the granules obtained by extrusion granulation is measured, and if it is higher than the desired loss on drying (for example, 5% by weight or more and 17% by weight or less), the granules may be further dried to obtain the desired loss on drying. The drying conditions (temperature and time) for obtaining the desired loss on drying can be determined in advance based on the drying conditions (temperature and time) required to reduce the loss on drying by a predetermined value.

[0071] Tobacco filler is a general term for the filler, including the sheet material, gel layer, and granules, that is filled into the aerosol-generating segment 110. The tobacco filler may contain other ingredients or components in addition to the sheet material, gel layer, and granules, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

[0072] The moisture content of the tobacco filler can be, for example, 10% by weight or more and 15% by weight or less, and preferably 11% by weight or more and 13% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the tobacco filler. This moisture content suppresses the occurrence of stains on the surface of the tobacco filler and improves the suitability for wrapping during the manufacture of the aerosol-generating segment 110. There are no particular restrictions on the size or preparation method of the tobacco shreds contained in the tobacco filler. 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.

[0073] The tobacco filler may also contain an aerosol base. The aerosol base is a base that generates an aerosol when heated, and examples of such aerosol base include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The content of the aerosol base in the tobacco filler is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoints of generating sufficient aerosol and imparting a good flavor, it is usually 5% by weight or more, preferably 10% by weight or more, and usually 50% by weight or less, and preferably 15% by weight or more and 25% by weight or less, relative to the total amount of the tobacco filler.

[0074] The tobacco filler may contain a flavoring in addition to that contained in the granules. The content of the flavoring in the tobacco filler is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor, it is usually 10,000 ppm or more, preferably 20,000 ppm or more, more preferably 25,000 ppm or more, and is usually 70,000 ppm or less, preferably 50,000 ppm or less, more preferably 40,000 ppm or less, and even more preferably 33,000 ppm or less.

[0075] The components contained in the tobacco filler, such as the aerosol base material and flavoring, may be contained in any of the sheet material, gel layer, and granules, or may be added to the aerosol-generating segment 110 separately from these.

[0076] <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, preferably 35 gsm or more, and more preferably 40 gsm or more. On the other hand, the basis weight is typically 75 gsm or less, preferably 65 gsm or less, and even more 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, the thickness is typically 20 μm or more, preferably 400 μm or more, and more preferably 50 μm or more, and typically 100 μm or less, preferably 80 μm or less, and more preferably 750 μm or less. In addition to the pulp, the cigarette paper 112 may contain a filler. The content of the filler can be 5% by mass or more and less than 50% by mass, and preferably 10% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, relative to the total mass of the cigarette paper 112. Furthermore, by setting the basis weight of the pulp content to 40 gsm or more, it is possible to maintain the required strength when heated.

[0077] <Cooling Section> The aerosol product 100 may have a cooling section 120. 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 segment, and an example of the cooling section 120 is a cylindrical or other tubular section made of cardboard. In this case, the inside of the cylinder is hollow, and the vapor containing the aerosol base material and tobacco flavor component is cooled by contact with the air in the hollow.

[0078] 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 cooling section 120 has openings 103 for introducing external air around the periphery of the paper tube. 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 circumference of the cooling section 120. Furthermore, by applying a polymer coating such as polyvinyl alcohol or a polysaccharide coating such as pectin to the inner surface of the paper tube, the cooling effect can be increased by utilizing the heat of dissolution associated with the heat absorption or phase change of the coating. The airflow resistance of this cylindrical cooling section 120 is typically zero mmH. ２ It becomes O.

[0079] The cooling section 120 may be filled with a sheet or the like to cool the volatile components and air flowing into the cooling section 120 from the aerosol-generation segment 110. The cooling section 120 may be formed from 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 as a cooling sheet material may also be coated with a polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol or a polysaccharide such as pectin to take advantage of the heat of solution associated with the heat absorption and phase change of the coating, thereby increasing the cooling effect.

[0080] <Filter Section> The configuration of the filter section 130 is not particularly limited as long as it functions as a general filter. For example, an acetate filter may be used in which cellulose acetate tow is used as the filter medium 150 and the filter medium 150 is wrapped in a filter wrapper (winding paper) 160 in a cylindrical shape. The single filament fineness and total fineness of the cellulose acetate tow are not particularly limited, but when the filter section 130 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 fibers may be either a Y-shaped cross section or an R-shaped cross section. When the filter section 130 is formed by filling cellulose acetate tow, triacetin may be added in an amount of 5 to 10 wt % relative to the weight of the cellulose acetate tow to improve filter hardness. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the filter unit 130 is composed of a single segment, but the filter unit 130 may also be composed of multiple segments. When the filter unit 130 is composed of multiple segments, for example, a hollow filter such as a center hole may be disposed on the upstream side (the aerosol-generating segment 110 side) as the upstream segment, and an acetate filter with a mouthpiece cross section filled with cellulose acetate tow may be disposed on the downstream side (the mouthpiece end 101 side). This configuration prevents unnecessary loss of the generated aerosol and improves the appearance of the aerosol product 100. Furthermore, from the perspective of changes in the sensation of draw and comfort in the mouth, an acetate filter may be disposed on the upstream side (the aerosol-generating segment 110 side) and a hollow filter such as a center hole may be disposed on the downstream side (the mouthpiece end 101 side). Furthermore, the filter section 130 may be configured in such a way that, instead of the cellulose acetate tow as the filter material 150, another alternative filter is used, such as a paper filter filled with sheet-shaped pulp paper as the filter material 150.

[0081] 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 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.

[0082] When the filter unit 130 includes a center-hole filter and an acetate filter, the center-hole filter and the acetate filter may be connected, for example, by an outer filter wrapper. The outer filter wrapper may be, for example, a cylindrical piece of paper. The aerosol-generation segment 110, the cooling unit 120, and the filter unit 130 to which the center-hole filter and the acetate filter are connected may also be connected, for example, by tipping paper 140. 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 segment 110, the cooling unit 120, and the filter unit 130 to which the center-hole filter and the acetate filter are connected. These may also be connected in multiple places using multiple connecting papers. For example, the aerosol-generation segment 110 and the cooling unit 120 may be connected in advance with a first connecting paper (first tipping paper), and then they may be connected to the filter unit 130 with a second connecting paper (second tipping paper).

[0083] The filter element 130 may include a crushable additive release container 170 (e.g., a capsule) having a crushable shell, such as gelatin, within the container. The additives contained in the capsule may include any of the additives described above, but preferably include flavorings and activated carbon. The additives may also include one or more materials that aid in filtering smoke.

[0084] Flavoring agents may be, for example, menthol, spearmint, peppermint, fenugreek, or clove, medium chain triglycerides (MCT), or the like, or combinations thereof.

[0085] <Method for Manufacturing Aerosol Product> The method for manufacturing the aerosol product according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, and a combination of known methods can be applied. For example, first, a sheet material is crimped while being extruded from a roller. A composition for forming a gel layer is applied to the crimped sheet material in a heated and highly fluid state (gel layer application step). Granules are then added to the tobacco sheet, and the sheet is rolled up in cigarette paper to produce a rod-shaped aerosol-generating segment 110. During the process of producing the aerosol-generating segment 110, an aerosol base material such as glycerin may be added as needed. The aerosol-generating segment 110, cooling section 120, and filter section 130 are then rolled up in tipping paper 140 to produce the aerosol-generating segment 110.

[0086] In the gel layer application step, the temperature of the composition that forms the gel layer is not particularly limited as long as the composition has a fluidity that allows application, but is, for example, 50° C. to 80° C. In the gel layer application step, application by a multiple nozzle or roller transfer is desirable. Even if the composition that forms the gel layer has a high viscosity, it can be applied uniformly.

[0087] The aerosol-producing 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-generation segment 110 (opposite the mouth end). The tip segment may contain a filler material inside and be wrapped with a tip segment wrapper. The filler material may include cellulose acetate fibers, natural pulp fibers, etc. Preferably, the filler material 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-generation segment 110 may be a tobacco sheet material.

[0088] <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 (also simply referred to as a "non-combustion aerosol generation system") according to another embodiment of the present invention is a non-combustion aerosol generation system that includes 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. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of a non-combustion aerosol generation system 200. Note that the aerosol product 100 in FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the aerosol product 100 in FIG. 1.

[0089] 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 segment 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.

[0090] 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 segment 110, but may also heat the aerosol generating source in the aerosol product 100, thereby supplying the heated aerosol to the aerosol generating segment 110, and the heated aerosol may further heat the tobacco components and the like in the aerosol generating segment 110, thereby being inhaled by the user.

[0091] 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.

[0092] [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.

[0093] [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 37 upon receiving signals from the temperature sensor 35 and the suction sensor 36.

[0094] From the viewpoint of promoting the inflow of air from the outside and suppressing the accumulation of components generated by heating and air within the cooling section 120, the opening 103 that can be provided in the cooling section 120 is preferably located closer to the suction end than the end of the suction 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 aerosol product 100 of the non-combustion aerosol generation device 30 may be tapered to make it easier to insert the aerosol product 100.

[0095] 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 segment 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 segment 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 power control unit 713 supplies power to the microwave generator, and the flavor source or the like in the aerosol generation segment 110 can be heated by microwave heating.

[0096] 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.

[0097] <Production of Aerosol-Generating Segments> Aerosol-generating segments measuring 14 mm in length and 7 mm in diameter were produced using the following materials: (Example 1) Sheet material: a cast sheet with a basis weight of 150 gsm and a thickness of 155 μm, containing 76% by weight of tobacco material, 6% by weight of pulp, 6% by weight of binder, and 12% by weight of glycerin Gel layer-forming composition: a mixture of 99% by weight of glycerin and 1% by weight of agar Granules: tobacco granules with an average particle size of 700 μm, containing 75% by weight of ground tobacco, 12.5% ​​by weight of water, 7.5% by weight of flavoring, and 5% by weight of binder Wrapper: polysaccharide-coated paper with a basis weight of 43 gsm and a thickness of 45 μm The aerosol-generating segments were produced using a sheet tobacco rolling machine, with a device for adding the gel layer-forming composition heated to 70°C located downstream of the crimp roller, and a tobacco granule adding device located downstream of that. The sheet material had a width of 130 mm, a crimp depth of 0.2 mm, and a crimp spacing of 1 mm, and was adjusted so that 70 mg of the gel layer composition and 50 mg of tobacco granules were uniformly added. The viscosity of the gel layer composition at room temperature (22°C) and normal pressure was 4,000 mPa·s, and the viscosity at 70°C was 170 mPa·s.

[0098] Example 2 In Example 2, an aerosol-generating segment was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the sheet material was a laminate sheet having a basis weight of 200 gsm, a thickness of 249 μm, and a blend of 76% by mass of tobacco material, 6% by mass of pulp, 6% by mass of binder, and 12% by mass of glycerin, and the width of the sheet material was 80 mm.

[0099] Comparative Example 1 In Comparative Example 1, an aerosol-generating segment was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the gel layer-forming composition was not added. Compared to Comparative Example 1, in Examples 1 and 2, the granules were uniformly distributed. Furthermore, there was little granule shedding.

[0100] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 aerosol-producing article 101 mouth end 102 tip 103 aperture 110 aerosol-generating segment 111 tobacco filler 112 cigarette paper 120 cooling section 130 filter section 140 tipping paper 150 filter medium 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 31 housing 310 storage section 313 storage cavity 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-generation segment, the aerosol-generation segment including a sheet material and granules, the sheet material having a gel layer on a surface thereof, and the granules being disposed in contact with the gel layer.

2. The aerosol product of claim 1, wherein the sheet material is a tobacco sheet.

3. The aerosol product of claim 1 or 2, wherein the gel layer comprises an aerosol base and a gelling agent.

4. The aerosol product of claim 3, wherein the aerosol base comprises glycerin.

5. The aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the viscosity of the gel layer at 22°C is 2000 mPa·s or more.

6. An aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thermal conductivity of the granules is between 0.10 W / mK and 250 W / mK.

7. An aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the granules contain a flavoring agent.

8. An aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the granules contain a tobacco flavouring component.

9. An aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the average particle size of the granules is between 0.1 mm and 2.0 mm.

10. An aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sheet material has a basis weight of from 100 gsm to 250 gsm.

11. An aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol-generating segment is surrounded by a wrapper, the wrapper having an internal coating.

12. The aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the aerosol product is a non-combustion type aerosol product.

13. A non-combustion aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and a non-combustion aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol product.

Images